THESES OF THE MONTH

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

A list of doctoral theses accepted by Indian Universities

(Notifications received in AIU during the month of February-March, 2017)

AGRICULTURAL & VETERINARY SCIENCES
Agronomy

1.        Patil, Basavaraj. Precision water and nutrient management in sugarcane. (Dr. S M Hiremath), Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

2.        Sutar, Rahul K. Effect of treated and untreated domestic wastewater and fertilizer levels on the performance of tomato-palak sequence cropping. (Dr. S S Angadi), Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Biotechnology

1.        Patel, Meghana Hasmukhlal. Study of soil biodiversity in the era of climate change. (Dr. Beena Patel), Department of Biotechnology, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan.

Crop Physiology

1.        Biradar, Rajashree. Physiological effect of fungicides in soybean [Glycine max (L) Merrill] during storage and seed treatment. (Dr. D I Jirali), Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Entomology

1.        Mekali, Jayashree. Evaluation of different methods of supplementation of horticultural plant extracts on growth and development of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Dr. G M Patil), Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Forestry

1.        Chaurasia, Shardesh Kumar. Accelerated delignification of melocanna baccifera (Roxb) Kurz chips by pretreatment withtrametes versicolor (Fries) pilat to improve the pulp quality. (Dr. S P Singh), Department of Forest Biotechnology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

2.        Gogoi, Girish. Diversity and ecological studies on macromycoflora with special reference to ectomycorrhizae and truffles in hoolongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Jorhat, Assam. (Dr. Vipin Prakash), Department of Forest Botany, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

3.        Handique, Liza. Actinorhizal, endomycorrhizal and endophytic microbiota associated with elaeagnus iatifolia Lrhizosphere and their role in its conservation and bioactive secondary metabolites production. (Dr. Vipin Prakash), Department of Forest Botany, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

4.        Jain, Priyanka. Studies on production of cellulase enzymes and its application in pulp and paper industry. (Dr. R K Jain and Dr. Vasanta V Thakur), Department of Forest Biotechnology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

5.        Kavyashree, S. Development and performance of nano materials embedded coatings on wood surface. (Dr. K K Pandey), Department of Wood Science and Technology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

6.        Kripa, P K. Bioindicators for monitoring of soil and water quality in Koratty Region, Kerala. (Dr. Thomas P Thomas and Dr. E A Jayson), Department of Forest Biotechnology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

7.        Mukesh Prasad. Soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen in restored limestone mined ecosystem at different elevation in Dehradun-Musoorie Region. (Dr. H B Vasistha and Dr. Parul Bhatt Kotiyal), Department of Forest Ecology and Environment, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

8.        Pande, Himani. Isolation and identification of bamboo leaves phenolics with antoxidant activity and a- glucosidaseinhibitory effect. (Dr. V K Varshney), Department of Chemistry of Forest Products, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

9.        Rawat, Swati. Assessment of morphological and genetic diversity in populations of Melia dubia in Karnataka. (Dr.Geeta Joshi and Dr. A N Arun Kumar), Department of Forest Biotechnology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

10.     Sajitha, K L. Identification and mass production of bacterial biocontrol against sapstain on rubber wood. (Dr. T B Suma), Department of Forest Biotechnology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

11.     Sangeeta Rani. Carbon sequestration potential of selected land-use system in Taran- Taran District of Punjab. (Dr. ARajasekaran and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Bendi), Department of Forest Ecology and Environment, Forest Research Institute,Dehradun.

12.     Sharma, Purosottam Kumar. To assess the suitability of bamboo fibre for manufacturing of medium density fibre board.(Dr. S K Nath and Dr. Sujatha D), Department of Wood Science and Technology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

13.     Singh, Rakhi. In vitro regeneration of Barleria prionitis L:  An important medicinal plant for micropropagation. (Dr. I D Arya and Dr. Sarita Arya), Department of Forest Biotechnology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

14.     Sudhir Kumar. Impact of hydroelectric dam projects on water quality and riparian vegetation of River Bhagirathi,Uttarakhand. (Dr. H B Vasistha and Dr. Rabindra Kumar), Department of Forest Ecology and Environment, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

15.     Vanlalremkimi, J. Changes in phenological patterns of erythrina species in two different precipitation regimes in tropical forest of Mizoram. (Prof. Lalnundanga and Dr. V P Khanduri), Department of Forestry, Mizoram University, Aizawl.

16.     Verma, Nemit. Life cycle analysis greenhouse gas emission from municipal solid waste dumping sites of Himachal Pradesh. (Dr. A K Tripathi), Department of Forest Ecology and Environment, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

17.     Yadav, Vinod Kumar. Valuation of selected ecosystem services of Renuka Forest Division, Western Himalaya. (Dr.Laxmi Rawat and Dr. B S Adhikari), Department of Forest Ecology and Environment, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

Genetics & Plant Breeding

1.        Mastamaradi, Shridevi Basayya. Genetic analysis of the traits related to mechanical harvesting in chickpea (Cicerarietinum L). (Dr. V Rudra Naik), Department of Genetics & Palnt Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Plant  Physiology

1.        Pal, Anamika. Comparative performance of seedling and cutting raised planting material of grewia optiva drumm (Bhimal) based on physiological and biochemical parameters. (Dr. Subhash Nautiyal), Department of Plant Physiology, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

Plant Pathology

1.        Pavithra, S. Studies on fungal foliar and fruit diseases of pomegranate (Punica granatum L). (Dr. V I Benagi), Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

2.        Rathod, Suresh. Molecular characterization, epidemiology and management of Bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus. (Dr. A S Byadgi), Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

Seed Science

1.        Singh, Divya Prakash. Impact of organic inputs and transplanting dates on insect fauna and seed production in radish [Raphanus sativus L]. (Dr. S C Verma), Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, District Solan.

Soil  Science

1.        Jayaprakash, R. Studies on soil carbon fraction dynamics in major production systems in Zone III and Zone VIII of Northern Karnataka. (Dr. N A Yeledhalli), Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Biochemistry

1.        Kawatra, Rajeev. A Study of genetic variation in DNA profiling among different endogamous population groups of Haryana, India. (Dr. Suman Dhanda and Dr. Pandu Guguloth), Department of Biochemistry, Kurukshetra University,Kurukshetra.

Botany

1.        Pooja Rani. Vase life and postharvest studies on gibberellin pretreated bulbs of tuberose (Polianthes tuberose L.) and gladiolus (Gladiolus hortulanus L.). (Dr. Narender Singh), Department of Botany, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

2.        Shivani. Studies on in vitro propagation of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. and Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC. (Dr. B DVashistha), Department of Botany, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

3.        Suman, Sujata. Studies on the storage fungi of garlic bulb, their significance and control. (Dr. B K Jaiswal), Department of Botany, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University, Madhepura.

Zoology

1.        Chandan Kumar. Comparative studies on the effect of urea and D A P toxicity on histology and haematology of fish, anabas testudineus (Bloch), An air breathing fish: A case study of Saharsa District. (Dr. Ram Ballav Jha), Department of Zoology, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University, Madhepura.

2.        Jahangeer, Md. A bio-demo genetic study of Badhiya Muslims of Purnia District with special emphasis on their ethnic relationships. (Dr. B N Pandey), Department of Zoology, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University, Madhepura.

3.        Maheshwari, Aishwarya. Conservation and management of snow leopard and co-predators with special reference to large carnivore: Human conflicts in the select areas of Western Himalayas. (Dr. S Sathyakumar), Department of Zoology,Saurashtra University, Rajkot.

4.        Patil, Vinayak Krishna. Diversity of spider assemblages in sacred groves of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra: Implications for conservation management in the landscape. (Dr. V P Uniyal and Mukul Trivedi), Department of Wild Life Science, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

5.        Priyanka. Toxicities; biocidal activities and management of neem products against some insect pests of rice crop inKoshi Region of Bihar. (Dr. Prabhat Kumar Potdar), Department of Zoology, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University,Madhepura.

6.        Pryuttma. Synergistic effect of few medicinal plants extract on the testis of endosulfan exposed Swiss albino mice, musmusculus. (Dr. M C Verma), Department of Zoology, T M Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur.

7.        Sanjay, Singh. A study of genetic damage in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. (Dr. A S Yadav), Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

8.        Singh, Nitu. Ecological study of certain dermapteran insects in various types of ecosystem in Koshi Region of Bihar and their efficiency as biological control agent. (Dr. Prabhat Kumar Potdar), Department of Zoology, Bhupendra NarayanMandal University, Madhepura.

EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES

Environmental Science

1.        Bhushan, Amrendra. Life cycle assessment of methane emission from existing municipal dumping sites of Dehradun,Uttarakhand. (Dr. A K Tripathi), Department of Environment Management, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

2.        Sinha, Sohni. Biochemical response of selected tree species to heavy metal deposition in Doon Valley. (Dr. A K Tripathi), Department of Environment Management, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

3.        Smita. Bioelectrochemical stabilization of landfill leachate. (Prof. Narsi Ram Bishnoi), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar.

ENGINEERING SCIENCES

Civil Engineering

1.        Ramayya, V Venkat. Experimental investigation of VG 30 bitumen modified with poly phosphoric acid. (Dr. V VinayakaRam and Dr. Krishnaiah), Department of Civil Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological UniversityAnantapur,Ananthapuramu.

2.        Sharma, Sunil. Location based planning of highway construction projects in Hilly Terrain using GIS. (Dr. Vijay Kumar Bansal and Dr. Raman Parti), Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur.

3.        Shobha, M S. Strength and durability studies on natural rubber latex modified high performance concrete. (Dr. CSashidhar and Dr. H Sudarsana Rao), Department of Civil Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological UniversityAnantapur,Ananthapuramu.

4.        Tekade, Shrikant Arunrao. Supercritical flow measurement by using cutthroat flume. (Dr. A D Vasudeo), Department of Civil Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur.

Computer Science & Engineering

1.        Mahadipak, Raval Lakshadeep. Effective analysis and design of encryption algorithm for secured computer network.(Dr. A M Gonasai), Department of Computer Science, Saurashtra University, Rajkot.

2.        Rao, Annavarapu Chandra Sekhara. Analysis and synthesis of public bioinformatic data using data mining and machine learning techniques. (Dr. Haider Banka), Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology,Dhanbad.

3.        Vidhya, S. An efficient and secure format preserving encryption scheme based on advanced encryption standard.  Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswamahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram.

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

1.        Chack, Devendra. Design and implementation of multimode interference coupler based devices for optical networks.(Dr. S K Raghuwanshi and Prof. V Kumar), Department of Electronics Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

2.        Chendra, Sekar P. Evaluation and improvement of reliability indices of electrical power distribution system. (V Sankar), Department of Electrical Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur,Ananthapuramu.

3.        Dohare, Bhanu Pratap Singh. First-principle calculations of elastic, optical and thermal properties of some semiconductors. (Prof. V Kumar), Department of Electronic Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

4.        Jindal, Sumit Kumar. Enhancing the dynamic range of Mems pressure sensor by optimization of design parameters. (Dr. S K Raghuwanshi), Department of Electronics Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

5.        Koley, Santasri. Design and development of wideband cognitive radio front-end for dynamic spectrum sensing and sharing. (Prof. Debjani Mitra), Department of Electronics Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

6.        Paul, Baby. Design and optimization of wavelet for detecting life menacing events from electrocardiogram. (Dr. PMythili), School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi.

7.        Ravi Kumar, D. Certain aspects of reliability optimization in electrical power distribution systems. (Dr. V Sankar), Department of Electrical Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur,Ananthapuramu.

8.        Shakti Singh. Optimal power management of hybrid renewable energy systems. (Dr. Mukesh Singh and Dr. S CKaushik), Department of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering, Thapar University, Patiala.

9.        Sharma, Sumit. Ultrathin diffusion barrier layers for copper metallization in silicon based integrated circuits. (Dr.Mukesh Kumar and Dr. Dinesh Kumar), Department of Electronic Science, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

Electronics & Communication Engineering

1.        Edward, A Shirly. Design and architectural analysis of tree search based detection algorithm for mimo systems. (Dr.S.Malarvizhi), Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, SRM University, Kattankulathur,Chennai.

2.        Rahim, B Abdul. Adaptive dynamics genetic algorithm for node scheduling in time triggered systems. (Dr. KSoundararajan), Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological UniversityAnantapur,Ananthapuramu.

3.        Tarun Kumar. Analysis and design of metamaterials using ferromagnetic microwires. Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Uttar Pradesh.

4.        Venkatesh Kumar, H. Optimization of spectrum sensing algorithms for cognitive radio networks. (Dr. M N Giri Prasad), Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur,Ananthapuramu.

Mechanical Engineering

1.        Pradhan, Premananda. Thermal performance analysis of novel porous radiant burners for domestic use. (Dr. PurnaChandra Mishra and Dr. K B Sahu), Department of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.

2.        Sahoo, Trinath. Optimization of condition based maintenance decision with application of artificial intelligence-opportunity for petroleum industry. (Prof. P K Sarkar), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology,Dhanbad.

3.        Sur, Anirban. Numerical and experimental analysis of activated carbon-methanol adsorption refrigeration system. (Dr.Randip Kumar Das), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

Mining Engineering

1.        Annadurai, P. Studies on rubber nanocomposites based encapsulants for underwater applications. (Dr. T Santhanakrishnan), Naval Physical and Oceanographic Labortary, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi.

2.        Lamani, Shreekant Revachand. Investigation and assessment of quality of bricks prepared using iron ore waste. (Dr.Harsha Vardhan and Dr. M Aruna), Department of Mining Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Karnataka.

3.        Selva, Kumar K Karthik. Experimental and numerical investigation on flow induced vibration excitation in elastically mounted circular and square structures. (Dr. L A Kumaraswamidhas), Department of Mining Machinery Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

Petroleum Engineering

1.        Ravindra Kumar. Studies on improvement in transportation of heavy crude oil using natural and commercial surfactants. (Dr. T K Naiya and Dr. Ajay Mandal), Department of Petroleum Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology,Dhanbad.

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

Mathematics

1.        Choudhury, Sarita. Study on optimality conditions for nonlinear programming problems. (Dr. Anurag Jayswal), Department of Applied Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

2.        Deepmala. HIV infection dynamics under multidrug therapy in vivo. (Dr. M. D. Sharma), Department of Mathematics,Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.

3.        Gajendran, G. Mathematical approach to design multilayer feed forward neural network and its model on clinical and laboratory works.  Department of Mathematics, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswamahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram.

4.        Meenakshi. Characterization of generalized convergence in some spaces.  Department of Mathematics, MaharishiMarkandeshwar University, Ambala.

5.        Shukla, Minal Sanjiv. Coloring and domination problems in graphs: Some new perspectives. (Dr. S K Vaidya), Department of Mathematics, Saurashtra University, Rajkot.

MEDICAL SCIENCES

Anatomy

1.        Balreet Kaur. The correlation between aggressive behaviour and extra Y Chromosome in taller males: A study in 500 North Indian males.  Department of Medical Anatomy, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala.

Ayurveda

1.        Chandrakant, Raskar Swapnil. An applied clinical study of jatamatra paricharya WSR to Nabhi upakarama (Umbilical cord care) with jatyadi taila. (Dr. Rajagopala S), Department of Kaumarbhritya, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar.

2.        Shah, Jaykumar Rajnikant. Optimization of aashchyotana kriyakalpa procedure and development of Standard Manufacturing Procedure (SMP) of punarnavadi eye drops with their clinical evaluation in abhishyanda (Conjunctivities). (Prof. K S Dhiman), Department of Shalakya, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar.

Biotechnology

1.        Pal, Dharam. Approaches for the generation of recombinant human interferon-β from escherichia coli. (Dr. Abhay H), Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali.
2.        Uma, C. Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antiapoptotic effects of codariocalyx motorius root extract againststreptozotocin‐induced diabetes. (Dr.K.M.Ramkumar), Department of Biotechnology, SRM University,Kattankulathur,Chennai.

3.        Umar, Usman Zango. Studies on bioremediation of cadmium and lead from industrial effluent using microbial consortium.  Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala.

4.        Vanitha, P. Protective effect of morin against high glucose-induced beta cell apoptosis and streptozotocininduced diabetes mellitus. (Dr.K.M.Ramkumar), Department of Biotechnology, SRM University, Kattankulathur,Chennai.

5.        Varughese, Lesley Rachel. Analytical profiling of mutations in quinolone resistance-determining region in common enteric pathogens.  Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala.

Dentistry

1.        Prajapati, Rajendrakumar Amrutlal. Studies on the microflora associated with dental caries. (Dr. B V Raol), MehsanaUrban Institute of Sciences, Ganpat University, Mehsana.

Nursing

1.        Chand, Sulakshna. A study to evaluate effectiveness of electronic Nursing documentation programme in terms of nurses perception and quality of nursing documentation in selected hospital Ambala Haryana.  Department of Nursing, MaharishiMarkandeshwar University, Ambala.

2.        Suseelal, T. Effectiveness of home ‐ based education programme on self ‐ management among patients with diabetes mellitus in selected villages at Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu, India. (Dr.K.R.John), Department of Nursing, SRM University, Kattankulathur,Chennai.

Pharmaceutical Science

1.        Dhiman, Sonia. Development and optimization of gastroretenive formulation of some drugs using experimental design. Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala.

2.        Gangar, Mukesh. Studies towards asymmetric aldol and alkaylation reactions using imidazolidinone-based chiralauxiliary and its application in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds. (Dr. Vipin A Nair), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali.

3.        Moin, Sayyed Mateen Sayyed. Comparative pharmacognostical and neuropharmacological profile of plants Swertiachirata and Hemidesmus indicus. (Dr. Mohib Khan and Dr. N Devanna), Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur,Ananthapuramu.

4.        Panghal, Surender. Impurity profiling in amoxicillin trihydrate and its formulation: A practical approach towards synthesis, identification, characterization and analysis using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.  Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala.

5.        Parmar, Purviben Tejaskumar. Studies on preparation and evaluation of topical formulation with wound healing activity containing plant constituents. (Dr. C N Patel), Department of Pharmacy, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan.

6.        Parthasarathy, G. Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal patches of carbamazepine. (Dr. K Bhaskar Reddy and Prof. K N Jayaveera), Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological UniversityAnantapur,Ananthapuramu.

7.        Ujjwala Yadav, Kandekar. Formulation and evaluation of microparticulate drug delivery system. (Dr. P Choudari and Prof. K B Chandra Sekhar), Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological UniversityAnantapur,Ananthapuramu.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Chemistry

1.        Anirudh Kumar. Study of inter rmolecular interaction between thiophenols and aliphatic and aromatic ketones. (Dr. C KYadav), Department of Chemistry, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University, Madhepura.

2.        Arjun Kumar. Studies on chemical toxicology of aluminium. (Dr. T V R K Rao), Department of Chemistry, BhupendraNarayan Mandal University, Madhepura.

3.        Mahto, Triveni Kumar. Synthesis of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles and graphene oxide for adsorption and catalysis. (Dr. Sumanta Kumar Sahu), Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

4.        Oraon, Ramesh. Synthesis and characterization of nanoclay based hybrid electroode materials for high performance supercapacitor. (Dr. G C Nayak), Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

5.        Ramamohan, M. Novel methodologies for the synthesis of quinazolinones, quinoxalines and their application in the total synthesis of naturally occurring quinazolinone alkaloids.  Department of Chemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur,Ananthapuramu.

Physics

1.        Raja, R. Growth spectroscopic and non linear optical analysis on some organic and doped crystals. Department of Physics, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswamahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram.

2.        Sajan, P. Solvo hydrothermal growth and photoluminescence studies of micro and nano structured zinc sulfide for bio- imaging applications. (Dr. M Junaid Bushiri), Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi.

3.        Soni, Abhishek Kumar. Rare earth doped up converting phosphors in optical thermometry and photonic applications.(Dr. Vineet Kumar Rai), Department of Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad.

4.        Suresh, Jishnu. Thermodynamics and geometrothermodynamics of black holes in modified theories of gravity. (Dr. V CKuriakose and Dr. Ramesh Babu T), Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi.

5.        Vinod, R. Photoluminescence investigation of hydrothermally grown ZnO and 3d transition metal (Mn/Co/Ni/Cu) doped ZnO nanostructures. (Dr. M Junaid Bushiri), Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi.

Polymer Science

1.        Sreejesh, P R. Biocomposites of regenerated cellulose with conducting materials for nonlinear optical application. (Dr.Rani Joseph), Department of Polymer Science & Rubber Technology, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi.

Economic and Political Weekly: Table of Contents

Vol. 52, Issue No. 18, 06 May, 2017

Editorials

Beyond Rage and Vengeance

Making Kashmiris Carry Our Crosses

Message from Manipur

From 50 Years Ago

From 50 Years Ago: Milk of Human Inefficiency

Margin Speak

End of the Dalit Chimera

Anand Teltumbde

Commentary

Politics of Counter-narratives and Appropriation

V Bijukumar

How Much Transparency? - The Case of Reserve Bank of India

Rahul Dhingra, Umang Raj

Demonetisation and the Delusion of GDP Growth

Ritika Mankar, Sumit Shekhar

Impact of Demonetisation in Kerala

R Mohan

Misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

Susan Abraham

Why New Delhi Must Withdraw from the Rampal Power Plants

Manoj Misra, Sourayan Mookerjea

Book Reviews

Republic of Hurt Sentiments

Vikram Raghavan, Iqra Zainul Abedin

Imperial Copyrights and Resistance Art

Kuljinder Kaur, Gauravi Sharma

Perspectives

Does the Congress Have a Future?

Zoya Hasan

Special Articles

Plan, but Do Not Over-plan

Pronab Sen

Mapping India’s Finances - 60 Years of Flow of Funds

Amay Narayan, Arjun Jayadev, J W Mason

Investigating the Causes for Low Female Age at Marriage - The Case of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Kalpana Kannabiran, Sujit Kumar Mishra, S. Surapa Raju

Current Statistics

Current Statistics

Postscript

A King of Hearts

Suyash Saxena

The Teeming World of Nimtala Ghat

Snehashish Mitra

Homegrown Fare for Young Minds

Alpana Lath Sawai

Last Lines

Letters

BJP’s Appropriation of Castes in Odisha

Pradeep Nayak

Kashmir’s Women Stone Pelters—A Dangerous Defiance

Adfer Rashid Shah

Wanted! A Responsible Government

C Chandrasekhar, Asish Gupta, Pritpal Singh, Phulendro Konsam, Tapas Chakraborty

Appointments/Programmes/Announcements 

Appointments/Programmes/Announcements

Web Exclusives

The Curious Case of Justice Karnan

Smita Chakraburtty

- See more at: http://www.epw.in/journal/2017/18#sthash.cWmGnYuM.dpuf

Emmanuel Macron knows what France needs. But can he push through reforms?

It is a remarkable moment for France, the country voting for the 39-year-old political newbie, Emmanuel Macron, as its next president.

It is a remarkable moment for France, the country voting for the 39-year-old political newbie, Emmanuel Macron, as its next president. In just a year since creating his centre-left party En Marche!, Macron defeated second-generation politician Marie Le Pen, who, evoking an inward-looking “nationalism”, was feverishly anti-Muslim, promised to counter terrorism with violence, close the country to immigrants and “salvage” France out of the European Union (EU). With Macron’s win, there is a distinct sigh of relief across Europe.

In 2003, when I was 23, I had started working in the office of the President of the French Republic, Jacques Chirac. I was policy analyst to Jerome Monod, Chirac’s chief counsellor. The 71-year-old president closely relied on Monod, who’d been an astute businessman for decades. Once elected, Chirac requested Monod to quit his position and join him at the Elysees. The loyal Monod agreed, later earning the reputation of being the crafty “shadow president” of France.

Interestingly, my conversations with both were always sprinkled with marvellous references to France’s history. They had deep respect for the distinct cultures of the east. Their mannerisms were always poised; they seemed to embody the stature of “old France”, as did most of Chirac’s cabinet ministers, “grands hommes” of politics and business. Severely nationalistic, old-wordly men, who’d lived the history of France, and found it difficult to take France into the future now.

They fiercely defended France on the international stage, but at home, they floundered on reforms. Flip-flopping on economic issues, under their leadership, impending reforms in France’s labour market never saw light. Immigrants rioted as employment and living conditions worsened. For progress, “old France” desperately needed economic reforms, which it never could achieve.

Chirac’s presidency ended in 2007, but France had little respite thereafter. The country suffered another decade of obscure political leadership, with a GDP growth rate that hardly budged above one per cent in the past five years. Its people were further traumatised by numerous terror attacks. Meanwhile, several manufacturing companies moved out of France, to the eastern parts of the EU which had more flexible labour laws. Many French citizens also work clandestinely, to benefit from the state’s unemployment dole that can even equal 80 per cent of one’s salary. Any attempted reform by the government has only led to the French going on strikes.

A year and a half ago, I first met Macron. He was then France’s minister of economy. Devoid of any airs, he spoke candidly and laughed over a conversation about technology, economy and France. We talked about the labour market reforms France urgently needs. He told me he supported open borders, free trade and free movement of labour. I remembered my years at the Elysee — I was sure that no one from the 2003 cabinet ministry would have Macron’s worldview.

In conversation, Macron suggested that France must prove itself capable of serious internal reforms, to persuade the EU towards less austere economic policies. I agreed, but also pointed out that former French presidents, including President Chirac, had tried labour market reforms, but failed terribly.

However, I was convinced that Macron represents hope. He is young, passionate and well-meaning. What he proposes — labour market reforms — is the source of much of France’s problems today. Many former governments gave up when the French took to the streets in opposition. It is therefore a marvellous moment in France’s history that many of the same French citizens who were anti-reforms have now voted for Macron.

France is ready for change, finally. But will young, inexperienced Macron be able to deliver it to them?

Soon after Macron’s victory, the newly elected president said, “I will protect and defend France’s vital interests. I will protect and defend Europe.” His main goal, he said, was to “calm people’s fears, restore France’s confidence, gather all its people together to face the immense challenges that face us.” His speech was heavy on generalisations.

He even talked about a digital revolution, an ecological transition. But his speech was entirely bereft of mentions of specific economic reforms.

Today, Macron’s challenge for France is two-fold: To pull the French out of a nationalism that mainly draws energy from its historic, sometimes imagined, greatness, and to roll out economic reforms. Unless France bifurcates its long-nurtured, inward-looking nationalism from politics, its people cannot be mobilised to collaborate towards the economic progress of their country, in an open world.

Source: Indianexpress, 9-05-2017

Prof. Vikram Vishal from IIT Bombay wins INSA Young Scientist Award – 2017

Mumbai: Assistant professor in the department of Earth Sciences in IIT Bombay Prof. Vikram Vishal has won the prestigious Indian National Science Academy (INSA) medal for Young Scientist (2017). The award is considered to be the highest recognition of promise, creativity and excellence in young scientists, and awarded annually by INSA for research conducted by scientists in India. It carries a bronze medal and a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Till 2015, 737 young scientists have been recognised by INSA.

While conveying the selection of the award to Prof. Vishal, INSA President Prof. Ajay K Sood stated, “He has shown great potential to be a leader in research. I sincerely hope he will continue to strive hard to reach his potential and to prove leadership in the coming years”.

Prof. Vishal, while thanking INSA for this recognition and honour, also remembered his PhD advisers Prof. T. N. Singh (IIT Bombay) and Prof. Ranjith P. G. (Monash University) and his post-doctoral mentor Prof. Jennifer Wilcox (Stanford University). Prof. Vishal is currently working on a research which attempts to reduce carbondioxide emissions and their environmental impact by capturing the natural gases. His research looks at “geologic sequestration” or capturing the carbon dioxide that is released when coal is burnt (or created as a by-product in other industries) and injecting it back into the rock deep underground so that it is not released into the atmosphere.
Prof. Vishal explained his research work by stating, “Natural gases have remained trapped in deep underground rock structures for several million years. This provides an analogy to inject and store the greenhouse gases in rocks and prevent their release into the atmosphere. Realising India’s vast geological diversity, she offers ample opportunities for the storage of carbon dioxide. Injection of carbon dioxide will not only help develop a long sustainable earth, but also lead to enhanced recovery of methane to partly meet our growing energy demands”.
The true beneficiary of this process will be the life-system on Earth. Through the enhanced recovery of an otherwise non-recoverable resource, India will also benefit from energy security. Prof. Vikram Vishal is the first graduate from the IIT Bombay Monash Research Academy, which is a joint venture between IIT Bombay and Monash University, Australia. Research scholars study for a dual-badged PhD from both institutions, and enrich their research and build collaborative relationships by spending time in Australia and India over the course of their degree.

Source: Indiaeducationdiary, 8-05-2017

A law against torture should enable ratification of the Convention barring custodial excesses

Two decades after signing the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, India is yet to ratify it. There can be little justification for such a prolonged delay in passing legislation to give effect to the convention. In recent times there is a fresh note of urgency attached to the need for early ratification, as the country has pending requests for the extradition of its nationals from other countries. For, as pointed out by the Supreme Court, the absence of a stand-alone law prohibiting torture may prevent many countries from agreeing to India’s extradition requests. Such a law may be in the national interest, the Chief Justice of India observed during the course of a hearing on a public interest petition seeking the enactment of an anti-torture law in accordance with the country’s commitment. The court also noted that India was subjected to close questioning during the Universal Periodic Review of its human rights obligations at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. It cannot be forgotten that an extradition request relating to Purulia arms drop case suspect Kim Davy failed owing to the apprehension that he may be ill-treated in India. In an era of increasing international cooperation on criminal matters, India will be better served if it is seen as adhering to international treaties, especially its obligations under the Convention Against Torture, which it signed in 1997.

 

There may be some doubt whether India needs a fresh law to prevent and punish torture. Provisions relating to causing hurt or grievous hurt, especially with a view to extracting a confession, criminal intimidation and wrongful confinement already exist in the Indian Penal Code. However, the idea of a stand-alone law ought to be ultimately seen as a more tangible way of expressing commitment to eliminating torture. A concrete step towards enacting a law was made when the Prevention of Torture Bill, 2010, was passed by the Lok Sabha in 2010, but it was referred to a Select Committee in the Rajya Sabha. In its report submitted in the same year, the committee recommended exhaustive amendments to the Bill to make it consistent with the language and intent of the Convention. Thereafter the Bill lapsed. The government now says it has referred the matter to the Law Commission for an authoritative view. Given the pervasive nature of custodial violence and its complex policing requirements, the present legislative and administrative framework is obviously inadequate to prevent torture in a country of India’s size. It is imperative that a strong law that criminalises torture, imposes stringent punishment for it and contains liberal provisions for those suffering torture to complain against their perpetrators, prosecute them and be compensated and rehabilitated, is passed at the earliest.

Source: The Hindu, 9-05-2017

Mind-Matter Divide

RANJIT NAIR





The root formulation of Indian philosophy goes back to Dirghatamas, the Rig Vedic philosopher, who said, `ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti', or the Real is one, though the wise speak of it variously . Philosophy in India emerged as a rational, discursive exercise when orthodoxy , which regarded the Vedas as revelation, was challenged by major schools like that of Buddhism, Jainism, the Ajivika and the Lokayata.The origins of western philosophy are usually attributed to Plato challenging the gods of Homer for their all-too-human behaviour, substituting in their place truths established through dialectical argument. Indian philosophy arose against the demand that claims on the veracity of a text or principle should be subjected to the canons of argumentation. The schools of logic emerged out of the attempt to formalise rational debate, to distinguish between valid arguments and fallacies.
Indian philosophy and modern science share common features, at the level of parallels, isomorphic themes and problems. The search for unity resonates with the holy grail of the theory of everything in theoretical physics, which began with Albert Einstein. The search for a fundamental theory , Steven Weinberg says, lifts human life above the level of farce and gives it some of the grace of tragedy .
However, the application of quantum theory runs against the Cartesian grain of disenchanting the material world. It unifies East and West, mind and matter.

Transcendence Of Thought Is Absolute Freedom

Dhruva Bhargava





What ultimately constitutes freedom? Though we dearly cherish freedom, most view freedom with an incomplete perspective. Therefore, seeking freedom is tantamount to chasing a mirage whereby one seeks freedom from one state only to land in bondage of another.Absolute freedom, thus, remains an unending quest with incomplete knowledge. This incompleteness is founded in our inability to take a holistic view.We live in a mysterious world of duality and opposites. Having a holistic perspective requires both thesis and antithesis. Without experiencing darkness, one cannot know what light is; without experiencing heat, one cannot know what cold is; without depth, height has no meaning and without hate, love.Thesis and antithesis coexist like two sides of the same coin. Both are essential aspects of the same reality . Hence, to understand freedom wholly requires understanding bondage.
Bondage is a state of mind and how our concepts, idea, beliefs create bondage reminds one of the story of an elephant tied to heavy chains. He struggles hard to set himself free but is unable to do so. One day , he was led to his usual restoring place but left untied.Yet the elephant did not break free since he was still under the illusion that he was tied.
The belief of powerlessness is so deeply ingrained that even when freedom is at hand, one is unable to know that. Bondage is not in the chain, it's in the mind.Belief is the bondage. Same holds true for our perception of the physical world. Our perception of the world, not the world per se, creates bondage.
The foremost thought that comes to our mind on perceiving an object of liking is of ownership ­ how I can possess or own the object. But can we really own anything in this world? We came empty handed and are destined to leave empty handed. No way a physical object can become a part of us. Therefore, whatsoever exists, exists as an idea or a thought. The sense of “my“ or ownership is merely a mental construct that exists as long as our ego exists. Thus, not the external world rather it is our belief or thought of the same that creates bondage. Human mind functions through concept, ideas and beliefs. These can be aptly substituted by the word “thought“. Thoughts have genesis and influence. When accompanied with feelings of superiority and inferiority , eld tremendous influence and they wield tremendous influence and become source of judgment.
Thoughts having lasting influence originate in minds of charismatic individuals and their impact persists over generations: for revealed religions the thought of its messenger, for spiritual lineage that of its guru, for tribe that of its head, for nation that of its political leader. However, nations, tribes, religions, traditions are not physical entities but merely thoughts or concepts.These are the mental boundaries within which our mind functions. They unite few but divide many . If we seek independence from one thought and seek solace in another, independence is then an illusion. It's seeking freedom from one and being bound by another.
Absolute freedom, therefore, lies in transcending thoughts. It's going beyond thought and seeking the Self within, the very source of thoughts.Freedom, then, becomes a personal endeavour of seeking liberation by transcending the division created by mind and attaining to our innate essence, absolute freedom, a state of sheer joy , where no bondage exists.