Informatics Publishing Limited

N. B. Singh ¹, Punit Choudhary ¹, Santosh Joshi ¹, D. K. Srivastava ¹, J. P. Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) 173230, IN

Abstract

Twenty-five promising willow (Salix spp.) clones were selected after nursery screening twice, collected from six countries. Genetic relatedness among the clones was estimated using RAPD markers. Out of 20 primers tested, 16 primers were selected based on the amplification of DNA. A total of 339 bands were scored of which 338 were polymorphic showing high (99.7%) rate of polymorphism. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.71 to 0.87. These clones were grouped into six different clusters. Clone PN-733 (Salix nigra from New Zealand) appeared to be the most diverse (76 %) from rest of the genotypes on the basis of dendrogram. Maximum similarity (87%) was observed between clones SI-63-007 (S. alba from Italy) and V-99 (Salix alba X S. rubens from Croatia). RAPD analysis proved helpful for estimating the magnitude of genetic diversity at molecular level. The clustering further indicated that the geographic distribution may not be the true index of genetic diversity in willow clones. The marker system was found useful for developing unique fingerprints of three genotypes. On the basis of banding pattern RAPD's were effectively used for molecular characterization of willow clones used in this study.

Keywords

RAPD, Willow, Genetic Diversity, Characterization, Polymorphism

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D. K. Srivastava ¹, Avinash Deolekar ²

Affiliations
1 School of Management & Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, IN
2 Pepsico India Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, IN

Abstract

The emerging business scenario is largely driven by market forces. The businesses, due to market compulsions, have resorted to very painful and difficult options like relocation and or closure of plants. The employees have to undergo a number of hardships as a result of closure and or relocation of plants. Can one maintain a balance between business compulsions and employees' interests? The case study of Pepsico's Naroda plant is one example where a balance has been maintained between the two extremes. A number of meaningful initiatives have been taken by management to minimize the hardships of workers given VRS at this plant. The case discusses the process and dynamics of closure of the plant through VRS in about three weeks time.

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R. Chandra ¹, B. K. Gupta ¹, D. K. Srivastava ¹, R. R. Sarin ¹

Affiliations
1 Postgraduate Department of Medicine, G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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Pawan K. Aggarwal ¹, D. K. Srivastava ²

Affiliations
1 Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune 411004, IN
2 National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi 110 067, IN

Abstract

The linear distance formula occupies a prominent position as an allocative criterion for revenue-sharing among State in India as well as internotionally. In India, the Tenth Finance Commission has preferred this criterion to other competing criteria and has given it a predominant weight. This poper analyses analytical properties of the alternative versions of the distance criterion. A generalised version of the distance formula has been developed and the alternative versions have been shown to be its special cases. Alternative criteria are compared in terms of their progressivity and equity. Some of the recent Finance Commissions in India have used an arbitrary adjustment in the distance criterion under political constraints. This politically constrained version does not satisfy the requirement of maintaining vertical equity consistently. An alternative, based on the general version, is proposed that Is progressive as well as satisfies equity. The distance criterion is also shown to be equivalent to a system of fiscal capacity equalisation grants under certain assumptions.

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Ayesh Gaur ¹, Gaurav Aggarwal ¹, Pankaj Kumar ¹, D. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan 173 230, IN

Abstract

Genomic assessment of the in vitro raised variations is necessary to protect the useful characteristics of the elite cultivars. Populus ciliata has significant potential among the commercially propagated tree species such as teak, Eucalyptus, red wood and radiata pine. Himalayan poplar occupies a unique and important position in the rural economy of India as it is a rare forest species ideal for successful intercultivation with agronomically important crops. Populus ciliata is a deciduous tree with sexually differentiated male and female plants, grown at an altitude of 1200-3500 m and largely distributed in temperate and subtemperate regions of the Himalaya.

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Pankaj Kumar ¹, Geetika Gambhir ¹, Ayesh Gaur ¹, D. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan 173 230, IN

Abstract

Genetic integrity of tissue culture-raised plantlets of broccoli cv. Solan green head from India was assessed using RAPD. First, highly efficient, reliable and highfrequency shoot regeneration was achieved in leaf (62.96%) and petiole (91.11%) explants on MS medium containing 4.5 mg/l BAP + 0.019 mg/l NAA, and 4.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA respectively. Maximum ischolar_maining ability (93.99%) with healthy and vigorous ischolar_mains was observed on MS medium containing 0.20 mg/l NAA. The regenerated plantlets with welldeveloped shoot and ischolar_main system were acclimatized successfully. For genetic stability studies, a total of 66 amplicons were amplified using 15 informative primers with a high degree of monomorphism (88.45%) across the mother plant and 20 randomly selected in vitro regenerated plantlets.

Keywords

Broccoli, Genetic Fidelity, Leaf and Petiole Explants, Plant Regeneration, Rapd–PCR.

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V. S. Ramamurthy ¹, D. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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Nidhi Bansal ¹, D. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 NITIE, Mumbai, IN

Abstract

There is evidence in the literature that generation Y is different from the previous generations. This generation is going to be the largest pool of workforce by 2020. The purpose of the study is to understand the Generation Y attitudes and motivation towards their work and life. Data were obtained from 115 postgraduate students through an open-ended questionnaire for capturing the mindset of Generation Y. This study is among the few which explore the attitude, expectations and preferences of Generation Y through qualitative method. A better understanding of the Generation Y' attitude, expectations and preferences will be helpful for the employers to create job offerings and work environments that are more likely to engage and retain Generation Y workforce.

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D. K. Srivastava ¹, Pawan K. Aggarwal ¹

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Population enters as a key determinant in revenue-sharing arrangements in federalfiscal systems. It is used as a proxy for fiscal needs of the states in absolute terms as well as in conjunction with otherfactors. This paper examines the role ofpopulation as a determinant of the overall progressivity of the transfer mechanism under revenue-allocative criteria typically used by the Finnnce Commissions and the Planning Commission in India. If considerable weights are assigned to population, the overall progressivity of the allocative mechanism would be considerably compromised. Further, even in the case of progressive criteria, the use of dated population data instead of current year population data may result in unintended distortions and penalise states not only for a more than average population growth rate but also for being poorer.

The theoretical findings are illustrated with data on the Indian states. Under all the three allocative criteria considered here, use of dated population results in substantial losses/gains in revenue devolution for different states.

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V. S. Ramamurthy ¹, D. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

We are in the midst of a global pandemic, the COVID-19. With no vaccine against the infection or medicines to treat the infected, the world is struggling to cope up with the increasing infections and casualties. It is recognized by everyone that the only option available to reduce the spread of the infection is to bring in lifestyle changes. Active participation by everyone is mandatory for success of this strategy. It is emphasized that the scientific community can play a very effective role in conveying this message across the entire population.

Keywords

Communication and Management, Global Pandemic, Public Risks and Perception.

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D. K. Srivastava ¹, V. S. Ramamurthy ¹

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Abstract

The present policy of the Government asking regional electricity grids to absorb all the power generated by renewable power installations, and the thermal power stations to run at lower capacities than their installed values would not only force many thermal power plants to run at power levels much lower than their design values, but also constantly ramp up and down their outputs every day causing more wear and tear of the system. We suggest that the problem can be avoided by running the thermal power plants at their installed capacities, and use the surplus electricity to produce and store onsite hydrogen and oxygen. The stored hydrogen can be subsequently used not only to supplement coal in their own furnaces, but also for a variety of applications such as production of ammonia for fertilizers, as automobile fuel or for any other industrial applications. The ultrapure oxygen may be marketed for medical and other industrial applications.

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