Population Growth, Malthusian concern and sustainable development - some key Policies and demographic issues in India

Population size and growth continue to be the paramount issues regarding sustainable development in India notwithstanding the fact that the Indian economy has grown by a little over 5 percent during the last two decades compared to the population growth of about 2 per cent during the same period The reason is that the Malthusian concern has been the core of Indian policy planning thinking This has while perpetuated the belief that population growth is the immediate culprit of high poverty and environmental degradation demographic issues such as distribution of Population age composition migration and urbanization are being neglected in the planning for sustainable development The paper highlights the lack of integration of comprehensive demographic issues with sustainable development planning in India and explores the political economy reasons for lopsided consideration of demographic issues in sustainable development planning during the last five decades since independenc

Sustainability of Scientific Maize Cultivation Practices in Uttar Pradesh, India

Sustainability of scientific maize cultivation practices must be ensured to attain the goal of agricultural sustainability. The study was conducted in purposively selected state i.e. Uttar Pradesh. A total sample size of 80 maize farmer respondents and 20 SMS/ Experts were selected by using multi-stage random sampling technique and simple random selection procedure respectively. Data were collected by using personal interview method. The collected data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted with the help of appropriate statistical tools. Among the practices studied in scientific maize cultivation, mean sustainability scores obtained from farmer respondents was highest for irrigation followed by application of FYM, use of HYV and application of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizer respectively. The experts perceived significantly higher sustainability in all practices. Estimates indicate that Indian population will require 325 million tons of food grain by 2020 AD. This demands consistent increase in production and productivity of agricultural crops. Maize has immense potential to meet food requirement of human population. It has a great significance as human food, animal feed and diversified uses in a large number of industrial products. Adoption of improved and sustainable maize technologies holds the key to ensure both sustainability and increased maize production. Muthuran (1995) cited 14 major dimensions of sustainable agriculture as identified by M.S. Swaminathan and according to him, sustainable agricultural technology should be technologically appropriate, economically feasible and viable, environmentally sound, stable over the long run, efficient in resource use, locally adaptable, socially acceptable and sustainable, implementable in existing political set-up and bureaucratic structure, culturally desirable, renewable, equitable and productive. There is report of sustainability concerns and emerging problems in Uttar Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh, farmers find it difficult to sustain their living standards due to small holding, less infrastructural facility, etc. Maize The queen of cereals†is the third most important food crop in Uttar Pradesh next only to rice and wheat. Kharif maize is an important crop. Concept of cultivating the “rabi maize†was originated in this state and it is grown in a sizeable area. Uttar Pradesh account for 8.33% of the total maize area and 9.65% of total maize production in the country with an average yield of 23.74 q/ha during 2003-04. Sustainability of scientific maize cultivation practices in Uttar Pradesh had not been studied, so far. Thus, keeping in view, the importance of scientific maize cultivation practices and decreasing trend of production and productivity, the present study was undertaken, with the specific objectives given as below: 1. to measure and compare the degree of sustainability of scientific maize cultivation practices in Uttar Pradesh. 2. To ascertain the perceptual difference, if any, among SMS / experts and farmers regarding various dimensions of sustainability with respect to scientific maize cultivation practices. Keyword- sustainable maize, cultivation, high yielding. Varieties

Environment Ethics, Policies and Inclusive Environment Protection Mechanism in India (With Special Reference to Environmental Inquisition)

From Arthashastra by Kautilya to Bombay Nuisance Act in British regime to recent National Environment Policy, India is way ahead in terms of formulation of policies. Even strong constitutional and legislative frameworks exist. Mandatory Environment Impact Assessment and submission of annual Environmental Statement is also a strong indicator of environmental regulation. Despite having this strong framework, bureaucratic corruption has made it very easy to get government clearances for projects that deteriorate environment. A number of social, economic and institutional factors have made the realisation of existing policies difficult. Although the policy to combine the elements of economic efficiency, intergenerational equity, social concerns and environmental protection has been regularly updated, more emphasis has been given to the promotion of policies and programmes for economic growth through intensive resource and energy use, as is evident in natural resource depletion. Present paper illustrates the environmental ethics and protection techniques in India. Keywords: Environmental ethics, protection, Environmental policy, Environment impact assessment

E-waste Management: Teaching how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle For Sustainable Development- Need of Some Educational strategies

The constantly changing world of technology is the world's largest and fastest growing manufacturing industry. The vast growth and rapid product obsolescence has brought about the serious problem of e-waste, which is now the fastest growing form of waste in the industrialized world. E-waste encompasses a broad and growing category of electronic devices ranging from large household appliances such as refrigerators, microwave ovens and air conditioners to consumer electronics such as cellular phones, televisions, personal stereos and computers. Electronic equipment contains a variety of toxic ingredients, including hazardous heavy metals that pollute the environment and are very dangerous to human health. This paper discusses some of the principles that are being employed to alleviate the environmental impact of e-waste such as extended producer responsibility, design for environment (DfE), consumer driven solutions. This article also discusses educational strategies that can be employed to educate global audiences; this paper highlights the hazards of e-wastes, the need for its appropriate management and options that can be implemented

Sustainable wind energy system: Role of Energy policy and security-A case study from India

Energy security and sustainable development are high in the global agenda due to the impact of volatile energy prices, high demand for energy security, and concerns over environmental sustainability and the global climate change. In a present scenario energy I s most important factor for all developed and developing country. Energy is required for every aspect of our daily life. At present, commercial energy consumption makes up about 65% of the total energy consumed in India. This includes coal with the largest share of 55%, followed by oil at 31%, natural gas at 11% and hydro energy at 3%. Non-commercial energy sources consisting of firewood, cow dung and agriculture wastes account for over 30% of the total energy consumption. The critical feature of India’s energy sector and linkages to economy is the import dependence on crude and petroleum products. Import bill is likely to grow to more than 100% in the near future because of population explosion and improved living standard in the country. Being a tropical country India has unlimited potential for producing renewable energy sources. These sources of energy can play an important role in the sustainable development by providing basic energy needs of rural and remote areas. This paper discusses the current energy status, choice of energy options and potential of wind energy systems for creating sustainable livelihoods in India. Keywords: wind energy, sustainability, energy security, policy, wind energy programm

Association of dopaminergic pathway gene polymorphisms with chronic renal insufficiency among Asian Indians with type-2 diabetes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Genetic markers conferring susceptibility to diabetes specific renal disease remains to be identified for early prediction and development of effective drugs and therapies. Inconsistent results obtained from analysis of genes from classical pathways generate need for examination of unconventional genetic markers having role in regulation of renal function. Experimental and clinical evidences suggest that dopamine is an important natriuretic hormone. Therefore, various genes involved in regulation of dopamine bioavailability could play a role in diabetic chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). We investigated the contribution of 12 polymorphisms from five Dopaminergic pathway genes to CRI among type-2 diabetic Asian Indian subjects.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Genetic association of 12 polymorphisms (SNPs) from five genes namely-dopamine receptor-1 (<it>DRD1</it>), <it>DRD2</it>, <it>DRD3</it>, <it>DRD4</it>, andcatechol-O-methyltransferase (<it>COMT</it>) with diabetic CRI was investigated using a case-control approach. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to correlate various clinical parameters with genotypes, and to study pair wise interactions between SNPs of different genes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>SNPs <it>-141 ins/del C and G>A </it>(1 kb upstream from exon 2) in DRD2 gene showed significant allelic and genotypic association. Allele <it>-141 insC </it>and genotype <it>-141 insC/insC </it>of <it>-141 ins/del C </it>polymorphism, and allele A of <it>G>A </it>SNP were found to be predisposing to CRI. Our result of allelic and genotypic association of -<it>141 insC/delC </it>SNP was also reflected in the haplotypic association. Heterozygous genotype of polymorphism <it>900 ins/del C in COMT </it>gene was predisposing towards CRI.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Some polymorphisms in <it>DRD2 </it>and <it>COMT </it>genes are significantly associated with susceptibility to CRI in the Asian Indian population which, if confirmed would be consistent with a suggested role of dopamine metabolism in disease occurrence.</p

Capacity Gaps in Post Disaster Waste Management: Case Study in Sri Lanka

Disaster waste is one of the major consequences aftermath of any disaster, impacts on public and environment, rescue and emergency services, provision of lifeline support and socio-economic recovery of affected areas. Thus, management of wastes created by disasters has become an increasingly important issue to be addressed in responding to a disaster. This chapter intends to present the prevailing gaps in disaster waste management and approaches to minimize the impacts on disaster management at developing countries with special emphasis to Sri Lankan context. Findings revealed that, unavailability of single point responsibility and provisions for disaster waste in existing policies and capacity constraints of the prevailing peace time solid waste management practices as major capacity gaps. Establishment of a regulatory body and enforceable rules and regulations with necessary levels of capacities were identified with seven areas for capacity building for post disaster waste management. The research enabled to attain sustainable post disaster waste management for future resilience

Chronic renal insufficiency among Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes: I. Role of RAAS gene polymorphisms

BACKGROUND: Renal failure in diabetes is mediated by multiple pathways. Experimental and clinical evidences suggest that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has a crucial role in diabetic kidney disease. A relationship between the RAAS genotypes and chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) among type 2 diabetes subjects has therefore been speculated. We investigated the contribution of selected RAAS gene polymorphisms to CRI among type 2 diabetic Asian Indian subjects. METHODS: Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from six genes namely-renin (REN), angiotensinogen (ATG), angiotensin converting enzyme I (ACE), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene from the RAAS pathway and one from chymase pathway were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and tested for their association with diabetic CRI using a case-control approach. Successive cases presenting to study centres with type 2 diabetes of ≥2 years duration and moderate CRI diagnosed by serum creatinine ≥3 mg/dl after exclusion of non-diabetic causes of CRI (n = 196) were compared with diabetes subjects with no evidence of renal disease (n = 225). Logistic regression analysis was carried out to correlate various clinical parameters with genotypes, and to study pair wise interactions between SNPs of different genes. RESULTS: Of the 12 SNPs genotyped, Glu53Stop in AGT and A>T (-777) in AT1 genes, were monomorphic and not included for further analysis. We observed a highly significant association of Met235Thr SNP in angiotensinogen gene with CRI (O.R. 2.68, 95%CI: 2.01–3.57 for Thr allele, O.R. 2.94, 95%CI: 1.88–4.59 for Thr/Thr genotype and O.R. 2.68, 95%CI: 1.97–3.64 for ACC haplotype). A significant allelic and genotypic association of T>C (-344) SNP in aldosterone synthase gene (O.R. 1.57, 95%CI: 1.16–2.14 and O.R. 1.81, 95%CI: 1.21–2.71 respectively), and genotypic association of GA genotype of G>A (-1903) in chymase gene (O.R. 2.06, 95%CI: 1.34–3.17) were also observed. CONCLUSION: SNPs Met235Thr in angiotensinogen, T>C (-344) in aldosterone synthase, and G>A (-1903) in chymase genes are significantly associated with diabetic chronic renal insufficiency in Indian patients and warrant replication in larger sample sets. Use of such markers for prediction of susceptibility to diabetes specific renal disease in the ethnically Indian population appears promising

Standardized approach to extract candidate outcomes from literature for a standard outcome set:a case- and simulation study

Aims: Standard outcome sets enable the value-based evaluation of health care delivery. Whereas the attainment of expert opinion has been structured using methods such as the modified-Delphi process, standardized guidelines for extraction of candidate outcomes from literature are lacking. As such, we aimed to describe an approach to obtain a comprehensive list of candidate outcomes for potential inclusion in standard outcome sets. Methods: This study describes an iterative saturation approach, using randomly selected batches from a systematic literature search to develop a long list of candidate outcomes to evaluate healthcare. This approach can be preceded with an optional benchmark review of relevant registries and Clinical Practice Guidelines and data visualization techniques (e.g. as a WordCloud) to potentially decrease the number of iterations. The development of the International Consortium of Health Outcome Measures Heart valve disease set is used to illustrate the approach. Batch cutoff choices of the iterative saturation approach were validated using data of 1000 simulated cases. Results: Simulation showed that on average 98% (range 92–100%) saturation is reached using a 100-article batch initially, with 25 articles in the subsequent batches. On average 4.7 repeating rounds (range 1–9) of 25 new articles were necessary to achieve saturation if no outcomes are first identified from a benchmark review or a data visualization. Conclusion: In this paper a standardized approach is proposed to identify relevant candidate outcomes for a standard outcome set. This approach creates a balance between comprehensiveness and feasibility in conducting literature reviews for the identification of candidate outcomes.</p