India - Pakistan Trade

Quantitative studies estimate that potential two way trade between India and Pakistan can be about 10 times than its rather unsatisfactory current level of $ 613 million. Moving towards realizing this trade potential is clearly in the interest of both countries and the region. In this context this study identifies areas of trade and investment co-operation between the two countries. On the basis of a survey conducted in three cities viz., Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar the paper examines the characteristics of firms engaged in Indo-Pakistan trade. It also estimates existing transport arrangement between the two countries and the impact of all extant non-tariff barriers. The study suggests that the most important step towards enhancing trade would be to adopt the MFN principle as the current policy inhibits trade, lacks transparency and leads to high transaction costs. The study finds that transportation links between the two countries are inadequate and suggests that new rail and road links should be opened. Transaction costs of trading between India and Pakistan are high and can be lowered by implementing some rather simple policy measures that are spelled out in the paper. The study also examines recent developments in BIMSTEC, ASEAN and in Indo-Sri Lanka and Indo-Nepal trade agreements, and draws lessons to enhance Indo-Pakistan trade.South Asia, India-Pakistan trade, commercial policy, MFN

India – Pakistan Trade

Quantitative studies estimate that potential two way trade between India and Pakistan can be about 10 times than its rather unsatisfactory current level of $ 613 million. Moving towards realizing this trade potential is clearly in the interest of both countries and the region. In this context this study identifies areas of trade and investment co-operation between the two countries. On the basis of a survey conducted in three cities viz., Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar the paper examines the characteristics of firms engaged in Indo- Pakistan trade. It also estimates the transaction costs of trade on the basis of a detailed examination of existing transport arrangement between the two countries and the impact of all extant non-tariff barriers. The study suggests that the most important step towards enhancing trade would be to adopt the MFN principle as the current policy inhibits trade, lacks transparency and leads to high transaction costs. The study finds that transportation links between the two countries are inadequate and suggests that new rail and road links should be opened. Transaction costs of trading between India and Pakistan are high and can be lowered by implementing some rather simple policy measures that are spelled out in the paper. The study also examines recent developments in BIMSTEC, ASEAN and in Indo-Sri Lanka and Indo-Nepal trade agreements, and draws lessons to enhance Indo-Pakistan trade.South Asia, India-Pakistan trade, commercial policy, MFN

Study of rare semileptonic Bc+→D+ννˉB_c^+ \to D^+ \nu \bar{\nu} decay in the light-cone quark model

We study the exclusive semileptonic rare $B_c^+ \to D^+ \nu \bar{\nu}$ decay in the framework of light-cone quark model. The transition form factors $f_{+}(q^2)$ and $f_{T}(q^2)$ are evaluated in the time-like region using the analytic continuation method in $q^{+} = 0$ frame. The analytic solutions of these form factors are compared with the results obtained from the double pole parametric form. The branching ratio for $B_c^+ \to D^+ \nu \bar{\nu}$ decay is calculated and compared with the other theoretical model predictions. The predicted results in this model can be tested at the LHCb experiments in near future which will help in testing the unitarity of CKM quark mixing matrix, thus, providing an insight into the phenomenon of CP violation.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure

Understanding Behaviors of Attendance in Supplemental Instruction and Subsequent Academic Success in a First Year Engineering Course

As student retention and four-year graduation rates are of institutional and national interest and frequently referred metrics for college success, the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program aims to reduce D’s, F’s and Q drop rates in historically difficult classes. Although previous work done by this group revealed that attending SI sessions for a firstyear course (Introduction to Electrical Engineering) positively impacted exam scores and subsequent course grades [1], the program continues to experience low participation rates. Emerging questions of student behaviors in relation to attendance at SI sessions are addressed in this article. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative data relating to grades and attendance with qualitative data relating to student awareness, use and perceptions about SI. These analyses serve to gain an understanding of the effects of SI and identify components of the program that students value. Quantitative data was collected in the form of session attendance logs, grade data, and student demographics. Qualitative data was collected in the form of pre- and postsurveys administered during the third and final week of the semester.Cockrell School of Engineerin