Publications

​Rural electricity access in India in retrospect: A critical rumination

Research Paper
| May 3, 2018

Despite the large-scale efforts towards electrification in India since the time of independence, approximately 45 million households still continue to be without electricity access. This paper critically analyses the evolution of the process of rural electrification in India, the factors that potentially determine the household electricity access and juxtaposed that with the policies adopted over three distinct time periods: the pre-independence period; the period of state ownership and the post-reforms period.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Stratagems from Waste Sector in India

Research Paper
| May 3, 2018

​India’s population growth, urbanization trends, patterns of income distribution, and increasing industrial production leads to increasing waste generation. Inappropriate waste management results in emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) constituting methane and nitrous oxide, contributing to global warming.

​A Systems Approach to Agricultural Biosecurity

Research Paper
| May 3, 2018

This article highlights the importance of systems approaches in addressing agricultural biosecurity threats. On the basis of documentary analysis and stakeholder interaction, a brief survey of agricultural biosecurity threats and vulnerabilities from global and Indian perspectives is provided, followed by an exploration of technological and institutional capabilities. Finally, a perspective on the agricultural disease diagnostic networks is provided, drawing instances from global

How they won an all-expenses paid internship to New Zealand

Article
| April 30, 2018

From energy-saving software to coloured beads that ensure children do not miss out on their vaccinations, this competition had it all

Quenching the thirst - Success stories of Project FLOW

Article
| April 30, 2018

The Bharti Airtel-TERI initiative provides safe drinking water access and raises awareness on water and sanitation in schools

Action for change - Creating environmental awareness

Article
| April 30, 2018

A reorientation towards Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is essential for the next generation

Improving air conditioners in India

Policy brief
| April 26, 2018

Most modern ACs in India already use climate friendly gases, but increasing their energy efficiency will further boost carbon reduction

​Validation of the SARAH-E Satellite-Based Surface Solar Radiation Estimates over India

Research Paper
| April 23, 2018

​We evaluate the accuracy of the satellite-based surface solar radiation dataset called Surface Solar Radiation Data Set-Heliosat (SARAH-E) against in situ measurements over a variety of sites in India between 1999 and 2014. We primarily evaluate the daily means of surface solar radiation. The results indicate that SARAH-E consistently overestimates surface solar radiation, with a mean

Fighting Plastics: Is ban the way ahead?

Article
| April 20, 2018

Capacity of the local governments to impose a ban ensuring the necessary monitoring mechanism remains a challenge

​Solar microgrids in rural India: Consumers' willingness to pay for attributes of electricity​

Research Paper
| April 18, 2018

This paper assesses consumer valuation of different attributes of electricity supply to elucidate the conflict between solar microgrids and the centralized utility grid in India, as well as to provide insight into supporting government policies and structures. The study contributes significantly to the understanding of the role of microgrids in complementing a centralized system and its value as a sustainable energy solution for development.