Latest Publications

In this chapter, we reflect on our readings of female / feminist primatologists’ studies of female primates and our understandings of the gendered lives of bonnet macaques, a female-bonded nonhuman primate species, endemic to peninsular India. These two focal points provide us with insights into the complexities of individual identity in nonhuman societies and the situatedness of human and other-than- human gender identities in their lived worlds.

Nonhuman primates – mostly apes – are known to combine gestural units in non-random ways, but they do not make novel meaning with these combinations. In this paper, we investigated, for the first time, the structure and functions of gesture sequences in the naturally occurring communication of wild bonnet macaques, using analyses akin to ape gesture studies. We discuss our findings in the light of a possibility that primate gesture sequences, coordinating the flow of social interactions, may be evolutionary precursors to pragmatic gestures in human language.

A large-scale socio-cultural transition such as the ‘shift toward eCooking’ is a process (or a journey) rather than a destination. Apart from the business potential it offers, it would potentially create a large number of aware and educated citizens. Strengthening appliance and vessel manufacture would reinforce the country’s domestic MSME sector. Improved eCooking appliance safety culture would enhance manufacturers’ competitiveness (and also acceptability) globally.

Methane (CH4) is one of the most abundant organic trace gases in the atmosphere having a strong global warming potential of 28 in 100 years, is a significant GHGs, and has a vital role in atmospheric chemistry and climate change. India is home to the largest number of livestock in the world and is responsible for higher methane emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management.

Hazardous pollutants like Mercury (Hg) have emerged as a pressing challenge in recent times where the expanding industrial sector is regarded as the major source in developing country India. In this study, we are trying to identify all possible industrial sectors at district level to quantify Hg emission load across India for the year 2019 using IPCC methodology where the country-specific technological emission factors are used.

Feminist foreign policy (FFP) ensures the representation and participation of women both nationally and internationally. Initially, it aimed to focus on some special areas relating to women, peace, and security especially sexual violence in conflict and women's representation in the peace process. Now, the ambit has been broadened and issues relating to climate change are also included. The research has already proved that women suffer double victimization as a consequence of climate change.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, under Goal 6 (SDG 6), aims to ensure universal access to water and sanitation. SDG-6.1 focuses on achieving safe drinking water for all by 2030. India's Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) targets providing tap water to rural households by 2024. This article discusses a study on water demand and availability in seven villages in Ballari and Raichur districts, North Karnataka. It reveals heavy reliance on groundwater due to inadequate surface water. Only 14% of households meet JJM standards, with projected worsening scarcity.

Notions such as śūnyata, catuskoti, and Indra’s net, which figure prominently in Buddhist philosophy, are difficult to readily accommodate within our ordinary thinking about everyday objects. Our thorough elaboration of the parallels between Buddhist philosophy and category theory can facilitate better understanding of Buddhist philosophy, and bring out the broader philosophical import of category theory beyond mathematics.

The renowned seismologists C.P. Rajendran and Kusala Rajendran offer a riveting story of the Indian earthquakes, their science, history and impact. Like all other natural phenomena, earthquakes are part of life-sustaining forces-- the creators of the mountains, valleys and springs or even deserts on Earth-- a theatre where the show never ends.

The assertion of (territorial) nationalism by Nepal has serious implications on its bilateral relationship with India. Once dominant, the singular narrative of the upper-caste Hindu Parbatiya nationalism is increasingly encountering competing narratives emerging from the marginalised Janajatis and the Madhesis of Nepal. Accordingly, several nationality sentiments that were sidelined earlier have now become salient.