Friday, July 27, 2018

New Report "Artificial Intelligence and Human Development: Toward a Research Agenda"

Artificial Intelligence and Human Development: Toward a Research Agenda
by Matthew Smith, & Sujaya Neupane, International Development Research Center, Canada, 2018.

Abstract: Like most new technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to exacerbate existing problems, reinforce structural inequalities, and superimpose biases. This paper proposes a proactive research agenda for the ethical and equitable application of AI in the Global South, drawn from a broad overview of technologies associated with AI capabilities, and the opportunities and challenges they present. Three areas are identified in which action can be taken: policies and regulations; inclusive and ethical AI applications; and infrastructure and skills. Within each area, the paper makes recommendations for research necessary to make concrete progress.

See Also:


Thursday, July 26, 2018

Statement on behalf of Inter Academy Panel on Ethics in Science

Statement on behalf of Inter Academy Panel on Ethics in Science 
(This panel is constituted jointly by three science academies, namely, Indian National Science Academy, Indian Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Sciences, India)

When we became an independent republic, our founding fathers adopted the Constitution of India which demands that its citizens abide by and uphold reason and scientific temper. Scientific temper encompasses rationality, rights and responsibility in equal measure.
It crystallizes what Tagore wanted India to be, namely, a nation

Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action,
Into that heaven of freedom;
let my country awake.

Yet, we note with sadness and growing anxiety several of statements and actions which run counter to this constitutional requirement of every citizen of India. It is important that exemplary punishment be given to such trespassers of reason and rights. We also appeal to all sections of Indian society to raise their voices against such violated acts, so that they are nipped in the bud.

Call for Indo-Japanese Joint Project on "Establishment of Young Researcher Fellowship Programme 2018-19" | INSA-JSPS Fellowship

Call for Indo-Japanese Joint Project on "Establishment of Young Researcher Fellowship Programme 2018-19" 

INSA-JSPS Fellowship


Vacancies at Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), New Delhi


Further Details: http://fitt-iitd.in/career/

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Twenty-four new sites join UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves

UNESCO press release No. 2018-67

Twenty-four new sites join UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Paris, 25 July – The International Co-ordinating Council of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme has added 24 new sites to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves during its meeting in Palembang (Indonesia) from 23 to 28 July. The MAB network now numbers 686 Biosphere Reserves. Two existing biosphere reserves have been extended and had their names changes.

"Conserving the biodiversity and the management of natural resources in these ecosystems is a pre-requisite for sustainable development," declared UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. "These sites are laboratories of harmonious interaction between people and nature, allowing for advances in the sciences and in traditional knowledge. They facilitate the sharing of knowledge, promote the interaction between science and society and help bring concrete improvements to the lives of local populations," she added.

Biosphere reserves have been designated in Moldova and Mozambique for the first time this year.

Also, five sites in Australia, one site in the Netherlands and another in the United States of America have been withdrawn from the World Network of Biosphere Reserves at the request of the States concerned. The withdrawn Australian sites are: Wilson's Promontory, Hattah Kulkyne and Murray Kulkyne, Yathong, Barkindji and Prince Regent. The USA site that pulled out of the MAB Network is San Dimas Biosphere Reserve and Experimental Forest.

Biosphere reserves are sites destined to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity and human activity through the sustainable use of natural resources. One of their objective is to give rise to innovative sustainable development practices. New reserves are designated every year by the International Co-ordinating Council for the programme, a body with a rotating elected membership of 34 UNESCO Member States. Established by UNESCO in the early 1970s, the Man and the Biosphere Programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to improve relations between people and their natural environment.

The new biosphere reserves are (in alphabetical order of countries):

Arly (Burkina Faso) – Situated in the West African savannah, this biosphere reserve presents a wide variety of natural landscapes including wetlands, gallery forests, dry clear forests, and tree and shrub savannahs. These are natural habitats for vulnerable and endangered species including the cheetah, elephant, lion, leopard and vulture. Agriculture is the main economic activity in Arly with cereal crops (millet and sorghum), peanuts and cotton, alongside livestock.

Mount Huangshan (China) – This biosphere reserve is located in the hilly region of Nanling Range in south-east China. It has been a World Heritage site since 1990 and harbours a forest ecosystem almost unchanged since the last glacial period. Mount Huangshan has become a sanctuary for many ancient animal and plant species since the Quaternary glacial period. The area thus serves as an important germplasm bank and a hotspot for animal and plant biodiversity. This biosphere reserve is also an important water source for the Xin'An, Qing Yi and Qiupu river systems.

Mount Kumgang (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) – The biosphere reserve is located in the middle of the Great Paektu Mountain Range, in the south-east of the country, and includes adjacent marine areas to the east. Mount Kumgang is a forest-oriented ecosystem linked to coastal, agricultural and freshwater ecosystems. It is home to many endemic and rare species of global significance. The coastal area and natural lakes form the habitats of migratory birds that use the East Asia-Australasian Migratory Pathway. The main economic activities on the site are fishing, agriculture and forestry.

Chocó Andino de Pichincha (Ecuador). Situated in north-west of Ecuador, in the province of Pichincha, the biosphere reserve covers an altitudinal range of 360 to 4,480 metres and encompasses the humid moist forest of the Chocó-Darien. The region is considered a biodiversity hotspot hosting some 270 species of mammals, including spectacled bear, Ecuadorian mantled howler and pacarana, alongside endemic species such as the Choco toucan and the Pichincha rocket frog. Approximately 880,000 people inhabit the biosphere reserve. Their main sources of revenue are the cultivation of sugar cane, and fish farming, as well as breeding and trading livestock.

Khangchendzonga (India) – Located in the state of Sikkim, bordering Nepal to the west and Tibet (China) to the north-west, this biosphere reserve is one of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1,220 to 8,586 metres above sea level. The site is one of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots. It includes vast natural forests that support high species diversity with high levels of endemism. The main economic activities are agricultural and horticultural crops, animal husbandry, fish, dairy and poultry farming.

Berbak-Sembilang (Indonesia) – Located on the south-east coast of Sumatra, this biosphere reserve includes Berbak and Sembilang national parks as well as two wildlife reserves. It contains undisturbed swamp forest peat ecosystems as well as freshwater swamp forests, mangroves and lowland forests surrounding riverbanks with swamps that reach a depth of up to 10 metres. Palm oil plantations, rubber, traditional agriculture (rice fields, dry fields etc) and timber are the main economic activities.

Betung Kerihun Danau Sentarum Kapuas Hulu (Indonesia) – Located at the eastern tip of Kalimantan Barat province, on the island of Borneo, the biosphere reserve consists of two national parks, Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum. It features unique lowland and mountain tropical rainforests that are home to a great diversity of flora and fauna.

Rinjani-Lombok (Indonesia) – The biosphere includes Lombok Island, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It consists of relatively flat coastal areas and hilly and mountainous areas. The highest peak is Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcanic mountain in Indonesia (3,726 metres above sea level). It has a very high level of biodiversity, comprising various types of forest vegetation (savannah forest, mountain and lowland rain forest), about 40% of which are primary forests. The inhabitants' main sources of revenue comes from horticultural (vegetables and fruits), cereal crops (rice), animal husbandry (cows, goats and chickens) and the cultivation of coffee and cacao.

Kopet-Dag (Islamic Republic of Iran) – The biosphere reserve covers part of the Kopet-Dag mountain range, along the Islamic Republic of Iran's border with Turkmenistan. The ecological region of Kopet-Dag is an important part of the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot, whose primary function is the conservation of many of the endangered species in this area. The main economic activities are agriculture and livestock.

Mont Peglia (Italy) – The site is located in the centre of Italy at the confluence of two river systems, the Tiber to the east and Paglia to the west. It consists of an extensive forested area and constitutes an important natural pool of fauna, flora and mushroom species in and around this ancient extinct volcano. These natural resources allow for activities compatible with sustainable development.

Val Camonica – Alto Sebino (Italy) – The site is located in the eastern part of Lombardy. The area is characterized by typical alpine and pre-alpine valleys, ranging from valley bottom landscapes to the highest peaks of Europe and the Adamello Glacier, and ends in the Iseo Lake, one of Italy's largest basins. The landscape features rivers and lakes, woods and forests, glaciers, meadows and prairies. Farming and animal husbandry in the region follows ancestral traditions.

Tsimanampesotse – Nosy Ve Androka (Madagascar) – Located in the south-west of the country, this biosphere reserve is a mosaic of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems and is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to vulnerable ecosystems, which include coral reefs, beaches, dunes, sea marshes, mangroves, gallery forest, and littoral forest. The terrestrial part of the biosphere reserve is home to a small number of plant and animal species, whose high rate of endemism reaches 90%. The main economic activities are agriculture, livestock farming and fishing.

Lower Prut (Republic of Moldova) – Located in the south of the country, this biosphere reserve encompasses the Prut River and floodplain lakes. Two-thirds of the surface of the area is occupied by Lake Beleu. A wetland area extends along the Prut River, covering a mosaic of water, meadow and forest ecosystems. The main economic activity is agriculture, which provides 90% of the inhabitant's income.

Quirimbas (Mozambique) ­– Located in Cabo Delgado province, in the north of the country, the site consists of 11 islands, a combination of marine parks and a freshwater system including the Montepuez river and Lake Bilibiza, a bird sanctuary. The islands support 3,000 floral species, of which 1,000 are endemic, and a rich fauna that includes 23 species of reptiles, 447 species of birds and 46 species of terrestrial mammals including four of the "big five" (elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard), as well as eight species of marine mammals including whales and dolphins. The main economic activities are fishing, animal husbandry, tourism, arts and crafts and sea transport.

Maasheggen (Netherlands) – This agricultural river landscape in the Meuse valley, in the south-eastern part of the Netherlands, has been shaped by continuous interaction between people and nature. The site is used for hay meadows and includes the oldest and largest network of natural hedges in the Netherlands. The landscape comprises a mosaic of small agricultural fields enclosed by hedges, sand dunes, forests, lakes, wet meadows and reed beds. The plan is to use the biosphere reserve as a laboratory for sustainable development and tourism.

Charyn Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Kazakhstan) – Situated in the inter-montane basin of Ili, in the southeast of Kazakhstan, this biosphere reserve unites the canyon-like valley of the Charyn river with relict ash forest, deserts and steppes typical of Central Asia. The floristic diversity includes some 1,000 species of higher vascular plants. The fauna is rich and diverse. While agriculture has long been the main economic activity in the region, tourism has been developing for several years alongside cattle breeding and horticulture.

Zhongar Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Kazakhstan) – This biosphere reserve is located on the northern slope of the Zhetysu Alataun Ridge and incorporates the entire range of mountain ecosystems characteristic of the Tien Shan mountains and Central Asia. The territory is of global importance as the location of the wild apple gene bank. The main economic sectors are agriculture and the industrial production of sunflower oil, flour and mineral water. Lands are mainly used for grazing and hayfields.

Suncheon Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea) Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the biosphere reserve includes the terrestrial ecosystems surrounding Suncheon City (centred on Mount Mohusan and Mount Jogyesan), as well as coastal tidal flat wetland ecosystems in Suncheonman Bay. The site's rich biological resources include crustaceans, fish and shellfish, as well as medicinal herbs, communities of reeds (Phragmites communis) and East Asian Seepweed (Suaeda japonica). The inhabitants – rural, fishing and mountain-dwelling villagers – utilize ecosystem services in their economic activities, which include rice cultivation, medicinal herbs and fruits such as plums and persimmons.

Mountainous Urals (Russian Federation) – Located in the Southern Urals, this biosphere reserve is covered with mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests as well as mixed coniferous small-leaved forests and mountain taiga spruce-fir forests. Mountain ranges (with summits of 800 m to 1,178 m) and mountain valleys are interconnected by boulder streams. The western part of the reserve is low altitude. While the eastern part alternates between sloping mountain ridge elevations and depressions covered with lakes and deeply incised swampy valleys. About 12,000 people inhabit the site, whose main objective is to transition from extractive industries to a sustainable development model based on biological natural resource management, tourism and the rehabilitation of landscapes scarred by mining.

The Mura River (Slovenia) – Located in the eastern part of the country, this biosphere reserve includes the largest preserved complex of floodplains in Slovenia, where the interweaving of natural factors and human presence has created an exceptional cultural riverine landscape. The main sources of income for residents are agriculture, industry, forestry and tourism. 

Marico (South Africa) – Located in the north of the country, this biosphere reserve comprises a unique freshwater ecosystem which includes the Molemane, Molopo and Marico river systems. The ecosystem is characterized by wetlands and a dolomitic system, which constitute a valuable part of South Africa's natural heritage. The savannah and grassland areas support vulnerable plant species such as Searsia maricoana. Endemic fauna include 73 species of mammal such as the African elephant, the black rhinoceros and the lion. The main economic activities are subsistence agriculture, livestock, game ranching and tourism.

Ponga (Spain) – This remote area of sparsely populated mountains and forests is located on the northern slopes of the Cordillera Cantabrica, in the Asturias. The area is renowned for its steep terrain with altitudes ranging from 213 to 2142 metres above sea level. Deep green valleys climb to vertiginous peaks, passing through extensive beech forests. The majority of the vegetation consists of mixed deciduous woodlands, composed of species such as sycamore, alder, ash, chestnut, oak and hazel. The region contains many animal species, a large number of which are protected, notably the brown bear, the western capercaillie, the grey wolf and golden eagle.

Wadi Wurayah (United Arab Emirates) – Situated in the Emirate of Fujairah, the biosphere reserve consists of a water catchment area in an arid climate that is part of the Haiar mountain range. The site hosts a rich fauna and flora endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the last Emirati places where traditional farming practices are still maintained.

Gombe Masito Ugalla (United Republic of Tanzania) – The biosphere reserve, a major site for Chimpanzee research, includes the Gombe National Park, forest land reserves and part of Lake Tanganyika. Faunal species present in the area include African elephants, ornate frogs and eight primate species. Its flora includes a species discovered in, and named after, Gombe (Pleiotaxis gombensis). The biodiversity of Lake Tanganyika includes over 300 fish species, 250 bird species, and reptiles such as the water cobra and the Tanganyika water snake.

Extensions:

Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve ­ [extension and renaming, former Vessertal-Thuringe Biosphere Reserve] (Germany) – designated in 1979, this biosphere reserve was extended in 1986 and 1990. Including its new extension, the site now covers 34,000 ha and should provide support for local communities to create a model region for sustainable development.

Ticino, Val Grande Verbano Biosphere Reserve [extension and renaming of the former Valle del Ticino Biosphere Reserve] (Italy) – Following its extension, wooded and semi-natural areas of the biosphere reserve designated in 2002 now constitute almost half of the entire site compared to 24% previously. The extension also increases the surface of wetlands and water bodies with the presence of large sub-alpine Insubrian lakes, notably Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese.

****

Media contact: Agnès Bardon, UNESCO Media Services, +33(0)145681764, a.bardon@unesco.org

 

Photo gallery: https://en.unesco.org/mab2018

 

Videos of the new biosphere reserves: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/multimedia/news-videos/b-roll/mab-2018/

 



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Thursday, July 19, 2018

CfPs: 2nd Annual Conference of the India Public Policy Network (IPPN)| 4-6 February, Delhi

2nd Annual Conference of the India Public Policy Network (IPPN)

4-6 February 2019 | Delhi, India

Call for Papers
The India Public Policy Network (IPPN), an affiliate of the Asia Pacific Public Policy Network (AP-PPN), will be hosting the 2019 Conference at the Conference Centre, University of Delhi, India, on February 4-6, 2019 The aim of this workshop is to bring together scholars of Public Policy, Public Administration and Public Management from universities and development sectors in India to present their work and engage in discussions on public policy issues. The forum will offer ample opportunities to build networks for future collaborative research.
Politics and Public Policy is the theme of the conference. We invite papers exploring the links between the policy sciences and science of politics and how politics shapes, and is shaped by, public policy. Theoretical and empirical papers shedding light on the opportunities and constraints of different political mechanisms and institutional arrangements, and social and economic contexts shaping public policy are welcome. 
The IPPN Conference 2019 invites three categories of proposals for papers on politics and public policy. (1) Thematic Panels, (2) Special Panel on the Capacity for Sustaining Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), and (3) Individual papers on any aspect of politics and public policy.
Proposals for thematic panels must be accompanied by a 300 words description of the theme, in addition to tentative list of at least 5 papers including authors' names, institutional affiliation, short bio and contact details. Proposals for SBM(G) or individual papers should include 300 words abstracts as well as authors' name, institutional affiliation, short bio and contact details.
Please send abstracts to: indiapublicpolicynetwork2019@gmail.com by 15th September, 2018. Acceptance decisions will be conveyed by 30th September, 2018. 
Convenor: Professor Satyajit Singh, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India. Email: ssinghdu@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Call for Participation in WDR 2019 Competition | World Development Report 2019

Call for Participation in WDR 2019 Competition | World Development Report 2019

 

Accepting Entries Now through 31 August 2018 for the World Bank's Competition on the Changing Nature of Work.

 

The next World Bank World Development Report (WDR) 2019 will address The Changing Nature of Work. For the first time since the World Bank began publishing the WDR in 1978, the writing process has been completely transparent and open to the public. Every Friday afternoon, the latest draft is uploaded to the World Bank website, so that anyone with internet access has an opportunity to read it and engage with the team of authors.  As part of this process, the World Bank has launched a competition for university and college students to submit examples of governments, cities, firms, individuals, or any other actor taking advantage of opportunities created by technology and "the future of work".

 

The Prizes: The three best examples will be awarded prizes of $5,000 and be considered for inclusion in the final report.

Winners will be announced on October 1, 2018.

 

The Theme:

The 2019 World Development Report studies how the nature of work is changing as a result of advances in technology today. While technology improves overall living standards, the process can be disruptive. A new social contract is needed to smooth the transition and guard against inequality. As a first priority, significant investments in human capital throughout a person's lifecycle are vital to ensure workers stay competitive against machines. Second, the changing nature of work demands updates to social protection systems. Traditional provisions of social protection based on steady wage employment, clear definitions of employers and employees, as well as a fixed point of retirement are increasingly obsolete. Third, governments will need additional revenues to fund the investments demanded by the changing nature of work. Governments can generate such revenues through a mix of existing taxes (increases in rates or widening of the tax base), the introduction of new taxes, and improvements in tax administration.

The judges will select examples for publication based on their treatment of the "Changing Nature of Work" theme and on their relevance to messages in the report.

We look forward to reading examples from your country. We are accepting entries now until the competition ends on August 31 2018.


Submit Your Example Today! To enter the competition, prepare a brief summary of your example (maximum 400 words per example, three per participant) and send to wdr2019@worldbank.org. Please include your full name and nationality in the cover email.


Further Details

Monday, July 16, 2018

Call for Applications: 5th IndiaLICS Training Programme on Innovation Systems and Sustainable Development

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply" – Leonardo da Vinci
5th IndiaLICS Training Programme on Innovation Systems and Sustainable Development
14-19 September 2018 |  Mohali (near Chandigarh), Punjab

Call for Applications
Applications from research scholars and early career faculty members are invited for the 5th IndiaLICS training program on Innovation Systems and Sustainable Development to be held in LM Thapar School of Management, Mohali (near Chandigarh), Punjab. The programme intends to expose the participants to various issues and methods in the sphere of research on innovation systems and sustainable development.
IndiaLICS is the India chapter of Globelics, an international network of scholars who apply the concept of Learning, Innovation and Competence-building System (LICS) as a framework for promoting inclusive and sustainable development in developing countries, emerging economies and societies in transition (www.globelics.org). IndiaLICS pro-actively promotes domestic/ national and global exchange of scholarship in innovation systems and the translation of innovation to development outcomes. 
The programme would admit 25 participants. Candidates from SC/ST, minority and women are especially encouraged to apply. The course is residential with full support for travel (2nd AC train fares) and local hospitality for outstation participants. 
The scholars may apply by sending (a) duly filled application form, downloadable from http://indialics.org (b) a detailed CV and (c) an extended abstract/ synopsis (1000 words) of their current research work by email to lakhwindergill@pbi.ac.in (Coordinator–IndiaLICS) or pverma@thapar.edu (Coordinator–CSIS).
The last date for receiving applications is 5th August 2018.
Organizers:
  • Centre for Sustainability Innovations & Strategy (CSIS), LM Thapar School of Management, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Dera-Bassi Campus, Dera Bassi-140507, Mohali (SAS Nagar), Punjab, India; Mobile: +91-9478374656.
  • Centre for Development Economics & Innovation Studies (CDEIS), Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, Punjab, India Mobile: +91-9888755642.

CfPs: 4th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law, 2019

4th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law 

New Delhi, 1st March 2019 

Call for Papers
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) will organize the 4th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law on 1st March, 2019 in New Delhi.

Objectives: This conference aims to:
  • Stimulate research and debate on contemporary issues in the field of economics of competition law.
  • Develop a better understanding of competition issues relevant to the Indian context.
  • Draw inferences for implementation of competition law in India.

Who should participate? The conference targets economists including scholars, practitioners and competition agency officials with a keen interest in economics of competition law and policy.

Submission of papers: A 1000-word abstract of the paper including research questions, methodology and expected results along with one-page curriculum vitae and contact details should be submitted initially. Authors of selected abstracts will then be invited to submit full original papers of not more than 5000 words.


Themes
The Conference is expected to cover a wide range of related themes. However, papers in following themes are encouraged:
1. Market definition, measuring market power and abuse of dominance: Issues like empirical methods of defining markets, measuring market power, and assessment of exclusionary unilateral conduct etc. may be covered among others. 
2. Vertical restraints and competition: Vertical restraints can have many pro-competitive as well as anti-competitive effects. Papers may explore areas such as resale price maintenance, assignment of exclusive territories or exclusive dealing, tying and bundling and circumstances under which these restrictions have anti-competitive effects.
3. Horizontal agreements and cartelization: Prohibition of collusive conduct of firms is a key component of competition law. Papers may explore issues such as economics of collusion, information exchange, price signaling, facilitating factors for cartels, detecting and discouraging cartels etc.
4. Economics of platform markets and challenges for antitrust enforcement: New digital products and business models as well as the special characteristics of digital markets have created new challenges for enforcement and competition policy. Papers may explore new tools and techniques that the discipline of economics offers for assessing competition issues in platform markets. 
5. Intellectual Property Rights and competition law: Competition law will be concerned not with the legitimate exercise of an IP right, but with efforts of the holders of this right to expand the scope, either to new products, or beyond a certain time or by conditioning access to the right on restrictions. Papers may explore areas of recent concerns in the IP- competition law interface.
6. Price and non-price effects of mergers: Economic analysis is playing an increasingly important role in merger review. Papers may focus on recent developments in estimating the effects of mergers (merger simulation, diversion ratios, pricing pressure indices, etc.), innovation effects and welfare effects of mergers including vertical or conglomerate mergers, issues in the use of appropriate remedies, that is, adoption of structural and/or behavioral remedies.
7. Any other issues related to competition policy and law.

Conference fee: There is no conference fee.

Post-conference publication: Depending on the quality of submissions, some papers may be considered for publication by the CCI. Given the limited time available for presentation at the conference, some exceptional papers not selected for presentation may also be considered for inclusion in the publication or the electronic compendium to be placed on the CCI website.
Financial support: Deserving speakers may be considered for financial support.

Venue: New Delhi, India

Important dates and deadlines: 
1. Last date of submission of abstracts | 15th August 2018 23:00 hrs IST
2. Review, Selection and intimation | 1st October 2018
3. Last date for submission of full papers | 1st December 2018
4. Review and Finalization of papers | 1st February 2019
5. Conference date | 1st March 2019.

Selection of themes and speakers: The CCI will have complete discretion in deciding the themes of the sessions based on the responses received as well as in selecting the speakers. Papers based on empirical research that can inform enforcement and policy are encouraged. 

Contact us: Abstracts along with CV may be sent to ecoseminar@cci.gov.in. Requests for further information or any other queries may also be sent to this email id. 

NCAER NDIC invites Student Research Proposals

NCAER National Data Innovation Centre (NDIC)

Request for Student Research Proposals supervised by Faculty Members

Last Date for Submission of Proposals: 20 July, 2018

The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) is India's oldest and largest independent, non-profit, economic research institute. NCAER with its consortium partners, University of Maryland and University of Michigan, has recently set up a new National Data Innovation Centre (NDIC). Initial funding for NDIC is provided by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

The focus of the RFP is to seek for proposals on methodologies for data collection and analysis across the following domains: gender equity, income from different sources, consumption expenditure, employment and unemployment, financial inclusion, health insurance and health expenditure, and agriculture.

The proposals should focus on innovative ideas to improve data quality on the following aspects:

  • Fulfilling data needs and bridging gaps
  • Mode of data collection
  • Questionnaire designing
  • Social desirability bias
  • Interview setting
  • Survey implementation

Eligibility and Funding

Students pursuing their PhD degree or equivalent in any Indian academic or research institute are eligible to apply. We seek proposals from student–faculty teams in order to promote innovations, build skills and foster collaborations between the researchers and senior faculty. NCAER-NDIC will support a budget of up to Rs. 6 lakhs for a period of 12 months. The budget should clearly indicate the actual needs and modes of utilisation of the funding for the proposed project. There is provision for five such grants. Only one grant from each applicant will be considered for funding.

All applications must be emailed to Arpita Kayal, Programme Manager, NDIC (akayal@ncaer.org), in a single PDF document (with the text in 'Georgia' font, point size 12).

For details of the application procedure and selection criteria, please visit the NCAER website.

CoRe - 2018: IGIDR PhD Colloquium | Call for Applications

CoRe - 2018: IGIDR PhD Colloquium | Call for Applications

The Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) invites applications from PhD. scholars for participating in its third Conversations on Research (CoRe): IGIDR PhD. Colloquium. The Colloquium is being organized as part of the Institute's overall mandate to foster excellence in research by stimulating interactions among young researchers across the country.

About: CoRe aims to provide doctoral students of Economics, Energy & Environment, and Development Studies:

(a) a platform to present their on-going research and gain valuable feedback on their work

(b) an opportunity to meet doctoral students from other parts of the country

(c) a forum to discuss emerging issues that concern both theoretical and empirical researchers

(d) guidance on improving the chance of publication through interactions with senior researchers and journal editors

(e) suggestions for post PhD. career options

Date and Venue: November 13-16, 2018, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Goregaon (East), Mumbai

Format: 

a) Full Paper Sessions: A total of 14 PhD. scholars who are in the advanced stage of their doctoral work will be invited to present a paper from their thesis. This will be followed by a discussion led by the chair/discussant. Two slots are earmarked for candidates who made poster presentations in CoRe 2016 & CoRe 2017 subject to their meeting acceptable quality standards.

b) Poster Presentation Sessions: A total of 16 PhD. scholars who are in the initial stages of their PhD. will be invited to present an overview of their thesis in short/poster presentations.

c) Panel discussions: Panel Discussions will be held every evening involving faculty members, journal editors and other resource persons from IGIDR and other academic institutions.

Financial Support: 3rd AC train fare by the shortest route, free accommodation on twin sharing basis, and full boarding.

Application Procedure:

All PhD Scholars registered with a university in India are eligible to apply. Interested participants should send the following documents by email to CoRe@igidr.ac.in: (1) a covering letter, (2) latest CV, (3) scanned (attested) copy of a bonafide certificate from the College/Institute/University authorities, (4) a letter of recommendation from the thesis supervisor, and (5) a completed paper (to be considered for the Full Paper Sessions), or an overview of the thesis (to be considered for Short/Poster Sessions).

All candidates must mention if they participated in CoRe 2016 & CoRe 2017.

Deadlines: The last Date for receiving applications is 31st August, 2018. Selected candidates will be informed by September 30th, 2018.

CoRe Website: www.igidr.ac.in/CoRe

CoRe Email: CoRe@igidr.ac.in

Further Details

 


IDRC invites applications for the IDRC Research Awards 2019


IDRC invites applications for the IDRC Research Awards 2019

This call is open to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries who have recently completed, or are pursuing, a master's or doctoral degree at a recognized university.
The selected candidates will be granted a one-year paid program to undertake research and gain hands-on experience in research and program management.
The application deadline for the IDRC Research Awards 2019 call is 16:00 (EDT) on September 5, 2018.

Scope
Research award recipients will join IDRC for a one-year paid program to undertake research on the topic they have submitted, and will receive hands-on experience in research and program management and support, grant administration, and the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge from an international perspective.
For payroll purposes, awardees are considered full-time employees of IDRC. Benefits include employer contributions to Employment Insurance, Employer Health Tax, the Canada Pension Plan, and paid vacation leave. Some travel and research expenses are also supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.
12 awards will be offered during this call. There is one call per program listed below. You may only choose ONE of the following:
  • Advisory Committee on Research Ethics
  • Agriculture and Food Security
  • Centre of Excellence for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems
  • Climate Change
  • Employment and Growth
  • Food, Environment, and Health
  • Foundations for Innovation
  • Governance and Justice (in Kenya)
  • Livestock Health
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Networked Economies
  • Policy and Evaluation 

Sunday, July 15, 2018

CfPs: International Seminar "Recent Trends and Experimental Approaches in Science, Technology, Nature and Management" | 23 -24 Dec | FDDI, Jodhpur

Society for Science and Nature (SFSN)

India is organizing

http://scienceandnature.org/conference/indexcon.html

 

Two Day International Seminar on

 

"Recent Trends and Experimental Approaches in Science, Technology Nature and Management"

 

On

23 -24 December, 2018

(Sunday & Monday)

FDDI, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

                                                                                         

We would like to invite Research Papers based on original research work from Researchers, Academicians, Corporate Leaders, NGOs, and Students in the field of various innovative thrust areasDoctors, Scientists, Scholars and Students in the areas of Agricultural, Biological, life Sciences,  Natural, Medical, Veterinary,  Fashion, Management and Technology, to  provides a forum for the dissemination of original research results, new ideas, Research and development, practical experiments, which concentrate on both theory and practices

Selected papers will be published in the edited volume and special issue of Journal Publish under the edges of Society for Science and Nature (SFSN) with Oura Prakashan.

 

Best Paper awards will also be given in all thrust areas of seminar

 

With the same, we take this opportunity to invite you all to participate in this Seminar and share your innovative ideas and research outputs. We shall appreciate your participation in the seminar and confirmation for the same at the earliest. 

 

 IMPORTANT DATES

Last Date for Abstract/ full paper Submission

30 October 2018

Last Date for Submission of Selected Full Papers

: 15 Dec.,  2018

Last Date for Registration

: 12 December,  2018

 Last date of Submission for Award
(Emerging, Young, Scientist of the year, Best , Life time achievement and Global Recognition Award)

: 30 October 2018

 

Seminar email id:  sfsn.seminar@gmail.comecosustainable@hotmail.com

 

Note :Please visit our web link for details on regular basis for seminar updates

http://scienceandnature.org/conference/indexcon.html 

 

We request you to forward this mail to your Faculty Colleagues, Friends, Research Scholars and Students for contributing research papers for the same.

 

Registration related inquiries Please contact:


Seminar convener                                          

 

Dr. S. K Gangwar

Associate Professor,

APRI, DRPCAU, PUSA

Ex professor- Axum, Mekelle and Wollega University, UNDP Program

+91 7761067796,  8707885679,  sfsn97@gmail.com

 

 

      


Thursday, July 5, 2018

MHRD Invites Comments & Suggestions on the draft "The Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of UGC Act) Act 2018"

The Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of UGC Act) Act 2018
Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a process of reform of the regulatory agencies for better administration of the higher education sector. A Budget announcement has been to reform the regulatory framework and for revamping the UGC Act.
In fulfilment of the above, several reform measures have already been launched viz, reform of NAAC, Regulation for grant of Graded Autonomy to Universities, granting of Autonomous status to colleges, the Regulation for Open Distance Learning, Regulation for Online degrees etc.
Continuing these reform measures, a draft Act for repeal of UGC and setting up Higher Education Commission of India has been prepared by the Ministry.
Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for HRD appealed to all educationists, stakeholders and general public to give comments and suggestions before 5 p.m. on 7th July 2018 on the draft Act. The comments may be mailed to reformofugc@gmail.com.
The draft Act is in accordance with the commitment of Government for reforming the regulatory systems that provide for more autonomy and facilitate holistic growth of the education system and which provides greater opportunities to the Indian students at more affordable cost. The transformation of the regulatory set up is guided by the following principles:
1. Less Government and more Governance: Downsizing the scope of the Regulation. No more interference in the management issues of the educational institutions. 
2. Separation of Grant Functions: The grant functions would be done by the Ministry, and the HECI would focus only on academic matters.
3. End of Inspection Raj: Regulation is done through transparent public disclosures, merit-based decision making on matters regarding standards and quality in higher education.
4. Focus on Academic Quality: HECI is tasked with the mandate of improving academic standards with specific focus on learning outcomes, evaluation of academic performance by institutions, mentoring of institutions, training of teachers, promote use of educational technology etc. Will develop norms for setting standards for opening and closure of institutions, provide for greater flexibility and autonomy to institutions, lay standards for appointments to critical leadership positions at the institutional level irrespective of University started under any Law (including State Law)
5. Powers to Enforce : The Regulator will have powers to enforce compliance to the academic quality standards and will have the power to order closure of substandard and bogus institutions. Non-compliance could result in fines or jail sentence. 
The MHRD welcomes suggestion on the draft Act for Higher Education Commission of India (repeal of UGC Act) 2018.