http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/18280 2026-04-28T04:03:18Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/22301 Title: DIASPORA AND FUNDAMENTALISM ON SCREEN: A STUDY OF SELECT SOUTH ASIAN MOVIES Authors: MEENA, PRIYA Abstract: South Asian diaspora cinema engages audiences of Western as well as non-Western origins as it depicts experiences of diaspora communities through the themes of nostalgia, cultural hybridity, alienation, immigration, refuge, and many others. The films of South Asian diaspora become a powerful medium in the global world where the message can be conveyed from a single television screen to any place which is far away. As there is an abundance of South Asian diaspora literature, filmmakers choose to adapt diaspora novels to reach larger audiences, which may not be possible through readership because of a lack of knowledge of the English language, which is the prevalent language for diaspora authors. These films break this barrier of language through subtitles and dubbing in other languages. Most of the time, their selection criteria for making film adaptations is the popularity of the novel, which has been widely accepted by readers. Also, curious readers criticise the film adaptations after watching them and sometimes try to compare them, but the transformation from a novel to a film is an arduous task that demands changes due to its distinct medium of expression. In this process, along with plots and characters, the themes shown in the novel are adjusted accordingly. Today, fundamentalism is a global phenomenon often referred to as religion by critics even when it is not just limited to it. After the attack of Al-Qaeda on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, America, the term has gained popularity by the western world. However, it is often misrepresented as merely religious. The social, cultural, political, and economic forms of fundamentalism are not much explored by critics. Despite the plethora of primary sources of vi South Asian diaspora literature and cinema, fundamentalism is not even considered a theme. When it comes to film adaptations, any inaccurate representation can be taken for granted. Secondary sources do touch upon the connection of fundamentalism with globalisation and culture, but they fail to associate it with the struggles of diaspora people of South Asia. There is a dearth of addressing fundamentalism in South Asian films by critics. This study, "Diaspora and Fundamentalism on Screen: A Study of Select South Asian Movies," aims to explore this gap in the phenomenon of fundamentalism depicted in select South Asian movies, which are cinematic adaptations of select source texts. The primary sources selected for the current research are three film adaptations of South Asian diaspora based on the three well-known novels of prominent South Asian diaspora authors. These works are Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger, Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, which deal with India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, respectively. Authors of these novels look at society from their perspectives, which is reflected in their unique representations of fundamentalism. All the main characters—Balram from The White Tiger, Changez from The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and Amir from The Kite Runner—are products of globalisation, which shapes their personal identities. Their thought processes and actions are consequences of globalisation. However, fundamentalism is also a part of globalisation and culture and sometimes hinders the growth of their dreams and desires. Despite belonging to the diaspora, all three cinematic renditions and the novels are distinct in their representation of fundamentalism. The study is relevant to understand how South Asian diaspora filmmakers reconstruct fundamentalism in the contemporary context and how there is a need to observe this concept in depth as it affects both natives and diaspora communities of the countries. The thesis is divided into five chapters. The first chapter gives a brief introduction to the South Asian diaspora, its literature, and its cinema, along with research vii questions and objectives. This is the foundation of the thesis, as fundamentalism’s correlation with culture is explored in it. The second chapter provides a theoretical framework with film as an interdisciplinary art and how it reflects society, which in the case of the present study is reflected as the contemporary issue of fundamentalism noticed in the novels and the films. The prominent themes of South Asian diaspora films are highlighted too. In the third chapter, culture and globalisation and how they play a role in the representation of fundamentalism are analysed. The fourth chapter is the core chapter, which compares the depiction of fundamentalism in the select novels and their film adaptations. The last chapter summarises the key points of the research and provides future directions for further research for scholars. In this way, the present study holds significance in the field of South Asian diaspora as it connects globalisation, fundamentalism, and South Asian diaspora cinema. 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/21489 Title: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF TECH- STARTUPS: A STUDY IN THE CONTEXT OF DELHI- NCR Authors: ARORA, DIKSHA Abstract: The rapid growth and emergence of technology startups, or tech-startups, have become pivotal in shaping the global economy, with the Delhi NCR region in India playing a significant role in this transformation. However, the growth and success of these ventures are influenced by a multitude of factors, ranging from the characteristics of the founders to the internal dynamics of the startups themselves, and the external market environment. This research, titled "Opportunities and Challenges of Tech Startups: A Study in the Context of Delhi NCR," aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these factors and their interactions. By focusing on four key objectives, the study explores the opportunities that fuel the growth of tech-startups and the challenges they face in their pursuit of success. The first objective of this study is to examine how both founder-specific and firm-specific factors impact the financial performance of tech-startups in the Delhi NCR region. The findings indicate that founder characteristics—such as prior experience, skills, and gender—play a crucial role in determining the startup's success. Startups led by experienced founders, particularly those with a background in managing other startups, tend to perform better financially. Moreover, gender diversity in founding teams, particularly those with female founders, was found to positively influence financial outcomes. Additionally, the firm’s internal capabilities, such as innovation, technology development, and organizational culture, are significant contributors to financial performance. The research highlights that startups developing their own technologies outperform those that rely on purchased technologies, indicating the importance of innovation in sustaining growth. Contrary to some existing literature, the study found that the size of the startup does not have a direct impact on revenue growth, challenging traditional assumptions about the scaling of startups. iv The second objective investigates the factors influencing the export propensity and export intensity of tech-startups. In a world increasingly shaped by globalization, understanding the international expansion potential of startups is crucial. The study employs both Logit Regression and OLS regression models to identify the key determinants influencing export behavior. The results reveal that technology adoption and commercial ability are among the most significant factors determining the likelihood of a startup entering international markets (export propensity) and the intensity of their export activities (export intensity). Startups that embrace innovative technologies and demonstrate strong commercial capabilities are more inclined to engage in international markets, and once they do, they generate a higher proportion of revenue from exports. Furthermore, achieving financial breakeven status was found to enhance the probability of engaging in export activities, underlining the importance of financial stability and market credibility. However, the research also uncovers a significant challenge: startups with female founders are less likely to engage in exports, reflecting potential gender-based biases in access to global markets. This finding calls for targeted interventions to support female entrepreneurs, including promoting STEM education and providing access to international networks. The third objective of the study explores the determinants of initial funding sources among tech-startups. The early-stage financing decisions of startups are critical to their survival and growth, and understanding these decisions is essential for fostering a supportive environment for new ventures. The research finds that founder education and prior industry experience are significant factors influencing funding choices. Educated founders tend to seek external financing options, such as incubators and private equity, rather than relying on personal funds (3 F). Interestingly, founders with prior startup experience are more likely to access non-repayable funding sources like subsidies and incubators. The study also highlights that startups with a strong growth orientation are more likely to attract private equity funding, as investors seek high returns, such as through an v IPO. Furthermore, the availability of real estate assets influences the likelihood of obtaining bank loans, with startups owning property being more likely to secure funding from public or private banks. Age is another determinant, with younger founders favoring alternative funding sources and older founders more likely to turn to traditional financing options. Despite these variations, gender was found not to significantly influence funding decisions, suggesting that financial institutions do not discriminate based on the founder's gender. The fourth objective delves into the challenges that tech-startups face, particularly those located in Delhi NCR. The study identifies several key barriers to startup growth, including limited access to capital, regulatory hurdles, difficulties in talent acquisition, and intense competition within the market. These challenges are particularly pronounced for early-stage startups that lack the financial resources and market experience to navigate these obstacles effectively. The study suggests that addressing these challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Policymakers must create more favorable regulatory frameworks and offer incentives that reduce barriers to entry. Investors should consider more flexible funding models tailored to the needs of startups. Moreover, fostering a robust ecosystem that includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources like office space and technology infrastructure can significantly mitigate some of the challenges startups face. In this context, a supportive environment can enable startups to not only survive but thrive, driving innovation, technological advancement, and contributing to broader economic growth. In conclusion, this research offers valuable insights into the dynamics of tech-startups in the Delhi NCR region. It provides a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing their financial performance, international expansion, funding strategies, and the challenges they face. By identifying key determinants of success and barriers to growth, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs. The findings suggest that fostering a supportive ecosystem, particularly one that addresses gender disparities and provides tailored funding options, is essential for nurturing the next generation of successful tech-startups. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/21371 Title: LIBERALISATION IN AGRICULTURAL TRADE: A STUDY OF FOOD SECURITY IN INDIA AFTER 2001 Authors: VERMA, HARIOM PRAKASH Abstract: This thesis, titled ”Liberalisation in Agricultural Trade: A Study of Food Security in India after 2001,” examines the impacts of trade liberalisation on food security in India through three objectives: analyzing food price volatility, evaluating agri cultural trade’s impact on farm income, and assessing its effect on food availability. Food price volatility is studied using monthly indices (2013–2022) via ARCH and GARCH models. Volatility persists in cereals, oils, and pulses, contradicting the view that liberalisation stabilizes prices. The ARDL approach (1991–2021) reveals a long-run positive relationship between farm income (Agricultural GDP), exports, fertilizer use, and crop yield, with imports having no significant long-term effect. In the short run, imports and fertilizer use impact farm income. Dietary Energy Supply (DES) is used to assess food availability, showing strong long-term benefits from trade liberalisation, though short-term challenges persist. The study highlights the varied impacts of trade liberalisation on food prices, farm income, and food availability, emphasizing the need for nuanced agricultural policies to maximize benefits and address challenges. 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z http://dspace.dtu.ac.in:8080/jspui/handle/repository/21363 Title: A STUDY OF THE INTERRELATIONSHIP AMONG ENERGY, ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT Authors: SINGH, AKANKSHA Abstract: The intricate interplay among energy, economy, and environment constitutes a fundamental axis that significantly impacts sustainable development on a global scale. This research examines the coupling coordination of the 3Es through an extensive analysis of case studies from India, the United Kingdom, and Germany, covering various periods and contexts. The results underscore the intricate interplay between developmental trajectories, energy policies, and environmental strategies in shaping sustainability outcomes. In India, from 2006 to 2018, the coupling coordination index (CCI) exhibited notable variations, rising from 0.4, indicative of mild disorder, in 2006 to 0.6049, representing primary coordination, in 2015, before experiencing a decline to 0.579, which reflects a state of barely coordinated, by 2018. This trajectory was shaped by concerted initiatives aimed at broadening energy access, sustaining economic growth, and diminishing energy intensity. Nonetheless, the nation’s dependence on coal for more than 60% of its electricity production has resulted in considerable greenhouse gas emissions, as demonstrated by the decrease in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) to 0.306 in 2018. The contribution of renewable energy to the total energy demand stands at a modest 5%, with substantial obstacles in financing, characterised by elevated debt costs ranging from 12% to 14%, alongside challenges related to land availability that impede advancement. Analysis of data from the United Kingdom spanning from 1965 to 2021 indicates a robust positive correlation between GDP, manufacturing, and energy consumption with CO2 emissions, observable in both short-term and long-term contexts. Notwithstanding the notable advancements achieved in diminishing emissions by 43% from 1990 to 2020, fossil fuels continued to represent a substantial 76% of the energy composition in 2021. The proportion of vi renewable energy sources, while experiencing an increase from 4% in 1990 to 13% in 2021, continues to be inadequate in mitigating the environmental repercussions associated with emissions from industrial activities and transportation. Policy reforms have facilitated decarbonisation; however, to meet the Sixth Carbon Budget's objective of a 78% reduction in emissions by 2035, it is imperative to expedite the adoption of renewable energy sources, with a specific focus on offshore wind, aiming for a capacity of 40 GW by 2030. The examination of Germany's situation from 1970 to 2021 elucidates the complexities associated with industrial emissions and transportation in the endeavour to mitigate CO2 emissions, notwithstanding the considerable advancements in renewable energy implementation. The data indicated a positive correlation between CO2 emissions and both energy consumption and air freight transport, whereas the influence of renewable energy on emissions reduction was found to be statistically insignificant. Nuclear energy, which was originally advocated as a more environmentally friendly option, reached its zenith in 1985. However, following the Fukushima disaster and subsequent societal opposition, it experienced a downturn after 2012, culminating in its gradual discontinuation. As of 2021, renewable energy sources represented 42% of total electricity generation, while coal maintained a significant contribution of 28%. This highlights the urgent necessity for accelerated coal phase-out initiatives and the implementation of more stringent industrial emission regulations. The analysis of these studies reveals significant systemic challenges in achieving a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. The reliance on traditional energy sources, including coal and oil, persists in intensifying environmental degradation. Industrial emissions constitute 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in nations such as India, whereas transport and aviation play a substantial role in the emissions profile of developed vii countries like Germany and the UK. The complexities presented by these challenges demand immediate and focused interventions, particularly the implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. CCUS has surfaced as a credible approach for mitigating emissions from sectors that are challenging to decarbonise, including steel, cement, and thermal power. In the context of India, the incorporation of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies within coal-fired power generation facilities has the capacity to diminish greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 30% to 40%. On a global scale, the implementation of such technologies presents the opportunity for significant economic efficiencies, with potential cost savings ranging from $60 to $100 for each tonne of carbon dioxide captured. Concurrently, the expansion of renewable energy sources, particularly offshore wind and urban solar initiatives, has the potential to enhance energy diversification and mitigate reliance on fossil fuels. Denmark’s achievement in wind energy, reaching a 72% share of renewable electricity in 2020, serves as a model that can be replicated. To attain sustainable development, nations must implement comprehensive strategies that incorporate renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and utilise carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies. The shift towards a sustainable energy future necessitates a careful equilibrium among economic development, energy security, and the preservation of the environment. This study highlights the critical necessity for synchronised international efforts, innovation in technology, and well-structured policy frameworks to realise the ambitious objectives of carbon neutrality and sustainable development. 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z