There has been a well-recognized need in the literature to improve the reliability of existing correlations for predicting the pressure drop in dilute phase vertical solid-gas suspension flow. To accomplish this, most of the available data in literature were collected and experiments conducted to extend the range of parameters. On the basis of these data, a comparative study of the existing correlations was made and a more reliable predictive correlation is proposed.

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh (HP) are the two northern states of the Indian union. The two neighbouring states are mountainous and backward as compared to the rest of the country. Of the two, J&K has more natural resources and population. On the contrary, HP, over time, has demonstrated higher outcomes in terms of basic indicators, gross state domestic product (GSDP) and economic growth. This article examines these two economies and attempts to compare them on the basis of their respective efficiencies in industrial production. Although data on GSDP show that HP has grown over time and has surpassed that of J&K in 2017–2018, technical efficiencies of the two regions, as drawn from Annual Survey of Industries (2017), are low and converging. Stochastic frontier results demonstrate that industrialisation in both regions is labour-intensive. Tobit regression results point to low contribution of inputs towards technical efficiency. Also, minimal use of communication and technology, low profits and weak policies contribute negatively in the direction of the technical efficiency of the firms in the two regions. The results specifically imply that in the region of J&K, government support and interventions are needed to address both endogenous and exogenous factors contributing to firms’ inefficiencies.

Health outcomes in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have shown improvement in recent decades. However, nutritional achievements, particularly among children under the age of five, have not seen similar progress. Various factors influence the nutritional status of this age group, with the socio-cultural and biological attributes of mothers being considered significant determinants. While some studies have examined these attributes, there is a scarcity of research exploring the causal link between socio-culturally determined factors, such as maternal education, and child nutritional achievements, especially in Indian states located in North India. This paper aims to address this gap by analysing the prevalence of acute malnutrition (stunting) among children under five in Jammu and Kashmir in relation to educational inequality among mothers. The latest round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) is used to assess the levels of stunting (low height for age) among children, considering the literacy status of mothers and other control variables. Bivariate and multivariable methods are employed to study the association and identify risk factors. Additionally, the Oaxaca decomposition method is used to analyse the educational gap in factors associated with child stunting. The results indicate a higher prevalence of stunting among children of uneducated mothers (29%) compared to those of educated mothers (25%). The findings demonstrate a lower risk of stunting among children whose mothers are literate (OR 0.89). The Oaxaca decomposition analysis reveals a statistically significant difference in stunting between children based on their mother's education. These results highlight the wide disparities in acute malnutrition among children due to variations in maternal education. It is therefore crucial for policymakers to prioritize efforts to reduce educational disparities in order to alleviate the nutritional burden faced by children.

The process of research and development (R&D) is characterised by improvisation, improvement and innovation based on information, knowledge and experimentation. It is the key to modern industrial development. Theoretically, firms are supposed to invest in R&D in order to enhance their existing offering and stay in business, given the competitive globalised market. The Indian economy is characterised as one of the growing global economies. Industrialisation process in India is dominated by the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A low level of operation keeps these firms on a small budget, thus making the sector non-conducive in conducting firm-specific R&D. The current article is an empirical elucidation of the MSMEs’ industrialisation process in light of industry-specific R&D. The study is based on the Annual Survey of Industries data, analysing the national-level industrialisation process for 3 years from 2016 through 2018. The article finds that the overall MSME sector-specific R&D atmosphere in the country is not satisfactory. There is no correlation and symmetry between the level of industrialisation across states, average output and the R&D process. The findings of the article recommend a change in the industrial policy with a focus on the growth and development of industry-specific R&D.

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