This book, which has evolved from my PhD work, owes its existence to the support and guidance of numerous individuals. Foremost, I extend my deepest gratitude to my research advisor Dr. V. Hari Narayanan, whose mentorship was instrumental in shaping both the original research and its adaptation into this book. His commitment to rigorous inquiry and critical thinking has profoundly influenced my academic journey.
I also owe a significant debt of gratitude to the members of my research committee and the external reviewers. Their insightful feedback and thoughtful critiques were pivotal in refining my work and provided the encouragement needed to pursue its transformation into this publication.
I would also like to express my appreciation to my friends, colleagues and the broader academic community at IIT Jodhpur. Their diverse perspectives and ongoing support have been invaluable in broadening my understanding of the complex issues addressed in this work.
Finally, I am immensely grateful to my family—my parents, siblings, and in-laws—whose unwavering support and motivation have been the bedrock of my success. To my wife, whose love, understanding, and companionship have been my guiding light, I offer my heartfelt thanks.