Blanket Ban Research Articles

A study of the use of artificial intelligence by student-teachers

Aim. The study aims to know how student-teachers of B.Ed. courses make use of AI for education and their opinion about the use of AI in education, in general. Methods. The Survey method was used for the study. There were 72 student-teachers of B.Ed the course of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, and studying at Tilak Col- lege of Education, Pune, India, participated in the survey. The questionnaire was the data collection tool for the study. The questionnaire was circulated on WhatsApp group through Google Form which had 12 questions with choices based on the status variable. Results. The data analysis of the 12 questions was done by using percentages and it was presented in Pie charts for each question. The results summarise that most of the stu- dent- teachers use ChatGPT, most of the student-teachers use AI for lessons, practicals, reports, and presentations and student-teachers use AI sometimes in a limited manner. According to the analysis of student-teachers, the use of AI should not be banned but regulations and guidelines should be there. Conclusions. The study underlines that student-teachers use AI in their course and they are in support of use of AI in education. Hence there is a need for general guidelines from the apex bodies regarding use of AI in Education rather than a blanket ban on AI.

Marriage and Strategic Confrontation: A Critical Analysis of Indian Society

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women in General Recommendation no. 21 (the 13th session, 1994) on the declaration of equality between women and men for human rights has discouraged polygamous marriage practices ( https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/recommendations/recomm.htm#top ). Further, the United Nations Human Rights Committee’s assertion in 2000 on the General Assembly of the UN contends about the direct connection of marriage with human dignity and acknowledges only state-approved monogamous marriage can tantamount to social development, by fostering equality, justice and cosmic harmony. On the contrary, polygamous marriage treats humans unequally and subordinates women, following such type of marriages breach the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, recommending the blanket ban of the practice of polygamy. It is significant that treating woman as less than man not only subjugates them but hinders the development of the whole society. To secure social harmony, the state can legislate a rule for all its citizens irrespective of their religion. Notwithstanding, independent Indian Constitutional Laws facilitate monogamy practice on the one hand, and on the other hand allow polygamy as an atypical form of marriage in another personal law. Therefore, in this article, first, I examine the notion of marriage in Indian tradition and then compare Indian marriage standards with the Western approach of monogamy, as a society’s right, as a right to moral independence and as an ethical analogue. Following that, I argue whether contemporary Indian society’s legislation on marriage fits into Western standards or triggers a strategic confrontation.

Estimating the spatiotemporal distribution of PM2.5 concentrations in Tianjin during the Chinese Spring Festival: Impact of fireworks ban

Settingoff fireworks during the Spring Festival (SF) is a traditional practice in China. However, because of its environmental impact, the Chinese government has banned this practice completely. Existing evaluations of the effectiveness of firework prohibition policies (FPPs) lack spatiotemporal perspectives, making it difficult to comprehensively assess their effects on air quality. Consequently, this study used remote sensing technology based on aerosol optical depth and multiple variables, compared nine statistical learning methods, and selected the optimal model, transformer, to estimate daily spatiotemporal continuous PM2.5 concentration datasets for Tianjin from 2016 to 2020. The overall model accuracy reached a root mean square error of 15.30 μg/m³, a mean absolute error of 9.55 μg/m³, a mean absolute percentage error of 21.07%, and an R2 of 0.88. Subsequently, we analysed the variations in PM2.5 concentrations from three time dimensions–the entire year, winter, and SF periods–to exclude the impact of interannual variations on the experimental results. Additionally, we quantitatively estimated firework-specific PM2.5 concentrations based on time-series forecasting. The results showed that during the three years following the implementation of the FPPs, firework-specific PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 52.70%, 49.76%, and 86.90%, respectively, compared to the year before the implementation of the FPPs. Spatially, the central urban area and industrial zones are more affected by FPPs than the suburbs. However, daily variations of PM2.5 concentrations during the SF showed that high concentrations of PM2.5 produced in a short period will return to normal rapidly and will not cause lasting effects. Therefore, the management of fireworks needs to consider both environmental protection and the public's emotional attachment to traditional customs, rather than simply imposing a blanket ban on fireworks. We advocate improving firework policies in four aspects–production, sales, supervision, and control–to promote sustainable development of the ecological environment and human society.

Sea cucumber significance: Drying techniques and India's comprehensive status.

Sea cucumbers, members of the echinoderm class Holothuroidea, are marine invertebrates with ecological significance and substantial commercial value. With approximately 1700 species, these organisms contribute to marine ecosystems through nutrient cycling and face various threats, including overfishing and habitat loss. Despite their importance, they are extensively exploited for diverse applications, from seafood to pharmaceuticals. This study investigates sea cucumbers' nutritional profile and bioactive elements, emphasizing their role as sources of essential compounds with potential health benefits. The demand for sea cucumbers, especially in dried form, is significant, prompting exploration into various drying techniques. Examining the global trade in sea cucumbers highlights their economic importance and the conservation challenges they face. Conservation efforts, such as awareness campaigns and international collaboration, are evaluated as essential steps in combating illicit trade and promoting the sustainable stewardship of sea cucumber populations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Around 1700 species of sea cucumbers were identified as vital ecological scavengers in the Holothuroidea class. High commercial value due to their health benefits, particularly their demonstrated inhibitory effect against various types of cancer. "Beche-de-mer" holds a 90% market share and is regarded as a luxury food item in Southeast Asian countries. Due to overexploitation, the species isclassified as Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) in India, prompting the implementation of a blanket ban on their harvesting to ensure its conservation.

Status and trends in the international wildlife trade in Chameleons with a focus on Tanzania.

Chameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are a distinctive group of reptiles, mainly found in Africa, which have high local endemism and face significant threats from the international wildlife trade. We review the scale and structure of international chameleon trade, with a focus on collection in and exports from Tanzania; a hotspot of chameleon diversity. Analysis used data from the CITES Trade Database 2000-2019, combined with assessment of online trade, and on-the-ground surveys in Tanzania in 2019. Between 2000 and 2019, 1,128,776 live chameleons from 108 species were reported as exported globally, with 193,093 of these (from 32 species) exported by Tanzania. Both global and Tanzanian chameleon exports declined across the study period, driven by decreased trade in generalist genera. Whilst the proportion of captive-bred individuals increased across time for the generalist taxa, the majority of range-restricted taxa in trade remained largely wild-sourced. For Tanzanian exports, 41% of chameleons were from one of the 23 endemic species, and 10 of the 12 Tanzanian endemic species in trade are categorised as threatened with extinction by IUCN. In terms of online trade, of the 42 Tanzanian species assessed, there was evidence of online sale for 83.3% species, and 69% were actively for sale with prices listed. Prices were on average highest for Trioceros species, followed by Kinyongia, Rieppeleon, Rhampholeon, and Chameleo. Field work in Tanzania provided evidence that the historic harvest of endemic chameleon species has been higher than the quantities of these species reported as exported by Tanzania in their annual trade reports to CITES. However, we found no field evidence for trade in 2020 and 2021, in line with Tanzanian regulations that applied a blanket ban on all exports of live wild animals. Literature evidence, however, suggests that illegal trade continued to Europe from seizures of Tanzanian chameleon species in Austria in 2021.

Sustainable Consumption and Social Justice: Should Countries Take Action to Ban the Sale of Products Made under Sweatshop Conditions?

This paper investigates the subject of sweatshop labour and the debate over whether countries should prohibit the sale of products produced under such conditions. The introduction emphasises the importance of better working conditions and minimal standards in sweatshop factories, while also admitting that customers may be ready to pay slightly higher costs to support better working circumstances for sweatshop workers. However, economists say that sweatshop labour is preferable than not working or working for extremely low wages, and that a blanket ban on sweatshop products could result in job losses and other negative repercussions. The literature study explores a range of viewpoints on sweatshop labour, including moral and financial grounds. Additionally, it highlights how consumer movements and market pressure influence businesses to improve working conditions. The paper also emphasises the issue's complexity and the need for a fair policy that considers employees' rights and practical factors. To improve the working circumstances of sweatshop workers, a multi-pronged strategy is recommended. This method includes consumer pressure, government regulation, and voluntary codes of conduct. The importance of striking a compromise that takes into account differing points of view and deals with the complexities of the sweatshop labour issue is emphasised in the conclusion. Overall, the study provides a thorough assessment of the subject, emphasising the necessity for ethical manufacturing processes and improved working conditions while taking into account economic ramifications and unexpected consequences.

Banning “braingasm”: an investigation of misogynistic politics in 8Chan’s, U.S. platforms’ and CCP’s regulation of ASMR

ABSTRACT This article analyses a global attack on ASMR women producers who produce “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” videos initiated by 8Chan, U.S. platforms and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We consider ASMR as a form of feminine labour that employs bodily and sensory effects to generate affective pleasures, and it troubles boundaries and expectations about women’s social positions. The very fact that such labour became the target of 8Chan men, deemed as a risk to creditor policies and was subjected to a national blanket ban raises the question of why ASMR is the target of these diverse political-economic entities. Drawing on 8Chan, U.S. platforms and CCP’s discussions around ASMR, this paper contends ASMR became the target across the two most prominent political contexts because it challenges these entities’ claimed legitimacy in excluding feminine enjoyment. Our research politicises the misogynistic aspects of regulating/deplatforming sex: the three political-economic entities’ regulation of ASMR is driven by the desire to monopolise the rights to define “correct” forms of enjoyment, to profit from enjoyment, and the rights to enjoy, respectively.

Blood lead levels in an endangered vulture decline following changes in hunting activity

Lead ammunition stands out as one of the most pervasive pollutants affecting wildlife. Its impact on bird populations have spurred efforts for the phase-out of leaded gunshot in several countries, although with varying scopes and applications. Ongoing and future policy changes require data to assess the effectiveness of adopted measures, particularly in the current context of biodiversity loss. Here, we assessed the long-term changes in blood lead (Pb) levels of Egyptian vultures from the Canary Islands, Spain, which have been severely affected by Pb poisoning over the past two decades. During this period, the reduction in hunting pressure and changes in legislation regarding firearms usage for small game hunting likely contributed to a decrease in environmental Pb availability. As anticipated, our results show a reduction in Pb levels, especially after the ban on wild rabbit hunting with shotgun since 2010. This effect was stronger in the preadult fraction of the vulture population. However, we still observed elevated blood Pb levels above the background and clinical thresholds in 5.6% and 1.5% of individuals, respectively. Our results highlight the positive impact of reducing the availability of Pb from ammunition sources on individual health. Nonetheless, the continued use of Pb gunshot remains an important source of poisoning, even lethal, mainly affecting adult individuals. This poses a particular concern for long-lived birds, compounding by potential chronic effects associated with Pb bioaccumulation. Our findings align with recent studies indicating insufficient reductions in Pb levels among European birds of prey, attributed to limited policy changes and their uneven implementation. We anticipated further reductions in Pb levels among Egyptian vultures with expanded restrictions on hunting practices, including a blanket ban on Pb shot usage across all small game species.

Unravelling the interlinkages: agency and vulnerability of hazardous child labour in Bangladesh

The prevalence of child labour in Bangladesh is a major concern, exposing children to hazardous working conditions with severe physical and psychological impacts on their well being. This ethnographic study investigates the interplay between the agency and vulnerability of child labourers in hazardous battery-recycling workshops, exploring the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to their vulnerability. The research posits that while addressing poverty and socio-­economic challenges is essential to combat child labour, a blanket ban on child labour in developing countries might be unfeasible due to complex economic factors. Therefore, the study suggests a middle ground between the ‘absolutist universalist’ and ‘contextualist’ approaches. This approach entails improving working conditions, enforcing age-related labour laws, and revising child labour policies to reflect the needs and views of children and their families. It emphasises participatory decision-making and introduces support measures for children compelled to work, including residential vocational schools and stipends. The study also advocates treating hazardous child labour as child abuse, legally combating it, and increasing public awareness against such practices. Additionally, the paper underscores the necessity of re-evaluating current social policies and thoroughly assessing anti-poverty initiatives to effectively curb child labour.

Assisted Dying Bill [HL]: ignorance within the House?

Presently, within the United Kingdom, the House of Lords are engaged with the latest challenge to the blanket ban on any and all forms of assisted suicide. The Assisted Dying Bill [HL], which now resides in the Committee Stage, provides an exemption for medical practitioners assisting patients in self-administering medicine to end their lives. The Bill is identical to the previous Bill introduced by Lord Falconer. In light of developments within other foreign jurisdictions, the similarities and, perhaps more significantly, differences between the legislative pieces provide an interesting comparative discussion. The Canadian Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation has been in force since 2016 and has since been amended (March 2021). As Canada is somewhat further down the ‘legal road’ in regulating assisted dying, it may prove a fruitful endeavour to use the Canadian developments to assess and predict the possible trajectory of the Assisted Dying Bill in the UK. Features of the Bill reflect similar provisions that have been adjusted or removed in the Canadian legislation, features that are of significant importance and solemnity in the context of those wishing to access assistance in dying. Such examples include that it necessitates that the patient commit the final act, are expected to die within 6 months, and that there must be a ‘reflection period’. Statistical data reporting in Canada has given valuable insight to the provision of MAiD, including some of the features highlighted. The question becomes ‘should the UK Parliament be paying more attention to the Canadian developments in the context of domestic assisted dying Bills?’ Assisted dying is irrefutably embedded deep within many aspects of society. Whether there exists sufficient differences between the societies of the two jurisdictions will determine if the UK is being unnecessarily ignorant or responsibly contextual.

Study of Consumption and Disposal Practices Related to Polythene Shopping Bags


 
 
 The widespread use of polythene shopping bags raises significant environmental concerns about adverse effects to marine ecosystems, wild life and impacts resulting from litter all of which require public resources to mitigate or manage. The main objective of this study is to understand the consumer behaviour on polythene bag usage, their awareness on adverse impacts and their willingness to pay for a tax on reducing polythene bag usage. Data were collected from 100 respondents selected from different locations in Sri Lanka conveniently using a structured online questionnaire. In investigating an economic instruments for reducing pollution from polythene bags, payment from the polluter was obtained from two different methods such increasing the price of the polythene bag and imposing a tax on production of polythene shopping bags. In this analysis, it was considered two different dependent variables and the four independent variables. Those dependent variables are willingness to pay for polythene shopping bag and imposing tax on production. Four independent variables were considered for each regression models such as Household income, number of times of usage of polythene shopping bags, environmental impacts and adequacy about government initiatives. The results indicate that among the respondents 86% have all types of polythene waste and 81% separate polythene waste from their collected waste stream, 60% sort polythene waste as clean and unclean before disposal, 61.50% hand over polythene waste to municipal solid waste collectors and 18% of respondents dump the garbage pit in the backyard and 13% of respondents burn it. Most (85%) of respondents don‘t agree that burning polythene is harmful to life and 92% don‘t agree that dumping polythene bags to garbage pits will provide breeding grounds to mosquitos. Majority is using the bags only one or two times but printed /branded bags are being used one to five times. Majority (36%) of respondents suggests a tax of Rs. 5.00 to pay for a polythene shopping bag which can carry 2-3kg per bag and 31 per cent respondents suggested Rs. 2.00. Most of the respondents prefer to switch to a bio-degradable or reusable bag completely if the government put a blanket ban on polythene. The study suggests that educating and making awareness related to the usage and disposal practices related to the polythene shopping bags is very important for the behaviour of the consumer. Introducing an economic instrument related to increasing the price of the polythene shopping bag or imposing a tax at the production or switch to a reusable bag or any other environmentally friendly alternative as a substitute for polythene shopping bags would be a timely action as the majority of the selected sample is ready and willing to embrace these alternatives.
 Keywords: Polythene, Shopping bags, Reusable, Consumer behaviour, Price
 
 

Borrowed Words and Judicial Gestalt: A Dialogical Reading of Hirst, the ECtHR and Prisoner Voting Rights

Abstract This article suggests that judgments of the European Court of Human Rights exhibit a textual quality that Mikhail Bakhtin called dialogism, namely, a kind of discourse constituted by a plurality of mutually effecting and interpenetrated voices. Such compositional choice is not just a lengthy prolegomenon to any decision, nor an unnecessary appendix that could be safely eliminated; it is actually fundamental for the construction—and comprehension—of any ECtHR opinion. In this article, I will focus on the 2005 case of Hirst, in which the Grand Chamber declared that the UK legislative blanket ban on prisoner voting is incompatible with the European Convention of Human Rights. As a controversial case about as-yet live-wire issues, Hirst can be shown to be a profoundly dialogized text despite all appearances to the contrary, which paves the way for a more general argument about the dialogical practice of adjudication by the Court.

Debate 2: Cross Border Reproductive Care Should Be Banned

Motion: For The opinions expressed in this debate are not the personal opinions of the presenter but are points raised to provide a debate. CBRC is defined as “movement of persons from one jurisdiction to another in order to access or provide treatment. Often called “reproductive tourism” but it is “reproductive exile” Existed for many years before fertility treatment-Irish women going to England for abortion. Why? Either unavailable or more affordable. Avoid legal, religious, or ethical restrictions Do we want to encourage breaking the laws of home? Do we encourage exploitation of poor donors/surrogates? Do we want to encourage avoidance of record keeping of donors? CONCERNS Health and safety Legal difficulties, e.g., passport for child Exploitation Children as a “commodity” Children abandoned e.g., Abnormalities SAFEGUARDS Balance rights of individuals against rights of children Need global guidelines/laws- UNTIL THEN; BAN CBRC. Motion: Against Cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) has become a dynamic global phenomenon encompassing various fertility treatments and practices, including surrogacy, embryo donation, age limit, marital status, cost considerations, advanced technology, support systems, known clinician or clinic preference, frozen embryo use, international job transfers, sex selection, PGTA restrictions, and restrictions on the number of embryos transferred. This debate revolves around the motion against banning CBRC, acknowledging its multifaceted nature and the need for comprehensive evaluation of its legal, ethical, and economic implications. CBRC has emerged as a lifeline for individuals facing restrictive reproductive laws in their home countries, offering hope and expanded choices for family building. Critics express concerns over potential exploitation, inadequate regulations, and safety risks associated with CBRC. Ethical dilemmas arise regarding patient autonomy, justice, and discrimination, particularly for LGBTQI individuals seeking fertility treatments in less legally restrictive countries. International organizations such as ESHRE, ASRM, ICMART, and IFFS have initiated efforts to collect data and set guidelines for CBRC. However, more work is needed to establish standardized data registries and harmonize laws to accurately assess the magnitude and scope of CBRC worldwide. A balanced approach to CBRC involves collaborative global governance and cooperation to address challenges while upholding patient rights and ensuring responsible practices. Facilitating access to advanced fertility treatments and safeguarding against potential risks are paramount considerations in shaping the future of cross-border reproductive care. In conclusion, the complexities surrounding CBRC warrant thoughtful deliberation and international collaboration. Rather than imposing a blanket ban, an inclusive approach focusing on transparency, safety, and ethical considerations will foster a responsible and balanced implementation of cross-border reproductive care.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Abortion, Catholicism, the Populist Right and Public Health Threats in Poland

This article analyzes how and why a near-total abortion ban was recently secured by a populist ruling party with support from Catholic Church leaders and lay groups following earlier passage of one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. The paper further examines the public health threats posed by these measures, which have long been under-researched. These policy shifts are situated within the deeply embedded context of Poland’s abortion conflict and a setting that has long been challenging for reproductive health. The 1993 ban led to the resurgence of clandestine abortions, a near-total privatization of abortion services, and more women seeking abortion services overseas. In late 2020, the exemption for severe fetal anomalies that made up 97% of all legal abortion cases in prior years was eliminated. Neither ban has significantly reduced the number of women obtaining abortions, nor have they increased birth rates as anticipated by proponents who championed traditional family values that they equated with Catholicism and Polish national identity. The new blanket ban on abortion constitutes a health risk and a punitive measure achieved via a judgement of the Constitutional Tribunal stacked with loyalists by the ruling party. It did not reflect popular will, although societal attitudes on abortion are markedly less permissive than in much of Europe. Although the populist and religious right have realized their long-held goal of further restricting, if not eliminating, women’s access to abortion services, compelling criticisms have been raised about how this move compromises women’s health and autonomy. Ironically, the realization of this goal, which many Poles view as unduly extreme, may also undermine long-term support for both the political right and the Church. The wisdom of their move was widely questioned, sparked the largest protests since the end of Communist rule, and drew international criticism. It proved a polarizing action that alienated many young adults and may have accentuated a secularizing shift. Women and their partners are finding new ways to navigate many public health threats by increasingly traveling beyond Poland for safe abortion care and resorting to newly available medication abortion methods.

Pakistan’s Opioid Squeeze: Impacts of Taliban Edicts, Indian Synthetics and Chinese Regulations

This study examines how the Taliban’s opium poppy eradication edict and the westward shift in illicit fentanyl production from China to India potentiates an opioid squeeze on Pakistan from its east-west flanks, influencing Pakistan’s opioid production, distribution and use. As opioid output sputters in Afghanistan, while Indian chemists increasingly normalise illicit fentanyl production in South Asia, opportunistic Pakistani chemists will be incentivised to supply synthetic opioids to high-demand international markets, just as Pakistani farmers supply opium and heroin to international clients. This convergence has ramifications for Pakistani law, drug enforcement and public health, as domestic production increases domestic access to synthetic opioids. The article conducts an empirical examination of current trends in South Asian opioid production, distribution and use, along with an exegesis of the legal and regulatory systems in Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. This study also details how the Pakistani government should respond to this challenge legislatively, foremost through blanket ban of fentanyl and its precursors. Pakistan can reduce domestic use through evidence-based treatment programmes, including discrete and confidential treatment administered by females to female users, opioid substitution therapy, safe needle exchange programmes, culturally sensitive drug awareness campaigns, and increased data collection to detect geographic hotspot locations of opioid use and overdoses.

The EU's Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Ban: A Case of Policy over Science.

The proposal by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to ban over 12,000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has sparked a debate about potential consequences for the economy, industry, and the environment. Although some PFAS are known to be harmful, a blanket ban may lead to significant problems in attempting to replace PFAS-based materials for environmental transition, as well as in medical devices and everyday products. Alternative materials may potentially be less safe, as a rush to replace PFAS would reduce the time needed for toxicological analyses. Studies have shown that PFAS exhibit a diverse range of mechanisms of action, biopersistence, and bioaccumulation potential, and should thus not be treated as a single group. This is particularly true for the class of fluoropolymers. A targeted approach that considers the specific risks and benefits of each chemical may be more effective. Moreover, the proposed ban may also have unintended consequences for the environment as PFAS use is also associated with benefits such as reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Policymakers must carefully weigh up the potential consequences before making a final decision on the ban.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC COSTS OF PENDING EXCISE CASE IN BIHAR: A SEARCH FOR WAY OUT

This work is an analysis of the effect of the pendency of excise-related cases in Bihar on society and the economy also it provides possible remedies that can curb the problem of pendency. The rise in pendency is witnessed after the Blanket ban on liquor in Bihar in 2016. Since then a lot of people have been arrested and there is reporting of a huge number ofcases. Pendency in the judiciary has a very serious effect but when it is attached to a state likeBihar its study becomes very essential as the state comes under one of the least developed states. The pendency is affecting both the society and the economic condition of people as well as the government. A joint and serious effort from the administration and civil society is needed to curb the problem of pendency

THE SEASONAL NATURE OF CHILD LABOUR AND ITS FORBIDDEN UPSIDES

Child labour has often been seen as a completely negative phenomenon. However, it lies in the midst of the moral, social and economic grey area. Although no one can deny the former assertion, the latter puts things into perspective and forces us to look at the other end of the spectrum, especially in the Indian context. This paper tries to break this negative taboo and uncover a fresh perspective where seasonal child labour can be a cure to the long-standing downsides of child labour in general. While there are several existing legislations to combat these downsides, they fail to look at the seasonal absence of a child from his educational pursuits. The pre-existing laws merely propose a blanket ban on the idea of children being involved in work. These provisions work at a national scale, but keeping in mind India's vast diversity, they miss their aim when it comes to seasonal dropouts on the grassroots level. This paper further explores foreign regulations to put forth a fresh policy prescription to address all possible downsides, which may seem evident from the newly suggested model promulgated by the authors.

Three Contrasting Accounts of Electronic Gambling Machine Related Harm: Impacts on Community Views Towards Gambling Policy and Responsibility

This study investigated whether there was community support for prominent gambling harm reduction policies, as well as perceived responsibility for electronic gambling machine (EGM) related harm in an Australian sample (n = 906). Using a randomised experimental design, we also explored whether these outcomes were influenced by three alternative explanations for EGM-related harm: a brain-based account of gambling addiction, an account that highlighted the intentional design of the gambling environment focused on the “losses disguised as wins” (LDWs), and a media release advocating against further government intervention in the gambling sector. We observed clear majority support for most policies presented, including mandatory pre-commitment, self-exclusion, and a $1 limit on EGM bets. A substantial majority of participants agreed that individuals, governments, and industry should be held responsible for EGM-related harm. Participants presented with the explanation of LDWs attributed greater responsibility for gambling-related harm to industry and government, less agreement that electronic gambling machines are fair, and more agreement that EGMs are likely to mislead or deceive consumers. There was some limited evidence of greater support for policy intervention in this group, including a blanket ban of EGMs, clinical treatment funded by gambling taxes, mass media campaigns, and mandatory pre-commitment for EGMs. We found no evidence that a brain-based account of gambling addiction substantially undermined support for policy intervention. We predicted that the information about LDWs and the brain-based account of EGM related harm would soften attributions of personal responsibility for gambling harm. Our results did not support either of these predictions.

Moral Legislation and Crime Against Women: Explorations in Indian and Western Values

In recent years, the National Crime Records Bureau recommendation is that the growth rate of crime against women has skyrocketed in India, even higher than the population growth rate. According to lawyer, Kamlesh Vaswani, the commercial exploitation of coital activity paramount in pornography is the result of crimes against women, and fills perverse traits in the roots of society. Following that, he filed a petition (2013) in the Honourable Supreme Court to blanket ban pornography with the aim of diluting the subordination of women and the crimes against women in society. Taking this into consideration, I argue that the Vaswani petition draws back the issue of twentieth century Western political and philosophical debate on pornography which triggers one of the moot problems of moral legislation—whether the state should be neutral or not towards individuals’ preferences, merits, desires, and the status to live well. This article focuses on whether this discourse has any relevance in the Indian value system. In this article, through the comparison between Indian and Western values, I make an attempt to analyse the moot problem of moral legislation which is bridging the gap between public and private morality for the well-being of women as well as our society.