Indian Border Research Articles

Epidemiological Investigation of a Cholera Outbreak in Nepal-India Border Communities: Public Health Implications

ObjectivesOn October 4, 2021, a cholera outbreak was reported in Kapilvastu district, one of the 26 districts in Nepal bordering India. This study examined the outbreak's characteristics, response efforts, and the challenges faced. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was applied for the outbreak investigation. Data was gathered through a review of cases registered in three local health facilities and community-based active case searching. Descriptive analysis was conducted for data analysis. ResultsBetween 4 October and 2 December 2021, 1,570 cases were reported across 10 municipalities in Kapilvastu, with 84% of cases occurring in communities bordering India. Most affected were females (55%) and children aged 5-14 years (32%). A total of 39% cases were confirmed to have Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa serotype, which showed resistance to cotrimoxazole. Additionally, 453 cases of acute watery diarrhea were identified in the community, with 23% showing the signs of dehydration. Of 29 water samples, 17 (59%) were contaminated with fecal coliform. ConclusionCommunities along the Nepal-India border are highly vulnerable to cholera outbreaks, highlighting the urgent need for improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices. A coordinated approach to cholera surveillance and preparedness is crucial to prevent future outbreaks.

Nepal-India Relations: Exploring the Dichotomy between 'Big Brother' and 'Brotherhood'

The historical relationship between Nepal and India is deeply rooted in their geographic proximity and shared elements such as religion, culture, language, and socio-economic interests. While Nepal borders both China and India, its closeness with India is accentuated by these shared attributes and mutual opportunities. The two countries share an open border of around 1,780 kilometers along Nepal's eastern, western, and southern regions. Despite India's larger size, population, and more advanced economic development, Nepal maintains its sovereignty and equal status as an independent nation. However, India's role is often perceived as that of a "big brother" to Nepal, reflecting the disparity in size and influence. Nonetheless, all sovereign nations, regardless of their geographic or economic differences, are regarded as equals in status. In an era defined by globalization, scientific advancements, and technological progress, Nepal aspires to build a strong relationship with India based on mutual friendship and economic cooperation, particularly through foreign investment and the exchange of technology. While occasional tensions arise, usually from the Indian side, they have not escalated into major conflicts and are unlikely to do so. It is widely understood that while friendships may fluctuate, the bond between neighbors remains constant. This article examines the various aspects and dynamics of Nepal-India relations within this context.

Bottleneck Effect Analysis in Indigenous Poonchi Chicken Located Near International Border of India and Pakistan

Background: Poonch is the remotest district of Jammu, India located near to line of control with Pakistan. Poonchi chicken is the first native poultry breed of Jammu region which is being characterized and registered with National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. Present study is the first study on genetic bottleneck assessment in Poonchi chicken population using recommended microsatellite markers. This study in Poonchi chicken would be of immense use in tracing evolutionary origin and formulating effective conservation strategies for genetic diversity within breeds. Methods: Blood samples were collected randomly from Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu for DNA extraction and analysis. Microsatellite markers selected for the analysis were ADL0268, MCW0206, MCW0081, ADL0278, MCW0069, MCW0248, MCW0111, MCW0222, MCW0016 and LEI0094. To evaluate the Poonchi chicken for mutation drift equilibrium, Bottleneck software was used. Infinite allele model (IAM), two phase model of mutation (TPM) and stepwise mutation model (SMM) tests were done. Mode shift test was also used as another method of qualitative test for allele frequency. Result: Total number of alleles observed were 72, with the total number alleles ranged from 6 to 9. The results of all three models (IAM, TPM, SMM) in Sign test depicted the heterozygosity was more in the expected number of loci in Poonchi chicken as 5.97 (P less than 0.05), 5.93 (P less than 0.05), 5.90 (P less than 0.05) respectively. Whereas for Wilcoxon rank test the IAM, TPM and SMM revealed significant values of (P less than 0.05) deviation indicating that all the loci deviate from mutation-drift equilibrium. Mode shift test graph obtained depicted a slight shift from normal L-shaped curve indicating recent bottleneck effect in Poonchi chicken. This might have resulted in the loss of number of effective alleles which suggests a need of planning and implementing an effective breeding policy in order to preserve and promote this native breed.

Allies in the Making: India’s Strategic Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific Strategy

This research explores and analyzes India’s evolving strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the context of increasing Chinese assertiveness and global geopolitical shifts. The current geopolitical landscape, marked by Chinese activities along the Indian border, in the Taiwan Strait, and throughout the Indo-Pacific, underscores the urgent need for cooperation among like-minded nations on regional and global issues. Central to this study is examining the significant transformations in India’s foreign policy since the 1990s. This includes an analysis of the Look East Policy as India’s strategic response to the post-Cold War era, its evolution into the Act East Policy, and India’s emerging role on the international stage through active participation in the Indo-Pacific Strategy. These components collectively underscore India’s strategic realignment and its broader implications on regional dynamics and global diplomacy. Subsequently, the research delves into the burgeoning strategic collaboration between India and Taiwan, focusing on initiating strategic dialogues and progressing from democratic partners to crucial collaborators in constructing the Indo-Pacific supply chain. Furthermore, the research will analyze India’s strategic responses amid increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, exploring how it navigates the complex diplomatic and security challenges presented by its One China stance. This includes examining India’s maneuvers within the broader geopolitical framework of the region, highlighting its efforts to balance national security interests with diplomatic engagements.

Length-based assessment of penaeid shrimp fishery stocks along the north-eastern Arabian Sea

Penaeid shrimps are a key resource in marine fisheries and are of great ecological and economic importance. The north-west (NW) coast of India contributes significantly (~30%) to the penaeid shrimp landings in India. Four species of penaeid shrimps, namelyParapenaeopsis stylifera, Solenocera crassicornis, Metapenaeus affinis, and M. monoceros, were assessed using Length-based spawning potential ratio (SPR) based on the length frequency data collected during 2017-21, from commercial trawlers operating in the depth range of 20-100 m along the north-west coast of India bordering the north-eastern Arabian Sea. The current status (2021) of P. stylifera, S. crassicornis and M. affinis was found to be healthy, with a spawning potential ratio of ≥ 0.40. For M. monoceros, the SPR was slightly below 0.40 (0.34-35), however, considering the fast growth and short generation time for the resources, the stock status can be considered fair. Significant reduction in fishing pressure (F/M < 1.0) and increase in SPR (>0.40) during COVID-19 affected years (2020-21) were evident. The reduction in fishing hours during the pandemic has allowed the resource to regain the target reference point (TRP) for SPR. Declining catches over the past decade for the group are not due to resource depletion but for the shift in species preference and the diversification of trawls in the region, with bottom trawling giving way to pelagic trawling. Keywords: Sustainability, Spawning potential ratio, COVID-19, Penaeid shrimps

First report on the occurrence of <i>Microphallus indicus</i> in the <i>Sartoriana spinigera</i> freshwater crab in Bangladesh

Sartoriana spinigera is an edible freshwater crab species that plays an important role as an intermediate host of Microphallus indicus and Paragonimus westermani. P. westermani, the lung fluke, has been reported from northeastern India bordering Bangladesh and other parts of India. Nonetheless the existence of P. westermani in Bangladesh is yet to investigate. Therefore, the objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of lung flukes in Bangladesh. During the survey, the metacercariae of food-borne trematodes were investigated from a total of 261 fresh-water crabs collected from different locations in Bangladesh. Only the metacercariae of M. indicus were recovered. The overall prevalence of M. indicus metacercariae was 26% with intensity of 1–63 per crab. The highest prevalence was recorded from Naogaon district (83.33%), followed by Sirajgonj (57.5%), Rajshahi (40%), Brahmanbaria (16%), Narsingdi (15%), Faridpur (10%), and Sunamgonj (7%). None of the crabs from Rangpur, Thakurgoan, Jashore, Meherpur, Magura, Barguna, Sylhet, Kishorgonj, Cox’sBazar, and Bandarban were infected. Among the water bodies, the highest number of infected crabs was found in the rivers (56%) followed by haor, canal, and ditches (5%). To the best of our knowledge, this study reports M. indicus for the first time from Bangladesh.

Transforming Global Health: Dr. Gagandeep Kang's Legacy in Microbiology and Public Health.

Dr. Gagandeep Kang is a towering personality in the field of microbiologyand is known for her groundbreakingwork globally. She made seminal discoveries in areas of enteric infections, vaccine development, and public health that have created a sea of change in scientific understanding and healthcare, probably beyond the borders of India. It was in honor of her achievements in science and the continuing impact of her studies on microbiology and public health that this review article was undertaken. The purpose of the article, therefore, was to incorporate a detailed analysis of her work primarily for an advanced and professional audience of microbiologists.

The Cultural Ostracism Of Indian Nepalis And Their Crusade For Identity In The Indian Landscape

India is a land of diverse cultures, witnessing a massive influx of people from all ages. Many historical events in the past led to the migration of various ethnicities from the neighbouring countries in India. One of the significant events was the 'Anglo-Nepalis war' of 1814 followed by the acquisition of Darjeeling by the British in the year 1835, which led to the massive migration of Nepalis1 into India. The large-scale influx resulted from the 'British colonial' demand for brave soldiers and plantation workers for tea estates. Later in 1950, the 'open border' concept in the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, added to the migration history. Since then, the Nepalis have dispersed and become a part of the social structure of Indian society. In the early 19th century, the influx was mainly of the janajatis2 (indigenous people) from Nepal and a few groups geographically belonging to the Himalayan areas. The immigrants geographically dispersed themselves in the areas bordering India and Nepal. Their diaspora resulted in a shift in their lifestyle and culture. At present, they are widespread in various parts of India, struggling to create a niche identity for themselves. Though they belong to India, they are not socially recognized as Indian. To an extent, the contribution of Indian-Nepalis to the military is prevalent but what remains unknown is the question of their identity of being 'an Indian'. Therefore, this paper intends to explore the Indian Nepali community’s contribution to India, the intercultural exchange, their influence on Indian cuisine and culture, and their fight for acceptance as true Indians in their own nation. Further, by examining the socio-cultural dynamics, the community’s migration pattern, and processes of cultural assimilation, this study aims to highlight the community’s efforts to overcome marginalisation and assert their identity within the broader Indian landscape

PENYELESAIAN SENGKETA WILAYAH BAGI KEDAULATAN TERITORIAL INDIA ATAS KLAIM SEPIHAK OLEH TIONGKOK

This research discusses the territorial dispute between China and India, which is caused by China's unilateral claim to territory that is considered part of India. This research uses the literature review method to understand why the Chinese government claims the territory and how the dispute can be resolved. It also discusses the difference between legal and political disputes, and how the China and India border dispute can be categorised as an ongoing territorial dispute over the sovereignty of two territories.

Clinical and epidemiological panorama of leprosy at a tertiary center across the Nepal–India border in the post-elimination era: A cross-sectional study

ackground: Leprosy, an infectious granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae continues to pose a significant public health challenge globally. Despite efforts towards its elimination, leprosy remains a re-emerging threat, with increasing cases in Nepal and India. Understanding the clinical, epidemiological, socioeconomic, and histological profiles of leprosy across the Nepal–India border is essential for effective disease management and control. Methods: A descriptive, prospective study was conducted over three years at a tertiary care center in Nepal. The patients were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical, epidemiological, and socioeconomic data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the profiles of leprosy cases in the study population. Results: A total of 110 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 33.54 years. The majority of the patients were Nepalese. The mean duration of the disease was 17.6 months, with a wide range observed. Borderline leprosy was the most common clinical presentation. Bacteriological positivity was observed in 85% of the cases, indicating active transmission of the disease within the community. A significant proportion of the patients (97%) belonged to the low to middle-class category. A reaction was seen in 14.5% of the patients. Conclusion: Despite efforts toward its elimination, leprosy remains a public health problem across borders. The high burden of leprosy cases, coupled with socioeconomic challenges and active transmission, underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions. Addressing cross-border dynamics, enhancing access to healthcare services, and implementing comprehensive control strategies are essential for effectively controlling leprosy. Key words: Leprosy, Clinical, Epidemiological, Cross-sectional study, Nepal–India border, Post-elimination era

Contemporary Indian Way of ‘Settling Down’: Emerging Adult’s Perspective

ABSTRACT ‘Settling down’ in India historically entailed a culturally constructed notion for individuals, focusing on marriage. An exploration of the modern Indian idea of ‘Settling down’ was explored in light of the driving forces of globalization and increased migration. The current study explored the concept of ‘Settling down’ among emerging adults aged between 18 and 29 years who had migrated within the borders of India for education or employment purposes. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The reflexive thematic analysis method was employed for analysing the data. Emerging themes unveiled that despite marriage being endorsed by a few of the participants, co-habiting relationships were convenient and burden-free. Employment, financial independence, and professional stability emerged as the primary markers of ‘Settling down’ among migrant emerging adults. It was also recognized that migration had a critical impact on people’s decisions about ‘settling down.’

Unveiling the Spatial Dimensions of Light Pollution in Pakistan: An Emerging Environmental Challenge

The study aims to investigates about the growing and serious concern of light pollution as an emerging environmental challenge in Pakistan. The study also attempts to analyze the spatial dimensions of this issue, including its implications for biodiversity and public health. The study also attempts to analyze the spatial dimensions of this issue, including its implications for biodiversity and public health. In Pakistan, a notable research gap exists regarding the environmental impact of light pollution. Despite the absence of policies regulating artificial lighting, and a lack of public awareness on this issue, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research to address and mitigate the adverse effects of excessive artificial light in the country. This descriptive study employs spatial mapping techniques to investigate and highlight the pervasive issue of light pollution in Pakistan. Utilizing geographic information, the research analyzes and visually represents the spatial distribution of artificial lighting, providing a comprehensive understanding of the extent and intensity of light pollution across the country. It is found that the most light-polluted regions in Pakistan encompass the northern, eastern, and central sectors of Punjab, the southwestern and central areas of Sindh, the central part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the western region of Baluchistan. The study indicate that artificial sources of nightlight primarily cause light pollution in urban areas. This heightened light pollution coincides with major urban centers such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Peshawar, and Quetta situated in these areas. Due to strong spatial effects, the light pollution extends from urban regions to their neighboring rural areas and depleting their dark spaces. Similarly, it is observed that, this strong spatial effect also causing light pollution alongside Indian border, substantiate the fact that light pollution from the urban regions of India creating light pollution in Pakistan. Furthermore, the study recommends comprehensive policy measures, including zoning regulations, public awareness campaigns, and technological solutions, to mitigate the adverse effects and spatial spread of light pollution.

Did China Conjure up its Narrative on the Territorial Claim on the Indian Border?

The purpose of the article is to (not test, but) explore the hypothesis that the People’s Republic of China (1949 to date), hereinafter China, conjured up its narrative on the territorial claim on the Indian border. The body of evidence put together for the purpose has been obtained mainly from the exchanges between India and China on the boundary question between the late 1950s and mid-1960s and the material in respect of the Tibet (Simla) Conference (1913–14). The exploration reaffirms preponderance of evidence that exists to conclude that China conjured up its narrative on the territorial claim on the Indian border.

Cattle Smuggling Across the India-Bangladesh Borderlands: A Challenge for Border Management?

ABSTRACT This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the cattle smuggling issue along the borders of India and Bangladesh. This critical subject has received little scholarly attention despite having substantial implications for border security, the regional economy, and the sustenance of local populations. This study investigates the complex socioeconomic and political factors that drive illicit trade in borderland areas, employing a thematic analysis of focus group discussions and key informant interviews with residents. Data were collected from 46 borderland residents, including local villagers and informal cross-border traders, from Panchagarh, Kurigram, and Satkhira districts. The findings indicate the presence of four primary themes, namely “Economic Imperatives of Cattle Smuggling,” “High Demand for Indian Cattle in Bangladesh,” “Lack of Proper Border Management,” and “Risks Associated with Cattle Smuggling.” These themes highlight the economic imperatives, market-oriented dynamics, and governance complexities of cattle smuggling in the India-Bangladesh borderlands.

Reproductive biology and feeding habit of Coilia dussumieri Valenciennes, 1848 (Actinopteri: Engraulidae): A review

Coilia dussumieri, regularly referred to as the goldspotted grenadier anchovy, is a ray-finned fish species that pertains to the Engraulidae family. Estuaries and maritime waters bordering Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India are home to it. On top of that, it can be found from Thailand south to Java and the Malay Peninsula. Any species' genetic features must be scrutinized in order to govern its population smoothly and figure out whether it is well-suited for culture. Fish biology encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines, consisting of an in-depth overview of their stature, progression, gonado-somatic index (GSI), prime mating period, and fetal growth. Biology regarding consumption and procreation has been the focus of numerous research efforts in the recent past. The main goal of this review work is to bring together the disparate information, identify the knowledge gaps for additional research on this fish species, and provide aqua culturists with some information for future, more in-depth research on the culture, management, and breeding of Coilia dussumieri.

Bangladesh – India Border Conflict: Challenges and Opportunities

Geographically adjacent and friendly nations in South Asia are Bangladesh and India. The boundary's approximate 5138 km total length is made up of a 4427 km land border and a 711 km water border. India and Bangladesh have a 4,096-kilometer border. While India has five border provinces, Bangladesh has 32 border districts. Bangladesh and India both have bilateral problems that date back to their inception. Since the early 1990s, the two countries' economic ties have been expanding quickly. Due to border killing by the Indian Border Security Force, human trafficking, and other concerns between these two nations, the border issue has taken center stage. (BSF). The boundary between Bangladesh and India, according to the US-based news organization "Global Post," is the worst border line in the world. They are acting erratically near the boundary, killing, kidnapping Bangladeshis, violating human rights, and committing push-in offenses, among other things. The primary sources used in this study are scholarly books, scholarly journals, research papers, and other tertiary sources that are pertinent to the topic. Although the research is qualitative, a quantitative approach is also taken. This essay looks at the current problems surrounding border killing along the land border between India and Bangladesh, finding its causes and contributing factors as well as its detrimental effects on bilateral relations. The paper also includes a number of suggestions for preventing the issue of border killings along the land border between India and Bangladesh.

Measuring the presence and incidence of cholera in Hindustan: New data from primary sources for the colonial era

We build a new dataset covering 90 years of Cholera spreading in Hindustan from 1814 to 1904. We gather data from a collection of primary sources issued from medical reports. We propose a harmonization procedure to make these data comparable and corresponding to the current borders of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Our methodology is corroborated when comparing our newly produced data with other accounts, in particular Roger (1926)’s estimations. It opens the door to research aiming at estimating the effect of the successive waves of Cholera on the economic, social and epidemiological dynamics of the region.

Efficacy and safety of Artemisinin Combination Therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria across international borders of India

Background & objectives: Malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) remains a major public threat in India. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been the country’s first-line drug for uncomplicated Pf malaria. In 2013-2014, Artesunate plus sulfadoxine (AS+SP) was replaced by Artemether Lumefantrine (AL) as the first- line antimalarial in North East (NE) states of the country which are endemic for Pf malaria. Regular monitoring of antimalarial drugs is of utmost importance to achieve the goal of elimination. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ACT for treating uncomplicated Pf malaria in the NE states of India. Methods: A prospective study of 28-day follow-up was conducted to monitor the efficacy and safety of AL from 2018-2019 in four districts, Udalgiri, Meghalaya, Lawngtlai, and Dhalai of NE, India. The clinical and parasitological response and the polymorphism analysis of the Pfdhps, P/dhfr, and Pfkelch 13 gene were evaluated. Results: A total of 234 patients were enrolled in the study out of 216 patients who completed the follow-up to 28 days. One-hundred percent adequate clinical and parasitological responses (ACPR) were observed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) correction. The genotype results suggest no recrudescence in the treatment-failure patients. The classical single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the Pfdhfr gene was S108N (94.9%), followed by C59R (91.5%), whereas, in the Pfdhps gene, the common SNP was A437G (79.6%), followed by S3436A. No associated or validated mutations were found in the propeller region of the PfKelch13 gene. Interpretation & conclusion: AL was efficacious and safe in uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in North East India. In contrast, mutations in the genes responsible for sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine resistance have been fixed in northeast India’s population.

Authenticity During Conflict Reporting: The China–India Border Clash in the Indian Press

The India–China border clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, the first deadly skirmish between the two Asian giants in the Himalayan border area in over four decades, highlighted the need to examine the notion of ‘authenticity’ in journalistic practices. Information from such remotely located, sparsely populated and not well-demarcated international land borders has limited sources, restricted to official sources with their narrative. Geopolitical goals and ambitions embolden narratives of nationalism in the media, and these often challenge the notion and understanding of authenticity in journalism. The Indian press, contrary to the state-owned Chinese press, is diverse and confrontational, where narratives of nationalism are differentially interpreted, embedded and realised. This article examines how authenticity has become a variable, rather than a constant, in conflict reporting of the Sino-Indian border clash and how authenticity is interpreted similarly or differently in conflict journalism. The article reports qualitative textual analysis of two leading English-language newspapers: The Times of India and The Hindu and two mainstream regional-language newspapers: Amar Ujala (Hindi) and Anandabazar Patrika (Bengali), to evaluate how representations of information function in conflict reporting and recontextualise (and thus change or modify the meaning of) that which they represent, and with what political and cultural implications.

Exploring the motivations of female community health volunteers in primary healthcare provision in rural Nepal: A qualitative study.

Motivating Community Health Workers (CHWs)-many of whom are volunteers-is crucial for achieving Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) for Primary Healthcare (PHC) in resource-poor areas. In rural Nepal, PHC is mostly delivered by female CHWs, locally known as Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), but little is known about them. This paper explores experiential factors influencing FCHVs' motivations, including how motivation intersects with women's livelihoods and consider what this means for achieving PHC in Nepal and globally. We conducted qualitative research in the hill and the Terai (flatland bordering India) areas of Nepal. Data were purposively collected through 31 semi-structured interviews (20 volunteers, 11 paid local health workers) and three focus group discussions with additional 15 volunteers. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim in Nepali and translated into English. Data were coded using NVivo10, analysed thematically at individual, organisational and community levels. FCHVs' motivations to volunteer was affected in several ways. At the individual level, participants wanted and were committed to voluntary work, yet the opportunity costs of volunteering, out-of-pocket expenditure and inadequate family support strained many of the women who were already overburdened. At the community level, perceived lack of appreciation of volunteer efforts by community members, who saw volunteers as paid health workers, undermined FCHVs motivation to volunteer. Finally, at the organizational level, a bureaucratic emphasis on recording and reporting, and lack of respect from local health workers undermined their motivation at work. Our paper illustrates how FCHVs from some of the poorest backgrounds can be highly motivated to volunteer, yet inadequate social and economic support across individual, organisational and community levels undermined this motivation, the security of their livelihoods, and thus wider efforts to achieve PHC. Financial investments are needed to compensate FCHVs, so that they remain motivated to deliver global health goals for PHC.