Indicators Of Crisis Research Articles

Palm Oil Crisis in India's FMCG Sector – A Sustainability Dilemma

The FMCG companies in India and world over relies heavily on Palm oil as one of the core ingredients is going through difficult times. Oil Palm plantations have resulted in phenomenal ecological damage and biodiversity in southeast Asian countries which played a significant role in socio-economic development of the local community earlier. The supply chain disruptions along with pressing environmental or social concerns have negatively affected the balance sheets of Indian FMCG companies who was already under the strain of foreign currency fluctuations due to high import dependency. The government has initiated multiple programs under National Mission on Edible Oil to develop prospective solutions to resolve the crisis through sustainable palm oil agricultural practices as supporting environmental norms yet profitable outlook for self-consumption, leveraging government subsidies, inputs and technology through research and knowledge transfer. The study suggests the best competitive strategic measures which can be adopted.

The Permian – Triassic boundary in Peninsular India and the extinction of the Glossopteridales

The Glossopteridales was a distinctive order of gymnospermous seed-plants that occurred widely in the Permian of Gondwana. Some authors have suggested that they may also have occurred in the Triassic and so had survived the catastrophic Permian – Triassic extinction event. This suggestion was mainly based on records from peninsular India such as from the Panchet Formation, which traditionally was regarded as Triassic in age. This paper reviews the evidence for a Triassic age for these floras and it is argued that they are in fact late Permian. There is no clear evidence that the Glossopteridales survived the P/T biotic crisis in India and only unequivocal evidence is in China that they survived into the Triassic.

The Opioid Crisis, Preventing and Managing Substance Abuse in India: A Systematic Review.

The opioid crisis has emerged as a significant public health concern globally, with India facing unique challenges in preventing and managing substance abuse. This systematic review aims to analyze the current state of the opioid crisis in India, evaluate existing prevention and management strategies, and propose evidence-based recommendations for addressing this complex issue. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 30 studies meeting the predefined criteria. The review highlights the multifaceted nature of the opioid crisis in India, influenced by factors such as socioeconomic conditions, cultural norms, and healthcare accessibility. Key findings include the need for comprehensive prevention programs, improved access to evidence-based treatments, and integration of harm reduction strategies. The review also emphasizes the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and the potential of community-based interventions in managing substance abuse. Challenges identified include stigma, limited access to treatment, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and lack of comprehensive policies. Recommendations for future directions include developing culturally appropriate prevention programs, assessing the long-term effectiveness of treatment modalities, exploring innovative approaches to reduce stigma, and investigating the role of technology in improving access to care. By implementing a multifaceted approach that considers the unique sociocultural context of India (including factors such as family structures, religious beliefs, economic disparities, and regional variations in drug use patterns), there is potential to significantly reduce the burden of opioid abuse and improve outcomes for affected individuals and communities.

Does social capital positively influence loan performance even during a crisis?

Theoretically, it is unclear whether group loans outperform individual loans in terms of delinquency, especially during a crisis. It is difficult to test the hypothesis due to differences in the types of borrowers of the group and individual loans and likely differences in their behavior between crises and normal times. We overcome the challenge by comparing simultaneous group and individual loans of the same individual before and during the Covid-19 crisis in India. We find that the delinquency rate of group loans is significantly lower. Further tests suggestively indicate that the outperformance is due to the “peer pressure” channel.

Tribal Health in India: Overcoming Public Health Challenges with a Focus on Tuberculosis

Introduction: India’s tribal communities face significant public health issues, with tuberculosis (TB) being a major concern. These populations experience a higher TB burden due to limited healthcare access, socioeconomic inequalities, and distinct cultural practices. This study focuses on the prevalence and impact of TB among these communities. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar was conducted to analyze the health challenges, particularly TB, affecting India’s tribal populations. Results: The review highlights a significant disparity in TB prevalence between tribal and non-tribal populations. Factors like inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited medical access, and socioeconomic inequalities, along with cultural practices, complicate TB transmission and treatment, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored interventions. Conclusion: Addressing the TB crisis in India’s tribal communities requires a holistic and culturally sensitive approach. Collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, policymakers, and tribal communities are crucial to improving health outcomes and preserving cultural heritage for a sustainable future.

Predicting households’ attitudes and product adoption intentions

PurposeThe present study aims to examine the households’ attitudes and intentions to adopt an indoor air purifier against the smog crisis in India by using a comprehensive theoretical framework based on the combination of the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 also emphasized ensuring a healthy and safe life, especially by achieving SDG-3, SDG-11 and SDG-13.Design/methodology/approachUsing purposive sampling, the data were collected through a survey questionnaire distributed to 382 households, and study hypotheses were assessed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling employing SmartPLS.FindingsThe results revealed that mental health risk perception (MHRP) was the most influential determinant of households’ attitudes toward adopting air purifiers, followed by smog knowledge, physical health risk perception (PHRP), information seeking and product knowledge. Notably, results revealed that households’ attitude is a leading determinant of their adoption intention toward the air purifier compared to subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC).Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first to provide new insights into an individual’s protective behavior response toward ecological hazards by examining the households’ adoption intention toward the air purifier against the smog crisis using PADM and TPB model inclusively. In addition, the present study analyzes the impact of both PHRP and MHRP on individuals’ protective behavior separately. Also, this study provides theoretical contributions and important practical implications for the government, manufacturers and air purifier sellers.

Indigenous Medical Practitioners to Curb Coronavirus Disease-2019 Crisis in India: A Pragmatic Proposal?

Indigenous Medical Practitioners to Curb Coronavirus Disease-2019 Crisis in India: A Pragmatic Proposal?

COVID-19, Internal Transitions and Vulnerable Citizens: Narratives of the Migrant Crisis in India during the Pandemic

This article illustrates how the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to an internal migrant crisis in India, making the country realise the presence of physical borders within itself. Through a narrative analysis of the chronicles of internal migrant workers and the migrant crisis published in print media during the first wave of COVID-19, this article elucidates how internal borders within a country became impermeable, affecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable citizens, who were labelled ‘disease carriers’. The discrimination and othering faced by migrants aggravated during this period, making them more prone to fall through the cracks of the crisis. Although mobility restrictions were important public health tools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 infections, they undoubtedly exacerbated the pre-existing socio-economic inequities and vulnerabilities. Problematising these aspects of the migrant crisis during the pandemic, this article proposes migration policies and governance through effective public communication, inclusive decisions and human rights as a way forward.

Breast cancer care crisis in India: the hidden financial struggles beyond free treatment

Breast cancer care crisis in India: the hidden financial struggles beyond free treatment

UNDERSTANDING GROUNDWATER DEPLETION IN INDIA: ASSESSING RISK THRESHOLDS AND ANALYSING CAUSATIVE FACTORS

Although hidden below the Earth’s surface, groundwater makes up 99% of Earth’s liquid fresh water and plays an important role in the water cycle. Rivers, lakes and wetlands are surface manifestations of groundwater, exchanging flow with the groundwater reservoir that feeds them when they need water and takes some of their flow when surface water is in excess. Groundwater also controls many features on the Earth’s surface. The depth of the water table is partly responsible for different plant species occupying different positions along the slopes from hill to valley, as only the drought-tolerant plants can live on dry hillsides and water-tolerant plants live near streams. Dissolution of carbonate rocks by flowing groundwater creates caves and sinkholes. In desert environments, groundwater discharge forms oases, which provide habitats for animals and plants. Groundwater provides drinking water entirely or in part for as much as 50% of the global population and accounts for 43% of all water used for irrigation. Worldwide, 2.5 billion people depend solely on groundwater resources to satisfy their basic daily water needs. The Earth’s population of nearly 8 billion in 2020 is expected to reach 11 billion by 2100. Humans will have to learn to produce sufficient food without destroying the soil, water and climate. This has been called the greatest challenge humanity has faced. Sustainable management of groundwater is at the heart of the solution. Scientific understanding and proper management of groundwater is essential because groundwater can alleviate the problem if we seek its responsible use and replenishment. Modern scientific measurements show that many of the major aquifers (groundwater reservoirs) of the world are being depleted. Such depletion can lead to a decrease in stream flow, drying of springs or wetlands, loss of vegetation, water-level declines in wells, and land subsidence. Yet another threat to groundwater is pollution resulting from human activity, generating chemicals and wastes that have leaked into the subsurface. Pollution degrades the quality of groundwater and poses a threat to human and ecological health. As the human population grows, more demand will be placed on groundwater, a vast, but finite, resource. The need for understanding our groundwater systems and thoughtfully managing them within the constraints of the hydrologic cycle is greater than ever. In this paper, our primary objective is to examine the history of the water crisis in India, critical risk tipping points and delve into the analysis of how we arrived at the current state of groundwater depletion, exploring the specific conditions and factors that have led us here. Furthermore, we will project the trajectory of this situation and assess where we are headed. Most importantly, we will outline the vision for the future that we aim to craft, considering the well-being of the next generations and the sustainability of India's groundwater resources.

Mounting Stroke Crisis in India: A Systematic Review.

Stroke, a neurological disorder, has emerged as a formidable health challenge in India, with its incidence on the rise. Increased risk factors, which also correlate with economic prosperity, are linked to this rise, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol intake. Particularly worrisome is the impact on young adults, a pivotal segment of India's workforce. Stroke encompasses various clinical subtypes and cerebrovascular disorders (CVDs), contributing to its multifaceted nature. Globally, stroke's escalating burden is concerning, affecting developing nations. To combat this trend effectively and advance prevention and treatment strategies, comprehensive and robust data on stroke prevalence and impact are urgently required. In India, these encompass individuals with elevated BMIs, and those afflicted by hypertension, diabetes, or a familial history of stroke. Disparities in stroke incidence and prevalence manifest across India, with differences in urban and rural settings, gender-based variations, and regional disparities. Early detection, dietary changes, effective risk factor management, and equitable access to stroke care are required to address this issue. Government initiatives, like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) 2019, provide guidelines, but effective implementation and awareness campaigns are vital. Overcoming barriers to stroke care, especially in rural areas, calls for improved infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and support systems. Data standardization and comprehensive population studies are pivotal for informed public health policies.

Unravelling the Urban Co-operative Bank Crisis in India examining the Socio-economic and Psychological Impact on Customers

The Urban Co-operative Bank (UCB) crisis has emerged as a significant challenge in the financial landscape. This study aims to unravel the complexities of the crisis, focusing on its origins, progression, and the subsequent repercussions on both a socio-economic and psychological level for the bank's customers. The research employs a multi-dimensional approach to analyze the extent and nature of the crisis. Financial data, regulatory reports, and customer interviews will be utilized to assess the economic impact, including financial losses, disrupted transactions, and potential long-term financial consequences for the affected individuals. Utilizing psychological surveys and interviews, the research seeks to uncover the emotional and mental health implications of financial uncertainty, loss, and disrupted trust in financial institutions. Understanding the psychological dimensions is crucial for designing effective interventions and support mechanisms for affected individuals.

Interpretive Methods as Policy Tools: The COVID-19 Migration Crisis in India and the Case for Policy Innovation

Attempts to quantify and measure migration in India have proved inadequate as far as policy change is concerned. The Census of India 2011 and the National Sample Surveys (particularly the 64th Round conducted between 2007 and 2008), while useful, are too infrequent and temporally limited to offer insights into real-time movements and seasonal migration. On the other hand, even when data is available, it can be difficult to use it to understand future patterns and reactions to policy changes, as the COVID-19 pandemic-induced crisis showed. It was not just the number of migrants residing in major cities that was unanticipated. The government and local authorities also failed to anticipate the impetus for migrant labourers to move back to their hometowns once their revenue streams were cut off. This suggests that the government had not considered the subjective, emotional concerns that migrants had about their well-being, and consequently failed to predict how they would react. This article argues that a paradigm shift towards a deeper, more wide-ranging use of qualitative-interpretive methods is in order if we are to obtain a fuller picture of migrant needs and actions. This qualitative data may then be used in tandem with surveys, enumerations and quantitative studies to predict both the quantum and the direction of migrant movements, actions and reactions. These methods are, therefore, not just supplementary, but critical policy tools in themselves, allowing policymakers to craft interventions and responses that account for the subjective considerations surrounding migrant mobility.

Learning Crisis at Elementary School Level in India: Need for Systemic Interventions

Right to Education is considered to be empowering each and every child of the nation by bringing educational opportunity to their doorsteps. Developing countries have made tremendous progress in getting children into schools. But learning is not guaranteed. Evidences suggests that children who are in school are not learning the basics of literacy and numeracy or the additional knowledge and skills necessary for their all-round development as specified in the policies. An estimated 617 million children and adolescents around the world are unable to reach minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. Without foundational learning, students often fail to thrive later in school or when they join the workforce. World Bank also indicated that we are in the midst of a global learning crisis that threatens countries’ efforts to build human capital – the skills and know-how needed for the jobs of the future. This learning crisis is the greatest global challenge to preparing children and adolescents for life, work and active citizenship. In India also, where GER at elementary level is 100%, more than fifty percent of children are ‘learning poor’. This paper is an attempt to highlight the dynamics of the learning crisis in India in terms of its antecedents and repercussions. Further, evidence based systemic interventions have been proposed to eliminate the present and future crises, and ensure that every child learns.

Sustainable utilization of biogas technology: A promising solution to combat the energy crisis in India

India is facing a significant energy crisis due to its rapidly growing population, which is not being met by an equivalent increase in energy supply. According to the US Energy Information Administration, India's electricity consumption is projected to grow by 3.3% annually until 2035. Biogas technology, which converts waste into clean energy, offers a promising solution to this problem and accounts for 9% of global energy consumption. Despite being introduced in 1981, biogas technology's potential in India remains largely untapped, with only 7.34 MWe of off-grid projects generated by 2020. However, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have significant potential for biogas generation. The National Biogas and Manure Management Program (NBMMP) have installed 5,056,139 biogas plants between 1981-82 and 2020-21, with Maharashtra being the top performer. India's agrarian economy provides ample raw materials for biogas generation, making it a crucial renewable resource for the country's energy crisis. Given the pressing need to address global warming, greenhouse effects, depleting fossil fuels, and pollution, biogas technology is essential for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Focusing on biogas technology can help India meet its increasing energy demands and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future. From 2018-19 to 2020-21, the NBMMP received a total allocation of INR 1,439,249,000.

A Fevered Planet: Climate Change and the Health Crisis in India and Karnataka

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Expert Consensus on the Significance of Intravenous Iron using Ferric Carboxymaltose Perioperatively and in Elective Major Orthopedic Surgeries

Anemia has emerged as a significant healthcare crisis in India and often remains undiagnosed, with broad implications across all age groups. Iron deficiency remains the most important and correctable cause of anemia in our country. It often leads to significant morbidity during major operative procedures such as hip and knee arthroplasties, due to the substantial intraoperative bleeding associated with these procedures. To address this challenge and mitigate complications related to blood transfusions, peri-operative iron therapy, notably parenteral iron therapy, has become common practice. Nevertheless, there is a lack of consensus on managing peri-operative anemia and the role of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in pre-operative and post-operative orthopedic surgeries in India. A group of 14 experts, primarily orthopedic surgeons and an hematologist in India, convened an in-person expert group meeting. Their primary focus was on the approach of FCM in managing anemia in elective orthopedic surgeries within the diverse landscape of the Indian healthcare system. The consensus strongly advocated using FCM as a rapid and adequate source of iron replacement, especially in cases of significant pre-operative and post-operative anemia in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. Keywords: Pre-operative, post-operative, orthopedic surgery, anemia, ferric carboxymaltose.

Spectres of Decoloniality: Comparing constitutional histories of India and South Africa

Constitutionalism has been in crisis in India and in South Africa in recent times. Theunis Roux, a South African comparative constitutional scholar who has also written extensively on the Indian constitutional experience, is particularly well-placed to diagnose and address this crisis. But Roux here primarily chooses to address one aspect of this crisis which has attracted a lot of public attention lately, the decolonial spectre. That is, the challenge to the legitimacy of the constitutions of these two countries on the grounds that these constitutions are insufficiently derived from indigenous traditions. Roux is not unaware of other aspects of the crisis that plague these two constitutions, as becomes apparent at various points in his piece. But his choice here to focus on the decolonial question, which in theory poses an existential challenge to arguably the two most celebrated constitutions of the global south, conceals as much as it reveals about these other equally fundamental challenges.

First Aid Kit to Solve Mental Health Crisis in India: Mental Health First Aid to the Rescue

First Aid Kit to Solve Mental Health Crisis in India: Mental Health First Aid to the Rescue

Water Sustainability Initiatives to Meet the Water Crisis in India

One of the most pressing global challenges we face today is the rapid growth of the population. As the population continues to expand, the need for rapid industrialization has become paramount. However, this industrialization and urbanization have given rise to a significant and detrimental consequence: environmental pollution. This pollution, in turn, has led to various crises, including those related to water, food, and air quality. Water, being an essential element for human existence, is of utmost importance. Without access to clean and sufficient water, life on Earth would be unsustainable. Unfortunately, India has been grappling with a prominent water crisis, particularly during the summer seasons, resulting in the loss of countless lives each year. Even during other seasons, the availability of water is often satisfactory, but the quality of water remains a concern in many parts of the country. The shortage of water can be attributed primarily to the declining levels of underground water and the ever-increasing demand for this precious resource. India receives ample rainfall during the monsoon season; however, a significant portion of this water flows into the oceans, causing floods in various regions. Conversely, during the summer months, the scarcity of water leads to droughts in many areas. Therefore, it is imperative to initiate sustainable water management practices, including rainwater harvesting, to address this water crisis. This review article delves into various types of water sustainability initiatives with a structured approach and analyzes the associated challenges. Additionally, it proposes detailed systems that can be implemented to enhance water availability and distribution throughout the country. These measures are crucial steps toward mitigating the water crisis and ensuring a sustainable water future for India.