Indian Border Research Articles

Private Property and the Commons: The Case Study of Water Distribution in Persian Qanats

Abstract Although the geographical area historically known as “Persia” has never been properly a “fertile land”, water shortage did not represent a problem for the diverse and multiple populations that inhabited the Iranian Plateau throughout millennia. The ancient Persian civilization could flourish thanks to sophisticated water knowledge and water management strategies that allowed it to become the dominating culture of the vast Persian Empire, which by the year 500 BC, extended from the borders of India to the western coasts of Minor Asia and the Caucasus. Even after the fall of the empire, the successive populations could live in arid areas thanks to an ancient system of water provision and management called “Qanat”. Qanats not only provided water from an underneath water spring to desert lands and remote areas of the region; they also reflected a specific “water cultural system” based on sharing and managing water as a common good. The paper will discuss how water shortage in present day Iran is, on the one hand, related to a progressive abandonment of the Qanats system, substituted by the use of modern irrigation systems, the privatization of water and the progressive abandonment of the common. On the other hand, this abandonment is related with dramatic cultural change and weakening of community identity, impacting the sustainability of human life in the Iranian Plateau’s arid areas.

Finding a way forward with the community: qualitative inquiry in the generalized HIV epidemic in Mizoram, India.

Mizoram, the northeastern State of India bordering Myanmar, is presently witnessing a burgeoning generalized HIV epidemic along with the highest State-level HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs, 24.7%) and people who inject drugs (PWID,19.8%) in the country. The present study was conducted against such background to understand the current situation of HIV prevention and care services in Mizoram, and capture community voices as well as concerns so that the way forward could be informed appropriately. The study period was October through December 2020 (in the midst of COVID-restrictions) in the districts of Aizawl, Mamit, Kolasib, Lunglei, and Champhai where HIV prevalence crossed 1% among ante-natal clinic (ANC) attending women. Contrastingly, the national average HIV prevalence among ANC attendees is 0.24%, which formed the basis for selecting the aforementioned five high burden districts for this current inquiry. In-depth-interviews were conducted with community members and youth leaders, vulnerable and general population groups as well as HIV-program officials. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated and later coded for analysis following thematic approach. The emerging issues were grouped in three thematic layers; (1) HIV vulnerability, (2) challenges pertaining to prevention and care services, and (3) program elements and future roadmap. Discrimination at the community level, unfriendly behavior of some of the HIV-service staff, occasional interruption in supplies of anti-retroviral treatment and sterile syringes and needles were voiced as deterrents to accessing HIV prevention and care services by the participants. Community engagement, based on restorative approach rather than retribution and ensuring enhanced performance of the district AIDS program control units emerged as necessary programmatic elements. This inquiry highlighted macro-social and structural forces contributing to stigma and discrimination toward people at risk of HIV. It is urgent that HIV-services are re-aligned through de-centralized district level innovations and creation of safer spaces at the physical, societal and familial level. These, even during the time of stress such as a pandemic, would help health services to remain resilient. HIV outreach, sensitization of the community leaders and health-care professionals through strategic communication and ownership of the communities in these endeavors appeared paramount.

Report on Sino–Indian Border Disputes: International Law and International Relations Perspectives

Abstract This article is based on remarks and presentations made at two symposiums—namely, the International Online Symposium on Sino–Indian Border Disputes: A Dialogue between International Law and International Relations, and the Second International Online Symposium on The Peaceful Settlement of the Sino–Indian Boundary Dispute: A Pragmatic Multidisciplinary Framework (中國法與比較法研究中心第二次國際在線研討會—[和平解決中印邊界爭端：務實的多學科框架]). These were hosted by the City University of Hong Kong’s School of Law: Centre for Chinese and Comparative Law, in collaboration with the Public Law and Human Rights Forum, on 4 March 2021 and 9 December 2021 respectively. The article reflects on the nature of the Sino–Indian Border Dispute (SIBD) and provides transitory remarks on concepts that promote either its settlement or the mitigation/maintenance of its status quo. Based on the range of issues and variables raised by discussants regarding challenges and opportunities of the SIBD, articulated from the perspectives of international law and international relations, history, political science, geography, and more, this article emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to SIBD settlement with a context-specific assessment of each sector.

Spatiotemporal changes in Universal Thermal Climate Index over South Asia

The rising global temperatures have posed challenges to human survival and well-being in various regions worldwide. However, little is known about human thermal stress exposure changes among populations living in extreme poverty and struggling to meet their basic needs. This study aimed to investigate the spatial patterns of changes in human thermal stress levels in South Asia using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). ERA5 HEAT data from 1979 to 2021 were analyzed using Sen's slope method and the Modified Mann-Kendall test to determine the changes in annual and seasonal thermal stress levels. The findings revealed that Bangladesh, located in the eastern part of South Asia, experiences the highest mean UTCI range (26 to 32 °C), while Afghanistan has the lowest among the South Asian nations. In contrast, the western part of South Asia, particularly the region bordering India and Pakistan, exhibits the highest daily maximum UTCI range (38 to 46 °C). Trend analysis indicated an increase in mean and maximum UTCI levels across the western part of South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northwest India, at 0.25 to 0.75 °C/decade. This increase was more widespread during the June–September (JAS) period than in other seasons. In many regions of the study area, moderate and high thermal stress days increased by 4 to 8 days per decade. As a result, 27.6% of the area shifted from an average comfortable temperature to moderate thermal stress and 18.7% from moderate to strong thermal stress during JAS.

To Utilize Structural Equation Modelling to Investigate the Impact of Cross-border Tourism on Regional Cooperation: The Mediating Effect of Community Support

Tourism plays an important role in encouraging cooperation and peace between the partitioned countries. The current study aims to investigate the influence of cross-border tourism on bilateral trade and cooperation between India and Myanmar. Further, the paper identifies the role of community support as a mediator between exogenous and endogenous variables. An onsite questionnaire is distributed among the residents of Indian border areas close to the neighboring border of Myanmar. The SEM is employed to reject the null hypotheses and test the proposed model empirically. The findings reveal that all the proposed hypotheses are supported. The cross-border cooperation is positively influenced by cross-border tourism development and trade between India and Myanmar. Moreover, community support mediates the relationship between cross-border tourism, bilateral trade, and cooperation. An important consideration from this paper is that tourism supported by border communities can act as a catalyst for promoting cooperation among hostile countries. India and Myanmar being close neighbors, have huge scope to support each other through different cross-border programs, projects, and bilateral trade. The study provides valuable insights for both countries to adopt tourism initiatives as a tool to ameliorate their relationships and develop the economic conditions of border communities.

Commissioning of Water Supply and Sanitation Projects- A Case from Nepal

Purpose: Assessment of project commissioning and management transfer of Pakali and Bharaul water supply and sanitation projects were done systematically for assuring smooth operation of the system. Design/Methodology/Approach: Sunsari district with Itahari sub metropolitan and Barahchetra municipality were chosen as the research region because it contains a mixed-race population and is close to the Indian border. Interviews, field perceptions, and surveys were utilized to gather essential information; writing (distribution reports, inspecting reports, records, and information) from both a public and global setting was utilized. The statistical tools used to analyze the adopted process of project commissioning are clustered column, line and bar chart. Findings/Result: Pakali and Bharaul project have been compared on the basis of steps that should be followed for successful project commissioning Both of selected project were found competent in planning and pipe and instrumentation diagrams. In terms of mechanical completion, pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, initial operation, and performance testing, none of the chosen projects were deemed competent. Both projects are not handed over yet thus post commissioning is not done. For a successful commissioning, it is recommended a management transfer procedure that involves calibrating and sterilizing the system, having the "water operator's standard" document in place, and training the office staff and members of the water user supply committee. Originality/Value: The novelty of this research is commissioning analyses the nine elements of successful plant commissioning. Paper Type: Research paper

On the Politics of Viruses and Visibility

On the Politics of Viruses and Visibility

Potential solutions to environmental conflict on exploitation of fish stocks in palk strait among fishermen of India and Sri Lanka

Illegal catching of fish stocks beyond the borders of India and Sri Lanka by violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) by the fishing communities of both countries has become a major international direct environmental conflict between both nations. Overexploitation of natural resources is a keystone environmental problem. It has been reported that Indian fishermen are stealing fish catch worth many millions of US dollars annually from Sri Lankan coastal waters. The bilateral agreements of 1974 and 1976 are frequently violated. The heavy use of trawlers that are not permitted to fish on coastal seas and the use of internationally banned bottom sea nets by Indian poachers are major threats to the coastal resources of north Sri Lanka. Trawlers catch fish flocks unselectively; the catch may include several non-targeted species and juvenile stages of fish, which is leading to species extinction. Arresting and imprisoning of fishermen by coastal guards of both countries (and collecting penalties) continue, and this is an unsustainable way of handling the issue. Sri Lanka has banned bottom trawling since the 6th of July 2017, which is a sustainable solution and beseeched possible greener solutions such as creating awareness, sensitizing fishermen, and promoting the use of GPS navigation, and also provoked conventional solutions such as monitoring or patrolling, which often lead to imprisonment and penalties for trespassing and seizing of fishing trawlers. Restorative solutions such as coral restoration, mangrove restoration, implantation of artificial reefs, and establishing mutually beneficial ‘no catch zone’ along the IMBL and marine reserves (or marine protected areas) by both nations may facilitate preventing the deterioration of fish stocks and ensuring their revival in the region. Above all, if this illegal catching continues, the availability of fish stocks in the Palk Strait region in the next ten years will be in question.

The Understanding of India-Bangladesh Border Haats and its Benefits

Bangladesh is neighbouring country of India. Both countries are sharing about 4096 kilometer long international border. Cross border trade and haat trade is a centuries old practice in India. Those who live close to the borders of India and Bangladesh have historically exchanged products and services in a customary manner. In 1972, India and Bangladesh signed an agreement to formalize these cross-border trade. But it was not implemented because of some concern of Bangladeshi side. In 2010, both counties signed a memorandum of understanding to establish border haats on zero line of international border. Border haats plays significant roles in remote border areas. It is not just a market place where people are selling and buying local produced and essential commodities but also it is a place for socializing, meeting distant friends and relatives. This article tries to explore basic understanding of border haats and its histoy of origin. It also tries to explain that how it is benefiting and transforming the lives of the people of remote border areas. This article also explains the impact of border haats on local communities as well as on relations of both countries.

Commerce and Trade between India and South East Asia since Time Immemorial (with particular reference to ASEAN Countries)

India's association with South East Asia dates back to the 6th century BC. The geographical proximity of these areas to the borders of India and favorable conditions for trade attracted the merchant class of India. Most of the countries in South East Asia are member countries of ASEAN. In order to establish economic, commercial and strategic relations with ASEAN countries, the Government of India launched the Look East Policy in the 1990s itself. India's Look East Policy An attempt to pursue a policy of active engagement with the countries of South East Asia. Establishing trade and economic relations with these countries was the focus of this policy. In 2014, Narendra Modi's government changed the name of Look East Policy to Act East Policy and expanded the scope of this policy. Apart from this policy, the annually summit has further strengthened the relations between India and South East Asia and made a different identity on the global stage. 2009 to 2022 import-export has increased every year in the trade sector of goods with these countries but very little progress has been made in the field of service and investment. India's trade balance with ASEAN countries has been unfavorable But ever since India withdrew from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(RCEP) the interest of the people of South East Asia towards India has decreased. India needs to respond to South East Asian concerns. It will raise Indian infulence in the region which is very much needed. It is also very important for India's national interest to resolve the current issues with ASEAN countries. Key words: ASEAN, Look East Policy, Import-Export, RCEP, Balance of Payment etc.

News Media Coverage of Snakebite Incidence in Nepal during 2010–2022

Background: Despite snakebite being a medical emergency, it is still a neglected health issue in Nepal. Further, there exists gap of knowledge on snakebite epidemiology. Therefore, an analysis of incidence of snakebites reported in news is essential to understand snakebite epidemiology in Nepal and fill up existing knowledge gap in some extent. Objectives: We aimed analysing incidence of snakebites reported in the news media to know whether news-based incidence of snakebite is comparable to the similar incidence reported most comprehensively by Nepal Government, know the snakebite distribution patterns across its geo-climatic regions, provinces, and districts, understand supra-annual variations of snakebite incidence, and measure association between incidences of snakebites with the respective districts’ human population density. Methods: We retrospectively searched and analyzed incidence of snakebites reported in news articles published between 2010 and 2022. Using line graphs and plotted maps, we compared the annual patterns of snakebites with the national data of snakebites reported by Department of Health Services of Nepal Government. Further, we used non-parametric inferential statistics to know representativeness of our dataset and association of snakebite incidence with population density of snakebite prone districts. Results: Snakebites were reported from 53 out of 77 districts of Nepal. People inhabiting 50 out of 53 districts were affected by snakebite envenoming (with 11% of collective envenoming rate) that resulted in deaths of people inhabiting 43 districts (with 15% of collective case fatality rate). The most of envenomings and deaths occurred in the lowlands of Nepal along the northern border of India. We deemed at least 10,339 snakebites, 2,113 envenomings, and 101 deaths annually in Nepal. Conclusions: The incidences of snakebites were high in flood affected areas, terai regions as well as some districts in the hills and mountains. Therefore, improvement of the snakebite risk map released by Nepal Government is essential to ensure prevention and control of snakebite envenoming in these high affected areas. Inclusion of urban areas in terai regions of this country is essential while designing the next more representative community-based study

66 Molecular characterisation of inhibitor of apoptosis gene in native chicken of Poonch region from international borders of India and Pakistan

Reproduction, Fertility and Development is an international journal publishing original research , review and comment in the fields of reproduction and developmental biology in humans, domestic animals and wildlife

BRI and Geopolitical, Geoeconomic, and Maritime Security Dynamics of South Asia: Significance of Gwadar Port

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the pioneer project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the development of Gwadar port is part of it. This research explains the geoeconomic and geopolitical significance of Gwadar port for China and Pakistan. It discusses the role of Gwadar port in the successful implementation of BRI and its economic security outcomes for Pakistan and China, and other partners in BRI. A qualitative research approach is used to examine the geoeconomic effects of Gwadar port on the economic and political relations of China and Pakistan. The official reports and government documents are used for data analysis. The findings show that Gwadar port could be a solution to the economic security targets of China and Pakistan. China will also gain energy security by finding an alternate, more secure route for the supply of oil and export of goods and better access to markets of Central Asia, Europe, and the USA. Moreover, Pakistan is expected to observe a significant rise in maritime trade capacity to support the dwindling economy. Furthermore, naval security will improve by reducing reliance on existing ports in Karachi, close to the Indian border.

ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION OF 137Cs AND NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDES IN SOIL AND WATER SITE OF GOAINGHAT AND JAINTAPUR AREA OF SYLHET, BANGLADESH

The concentration of anthropogenic 137Cs and naturally occurring 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides were measured in the undisturbed soil at 0-5 cm depth and water collected from the natural reservoir in the Terrene of Goainghat and Jaintapur area of Sylhet district of Bangladesh near the Indian border area by gamma ray spectrometry, with the aim of evaluating the environmental radiation hazard. The activity concentration of 137Cs was observed in all the soil and water samples, ranging from 5.22 4 - 31.74 and 1.1 - 2.2 Bqkg-1respectively. The activity level of 137Cs in this area was lower than that of Cox’ s Bazar (27.38-45.51 Bq kg-1) and higher than that of Chittagong (2.66 Bq kg-1). Values of the natural radionuclides present in the samples were greatly influenced by the geomorphological conditions in the area. The average activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil were 57.5, 167.6 and 1202.3 Bq kg-1 respectively. The average activities of 232Th and 40K in the soil samples of this area were higher than the world average value of 25.0 and 350.0 Bq kg-1 respectively. The average γ-ray dose rate due to naturally occurring radionuclides in soil samples was found 180 nGy h-1.

Role of Women in Preserving Indian Culture and Identity in Diaspora

This article focuses on the migration of indentured labor from India to various parts of the world like Guyana, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Fiji. It aims to analyze the role of women in Indian diaspora as preservers of culture and identity. Indian diaspora, comprised of the ethnic groups that have left Indian borders, is having a sizeable number of women in them. Women from various socio-economic groups, castes, faiths, and classes have emigrated from India. The paper tries to analyze how the concepts of culture and identity operate in a diasporic context. Women, who contribute to half of the world population, have been rarely heard or considered in the historical record of literates and intellectuals. Further it intends to explain the significant role played by the women in the nineteenth century which facilitated transformation of many colonies of British and French Empires. The paper presents a theoretical framework in which the existence of women in small numbers facilitated marriages crossing various social barriers like caste, class and religious boundaries. In this regard, the authors suggest, however, indentured labor and specifically women in Indian diaspora acted as a bridge to maintain their links with their culture, traditions, language, religion and their past which they have left behind. They also ensure the preservation of these relations with India by celebrating Indian festivals like Holi for Hindus and Muharram for Muslims, in their traditional ways. It was women in the family, who played an important role in retaining and promoting their language by insisting on using native language for communications within the family. These women who remain integrated to their language and traditions orally played a vital role as carriers of their culture. The paper also discusses the Indian government’s cultural diplomacy, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, who has travelled to many countries in recent months to spread Indian culture and identity and reinvigorate their connectedness.

Contributions of A.R. Venkatachalapathi's Bharatiology

Bharathi was a great personality who worked in many fields of writing. Bharathi's writings such as poems, stories, articles, journalism, and translation are widely studied today, and the reason why we celebrate a separate field of study called Bharatiology is the Bharti researchers who crossed the border of Tamil Nadu, crossed the border of India, and went to the world level to discover Bharathi's writings and make them available to us. Although Bharathi's life span was very short, research history tells us that there are still many unknown writings by Bharathi till this moment when his centennial is being celebrated. This community that celebrates Bharathi's writings does not pay attention to the personalities who seek out, publish, and document them. After Bharti's death, the search and recordings started by his wife Chellammal Bharti and younger brother C. Viswanathan continue till date. Among them, he continued to search for Bharathi's writings worldwide and found Bharathi's writings in Bharathi's commentaries, Vijaya magazines, and Hindu magazines, and contributed greatly to Bharatiology. The purpose of this article is to explain A R Venkatachalapathi's contributions to Bharatiology.

Understanding the Primacy of Geography in the Conduct of Foreign Policy

Geopolitics has returned to reassert and manifest itself in various ways. The management of the geopolitics has emerged as the central challenge of the day. The rise of China and emergence of India as great economic powers containing 40 percent of the world’s population, and a huge market is one of the most important geopolitical developments of contemporary human history. This has caused monumental shift with a few parallels in the world history. While exposing the vulnerabilities of the world, Covid19 and climate change have accelerated these trends. The advent of globalization intensified the process of massive social awakening, radicalizing the politics. Market forces would determine the free flow of goods, services, capital, and technology. The latest developments indicate geopolitical considerations driving trade policy and economic integration to reflect geographic, cultural, and strategic direction. The hard lessons from emerging geopolitics include the ongoing rivalry between the US and China, newly assertive Russia and its invasion of Ukraine, Sino- Indian border clashes pushing for deeper US-India partnership. The elevation of the Indo-Pacific as the center piece of US regional strategy has raised the contours of competition and rivalry in the region. Nepal’s geographical location between India and China has gained greater prominence and higher sensitivity in the changed context with the geopolitical challenges and economic dynamism of its neighbours at its doorsteps, Nepal’s friendship with both of these neighbors’ and United States remains of paramount importance in the conduct of its foreign policy. A stable, democratic, and prosperous Nepal stands as the anchor of regional stability and security. Upon the same realization, this qualitative study is an attempt to explain how the primacy of geopolitics has come back and how it is being played.

Border disputes and heterogeneous sectoral returns: An event study approach

We show heterogeneous impacts of two sorts of events using a sample of six events arising from the Indian border disputes in 2020. The NIFTY's sectoral indices reacted heterogeneously to both events. While a few sectors evidenced positive and negative abnormal returns, others were unaffected by the events. The cross-section of the abnormal returns reveals that higher risk and volatility lead to higher returns during the post-event window.

Concerning Human Health Risks of Trace Elements Contamination in Groundwater Sources nearby the Arabian Sea, Malvan Coastal Area, India

The current study looked at how heavy metals are distributed in groundwater and how they affect people's health during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons, water samples were collected from hand-dug wells and boreholes in the Malvan coastline and surrounding areas of Sindhudurg, MS, India's bordering the Arabian Sea. A total of 42 samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods for elements such as Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Fluoride (F), and Chromium (Cr). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In the study area sampling location, the seasonal mean concentrations of heavy metals in groundwater samples (3 seasons) for Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, and F were 1.39, 0.166, 1.148, 0.046, 0.008, and 0.509 mg/L, respectively. The metals were found in groundwater in the following order: Fe > Mn > F > Zn > Cu > Cr. The total Hazard Index (HI) of the metals in the groundwater samples revealed a high danger for people of all ages. In general, a high HI score (HI > 1.0) indicates negative non-cancer effects, with babies being the most vulnerable. For the studied metals, the cumulative cancer risk in the study areas is extremely low. The calculated health risk index indicates that Cr is high and the cancer risk on three categories such as Child, Adult and Infant is possible. Keywords: Seasonal assessment, Trace Elements, Groundwater contamination, human health risk, Malvan coastal area.

A Comparative Study of Retail price of fruits in Nepalgunj and Kathmandu

The main objective of this study is to compare the average price of fruits in Nepalgunj boarding India and Kathmandu very far from the border of India. This study is based on quantitative research design. Sample design is an on probability convenience sampling method. Unstructur questionnaire were used to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analytical methods were used to analyze data. The result of the analysis showed that the average price of fruits in the two cities was different and significate the average price of fruits in Nepalganj is higher than the average price of fruits in Kathmandu. The average price of seasonal and off seasonal fruits in Nepalganj and Kathmandu isRs.251.25 andRs.127.5 respectively Variation of the price of fruits in Kathmandu is 140.41and variation price in Nepalganj is 52.71 which shows that variation of price in Kathmandu is more than in Nepalganj because of the unstable demand for fruits in Kathmand the average price of fruits in Kathmandu is less than the average price of fruits in Nepalganj because fruits importers directly import fruits in Kathmandu and after that from Kathmandu fruits­­­­ are distributed all over Nepal which increases transportation cost due to which the average price of fruits in Kathmandu is more than in Nepalganj.