Union Territories Of India Research Articles

Psychiatric rehabilitation in routine Indian mental health practice: A review of social protections for persons with mental health conditions.

An estimated 200 million Indians have mental health conditions - a sizeable proportion of them requiring psychiatric rehabilitation services. The numbers of mental health professionals are abysmally low. Early psycho-social rehabilitation interventions can improve functional outcomes, reducing disability. Psycho-social interventions have been made possible with the shift away from medical and charity models of disability to the establishment of social protections for vulnerable groups. The authors have undertaken a narrative review of all the social protection measures that can be explained to persons affected by mental health conditions and their family members. A larger tabulation is provided as an appendix to this article that has details of all the social protection measures across the states and union territories of India. This tabulation can be useful as a one-stop reference for every mental health practitioner in India toward informing persons affected by mental health conditions and their family members about how recovery journeys can be advanced. The data have been compiled after extensive searches of official government websites, information brochures, and even relevant legal provisions. For almost all the social protection measures provided by the central or state government, a disability certificate is a prerequisite. Rehabilitation today is a collaborative process aimed at community re-integration. In the absence of specialized services like those of clinical psychologists, vocational trainers, and psychiatric social workers, the psychiatrist becomes the sole point of contact. Motivated community members, recovered services users, and family members can aid mental health professionals by disseminating this knowledge further.

Climate change management in manufacturing industry: a greenhouse gas inventorisation and mitigation approach

PurposeIndustries worldwide have been striving to serve the increasing demand of consumers alongside providing importance to environmental issues. Yet, there are concern-raising changes on the planet, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting in a temperature rise. India remains a vital party of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. Henceforth, the paper aims to study the increased emissions of GHG in Puducherry, an Indian Union Territory that faces tremendous pressure owing to its denser population.Design/methodology/approachThe research is designed as a case study conducted in a tyre manufacturing unit in Puducherry. The industrial sector was chosen, as it is the largest contributor (78%) of the total GHG emissions. Case studies were chosen to analyse the GHG emissions and the effects of implementing the policies and imposing interventions over time. The identified areas of improvement, proposed changes and the implemented ones with the results over a three-year period have been discussed.FindingsThe present study’s GHG inventorisation for Puducherry paved the way for preparing mitigation and adaptation plans. A total of 21 and 48 changes were incorporated to conserve fuel and power, respectively. A significant 11% reduction in power consumption and 1,113,008/litres of furnace oil was achieved. This translates to 5,115 tCO2 and 3,306 tCO2, respectively.Practical implicationsThis research will help to improve the importance of climate change management in the manufacturing sector, and it will pave the way for achieving effective sustainable practices.Originality/valueSuch case studies could cumulatively impact the policy directives/ interventions on GHG emissions. Though this seems a small leap, putting them into practice at firm levels would contribute significantly towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Revolutionizing mobility: a comprehensive review of electric vehicles charging stations in India

An Electric Vehicle (EV) charger or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is a piece of equipment that supplies electrical power for charging plug–in electric vehicles. Although batteries can only be charged with Direct Current (DC) power, most electric vehicles have an onboard Alternative Current AC—to—DC converter and most fully electric cars can accept both AC and DC power. The adoption of EVs can bring about significant relief in noise pollution and also environmental pollution if the required electricity is generated using renewable sources. DC charging stations of various levels are commonly equipped with multiple ports of various levels to be able to charge a wide variety of EVs. EVSEs are found at various facilities such as street–side or retail shopping centers, government facilities, and other parking areas. To ensure a sustainable environment by reducing the carbon emissions from vehicles, the use of EVs needs to be promoted. The need for having Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) in any region depends upon the demand and cluster density of EVs in that region and is a major factor in the process of promoting the use of EVs and facilitating sustainable tourism using cleaner fuels. The authors of this study have located the various types and numbers of EVSEs throughout all the states and union territories of India, showing the emerging use of EVs so that EV users can conveniently locate charging stations and plan their routes accordingly. Furthermore, other citizens may be encouraged to own and use EVs for better environmental sustainability.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Era Impact on the Incidence of the Custodial Death, Due to Illness in 36 States and Union Territories of India - A Comparison Study (2017–2022)

The COVID-19 Pandemic Era Impact on the Incidence of the Custodial Death, Due to Illness in 36 States and Union Territories of India - A Comparison Study (2017–2022)

Unveiling the spatial pattern and determinants of child anaemia in India: National family health survey-5 chronicles (NFHS-5)

Background/Aim: Childhood anaemia continues to persist as a prominent nutritional disease and a public health challenge in India despite several initiatives by the Government of India. This study aimed to identify predictors and regional disparities for targeted interventions. Methods: This study utilised data from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), encompassing 177,695 children aged 6-59 months across 707 districts and 36 states and union territories of India. It employed multivariate logistic regression and spatial analysis at district levels to examine socio-demographic predictors and spatial patterns of childhood anaemia in the country. Result: Multivariate logistic results revealed, women aged 15-19 were 2.43 times more likely to have an anaemic child compared to those aged 35-49 and uneducated mothers had a 29 % higher likelihood of having an anaemic child. There was positive spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I value = 0.579) at the district level in India, with 108 identified hotspots in regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bihar. The spatial error model (SEM) indicated that mother's anaemia (0.53) and maternal education (0.23) were key predictors of child anaemia in India. Conclusion: The study findings provide valuable understanding regarding the socio-demographic predictors associated with childhood anaemia such as adolescent motherhood, low education, lack of media exposure, higher birth order and rural residence. Also, the spatial study provides the spatial heterogeneity of childhood anaemia at the district level and advocates more attention toward hotspot regions in the country.

Feasibility studies on deepening Pondicherry Port to accommodate larger vessels explored

A Union territory in India, Pondicherry was a major trading port with the Chinese during the Chola era, having been active since 100 B.C. About 150 km south of Chennai, it was an open roadstead anchorage port. Until the late 1980s, the old port operated as a lighter-age port during French rule, beginning in the 17th century. From 1986 until 1989, the New Port was developed. An offshore (south) breakwater connected to a north breakwater by a bridge makes up the New Port. The channel, which is 2000 meters long and 40 meters broad, was built between 1986 and 1989. It also has a 150-meter container berth. An undersea tunnel has been built between the north and south breakwaters to facilitate maintenance dredging and allow cargo and fishing vessels to pass through without interruption. The port was in use until 2004, when it was shut down for a lack of maintenance dredging. Since 2004, there has been no freight business; only small fishing boats are currently in use. The viability of enhancing Pondicherry Port's current infrastructure to accommodate feeder-class vessels is investigated in this paper.

Prevalence of girl and boy child marriage across states and Union Territories in India, 1993–2021: a repeated cross-sectional study

India's success in eliminating child marriage is crucial to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal target 5.3. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of child marriage in girls and boys in India and describe its change across 36 states and Union Territories between 1993 and 2021. For this cross-sectional study, data from five National Family Health Surveys from 1993, 1999, 2006, 2016, and 2021 were used. The study included 310 721 women aged 20-24 years between 1993 and 2021 and 43 436 men aged 20-24 years between 2006 and 2021. Child marriage was defined as marriage in individuals younger than 18 years for men and women. We calculated the annual change in prevalence during the study period for states and Union Territories and estimated the population headcount of child brides and grooms. Child marriage declined during 1993 to 2021. The all-India prevalence of child marriage in girls declined from 49·4% (95% CI 48·1-50·8) in 1993 to 22·3% (21·9-22·7) in 2021. Child marriage in boys declined from 7·1% (6·9-30·8) in 2006 to 2·2% (1·8-2·7) in 2021. The largest decreases in child marriage occurred between 2006 and 2016. Between 2016 and 2021, a few states and Union Territories saw an increase in prevalence of child marriage in girls (n=6) and boys (n=8) despite declines in the all-India prevalence. In 2021, 13 464 450 women aged 20-24 years and 1 454 894 men aged 20-24 years were estimated to be married as children. One in five girls and nearly one in six boys are still married below the legal age of marriage in India. There remains an urgent need for strengthened national and state-level policy to eliminate child marriage by 2030. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Dards of Ladakh: Socio-Religious Beliefs and Cultural Practices

This paper focuses on exploring the socio-religious beliefs and cultural practices of the minority Dard community residing in Ladakh, a newly designated Union Territory in India. Locally referred as Brog-pa, these people claim Aryan descent and have been recognized by the Indian government as one of the tribal groups in Ladakh. Scholars suggest that the Dards were among the earliest inhabitants of Ladakh, migrating from Gilgit and occupying a significant portion of the region once. However, due to the expansion of the State of Western Tibet, they were displaced and assimilated, leading to scattered settlements along the Indus River in the western part of Leh. Today, their villages lie scattered along the river Indus in the western part of Leh. Hanu, Hanu-burma, Hanu-gongma, Dha, Beema, Garkon, Dartsit are villages in order from Leh District. People of these villages had accepted Buddhism in the late 19th century. Along with Buddhism, they still practice the socio-religious pre-Buddhist traditions. They believe in nature worship and the deification of mountains is accompanied by holy animal the Ibex. Thus, this study covers the ritual practices, beliefs of the pre-Buddhist belief system and cultural practices of the people of Dard in Ladakh.

Rural-urban health differences among aging adults in India

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the rural-urban health differences among aging adults in India. MethodsThe national cross-sectional data of 67,489 individuals (≥45 years) in 2017–2018 from 35 states and union territories of India (excluding Sikkim) in 2017–2018 were analysed. Various sociodemographic data, well-being indicators, lifestyle factors and physical conditions were assessed by face-to-face interviews and physical measurement. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess the predictors between residence status (rural dweller, urban migrant, and urban dweller) and various health indicator outcomes. ResultsMajority (70.4 %) of the participants lived in rural areas, 10.3 % were urban migrants and 19.3 % urban dwellers. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, urban migrants and urban dwellers had a higher self-rated health status, cognitive functioning, physical inactivity, overweight or obesity and abdominal obesity than rural dwellers, while urban migrants and/or urban dwellers had lower functional disability, insomnia symptoms, current smokeless tobacco use, current smoking, heavy episodic drinking and underweight than rural dwellers. Furthermore, urban migrants and/or urban dwellers had higher odds of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol than rural dwellers, while urban migrants and/or urban dwellers had lower odds of persistent headaches, major injury, recurrent fall, physical pain, periodontal disease, vision impairment, and gastrointestinal problems than rural dwellers. ConclusionAmong 30 health indicators assessed, 16 had an urban migrant and/or urban dweller advantage, 8 had urban migrant and/or urban dweller penalty, and 6 did not differ between rural-urban groups. Public health promotion and health care should address differing health care needs of rural and urban middle-aged and older adults.

Psychological distress and its predictors among hospital admitted COVID-19 patients in India

Background: Limited evidence is available on the psychological distress among patients hospitalized with COVID -19. We assessed the incidence of psychological distress, posttraumatic symptoms and substance use among patients hospitalized with COVID-19; and perceived stress, coping, and social support experienced by distressed and non-distressed patients and the predictors of psychological distress. Methods: Ours was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, conducted in a Union Territory of India. Patients were assessed (August – September, 2020) at the time of admission (within two days) with standardized instruments (N=250). Results: More than 19 percent of respondents had experienced significant psychological distress (probable cases) and nearly 9% reported post-traumatic stress symptoms. The cases and non-cases differ in terms of active coping (5.51±0.87 versus 5.06±1.06; t=3.10, p<0.01), emotional support (5.21±0.87 versus 4.86±0.79; t=2.57, p<0.01), behavioural disengagement (5.18±0.92 versus 4.55±1.15; t=3.56, p<0.001), venting (5.42±0.96 versus 4.80±1.24; t=3.30, p<0.01), acceptance (5.75±1.24 versus 5.29±1.50; t=2.23, p<0.05), religion (5.43±1.41 versus 6.06±1.46; t=-2.76, p<0.01) and self-blame (5.65±1.00 versus 4.82±1.39; t=3.95, p<0.001). Symptoms of post-traumatic stress (OR: 2.058; 95% CI: 1.49-2.84) was the only significant predictor of the psychological distress. Conclusions: Nearly one in five hospitalized patients with COVID-19 experience psychological distress. Screening and treatment for trauma and psychological distress should be an integral component of care for patients with COVID-19.

Biological ageing and the risk of decreased handgrip strength among community-dwelling older adult Indians: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEvidence from the literature demonstrates that the risk of decreased handgrip strength is associated with various health issues, particularly in older persons. To make judgments regarding their general health condition that are well-informed for longevity, it is crucial to assess the risk level of decreased handgrip strength among community-dwelling older adult Indians. However, no study has examined the relationship between biological aging and the risk of decreased handgrip strength in Indian men and women aged 60 and older. The goal of the current study was to fill this gap in the literature.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we included 31,464 (15,098 men and 16,366 women) community-dwelling older adult Indians aged 60 years and older using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). The LASI is the world’s most extensive and India’s first multidisciplinary, internationally harmonized, longitudinal aging study. It has enrolled 72,250 individuals aged 45 and above across all 28 states and 8 union territories of India. Secondary analysis of biological ageing was performed by stratifying for age groups (60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85 + years) for both genders. The dominant right and nondominant left handgrip strength was assessed using the portable Smedley’s Hand Dynamometer. All individuals had a dominant right hand. The adjusted logistic regression analysis assessed the association between biological ageing and the risk of decreased handgrip strength for both genders.ResultsCompared to those between the ages of 60–64, those at age 65 and those aged 85 and above had 1-fold and 12-fold odds of decreasing handgrip strength, respectively. Men 85 years or older had a 12-fold higher chance than women in the same age group of having decreased handgrip strength.ConclusionsThe results indicate that community-dwelling older adult Indians aged 65 years and older are significantly associated with a higher risk of decreased handgrip strength, especially among older men. The results of this study can help assess and implement handgrip strength measurement in medicine for older Indians as part of regular admission assessment, particularly for older men.

Acceptance of Annual Booster Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Among Indian Healthcare Professionals: A Pan-India Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed significant challenges to global health, leading to the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Vaccination efforts have effectively reduced severe outcomes and mortality, but breakthrough infections and new variants are of concern. In response, annual booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines are being considered to maintain immunity. Healthcare professionals, as frontline workers, play a pivotal role in vaccination campaigns. This study explores their attitudes toward and willingness to accept annual COVID-19 booster doses in India. Methods A pan-India cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare professionals, including faculty, resident doctors, interns, and nursing staff, across Indian medical and nursing colleges. Convenience sampling was used to collect responses via an online questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed demographics, vaccine status, attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination, and willingness to accept annual booster doses. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of booster dose acceptance. Results A total of 535 participants responded from 28 states and 8 union territories of India. Most were 34.2 years (± 11.1 SD), and 372 (69.5%) had taken Covishield (Serum Institute of India, Pune, India) as their primary vaccine. While 525 (98.1%) had taken the first dose and 518 (96.8%) of them had taken the second dose, only 333 (62.2%) had received a booster. Around 318 (60%) of healthcare professionals were willing to accept an annual booster dose. The mean attitude score toward annual booster doses was 75.4 (range: 28-111). Healthcare professionals' trust in government recommendations and medical experts significantly influenced their willingness to accept annual booster doses. Conclusion This study provides insights into the attitudes of healthcare professionals in India toward annual COVID-19 booster doses. At the same time, a significant proportion showed a willingness to accept boosters.

Amazing aspects of inequality indices (Gini and Kolkata Index) of COVID-19 confirmed cases in India

Social inequalities are everywhere. The Gini Index (g) and the newly introduced Kolkata Index (k) are two simple indices for measuring inequality hidden in any kind of social issue. In this work, temporal variation of k and g for confirmed COVID-19 cases within 28 states and 8 union territories of India has been studied. The time-span of the study of this temporal variation is nearly two years and three months. A careful observation of this temporal variation of k and g reveals many interesting aspects. It hints at the limiting nature of the inequality indices hidden in social issues. This temporal variation also fluctuates between an upper and lower limit. Again, both inequality indices bear a negative correlation with the number of new COVID-19 cases detected in each 5 day interval. These features of temporal variation of inequality indices also help us to predict the future trend of COVID-19 cases.

What Motivates Students to Physical Activity: Development and Validation of the Students Physical Activity Motivation Scale

In India, physical inactivity in children and youth is a public health concern, and it is unfortunate to see that most Indian children do not accomplish prescribed levels of physical activity. We strongly believe that the availability of a physical activity motivation instrument specific to the Indian population can significantly promote physical activities in India. This study aimed to develop the student’s physical activity motivation scale (SPAMS). The convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 622 participants from 5 states and 1 union territory of India. A multi-stage approach using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was computed to develop and validate its psychometric properties in two different samples (EFA-311 and CFA-311). Factor analysis revealed three distinct factors underlying physical activity motivation: skill development, appearance and positive health. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that SPAMS meets the concept and external validity criteria and that it is suitable for theoretical and practical applications.

Modeling of soil moisture movement and wetting behavior under point-source trickle irrigation

The design and selection of ideal emitter discharge rates can be aided by accurate information regarding the wetted soil pattern under surface drip irrigation. The current field investigation was conducted in an apple orchard in SKUAST- Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, a Union Territory of India, during 2017–2019. The objective of the experiment was to examine the movement of moisture over time and assess the extent of wetting in both horizontal and vertical directions under point source drip irrigation with discharge rates of 2, 4, and 8 L h−1. At 30, 60, and 120 min since the beginning of irrigation, a soil pit was dug across the length of the wetted area on the surface in order to measure the wetting pattern. For measuring the soil moisture movement and wetted soil width and depth, three replicas of soil samples were collected according to the treatment and the average value were considered. As a result, 54 different experiments were conducted, resulting in the digging of pits [3 emitter discharge rates × 3 application times × 3 replications × 2 (after application and 24 after application)]. This study utilized the Drip-Irriwater model to evaluate and validate the accuracy of predictions of wetting fronts and soil moisture dynamics in both orientations. Results showed that the modeled values were very close to the actual field values, with a mean absolute error of 0.018, a mean bias error of 0.0005, a mean absolute percentage error of 7.3, a root mean square error of 0.023, a Pearson coefficient of 0.951, a coefficient of correlation of 0.918, and a Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient of 0.887. The wetted width just after irrigation was measured at 14.65, 16.65, and 20.62 cm; 16.20, 20.25, and 23.90 cm; and 20.00, 24.50, and 28.81 cm in 2, 4, and 8 L h−1, at 30, 60, and 120 min, respectively, while the wetted depth was observed 13.10, 16.20, and 20.44 cm; 15.10, 21.50, and 26.00 cm; 19.40, 25.00, and 31.00 cm, respectively. As the flow rate from the emitter increased, the amount of moisture dissemination grew (both immediately and 24 h after irrigation). The soil moisture contents were observed 0.4300, 0.3808, 0.2298, 0.1604, and 0.1600 cm3 cm−3 just after irrigation in 2 L h−1 while 0.4300, 0.3841, 0.2385, 0.1607, and 0.1600 cm3 cm−3 were in 4 L h−1 and 0.4300, 0.3852, 0.2417, 0.1608, and 0.1600 cm3 cm−3 were in 8 L h−1 at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm soil depth in 30 min of application time. Similar distinct increments were found in 60, and 120 min of irrigation. The findings suggest that this simple model, which only requires soil, irrigation, and simulation parameters, is a valuable and practical tool for irrigation design. It provides information on soil wetting patterns and soil moisture distribution under a single emitter, which is important for effectively planning and designing a drip irrigation system. Investigating soil wetting patterns and moisture redistribution in the soil profile under point source drip irrigation helps promote efficient planning and design of a drip irrigation system.

Awareness and Practices Regarding Leptospirosis in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Union Territory of India.

Background Leptospirosis is a worldwide prevalent zoonotic infection and re-emerging disease caused by the bacterium of genus Leptospira transmitted by infected animals in the environment.Andaman and Nicobar Islands has one of the highest incidence rates of leptospirosis in India with a seroprevalence of 52.7%.This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding leptospirosis among the urban and rural populations of the Union Territory (UT) of India. Aim and objective This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding leptospirosis in a rural and an urban community of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Materials and methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted atrural and urban field practice areas under the aegis of the Department of Community Medicine, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, for a period of three months.A semi-structured interview schedule was administered to 450 participants in community settings selected from a list of households obtained from the municipal council using a systematic random sampling method. All interviews were conducted face-to-face by the investigators to collect data on the sociodemographic variables of the study participants and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the disease. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Results The knowledge and attitude regarding leptospirosis and henceforth the likelihood of individuals using preventive practices were evaluated. The majority of respondents (97%) had previously heard about leptospirosis; however, specific knowledge regarding its risk factors, causative agent, and complications was limited among the participants. Although more than 90% of them had a favorable attitude towardseeking treatment for the disease and adopting specific preventive measures and general hygiene,they did not practice these hygiene habits nor used self-protective equipment in their day-to-day lives. Less than 50% of participants wore protective clothing, boots, and gloves while cleaning cattle sheds, and only 40% of them used rodenticides despite the presence of rodents in their houses. Most of the owners (60%) had not vaccinated their pets. We also found a significant association between the male gender and urban residence with a good knowledge score (p=0.05). Conclusion Despite having knowledge of and a positive attitude towardthe disease, the participants did not practice preventive measures. We recommend that health interventions in endemic communities should focus on the implementation of protective measures by raising awareness in the susceptible population on multiple dimensions of leptospirosis in order to attain and ensure better compliance.

Awareness of Basic Life Support among Speech and Hearing Professionals

Abstract Introduction One of the most important aspects of happiness is one's health. Increased industrialization in developing nations has contributed to a change in disease patterns away from infectious illness as the major cause of morbidity and mortality toward chronic diseases such as heart disease and trauma. Most emergency circumstances need immediate medical attention before a person is taken to the hospital; therefore, public awareness and training programs can aid in providing efficient basic life support care and services. Only a few works of literature on basic life support and prehospital emergency care in an Indian context are available and are usually studied among school teachers. However, no comparable research including allied health experts such as speech and hearing professionals has yet been published in the literature. Aim The present study aimed at exploring the awareness of speech and hearing professionals regarding basic life support in an Indian context. Methods The questionnaire consisted of two sections where section A comprised 6 questions related to demographic details and participant's experience, and section B composed of 17 questions related to knowledge of normal bodily physiology, medical emergencies, and first aid and related aspects. A cross-sectional exploratory study design was conducted on 250 participants. Out of 250 responses, 42 of them were incomplete and so were removed from the study. Therefore, a total of 208 complete responses received from the participants in the age range of 22 to 60 years from across 23 states and 1 union territory of India were included in the study. Results The result revealed a low percentage of speech and hearing professionals with an adequate understanding of basic life support. The majority of them were found to have insufficient knowledge of normal bodily physiology, medical emergencies, and first aid and related aspects. Discussion Being the first of its kind, the present study revealed limited awareness about basic life support among professionals, and therefore, the need to improvise the knowledge of basic life support and prehospital emergency care. This may be achieved by introducing training programs of various natures and dimensions to speech and hearing professionals.

Institutionalization of Global English in Media in Multilingual Countries

Studying the areas where minority languages can be strengthened through their use and promotion as functional languages is crucial right now. The purpose of the current research is to examine the institution of media in multilingual communities. Multilingual, multicultural, and multiethnic populations can be found in Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory of India, particularly in the region of Kashmir division. In addition to the linguistic diversity, there are two non-indigenous languages—Urdu and English serving various practical domains at present. This essay aims to provide a thorough explanation of how media is crucial in forming the linguistic repertoire of Kashmiri multilingual society. And to what extent does the media influence Kashmiri society’s shift in linguistic preferences and cultural paradigms? The statistical analysis of the data demonstrates the perceptual shift in the direction of language preferences by three different age groups in favour of three languages: English, Urdu, and Kashmiri. This demonstrates how Urdu and English are progressively replacing native languages in the media, especially among young people in Srinagar.

Corrigendum to- “Prevalence of Zero-Food among infants and young children in India: patterns of change across the States and Union Territories of India, 1993–2021”

Corrigendum to- “Prevalence of Zero-Food among infants and young children in India: patterns of change across the States and Union Territories of India, 1993–2021”

Spatial Cost of Living and Welfare Indices for India with Application to Policies Implementation

In the present study, we evaluate spatial cost of living and welfare indices for various states of India based on linear as well as price-independent generalised logarithmic cost functions. We compare the values of the indices as well as examine their correlations and find that there is significant difference among them and, hence, are not substitutable. We implement cluster analysis on constructed indices to club states and Union territories of India. We find that such clusters are closely linked to their per capita output. JEL Codes: C43, C50, R11, R12, D12, D63, D61, D65