ABSTRACT Transboundary rivers are vital sources of freshwater globally, yet managing these shared waters poses significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions, unilateral water infrastructure development, and rising water demands. South Asia exemplifies these issues, with transboundary river treaties predominantly relying on quantitative/volumetric water-sharing frameworks for basin management and conflict resolution. This study critically examines key treaties, specifically the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan and the Ganga Water Treaty (GWT) between India and Bangladesh, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and post-treaty complexities through a quantitative water-sharing lens. The analysis shows that a narrow focus on ‘partitioning of river/flow’ (quantitative water-sharing) within these treaties frequently fails to address critical factors such as dry-season flow variability, climate-induced risks, ecological requirements, benefit-sharing opportunities and escalating water demands. These gaps contribute to mistrust, geopolitical tensions, and treaty unsustainability despite their relative success. The study underscores the need for a more comprehensive framework that integrates quantitative allocation with qualitative principles, including equitable and no-harm approaches to water-sharing and benefit-sharing. Lessons from the IWT and GWT offer valuable guidance for future negotiations on the Tista/Teesta River between India and Bangladesh, emphasizing cooperative, adaptive and resilient strategies for sustainably managing South Asia's critical transboundary water resources.

This study presents the first assessment of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences from multiple countries to evaluate the genetic diversity, phylogeographic relationships, population structure, and demographic history of wild Catla catla in South Asia. A total of 18 haplotypes, with moderate haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.599), low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.017), and limited mutational steps among most haplotypes, were identified after analyzing 133 COI sequences collected from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The results revealed low genetic differentiation among all wild Catla samples, influenced by introgression from hatchery-reared fry and population bottlenecks. Phylogenetic analyses identified two distinct haplogroups for Pakistani populations, supporting the existence of divergent mitochondrial lineages. AMOVA test showed that most genetic variation occurred within populations (74.46.%) rather than among the seven river basin populations (25.54%). The high pairwise genetic distance (FST= 0.255), together with the presence of numerous population-specific haplotypes and low gene flow (Nm = 0.729), indicated significant population structure among these river populations. A positive Mantel test (r = 0.12) confirmed a significant increase in genetic divergence with increasing geographic distance. The neutrality test and mismatch distribution presented a contrasting demographic history. A significantly negative Fu’s Fs (Fu’s Fs = −24.431) pointed to recent population expansion, whereas a significant Harpending’s raggedness index (r = 0.009) and a multimodal mismatch distribution suggested long-term demographic substructure. These findings provide essential COI-based baseline genetic information for conserving the genetic integrity of the wild Catla catla and guiding sustainable transboundary fisheries management in South Asia.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management in South Asia represents one of the most pressing urban governance challenges, shaped by rapid urbanization, institutional fragmentation, and weak integration of circular economy principles. This paper undertakes a decade-long systematic and bibliometric review (2015–2025) of 592 peer-reviewed studies retrieved from Scopus applying PRISMA guidelines. The bibliometric analysis demonstrates a steep rise in scholarly output, from fewer than 30 papers in 2015 to over 130 in 2024, with India and Bangladesh accounting for the majority of contributions, while smaller states such as Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan remain underrepresented. Research is concentrated in engineering and environmental sciences, with keyword clusters shifting from traditional waste disposal and landfilling toward circular economy, recycling, and governance integration. Across the systematic evidence base, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan generate over 80% of South Asia’s MSW yet recycle less than 25%, highlighting systemic deficiencies in policy coherence, financing, and informal sector recognition. This study contributes uniquely by benchmarking governance frameworks across eight South Asian countries, aligning technological and policy innovations with sustainability pathways, and advancing a regional roadmap for inclusive, circular, and resilient MSW governance.

An analysis of the integration of Financial Technology, or FinTech, and Islamic Social Finance, or ISF, for AgriChain management within South Asia. The people in this region significantly rely on agriculture to earn their livelihood like; almost 50% of the workforce in this region depend on agriculture to make a living. Although, the agriculture sector in this region faces many constraints like financial exclusion, supply chain inefficiencies and climate-related vulnerabilities. We apply a convergent parallel mixed-methods design by combining qualitative survey data (n = 500 stakeholders) with interviews (n = 30) and comparative case studies to assess these issues and prescribe solutions. Digital payment and blockchain for traceability are some of the FinTech tools that enhance efficiency and inclusion. ISF tools like Zakat, Waqf, Mudarabah, and Musharakah ideally use ethical and interest-free financing that aims to the maqasid al-Shariah and maslahah. Main findings are moderate adoption such are 46% use of digital finance and synergies are significant. The use of blockchain and AI improve the effectiveness of ISF (β= 0.230; p= 0.012). There are many gaps that exist that are limiting scalability. Based on supply chain governance theory, we propose an integrated framework (which can be seen in Figure X) that leads to resilient and inclusive AgriChains. The use of regulatory sand boxes, infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships is recommended in policy to achieve SDG 1, 2, 8 and 9 in order to enhance financial inclusion, food security and sustainable development.

112P Real-world outcomes of G719X-mutated metastatic NSCLC: A retrospective experience from a South Indian oncology center

The objective of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between economic freedom and external debt in South Asian countries using annual panel data from 2000 to 2023. Short- and long-run dynamics are investigated using panel unit root tests, Pedroni and Johansen cointegration techniques, and the panel ARDL model. The results indicate a significant adverse effect of economic freedom on external debt, showing that a one-unit increase in the Economic Freedom Index decreases external debt by approximately 7.94% in the long run, with a probability of 0.01. Descriptive statistics show that South Asian economies have a moderate level of economic freedom (average score 6.13) and that debt levels vary enormously from US$0.21 billion to US$647 billion, indicating sharp differences in debt sustainability. The ARDL results also indicate that the exchange rate depreciation coefficient (2.69, with a probability of less than 0.01) and corruption (coefficient 0.24, with a probability of less than 0.05) exacerbate external debt. Additionally, political stability has a weak negative impact, with a coefficient of -2.31 and a probability less than 0.10. Trade openness exhibits an effect, with a long-run coefficient p-value of 0, but it is insignificant in the short run. The error correction, with a coefficient of -0.316 and a significance level of 0.05, supports a long-run adjustment toward equilibrium. These results suggest that institutional quality and economic freedom play an important role in external debt management in South Asia.

Climate change is a critical factor affecting transboundary water management in South Asia, requiring robust agreements like the Koshi Agreement between India and Nepal. Signed in 1954 and amended in 1966, it serves as an initial model for regulating shared water resources. The agreement promotes equitable sharing of the Koshi River basin’s water, flood control measures and disaster risk management. Key provisions include forming the Koshi River Commission, frequent official meetings and sharing data to confirm balanced usage and mutual cooperation. It addresses the vulnerability of Koshi basin communities to floods and landslides through early warning systems, infrastructure and community preparedness interventions. The Koshi agreement has strengthened climate resilience by integrating renewable energy and hydropower projects, nurturing sustainable development and economic growth. These projects have diversified energy portfolios while maximizing disaster preparedness and minimizing impacts. Achievements include improved water quality and flood control with challenges such as sedimentation and equitable benefit sharing. The agreement highlights the potential of adaptive management and innovative frameworks for sustainable water resource management. Future research should prioritize developing institutional arrangements, engaging stakeholders effectively and incorporating climate change considerations to enhance regional cooperation and resilience.

Floods have catastrophic effects worldwide, particularly in monsoonal Asia. This systematic review investigates the literature from the past two decades, focusing on the use of remote sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and technologies for flood disaster management in South Asia, and addresses the urgent need for effective strategies in the face of escalating flood disasters. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored GIS- and RS-based flood disaster studies inspired by diverse research, particularly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Our dataset comprises 94 research articles from Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The analysis revealed an upward trend after 2014, with a peak in 2023 for publications on flood-related topics, primarily within the scope of RS and GIS, flood-risk monitoring, and flood-risk assessment. Keyword analysis using VOSviewer revealed that out of 6402, the most used keyword was “climate change”, with 360 occurrences. Bibliometric analysis shows that 1104 authors from 52 countries meet the five minimum document requirements. Indian and Pakistani researchers published the most number of papers, whereas Elsevier, Springer, and MDPI were the three largest publishers. Thematic analysis has identified several major research areas, including flood risk assessment, flood monitoring, early flood warning, RS and GIS, hydrological modeling, and urban planning. RS and GIS technologies have been shown to have transformative effects on early detection, accurate mapping, vulnerability assessment, decision support, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration. Future research directions include integrating advanced technologies, fine-tuning spatial resolution, multisensor data fusion, social–environmental integration, climate change adaptation strategies, community-centric early warning systems, policy integration, ethics and privacy protocols, and capacity-building initiatives. This systematic review provides extensive knowledge and offers valuable insights to help researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and communities address the intricate problems of flood management in the dynamic landscapes of South Asia.

The lack of understanding management of corporate and financial innovation management in South Asia raises the fear of the declining effects of new technologies. Therefore, it is of practical interest to compare the estimates of the impact of ownership concentration in different innovation-intensive industries to minimize the agency problem among managers and shareholders. The paper provides an econometric analysis using panel regression of model testing on companies from technologically sophisticated industries, such as the Heavy and Light Industry, Information Technology (IT), and Consumer Staples from South Asia in different life cycles stages from 2015 to 2020. The South Asian market is volatile and receptive to innovations, but R&D capacity in some countries remains low. The paper provides a better understanding of the relationship between the concentration of different forms of ownership and the intensity of innovation, using industryspecifics and life cycle stages. It’s known that institutional investors are still interested in developing new digital marketing channels by competing with industry “disruptors” due to the lack of necessary strength in the IT industry along with barriers to cross-border investment. The paper confirms a linear and inverted U-shaped relationship between different forms of ownership structure and innovation activity. The results allow focusing on industrial and cultural differences to avoid agency and resource conflicts for majority shareholders of the company to build effective corporate governance, achieving strategic goals and minimizing the risks of improper management decisions in R&D.

This study explores core principles and emerging trends in green human resource management (GHRM), with a focus on the South Asian context. Using the PRISMA framework, a review of 69 publications from 2001 to 2023 was conducted to examine the intersection of environmental management and human resource practices. The review reveals a growing interest in GHRM since 2015 but highlights a significant gap in addressing sociocultural nuances specific to South Asia. The analysis covers various GHRM operational functions, including green recruitment, procurement, maintenance and development, and it provides a comprehensive overview of key research areas and theoretical frameworks. Despite increased research activity, a lack of focus on sociocultural issues such as gender, diversity and industrial relations in South Asia is evident. Findings suggest a need for further research to address these gaps and to understand institutional challenges in implementing GHRM practices. An integrated approach and collaboration with external stakeholders are recommended to advance GHRM in emerging economies.

Abstract This paper reviews the experience with gender mainstreaming in the water sector in South Asia. It analyzes the reasons for the limited impact of these efforts. These are located in the limited understanding and consequent operationalization of the concept of gender itself. Rather than equating the word gender with women, it needs to be understood to refer to the social and power differences between men and women and the differences within women. Gender needs to be approached in policy and practice through a lens of intersectionality. Reserving seats for women in local patriarchal structures of decision making does little to alter the status quo; securing women's participation in water management activities without altering power relations between water users and service providers only creates additional work burdens for them. The changing nature of water resources education in the region means that water problems shall be seen differently in the future and that there will be more women in this sector. There is a need to develop curricula based on ways of theorizing about gender and water in different agro‐ecological and institutional settings embedded in the unique context of South Asia.

Abstract This study examines attitudes about integration and support for citizenship in the context of the Syrian refugee crisis in Turkey based on 85 interviews in four provinces. Consistent with past research, respondents reported multiple threat perceptions around refugees, with security and cultural threats predominating. Those who perceived refugees as threatening in three or more ways generally believed in fewer prospects for integration and were unlikely to support citizenship. However, positive views were present among those who reported one or even two types of threats, indicating there are possibilities for developing inclusionary attitudes even in the presence of threat perceptions. Our research also identifies two counterintuitive reasons some individuals support citizenship for refugees: to reduce security threats and remedy perceived favoritism in social support policies. These findings shed light on the complex bases of attitudes around migration and have important implications for designing refugee settlement policies and efforts to support integration.Related ArticlesDuman, Yoav H. 2014. “Reducing the Fog? Immigrant Regularization and the State.” Politics & Policy 42(2): 187–220. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12065/abstract.Ibrahim, Yasmin, and Anita Howarth. 2018. “Review of Humanitarian Refuge in the United Kingdom: Sanctuary, Asylum, and the Refugee Crisis.” Politics & Policy 46(3): 348–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12254.Ravi, Chaitanya. 2021. “The 1971 Bangladesh War and Policy Lessons for Climate Refugee Management in South Asia.” Politics & Policy 49(1): 248–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12392.

Abstract Heavy summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau has dramatic influences on water resources and hydrological disasters in South Asia. It experienced increasing trends over 1979–1996 and decreasing trends over 1996–2022, which are not yet well understood. Here we show observational and numerical evidence that stratospheric ozone has significant impacts on long‐term trends of summer precipitation in this strong convection area. It is found that stratospheric ozone depletion, by modulating the lower stratospheric temperature and upper‐tropospheric static stability, enhances deep convection and precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau. The results suggest that the ozone recovery in the future may reduce the summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau in the first half of the 21st century, which would be imperative for future water resource management in South Asia.

Abstract The massive influx of Rohingyas has become one of the world's worst humanitarian and human rights crises. The Bangladesh government does not have any domestic or international regulations to set up an administrative process to address the issue of Rohingya refugees. Recently, Bangladesh and Myanmar initiated the repatriation of around 3000 Rohingyas. Yet, the repatriation process has not been successful as none of the Rohingya agreed to return to Myanmar without citizenship rights and security. Against this backdrop, this study explores whether education can act as a solution to integrate Rohingya refugees into mainstream society in Bangladesh. Applying purposive sampling, primary data was collected through semi‐structured interviews, key informant interviews, and telephone interviews. Data analysis was performed through conversation analysis. The findings reveal that the integration of Rohingya refugees through education is a far‐reaching dream as refugee management and education policies do not permit the integration of Rohingya refugees into mainstream society in Bangladesh. Rohingya refugees have demanded education as their right to develop their self‐respect and dignity. In contrast, the Bangladesh government viewed education as a relief program rather than development and integration. This article supports the claim of academics that the Bangladeshi government should provide education to Rohingya refugee children from a development perspective to protect and ensure their self‐respect and dignity.Related ArticlesByrne, Jennifer. 2016. “Contextual Identity among Liberian Refugees in Ghana: Identity Salience in a Protracted Refugee Situation.” Politics & Policy 44(4): 751–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12169.Harel‐Shalev, Ayelet. 2009. “Lingual and Educational Policy toward ‘Homeland Minorities’ in Deeply Divided Societies: India and Israel as Case Studies.” Politics & Policy 37(5): 951–70. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00206.x/abstract.Ravi, Chaitanya. 2021. “The 1971 Bangladesh War and Policy Lessons for Climate Refugee Management in South Asia.” Politics & Policy 49(1): 248–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12392.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) plays a pivotal role in disaster risk management within the South Asian region, which is highly vulnerable to a range of natural disasters. This abstract provides an overview of SAARC's engagement in disaster risk management, highlighting its key functions and impact. SAARC's active involvement in disaster risk management is of utmost importance in a region susceptible to a variety of disasters, including earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and landslides. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and building capacity, SAARC helps member countries reduce the impact of disasters, save lives, and protect the well-being of the region's population, underlining the organization's critical role in disaster resilience and management in South Asia.

Transboundary River Management in South Asia: The Exigency of Multilateral Institutional Framework

Abstract Despite the fact that sustainable agricultural technologies and practices have been developed and introduced to farmers in both developed and developing countries, there are concerns about low levels of adoption. Empirical evidence of the past 40 years shows that adoption of new practices can be hindered by a wide range of factors, from financial to attitudinal, from personal to social, from agronomic to regulatory. Conclusions that can be generalised across different contexts could help in moving the institutional and policy environment in a direction that strengthens the move towards a more sustainable food production. This is particularly important regarding hotspots of environmental pollution, for example, the release of reactive nitrogen compounds in South Asia. This paper followed the PRISMA protocol and systematically reviewed the adoption literature in South Asia to identify factors that affect farmers' decisions to adopt sustainable agricultural technologies and practices. We found that education, extension and training, soil quality, irrigation, income and credit are significant drivers of farmers' adoption decisions. Consequently, efforts to promote the adoption of sustainable nitrogen management technologies will have to be tailored to consider these factors. We conclude that the variables that explain adoption in the studies reviewed could provide a foundation invaluable to research and policies that facilitate the adoption of sustainable nitrogen management technologies and practices in South Asia.

South Asian region, like other regions of the world, is witnessing a rising problem of invasive alien weeds with wide ranging environmental and socio-economic impacts. Current policy and management responses, and national capacities of the South Asian countries are inadequate in slowing down the rate of invasion process, suggesting a need for new approaches to address the problem. Through narrative review of selected references and author’s own experiences, several challenges of invasive weed management in South Asia have been identified, including inadequate policy responses, ineffective quarantine and biosecurity rules, low national capacity, knowledge gaps on key aspects, and a lack of common and agreed standards for species categorization. Future prospects identified for effective management of invasive weeds in South Asia include improving awareness of invasive weeds problem among policy makers and other stakeholders, regional networking for information exchange, regional collaboration for biological control program, and regional collaboration among researchers to generate policy relevant information. In a nutshell, formulation of the South Asian Regional Strategy for Invasive Alien Species and its proper implementation will prevent introduction of new invasive weed species and control of established invasive weed species for the benefit of imperiled biodiversity, ecosystems and billions of people inhabiting in this region.

Abstract The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established to enlighten self‐interest based on a common desire to supersede conflict with cooperation, to displace mistrust with harmony, and to eradicate poverty with economic integration in this region. Nonetheless, it could not achieve these goals completely due to a lack of cooperation among member states. Specifically, SAARC has been crippled by the shadow of power politics between two nuclear powers: India and Pakistan. Its agendas, policies, and programs have remained unfulfilled as a result. The prospect of the rejuvenation of SAARC is not a Herculean matter. It could be achieved by introducing new ideas and plans; that is, restructuring within it or expanding its membership. In this regard, this article argues that SAARC can be rejuvenated by including China as a full member. China's presence in SAARC would maintain a balance of power in this region, it would also boost the South Asian economy through trade, investment, and infrastructural development.Related ArticlesHuang, Xiaoming. 2007. “Do Asian Values Matter—for an East Asian Community?”Politics & Policy35(1): 154–61.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00052.xLevine, Steven. 2007. “Asian Values and the Asia Pacific Community: Shared Interests and Common Concerns.”Politics & Policy35(1): 102–35.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00050.xRavi, Chaitanya. 2021. “The 1971 Bangladesh War and Policy Lessons for Climate Refugee Management in South Asia.”Politics & Policy49(1): 248–74.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12392

Abstract Archaeologists and historians of South Asia have long emphasized the significance of large‐scale irrigation reservoirs to historical developments and precolonial land use. However, comparatively little attention has been directed at an extensive corpus of small‐scale water‐retention features, such as culturally modified weathering pans and rock pools. In this contribution, we provide the first geoarchaeological evidence from such features in southern India. Geochronological assessments, depositional models, and sediment and micromorphological analyses from two sites in northern Karnataka indicate that inhabitants used and modified these features in at least the first millennium BCE. Throughout later historical periods, even after the development of large‐scale, primarily elite‐sponsored, irrigation reservoirs, inhabitants continued to rely on small, dispersed water‐retention features. Our findings have implications for current debates concerning the introduction of water‐management practices in southern India, which appear to begin in association with dispersed land‐use practices rather than intensive irrigated agriculture, and also corroborate the importance of decentralized water management to historical processes more globally.