South Asian Region Research Articles

First-choice hormonal therapies for children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome in South Asia: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Considering the peculiar challenges with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) in South Asia and a wide variation in the usage of hormonal therapies, we compared the efficacy and safety of various hormonal therapies for children with IESS in South Asia. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from the inception until April 2024. We included only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of hormonal therapies for IESS in the South Asian region. Complete cessation of epileptic spasms (ES), electro-clinical response, and time taken to be spasm-free at 2 or 6 weeks of therapy were efficacy outcomes, while the occurrence of adverse events was the safety outcome. Effect estimates were reported as odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 (ROB 2.0) used for quality assessment of each study. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to rank the different therapies and reported as a p-score ranging from 0 to 1. Of 747 citations, nine RCTs comprising 566 children with IESS were included. After 2-week treatment, dexamethasone (OR: 6.72; 95% CI: 1.47, 30.72), adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy (ACTH) high dose (HD) (OR: 5.30; 95% CI: 1.05, 26.91), and prednisolone HD (OR: 2.41; 95% CI:1.07, 5.46) had shown significantly greater efficacy for cessation of EScompared with ACTH low dose (LD). Similarly, for electroclinical response, dexamethasone (OR: 9.63; 95% CI: 1.99, 46.70) and prednisolone HD (OR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.38, 8.68) had greater efficacy compared with ACTH LD. Safety outcomes revealed that hypertension was significantly less common with ACTH LD and prednisolone HD as compared with ACTH HD. This study provides quality evidence on preferred first-choice hormonal therapy for managing IESS in South Asia. ACTH HD, dexamethasone, and prednisolone HD are the most effective hormonal therapy options with dose-dependent therapeutic efficacy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study provides insights into the selection of first-line hormonal therapies among the various treatments for managing infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) in South Asia. The study findings suggested that the effectiveness of these therapies is dose-dependent, with high doses of ACTH, dexamethasone, and prednisolone being the most effective for achieving cessation of epileptic spasms.

SAARC: An Overview

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1985, comprising eight South Asian nations: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan. SAARC aims to promote regional cooperation and development across various sectors, including economics, agriculture, human resources, tourism, and culture. The organization facilitates dialogue and collaboration through regular summits, where leaders discuss common challenges and opportunities. Despite facing challenges related to geopolitical tensions and bilateral issues among member countries, SAARC continues to strive towards fostering regional integration and addressing shared concerns in the South Asian region.

The elephant in the room: How personal and workplace traits shape role stress in the construction industry

Geographical regions shape workplace stress, as each location presents distinct environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions. These regional variations contribute to varying stress levels among workers depending on their unique conditions. This study explored the effects of personal and workplace traits on the role stress of the construction workforce in the South Asian region. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey involving 274 project-level personnel from ten construction companies in Sri Lanka. Factor analysis validated regression analysis was performed to identify the effects of personal and workplace traits on role stress. The results highlighted the significance of age, education level, and organization tenure in shaping role stress. Specifically, the increasing age was associated with decreased role overload and work-family conflict. A higher level of education was linked to a greater likelihood of experiencing role conflict. Extended organization tenure was found to decrease role ambiguity but increase role conflict and work-family conflict among construction project employees. These findings hold implications for shaping organizational policies aimed at improving employee well-being. By incorporating these insights, organizations can develop strategies that foster a more supportive and healthier work environment.

BIMSTEC: BAY OF BENGAL INITIATIVE FOR MULTI-SECTORAL TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION: SWOT ANALYSIS FROM INDIAN PERSPECTIVES

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Multi-sectoral cooperation can be seen in the case of BIMSTEC, which is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Thus, this paper aims to analyze a comprehensive SWOT analysis of BIMSTEC based on the Indian perspective. They cover India's strategic considerations related to geopolitics, economic cooperation, energy security, and soft power. Finally, the literature review reveals that the tag is inclined towards the advancement of technology, the need for strong institutional frameworks, and competent ways of eradicating economic imbalance among the member nations. Based on the study, it can be concluded that there are inherent opportunities for cooperation within BIMSTEC, but the issues of geopolitical competition, problems with the organization's management, and political unpredictability should be solved. Finally, the paper provides suggestions to make BIMSTEC a more effective organization with a better institutional basis to support members, inclusive growth for the region's people, better connectivity, optimum use of energy resources, and target environmental conservation. Therefore, India has a significant opportunity to ensure turning BIMSTEC into an active and efficient organization, which will help to provide stability, security, and further developments in the South Asian region in the Bay of Bengal.

Energy Poverty and Environmental Quality Nexus: Empirical Evidence from Selected South Asian Countries

South Asian countries are included in the economies of developing Asia. The region of South Asia is predominantly affected by energy poverty issues due to a heavy reliance on conventional energy and unpredictable access to energy services. It has about a quarter of the world's population and is home to three of the world's ten most populated countries: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This study investigates environmental sustainability dynamics in South Asian countries from 2000 to 2021, utilizing the Cross-sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) and Dumitrescu-Hurlin (D-H) causality methods. The research offers insights into the long-term trends and causal relationships that shape environmental outcomes in South Asian nations. Based on empirical findings, in the long-term, it is revealed that increases in energy poverty, economic growth, income inequality, and capital formation raise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while renewable energy and labor reduce GHG emissions. On the other hand, the error correction term shows the speed of adjustment toward equilibrium at 0.75%. Furthermore, the D-H panel causality reveals a directional link between variables. These findings highlight the urgent need for South Asian countries to implement policies to address energy poverty, promote renewable energy adoption, and reduce income inequality to mitigate GHG emissions and achieve long-term environmental sustainability effectively.

Rice Fallow Pulses for Agricultural Potential for South Asian Region

Rice fallows refer to lowland areas where rice is cultivated during the monsoon (kharif season) is left unplanted during the winter season (rabi) due to various factors. These include the early cessation of monsoon rains which resulted in soil moisture stress during winter season; waterlogging and excessive moisture in November/December, led to unsuitable for winter crops; the absence of suitable varieties for late planting at winter season and socio-economic issues such as damage by stray cattle or blue bulls. India accounts for a significant majority of about 79% of South Asia's total rice fallows which amount to 11.65 million hectares out of the region's total of 15.0 million hectares. The review assess the scenario of rice fallow pulses, production technologies and its constraints in the present trend.

Chilgoza Pine: A Comprehensive Review on Ecology, Cultivation, and Economic Potential of an Underutilized Nut Crop

Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana L.) is an underutilized nut crop native to the high-altitude regions of South Asia, particularly the western Himalayas. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Chilgoza pine's ecology, cultivation practices, and economic potential. The review synthesizes current knowledge on the tree’s ecological requirements, including its adaptation to arid and mountainous environments. It examines cultivation techniques, challenges faced in agronomic practices, and recent advancements in improving yield and quality. Additionally, the economic potential of Chilgoza pine is explored, highlighting its role in local economies, market trends, and opportunities for commercialization. This review underscores the significance of Chilgoza pine in sustainable agriculture and its potential as a high-value nut crop.

Enhancing ecosystem dynamics: organic and regenerative practices in rice–wheat systems and their impact on soil arthropod biodiversity

Arthropods may make a significant fraction of the total number of soil organisms. They function as plant litter transformers or ecosystem engineers, and thus contribute positively to soil health. The present study was conducted during the 2020–2022 at International Rice Research Institute, South Asia Regional Centre, Varanasi. Study investigates the impact of different farming methods-conventional (Scenario 1; Sc1), LINF- Low-input natural farming (Sc 2); BBEF- Biochar-based ecological farming (Sc 3); CROF- Climate-resilient organic farming (Sc 4); RF- Regenerative farming (Sc 5) practices on soil arthropod populations in rice-wheat systems. Study utilized pitfall traps across various experimental setups. The findings revealed a significant increase in arthropod diversity and abundance, particularly in organic farming scenarios, where the Formicidae family (ants) and the Araneae family (spiders) were most prevalent. In an organically rich soil system, the five most diverse groups (Isopoda, Myriapoda, Insecta, Acari, and Collembola) were reported. This increase can be attributed to the nutrient-rich amendments that positively influence soil organisms. This study highlights a gradual increase in specific taxa, such as cockroaches, spiders, ants, and grasshoppers, following the transition to organic farming. Principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed distinct arthropod distribution patterns in the different farming systems, indicating the unique ecological impact of each method. Interestingly, predator populations in zero-till wheat fields under regenerative agriculture were greater than those in conventionally tilled fields. These results underscore the substantial role of organic and regenerative farming practices in promoting sustainable agricultural ecosystems. This study reveals the complex interplay between farming practices and arthropod dynamics and highlights the ecological benefits of sustainable agricultural methods, emphasizing their potential to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health.

An unusual lowest elevation record of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in Nepal.

The snow leopard, Panthera uncia, is a flagship species of the mountainous region in South and Central Asia. In Nepal Himalayas, the species is distributed from 3000 to 6000 m. The present finding of a snow leopard on 23 January 2024 at an elevation of 146 m. in Charghare, Urlabari of Morang District was an unusual record. This is the first recorded case of a snow leopard at such a lower elevation. Fortunately, the leopard was rescued promptly and subsequently transferred to the Central Zoo, located in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur for further treatment. Following its rescue, two snow leopard scats were collected within a week from the enclosure. These scats were then analyzed using fecal analysis techniques to identify the prey hair remains in the scats. The analysis revealed that the leopard had consumed naur (Pseudoys nayaur) and unidentified rodent species, as evidence by the hair samples present in the scats. Additionally, several claws, likely from small mammals were also recorded which remain unidentified. This finding strongly suggests that the snow leopard had descended from its usual higher elevations. It is plausible that the leopard may have lost its way and ended up in densely populated human settlements. This has opened a new avenue for research in this area. There is now a pressing need for joint collaborative research to assess the corridors and connectivity crucial for the survival of these magnificent species.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attributable to air pollution in the South Asian countries: global burden of disease study 1990 - 2019.

This study investigates the burden of COPD attributable to air pollution in South Asia using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study from 1990 to 2019. Method Data for this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The burden was measured in terms of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and Years of life lost (YLLs). Results Since 1990, several countries in South Asia registered substantial declines in mortality rates attributed to COPD, ranging from -37.47% in Pakistan to -66.25% in Bangladesh. Similar trends were observed for DALYs and YLLs as well, which have potentially contributed to a considerable decrease in mortality rates at the regional level (-43.13%) compared to a 32.59% decline in Low SDI and 56.87% decline globally. Conclusion Despite significant declines since 1990, the burden of COPD attributable to air pollution reductions in the South Asian region's rates remains alarmingly high.

Impact of compound warm and wet events on dengue fever infection in South and Southeast Asian countries

BackgroundMultiple studies have reported the profound influence of various climate factors on dengue fever infection, while the effects of joint exposure to warm and wet environment, a condition favouring dengue vectors, on disease transmission were less evaluated. This study aims to investigate the impact of various compound temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity exposures on dengue fever infection in the South and Southeast Asia regions. MethodsWeekly dengue fever surveillance data from 2012 to 2020 were collected from 48 locations in four countries named Singapore (1 location), Sri Lanka (15 locations), Malaysia (9 locations), and Thailand (23 locations, with 11 locations having different study periods). The distributed lag non-linear models were built to assess the impacts of compound temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity exposures on dengue fever infection risks. ResultsA total of 1,359,993 dengue fever cases were reported with 9.33%, 24.02%, 48.73%, and 17.91% cases contributed by Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand, respectively. Compared to non-warm-non-wet, compound warm-wet was associated with an increased dengue risk (RR:1.32, 95% CI:1.21–1.44). Compared to moderate temperature-humidity, warm-wet environment was also associated with an increase in dengue risk (RR:1.37, 95% CI:1.22–1.55). In comparison to weeks with moderate temperature-rainfall, warm-wet weeks was linked to an elevated dengue risk (RR:1.39, 95% CI:1.27–1.52), whereas cold-dry weather would significantly reduce the infection risk (RR:0.70, 95% CI:0.62–0.80). Modification effects showed that the hot effect on dengue infection was more pronounced under higher humidity, while the impact of rainfall increased with warmer temperature. ConclusionWarm-wet events were associated with an increased dengue fever risk, while the infection risk would decline in cold-dry environment, and modification effects exist among exposures. Findings from this study highlight the importance of considering joint temperature, humidity, and rainfall dependency of dengue fever infection in disease prevention and control.

Leveraging HIV self-testing to achieve the UNAIDS 2025 targets in the South and Southeast Asia region.

The South and Southeast Asia region has the second-highest number of people living with HIV globally. Despite progress in reducing HIV incidence and AIDS-related deaths, the region still has a long way to go in achieving the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization as an additional approach to HIV testing. This paper provides a commentary on the implementation status, benefits, barriers and recommendations for HIVST implementation in South and Southeast Asia. Additionally, it presents perspectives from HIV testing service experts from 11 countries in the region to put forth recommendations to accelerate the implementation of HIVST in South and Southeast Asia. There is uneven progress in national HIVST policy development and implementation across the region. HIVST, as an additional testing approach, can help to enhance testing coverage, frequency and demand for follow-up HIV services among key populations. Key factors influencing the implementation and scale-up of HIVST include the degree of awareness of HIVST among general and key populations, the development and implementation of supportive national HIVST policies and the availability of public funding for HIVST. To address barriers and leverage enablers to HIVST implementation, generating evidence on cost-effectiveness and budget impact, developing multisectoral partnerships for market shaping, promoting differentiated and decentralized delivery models, and optimizing linkage to further testing and care are recommended. It is crucial to accelerate the implementation and scale-up of HIVST to differentiate and decentralize the delivery of HIV testing services in South and Southeast Asian countries. Sharing experiences among country experts is vital to foster the adoption of best practices and facilitate the trial-and-error process of HIVST implementation. Such collaborative approaches can help South and Southeast Asian countries attain the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, especially the first 95 on HIV diagnosis, and play a significant role in ending the global AIDS epidemic.

Obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma in the South Asian region – A distinct phenotype

BackgroundCraniopharyngiomas are rare benign tumors located in the sellar and suprasellar region, with an incidence of 0.5–2 cases per million as reported in Western studies. Post-treatment, including surgery and/or radiotherapy, many patients develop significant obesity, primarily due to hypothalamic damage and associated complications such as hypopituitarism. In the South Asian population, genetic predisposition to obesity at lower BMIs, coupled with a carbohydrate-rich diet, may exacerbate obesity in craniopharyngioma patients, presenting a unique challenge. MethodsThis submission is a commentary based on a comprehensive literature review. The authors conducted the review using PubMed to focus on English-language articles covering hypothalamic obesity, craniopharyngioma and obesity in the South Asian population from 1939 to the present. ResultsThe literature review revealed that 50–60 % of patients treated for craniopharyngioma develop obesity, predominantly linked to hypothalamic damage, although these data are mainly derived from Western studies. Hypopituitarism was frequently observed, further contributing to the obesity. Despite a caloric intake appropriate for the age and gender, these patients exhibited reduced physical activity as measured by wrist accelerometers. Patients with hypothalamic obesity due to craniopharyngioma are at risk for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular morbidity. Additionally, visual impairment was common, leading to a decreased quality of life. The South Asian population, genetically predisposed to visceral obesity and a carbohydrate-rich diet, may display a distinct phenotype. Although multiple treatment modalities have been tried, there is no definite treatment modality available to counteract this condition at present. ConclusionSouth Asian phenotype of craniopharyngioma-related obesity is characterized by significant metabolic and hormonal dysregulation, influenced by both dietary and genetic factors. Nevertheless, there may be a lot to be still understood about this devastating, rapid, relentless hypothalamic obesity syndrome. Also, a higher morbidity rate within this population, underscores the need for further research to develop targeted interventions.

The Acquisition of Modern Technologies by the Indian Military: Strategic Security and Geopolitical Implications for Pakistan

A comprehensive military modernization plan is being followed by India; despite many regional impediments it has acquired enough state-of-the-art weapons in various fields. Resultantly this has enhanced the insecurity spectrum in the region and Pakistan in particular. In this regard, strategic stability and balance of power in the South Asia region particularly among Pakistan and India is muddling. In the light of geostrategic compulsions, India has been successful in receiving unflinching assistance, especially from the US-led Western world primarily against China. Furthermore, one of the most regional impediments is a perpetual arms race in the region which is considered to be an eminent challenge for regional development and prosperity. However, the spillover effect of foreign-backed Indian military modernization has posed certain compulsions on Pakistan to enhance its military capability. Such regional developments are exponentially maximizing the existing vacuum triggered by territorial conflicts and ideological differences between Pakistan and India.

Maximizing Growth and Yield Components: Comparative Analysis of Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation in Intensively Farmed Rice Systems

Water scarcity is a critical issue in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, necessitating efficient irrigation methods in agriculture. This study evaluated the effectiveness of surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems in direct-seeded rice (DSR) followed by zero-till wheat or maize, compared to conventional puddled transplanted rice (PTR) systems. The two-year experiment, conducted at the International Rice Research Institute's South Asia Regional Centre in Varanasi, India, employed a randomized complete block design with eight treatments. Results showed that DSR followed by zero-till wheat with subsurface drip irrigation at 60-cm spacing significantly outperformed other treatments. This system increased rice grain yield by 6.52% and 18.82%, straw yield by 7.68% and 13.45%, and total biomass by 8.30% and 9.73% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, compared to PTR followed by zero-till wheat. Subsurface drip irrigation also led to improved plant growth parameters, including plant height and number of tillers, and enhanced yield attributes such as number of panicles and filled grains per panicle. The study concludes that subsurface drip irrigation in DSR systems offers a promising solution for sustainable intensification and efficient use of water and energy in rice-based cropping systems. However, long-term, multi-location trials are recommended to establish precise water and energy savings under various conditions.

In-vitro antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract from Khla (Schumannianthus dichotomus Roxb.) rhizome.

Schumannianthus dichotomus Roxb. in Thai, namely “Khla,” is notably distributed in South and South-East Asia regions. In Thai traditional medicine, rhizome has a bland taste, and after decoction, it is used to reduce body heat and fever and treatment of skin diseases. Recently, the methanolic extract of rhizome had reported the hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic activities in mice. Aims of this study were conducted to determine the nutritional value of rhizome and to evaluate α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities of ethanol extract from the rhizome (KE). The rhizome had a high content of dietary fiber and iron, while it was low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Thus, it can become an ingredient of a healthy diet. The total phenolic content of KE contained 229.8 ± 6.23 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g. There was strongly inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.11 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and comparable with the antidiabetic drug acarbose (IC50 = 0.10 ± 0.03 mg/mL). Therefore, KE was slightly inhibited by α-amylase (IC50 = 0.42 ± 0.05 mg/mL), when compared with acarbose (IC50 = 0.016 ± 0.001 mg/mL). Thus, the phytochemicals of different extracts are necessary to be identified. Therefore, the advance techniques were the limitation of our study.

TRENDS OF TV NEWS COVERAGE IN BANGLADESH

The media booming especially the rise of satellite television channels is a significant phenomenon in the landscape of Bangladesh media which was initiated after the fall of autocratic regime in 1990. At present, twenty four satellite TV channels are in operation under the corporate ownership. These satellite channels are presenting hour-round news and views on different events and affairs. The state-owned BTV was the sole medium to cover and disseminate news, information and entertainment to the country-wide audience till 1999. Within a period of one and a half decade, ‘the media boom’ that Bangladesh is experiencing is not noticed in many other countries of the South-Asian region. In spite of this significant change in terms of quantity and ownership pattern, there still lacks a comprehensive broadcast policy to guide day-to-day operations of the channels. The article, in this backdrop, presents trend of the ever-growing satellite channels in covering news. The article also explores interests of the TV channels in terms of news selection, treatment and presentation

The impact of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes: A retrospective study in South Asian region of Pakistan

The current study was conducted to check the effect of high blood pressure on the health of mother and child living in south Asian region of Pakistan during all trimesters of pregnancy. For this retrospective research, 720 females during their deliveries were analyzed at Swat Medical College and Women's Hospital Mardan between June 2022 and June 2023. This current study found almost one fourth of the population suffer hypertensive disorders during any stage of pregnancy which leads to mild to severe pre-eclampsia and ultimately premature births. The observations indicated statistically high significance between hypertensive disorders and associated adverse symptoms like fetus with preterm delivery, c-sections, low birth weight, acute to chronic but reversible renal disorders, neonatal intensive care admissions and sometime central nervous system related disorders. So, this study concludes that more comprehensive parenteral care at the time of pregnancy and especially at the last trimesters. Keen attention towards symptoms and early diagnosis can help to reduce the severity of disease. The maternal and fetal health initiative schemes are required for public awareness.

Thiourea Supplementation Improves Drought Stress Response of Ridge‐Sown and Mulch‐Applied Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.) via Improved Leaf Source to Grain Sink Dynamics

ABSTRACTIn regions of South Asia where rainfed maize is grown, effective crop management during drought is essential for maximising yield. A variety of water‐conserving planting practices are used, and more recently, techniques such as foliar supplementation to maintain nutrients during drought have also shown promise. However, specific combinations of these approaches are often untested for optimality. Here, we explore the effects of two maize planting practices (ridge sowing and mulching) to conserve water, in combination with foliar thiourea. Drought stress response of crop was assessed at two experimental sites (L‐I and L‐II), through split‐plot design (main plots: flat sowing + mulch, flat sowing, ridge sowing + mulch [RS + M] and ridge sowing; sub‐plots: unsprayed, water spray, 500 ppm thiourea and 1000 ppm thiourea). Plant performance was assessed via dry matter accumulation, grain growth rate, stomatal parameters, grain yield, stover yield and nitrogen uptake. Rainfall breaks induced three dry spells during the pre‐anthesis and grain‐filling period. RS + M showed maximum drought tolerance by enhancing rainwater and nutrient use (N uptake [88.1 and 115.1 kg ha−1]) and recorded significantly higher periodic dry matter accumulation (149.2 and 156.8 g) along with higher 1000‐grain weight (181.0 and 196.6 g), grain‐filling duration (36.3 and 34.9 days) and leaf health parameters over the flat‐sown treatments. Furthermore, foliar supplementation of thiourea at 1000 ppm caused improved leaf health, likely through activation of a source to sink response (transfer of energy and materials from leaves to other plant organs) that alleviated moisture stress. Ultimately, the combination of RS + M and 1000 ppm thiourea led to the highest grain yields (32.1 and 39.5 qha−1).

Early-stage soil organic carbon stabilization in conservation agriculture-based cereal systems

In South Asia, the sustainability of conventional tillage and input-intensive cereal-based cropping systems (such as rice-rice and rice-wheat) is under scrutiny due to soil organic carbon depletion, stagnant productivity, and adverse environmental impacts stemming from greenhouse gas emissions (N2O, CH4, and CO2). Against this backdrop, a long-term field experiment was initiated in 2009 at three sites in India (Karnal, Patna, and Aduthurai) and one site in Bangladesh (Gazipur) to assess four scenarios (S) reflecting current and future diversified crop rotations and conservation agriculture (CA) practices: S1 - double cereal rotation with conventional practices; S2 - double cereal plus legume rotation with partial CA; S3 - double cereal plus legume rotation with full CA; and S4 - futuristic diversified cereal-legume rotations with full CA. This study delved into the dynamics and stabilization of soil organic carbon across all scenarios and sites. Replicated soil samples were collected from depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm after two crop cycles. We analyzed Walkley-Black carbon (WBC), total organic carbon (TOC), and various carbon pools with different oxidizability, determining the amount of carbon stabilized under CA-based scenarios and identifying optimal systems for carbon economy in South Asia. On average, active and passive carbon pools, TOC, and WBC stocks followed the order: S4 > S3 > S2 > S1 at all sites, except Gazipur, where the order was S3 > S4 > S2 > S1. CA practices stabilized applied carbon inputs to soil organic carbon at an annual rate of 1.7 %, with greater stabilization observed under S4 (11.7 %) > S3 (10.6 %) > S2 (7.8 %), regardless of location. Rice-rice sites exhibited a higher carbon stabilization rate (13.4 %) compared to rice-wheat sites (6.7 %). A significant proportion of stabilized carbon (63 %) was allocated to passive pools in soils under S2, S3, and S4, highlighting CA's potential to enhance carbon stability. Using a linear indexing technique, we identified that both S3 and S4 are conducive to better carbon stabilization, yield sustainability, and environmental co-benefits. Consequently, full CA systems with best management practices (S3) and best management practices with crop diversification (S4) are recommended for sustainable crop production in the major double cereal growing regions of South Asia, including India and Bangladesh.