South Asia Research Articles

Unveiling discrimination

This article examines the historical and legal marginalization of the hijra, a third-gender community in South Asia, with a particular focus on the Indian subcontinent. Utilizing a postcolonial theoretical framework, the article analyzes contemporary lawfare dynamics between hijra and transgender activists in India and Pakistan. The study integrates gender and class analysis to explore key legal developments, drawing on examples from both colonial and contemporary legislation in India and Pakistan. The article argues that despite increased legal recognition of transgender rights, hijra remain marginalized as transgender activists seek acceptance as members of the middle class, often at the expense of hijra communities. By exploring legislative interventions and the narratives around activist endeavors, lawfare is analyzed at two levels, legislative and social, demonstrating how transgender activism can perpetuate discrimination against hijras in both Pakistan and India. The analyses underscore the complexity of alliances within genderqueer groups in postcolonial South Asian societies, challenging the assumption that these groups are natural allies. Ultimately, the article reveals the complex intersection of gender, class, and legal strategies, critiquing the role of lawfare in perpetuating social divisions and calling for more inclusive approaches to gender rights.

Impact of FM Radio on Political Awareness and Engagement among University Students: A Socio-Political Study

This research examines the role of FM radio in shaping the awareness and engagement about politics among university students in Lahore, by focusing on the influence of socio-political aspects. The study purposes to recognize the history of FM radio and its effectiveness to address the socio-political issues. The sample size of 600 students between the ages of 18 and 32 from three private universities of Lahore (University of South Asia, University of Management and Technology, Superior University). The statistics were attained by the technique of purposive sampling; the research finds that FM radio upholds a noteworthy occurrence in spite of the rise of new media. The majority of people listen to FM radio for entertainment, information, education, and development. The findings show that FM radio is an effective medium for raising socio-political awareness and encouraging political connection among youngsters.

The First Comprehensive Evaluation of Immuno-Inflammatory Markers for Prognosis in Esophageal Cancer Patients: A South Asian Perspective.

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a significant health challenge in South Asia, with poor prognosis despite advancements in diagnostics and treatment. Identifying and validating prognostic factors is essential for improving patient outcomes. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with 146 biopsy-confirmed EC patients at the Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the Chi-square test. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models for univariate and multivariate regression analyses, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Bivariate analysis showed significant associations of the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.017), C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) (p = 0.033), red cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR) (p = 0.020), and systemic immune-Inflammation index (SII) (p = 0.009) with patient survival. Univariate analysis identified tumor length >10 cm (p = 0.016), T4 stage (p = 0.015), metastasis (p < 0.001), surgery not performed (p < 0.001), and SII (p = 0.022) as significant factors for survival, with higher SII linked to poorer overall survival (p = 0.020). Interestingly, in the multivariate model, only metastasis (p < 0.001) and surgery not performed (p = 0.011) remained significant. Conclusions: Immuno-inflammatory markers may be less pertinent prognostic factors for EC in the South Asian population.

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.

Did Panthera gombaszogensis reach the Sunda shelf?

ABSTRACT The history of Panthera throughout Asia is dependent on a very scant fossil record. Dominating Asia in the Holocene, Pleistocene Panthera fossils have often been attributed to Panthera tigris. However, newer finds suggest that there was more than just P. tigris in Pleistocene Asia. Rather, species previously thought to be only from western Eurasia have been uncovered in South and East Asia, including Panthera spelaea and Panthera gombaszogensis. Therefore, re-evaluation of the fossil Panthera from Pleistocene Sunda is indicated. A partial mandible from Kedung Brubus (MIS 20–15) shows characteristics distinct from both contemporary Pleistocene P. tigris and Holocene Sunda populations. Rather, this specimen shows strong affinities with the Eurasian P. gombaszogensis. The Kedung Brubus mandible therefore provides the first evidence for the presence of P. gombaszogensis in Middle Pleistocene Sunda, becoming extinct some time after the arrival of P. tigris.

Comparative Dynamics of the Belt and Road Initiative: Unveiling the Unique Position and Implications of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The Belt and Road Initiative introduced by China is one of the biggest infrastructure and development projects striving to facilitate commercial exchanges and stimulate growth through construction, trade, and investment links across countries and continents. Under this grand framework, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) arose as a significant and novel dimension of the deepening bilateral relationship between Beijing and Islamabad Meanwhile CPEC plays a strategic role as a critical artery that aims to redefine the regional dynamics. This article undertakes analytical research to disclose the position as well as consequences of CPEC among other projects comprising the BRI on a global scale. Through fine-grained analysis of the political, economic, and social dimensions of CPEC somehow positioned next to other BRI projects, this study can identify the uniqueness of CPEC at the level of its ambitions, challenges, and implications on both regional geopolitics and economic frameworks. The paper draws upon a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, comprising CPEC project results, bilateral agreements, and economic indicators, among others, to demonstrate how CPEC functions as a driving force towards economic transformation in Pakistan with associated implications for international trade corridors. Moreover, the research sheds light on the geopolitical strategies behind China’s investments and brings to the surface how CPEC is not only employed in economic affairs but rather military and geopolitical interests for China in South Asia as well. Such a comparative study assists in the process of knowing the multilayered nature of the BRI, and bringing forth those emerging insights on how projects like CPEC can form the structure of global economic and governance engagement of the 21st century.

The Fragility of Democracy: Political Conflict in South Asia

The complex interplay between political conflict and democratic fragility in South Asia is the focus of this research paper. The study examines South Asia to understand how conflict catalyzes and hinders democratic progress. The research delves deep into the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities, ethnic and religious tensions, and institutional weaknesses. It analyzes how conflict can trigger democratic reforms through popular mobilization and erode governance and institutions. The study highlights the fragility of democratic systems in the face of deep-rooted conflicts and the challenges of balancing competing interests. It underscores the need for South Asian nations to address underlying grievances to strengthen democratic institutions and foster inclusive dialogue to navigate conflict constructively and secure a stable democratic future. The research employs a qualitative approach, relying on a comprehensive literature review and case study analysis to draw insights into the multifaceted relationship between political conflict and democratic development in the selected region.

Asymmetric Effects of Trade Openness, Financial Development, and Human Capital on Economic Growth in South Asia

ABSTRACT This study uses the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model to explore the relationship between trade openness and output growth in South Asia from 1980 to 2019. Findings reveal significant short- and long-term effects, with asymmetric dynamics. In linear ARDL models, Pakistan and India show strong positive correlations, while Bangladesh shows a negative one. Non-linear modeling reduces these effects, but Nepal still benefits. Sri Lanka’s linear model indicates a non-significant negative correlation, while the non-linear model reveals a positive relationship. These results highlight the complex dynamics between trade openness and economic growth in South Asia.

The Water, Food, and Energy Nexus: The Inclusive Roles of Governance and Finance in South Asia

The Water, Food, and Energy Nexus: The Inclusive Roles of Governance and Finance in South Asia

Global health impacts of high BMI: A 30-Year analysis of trends and disparities across regions and Demographics

ObjectiveThis study explores the global disease burden associated with high Body Mass Index (BMI) from 1990 to 2021, using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021). MethodsWe applied Joinpoint regression to assess trends in deaths and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and employed ARIMA models to project future BMI-related burdens. ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, global deaths linked to high BMI surged by 153.97%, rising from 1.46 million to 3.71 million. DALYs increased by 167.57%, with the highest rises in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Women, particularly those aged 75 and above, experienced the most significant burden, with a faster rate of increase in disease burden compared to men post-2000. Future projections indicate a continued rise in BMI-related health impacts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. ConclusionsThe global disease burden attributable to high BMI is increasing rapidly, particularly in low- and middle-income regions. Targeted public health interventions, especially for women and the elderly, are crucial to addressing this growing health challenge.

Cross-Market Volatility Dynamics Among Crude Oil and South Asian Emerging Markets During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic had profound impacts on the global economy, initially triggering a severe economic downturn due to widespread lockdowns, this outbreak generated various economic shocks, a major one being the oil price crash. A brief understanding of how this pandemic is affecting the financial markets, empirical analysis is done on three financial markets. Three stock exchange markets are selected from emerging markets in South Asia (Pakistan, China, and India). The world crude oil market is selected as a reference, to how it transmits volatility to South Asian markets during the COVID-19 period. We employ a bivariate BEKK-GARCH model for analyzing the volatility spillover from November 19, 2019, to March 31, 2021. All markets show negative coefficients with the oil market, indicating that the previous day’s shocks in oil prices reduce today's stock market volatility, with significant values for India and Pakistan. China has a negative coefficient while the rest of the two markets show a positive and significant coefficient means past volatilities in the stock market decrease today’s oil market volatility, likely indicating a reactive or adaptive market behavior to stock volatility. Generally, oil price changes have a significant impact on these markets, with both immediate effects (via ARCH terms) and persistent effects (via GARCH terms). The study's findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, as they help identify the direction of spillovers among interconnected economies. Additionally, portfolio investors can use this information to effectively allocate weights to different asset classes when making investment decisions.

Interdecadal Springtime Aerosol Increase in the North Indian Ocean Observed From the Satellite AVHRR Instrument

AbstractA 38‐year aerosol optical thickness (AOT) satellite product from the Advanced Very High‐Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) is used to investigate the aerosol variabilities in the North Indian Ocean (NIO). A dipolar mode with a notable meridional contrast between the equatorial and northern NIO is revealed by the second mode of Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis with a sharp rise over the Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BoB) since 2002. Our results show that the aerosol dipolar variation is primarily modulated by an El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during 1983–2001 (ID1) and by a warm phase of Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO) during 2002–2020 (ID2), leading to a dry‐and‐warming condition spanning the coasts of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula (AP), and South Asia (SA) that favors increasing aerosol emission and a longer life cycle in the upstream regions. A warm phase of the AMO tends to excite an anomalous cyclone in western Siberia and reinforces anticyclonic circulation in the Tibetan Plateau. Correlation analyses between the second EOF mode time series and other parameters in ID1 and ID2 show that an interannual dry‐and‐warming condition over the AP–SA is associated with a noticeable north‐south contrast of convection between the equatorial NIO and AP–SA in ID1. But in ID2, a zonal contrast of anomalous convective activities between the AP–SA and the BoB‐South China Sea is dominant, partially due to the warming AMO, which aids the development of anticyclonic cells over the TP and the strengthened subtropical westerly jet streams.

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.

Resistance to the platinum‑based chemotherapeutic drugs in oral cancer: Focus on the role of p22phox (Review).

Oral cancer, commonly known as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is an aggressive malignancy in the oral cavity with a poor prognosis and survival rate, particularly at the advanced stages. Oral cancer represents one of the most widespread cancers worldwide, in which the prevalence is particularly high in South and Southeast Asia. While the incidence and mortality rates continue to increase over the past decades, oral cancer treatment can be challenging and at times ineffective, largely due to drug resistance. To date, platinum-based drugs, such as cisplatin, remain the mainstay of chemotherapy for patients with oral cancer. However, long-term exposure to cisplatin inevitably leads to the development of resistance to the drug, which is still a major issue to overcome in oral cancer treatment. The molecular mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in oral cancer have been extensively studied in recent years and the present review places specific emphasis on a novel mechanism of resistance to the platinum drugs mediated by p22phox, an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein. In addition to delineating the unique p22phox-dependent cisplatin resistance, the present review compares and contrasts the resistance mechanism to its current counterparts. Finally, with the goal of tackling the problem of chemotherapy resistance in oral cancer, various strategies are presented that may counteract p22phox-dependent cisplatin resistance, which may potentially improve the efficacy of the platinum-based drugs and warrant future clinical validation.

Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) – Economic corridor: an opportunity for regional connectivity and development cooperation in south and Southeast Asia

China is the largest country in terms of the purchasing power parity (PPP); and the country has started to invest hugely in the developing countries of the Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle-East. It wants to be connected with Europe, Africa and Middle East through its economic corridors such as BCIM, BRI, MSR and OBOR. It can be mentioned here that most of the South and Southeast countries are poor and need huge investment in the infrastructural projects. Therefore, the concept of BCIM is a win-win geostrategic and economic policy for South, Southeast and China. On the other hand, India is largest country in terms of the size of population; and its economy is also rising rapidly. And this country also needs huge investment and development cooperation from the different countries including China. Besides, Bangladesh is a lower middle-income country; it also wants to grow rapidly in terms of economic growth, transfer of technology and infrastructural developments. On other hand, Myanmar is a developing country in Southeast Asia which requires vast developments, transfer of technology, foreign investments in the coastal regions and regional connectivity for economic growth and development. Therefore, carrying out study on BCIM economic corridor is extremely important in the region. It’s a qualitative study in the context of mythology. This study has found that implementation of BCIM economic corridor is very important for South and Southeast Asia including Bangladesh for regional connectivity, trade and investment and development cooperation.

Rare and unusual snow leopard encounters in the broadleaf forest of the Bhutanese Himalayas

The snow leopard Panthera uncia, a top predator in Central and South Asia, faces population declines due to habitat degradation, prey depletion, retaliatory killings, poaching, and climate change. In Bhutan, where the species is protected, we report two rare sightings in the Gedu regionʼs broadleaved and fir forests, at 2,708 masl and 3,839 masl, respectively, which are lower than the typical speciesʼ prime habitats in Bhutan. These findings suggest that this area may function as an important corridor or a potential range expansion beyond typical high-altitude habitats (3,000 to 5,800 masl). This discovery underscores the speciesʼ ecological adaptability and highlights the need for enhanced conservation strategies, including habitat connectivity mapping and local community education. Additionally, it highlights the importance of protecting and conserving habitats outside of protected areas for speciesʼ long-term persistence.

Evaluation of Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Amoebic Liver Abscess in India with Bayesian Latent Class Analysis.

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extra-intestinal complication of Entamoeba histolytica, accounting for 50,000 deaths annually, and is endemic in South Asia. Diagnosis based on microscopic examination is insensitive, and serological assays are not discerning of current infections in endemic settings with high exposure. For a rapid and confirmatory laboratory diagnosis of ALA, the performance of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative real time PCR (qPCR), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), and a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that detects E. histolytica DNA in liver abscess pus, and a lectin antigen detection ELISA were evaluated against clinical diagnosis (based on predefined criteria) as the gold standard. Owing to the lack of a laboratory gold standard, a Bayesian latent class analysis approach was also used to determine sensitivity and specificity of these assays. In the latent class analysis, qPCR and ddPCR showed the highest sensitivity (98% and 98.1%) and specificity (both 96.6%), and although clinical diagnosis had a comparable sensitivity to qPCR and ddPCR (95.2%), poorer specificity (64.3%) was seen. Kappa agreement analysis showed that qPCR and ddPCR had a perfect agreement of 1 followed by an agreement of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64-0.88) with PCR. Considering the performance characteristics and relative ease of setting up qPCR as well as the wide availability of qPCR equipment needed, this would be the most optimal assay for rapid, confirmatory, molecular diagnosis of ALA in the tertiary care laboratory setting in India, whereas further optimization of LAMP or antibody-based detection is required for use at smaller or secondary hospitals.

Analysis of the global burden of cardiovascular diseases linked to exposure to ambient particulate matter pollution from 1990 to 2019.

This research endeavors to scrutinize the temporal trends and global burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) associated with ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution spanning from 1990 to 2019. Age-standardized death rates (ASDRs) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for CVDs, as well as their estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs), were calculated using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). The global ASDR and age-standardized DALYs due to CVDs associated with PM pollution increased from 1990 to 2019, with a higher increase in males. The burden was higher among middle-aged and older adults. The ASDR and DALYs increased in low-Socio-demographic Index (SDI), low-middle-SDI, and middle-SDI countries, while they decreased in high-SDI countries. The highest burden was observed in Central Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, and South Asia. The highest burdens were reported in Iraq, Egypt, and Uzbekistan at the national level. The burden of CVDs linked to PM pollution has grown significantly from 1990 to 2019, with variations across regions and countries, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and pollution management strategies.

Impacts of elevated anthropogenic emissions on physicochemical characteristics of black-carbon-containing particles over the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region has distinct climate effects that strongly depend on its mixing state. The aging processes of BC in the TP are subject to emissions from various regions, resulting in considerable variability of its mixing state and physicochemical properties. However, the mechanism and magnitude of this effect are not yet clear. In this study, field observations on physicochemical properties of BC-containing particles (PMBC) were conducted in the northeast (Xihai) and southeast (Lulang) regions of the TP to investigate the impacts of transported emissions from lower-altitude areas on BC characteristics in the TP. Large spatial discrepancies were found in the chemical composition of PMBC. Both sites showed higher concentrations of PMBC when they were affected by transported air masses outside the TP but with diverse chemical composition. Source apportionment for organic aerosol (OA) suggested that primary OA in the northeastern TP was attributed to hydrocarbon OA (HOA) from anthropogenic emissions, while it was dominated by biomass burning OA (BBOA) in the southeastern TP. Regarding secondary aerosol, a marked enhancement in nitrate fraction was observed on aged BC coating in Xihai when the air masses were brought by updrafts and easterly winds from lower-altitude areas. With the development of boundary layer, the enhanced turbulent mixing promoted the elevation of anthropogenic pollutants. In contrast to Xihai, the thickly coated BC in Lulang was mainly caused by elevation and transportation of biomass burning plumes from south Asia, showing a large contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The distinct transported emissions lead to substantial variations of both chemical composition and light absorption ability of BC across the TP. The thicker coating and higher mass absorption cross-section (MAC) of PMBC in air masses elevated from lower-altitude regions reveal the promoted BC aging processes and their impacts on the mixing state and light absorption of BC in the TP. These findings emphasize the vulnerability of plateau regions to influences of elevated emissions, leading to significant changes in BC concentration, mixing states and light absorption across the TP, all of which need to be considered in the evaluation of BC radiative effects for the TP region.

Tuberculosis in South Asia: A regional analysis of burden, progress, and future projections using the global burden of disease (1990–2021)

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a major public health issue in South Asia and accounts for a large share of the global TB burden. Despite global efforts to curb TB incidence and mortality, progress in South Asia has been uneven, necessitating focused regional analysis to guide effective interventions. This study aims to analyse the trends in the TB burden in South Asia from 1990 to 2021 and project future TB incidence rates up to 2031. MethodsThis study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 results to analyse trends in age-standardized incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR), mortality (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates (ASDR) associated with TB in South Asia from 1990 to 2021. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to identify significant trends, whereas ARIMA models were used to project future TB incidence rates up to 2031. ResultsThis study revealed significant declines in the ASIR, ASPR, ASDR, and ASMR related to TB in South Asia over the past three decades. Prominent reductions were found in Bangladesh and Bhutan, whereas India, Pakistan, and Nepal continue to bear the highest TB burdens. The ARIMA model projections indicate a continued decline in TB incidence across the region, although the extent of the decline varies by country, with less favourable trends observed in Nepal and Pakistan. The analysis also highlights tobacco use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body mass index as significant risk factors contributing to the TB burden. ConclusionsSubstantial progress has been made in reducing the TB burden in South Asia; however, sustained and intensified efforts are needed, particularly in countries with inconsistent progress. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to meet the WHO End TB Strategy (WETS) targets by 2035. Continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies will be crucial in maintaining and accelerating progress toward TB elimination in South Asia.