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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Ordinary 'Worthiness': Sex Work, Police Raids, And Human Rights Violence In Sonagachhi, Simanti Dasgupta Feb 2018

Ordinary 'Worthiness': Sex Work, Police Raids, And Human Rights Violence In Sonagachhi, Simanti Dasgupta

Simanti Dasgupta

Based upon ethnographic research with Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC), a grass-roots sex workers organization in Sonagachhi, the iconic red light district in Kolkata, India, this paper explores the relationship between police raids and human rights violation. It especially focuses on the nature of violence initiated by the construction of “corrupt” evidence to justify a raid, which in this case is not solely a state initiative; the police usually work in tandem with other rescue missions such as the International Justice mission (IJM). The raid involves a practice and a narrative commonly referred to by both the police and the …


Realising Peace Potential Of Constitution, Tatsushi Arai Feb 2017

Realising Peace Potential Of Constitution, Tatsushi Arai

Tatsushi Arai

To realize the promise of the 2015 constitution that ensures federalism, democracy, and republicanism, the Nepali government, civil society, and diverse identity groups must develop a multi-layered understanding of governance and adopt a proactive policy of defensive defense and regional peacemaking. Local elections scheduled in the spring of 2017 will become a crucial step in realizing inclusive governance and development at the grassroots level.

Article found on p. 6 of the print version in PDF format, which can be downloaded.

Online version of the same article available at: http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2017-02-20/realising-peace-potential-of-constitution.html

YouTube video of a public seminar on February 4, 2017 at …


Implications Of The Dragon’S Rise For South Asia: Assessing China’S Nepal Policy, Bibek Chand, Lukas K. Danner Dec 2015

Implications Of The Dragon’S Rise For South Asia: Assessing China’S Nepal Policy, Bibek Chand, Lukas K. Danner

Dr. Lukas K. Danner

China has always been an important neighbour to Nepal which has otherwise historically been heavily influenced by India. The ‘rise of China’ has created a more outward-looking Middle Kingdom and so its influence in Nepal has significantly increased within the last decade. As a consequence, Nepal is experiencing growing interest from China. This article aims to give some historical background to Sino-Nepalese relations and to measure the most recent impact of the ‘rise of China’ on Nepal, particularly on its economic, military and political fronts. This is followed by a broader look at China’s policy towards Nepal, also taking into …


How Modern India Looks At Its Premodernity, Ananya Vajpeyi Jul 2015

How Modern India Looks At Its Premodernity, Ananya Vajpeyi

Ananya Vajpeyi

No abstract provided.


Realism And Pm Narendra Modi’S Foreign Policy: Identification Of Gaps, Vivek Kumar Srivastava Dr. Jun 2015

Realism And Pm Narendra Modi’S Foreign Policy: Identification Of Gaps, Vivek Kumar Srivastava Dr.

Vivek Kumar Srivastava Dr.

Indian PM Narendra Modi is a dynamic leader. There are several discussions on his foreign policy, most of these have not studied it with a realist perspective. The present paper uses realist theoretical framework to identify the gaps in foreign policy.


Reading Between The Poverty Lines, Srijit Mishra Sep 2014

Reading Between The Poverty Lines, Srijit Mishra

Srijit Mishra

The proposed Rangarajan method on measurement of poverty in India borrows elements from three earlier methods – those of Alagh, Lakdawala and Tendulkar. An important departure in the Rangarajan method is to compute the poverty line commodity basket by combining items from two fractile groups to address the relatively higher expenses for some essential non-food items. This, while being statistically plausible, poses a behavioural dilemma, as there will be no fractile group that will satisfy both. As an alternative, we suggest dual poverty lines where the fi rst is computed on the basis of average calorie, protein and fat requirements …


The Rise Of The Dragon And The Consequences For Neighboring Small Powers: The Case Of Nepal, Bibek Chand, Lukas Danner Aug 2014

The Rise Of The Dragon And The Consequences For Neighboring Small Powers: The Case Of Nepal, Bibek Chand, Lukas Danner

Lukas K. Danner

No abstract provided.


The Politics Media Equation:Exposing Two Faces Of Old Nexus Through Study Of General Elections,Wikileaks And Radia Tapes, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr Oct 2013

The Politics Media Equation:Exposing Two Faces Of Old Nexus Through Study Of General Elections,Wikileaks And Radia Tapes, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr

Ratnesh Dwivedi

The important identity of a responsible media is playing an unbiased role in reporting a matter without giving unnecessary hype to attract the attention of the gullible public with the object of making money and money only.After reporting properly the media can educate the public to form their own opinion in the matters of public interest. Throughout the centuries, the world has never existed without information and communication, hence the inexhaustible essence of mass media. The government has the power to either make or reject whatever that will exist within its environment. It also determines how free the mass media …


Exporting Expertise: A Note On Singapore's Gambit In Bangalore, India, Caroline Yeoh, Amrit Vaidyanath, Siang Yeung Wong Sep 2013

Exporting Expertise: A Note On Singapore's Gambit In Bangalore, India, Caroline Yeoh, Amrit Vaidyanath, Siang Yeung Wong

Caroline Yeoh

Infrastructure can be unreliable and administration subject to corruption in Asia’s rapidly emerging economies. This context presented Singapore with unique opportunities to export its ‘positive reputation’ to locations where these attributes are less certain, through the provision of superior infrastructure, the ability to negotiate investment concessions and, where existing, through the links to influential business groups in the investment location. This strategic initiative is premised on the perception that Singapore’s good relations with multinationals, as well as “connections” with Asian business networks, will give the industrial-township projects a marketing advantage. To complement the extensive literature on Singapore’s flagship projects in …


The Singapore "Advantage" In India: A Perception Or A Premium?, Alexandra Si-Lan Wee, Ai Lin Leong, Caroline Yeoh Aug 2013

The Singapore "Advantage" In India: A Perception Or A Premium?, Alexandra Si-Lan Wee, Ai Lin Leong, Caroline Yeoh

Caroline Yeoh

Singapore’s regionalisation strategy has been applied in various countries, such as China, Vietnam and India, through the establishment of industrial parks. The parks are marketed as a winning combination of the host country’s unique location advantages and Singapore style efficiency and management know-how. Singapore’s foray into India was marked by the setting up of the ITPL in Bangalore, and furthered by its venture into a future phase of HITEC City, based on her success in Bangalore. However, with global businesses shifting interests towards India, and competing industrial parks emerging to meet the increasing demand, ITPL is faced with stiff competition …


The Singapore-India Connection: A Tale Of Two Industrial Parks, Caroline Yeoh, Wongso Kevin, Wee Tan Aug 2013

The Singapore-India Connection: A Tale Of Two Industrial Parks, Caroline Yeoh, Wongso Kevin, Wee Tan

Caroline Yeoh

In recent times, Singapore has, as part of its regionalisation strategy, established industrial parks in various countries, including China, Vietnam, and India. The parks are marketed as a winning combination of the host country’s unique location advantages and Singapore-style efficiency and management know-how. Singapore’s foray into India, in particular, was marked by the setting up of the ITPL in Bangalore; a development that met with great success. However, with global businesses shifting interests towards India, and competing industrial parks emerging to meet the increasing demand, ITPL is faced with stiff competition from other industrial parks; and Singapore has since announced …


To Compete Globally, Brics Nations Need Reputation, Not Imitation, Ahmed E. Souaiaia May 2013

To Compete Globally, Brics Nations Need Reputation, Not Imitation, Ahmed E. Souaiaia

Ahmed E SOUAIAIA

The economic, political, and social rise of the Western block of nations was founded on the single most enduring currency: reputation. Reputation, the source of credibility and trust, is the real asset that allows the U.S. to project its stature around the world. BRICS nations cannot rise to prominence by mimicking developed countries. They must build their reputation first. Wealth is only a byproduct of this more precious commodity, and countries who have it can squander it just as emerging economies can acquire it. For either of those results to happen in any country, circumstantial conditions and principled actions must …


Olive Branch Or Bellicosity (Pakistan Observer), Shams Uz Zaman Mr. Feb 2013

Olive Branch Or Bellicosity (Pakistan Observer), Shams Uz Zaman Mr.

Mr. Shams uz Zaman

Differentiates between the options of talking to militants or taking military action.


Myth Of Indian Nuke Doctrine (Cpc Journal, No.1038, Us Air Force, Alabama, Shams Uz Zaman Mr. Dec 2012

Myth Of Indian Nuke Doctrine (Cpc Journal, No.1038, Us Air Force, Alabama, Shams Uz Zaman Mr.

Mr. Shams uz Zaman

No abstract provided.


Pak Nukes: Frenzy In Western Media (Cpc Journal, No.1025, Us Air Force, Alabama), Shams Uz Zaman Mr. Sep 2012

Pak Nukes: Frenzy In Western Media (Cpc Journal, No.1025, Us Air Force, Alabama), Shams Uz Zaman Mr.

Mr. Shams uz Zaman

Focus on the reports published in the US media against Pakistani nuclear capability.


The Singur Sham, Shubhankar Dam Jul 2012

The Singur Sham, Shubhankar Dam

Shubhankar Dam

No abstract provided.


Higher Education In India : The Glory Of Past,The Challenges Of Today And The Road For Tomorrow, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr Apr 2012

Higher Education In India : The Glory Of Past,The Challenges Of Today And The Road For Tomorrow, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr

Ratnesh Dwivedi

Universal education of all children in literacy has been a recent development, not occurring in many countries until after 1850 CE. Even today, in some parts of the world, literacy rates are below 60 per cent (for example, in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh). Schools, colleges and universities have not been the only methods of formal education and training. Many professions have additional training requirements, and in Europe, from the Middle Ages until recent times, the skills of a trade were not generally learnt in a classroom, but rather by serving an apprenticeship. Each generation, since the beginning of human existence, has …


Wiki Leaks Revelations In Global Context—The War Between ‘Right To Publish’ And ‘Ethical Code Of Conduct, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr Nov 2011

Wiki Leaks Revelations In Global Context—The War Between ‘Right To Publish’ And ‘Ethical Code Of Conduct, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr

Ratnesh Dwivedi

WikiLeaks is an international non-profit organisation that publishes submissions of private, secret, and classified media from anonymous news sources, news leaks, and whistleblowers. Its website, launched in 2006 under The Sunshine Press organisation claimed a database of more than 1.2 million documents within a year of its launch. WikiLeaks describes its founders as a mix of Chinese dissidents, journalists, mathematicians, and start-up company technologists from the United States, Taiwan, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Julian Assange, an Australian Internet activist, is generally described as its director. The site was originally launched as a user-editable wiki, but has progressively moved towards …


Public Accountability And Media : Its Success And Failure In Performing The Role As A Force For Public Accountability, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr Nov 2011

Public Accountability And Media : Its Success And Failure In Performing The Role As A Force For Public Accountability, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr

Ratnesh Dwivedi

Media accountability is a phrase that refers to the general (especially western) belief that mass media has to be accountable in the public’s interest - that is, they are expected to behave in certain ways that contribute to the public good. The concept is not clearly defined, and often collides with commercial interests of media owners; legal issues, such as the constitutional right to the freedom of the press in the U.S.; and governmental concerns about public security and order. Several international organizations, like International Freedom of Expression Exchange, Freedom House, International Press Institute, World Press Freedom Committee and the …


Pakistani Stance On Fmct - An Alternative Approach (Centreline), Shams Uz Zaman Mr. Sep 2011

Pakistani Stance On Fmct - An Alternative Approach (Centreline), Shams Uz Zaman Mr.

Mr. Shams uz Zaman

It gives an alternative approach to Pakistan's policy on FMCT.


Samarthan’S Campaign To Improve Access To The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme In India, Ramesh Awasthi, International Budget Partnership Aug 2011

Samarthan’S Campaign To Improve Access To The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme In India, Ramesh Awasthi, International Budget Partnership

International Budget Partnership

In India the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which guarantees a minimum of 100 days of unskilled work per year to every poor rural family that needs employment, has been ridden with bureaucratic glitches and widespread corruption. This case study examines a civil society campaign to address problems in the NREGA’s administration and mobilize people to demand work under the scheme.

The full version, short summary, and one page summary of this case study are available in English. Summaries are also available in Spanish, French, Arabic, and Chinese.

LINK: http://internationalbudget.org/publications/samarthan%E2%80%99s-campaign-to-improve-access-to-the-national-rural-employment-guarantee-scheme-in-india/


Two Faces Of Media While Covering Human Right Activities In India, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr Apr 2011

Two Faces Of Media While Covering Human Right Activities In India, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr

Ratnesh Dwivedi

The situation of human rights in India is a complex one, as a result of the country's large size and tremendous diversity, its status as a developing country and a sovereign, secular, democratic republic, and its history as a former colonial territory. The Constitution of India provides for Fundamental rights, which include freedom of religion. Clauses also provide for Freedom of Speech, as well as separation of executive and judiciary and freedom of movement within the country and abroad. In its report on human rights in India during 2010, Human Rights Watch stated India had "significant human rights problems". They …


Fair Trade And Fair Trade Certification Of Food And Agricultural Commodities: Promises, Pitfalls, And Possibilities, Sarasij Majumder Dec 2010

Fair Trade And Fair Trade Certification Of Food And Agricultural Commodities: Promises, Pitfalls, And Possibilities, Sarasij Majumder

Sarasij Majumder

The global circulation of food and agricultural commodities is increasingly influenced by the ethical choices of Western consumers and activists who want to see a socially and environmentally sustainable trade regime in place. These desires have culminated in the formation of an elaborate system of rules, which govern the physical and social conditions of food production and circulation, reflected in transnational ethical regimes such as fair trade. Fair trade operates through certifying producer communities with sustainable production methods and socially just production relationships. By examining interdisciplinary academic engagements with fair trade, we argue that fair trade certification is a transnational …


The Development Of A Youth Mentoring Program In The South Of India, Julia Pryce Dec 2010

The Development Of A Youth Mentoring Program In The South Of India, Julia Pryce

Julia Pryce

This article illustrates the challenges and opportunities involved as a US- based research team assists in the development of a culturally-informed youth mentoring program in rural India. Based on data from youth and adult stakeholders, a mentoring curriculum was developed and piloted. Lessons learned illuminate how context influences youth development programs and conceptualization of mentoring relationships. Implications for similar international initiatives are discussed.


Global Governance: New Organizational Concepts In A Culturally Diverse System, Rosita Dellios Sep 2010

Global Governance: New Organizational Concepts In A Culturally Diverse System, Rosita Dellios

Rosita Dellios

This paper argues that as the West re-balances with the East in 21st century global governance, new organizational concepts – with their associated forms and structures – will emerge. Of particular interest will be two organizational concepts. One is 'harmonious world' (hexie shijie), as articulated by PRC President Hu Jintao at the United Nations in 2005. It provides a nuanced Confucian form of global governance, adding to existing forms and norms of international organization. The other is 'mandalic regionalism'. Drawing from Indian strategic and spiritual tradition, it better explains the types of multilateral regional structures that are developing in Asia. …


History Of Communication And Its Application In Multicultaral,Multilingual Social System In India Across Ages, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr Sep 2010

History Of Communication And Its Application In Multicultaral,Multilingual Social System In India Across Ages, Ratnesh Dwivedi Mr

Ratnesh Dwivedi

The history of communication dates back to the earliest signs of cavemen.Communication can range from very subtle processes of exchange, to full conversations and mass communication. Human communication was revolutionized with speech perhaps 200,000 years ago, Symbols were developed about 30,000 years ago and writing about 7,000. On a much shorter scale, there have been major developments in the field of telecommunication in the past few centuries.


Child Labor In India, A Consumer’S Perspective: Identifying Causes, Acknowledging Realities, And Proposing Incentives For Improvement, Vanessa L. Deniro Esq. Jul 2010

Child Labor In India, A Consumer’S Perspective: Identifying Causes, Acknowledging Realities, And Proposing Incentives For Improvement, Vanessa L. Deniro Esq.

Vanessa L. De Niro

The exploitation of modern child labor in developing countries persists in part because of consumers like us. However, in light of increased global trade liberalization in developing countries and free market principles, cheap labor is what allows these nations to have a competitive edge in the global economy. With that said, a category of people that work longer hours for meager wages, absent unionization or labor protections, is an efficient means of production and justified by the economy of scales. Child laborers, exploited by employers competing in the global economy, are simply a product of laissez-fair economics, participating and contributing …


Copycats Of The Central Himalayas. Learning In The Age Of Information, Payal Arora Jan 2010

Copycats Of The Central Himalayas. Learning In The Age Of Information, Payal Arora

Payal Arora

This case study highlights practices of a rarely documented group of neo-users of the Internet or newbies from Central Himalayas, serving as a catalyst for delving deeply into the act of ‘plagiarism’ in online learning By looking at such ‘learning’ practices away from schools, namely at cybercafés in Almora, a ‘rur-town’ in the Himalayas, much is revealed of its educational system and learning in the broadest sense. There is an urgent need in educational environments to move beyond the punitive approach to ‘plagiarism’ through computer usage and instead pay attention to the actual learning and teaching that goes on through …


Evolving Hinduism: Comparing The Bhagavad Gītā, Michele Gibney Dec 2003

Evolving Hinduism: Comparing The Bhagavad Gītā, Michele Gibney

Michele Gibney

Hinduism was a semi-fluid belief system in the medieval period of India. At first it was built around the Brahmin class who were the priests that had the ritual authority to perform elaborate sacrifices for the other three caste levels. There was also then the canon of Vedic literature, one aspect of which was the Upanişads. The Upanişads preached a solitary, hermit-like existence which emphasized meditation. This produced a strong ascetic body, but did not contribute to the continuation of society as a whole. The Upanişads themselves were a reaction to the earlier traditions of priestly worship and predominance of …