On Insider-Outsider in North East India

In recent years, scholars have increasingly examined the critical questions of identity in North East India, revealing the intricate inter-group relationships essential for understanding human interactions. A significant aspect of this discourse is the phenomenon of ‘othering’, which fosters binaries such as ‘us and them’ and underscores the marginalisation that arises from this process. The complexities of these intergroup dynamics pose vital questions regarding belonging. In the context of North East India, this is manifested in two primary ways. Individuals from this region face marginalisation and are subsequently othered by their fellow citizens in mainland India, who ascribe to them a distinct \u27Northeast identity’. Conversely, residents from various states within the region often perceive settlers, particularly those from mainland India, as outsiders or non-natives, thereby reinforcing their own status as insiders. This book review commentary will analyse how the anthology, But I Am One of You: Northeast India and the Struggle to Belong, edited by Samrat Choudhury and Preeti Gill, India: Harper Collins, 2024;  pp. (ix +275), ISBN 978-93-6213-857-6, Rs . 599 (softcover). The book addresses the complex interplay of the politics of belonging and identity through the lens of belongingness and identity theory. This review commentary aims to initiate a critical inquiry into identity politics and belonging—an emerging area of interest and investigation across multiple disciplines, particularly within the contemporary Indian context

Understanding the Influence of Traffic Congestion on Tourist Consumer Behaviour: The Role of Stoicism and Sad Ripu Control in Maintaining Sustainable Tourism

This research investigates the effects of Stoic principles and Sad Ripu control on tourists’ consumption behaviour regarding the perceived condition of traffic congestion in Bali. Among tourists’ most pervasive problems, traffic congestion affects consumptive behaviour and travel decisions. This study tries to investigate how emotional regulation, governed by Stoicism and a traditional Balinese philosophy known as Sad Ripu, influences the response of tourists to perceived crowding and, subsequently, their behaviour. This study is novel because integrating Stoic principles with Sad Ripu control offers a fresh perspective into emotional regulation in tourism behaviour. A quantitative approach with structured questionnaires was applied to 200 tourists in Bali, testing relationships among the variables by means of SEM. The findings indicate that Stoic principles and Sad Ripu control are significantly associated with more positive tourist behaviour, promoting less stress and more satisfaction, hence more positive consumption decisions. Besides, traffic congestion has been found to play a mediating role in emotional regulation and consumer behaviour. This study underlines the importance of emotional management in tourism and claims that Stoic practices and emotional control strategies can improve the tourist experience and foster loyalty. Further studies are necessary to explore broader contexts and long-term impacts across various tourist destinations

Socialisation Problems of Orphanage Children in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The study aims to address the socialisation process of children from orphanages in Kazakhstan to identify effective approaches to their adaptation and integration into society. The study examined various theoretical concepts of socialisation, including aspects of children’s adaptation to a new environment, personality development through social interaction, and the institutional environment\u27s impact on social skills development. The dynamics of children\u27s movement in Kazakhstan\u27s social protection system in 2013-2022 were also addressed. The study\u27s results included identifying key aspects of the socialisation of children from orphanages, namely adaptation to new social conditions, establishing trusting relationships, overcoming stigma and quality education. The study determined that to ensure the effective and equitable development of all the identified aspects, it is necessary to apply several approaches that, in interaction, can ensure the harmonious development of the child’s personality in all spheres of life. For this purpose, psychological, pedagogical and sociological approaches were chosen; their essence and desired effects on the orphans\u27 socialisation process were revealed. The statistical information presented in the study on the movement of children from organisations for orphans and children without parental care in 2013-2022 showed a significant decrease in the number of children entering the protection system but also revealed a disproportionate decrease in the number of children leaving the system due to enrolment in higher education or other educational institutions. To address the problems of socialisation of children in orphanages, recommendations that include modern methods of working with orphans were developed. The results indicate the importance of using innovative programmes for the socialisation of children in orphanages and the need to consider the psychological consequences of depriving children of parental care

Adaptation of State Security to Modern Military Operations and Terrorist Risks in the World

Military conflicts and terrorism are increasingly overlapping, creating complex threats that undermine both global and national security. Hostilities, terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, and radicalisation on the home front necessitate a rethinking of the functions of state security. The editorial analyses the ability of state security systems to adapt to the challenges of modern warfare and international terrorism. The relevance of the study is due to the aggravation of interstate conflicts— first of all, Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and terrorism in the world. The goal is to comparatively assess the strategies of governments for prevention, response and long-term recovery in the face of threats, as well as to develop recommendations for improving institutional resilience. The methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines the analysis of national security doctrines, counterterrorism legislation, and indicators of institutional capacity in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye. The theoretical significance of the work lies in the conceptualisation of “adaptive security” as a complex state process, and the practical value lies in the proposed recommendations for updating doctrines, crisis management procedures and interagency coordination

Analysis of Traditional Values and Social Dynamics in Modern Society

         This research examines the perceptions of traditional values among ethnic minorities of southern Kazakhstan, the changes these values undergo, and the societal challenges and tensions associated with cultural values. It explores stable understandings of cultural values, analysing their influence on social attitudes and institutions. In doing so, the research examines the socio-economic, cultural, and institutional dimensions of traditional values, identifying key issues and mechanisms that influence their development. Additionally, it examines the influence of traditional values on the social dynamics of contemporary society, providing a nuanced understanding of their intricate interrelationships. The study explains how traditional values shape the formation of social institutions by analysing theoretical frameworks and empirical data. A  scholarly literature review provides the theoretical basis, while empirical data were gathered through an online survey. The findings reveal a close relationship between traditional values and societal customs. In southern Kazakhstan, traditional values are shown to strengthen social stability, even as the country undergoes transformations influenced by globalisation, technology, and media. While the younger generation embraces innovation, older generations emphasise preserving traditional practices. Although certain emerging traditions are deemed unnecessary, core traditional values are vital for reinforcing national identity. The study concludes that preserving traditional values is essential for maintaining cultural identity and social stability while embracing modern innovations. This balanced approach fosters a resilient and harmonious society that respects its heritage while adapting to the challenges of the contemporary world. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of traditional values in modern society

A Study Exploring the Status of Governance of Varanasi Smart City

The fast-evolving pace of urbanisation across the world has effectively enveloped the concept of smart cities. The emergence of smart cities has introduced a more efficient way of living in urban areas, facilitating the most necessary requirements with utmost ease. One such smart city in India is Varanasi, which has been investigated in this study to understand the institutional component of liveability standards. Governance is the backbone of smart city development, which needs to be examined to understand the gap between the top-rated and least-rated smart cities. Nine selected indicators have been incorporated to evaluate the Governance Index using the Ministry of Urban Development’s Methodological Framework. For this, a total of 400 primary respondents were surveyed proportionally across the eight municipal zones and four social strata, using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Citizen perception has been assessed using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc analysis providing a spatial and social evaluation of governance effectiveness. Substantial zone-based and strata-based correlations highlight political stability as the best-performing indicator, with Sarnath emerging as the most well-governed zone. In addition, the upper strata exhibit better performance compared to the others. The tax collection shows a positive trend, with almost half of the capital expenditure based on spending. The city also needs to increase awareness of online citizen services; the grievance redressal process requires improvement, with a significantly shorter turnaround time. Additionally, the effectiveness level needs to be increased, along with higher accountability levels and lower corruption levels. The study provides key insights into governance efficiency in Varanasi, offering a comprehensive perspective for policymakers to enhance urban liveability

Analysis of Solid Waste Management Scenarios in India: A Comparative Case Study of Indore and Varanasi with Special Emphasis on Policy Gaps and Interventions

Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, is prominent in the country. It drastically improved its waste management capacity after 2014, when it became the constituency of the prime minister of India. At the same time, Indore established itself as a role model for sanitation in general and solid waste management in particular by securing the title of the cleanest city in India for the fifth consecutive year.   Solid waste management is the biggest challenge in India, and it is growing continuously. A comparison between Indore and Varanasi will reveal the gaps in solid waste management in India\u27s two-tier towns. Comparative data analysis of the solid waste composition, chemical composition, cleaning, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal facilities will provide insight into waste management shortcomings. Analysing waste generation in different states and cities with varying population densities will reveal the patterns responsible for better or worse waste management in specific areas. We have analysed data and recognised patterns of waste generation with regard to economic prosperity. This study analyses the policy framework for waste and sanitation in India in comparison to the global context. Many successful policy frameworks are designed by international organisations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Bank. We have compared the Indian waste management policy and status with the World Bank\u27s policy framework, as it is the most comprehensive policy framework currently available.   We have primarily focused on Indore and compared it with Varanasi regarding policy frameworks and enforcement strategies.  This study identifies potential gaps by analysing patterns in waste management and proposes improved ideas for waste-related policies and sustainable development

Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice

This commentary builds on the discussion started in Pulla, Das, and Nikku\u27s 2022 essay "Indigenous or Blended Model for South Asian Social Work?", which questioned the dominance of Western social work paradigms in South Asia. The authors emphasised the limitations of these models in dealing with the region\u27s diverse socio-cultural realities, arguing for a hybrid approach that combines Indigenous epistemologies with global views. Building on this foundation, the current study examines Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice, a seminal contribution to the developing Bharatiyakaran movement—the Indianisation of social work. This emergent paradigm highlights a decolonised, culturally embedded practice model based on Indian philosophical, spiritual, and ethical traditions, such as seva (selfless service), danam (altruism), vasudhaiva kutumbakam (universal family), and concepts from the Bhagavad Gita. The book entitled Social Casework: The Indian Paradigm and Practice by  Ranjana Sehgal and published by Today & Tomorrow\u27s Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, documents efforts to create a uniquely Indian casework technique, providing empirical findings, theoretical critiques, and culturally appropriate frameworks from throughout the subcontinent. The authors in this volume delve into classical Indian notions such as karma, ashramas, purusharthas, syadvada, and Ayurvedic principles, offering them as the foundation for a holistic and context-sensitive approach to casework. This review essay emphasises the urgent need to transcend Western individualistic ideas and interact with the spiritual and community ethos inherent in Indian culture. This paradigm shift not only enhances the cultural relevance and effectiveness of social work practice in India, but it also contributes to larger worldwide efforts to diversify and decolonise professional knowledge systems. By integrating with Indian traditions, this movement encourages practitioners to reframe social work as both a professional discipline and a spiritual practice, grounded in collective well-being and ethical responsibility

Rituals of Belonging: Challenging the Sacred Marginalised Views of Hijras in India

Hijras, a third-gender community deeply rooted in South Asian cultures, has long held spiritual and social significance. Revered for their unique position outside the traditional gender binary, Hijras were historically believed to possess powers to bless and curse, playing integral roles in various rituals and ceremonies. This research article explores the intricate relationship between Hijra rituals, identity formation, and societal perceptions in India. Drawing on cultural relativism, the study challenges the dominant societal tendency to position Hijras within a binary of sacredness and marginalisation, hindering their full participation in everyday life. Through in-depth analysis of rituals, informed by seminal works like Gayatri Reddy\u27s With Respect to Sex: Negotiating Hijra Identity in South India (2005) and Serena Nanda\u27s Neither Man nor Woman: The Hijras of India (1996), the research illuminates how these practices become a powerful means for hijras to construct and negotiate their identities. By examining rituals as vehicles of both religious and cultural expression, the study reveals how hijras navigate their marginalised status while simultaneously carving out a space of profound meaning and belonging. This binary view, venerating them as sacred or ostracising them as outcasts, ultimately denies Hijras the recognition and inclusion they deserve as equals within Indian society. This research contributes to broader discussions on gender diversity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of social inclusion in India, emphasising the importance of understanding Hijra experiences through their own cultural lens

Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges Faced by International Students in Türkiye: A Psychological Perspective

This study examined the cross-cultural challenges faced by international students in Türkiye, with perceptions of discrimination and stereotyping recurring as key themes. It included prejudice and exclusion based on nationality or ethnicity, further complicating communication dynamics and a sense of belonging. International students in Türkiye face unique challenges when adjusting to a new educational environment, and one of the primary barriers they encounter is the language. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the cross-cultural communication challenges faced by International Students in Türkiye from a psychological perspective, deploying qualitative methods with a case study approach. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study explored the lived experiences of international students, aiming to determine the psychological mechanisms underlying their communication difficulties during acculturation in an unfamiliar academic and social environment. These findings reveal various challenges arising from language barriers, cultural differences, and the negotiation of identity. Moreover, language emerged as a significant barrier, with international students expressing frustration and anxiety due to their limited language skills, which hindered their ability to engage in academic discourse and social interactions. Language is crucial, while the physical and social environment influences the adaptation process. A proactive attitude facilitates integration despite barriers such as racism and stereotypes. It is then crucial to consider cultural influences in psychology, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. The experience of international students in Türkiye highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue, emphasising the need to understand different perspectives