SOUTH INDIA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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AI in Mediation: Ethical Issues and Inclusivity Challenges in Access to Justice
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) in mediation holds transformative potential to enhance the efficiency of the dispute resolution processes, however, it brings complex ethical concerns and inclusivity problems that could undermine fair and equal access to justice. This article investigates how AI’s algorithmic biases and diminished human empathy counteract principles of fairness and trust essential to mediation. In this context, it examines the digital divide that has adversely impacted the vulnerable groups, particularly within the diverse socio-legal settings like India. The analysis of India’s new Mediation Act, 2023, indicates legislative deficiencies in addressing the ethical concerns connected with AI’s application in mediation processes. It argues that AI should support, not supplant, human mediators, so that the essence of mediation is not compromised. It proposes a strong ethical framework and bias audits in connection with the application of AI in mediation, in keeping with the goals of inclusive justice (UN SDG 16)
Physicians, Publishing Firms and Indigenous Medicines in Madras Presidency
Get PDFThe present study attempts to unravel that why the practitioners of indigenous medicines instituted their own printing presses and book publishing societies and published a large number of medical texts, tracts, pamphlets and journals during the late nineteenth and the early part of the twentieth century, though the technology was expensive. For instance, in the Tamil region alone, more than six hundred Tamil medical texts were published during the period apart from medical journals. A major aspect of the period was the contest between indigenous and Western medicines due to the marginalization of indigenous medicines in colonial medical policies and the unprecedented criticism mounted by practitioners of Western medicine. In this process, lithographic print technology played a prominent role. According to Gramsci, print media is one of the vital tools of hegemony which helps to colonize the minds of people. A reverse effect was that the same tool could be used as a counter-hegemonic tool in the political and cultural struggles. On the basis of the Gramsci’s framework, the present work explores that how the practitioners of indigenous medicines used print technology as a ‘tool’ to establish their authority and contest for hegemony against the Western medicine when the colonial government and the practitioners of Western medicine marginalized and delegitimized them in the public sphere
Regional Languages in Indian Legal Higher Education: A Comprehensive Empirical Analysis
Get PDFThis empirical study examines the implementation of regional languages in Indian legal higher education by analyzing both challenges and potential solutions through a comprehensive mixed-methods approach. The study employed a mixed-methods design with a sample of 500 participants across 10 states, including 100 faculty members and 400 students from 25 law colleges. The data collection utilized validated questionnaires, achieving a response rate of 94.4%. This study tested four hypotheses using both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The research confirmed all the hypotheses, revealing a significant positive correlation between regional language support and academic performance (χ² = 15.82, p = 0.003). Students receiving bilingual instruction demonstrated 23% better comprehension and 15% higher retention rates. Resource availability emerged as the primary implementation factor, accounting for 38% of the variance. Faculty support was strongly correlated with institutional readiness (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). The findings support the implementation of a flexible, bilingual approach to legal education, emphasizing the need for substantial resource development, faculty training, and institutional support. This study bridges a crucial gap in the existing literature by providing robust empirical evidence on the effectiveness of regional language implementation in legal education and offering concrete recommendations for policy development and implementation strategies
Nuclear Power Dynamics of Russia, North Korea, And Iran in The Indo-Pacific: Quad Strategic Responses
Get PDFThis study explores the rising nuclear risks in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on the roles of Russia, North Korea, and Iran and their growing impact on both regional and global security. As geopolitical tensions escalate and nuclear energy programs expand, the region becomes increasingly vulnerable to nuclear proliferation. The paper examines Russia’s expanding nuclear and maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific, along with its growing defense ties with China, which could have serious implications for regional stability. It also highlights the growing missile and nuclear capabilities of North Korea, which continue to add to the region's security challenges. As North Korea pushes ahead with its nuclear agenda, the balance of power in the region becomes even more unstable. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, coupled with its relationships with other nuclear-capable nations like North Korea and Pakistan, further complicate global efforts to curb nuclear proliferation. These nations, increasingly isolated from the international community, are forging new alliances, heightening the risk of further instability. The study examines the Quad’s response to these escalating nuclear threats, calling for proactive strategies aimed at reducing nuclear risks. Diplomacy and international cooperation are essential in managing these growing dangers. By fostering dialogue and working together, the Indo-Pacific region can help reduce nuclear risks and maintain peace. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the need for a unified global approach to address these complex challenges and secure lasting stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond
Pathways to Growth: Assessing SHG Contributions to Skill Development and Business Outcomes in Women-Led Ventures in tribal areas.
Get PDFThis study investigates the multifaceted role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in influencing business success, skill development, and entrepreneurial attitudes among women entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural and underserved areas. SHGs, which function as community-based financial and support networks, are designed to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency among their members. While SHGs are widely recognized for providing essential training and resources, the extent of their impact on actual business success and entrepreneurial outlook remains a topic of debate. This study focuses on understanding how SHG participation influences business outcomes, skill enhancement and shifts in entrepreneurial mindset of tribal women. Using a mixed-method research approach, data was collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews from women-led ventures in tribal regions. Quantitative data was analysed to assess correlations between SHG membership and key business performance indicators, including profitability, sustainability, and scalability. Qualitative insights provided context to these findings, revealing the lived experiences and perceptions of women entrepreneurs regarding their SHG participation. The results highlight a dual effect: SHGs have a significantly positive impact on skill development, with members reporting increased financial literacy, improved business management skills, and greater confidence in their entrepreneurial capabilities. The study concludes by recommending targeted enhancements to SHG programs, including advanced business training and greater access to diversified funding sources, to better support long-term entrepreneurial resilience. The findings underscore the need for a more robust SHG model to support sustainable growth and independence, ultimately suggesting a comprehensive approach that aligns with the evolving aspirations of women entrepreneurs in underserved areas
Measuring Impact of core competencies on CSR of Host Companies in Indian companies
Get PDFWith India's economic liberalization in the 1990s, there emerged significant contention on the government's function as a market mediator or facilitator. The government chose to assume the position as a protector of the impoverished. It was an era when India was perceived as the epitome of poverty. Consequently, initiatives prioritized poverty alleviation above environmental and human rights issues, as is still the case. Companies persisted in investing in social good driven by personal inclination and generosity, rather than any sense of responsibility. This study analyzes primary data from 116 respondents, comprising 18 Directors and Chief Executive Officers, 39 Employees, and 59 stakeholders, picked from 100 Indian enterprises. The multiple regression analysis results indicated that the profitability of the company positively influences CSR activities (Prof_CSR_1), and CSR positively affects customer service, which in turn enhances profitability (Prof_CSR_3), demonstrating that CSR significantly impacts the company's profitability
Piotroski F-Score: A Model for Assessing Financial Health
Get PDF Globally, 90% of businesses are owned and run by families. They are the backbone of an economy. In India, the majority of the incorporated businesses are owned and run by family. They have decades of great history. Family-owned businesses contribute 79% to India's Gross Domestic Product, which is the highest in the world, and employ millions of people. FOBs operate businesses in diverse industries, and the cement industry is one among them. The cement industry in India is vital to the country's economy. After China, India is the world's second-largest producer of cement. There is a dearth of thorough research on the financial performance and wealth-creation potential of family-owned cement companies, despite their substantial contributions to the worldwide construction sector. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the strength of the financial soundness of selected family-owned cement companies applying the Piotroski F-Score model. The present study is desk research. The population of study comprises 24 family-owned cement companies listed in BSE as of Dec. 2023. With the use of a simple random sample, five companies were selected. The paper employed seven years of data obtained from annual reports. The data have been analyzed using the Piotroski F-Score model. The average F-Score of the sample family-owned cement companies was in Grey Zone indicating that they are in the neutral zone, they are neither particularly strong nor particularly weak. The F-statistic value shows that there are no statistically significant differences in the means of the F-Scores among the selected companies. Overall, family-owned cement companies tend to prioritize conservative financial management and efficient use of assets, cash flows, liquidity, leverage, equity capital, gross margin, and asset turnover more effectively
Depopulation In Rural Areas and Agricultural Transformation: A study of Kirtinagar Block Tehri Garhwal District
Get PDFout migration is a major phenomena at the present time of the world especially in the mountain region. This global issue effect the world socio-economic, cultural and demographic structure. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the number of international migrants reached 281 million in 2020, indicating the increased migration of people across borders due tos economic inequities, wars, and environmental changes. As per the report of Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020-21, released by MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation), the total migration rate in India was 28.9% and in rural was 26.5%. Out of the total migrant persons, around 10.8% persons were migrated due to employment-related reasons, especially in the hilly region. According to a recently published report, Kirtinagar block has experienced mass migration in the last 10 years where nearly 6644 persons migrated permanently and 5395 semi-permanently. The migration direction toward the batter economic region from less economic regions. It is necessary to understand the various drivers and implications of out migration in the hilly region. The present study tried to find out the basic reasons, patterns, and impact on agricultural activities of this mass migration. the result show that the most of people migrated for the economic region and some others. Both primary and secondary data are used to find out the overall picture of depopulation villages. Primary data is collected through the questionnaire, interviews, and focused group discussion, whereas secondary data is collected through the district census handbook, government reports, district statistical diary, papers, etc. Keywords: Agriculture Activities, Depopulation, Hilly Areas, Migration, Rural Livelihood
Public Libraries as Community Engagement Hub: An Analytical Study
Get PDFThe present study assessed the participation of the communities in the community engagement program and services offered by public libraries in Kannur, Kerala. Public libraries functions as people’s own spaces by engaging the people with vibrant and innovative outreach programs and services. The main objective of the study was to assess the current status and utilization of public library’s community engagement services by the different user groups.. Moreover, it tries to identify the challenges faced by both users and librarians in the utilization and actualization of these programs. The study was conducted among the different reader group communities namely Balavedhi, Yuvajanavedhi, Vanithavedhi and Vayojanavedhi in public libraries functioning under the Kerala State Library Council A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from library users and interviews with the librarians were conducted to collect data. Chi-Square test was conducted to compare the challenges faced by users in different community groups. The study found that most of the users take advantage of the community services provided by public libraries, and they also require additional services from the library, such as free Wi-Fi, ICT facilities, and more e-governance services
Exploring the Challenges Faced by Tibetan Cooperative Societies. A Case Study of Cooperative Societies in West Bengal and Sikkim
No full textTibetan cooperative societies have been operating for over half a century playing a crucial role in preserving the socio-cultural fabric of the Tibetan Community. Despite its significant role, research on these societies remains limited. While existing research highlights the contribution and challenges faced by cooperative societies. However, specific experiences of Tibetan cooperative societies have been overlooked. It remains unclear whether the challenges the society faces are similar to those of the general cooperatives or are shaped by unique cultural factors. Therefore, this study aims to identify the challenges faced by the Tibetan Cooperative Society in Sonada (West Bengal) and Ravangla (Sikkim), established in 1966 and 1986 respectively. A qualitative research design was adopted with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, providing an in-depth insight into the challenges faced by these cooperative societies. Thematic coding was used to analyze the data, revealing that in addition to the common challenges such as financial, operational, and managerial challenges found in cooperative societies, cultural challenges were notably significant, especially relating to maintaining relationships with the local community, market accessibility, and financial sustainability. Therefore, this study contributes not only to broadening the literature on cooperative societies of marginalized communities but also underscores the importance of targeted interventions to address these challenges to enhance the cooperative society’s long-term sustainability