Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
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From ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East’: Broadened Horizon of India-Southeast Asia Relations
Get PDFThe early years of the 1990s were a remarkable period for India, as it witnessed not only the New Economic Reforms but also a set of revamped foreign policies. It was during this time that policymakers realised the gradual establishment of a new world order and the need for countries to engage with one another on the global stage. The ‘Look East Policy’ was one such initiative that highlighted a shift regarding India’s international relations and foreign policies. It was the success of the LEP that motivated Indian policymakers to further develop it into a more action- and outcome-based policy. As a result, the Act East Policy was announced in 2014 with a broader scope covering security, strategic, and cultural dimensions along with the previously existing focus on trade and economics. In the present geopolitical context, the Southeast Asian region is of great significance, and both India and ASEAN nations play central roles in the larger Indo-Pacific framework. The year 2024 marked the completion of a decade of India’s Act East Policy, and India-ASEAN relations have not only advanced but also entered a new phase following the launch of the policy. Therefore, the paper aims to identify the expanded vision under the current Act East Policy compared to the earlier Look East Policy, focus on the key achievements of the AEP, and explore possible avenues for ongoing cooperation between India and ASEAN. The methodology used is qualitative, relying on analytical and descriptive methods. The research primarily depends on secondary sources such as books, articles, and journals, along with primary sources like government reports and press releases
Macroeconomic Growth and Labour Market Dynamics: An Empirical Analysis of GDP, Labour Force Participation, and Unemployment
Get PDFThis paper has analysed the dynamic associations between GDP growth and the rates of urban unemployment and urban labour participation rate (LFPR) in the urban labour markets of India. The analysis utilised the secondary data of the Indian labour force survey which included Maximum Likelihood estimation under a structural equation modelling approach to demonstrate that the economic growth was associated with low urban unemployment, and unemployment was negatively related to participation in the labour force. These results underscored the role of macroeconomic growth in absorbing labour but high unemployment will deter people to involve themselves in active work, particularly in the more complicated urban environment. The paper combined stringent econometric methods to measure and confirm such interactions putting the findings in the wider context of the labour market issues in India which include skill gaps, informal sector dominance, and the gendered nature of India labour markets. Through critical examination of these essential variables, the study adds value to the study of labour market friction associated with economic development of cities and workforce participation
Assessing Human Rights Awareness Among University Students: A Quantitative Study
Get PDFHuman rights, the fundamental freedoms and entitlements inherent to all individuals, have evolved over millennia, shaped by philosophical, religious, and legal traditions. Human rights are those minimal rights that individuals need to have against the state or public authority by virtue of their being members of the human family, irrespective of any other consideration. This study investigates the level of human rights awareness among undergraduate students at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, with particular attention to variations across gender, academic stream, and locality. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 150 students through the Human Rights Awareness Test (HRAT), a standardised tool developed by V. Sood and A. Anand. The results indicate that students, on average, demonstrated a moderate level of human rights awareness (M = 71.92, SD = 16.18). Gender-based analysis revealed a statistically significant difference, with male students scoring higher than female students. However, differences based on locality (rural vs. urban) and academic stream (science, commerce, and social science) were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that while students possess foundational awareness, there remains room for improvement, particularly in addressing gender disparities and integrating human rights education across all disciplines. The study highlights the importance of embedding human rights education more uniformly across university curricula and fostering inclusive learning environments that empower all students, regardless of background
Who Owns the Myths? An Enquiry into Cultural Appropriation and Proprietorship
Get PDFCultural narratives, particularly mythological texts, have long served as sites of socio-political contestations. Questions of ownership, authority, and representation become deeply entangled with legal and cultural frameworks when we look at how adaptations come under the scrutiny of censorship and incite public outrage. This paper explores these questions by examining two animated film adaptations: Sita Sings the Blues and Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama. The paper utilises the concept of cultural proprietorship as a framework to examine the cultural and social forces at work in adapting the Ramayana, which holds a tremendous pull within the public even to this day. By analysing the divergent reception of the two films, it further argues that the existing legal structures of intellectual property rights and ownership often fall short in dealing with the complex questions that arise with the interplay of cultural, political, and social agencies in the case of cinematic adaptations of myths. The paper shows that cultural ownership has become more powerful than any copyright law. This disparity underscores how cultural ownership can function as an exclusionary mechanism that limits creative reinterpretations and alternative readings of myths, reinforcing hegemonic narratives while marginalising dissenting voices. Furthermore, the paper situates this discussion within broader debates on freedom of expression, artistic liberty, and the evolving role of myths and folklore in contemporary societies. This paper argues for a more nuanced understanding of cultural adaptation—one that acknowledges myths as evolving, dynamic entities rather than fixed cultural artefacts monopolised by particular groups. By problematising the intersection of law, culture, and myths, the paper contributes to ongoing discourses on intellectual property, media representation, and cultural hegemony
The Influence of English as a Lingua Franca on Cultural Identity in Multilingual Communities of Delhi, India
Get PDFIn the multicultural cities of India, especially in Delhi, English has become a lingua franca that is transforming the cultural identities in the context of the rapidly expanding globalization. This paper will focus on the effects of English in cultural understanding and social relations among the multilingual communities in Delhi. Using qualitative approaches, such as literature review and narrative descriptions, the study demonstrates the importance of English in providing access to wider communication and promoting social mobility, in particular educational and professional arenas. Simultaneously, it points out the major issues that are associated with this linguistic change: the progressive loss of native languages, the risk of cultural assimilation, and the strengthening of social barriers between English-speaking and non-English speaking populations. The results reflect the bargain that people engage in between maintaining native linguistic identity and the practical advantages of English, showing a complex balance of possibilities and cultural conflicts in the multilingual city of Delhi
Advancements in Underground Mining Equipment Design: Safety, Finite Element Analysis, and Structural Innovations
Get PDFThis paper discusses improvements to the design of underground mining machines with respect to safety, finite element analysis (FEA), and structure. It illustrates the need to maximize heat and energy use in mining machinery, as shown by research on porous freon steam generators that work better than the old way. The studies also highlight computational modeling in designing structural equipment to overcome operational issues. Additionally, FEA is discussed as an essential resource for modeling complex structures and discovering where failures might occur to bring more reliability and cheaper development. The combination of automation and monitoring systems is also covered and shows how they are reducing the level of risk for humans in high-risk processes and providing safe underground environments through real-time ventilation monitoring. In all, the paper provides a detailed description of how new designs and technologies can be applied to improve the safety and performance of underground mining operations
Self-Efficacy and Resilience Among Indian Classical Dancers and Non-Dancers: A Comparative Study
Get PDFSince the time human beings have evolved, dance has remained an integral part in the lives of people of different cultures as it serves a medium for self-expression, transference of cultural knowledge and psycho-social development. From a historical standpoint, Indian Classical dance forms have been serving this purpose since centuries which largely remains undocumented. In this regard, the current study explores how participating in Indian classical dance may influence two important psychological traits: self-efficacy and resilience. Self-efficacy refers to a person’s confidence in their ability to succeed in specific tasks, while resilience is the ability to recover from difficulties and adapt to challenges. The study employed a cross-sectional research design using a purposive sampling method, comprising 133 participants in total 64 trained classical dancers and 69 individuals without formal dance training. Standardized questionnaires were administered to measure both self-efficacy and resilience, and the data were analyzed through an independent samples t-test. Findings indicated that classical dancers reported significantly higher self-efficacy scores (M = 32.57) compared to non-dancers (M = 29.07), suggesting that engagement in classical dance may strengthen individuals’ confidence in their abilities. In contrast, no statistically significant difference emerged between the two groups in terms of resilience, with mean scores of 46.13 for dancers and 43.04 for non-dancers. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of resilience for classical dancers (M=46.13) and non-dancers (M= 43.04). These findings suggest that Indian classical dance could be a valuable tool for improving self-belief and confidence. The study also highlights the potential for incorporating elements of classical dance into Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) to support emotional and psychological development
Enhancing ICT Integration: Addressing Teachers’ Perspectives and Institutional Challenges in Schools
Get PDFThe integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has transformed teaching and learning by introducing innovative tools for interactive, inclusive, and personalised instruction. Despite the widespread availability of ICT resources, resistance among educators to fully embrace these technologies remains a significant challenge. This study explores the factors contributing to self-imposed resistance to ICT, examines teachers’ perceptions of technology adoption, and evaluates the role of professional development in shaping attitudes and behaviours toward ICT integration. The findings reveal that resistance to ICT adoption stems not only from technical or resource-based limitations but also from deeper concerns, such as perceived inefficiency, fear of losing control in the classroom, and discomfort with rapidly evolving technologies. Although teachers recognise the potential of ICT to enhance educational outcomes, barriers such as infrastructural inadequacies, inconsistent institutional support, and insufficient professional development hinder effective integration. Furthermore, teachers expressed a strong preference for practical, hands-on training, emphasising the importance of sustained and context-specific support for successful ICT adoption. This study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address both external and internal barriers to ICT integration in education. Improved infrastructure, targeted professional development, and robust administrative support are essential to fostering teacher confidence and reducing resistance. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on technology adoption in education, providing actionable recommendations to support educators in leveraging ICT effectively and advancing digital transformation in schools
Macroeconomic Consequences of Type 1 Diabetes: Productivity Loss and Healthcare Expenditure
Get PDFIndividuals with T1D carry the economic burden of the illness itself as well as its treatment, along with the burden on healthcare systems and the economy. In this study, we consider the macroeconomic consequences of T1D in India at the productivity loss and healthcare expenditure. In order to quantify these direct and indirect costs of T1, we use data from global and national health surveys, economic studies and healthcare databases to analyse trends from 2000 to 2045. We found that T1D is becoming increasingly common, and that the number of affected people is predicted to exceed 124.9 million by 2045 and that these costs will be substantial for healthcare and productivity. The economic impact is estimated to increase directly to USD 8.5 billion in 2021 while incrementally to USD 12.8 billion by 2045 while the indirect cost that includes absenteeism, presenteeism and mortality before active age contribute to magnify. Complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, coronary artery disease also play a major role in the disease burden. The study stresses the constraints of macroeconomic consequences of T1D in India through improved access to insulin and early diagnosis and workplace accommodations. This increasing public health challenge requires policymakers to enforce cost effective strategies to tackle this challenge and to minimise the economic burden on the individuals and on the health care system
Artificial Intelligence and Feminist Ethics: Evaluating Firdaus’ Moral Choices in Woman at Point Zero Through AI-Driven Moral Judgments
Get PDFThis study explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and feminist moral theory, examining attentively the narrative of Firdaus, the main character in Nawal El Saadawi’s book Woman at Point Zero. Living through poverty, violence, and patriarchal tyranny, Firdaus kills a pimp who tried to subjugate her in a last act of protest. The paper looks at how artificial intelligence systems based on utilitarianism, deontology, and virtual ethics of care would judge her decision, often missing the background of gendered violence. Feminist perspectives, particularly Carol Gilligan's ethics of care and intersectional justice theories, feminist viewpoints present a quite different moral lens—one that emphasises connections, autonomy, and resistance to systematic injustice. By integrating literary analysis, real-world AI case studies, and feminist critique, the study exposes how often artificial intelligence condemns behaviours like Firdaus' while feminist ethics view them as morally justified. It emphasises how present artificial intelligence systems ignore the reality of oppression and the complexity of human resistance, so they fail. In response, the article offers a fresh, feminist-informed paradigm for AI morality that stresses fairness, context, and compassion. In the end, it demands moral algorithms that honour the voices and hardships of underprivileged groups.