OEconomia

History, Culture, and Identity Crisis: An Ethnographic Study of Vadderas in Telangana State, India

Dr. G. V. Snigdha Raj — 2024-10-04

India is a diverse country with populations exhibiting varied cultures that have undergone transitions over the years. One such community is that of Vadderas, also known as Odde/Waddars/Vaddirajulu in different dialects. They have many sub-groups such as Kallu Waddars, Mannu Waddars, Uppu Waddars, etc. Historically known as rulers of the erstwhile kingdoms, they shifted to being agriculturalists, then delved into stone-cutting and finally into taking up private jobs. In this paper, the authors etch an ethnographic description of the transitions this particular de-notified community has gone through in the last few years. Using a mixed-method approach to explore the changes, the paper highlights the various challenges this community is facing currently. Data was collected ethnographically from six residential sites of Vadderas using semi-structured schedules. Focussed Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to elicit detailed responses. Traditionally, the Vadderas depended on stone-cutting and working with soil but due to transcendental changes related to poverty, geographical disparity, and socio-political dynamics, the community has not been able to cross the threshold of development. The next generation is discontinuing the traditional art of stone-cutting and is moving towards urban areas for private jobs, disassociating themselves from the traditional community-based occupation and related identity. The migration in want of better job prospects leads to multiple challenges such as discontinuing agriculture in their native place, children withdrawing from school, poor living conditions at construction sites leading to severe health hazards, and overall alienation from cultural identity. The paradigm shifts in their cultural ethos have also been one of the factors leading to drastic changes in their lifestyle patterns. The paper examines all these challenges in detail and sums up the current scenario wherein the Vadderas are yearning for a better quality of life, equity for the much-desired transformation, and enlisting as a Scheduled Tribe.

Relationship between Population Attributes and Built-up Area Expansion in Sargodha District, Pakistan

Muhammad Umar Farooq — 2024-09-30

The evolution of Sargodha district's built environment and population dynamics over the years underscores a discernible trend of urbanization. This research analyzed the built-up area expansion due to population growth characteristics in the study area. The population data for the current study is acquired from the population census of 1998 and 2017 while the built-up area change is analyzed through satellite images. The expansion of housing units played a pivotal role in accommodating the growing population and urban infrastructure. The number of housing units rose significantly from 411,209 in 1998 to 592,044 in 2017. Such a surge underscores efforts to cater to the growing population and enhance infrastructure. Among the district's tehsils, Sargodha Tehsil experienced the most substantial surge in population density. From 704.1 persons per square kilometer in 1998, it soared to 999.45 persons per square kilometer in 2017, depicting a robust growth of 41.9% or 295.35 persons per square kilometer. With an average annual growth rate of 1.86%, Sargodha Tehsil's population increase remained consistent and noteworthy. In contrast, Shahpur Tehsil displayed a comparatively moderate growth in population density. The density grew from 341.7 persons per square kilometer in 1998 to 459.46 persons per square kilometer in 2017, implying a 34.5% rise or 117.76 persons per square kilometer. Shahpur Tehsil's average annual growth rate stood at 1.57%, indicating steady albeit relatively slower population growth.

Determination of Latent Factors Influencing Students’ Dropout in Secondary Schools

Shazia Hameed — 2024-09-30

The current study aims to find out the hidden factors having key role in dropout of students from schools. The mixed-methods approach with both primary data and secondary data sources provides a strong framework for understanding ground realities in students’ dropout from secondary schools. For Primary data six in-depth,semi structured interviews with teachers, parents, and students are conducted in the field. The qualitative data gathered from these interviews provides valuable insights into the real-life challenges and circumstances that lead to students leaving school prematurely. To complement these interviews, a comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, offering a broader perspective on the factors influencing dropout rates. By integrating both primary interview data and secondary literature sources, the study identifies common themes and underlying causes of school dropouts, providing a well-rounded understanding of this critical issue and informing potential strategies for intervention. The key contributors in school dropouts according to the finding of the current research are; socio-economic conditions of the household, perceptions of family and community, social norm and cultural values, health care and mental health and conducive school environment. The findings from this research can inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing dropout rates and promoting student retention in secondary education.

Conception and Integration of Sustainability and Sustainable Tourism Development: A Comprehensive Review of Literatures

Najaf Ali — 2024-09-30

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the conception and integration of sustainability in sustainable tourism development, with a particular focus on its alignment with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The review explores how sustainability principles are incorporated into tourism practices, emphasizing the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Using a systematic search of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, and conference papers of the most recent decades, the study examines key themes, theoretical frameworks, case studies, and best practices in sustainable tourism.The findings highlight the role of sustainable tourism in advancing global development goals, particularly in reducing poverty, promoting gender equality, and conserving biodiversity, as outlined in the MDGs and SDGs. The review also sheds light on how sustainable tourism contributes to the achievement of SDG targets. All the 17 goals are analyzed with sustainability needs in development of tourism, such as responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17). Additionally, the paper identifies significant gaps in the literature, including the need for more localized research and stronger metrics for evaluating sustainable tourism’s impact on global goals.

Resilience and adaptability strategies in VUCA times: A case of City Explorers Pvt. Limited

Prof. (Dr) Manoj Joshi — 2024-08-09

The quintessential human lifestyle is rendered vulnerable in the pandemic world, with survival requiring creative resilience and adaptability skillsets. In an entrepreneurial world, entrepreneurs perceive opportunities when all others sweat in chaos. The story of the City Explorers Pvt. Ltd. (CEPL^®) stimulates the dormant and hidden world of experiential tourism, revealing an opportunity for showcasing local cultural and heritage products. Sachin Bansal, the Founder and Chief Explorer^® of the CEPL, believed that engaging individuals and communities in their heritage would positively sync the societal level and produce opportunities at the tourism front. With this imaginativeness, Bansal identified the value of cultural heritage tourism experiences, leading the industry with his foresight. The big question is how will the entrepreneurial venture of India City Walks™ (ICW^®), a pre-COVID brand with recognition and acclaim, navigate and survive the impact on the tourism industry amidst the emerging global economic lockdown and pandemic. Are strategies in place, or will there be an adaptive change? The case traverses on the principle of ‘survival of the fittest’ in the ecosystem of the local tourism industry. CEPL’s dilemmas included a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business environment. Its trajectory was observed through qualitative research methodologies, including field observation, in-depth interviews and a phenomenological research approach. The journey unveiled entrepreneurial imaginativeness by sharing and unlocking the value proposition of Indian heritage in an open, realistic, responsible and sustainable manner. Sachin’s ideation, action, resilience, adaptability and foresight amidst dilemmas resulted in building city-specific exploration brands drawing at-site resources and capabilities in the entrepreneurial journey.

The Impact of Tax Logic of Western Philosophy Thought on Tax Preferential Policies for Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction in China

Wang Ying — 2024-08-10

This article seeks to analyse the western philosophical thinking has a profound impact on the development of the world economy. In recent years, with the emergence of global energy conservation and emission reduction targets, countries around the world have introduced a series of tax policies to promote "carbon reduction and emission reduction", and countries attach great importance to the development of low-carbon economy. These tax policies reflect the two basic principles of "fairness" and "assistance" in philosophy. Tax policies should not only ensure the fairness of taxation, but also provide assistance to relevant energy-saving and emission-reduction enterprises. Different emphasis on the two principles will result in different tax impacts. The ideas of "fairness" and "assistance" embodied in China's energy-saving and emission reduction tax incentives belong to the two basic moral demands in the theoretical resources of human ethics, and they are indispensable and interrelated in the formulation of tax incentives and support policies. However, how to balance the two is a problem worth thinking about in the academic world. In this paper, we will review the history of the development of Western philosophical thought and argue the importance of both from the viewpoints of "fairness" and "help", and based on the existing tax incentives for energy conservation and emission reduction in China. Finally, it provides some actionable suggestions for the correct handling of the relationship between "fairness" and assistance.

Qualities of a Good Researcher in Urdu

Dr. Rabia Sarfraz — 2024-08-29

Research is an endeavor in which the factors of scientific discovery, verification and promotion are included. The process of research is bound by various regulations and limitations and certain qualities are also very important for the person carrying out this process, i. e. the researcher. Different critics and academicians have laid down different rules for the researcher. This article is about the qualities of a good researcher. Honesty is extremely important in the characteristics of the researcher. Research process requires selfless hard work and dedication. It is important to adopt a non-emotional approach to research. The researcher should avoid haste and impatience. The importance of curiosity in the characteristics of the researcher cannot be denied. Consistency is important in the content and arguments presented by researcher and it is also important to keep in mind the continuity under the topic. The researcher should have a scientific temperament, the ability to describe the facts with all the details and make precise decisions requires a scientific approach. Absent mind and weak memory have bad effects on the results of the research. Article concludes that a good researcher should have all the above qualities for better and serious research.

Spatio – Temporal Evaluation of Temperature Variability, Trend and Pattern in Jhelum River Basin, Western Himalaya

Basit Nadeem — 2024-08-11

This study examines the variability, increasing or decreasing trends, and patterns of temperature in the Jhelum River Basin, located in the Western Himalayas. Using secondary data sources, temperature data was collected from eight meteorological stations within the basin, provided by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The data covers a 33-years period from 1993 to 2023. Monthly maximum, minimum, and normal temperatures were analyzed for each station. The results indicate varying temperature intensities across different stations due to their wide distribution and differing elevations. The analysis employs the Sen’s Slope Estimation Magnitude (SSEM) based on the Mann-Kendall trend model to detect trends in the temperature data. The findings reveal a general rise in temperatures across all stations. Specifically, the SSEM values for maximum temperatures range from 0.050 in Jhelum to 0.388 in Gharidupatta. Minimum and normal temperatures also show increasing trends, with some stations experiencing stronger rises than others. This study highlights the significant warming trends in the Jhelum River Basin, which could have profound impacts on the region's climate and environment. The insights gained from this research are crucial for developing adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change in the Western Himalayas.