Sustainable Development Goals and India’s Commitment to Gender Justice

Sustainable Development Goals are a set of seventeen interconnected objectives to achieve a sustainable future for all. They take a holistic and multidimensional approach to development to alter our planet by addressing humanity's many difficulties. It is an essential component of all aspects of inclusive and long-term growth. Women need to have equal rights and opportunities and live without fear of prejudice or violence. Goal five expressly mentions gender equality as one of the SDGs. Discriminatory laws must be changed and legislation enacted to advance equality proactively to achieve the goals. Gender-based violence is a top priority for governments all across the world. India is dedicated to promoting equality for all of its residents. The Indian Constitution's Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and State Policy Directive Principles express a strong commitment to gender equality. Also, India is the signatory of UN Conventions like CEDAW, where its pledge towards gender justice is evident. Furthermore, India has incorporated various domestic laws in pursuance of its responsibility towards Gender Justice. However, in India, Discrimination against women remains a profound issue despite reforms in various laws and different policies. Several concerns like female labor force participation, crimes against women, education among women, and discrimination are evident. This paper mainly throws light on the status of Gender Justice in India. It will help the stakeholders working on SDGs and Gender justice in policy development. It will highlight the gains and gaps that India has so far accomplished and encountered.

Indigenous Fishing Methods of the Moyon Tribe of Manipur (India) and Myanmar

Fishing is one of the main economic activities of the Moyon tribe living in Manipur (India), and Myanmar. For many centuries, Moyons used indigenous methods for fishing. However, in recent years, indiscriminate fishing using modern technologies has led to an ecological crisis which not only affected the ichthyofauna diversity but also affected the livelihood of individuals depending on fishing as well as the sustainability of the indigenous fishing methods. The paper explores the indigenous fishing techniques and practices of the Moyon tribe. The study adopted a qualitative-exploratory research method with ethnography as the primary component. Data were collected from on-site observations of fishing and discussions with the local Moyon population. The study revealed that indigenous fishing methods have become unsustainable due to misuse by the fishers. Another significant observation was the shift in fishing methods from traditional to modern (market) gears. The recently used fishing gears are a threat to the fish population, aquatic ecosystem, and indigenous knowledge of fishing crafts. The study concludes that unsustainable fishing by the Moyon tribe is connected with poverty and the lack of development and education.

Screening of Foreign Investments and the Bilateral Investment Treaties of Bangladesh

Since 1960, about 2852 bilateral investment treaties (BITs) have been signed. Of them, 2298 BITs are in force at present. In the last 61 years, the WTO members failed to conclude a global treaty to regulate FDI in host countries, consequently, the BITs have played a significant role to regulate FDI. As a member of the WTO, Bangladesh has signed 31 BITs so far with various states to allow and increase the inflow of FDI into the country. Bangladeshi foreign investment laws and BITs mainly protect foreign investors. However, neither of them has any specific provision regarding the screening of foreign investments in Bangladesh. Two questions have been addressed in this paper: (a) Do the BITs of Bangladesh allow the host state for screening of foreign investments at the entry stage? (b) Should the screening of FDI be required during the pre-entry stage in Bangladesh? In this paper, a doctrinal research method has been used to critically analyze 15 BITs to explore whether there is any reference for screening of foreign investments in Bangladesh. We find that the existing Bangladesh BITs have provisions to promote and protect foreign investments but have no reference in relation to the screening of foreign investments. Therefore, the author has recommended that the Government of Bangladesh can consider specific provisions for screening of FDI in future BITs.

Ethno-Religious Struggle and Human Insecurity in the Fledging Nigerian Democracy since 1999

Religious and ethnic identity clashes laid the structure of the Nigerian state in 1914, which transmogrified into and characterized the struggle for control of power and distribution of national resources. This paper explores the nature and manifestation of these conflicts since 1999. It seeks to find out if ethno-religious struggles led to the emergence of major conflicts in Nigeria since 1999, their impact on human insecurity, and the influence of politics on the conflicts. This inquiry is designed in line with a one-shot case study, while literature survey and ex post facto methods were adopted as methods of data collection. Trend analysis is adopted for data analysis. Analysis reveals that ethno-religious struggles were the primary progenitor of conflicts in Nigeria since 1999, and have debilitating consequences while politics exacerbated ethno-religious conflicts. Upholding Nigeria's circular state and implementing the National Political Reforms Conference Report is the panacea for ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria.

Factors Influencing Green Product Purchase Intention among Young Consumers in Bangladesh

The present study aims to determine critical factors affecting the green product purchase intention of Bangladeshi young consumers. In order to investigate the relationship, a formal questionnaire survey has been conducted targeting young Bangladeshi consumers, aged between 18 and 32 years old. A total of 400 responses have been finally screened out for analysis. Data analysis was carried out through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that young consumers’ green purchase intention (GPI) is largely determined by their attitude, environmental concern (EC), and willingness to pay (WTP). However, the impact of perceived moral obligation (PMO), on green purchase intention has been found insignificant. The study leaves specific implications for the strategic marketing decision-makers who strive to promote green product consumption in Bangladesh.

An Evaluation of Veterinary Production and Services in Bangladesh

As a developing country, the economy of Bangladesh is based on agricultural activities. Veterinary science and production have a significant impact on the socio-economic development of the country. The current study evaluates the sector in terms of Animal Feeds, Disease and Diagnostic Services, Preventive Veterinary Service, Clinical Service, Artificial Insemination, Wildlife Healthcare, Administrative Assistance, Legal framework and policy regime, Veterinary Public Health and Zoonoses, Research and Development for Veterinary Science, Licensing Veterinary Activities, Industrial Evaluation Based on ventures, and Veterinary education and research activities. Veterinary activities and economic development are positively correlated and affect poverty alleviation. The current study is a pioneering attempt to evaluate the area in the context of Bangladesh, which will essentially add value to the existing literature.

Impact of COVID-19 on Ready-made Garments Workers in Bangladesh

COVID-19 is an overwhelming crisis that has touched almost every sector. As the Ready-made Garments (RMG) sector is closely integrated with the global supply chain, it is important to understand the implications of COVID-19 on RMG workers as they are the most vulnerable in this situation. This article aims to explore the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic on RMG workers in Bangladesh. Particularly, it investigates the impact on health, safety and security, employment, livelihood, and social relations of the workers. The research also explores the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in this regard. The study followed qualitative methodology. The primary data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that COVID-19 faced detrimental consequences in terms of health, safety and security, and social relations. The workers also faced a livelihood crisis as their earnings were curtailed.

Food Choices and COVID-19: A Study of Traditional Dietary Habits in Chandigarh, India

The study aims to understand the traditional dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic and to comprehend the role of societal norms associated with gender in the context of Chandigarh, India. The present paper reports the findings from a cross-section survey conducted in September-October 2020 in Chandigarh in India. In total, there were 70 participants for the primary survey. A five-point Likert scale was used for the primary survey on a scale anchored with Strongly Agree (5) to Strongly Disagree (1). We conducted a Chi-square test and Regression Analysis to test the hypothesis. The result proved that socio-cultural and gender norms are significant for food choice during pandemics. The study will benefit the policymakers while framing the policy dealing with pandemic considering the local socio-cultural perspective. The sample size was very small. Therefore, the outcomes of the study may not be generalized for the whole population of Chandigarh, India.

Globalization and Exclusion of Marginalized Sections of the Society:

While globalization has accelerated the flow and interconnectedness of capital, goods, information, people, and technology, it has also intensified disconnection, exclusion, and marginalization. Much research has been undertaken on this subject, aimed primarily at providing the bases for the policies for eradication of the exclusionary process of globalization. This paper, based on secondary data, seeks to add to this body of knowledge by addressing the following issues. First, it tries to explain the concept of globalization and how it has affected India. Also, it highlights how the exclusionary processes associated with globalization have provided ways for social exclusion. The data used in this paper are extracted from the carefully selected literature on the subject. It has examined the link between globalization and the exclusion of marginalized sections in India. The findings of this paper show how globalization touches upon issues of well-being and social justice. In the process of globalization-driven development, marginalized sections have paid their toll in the form of their land, livelihood, culture, knowledge, and other resources. In the name of development, governments have put the lives of these groups at stake, especially tribals. This study recommends a few measures to minimize the widening gap between the weaker and the dominants that would be helpful for policymakers in minimizing the exclusionary practices led by globalization towards the marginalized sections.

Social Media and the Liabilities of Internet Service Providers in Nigeria

Social media has been the vehicle for the dynamic progression of globalization. The purpose of social media encompasses many ends. Some of which allow for liabilities for third-party users, or in some circumstances, liabilities for Internet Service Providers. There are many complications in determining the liabilities of Internet Service Providers and third-party users. This paper examined the nature of Internet Service Providers (ISP), social media, and the activities of third-party users in Nigeria. It also interrogated the various instances where third party use of social media might affect ISP liability. This paper further explored the judicial and legal framework of some jurisdictions to see how they view the liabilities of internet service providers. The paper concluded that internet service providers should be held accountable for the content that is published on their platforms as it affects greatly the lives of concerned users offline.