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Fertility levels have been declining in South Africa, with no effort made to re-examine and establish the validity and differentials of prevailing (existing) trends and patterns retrospectively. The South African Census and Survey data (1996–2016) data was used to re-examine (backwards project) fertility levels (patterns), trends and differentials among Black South African women. These are secondary cross-sectional data collected at different points in time in South Africa, using a similar methodology. These were performed using the Reverse–Survival Method (RSM) indirect estimation technique, controlling for the study sample. The RSM is appropriate in estimating and tracking temporal changes in fertility patterns retrospectively, up to fifteen years backsword. The study confirmed that fertility levels were low and declining over the years. TFR declined from 4.7 to 2.5, while the GFR declined from 157 to 83 live births per 1, 000 women (1982–2016). Although converging, subgroup differentials revealed fertility rates closer to replacement levels, and seemed to be stalling in the urban areas and less traditional provinces (e.g. Gauteng and Western Cape). Internal and external validity checks were also provided by the rate of overlapping periods revealed in the study. The study established the validity of existing patterns. Also, proved that the RSM is a robust and reliable method, providing accurate checks, new dimensions and understanding of the transitions among the study sample and in South Africa. The method is appropriate in the study of fertility transition as findings contribute to knowledge, crucial to programme and policy developments in the country.

Keywords: Fertility transitions, Reverse–Survival Method, backwards projecting, internal validity check, retrospective, overlapping periods

This research aims to state the safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in the coastal areas of Bangladesh and to identify the main challenges to ensure harmless water and sanitation amenities for all in these coastal areas. The paper begins by describing the nature of safe drinking water and sanitation status in the coastline areas of the country. The study adopts a quantitative technique to provide a comprehensive understanding. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in the research. The study was based on a field investigation where 100 respondents were selected randomly from four Union Parishads of two coastal Upazilas in the Barguna district of Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of households across different areas of this district. Existing data from government reports, academic publications, and relevant databanks were analyzed to supplement primary data and provide context for the study. Bangladesh has made some progress in the last few years in ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation facilities but at the marginal part, especially in coastal areas, it remains a big challenge. This research exposes that, 54% of citizens think that they use safe water for drinking and cooking, 22% opine that the water they use for drinking and cooking is not safe and the rest of 24% are not sure that the water they use for drinking and cooking is safe or not. The study reveals that 18% of residents have a clear idea about the diseases that can be affected by unsafe water and sanitation, 64% of dwellers have a rough idea and the rest of 10% don’t have any idea about it. This research also displays that, 76% of inhabitants use sanitary latrines and 24% of individuals don’t use sanitary latrines at their homes. In this study, it is clear that a number of people living in the coastal areas are deprived of safe drinking water and sanitation comforts and they have no clear idea about the consequences of waterborne illnesses.

Keywords: Coastal region; Upazila and Zila (District).

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of diseases among waterlogged farmers and their associated factors. We conducted the study using mixed-methods approaches. We employed simple random sampling for this study. To collect quantitative data from the field, we used an interview schedule. We conducted IDIs, FGDs, and KIIs to gather qualitative data from the participants. We categorized the self-reported diseases of the waterlogged farmers into four areas: waterborne diseases, pain-related diseases, hypertension-induced diseases, and dementia. For descriptive statistics, we used frequency and percentages, and for inferential statistics, we used mean rank and non-parametric tests. Prolonged water immersion led to the onset of various waterborne diseases. Due to their high mental stress, they quickly developed hypertension. The farmers also placed significant importance on pain-related issues. Researchers discovered significant disparities between farmer demographic, economic, and environmental factors and conditions such as asthma, skin diseases, knee pain, dental problems, high blood pressure, and optical difficulties. For all factors combined, we observed a small effect in assessing disease prevalence. We can implement a variety of efforts (GO-NGO) to reduce the incidence of the disease in waterlogged areas. Considerable research volume addresses numerous issues confronting farmers. However, concerns about waterlogging and its impact on farmers’ physical health are less focused. This study investigates the prevalence of diseases among farmers and the factors that contribute to them.

Keywords: prevalence, waterlogging, disease, disaster, physical health, suffering.

Kerala, is the land of Gods and the most advanced state where educated people are known to live. In Kerala, the first Communist government was formed under the leadership of EMS Namboodiripad by defeating Congress hegemony from the state. Both Congress and the Left parties are sharing the power of the state alternatively. Both the alliances are followers of Secularism. The caste-based vote bank politics is omnipresent in every state and party like Kerala. Both LDF led by the Community Alliance and UDF led by the Congress alliance have very strongly placed their vote bank politics in their selected districts and communities. With the emergence of the BJP as the third force in Kerala, state politics has changed the long history of bi-polarized political scenarios.

Keywords: Bi-polar politics, minority vote bank, hegemony, dominating caste, land of Gods.

This study aims to improve solar radiation prediction using meteorological data from six Nigerian cities: Sokoto, Maiduguri, Ilorin, Ikeja, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. The dataset includes 31 years of monthly data on rainfall, relative humidity, sunlight hours, wind speed, maximum and lowest temperatures, and evaporation Piche. The model uses a dihybrid recurrent neural network design, combining Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) architectures. Hyperparameter tuning was used to find the optimal configuration. The results show the model outperforms standalone models, with a high degree of alignment and modest prediction errors. This model is reliable for renewable energy planning and management in Nigeria, offering a powerful method for time series forecasting.

Keywords: Dihybrid Recurrent Neural Network, Hyperparameter tuning, Meteorological, Data, Renewable Energy, Solar Radiation Prediction, Time Series Forecasting.

The present paper highlights the current status of solar energy in India and solar energy development in different states of India. Further, it provides an overview of the challenges and barriers faced by solar energy and also reviews the government policies to support solar energy development in India. Over the period, the renewable energy sector in India has emerged as one of the significant players for energy access. Renewable energy can act as an integral part of the energy planning process and can play a much more important role in achieving energy security in the upcoming years. The total installed capacity of grid-connected renewable energy in India was 90399.07 MW and off-grid power capacity was 1253.59 MW during November 2020. The solar energy potential in India is 748990 MW and the renewable energy potential is 896602 MW which shows the large scope available to increase the clean energy capacity. The paper concludes that solar power is the future source of energy in the country. India needs to invest in R&D so that cost of production is reduced further to make solar energy as the cheapest and cleanest source of energy for sustainable development.

Keywords: Solar Power, Renewable Energy, Clean Energy

Nutritional status can be evaluated through various approaches, including dietary analysis, anthropometric assessments, biochemical tests, and clinical observations. Among these, anthropometric measurements notably weight and height are the most widely used to formulate indicators of malnutrition in children. Body Mass Index (BMI) is regarded as the most effective and objective anthropometric measure for assessing adult nutritional status. The purpose of this study is to find the nutritional status of school going children in Nanded district of Maharashtra. To assess the anthropometric indices among the children. A total number of 878 Andh tribal children (457 boys, 421 girls) aged 10+ to 18+ years, integrating anthropometric measurements with key socioeconomic determinants. The findings reveal a pervasive burden of undernutrition: 87.31% of boys and 73.87% of girls are classified as thin (low BMI-for-Age), and 71.33% of boys and 62.23% of girls are underweight (low Weight-for-Age). Additionally, 23.85% of boys and 19.00% of girls exhibit mild stunting (low Height-for-Age). Overweight and obesity are negligible. Nutritional trend analysis of weight, height with lower absolute values compared to well-nourished populations. Socioeconomic indicators reveal low parental education (especially maternal illiteracy), predominant reliance on low-income farming and labor, and a prevalence of medium to large family sizes. These factors are strongly correlated with the observed undernutrition, suggesting that limited household resources and knowledge perpetuate nutritional deficits. The study underscores undernutrition as a critical public health crisis in this vulnerable tribal community, necessitating multi-faceted interventions addressing both nutritional and socioeconomic determinants.

Keywords: School children, Anthropometry, Stunting, undernutrition, Socioeconomic 

North-East India—particularly the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam—shares deep historical and cultural ties with its Southeast Asian neighbour, Myanmar (formerly Burma). One of the key corridors facilitating this connection is the Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, situated at the crest of the Patkai Hills along the India-Myanmar border. For generations, this route has served as a vital passage for cross-order trade and cultural exchange. It remains one of the most accessible entry points to Myanmar from the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Crossborder movement of people and goods in this region dates back to the pre-independence era of India. However, modern border regulations—particularly in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang District—impose certain restrictions. To accommodate the hill tribes living near the border, both governments have implemented special provisions allowing limited cross-border movement. Under these terms, residents within 16 kilometers of the international boundary are allowed to travel without a visa, provided they obtain special permits (Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, 2010). The recent transformation of the historic Ledo-Stilwell Road into Indian National Highway-153 has significantly boosted informal trade through Pangsau Pass. This development has led to the emergence of the Pangsau Pass border market as a crucial meeting point for people from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar. The market fosters a unique atmosphere that transcends social boundaries and strengthens bonds among communities with diverse cultural backgrounds. It plays a key role in promoting economic development by facilitating the exchange of goods, creating employment opportunities, and encouraging cultural tourism. In this way, the market supports India’s broader ‘Act East’ policy, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, economic integration, and human development. This paper explores how everyday life and shared experiences in the borderlands are reflected in local narratives and how the Pangsau Pass market serves as a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence. Through the exchange of commodities, marketplace interactions, and cultural communication, the market becomes a microcosm of cross-border harmony. The study draws on field data collected from the Pangsau Pass area, with a focus on the Singpho and Tangsa tribes residing on both sides of the border. Observations from the three-day Pangsau Pass International Festival provide key insights into how socio-cultural relationships, expressive behaviors, economic needs, and survival strategies all contribute to sustaining cordial relations between India and Myanmar.

Keywords: Border trade, everyday life, pangsau pass, cultural exchange