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Border conflict is the product of aggression between the nations. Borders are not just physical barriers, but also psychological barriers between the neighboring countries. The Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is experiencing hostility and displacement since independence of India and Pakistan in 1947. The uncertainty continues, especially for the villages close to the border where incidences of firing are quite frequent. During conflict in border areas, the rights of a children i.e. the right to life, the right to education, the right to be with family and community, the right to health and the right to be nurtured and protected are severely violated and compromised. This paper aims to understand the impact of border conflict on the education of children in the Jammu region. This study adopted qualitative method in which, thirty children living in the bordering villages, of the age group between 10-14 years were interviewed. Phenomenological analysis is used to explore the lived experiences of the children. The findings of the study described the impact of border conflict under four sections viz. (a) disturbed school functioning and student hood; (b) frequent dislocation due to intense concern for security; (c) multiple impediments in sustaining education during conflict; and (d) tangled aspirations and hope for future among the children.

Children living in border conflict areas of Jammu and Kashmir have been experiencing a continuous threat to life, insecurity, and witnessing violence due to border disputes between India and Pakistan. In this study, the authors utilised the social group work method to understand the issues and challenges faced by the children. Social group work practice plays a vital role in promoting the protection and well-being of children.Further, the need for collaboration has been discussed to enhance the protection and well-being of the children. Collaborative efforts among professionals, organizations, and communities have proven to be an effective catalyst in enhancing the outcomes of social group work interventions. This research article explores the significance of collaboration in supporting children's protection and well-being within the context of social group work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade among neighboring nations holds significant economic importance, influencing the socio-economic development of countries. India and Pakistan represent one of the most persistent conflicts in contemporary international relations. The continuation of this conflict poses significant challenges to the establishment and nurturing of robust economic ties between the two nations. Deep-rooted historical animosity between neighboring nations often adversely affects regional economic relations, leading to noticeable disruption and disparities in trade patterns. This study focuses on examining the impact of geopolitical dynamics on trade relations between India and Pakistan. Bilateral trade relations between the two countries have been examined in three distinct time periods: 1965–2011, 2011–2016, and 2016 onwards. The findings revealed that whenever there were hostile relations between the two countries, their trade relations were also adversely affected. Furthermore, it is recommended that emphasizing the importance of peaceful relations is crucial for fostering bilateral trade between the two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban poverty is spreading at a rampant pace in the developing world. Children of rag‐pickers are the product of urbanized system, born and brought up into underprivileged setups which restricts their opportunities. These children are exposed to all kinds of abuse and neglect due to their living conditions. The contemporary default support system continuously reinforces higher degree of vulnerability due to the engagement in stigmatized occupation of rag‐picking followed by this community, imposing restrictions on access to basic services. These families live on streets and their children suffer from health inequalities and nutritional deficiencies. Right from the launch of SDGs, ‘no one should be left behind’ has been reverberated but the children of rag‐pickers are far behind. They require extensive interventions to emerge out of the vicious path of poverty and stigma to access basic services and fulfilment of human rights. The article investigates multidimensional vulnerabilities afflicting the children of rag‐pickers intertwined with the targets of SDG 3. Healthcare is a human right to be ensured by the state and lack of access to it poses an important threat to ensure equity, inclusion and justice. The aim of the article is to highlight the health inequalities faced by young children of rag‐pickers during their early childhood in the context of SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing). The study was conducted with 30 families engaged in rag‐picking for at least 10 years in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Those families were included who had children below 8 years of age. Qualitative study was conducted using phenomenological approach. Five focused group discussions (FGDs) and 10 in‐depth interviews were conducted with the parents to explore the health and wellbeing of rag‐pickers' children based on four of the 13 targets of Goal 3. Observation checklist was used for mapping the living conditions of the families. Considering the different targets of the goal it was observed that from early age, children become addicted to tobacco, drugs, glue, thinner, etc. Inaccessibility to healthcare services is one of the major reasons which hindered the developmental opportunities of the children in the targeted group. Areas where such families reside were less frequently visited by the frontline health workers highlighting the neglecting attitude of the civil society. The rag‐pickers usually made their settlements in areas where basic services are not provided by the government. They do not use safety gears and do not possess the technology‐focused skills to enhance earning. Such situation creates a continuum of poverty which gets transgenerational often and suffering of the children continues. The findings accentuate multidimensional vulnerabilities through the lens of ascribed vulnerable status, apathy of government, existing skill‐gap and non‐inclusive developmental initiatives. The study substantiated the importance of SDG 3 in realization of rights of children belonging to stigmatized families. Early childhood development is the most essential area of intervention where social workers must engage for ensuring equity and social justice. Inclusion of rag‐pickers in all services is essential for attaining the SDGs crucial for holistic development of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jammu and Kashmir has been experiencing border conflict since the partition of India (1947) into two sovereign states (India and Pakistan). Four wars have been fought between them and still the issue has not been resolved. Uncertain firing, the continuous threat to life, unsettled life, and restricted living conditions affects the quality of life of the common people living in villages near the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC). The number of ceasefire violations in 2020 was the highest number of ceasefire violations in the past 16 years. People on both sides are the worst sufferers of the military aggression between the nations. Children living in such a volatile context lack the required developmental opportunities and their future is highly jeopardized. A serious commitment to the peacebuilding and reconciliation process is the way forward. Reconciliation processes like the Tashkent Declaration (1966), the Shimla Agreement (1972), and the Peace Bus service (1999) have been initiated but could not sustain peace for a longer period. This paper highlights the reconciliation process between the two countries and the need for a sustainable reconciliation initiative to secure the future of coming generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The study aims to scan through the public institutional policy implementation in tackling the global pandemic and framing universal policies for responsible governance. It also measures the impact of training interventions and non-training implications in containing the spread of COVID-19 at the grassroots level. Methods. The samples were drawn empirically from pathological tests conducted over 23 weeks to precisely examine the success of the State Government's approach in lowering COVID-19 mortality and spread. Through trend analysis, the outcome has been predicted. The study establishes a link between acknowledged ideas and government practices, providing insight into how relevant the implementation of planned state-craft programs is. Results. The findings indicated that government-imposed policies account for timely pandemic containment, and even a tiny developing state lacking advanced medical facilities and technology can set an example in combating the epidemic. Conclusions. The temporal analysis is based on the inputs acquired from government publications and other sources, allowing us to assess policy initiatives that encompass training interventions and non-training implications as prioritised by the State Government. The paper shows that a good emergency preparedness and response system is needed to prevent huge losses in any sector. This includes the already-struggling health sector, which India needs to put first to avoid more tragedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Border conflict is the product of aggression between the nations. Borders are not just physical barriers, but also psychological barriers between the neighboring countries. The Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is experiencing hostility and displacement since independence of India and Pakistan in 1947. The uncertainty continues, especially for the villages close to the border where incidences of firing are quite frequent. During conflict in border areas, the rights of a children i.e. the right to life, the right to education, the right to be with family and community, the right to health and the right to be nurtured and protected are severely violated and compromised. This paper aims to understand the impact of border conflict on the education of children in the Jammu region. This study adopted qualitative method in which, thirty children living in the bordering villages, of the age group between 10-14 years were interviewed. Phenomenological analysis is used to explore the lived experiences of the children. The findings of the study described the impact of border conflict under four sections viz. (a) disturbed school functioning and student hood; (b) frequent dislocation due to intense concern for security; (c) multiple impediments in sustaining education during conflict; and (d) tangled aspirations and hope for future among the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In disaster response and rehabilitation programme one of the least prioritized groups for support is elderly survivors. In humanitarian responses the budgets spent for the elderly are quite meager and they become a silent victim with trauma, losses, injuries, insecurities, and inabilities. In India, while there is a lack of basic social security and protection measures, the elderly survivors become exposed to multiple challenging issues due to disasters. With several functional disabilities, ailment, and pre-existing social vulnerabilities, the disaster experiences make them double victims of the situation. Based on the author's experiences of working in disasters in India a longitudinal observational study is presented using a community-based participatory research approach with some case studies conducted, information collected through a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Changes were tracked over time to develop a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerabilities and needs of the elderly survivors. In various disasters like earthquakes, communal riots, Tsunami, cloud blast, civil unrest, or terrorist attack, many elderly survivors were forced to presume parenting for grandchildren, reinitiate livelihood venture, or such daily life responsibilities with their personal geriatric issues and trauma of multiple irrecoverable losses. Elderly members often face abuse and neglect within the family during and in post-disaster situation. Some of the successful community-based rehabilitation models that have helped the elderly men and women to reintegrate with the social and community life are highlighted to explore the key learning for practice. The recent pandemic (COVID-19) has pushed the elderly population to a severely threatening situation. There are a few international commitments, policy documents about specific disaster response for elderly survivors, yet India lacks a specific guideline for the elderly survivors that could highlight, geriatric well-being, socio-economic support, rehabilitation, and recovery strategies in short and long-term to guarantee successful 'active ageing'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult for many social work students to grasp the importance they and their traditional client base play in global environmental issues. International development generally focuses on supporting human development through the development of natural resources. However, increased human consumption everywhere in the world is disrupting the global system upon which all life depends. Continued Western consumption habits are simply unsustainable. It is therefore incumbent that any increase in consumption, even in the ‘developing’ world, be considered in terms of global environmental sustainability; change must also occur within the developed world. To address this problem, reflexive processes that support transnational analysis and action must be developed. This paper suggests classroom activities that help students analyze and problem solve around this process of Reflexive Development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT This article explores the various psychosocial problems that children and adolescents experienced due to communal violence in the Indian state of Gujarat in 2002. Five strategies were adapted to provide support and care to the children and adolescents in the relief camps as well as in the community during the rehabilitation phase. Community volunteers were used in the program to facilitate psychosocial healing by using different mediums of expression. Each medium encouraged the expression of thoughts and feelings caused by the trauma and the building of hope for the future. Various community-oriented peace-building measures, which are explained and outlined, were adapted to build trusting inter-community relationships. The peace-building measures focused on rebuilding a nurturing environment by re-establishing community networks and social support systems. Life skills education was one of the approaches adopted for fostering psychosocial development among the children in order to restore peaceful cohabitation for a future based on mutual respect and acceptance. Ultimately, in disaster rehabilitation, rebuilding one's 'sense of place' through holistic psychosocial support has been highlighted as a model for practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the initiative of the National Institute of Mental and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in preparing for a training manual for the medical professional in Bangalore, India. It has become a model for subsequent work and training for psychosocial response to subsequent disasters. The model is based on facilitating normalization, building up eroded social support and providing holistic care.

Poor are vulnerable, frail, battered, marginalized, voiceless, and victim of multiple social circumstances. The complex vulnerable existence always made them suffer and become double victims of any disaster, be it natural, human-made, or biological like pandemic COVID-19. Poverty in India is an outfall of a number of complex social realities, historical past, and present doldrums. Restrictions due to lockdown and a shrinking economy, the job market as the immediate impact caused a number of survival crises for the rural families. The situation of rural poor becomes even more aggravated, as the reverse migration and influx of population increased the consumption and demand for jobs that actually the rural livelihood sector can provide. While the pre-existing vulnerabilities of the poor are exposed in the pandemic, the government's response toward them showed its restricted efficiency. The pandemic COVID-19 has taken human-life hostage and effective sustainable strategies to manage the crisis of the poor vulnerable section were essential for long-term resolution. Thus, the professional challenge ahead is designing a sustainable strategy of working in such pandemic situations that social workers are professionally skilled to handle similar challenges., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)