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The book "Slow disaster: political ecology of hazards and everyday life in the Brahmaputra valley, Assam" by Mitul Baruah examines the experiences of three communities living on Majuli island in the Brahmaputra valley. It explores how these communities navigate their daily lives amidst the challenges of flooding and river-bank erosion, highlighting the vulnerability of both the human population and the ecosystems on the island. The book also discusses the role of the state in managing hazards and the resistance and activism of the disaster-affected people. The article based on the book focuses on the detrimental impact of interventions aimed at managing the Brahmaputra River and controlling hazards on the livelihood activities of island communities in Majuli, India. It argues that these interventions have marginalized local knowledge and neglected the long-term effects on communities, while also highlighting the resistance shown by island communities. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for contemporary ecological thinking and grounded solutions to address the island's problems. While the article lacks a gendered perspective and quantitative data, it provides valuable insights into the experiences of marginalized communities and is a valuable resource for those interested in political ecology, environmental hazards, and climate change in Northeast India. [Extracted from the article]

The article on Blood Island: An Oral History of the Marichjhapi Massacre by Deep Halder delves into the brutal state-sponsored violence faced by lower-caste Hindu refugees in Marichjhapi, West Bengal, in 1979. Topics include: the historical context and socio-political dynamics leading to the Marichjhapi massacre, the impact of political decisions on refugee lives, and the discriminatory practices faced by lower-caste refugees compared to their upper-caste counterparts.

"Mind, Meaning and World: A Transcendental Perspective" by R.C. Pradhan is a book that delves into the non-naturalistic aspects of self and human existence. Pradhan explores the philosophical debate between naturalism and freedom of will, arguing for a transcendental perspective on the human mind. The book draws from both Indian and Western philosophical traditions to discuss topics such as consciousness, language, and the relationship between mind and world. Pradhan challenges naturalistic theories of consciousness and meaning, advocating for a non-naturalist viewpoint. The text provides a comprehensive examination of the human mind and consciousness, combining analytical and phenomenological approaches. [Extracted from the article]

"Marx and Lenin in Africa and Asia: Socialism(s) and Socialist Legacies" is a book edited by Harry Verhoeven that explores the challenges faced by socialists in Africa and Asia as they sought liberation. The book brings together anthropologists, historians, and political scientists to examine topics such as building statehood, forging a nation after colonialism, and positioning themselves in the international order. The chapters cover a range of countries and themes, including Indonesia, trade union education in former French Africa, Arab encounters with Maoist China, and the legacies of Marx and Lenin in Vietnam. The book argues that African and Asian experiences of socialism should not be seen as deviations from Western standards, but rather as unique and valuable contributions to the understanding of socialism. The book also suggests that the current Covid-19 pandemic may lead to a reevaluation of the resilience of socialist institutions and practices in China and other developing countries. Overall, "Marx and Lenin in Africa and Asia" provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of socialism in these regions. [Extracted from the article]