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The article discusses research that analyzes the adaptation strategies of farmers to climate change effects on agriculture based on evidences from field survey and using binary regression technique. The study examines the determining factors of farmers' choice of adaptation tactics including farming experience, size of family or households, size of operational land holdings, education level and proximity to the nearest town.

The greater one-horned rhinoceros or Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) faced extinction in British India at the end of the nineteenth century. In 1908, the Government of Assam established the Kaziranga Game Reserve (KGR, now Kaziranga National Park) to preserve the vanishing rhino. As the twentieth century progressed, creating wilderness -- by demonising the presence of the peasants and graziers -- became a global panacea for protecting wildlife. Contrary to that belief, this article will show how the rhino population revived amidst human existence dictated by agro-ecological interactions and bureaucratic expediencies. The rhino's ethology and its place in the imagination of rural people minimised its enemies. Moreover, in fluvial geography that constantly transformed the KGR's boundaries, peasants and graziers creatively negotiated their usufruct rights and supported rhino preservation. Locating the KGR in the historical analysis of fluvial agro-ecology, this study illuminates how a critical interaction between different actors, i.e. human and non-human and coloniser and colonised, accentuated the cultural and material contestations amidst which the rhino eventually survived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam is indicative of the sharpening tensions surrounding citizenship, belonging and integration in India. Officially aimed at demarcating the "legitimate citizens", its implementation is believed to have resulted in the partial exclusion of the so-called "Doubtful Voters" and denationalisation of the "illegitimate residents". These frictions associated with citizenship identity and rights are nowhere as acute as in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, where measures of retroactive revocation, administrative erasure and withdrawal of citizenship rights have been systematically deployed against religious and linguistic minorities. Using new research with some NRC rejected applicants in western Assam and other materials, this article identifies the central aspects of the implementation gap in the crucial, albeit problematic task of locating the rightful "Assamese-Indian" citizens. Linking our work to the idea of the 'process is the punishment', we conceptualise these conspicuous inconsistencies in the NRC citizenship determination processes and their results as the "punitive gap". We have identified the distinctive contours of this gap in terms of the massive economic costs, intensification of social (including gender and religion-based) inequalities, increased control through social suspicion and unpredictable outcomes for the marginal Miya Muslim community. The article highlights how this punitive gap has constantly eroded key components of due process, of procedural and substantive protections of the rights of individuals, during the NRC determination exercise and after the release of the final draft list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assam, a state in North East India, where tourist from the globe visit every year, has immense tourism potential creating different entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism industry. Though, the entrepreneurial process is the same for men and women, there are fewer entrepreneurs, and especially women entrepreneurs in tourism. Women entrepreneurs face many challenges as compared to male entrepreneurs. As such, this study is an attempt to explore the various problems in tourism entrepreneurship among the women in Assam. This study is based on primary and secondary information and tries to highlight the major problems faced by women entrepreneurs in Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous migration process in Assam and throughout India is not a new phenomenon. Migration has always occurred throughout India, in different regions at different times, even before the arrival of the British. Assam and North East India can be identified as the main centers of migration compared to other parts of India, as these regions are home to various ethnic groups. Of those communities, the tea community of Assam is regarded as an essential component of the state's culture and economy, but their ancestry is linked to an intriguing history of migration. Tea was originally found in the Brahmaputra Valley by British merchant Robert Bruce before the British East India Company annexed Assam. A commercial tea plantation was established in 1833 following the company's annexation of Assam. Thousands of laborers from north India were brought in by British tea planters to plant tea commercially in upper Assam. Thus began the importation of laborers into Assam, whose numbers progressively increased annually. The bulk of laborers in Assam were brought in by European tea planters through the use of middlemen and false promises. Thousands of them perished on their way to Assam and the rest of them were subjected to Planters' atrocities and inhumane treatment. This paper primarily examines the history of Assamese tea labor migration and its impact on the state's economy and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body image is a multidimensional dynamic construct that involves internal biological and psychological factors as well as external cultural and social determinants. Body image concerns are connected with total poor self-concept in early adolescents, including poor physical, social, and academic self-concepts as well as low overall self-esteem (SE). Objective: The present study aims to examine the SE and body image satisfaction among primary school teachers in Sonitpur, Assam. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional in nature. A total of 60 primary school teachers who were above 18 years of age were selected from 12 schools randomly and were included in the study. Data collection was collected with the help of the following tools: sociodemographic datasheet, Rosenberg SE Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items by investigators from February 2022 to July 2022 in Sonitpur province, Assam. Descriptive statistics were used to determine categorical variables, and analysis was carried out by computing percentages and the Chi-square test. Results: The results of the present study revealed that 15.0% of the respondents showed mild-to-moderate stress, 30.0% had mild-to-severe anxiety, and 1.7% had mild depression. A significant negative correlation was found between SE and stress (r = -0.421, P < 0.01) and SE and anxiety (r = -0.433, P < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between body shape (BS) and weight (r = 0.590, P < 0.05), BS and stress (r = 0.355, P < 0.01), and BS and anxiety (r = 0.333, P < 0.01). Conclusion: People with lower SE are progressively likely to report dissatisfied with their body size or shape and irrespective of age or gender. Since body image represents a large part of a person's self-concept, it is unsurprising that SE and body dissatisfaction are related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study makes an attempt to examine the nutritional status of the adult Bodo women of the North Guwahati area of Kamrup (Rural) district, Assam in order to understand whether there is any relation between socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with the nutritional status of the studied (18-59 years age group) Bodo women. The study participants were classified into three age groups of 18-32 years, 33-45 years, and 46-59 years to observe the variation in the nutritional status by age. The purposive sampling method was used to select participants of the sample size of 250 women. Nutritional status of the participants was assessed using Body-mass-index (BMI), Waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), Waist-to-height-ratio (WHtR), and Mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC). Physical Activity (PA) level and Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) of the participants were assessed using standard protocol. The result shows that undernourishment is prevalent in the younger ages, and overweight and obesity in the older ages. Age is found to be positively associated with body-mass-index, waist-to-hip-ratio, waist-to-height-ratio, waist circumference (WC), and mid-upper-arm circumference. On the other hand, physical activity is negatively associated with age, suggesting that physical activity decreases with age. Dietary Diversity Score shows positive and significant association with only waist circumference. Among the variables used in the study, only age and marital status appear to have an influence on the nutritional status of the adult Bodo women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North-Eastern region of India is a biodiversity hotspot and home to many endemic and rare spices. The spices endemic to this region has vast scope in the national and international market owing to their uniqueness and organic quality. Geographical Indication (GI), a tag that recognises the unique intrinsic attributes of a product arising from specific geographical origin, is yet to be explored in its truest sense by the farmers of the region togain visibility and product differentiation in the market. Importance of GI tag is extremely high for the native farmers of the region to gain recognition in foreign markets. The paper discusses the scope of using GI as a tool for brand building by the spice sector of this region of India. It also examines a few instances where endemic spice varieties from the region have successfully undergone value addition and have been effectively marketed to create a promising presence both domestic and abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on fieldwork in Tinsukia district of Assam, this article examines the interplay of Ekal, ideology and education among the Adivasis in the tea gardens. The Ekal schools are one-teacher, informal schools operated by the Sangh Parivar in the underprivileged regions of India and Nepal. Considering the backward status of Adivasis in these tea gardens, the official narrative of the school is to reduce the literacy gap among the community, impart sanskar and empower them with entrepreneurial skills. I argue that Ekal's organisational structure and funding are corporate, and its conception of 'empowerment' is neoliberal. This works as an effective model for Hindutva as the Sangh seeks to bring popularly Christian-dominated tea gardens into its Hindutva fold. This is done by practices both inside and outside the school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North East Region of India, comprising Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram, is characterized by a distinctive blend of ethnic, cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity. Connected to the rest of the country via the Siliguri Corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck, this paper delves into the historical context of conflicts in the region. It assesses various contributing factors such as ethnic diversity, migration patterns, resource allocation, and political interests. Given China's proximity through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to the Siliguri Corridor, India's attention to this area becomes crucial. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the socio-economic impact of these conflicts and proposes potential strategies for conflict resolution and peace-building efforts. Specifically, it focuses on analyzing border disputes between Assam and neighboring Northeastern states, identifies primary causes of conflict, and offers actionable recommendations for resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early decades of the twentieth century in colonial Assam, the standardisation of language, the expansion of regional literature and literary circles, and the challenges arising for linguistic communities led to the formation of Asam Sahitya Sabha (ASS) that intended to work for the advancement of Assamese language in the interest of the public. Implicit in its model of association was the notion of collective identity that gradually set the pace for assertions. The ASS's motivations cannot be discussed in isolation. The historical junctures of colonial India must be taken into account that had set the stage for revolutionising the literary spaces. This article has two key aims, first to discuss the events of ASS's activism during the colonial and post-independence periods and observe the relevant transitions. Second, to look at the mobilisation agendas pursued by the ASS in contemporary times and whether there are alternative inspirations. To place the key issues of the present, the insights from ASS members, who were interviewed, are included. Overall, this article looks at the associational form of the language assertion in Assam, years earlier and the roles adopted with the changing times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective is to find out the impact of the Tax Credit (ITC) in the GST structure on the utilitarian capacity and liquidity of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Using a coordinated survey to gather information on working capital stocks and GST consistency, 200 MSMEs in Assam, India, were selected to conduct a quantitative assessment. The results show that there are significant areas for the relationship between better working capital conditions and the use of ITS. This suggests that MSMEs can have greater financial flexibility and fewer pay restrictions if they do register ITC claims. According to the practical implications of the assessment, policymakers should deal with the ITC system and offer additional assistance to ensure that MSMEs can fully benefit from the GST. This study is novel because it is uniquely relevant to the state of Assam, offering alternative, progressive views on the specific impact of the goods and services tax on small businesses in that state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionIndia has experienced seven outbreaks of the Nipah virus (NiV) since 2001, primarily occurring in the southern and eastern regions of the country. The southern region has been the main site for these outbreaks. In contrast, the eastern region, which borders Bangladesh, has not reported any outbreaks since 2007. However, Bangladesh continues to experience nearly annual outbreaks, indicating a significant lack of surveillance in that area. To improve the country’s preparedness and to gather support for enhancing public health surveillance in eastern and northeastern states near the area affected by the NiV, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of NiV in the bat species Pteropus medius in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya states in India, which are adjacent to Bangladesh.MethodsThroat and rectal swabs, blood samples, and organ samples were collected. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized for the detection of Nipah viral RNA, and sequencing was conducted for further confirmation. Bat IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for antibody detection.ResultsThroat and rectal swab samples of 212 P. medius tested for NiV using qRT- PCR were found negative, whereas organ samples of two (one each from West Bengal and Bihar) out of the 10 bats collected tested positive. The retrieved NiV genome (~91%) showed close homology to the NiV-Bangladesh genotype indicating the circulation of two geographically distinct NiV strains in India. The seroprevalence estimated by ELISA ranged from 23 to 65% in the studied states.DiscussionThe serological and virological evidence obtained from the study indicates that a broader geographical area is under threat of spillover in India. It’s crucial to implement a One Health approach connecting bat surveillance studies with human surveillance and risk factor studies in the region.

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Screening of rural women of Assam by careHPV test for high‐risk HPV (hr‐HPV) DNA and Papanicolaou (PAP) test for abnormal cytology. Method This prospective cross‐sectional study included 480 non‐pregnant women participants aged 20–70 years from Kamrup District, Assam. Two cervical scrap samples were obtained from eligible enrolled women. The Hr‐HPV DNA test by CareHPV was performed with one cervical scrap, and a second cervical scrap sample was used for the Papanicolaou (PAP) test. The statistical analysis was done using RStudio for variables. A p‐value 3 numbers of children birth (p = 0.003). Conclusion We found that the positive hr‐HPV DNA status among rural women in Kamrup, Assam, was significantly associated with alcohol consumption, tobacco chewing, irregular menstruation, urogenital tract infection, and more than three children birth. The abnormal cytology outcome was also substantially associated with tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption.

A 2-year-old female Assam Hill goat was presented with a clinical history of anorexia, fever, mild anemia, rough body coat, dehydration, tachycardia, dyspnea and swelling of palpable lymph nodes. Hematology revealed low hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and thrombocyte count. Biochemical analysis showed increased serum concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and urea in comparison to the normal reference range. Microscopic examination showed intra-erythrocytic forms of Theileria species. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of partial 18S rRNA gene sequence confirmed Theileria luwenshuni infection. The goat was treated with buparvaquone and oxytetracycline and recovered uneventfully. A three-month follow-up showed no recurrence. This study reveals the presence of T. luwenshuni in Assam, India and it should be considered in differential diagnosis and as one of the important pathogens of clinically sick goats. The present case report provides a rational approach to diagnosis and treatment for a goat infected with pathogenic T. luwenshuni in Assam, India. To our knowledge, the present communication describes about the first successful therapeutic management of pathogenic T. luwenshuni infection in a goat supported with molecular evidence from Assam, a north-eastern state of India.

A blend of historical and contemporary forces has shaped populism in India. The Congress government’s shortcomings (2004–2014), marked by dynastic politics and corruption, paved the way for the rise of populism, particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which capitalized on anti‐elite sentiment. Narendra Modi’s leadership, characterized by Hindu nationalism and a development agenda, has significantly altered India’s political landscape. This study focuses on the rise of populism in Northeast India, specifically in Assam, where populist movements and leaders have increasingly influenced the socio‐political environment. It explores the socio‐economic conditions and identity politics that have driven the growth of populist ideologies, often leading to the marginalization of ethnic minorities. By analyzing key political events, movements, and policies, the research seeks to uncover the root causes of populism in Assam and its impact on democracy, social cohesion, and regional stability. Employing a qualitative methodology that includes political speeches, media analysis, and empirical evidence, the study examines how political leaders in Assam have mobilized regional and ethnic sentiments for electoral gains, further exacerbating ethnic marginalization. The article aims to understand the catalysts and consequences of populist governance in Assam, offering insights into the broader trend of populism in Northeast India and its future trajectory.

Agriculture is crucial to India’s rural economy, with vegetable cultivation being a key component. This study focuses on 150 rural farmers in Assam’s Dibrugarh District, exploring their socioeconomic characteristics, marketing practices, factors influencing these practices and the barriers they experience. The rapid sale of vegetables, driven by their perishable nature, emerged as the most influential factor in farmers’ marketing practices. It was found that farmers face various barriers like perishability of vegetables, limited access to ICT tools and low level of knowledge. Findings revealed a significant association between socioeconomic characteristics and marketing practices.

The article reviews the conservation status and challenges faced by the Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, focusing on poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and current conservation efforts. It discusses the thriving population in Kaziranga, which houses the majority of the world's population, and emphasizes the need for effective conservation strategies to address emerging threats like climate change and illegal trade.

In India, human-elephant conflict has been on the rise for the last few decades. The situation is worse in the state of Assam, where 5719 elephants are present, and the density of elephants is greater than that of other areas. Most of the elephant habitats in the state are fragmented or intermingled with human-used lands. As a result, human-elephant conflict (HEC) has been increasing in the state. Each year, an average of 80 elephants and 70 humans die in the state because of HEC. Most of these conflicts occur during the paddy harvesting season. At that time of year, the elephants come out from their habitats and take refuge in forest patches and tea gardens near agricultural fields and raid crops at night. Different methods have been adopted to identify conflict-affected areas, but none of the studies have tried to identify all the HEC-affected areas in the state. Here, we provide a rapid appraisal approach for identifying HEC hotspots in the state by using published news information as the primary source of data. A total of 216 villages were identified as HEC-affected areas in Assam. The identified areas can be used to understand site-specific problems and for HEC mitigation practices, as these areas are currently limited to only a few areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the outbreak of the Rice Swarming Caterpillar (RSC) in India and the potential use of drones for early detection and management of the pest. The article highlights the importance of synchronized ecological factors in the occurrence and sustenance of the outbreak. It suggests that drones can be used to survey rice fields, identify RSC hubs, monitor insectivorous birds, sample insects, assess the infested area, and assess crop damage. The article emphasizes the need for further research on optimizing drone parameters and determining the spatial scale for reliable forecasting. The use of drones in RSC outbreak management can help farmers save time, reduce labor, and make timely decisions to minimize crop damage. The document also includes references to studies on the use of drones in pest management and surveillance in agricultural fields, covering topics such as monitoring insect populations, scouting for pests, and applying insecticides. It discusses the challenges and advantages of using drones in pest management. [Extracted from the article]

Colour aberrations are rare conditions in birds that are caused by genetic as well as environmental factors. Among the colour aberrations in birds, albino, leucism, progressive greying, brown, dilution, ino, and melanism are the best known. This report describes an observation of colour aberration in a Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis suratensis) from India. It was recorded in the Deobali Jalah (an IBA site) of Nagaon district, Assam. The recorded individual exhibited a pale plumage with normal eyes and some light brown colour in some of the feathers, indicating this to be a form of dilution. The report also represents the first photographic documentation of colour aberration in Spotted Doves from Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, India. Further research is necessary to comprehend the causes of colour aberration in Spotted Doves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the rapidly changing landscape of Majuli island, the world's largest inhabited riverine island, constantly reshaped by the river Brahmaputra. Investigating the period from 1991 to 2022, we employ Landsat imagery to analyse changes in land use/land cover patterns and their consequential impacts on the island's inhabitants, leading to significant relocation. We observed notable changes in the spatial coverage of the Brahmaputra, which increased while that of agricultural and barren land decreased. The land use/land cover change data are supplemented by population data to validate satellite data. This approach of analysing satellite imageries on population using both quantitative and qualitative data is novel and important since it not only highlights the rapidly changing land cover but also highlights the complex relationship between environmental dynamics and human responses. Our findings indicate that the population is increasingly (re)settling towards the northern and eastern stretches of the island. Since the population prediction map for the year 2051 indicates that this trend continues, our results can contribute an understanding of the human-environment relationship in the wake of climate change as an important component of planning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agriculture sector, which continues to be pivotal to sustainable growth and development, has been recently mobilising farmers into member-owned producer organisations, or Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to enhance production, productivity and profitability of agriculturists, especially the small and marginal farmers in the country. The FPCs, which have been brought in for improved transparency and access to the input and output market with higher negotiating powers leading to sustainability of the small and marginal farmers, are said to provide higher legitimacy and credibility in the immediate business environment. Though Assam too is not behind in forming FPCs, challenges and issues abound. Majority of these FPCs are in the nascent stage of their operations with shareholder membership ranging from more than 500 farmers to over 1500 farmers. It is also seen that from capacity building to taking up business operations, many issues need to be addressed in these FPCs. These FPCs are in need of support in technical handholding and provision of adequate capital and infrastructure facilities including market linkages for sustaining their business operations. The present paper tries exploring and understanding the ecosystem of the FPCs in Assam, which are focussing on small and marginal farmers, and delving into the issues and challenges faced by the FPCs in the state and the possible ways out. JEL Classification: Q13 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several empirical studies have evaluated financial inclusion (FI) at the national level globally. However, limited research exists on household-level FI in Northeast India using a standardized index. This study uses primary data collected from rural households in the Barak Valley region of Assam to assess the level of FI and identify its determinants. the Composite Financial Inclusion Index (CFII) is constructed using multiple dimensions like availability, usage, and quality as prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Binary variables are used to represent qualitative information for the construction of CFII and living standards. A logistic-transformed linear regression model is utilized to identify the key factors that drive FI among rural households. The study found that the level of FI among select rural households is low compared to the national average figure reported by RBI in 2022. The study further identifies income, education, standard of living, and profession as significant determinants of FI among rural households. However, demographic variables like religion have no impact on FI. Policymakers and regulators could use this finding to develop tailored policies. The limited number of household surveys conducted in a small geographical area of the region restricts the generalization of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) are the primary means of funding healthcare costs in developing nations, and when the cost is too high, it leads to catastrophic healthcare expenditures (CHE). Aim & Objective: This study aimed to assess the proportion of households that faced CHE and also examined the associated factors that determine CHE at the household level. Methods and Material: Between September 2020 and February 2021, a cross-sectional study covering a sample of 771 households was conducted in four districts of Assam. A multistage sampling design was employed to select the sample households. Statistical analysis used: Binary logistic regression analysis has been performed to ascertain the factors that could determine household CHE. Results: 23% households had experienced CHE, high dependence on the private healthcare system. Monthly household income, duration of illness, presence of children under five years of age and elderly members, education of household head, and health insurance were the significant factors influencing CHE. Conclusions: The study identified the growing use of private healthcare services as a major concern that contributes to the prevalence of CHE. To make all healthcare services accessible and affordable and to lower OOP on healthcare, it is also crucial to improve the infrastructure and quality of the public healthcare system in rural and remote locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: VHSND, a community platform bringing health, early childhood development, nutrition, and sanitation services by community engagement was affected by COVID-19 pandemic. Aims & Objectives: To assess the process of VHSND implementation during post-pandemic period in Assam. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted as operational research in five districts of Assam, selected based on zonal representation; between Sept '2021- Aug '2022. Standard format (GOI) was used for VHSND monitoring. Descriptive analysis was done along with quarter-wise comparison of observations and knowledge of Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM). Results: A total of 370 VHSND sessions were observed. VHSND micro plan availability increased from 87.5% to 98.4% over four quarters. Displaying banners varied between 56.3% and 79.5%, and functional toilets increased from 41.3% to 77%. Height measurement improved from 58.8% to 88.5%. Haemoglobin estimation varied between 46.3% and 75.4%. Recognition of high-risk pregnancies due to severe anaemia increased from 60% to 91.8%. Regarding danger signs like bleeding from vagina increased from 50.0% to 95.1%. Conclusion: Notable progress could be documented in logistical readiness and ANM knowledge in different quarters in post-pandemic period. While service delivery and ANM counselling efforts have seen improvement, targeted interventions remain crucial for optimizing maternal and child health outcomes in the region. Keywords Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day/ VHND; Nutrition services; Assam; Antenatal Care; Supplies & Equipment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiders usually show Batesian mimicry with different model ant species. There are no specific study of ant mimicking spiders and their association with model ants from North-Eastern part of India. In this study, from the campus of Gauhati University, Assam, we recorded total eleven ant-mimicking spiders of which two are new records from India and seven are new records from North-East India. We noticed the model-mimic association of Myrmarachne melanocephala with Tetraponera rufonigra, Myrmarachne cornuta with Tetraponera allaborans, Myrmaplata plataleoides with Camponotus compressus, Myrmarachne acromegalis with Polyrhachis laevissima, Myrmaplata aureonigra with P. laevissima and Polyrhachis dives, Cambalida flavipes with Camponotus compressus and Apochinomma elongatum with Tetraponera nigra. Four unidentified Mymarachne sp. were found mimicking the ant species namely Camponotus parius, Technomyrmex albipes, Polyrhachis tibialis and Dolichoderus moggridgei. The work will open a new window for future studies to explore the ant's and spider's diversity and their co-evolutionary interactions for avoiding predator, deceive other individuals etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The order Boraginales of the Lamiids clade encompasses a diverse group of plants that currently has a global distribution. Its fossil record is scanty. Herein we report a fossil wood of Cordia L. of the family Cordiaceae from the Tipam Sandstone (late Miocene) sediments of Assam, northeast India. This finding not only throws light on the phytogeography and diversification of the Cordiaceae, but also provides valuable insights into the Neogene vegetation of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is a leading cause of mortality among young people in many countries, making it a serious global public health problem. It is estimated that around 20% of global suicides are due to pesticide poisoning. This study was conducted with an objective to find out the commonest suicidal poison and its demographic distribution. This study was designed on victims of suicidal poisoning brought for medicolegal autopsy at Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, Assam between 15th October 2017 and 14th October 2022. Required information for the study was gathered from inquest reports, autopsy reports, chemical examiner's analysis report of viscera and available documents in the departmental records. The collected information was statistically analysed using Microsoft excel version 2019. Out of 64 cases, poison was detected in 33 Cases. Male victims surpassed females with highest number of victims from age group 21-30 years. Most common poisoning agent was organophosphorus compounds. Educational and awareness programs regarding usage and storage of pesticides can become an important step for the prevention of deaths due to poisoning. However more research is needed to better understand suicides involving pesticides in their cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On January 30, 2023, 26 acute diarrheal disease (ADD) cases and a death were reported from a village in Dibrugarh, Assam, India. We investigated and described the outbreak by time, place and person, identified the potential exposures, and formulated recommendations. Methods: We defined a case of ADD as the occurrence of loose stools (≥3 episodes) between January 27, 2023 and February 11, 2023. We conducted a door-to-door case search, calculated attack rates by age and gender, drew an epidemic curve, and plotted cases by residence. We performed a case-control study to identify possible exposure variables, calculated odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI), and collected stool and water specimens from households and schools for laboratory testing. Results: We identified a total of 55 cases, with an overall attack rate of 5.6 % and one death (case fatality rate of 1.8 %). School-going children exhibited a higher attack rate of 39 %. Shigella flexneri was isolated from one of the stool specimens. Furthermore, the water obtained from households' tube wells exceeded the permissible limits of E. coli for consumption. Consuming prasadam (Sacred food) at a school religious event (OR = 6.2, 95 % CI = 2.6–15.2) and not washing hands after defecation (OR = 8.2, 95 % CI = 1.7–38) were associated with ADD. Conclusion: The results indicated that the food served during the school religious event could potentially be the source of the ADD outbreak. The food served during the event likely acted as a medium for community transmission, possibly due to unhygienic practices and contaminated drinking water.

The paper explores the mobilisation, interdependence, and organisation of the women's movement in Assam, locating it from the landmark events of the Assam Movement through a feminist lens. Instead of positioning women as passive recipients in Assam’s conflict-ridden areas, it captures the feminist recovery in the state’s men-led political movement. The study points out that while male leadership in Assam’s movements often relied on women’s involvement, women’s specific demands were frequently overlooked, and their voices were marginalised. In response, women have sought to reclaim their agency and narrate an alternative history. However, the social basis of the women’s movement is neither class nor ethnic minority but based on shared social circumstances. Therefore, studying the women’s movement in Assam, this paper considered an essential concern of feminism: dissimilarities and contrasting factors among women, depicting that gender alone does not marginalise. With a focus on this research gap, this study underscores the importance of an intersectional approach to understanding the fractured solidarity within Assam’s women’s movement, addressing a significant gap in feminist writing.

The main objective is to find out the impact of the Tax Credit (ITC) in the GST structure on the utilitarian capacity and liquidity of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in India. Using a coordinated survey to gather information on working capital stocks and GST consistency, 200 MSMEs in Assam, India, were selected to conduct a quantitative assessment. The results show that there are significant areas for the relationship between better working capital conditions and the use of ITS. This suggests that MSMEs can have greater financial flexibility and fewer pay restrictions if they do register ITC claims. According to the practical implications of the assessment, policymakers should deal with the ITC system and offer additional assistance to ensure that MSMEs can fully benefit from the GST. This study is novel because it is uniquely relevant to the state of Assam, offering alternative, progressive views on the specific impact of the goods and services tax on small businesses in that state.

Background: The entire concept of aging gracefully involves maintaining the independence and quality of life among the older adults, with a particular emphasis on the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The number of older adults in the country has grown subsequently, with their dependence on care-givers which has also increased. Objectives: The study attempts to understand the prevalence and determinants of the limitations of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) among older adults aged 60 and over living in Indian state of Assam. Methods: The study use the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017–18) Assam data, and information was sought from 816 older adults aged 60 years and above. An index of ADL was created on a scale of two levels, having no levels of ADL and having ADL limitation. Results: Around 18 % of the older adults reported ADL disability. Females had higher prevalence of ADL than males (22 % v/s 14 %). Those aged 70 plus were also more likely to have ADL functional limitation (OR = 1.78, CI = 1.61–1.96) than those aged 60–69 years. Older adults not involved in any physical activity were more likely to report ADL limitation (OR = 1.50, CI = 1.34–1.68) than their counterparts. Conclusion: The findings of the study call for action to have geriatric care centres as the need of the hour, to promote exercise and other recreational activities that will help the old keep physically active and increase social-participation.

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood physical disability, which often leads to secondary conditions and affects the quality of life (QOL) of the children suffering from it. This study measures the QOL of children with CP using Children with Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire (CP-QOL) and the factors affecting it. Methods: This cross-sectional study covering 140 purposively chosen caregivers of children with CP aged 4–12 years was conducted in Assam, India, 2023. Subscale scores of CP-QOL were computed to determine the overall QOL score. Cronbach's α assessed the subscales' reliability and interval consistency. Bivariate analysis was conducted to present the socio-demographic variation in QOL, and logistic regression revealed the determinants. Regression model diagnostics were performed, which included the Omnibus test, the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, a classification table showing the model's sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy, and a ROC curve displaying the model's overall accuracy in predicting the outcome variable. Results: The overall QOL score was 44.94 ± 16.28. QOL scores varied significantly with children's age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels, special school enrolment, mother's education, family structure, and the behaviour of relatives and neighbours. Nearly three-fourths of the caregivers perceived a poor QOL of their children with CP. Children's CP type, GMFCS level, associated conditions, and religion were significantly associated with their QOL. Conclusion: The QOL of children with CP are significantly lower, the primary factor being the GMFCS level. Efforts to educate caregivers and customized policies and programs will help improve CP children's QOL.

Abstract Background Operational large-scale flood monitoring using publicly available satellite data is possible with the advent of Sentinel-1 microwave data, which enables near-real-time (at 6-day intervals) flood mapping day and night, even in cloudy monsoon seasons. Automated flood inundation area identification in near-real-time involves advanced geospatial data processing platforms, such as Google Earth Engine and robust methodology (Otsu’s algorithm). Objectives The current study employs Sentinel-1 microwave data for flood extent mapping using machine learning (ML) algorithms in Assam State, India. We generated a flood hazard and soil erosion susceptibility map by combining multi-source data on weather conditions and soil and terrain characteristics. Random Forest (RF), Classification and Regression Tool (CART), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) ML algorithms were applied to generate the flood hazard map. Furthermore, we employed the multicriteria evaluation (MCE) analytical hierarchical process (AHP) for soil erosion susceptibility mapping. Summary The highest prediction accuracy was observed for the RF model (overall accuracy [OA] > 82%), followed by the SVM (OA > 82%) and CART (OA > 81%). Over 26% of the study area indicated high flood hazard-prone areas, and approximately 60% showed high and severe potential for soil erosion due to flooding. The automated flood mapping platform is an essential resource for emergency responders and decision-makers, as it helps to guide relief activities by identifying suitable regions and appropriate logistic route planning and improving the accuracy and timeliness of emergency response efforts. Periodic flood inundation maps will help in long-term planning and policymaking, flood management, soil and biodiversity conservation, land degradation, planning sustainable agriculture interventions, crop insurance, and climate resilience studies.