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Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma is considered to be the oldest religion in the world (Fowler 1997, p1). This religion originated in India. Similarly, India is also the birthplace of Buddhism. Apart from trade, religion was one of the means of inter-state communication and proximity in ancient times. It is through religion, ancient Indian civilization developed good relations and closeness with different parts of the world, one of which was Southeast Asia. Though Marx opined "Die Religion……ist das opium des volkes" or "religion….is the opium of people", but the positive role of religion cannot be denied in this case. Hinduism and Buddhism were the main driving force behind the Indianization or Sanskritization of Southeast Asian States. Buddhism and Hinduism are still among the most prevalent religions in this region, despite the subsequent large-scale conversion to Christianity and Islam. The influence of Indianness is evident in all the areas of this region, including ancient architecture, sculpture, art, painting, literature, language, script, lifestyle etc. These religions have never been limited to personal sphere of inhabitants of this region but have also flourished in the political and social spheres. These religions have sometimes been instrumental in unravelling colonial chains and sometimes in nation-building efforts. At present, the Government of India is very keen on finding the roots of ancient historical ties in establishing close bilateral relations with various countries, from that point of view, this following article will be considered very relevant.

Secrets and Leaks examines the complex relationships among executive power, national security, and secrecy. State secrecy is vital for national security, but it can also be used to conceal wrongdoing. How then can we ensure that this power is used responsibly? Typically, the onus is put on lawmakers and judges, who are expected to oversee the executive. Yet because these actors lack access to the relevant information and the ability to determine the harm likely to be caused by its disclosure, they often defer to the executive's claims about the need for secrecy. As a result, potential abuses are more often exposed by unauthorized disclosures published in the press. But should such disclosures, which violate the law, be condoned? Drawing on several cases, Rahul Sagar argues that though whistleblowing can be morally justified, the fear of retaliation usually prompts officials to act anonymously--that is, to "leak" information. As a result, it becomes difficult for the public to discern when an unauthorized disclosure is intended to further partisan interests. Because such disclosures are the only credible means of checking the executive, Sagar writes, they must be tolerated, and, at times, even celebrated. However, the public should treat such disclosures skeptically and subject irresponsible journalism to concerted criticism.

"Understand the real power of AI and embrace this new technology to shape the future for the better AI For Social Good bridges the gap between the current state of reality and the incredible potential of AI to change the world. From humanitarian and environmental concerns to advances in art and science, every area of life stands poised to make a quantum leap into the future. The problem? Too few of us really understand how AI works and how to integrate it into our policies and projects. In this book, Rahul Dodhia, Deputy Director of Microsoft's AI for Good Research Lab, offers a nontechnical exploration of artificial intelligence tools--how they're built, what they can and can't do, and the raw material that teaches them what they "know." Readers will also find an inventory of common challenges they might face when integrating AI into their work. Written for policymakers, project managers, and nontechnical leaders who work alongside AI scientists, AI For Social Good provides an overview of how AI became such an important phenomenon, how AI scientists create artificially intelligent systems, and how AI can be used ethically (or unethically) to transform society. You'll also find a discussion of how governments can become more flexible, helping regulations keep up with the fast pace of change in technology."--

"A History of Economic Policy in India provides an immersive, accessible yet rigorous understanding of the Indian economy through a political economy framework. It provides a birds-eye view of the politics, context, and ideas that shaped major economic policies in independent India and argues that they are the product of crisis, coalitions, and contingency - not necessarily choice. Each chapter focuses on specific political regimes: colonial rule, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, liberalization under coalition governments, the UPA government, and the NDA government. The book evaluates how well a government executed its policies based on the economic and political constraints it faced, rather than economic outcomes. The book's framework provides multiple perspectives and analyzes economic policies as an outcome of interactions between dynamics in the economy using theories to make sense of the economy, political ideology, historical conditions, and international context"--

Chapter 1: Introduction -- Chapter 2: The Belt and Road Initiative in South Asia: benefit for China or threat to participants -- Chapter 3: China's Conundrum in Afghanistan -- Chapter 4: China in Bangladesh: Developing infrastructure or deepening influence -- Chapter 5: Growing Sino-Indian economic ties under the shadow of border tension -- Chapter 6: Chinese investment in Nepal: Capturing the Himalayan hills -- Chapter 7: Chinese investment in Pakistan: approaching towards bankruptcy -- Chapter 8: Chinese Investment in Sri Lanka-Trap of debt.

Economic Policy in Independent India provides an immersive, accessible yet rigorous understanding of the Indian economy through a political economy analysis of economic policies. It provides a birds-eye view of the politics, context, and ideas that shaped major economic policies in independent India and argues that they are the product of crisis, coalitions, and contingency - not necessarily choice. Each chapter focuses on specific political regimes: Colonial Rule, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, liberalisation under coalition governments, the UPA Government, and the NDA Government. The book evaluates how well a government executed its policies based on the economic and political constraints it faced, rather than economic outcomes. Using theories to make sense of the economy, political ideology, historical conditions, and international context, the book's framework provides multiple perspectives and analyses economic policies as an outcome of interactions between dynamics in the economy.