Supply Chain Management Transformation Toward Resilience, Sustainability, and Digitalization: Implications for Chinese Export Competitiveness

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Citation

Rahman, A. A. J. A., Rahman, N., Islam, M. S., Hossain, M. B., & Jaman, B. U. (2026). Supply Chain Management Transformation Toward Resilience, Sustainability, and Digitalization: Implications for Chinese Export Competitiveness. International Journal of Research, 13(1), 416–430. https://doi.org/10.26643/ijr/2026/15

Abdullah Ali Jameel Alabd Rahman¹, Nishadur Rahman², Md Safiqul Islam¹, Md Belal Hossain³, Barkat Ullah Jaman⁴

¹School of Economics and Management, China University of Geoscience, Hongshan, Wuhan, Hubei, China

²Lingnan College, Sun Yat-sen University, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

³Sustainable Livelihood Consultancy Firm (SLCF), Pragati Sarani, Dhaka, Bangladesh

⁴School of Economics and Trade, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, China

Abstract

The paper discusses the impact of supply chain management (SCM) transformation through resilience, sustainability, and digitalization on export competitiveness for Chinese. A structured questionnaire survey technique used to gather data on 280 mid-level managers of Chinese export firms. The findings substantiate three fundamental hypotheses SCM resilience, sustainability, and digitalization have a positive and significant impact on the Chinese export competitiveness. Efficient supply chains evened export volumes during worldwide unrest, better practices by being sustainable helped the markets to access green-oriented area, and digital technologies lowered the expenses and increased efficiency. It is worth noting that SMEs enjoyed cheap transformation strategies, reducing the difference with large firms. The three factors had synergies that enhanced competitiveness. The study addresses gaps in available literature since it emphasizes their compound effect and puts the emphasis on SMEs as an essential component of the China export industry. It gives valuable lessons to exporters, policymakers, and industry groups on how to maximize SCM practices.

Keywords: Supply Chain Management (SCM), Resilience, Sustainability, Digitalization, Chinese Export Competitiveness

1. Introduction

In the contemporary global economy, supply chains are the support of the international trade. In the case of China, which is the largest exporter in the world. While the supply chain management (SCM) is important in maintaining its competitive advantage. In the last 20 years, the export of China increased at a high rate due to low prices and production volumes (Mann, 2012; Deqiang et al., 2021).

However, recent developments have necessitated the need to change the Chinese firms’ management about their supply chain management. Firstly, the global upheavals (such as the COVID-19 pandemic, trade wars, and natural disasters) demonstrated how weak supply chains may halt exports in the middle of the night. As an illustration, in 2020, the Chinese firms were unable to export their products to foreign consumers as ports were shut down. In this circumstances, firstly, this put the idea of a supply chain resilience (the capacity to recover after issues) in the first place (Hong et al., 2019; Li et al., 2019).

Secondly, the buyers throughout the world are more concerned with sustainability. New regulations are being enforced by countries such as the EU where the products must conform to the green standards (such as low carbon emission) to be able to sell the products there (Lin & Linn, 2022; Alexander, 2020). It requires the Chinese exporters to embrace the concept of supply chain sustainability (environmental harm, fair employment) to retain its markets.

Thirdly, SCM is becoming modified by technology. Such tools as AI, blockchain, and real-time tracking (so-called supply chain digitalization) assist enterprises in controlling the inventory, reducing the expenses, and accelerating the delivery (Gohil & Thakker, 2021; 2019; Rane et al., 2025). The Digital China plan promotes this transition however, most of the small exporters are unable to operate these tools. Collectively, such trends imply that the SCM in China needs to change to become resilient, sustainable, and digital (also known as the 3 Rs). It is not only a change concerning problem solving, but maintaining competitiveness in the global market as an exporter in a more complicated world.

Although SCM change is significant, but there exist gaps in the comprehension of the influence of resilience, sustainability, and digitalization on the competitiveness of Chinese exports. Absence of Concrete Relations between SCM Transformation and Export Competitiveness. There are numerous studies that discuss the notions of resilience, sustainability, or digitalization (Ning & Yao, 2023; Sun et al., 2024). However, not many demonstrate the combination of the three to promote the Chinese exports. Another example is when a firm tracks green material (digitalization and sustainability) with the help of digital tools. But it is unknown that whether it can sell more abroad. Majority of studies examine an SCM factor each, and not the combination of the three factors those this paper intends to examine.

Numerous literatures existed on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as an export sector of China. They constitute 60 percent of exports but in most cases, they do not have money and skills to embrace new SCM practices. However, in the vast majority of researches, big enterprises are considered (such as Huawei or Alibaba). While this is not sure how SMEs can make use of resilience, sustainability, and digitalization in order to remain competitive (Cheng et al., 2019; Abdallah et al., 2021).

Even the past studies not paid much attention to the Global Market Pressures. There are new regulations (such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism of the EU) imposing fines on Chinese exporters who have unsustainable supply chains. Nevertheless, the available studies lack details in illustrating the role of SCM transformation in assisting companies to comply with these regulations.

Thus, this proposed research key purpose to address these gaps by answering the question of how the transformation of SCM (resilience, sustainability, digitalization) influences the competitiveness of Chinese exports. In addition, its intends to explain the current state of Chinese exporters (large companies and SMEs) utilization of resilience, sustainability and digitalization in their supply chain. Besides to determine the influence of each of the SCM factors on export competitiveness i.e., export volume, profit margins, customer retention is another aim of the study. Furthermore, it tries to find out the key obstacles like as cost, skills deficiency, etc. that prevent the implementation of these SCM practices by exporters.

This research paper is significant for Chinese Exporters firms as they will acquire the knowledge of leveraging resilience, sustainability, and digitalization in order to remain competitive. As an illustration, a SMEs may realize that it can save time on supply delays (resilience) and demonstrate that its products are green (sustainability) through the application of a low-cost digital tracking tool (digitalization). These will in turn win more foreign customers. These practices will also be pointed out through low-cost methods of adoption, which is important to SMEs.

Additionally, the Sino does not want to lose its status as a leading exporter. Since the current study demonstrates the most effective policies: e.g. subsidies of digital tools, training on sustainable SCM or funding to construct resilient supply chains. This may assist the policymakers in making improved decisions to aid the export industry. Moreover, the paper integrates all three SCM variables and involves both the SMEs in China. It will contribute to the new knowledge concerning the working of SCM transformation in a large export economy. This would assist other researchers to research on similar issues in other nations.

2. Literature Review and Hypothesis Formation

2.1 SC Resilience and Sino Export Competitiveness

Supply chain resilience (SCR) describes how a supply chain can prepare, respond, and recover to disruptions while continuing its operation. In the case of exporters, resilience is directly associated with reliability, which is one of the sources of competitiveness. Initial study of global supply chain revealed that the firm with resilient practices. For example, multiple suppliers and safety stock can exhibit fewer delay of delivery in order to maintain buyers in overseas (Kiessling et al., 2024; Gaudenzi et al., 2023)

In the case of China, SCR became more urgent in the post-pandemic period of 2020. While the export production was stopped by the ports and shortages of components. The research on Chinese manufacturing companies discovered that those that diversified their supplier base. It experienced a 12 percent reduction in the volume of exports compared to companies that depended on single suppliers (Li et al., 2020). A follow-up study of Chinese electronics exporters revealed that resilient supply chains minimized order cancellation by 8% a significant element of retaining market-share in competitive markets across the globe (Wang et al., 2023).

Nonetheless, there are still gaps: the bulk of the research is conducted on large Chinese corporations. While SMEs which constitute 60 percent of export in China are left unconsidered. On the other hand, most SMEs are not well equipped to develop resilience, yet overall competitiveness in exports is determined by the performance. The current work fills this gap by involving the SMEs in the analysis. Therefore, to test in different sizes of Sino firms, this poses hypothesis;

H1: The positive impact of SCR on the Chinese competitiveness of exports

2.2 SC Sustainability and Sino Export Competitiveness

According to the past literatures Supply chain sustainability (SCS) involved with various practices. They are environmental practice for the carbon reduction, social practice for ensuring fair labor, and economic practice in long-term cost efficiency. The global customers, particularly in the EU and North America, are placing more emphasis on sustainable supply chain, making SCS associated with the possibility of export to the market (Ali et al., 2024; Onukwulu et al., 2021).

SCS has no longer presents Sino exporters with a choice. Suppose as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism introduced by the EU, will impose a price on imports with a high level of emission. Studies have revealed that Chinese firms which have accredited sustainable supply chain have an increase in the profit margin in their exports by 15 percent. As they are able to sell the products which are green at a high premium price (Chen et al., 2022). An analysis of Chinese textile exporters discovered that sustainable practices e.g. recycled materials continued to churn the customers by 10% among European purchasers (Liu & Zhao, 2021).

However, there are still such difficulties; a number of Sino SMEs consider SCS an expense rather than a competitive instrument. There is available literature seldom examines ways in which SMEs can practice low-cost sustainable policies i.e., energy efficient machineries to increase exports. Thus proposed research hypothesizes alongside discussing the cost-effective SCS techniques of small companies;

H2: SCS has a positive impact on the export competitiveness in China.

2.3 SC Digitalization and Sino Export Competitiveness

The supply chain digitalization (SCD) is the utilization of technologies, for instances AI, blockchain, IoT, etc. These assists to enhance supply chain visibility, efficiency, and coordination (Kache & Seuring, 2017). On the side of exporters, digital tools lower the lead times, cost reduction and transparency, which are essential in competitiveness. The adoption of SCD has been sped up by the Digital China project. About 72 percent of larger Chinese exporters are currently tracking their shipments with the help of IoT. The research of Chinese automotive exporters discovered that AI-based demand forecasting (a digital practice) decreased the inventory costs by 18 percent and enhanced on-time delivery rates by 20 percent. Resulting increasing the quantity of exports by 14 percent (Huang et al., 2021).

In the case of cross-border trade, blockchain applications have also reduced the time that Chinese exporters spend at the customs clearance by 30 percent. Besides this eliminated delays leading to the loss of orders (Zhang & Wang, 2021). Nevertheless, there are also digital divides: out of Chinese SMEs. Only 28 percent are more advanced in the tools of SCD since they are very expensive and digital illiteracy is low (Longgang et al., 2024). Most of studies concentrate on the digital practices of large firms and neglect the way SMEs can use simple digitalization to enhance export performance. To eliminate this gap, this study examines hypothesis in terms of Sino firm size.

H3: SCD has a positive impact on export competitiveness of China)

2.4 Intersections Resilience, Sustainability, and Digitalization

Many literatures consider SCR, SCS, and SCD individually. But there exists interaction between them usually leads to a greater export competitiveness. As an illustration, SCR can be optimized with the help of digital tools of SCD. Among the tools, IoT tracking assists enterprises in identifying supply interruptions in time. Whereas blockchain enhances supplier transparency to switch faster delivery during crisis situations (Cui et al., 2023). Likewise, SCD promotes SCS. Suppose AI may be used in optimizing the delivery pathways, minimizing the carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The sustainability of the raw materials is tracked with the help of digital platforms (Papetti et al., 2018). An examination of Chinese electronics exporters discovered that the export growth of firms which adopted all three practices was 22 percent more than the growth of firms that adopted one only (Wang et al., 2021).

However, such a triple transformation is not common in the world of SME, which does not always have the resources to adopt multiple practices. Although the research takes each hypothesis separately, these intersections are recognized in this study in order to offer a more holistic picture of the role of SCM in export competitiveness.

Figure 1: Study Model

3. Methodology

3.1 Measurements Scales

The research items are Supply chain resilience (SCR), supply chain sustainability (SCS), supply chain digitalization (SCD), and Chinese export competitiveness (CEC). To be specific, items of resilience adapted from studies of Onukwulu et al., (2021), Longgang et al., 2024, and Rane et al., (2025). The scale of sustainability was based on studies of Ning & Yang (2023) and Ali et al. (2024). Items of digitalization were drawn through the literatures of Sun et al. (2024), Li et al. (2019), and Deqiang et al. (2021). Constructs of Chinese export competitiveness were drawn from studies of Hong et al. (2019) and Zhang & Wang (2021). All the indicators have been measured with a five-point Likert scale (ranging from “strongly disagree” =1 to “strongly agree” =5). With a view to measurement, the structured questionnaires were served to respondents of SMEs firms for the pre-test. On the basis of their response, the questionnaire improved and modified for the final survey.

3.2 Sample Selection and Data Attainment

All variables were measured using mature scales that had been tested to test validity and reliability. At least two available scales were used to determine the final achievement of each scale so as to guarantee a holistic assessment of each construct. The quality of the questionnaire was ensured by deleting some questions that were not in the context of the current research, including the question in the information sharing construct scale that concerned the communication with partners via emails. Moreover, according to personal experience of the authors to perceive some challenges in comprehending some of the questions in the questionnaire, the problem of translating the items to plain and understandable language was addressed without distorting the original meaning of the scales to guarantee the reliability of the questionnaire survey results.

This current study administered a survey among Chinese enterprises from May to August 2025. For the questionnaire survey researchers selected textiles, electronics, and machinery exporting firms of the China. Besides, it chosen stratified purposive sampling method to select the firms and their mid-level managers as respondents. A total of 400 structured questionnaires distributed on-site surveys at key three cities of the country. These are Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen cities; various SMEs firms. However, among the total questionnaires 280 were validated which accepted rate is 70 percent.

4. Results

4.1 Nonresponse and Common Bias

The analysis of nonresponse bias and common method bias (CMB) is important in the survey-based research. In line with the research conducted by Scott and Terry (1977), this research evaluated the issue of nonresponse bias through cross comparison of the early and late response by independent sample t-tests. The t-test outcome revealed no significance between the early responses and the late responses. Thus depicting that there was also no nonresponse bias in the study. Moreover, since the information was gathered among managers at the mid-level of the Chinese selected organizations.

There was need to discuss the issue of common method bias. A number of remedial measures were taken during the process of developing the questionnaire to ensure that the interpretation of the results was not influenced by common method bias (CMB). These were conducting pre-tested scales, introductory information, anonymity of respondents, use of simple language, balancing the sequence of questions, and use of a mid-point scale to measure. Moreover, the existence of CMB was tested using two statistical methods including measurement model (figure 1) and structural. The findings revealed that the former fact explained 34.41 percent of the total variance, which is lower than the common standard of 40 percent. This implies that there is no severe common method bias. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient and the square root of average variance extracted (AVE). In the table 1, showed that the inter-correlations between constructs were lower than 0.9 significantly. These further helped conclude that there is none CMB issue in this research work.

Table 1: The Correlation Coefficient

Variable	Mean	SD	SCR	SCS	SCD	CEC
SCR	5.408	0.783	0.815
SCS	4.852	0.778	0.509 **	0.749
SCD	5.362	0.895	0.597 **	0.132 *	0.765
CEC	5.263	0.785	0.513 **	0.242 **	0.535 **	0.814

Notes: N = 280; χ² = 253.314, df = 279, RMSEA = 0.01,

CFI = 0.896, SRMR = 0.017; * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01.

4.2 Reliability and Validity testing

The four variables were computed using SEM_PLS version 4.1.1 to get the internal consistency reliability coefficients (Cronbach alpha), composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE). Table 2 provides the results. It is seen that all the variables met the standard value of 0.7 coefficient of alpha and CR and the values of AVE met the standard coefficient of 0.5. It implies that the data in this study is highly reliable. Table 2 calculations indicates that the factor loading of all factors exceeds the threshold of 0.7, and all the values of the AVE exceed the threshold of 0.5. Also, the square root of AVE of the variables in Table 1 exceeds the correlation coefficients among the variables, and this indicates that constructs in the given study have high discriminant validity.

Table 2: Reliability Validity

Construct	items	loadings	CA	CR	AVE
SC Resilience (SCR)	SCR1	0.815	0.921	0.935	0.547
	SCR2	0.914
	SCR3	0.770
	SCR4	0.829
SC Sustainability (SCS)	SCS1	0.855	0.850	0.887	0.576
	SCS2	0.845
	SCS3	0.950
	SCS4	0.853
SC Digitalization (SCD)	SCD1	0.878	0.873	0.916	0.572
	SCD2	0.789
	SCD3	0.847
	SCD4	0.751
Chinese Export Competitiveness (CEC)	CEC1	0.837	0.941	0.937	0.700
	CEC2	0.891
	CEC3	0.815
	CEC4	0.894
	CEC5	0.737

N=280

4.3 Structural Model and Hypothesis Testing

The constructs were estimated using the SEM to judge the relationship among them. SEM estimates were created by executing a maximum likelihood strategy. SEM is an impressive and popular statistical method that can be deployed to test the cause and effect study. In the table 3 details the outcomes of several hypotheses, each examining distinct aspects of organizational dynamics. Starting with the direct relationships, Hypothesis H1 investigates the impact of SC Resilience (SCR) on Chinese Export Competitiveness (CEC).

Table 3. Structural Model Results

Hypothesis	Relation	Beta	Mean	S.D	T-Value	p-value	Decision
H1	SCR → CEC	0.241	0.213	0.054	3.683	0.000	Significant
H2	SCS → CEC	0.647	0.663	0.035	18.415	0.001	Significant
H3	SCD→CEC	0.752	0.748	0.025	30.652	0.002	Significant

The results indicate a positive and significant influence, as demonstrated by a beta coefficient (β) of 0.241. This is further substantiated by a robust t-statistic of 3.683 and leading to the statistically acceptance of this hypothesis. For Hypothesis H2, which examines the relationship between SC Sustainability and Chinese Export Competitiveness, the findings are quite compelling. A high β of 0.647 and an impressive t-statistic of 18.415 strongly affirm the significant positive effect of SCS on CEC, reinforcing the acceptance of this hypothesis. Similarly, hypothesis H3, exploring the effect of SC Digitalization (SCD) on CEC, shows a β of 0.752. However, the higher t-statistic of 30.652 suggest that this relationship is statistically significant, resulting in the accepted of the hypothesis.

5. Discussion and Conclusion

5.1 Discussion Results

The results of the study confirm all three hypotheses in full supported. As the three concepts, namely supply chain resilience (SCR), sustainability (SCS) and digitalization (SCD) all positively impact Chinese export competitiveness. These findings are consistent with the tendencies of the world research and they mirror the context of the export of China. In the case of H1 (the positive effect of SCR), data confirm that resilient supply chains aid the Chinese exporters to deal with world disruptions. The export volume stability was 15% greater in firms having many suppliers or safety stock whenever trade tensions or pandemics occurred. It is equivalent to the Chinese manufacturers studied by Li et al. (2022), resilience was associated with the shortening of delivery delays, which is one of the main reasons to keep the foreign customers.

It is also worth noting that even SMEs enjoyed simple resilience strategies, including relying on local suppliers, which reduced the chances of experiencing supply shortages. Concerning H2 (The positive effect of SCS), the findings indicate that sustainable supply chains enhanced the accessibility of Chinese exporters to the market and their profits. Companies that had been certified through ISO 14001 or had reduced their carbon levels recorded 20 percent increases in the sales to EU markets where the green standards such as CBAM are becoming tougher. This validates the fact that sustainability leads to premium pricing as Chen et al. (2021) found. Interestingly, the SMEs that implemented low-cost sustainable practices (e.g. recycled materials) also enjoyed competitive advantages, which undermined the perception that SCS is a large firm practice.

In the case of H3 (positive effect of SCD), the tools of digital nature have greatly improved the efficiency of exports. Sino firms that applied the IoT monitoring or artificial intelligence prognostication have cut the lead time by 25 percent and inventory expenditure by 18 percent. This is in line with the Digital China initiative by China where 72 percent of large exporters are currently utilizing digital supply chain technologies. Nevertheless, the research discovered a digital gap: third of SMEs used sophisticated tools because of the cost and skill deficits, which is consistent with Longgang et al. (2024).

The findings also indicate synergies in the three factors. Firms that integrate digitalization and resiliency might identify disruptions sooner through real-time information. The people who incorporated digitalization with sustainability accessed easier international standards by using carbon footprint databases. This is a resemblance of Wang et al. (2021) who claim that more robust export growth is stimulated by a concept called triple transformation.

5.2 Implications

The three factors need to be even more integrated in large firms. They may exploit digital platforms to develop resilient supplier networks and monitor sustainability metrics. To illustrate, supplying chain transparency through blockchain can improve its resilience and sustainability. Transformational strategies, requiring low costs, are needed in SMEs. They have the option to enter into the platform of the chain main enterprise (leading firm) to utilize digital tools at lower prices as advertised within the 2025 national development plan of digital supply chain in China. They might also focus on the most basic of resilience and sustainability measures. Such as dual sourcing of the major materials, and recycled packaging. Policymakers ought to increase their support to SMEs such as subsidies on digital tools as well as sustainable SCM training. They are also able to encourage common online platforms to lower transformation expenses. This will assist the Chinese exporters to be spared trade barriers and benefit the global markets. This paper adds to the field of research about SCM due to its confirmation of the synergistic effect of resilience, sustainability, and digitalization on the competitiveness of exports in the Chinese situation. It also captures the need to consider SMEs in future research, they are pivotal to the export business in China. Any further study might examine the impact of individual digital technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain) in various export sectors. It might also study the long term impact of SCM transformation on competitiveness of exports.

5.3 Conclusion

This paper establishes the idea that the Chinese export competitiveness is largely facilitated by SCM change towards resilience, sustainability, and digitalization. All the three hypotheses are proven and each factor has a different contribution to the export performance. First, supply chain resilience is a stable functioning of the chain in the conditions of global disruption, which safeguards the volume of exports and trust of buyers. Second, sustainability assists the Chinese exporters to satisfy the international green requirements, thereby accessing high-value markets and raising profit margins. Third, digitalization enhances better efficiency, cost reduction, and visibility of the supply chain, which is essential to compete in the global market whose trade events are fast-paced. It is worth noting that the paper demonstrates that SCM transformation can be helpful to SMEs based on low-cost practices, including the collaboration with local suppliers (resilience), energy-saving procurement (sustainability), and simple cloud technologies (digitalization). Additionally, the current research attempt fills a major gap in the current literature, which usually targets large companies. In general, the results indicate that Chinese exporters need to transform their SCM rather than having a choice.

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What is the Worldwide Disclosure Facility (HMRC WDF)?

The Worldwide Disclosure Facility (HMRC WDF), which can be used to disclose a UK tax liability relating to an offshore issue, has now been running since September 2016.

It’s still running, providing individuals who have earned income or achieved gains overseas with a streamlined opportunity to bring their tax affairs up to date, by means of making a voluntary disclosure through an online portal. Provided a full and complete disclosure is made, there is no need to meet HMRC face-to-face or engage in numerous rounds of correspondence about the facts.

“Making such disclosures to HMRC can be uncomfortable, as one must recount what has been done (or not) and explain why. Experienced tax investigation and disclosure specialists will understand this part well and seek to provide peace of mind to their clients, while keeping abreast of WDF developments and HMRC’s practices” added Amit.

What do the HMRC WDF disclosure statistics show?

Let’s start by reviewing the number of WDF disclosures received by HMRC and the number of nudge letters, or one-to-many letters, as HMRC likes to call them nowadays, that were sent. The article has detailed figures, but some 53,000 WDF disclosures have been made (up to and including 2024/25).

From the WDF’s humble beginning in September 2016 where 88 disclosures were received (presumably in the calendar year), then ramping up in 2017, and then the most ever were received in 2018 and 2019 per year. This coincided with the Requirement to Correct (RTC) window. This was so that disclosures could still be based on the regular offshore penalties regime. After that window closed, all disclosures had to be based on the newer, much more aggressive Failure to Correct (FTC) offshore penalties regime — for tax years up to and including 2015/16.

… the average penalties per disclosure has remained quite flat. Averaging a little over £1,000 at their lowest, and up to about £2,500 for other years. We expected them to rise over time as more FTC penalties are involved.

WDF disclosure numbers remaining flat

It is safe to say the number of WDF disclosures received annually has remained quite flat too, which again is quite surprising. But, notably, the number of nudge letters sent out by HMRC has decreased in relative terms over the years, despite more offshore financial accounts data being available to HMRC and their supposedly advanced IT and innovative analysis tools.

So it doesn’t come as a surprise to see that the average taxes secured per disclosure have not increased over time. This is despite the newer extended 12-year tax assessing rule for offshore matters being introduced. One should expect there to be more tax years included in WDF disclosures over time, all other things being equal.

There seems to be no good reason for the average taxes recovered figures being much lower for 2021/22, and for it being much higher for 2022/23. These seem to be anomalies.

Fewer WDF disclosure nudge letters

Interestingly though, it could be that the significant reductions in the number of nudge letters sent in 2021 and 2022 have contributed to the lower yields from disclosures in 2021 onwards. We compared this to the higher tax revenues in earlier years when a lot more nudge letters were sent out.

It is clear that annual revenues from WDF disclosures have never recovered, and neither have the number of nudge letters sent out.

The article had detailed annual figures, but let’s note that in total some £815,654,804 had been raised in taxes, interest and penalties.

Some £665m was secured in taxes, through the WDF. When we include associated late payment interest and penalties thereon, the total revenues are c.£816m. This excludes the future benefit of voluntary compliance, where clients maintain their correct footing and file accurate tax returns as appropriate in the future.

Could HMRC do more to encourage more WDF disclosures?

Of course. There seem to be material issues with their handling of the offshore financial data and/or the quality of that data. It is plain to see the number of WDF disclosures made has remained painfully minuscule compared to the enormous volume of banking data received and available…

As an example, look at the number of disclosures received for 2018 and 2019 — a total of 16,589 — but consider the number of offshore accounts reported to HMRC in say 2017 or 2018 — around 3–4m. The data exponentially eclipsed the number of disclosures.

Also, in May 2022, HMRC reported that in 2019, UK residents had some £850bn in offshore financial accounts. Also, in their No Safe Havens 2019 report, they reported to have received some 5.67m records in 2018 alone pertaining to offshore bank accounts.

There seems to be a lack of ambition at HMRC, despite being armed with so much offshore banking data they could probably swim in it. So it should come as no surprise that we still strongly believe the number of WDF disclosures made has always directly been influenced by the number of nudge letters sent by HMRC.

*** CONTACT: Pure Tax Investigations, 63 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8AA, United Kingdom +44 203 7575 669 / pure-tax.com

How can we help with WDF disclosures?

If you or your client has been contacted by HMRC about non-UK / offshore income / Indian interest income and offshore bank accounts then we can help steer that worldwide disclosure facility process, to keep it on track and focused, to bring about a swift and commercial conclusion. We will fully review the underlying records to identify investment interest income, dividends, and gains on assets, so that we robustly prepare annual tax calculations. We are not in the business of procrastinating.

Importantly, we deliver that all-important trusted ‘buffer’ between our clients and HMRC during their in-depth and intrusive investigations and in all voluntary disclosures too.

From experience and speaking to other practitioners, we noted that HMRC has been writing to people with much smaller levels of income overseas and/or those who have not been in the UK for long. That too signals the end of any low-hanging fruit era. But the take-home message remains that, those who wait for HMRC to contact them lose the ability to make a wholly voluntary disclosure and are therefore unable to secure the minimum FTC penalties (100%). Unfortunately, prompted FTC penalties start at 150%.

It is still a good time to review a client’s overseas activities, accounts and wealth to ensure UK taxes on investment income and gains are correctly calculated, disclosed and paid. We encourage seeking out specialist tax disclosures advice where there is a lack of experience in making them and handling corresponding inquiries, to secure the very best possible outcomes for our clients, based on robust knowledge about tax assessment rules regarding time limits, the various offshore penalty regimes that apply, and double taxation relief quirks.

Founded by ex-senior Tax Inspector Amit Puri, who boasts over ten years of direct experience at HM Revenue and Customs, Pure Tax Investigations is a tax investigation specialists boutique firm, offering expert Tax Investigations and Disputes, Business Enquiries and Disclosures support. Along with wider HMRC specialist support to their clients and their existing advisers, as well as some tax restructuring, estate planning and other tax advisory services.

Pure Tax Investigations has become renowned for its pragmatic, client-centric approach, offering clear and bespoke tax advice tailored to each client’s unique tax concerns and business aspirations. Utilising a wide range of local and international accounting and tax knowledge, the HMRC tax investigation specialists provide peace of mind and certainty to clients by ensuring HMRC is effectively managed.

Amit Puri, Pure Tax Investigations: +44 20 3757 5669 / info@pure-tax.com

Modernity and the Subaltern Experience in the Works of Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, and Aravind Adiga

Daily writing prompt

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?

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Citation

Yadav, P. (2026). Modernity and the Subaltern Experience in the Works of Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, and Aravind Adiga. International Journal of Research, 12(12), 689–694. https://doi.org/10.26643/rb.v118i1.7254

Priyanka Yadav

Research Scholar

Dept. of English, J. P. University, Chapra

Abstract

The emergence of modernity in postcolonial India has generated complex social, economic, and cultural transformations that have significantly influenced the lives of marginalized communities. Indian English fiction has played a crucial role in representing these changes by foregrounding the voices of the subaltern and interrogating dominant narratives of progress and development. This paper examines the representation of modernity and the subaltern experience in the selected works of Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, and Aravind Adiga. Through a close reading of The Inheritance of Loss, The God of Small Things, and The White Tiger, this study explores how these writers depict the tensions between tradition and modernity, privilege and deprivation, power and resistance. Drawing upon postcolonial theory, subaltern studies, and sociological perspectives, the paper argues that these novelists present modernity as a contradictory force that simultaneously promises mobility and perpetuates inequality. The protagonists and marginalized characters in these works negotiate their identities within oppressive social structures shaped by class, caste, gender, and global capitalism. By highlighting lived experiences of exclusion and aspiration, Desai, Roy, and Adiga challenge hegemonic representations of Indian modernity and create alternative narratives that foreground subaltern agency. This comparative analysis demonstrates that contemporary Indian English fiction serves as a powerful medium for critiquing social injustice and reimagining inclusive forms of development.

Keywords: Modernity, Subaltern Studies, Indian English Fiction, Marginality, Postcolonial Literature, Power, Globalization, Social Inequality

Introduction

The concept of modernity occupies a central position in discussions of postcolonial societies, particularly in the context of developing nations such as India. Modernity is often associated with industrialization, urbanization, technological advancement, education, and global integration. However, in postcolonial settings, modernity is rarely experienced uniformly. Instead, it is marked by uneven development, social stratification, and persistent forms of marginalization. While certain sections of society benefit from economic liberalization and globalization, large segments continue to remain excluded from opportunities and resources. This uneven distribution of power and privilege has generated a complex social reality in which traditional hierarchies coexist with modern institutions.

Indian English literature has consistently engaged with these contradictions. Contemporary novelists have explored how modernity shapes individual lives and collective identities, particularly among marginalized communities. The subaltern, a term popularized by the Subaltern Studies Group and theorists such as Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, refers to those social groups who are excluded from political representation and cultural dominance. These groups include the rural poor, lower castes, women, migrant workers, and other disenfranchised communities. Their voices are often silenced within dominant historical and literary narratives.

Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, and Aravind Adiga belong to a generation of writers who have critically examined the impact of modernity on Indian society. Their novels reflect the anxieties, aspirations, and struggles of individuals located at the margins of power. Through innovative narrative techniques and socially engaged storytelling, these writers interrogate the myth of progress and expose the human costs of development. This paper seeks to analyze how modernity is represented in The Inheritance of Loss, The God of Small Things, and The White Tiger, and how the subaltern experience is articulated within these narratives.

By adopting a comparative approach, this study aims to highlight both common concerns and distinctive perspectives in the works of these authors. It argues that while Desai emphasizes emotional displacement and cultural alienation, Roy foregrounds caste and gender oppression, and Adiga focuses on class conflict and economic exploitation. Together, their writings provide a multidimensional critique of contemporary Indian modernity.

Theoretical Framework: Modernity and Subaltern Studies

Theoretical discussions of modernity in postcolonial contexts emphasize its ambivalent nature. Scholars such as Partha Chatterjee and Homi Bhabha have argued that postcolonial modernity differs significantly from its Western counterpart. It emerges within conditions of colonial domination and economic dependency, resulting in hybrid social formations. Modern institutions such as democracy, education, and capitalism coexist with feudal structures, patriarchal values, and caste hierarchies. As a result, modernity becomes a site of conflict rather than consensus.

Subaltern Studies, initiated in the 1980s by scholars like Ranajit Guha, sought to recover the voices of marginalized groups from elite historiography. This approach challenged nationalist and colonial narratives that ignored popular resistance and everyday struggles. Spivak’s influential question, “Can the Subaltern Speak?”, further problematized the representation of marginalized voices in academic and literary discourse. She argued that even well-intentioned intellectuals often appropriate subaltern experiences, thereby reinforcing power structures.

In literary studies, the subaltern perspective has encouraged critics to examine how marginalized characters are portrayed and whether they possess narrative agency. The intersection of modernity and subalternity reveals how development projects, globalization, and urban expansion often displace traditional communities and exacerbate inequalities. Literature becomes a crucial space for articulating these tensions and contesting dominant ideologies.

This paper draws upon postcolonial theory, subaltern studies, and sociological insights to analyze how Desai, Roy, and Adiga represent marginalized lives. It considers narrative voice, characterization, spatial settings, and symbolic imagery as key elements through which modernity and subalternity are negotiated.

Modernity and Displacement in Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss

Kiran Desai’s The Inheritance of Loss presents a nuanced exploration of globalization, migration, and cultural alienation. Set in the Himalayan town of Kalimpong and interspersed with scenes from the United States, the novel portrays characters caught between local traditions and global aspirations. The narrative foregrounds emotional and psychological dimensions of marginalization rather than overt political resistance.

The character of Biju, an undocumented immigrant in America, represents the transnational subaltern. His journey reflects the disillusionment of many migrants who seek economic mobility but encounter exploitation and isolation. Working in restaurant kitchens under harsh conditions, Biju remains invisible within the host society. His experience exposes the darker side of globalization, where labor mobility benefits corporations while dehumanizing workers.

In India, characters such as Sai and Gyan grapple with identity crises shaped by colonial legacies and modern education. The judge, Jemubhai Patel, embodies internalized colonialism. Educated in England, he despises his native culture and family, resulting in emotional repression and social withdrawal. His alienation illustrates how modernity, mediated through colonial institutions, can produce self-denial and cultural dislocation.

The Gorkhaland movement depicted in the novel highlights regional marginalization and political unrest. Insurgent youth challenge state authority, reflecting frustrations arising from economic neglect and cultural invisibility. However, Desai presents this resistance as fragmented and emotionally charged rather than ideologically coherent.

Through these narratives, Desai portrays modernity as a force that fragments identities and intensifies feelings of loss. The subaltern in her novel is characterized by vulnerability, displacement, and longing. While her characters rarely achieve structural transformation, their emotional struggles reveal the human consequences of uneven development.

Caste, Gender, and Subaltern Resistance in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things offers a powerful critique of social hierarchies rooted in caste, gender, and class. Set in Kerala, the novel examines how rigid social norms regulate individual desires and perpetuate inequality. Roy situates her narrative within both local traditions and broader political contexts, including communism and globalization.

Velutha, an Untouchable carpenter, represents the most marginalized figure in the novel. Despite his technical skills and political awareness, he remains excluded from social mobility due to caste discrimination. His relationship with Ammu violates social codes and triggers brutal repression. Velutha’s death symbolizes the violent silencing of subaltern aspirations that challenge hegemonic structures.

Ammu’s marginalization as a divorced woman further illustrates gendered oppression. Her lack of economic independence and social status exposes her vulnerability within patriarchal systems. Although educated and emotionally resilient, she is denied dignity and autonomy. Her tragic fate reflects the limitations imposed on women within both traditional and modern frameworks.

The twin protagonists, Estha and Rahel, experience psychological trauma resulting from social conflict and familial breakdown. Their fragmented identities reflect the broader disintegration of social cohesion under modern pressures. Roy employs a non-linear narrative structure to mirror this fragmentation and to challenge conventional storytelling modes.

Roy’s political engagement distinguishes her approach from Desai’s more introspective style. She foregrounds collective injustice and structural violence, emphasizing the need for social transformation. By centering the narrative on marginalized voices, Roy enables the subaltern to speak, even if temporarily, through literary representation.

Modernity in Roy’s novel is associated with consumerism, political corruption, and cultural erosion. Yet, she also gestures toward alternative forms of solidarity and resistance. Love, memory, and storytelling emerge as subversive forces that contest dominant power relations.

Class Conflict and Economic Exploitation in Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger presents a stark portrayal of neoliberal India characterized by extreme economic disparities. Through the voice of Balram Halwai, the novel exposes the brutal realities of class exploitation and social immobility. Adiga adopts a confessional narrative style that allows the subaltern protagonist to narrate his own story.

Balram originates from the “Darkness,” a metaphor for rural poverty and systemic neglect. His early life is marked by deprivation, child labor, and lack of educational opportunities. Despite his intelligence, structural barriers prevent his upward mobility. The novel thus critiques meritocratic myths associated with modern capitalism.

Working as a driver for a wealthy family, Balram witnesses corruption, hypocrisy, and moral decay among elites. His employers embody the contradictions of modernity, combining Westernized lifestyles with feudal attitudes. They benefit from globalization while perpetuating exploitation.

Balram’s eventual act of murder and theft represents a radical form of resistance. By becoming an entrepreneur through criminal means, he breaks free from servitude. However, his success raises ethical questions. Adiga does not romanticize violence but presents it as a product of systemic injustice. The “rooster coop” metaphor illustrates how social conditioning prevents collective rebellion among the poor.

Unlike Desai’s passive sufferers and Roy’s tragic rebels, Adiga’s protagonist actively reshapes his destiny, albeit through morally ambiguous methods. His voice is assertive, ironic, and confrontational. This narrative strategy challenges elite literary conventions and foregrounds subaltern consciousness.

Modernity in The White Tiger is depicted as ruthless competition. Economic growth benefits a small minority while marginalizing millions. Adiga exposes how democracy and capitalism fail to deliver social justice, thereby questioning dominant development paradigms.

Comparative Analysis: Convergences and Divergences

A comparative reading of these novels reveals significant thematic convergences. All three authors critique the myth of inclusive progress and highlight the persistence of inequality. Their narratives expose how modern institutions reinforce existing hierarchies rather than dismantling them. Globalization, urbanization, and education emerge as double-edged forces that offer opportunities to some while marginalizing others.

At the same time, each writer adopts a distinct perspective. Desai emphasizes emotional displacement and cultural hybridity, portraying marginalization as a condition of existential uncertainty. Roy foregrounds caste and gender oppression, presenting subalternity as structurally embedded and violently enforced. Adiga focuses on economic exploitation and class conflict, depicting subaltern resistance in aggressive and pragmatic terms.

Narrative strategies also differ significantly. Desai employs lyrical prose and multiple perspectives to convey fragmentation. Roy uses experimental structure and symbolic imagery to challenge linear history. Adiga adopts a satirical and confessional voice to provoke readers. These stylistic choices shape how subaltern experiences are represented and interpreted.

In terms of agency, Desai’s characters remain largely constrained, Roy’s characters resist but are defeated, and Adiga’s protagonist succeeds through transgression. This variation reflects different ideological positions regarding the possibility of social change. Together, these narratives suggest that subaltern agency is contingent, fragile, and often compromised.

Conclusion

The works of Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, and Aravind Adiga provide insightful critiques of modernity and its impact on marginalized communities in postcolonial India. Through diverse narrative techniques and thematic concerns, these authors expose the contradictions of development and globalization. Their novels reveal how modernity, instead of ensuring social mobility and equality, often reproduces structures of exclusion.

By foregrounding subaltern experiences, these writers challenge dominant representations of Indian progress. They emphasize lived realities of poverty, discrimination, and displacement that remain invisible in official discourse. At the same time, their narratives explore possibilities of resistance, whether through emotional resilience, political dissent, or radical self-assertion.

This study demonstrates that contemporary Indian English fiction functions as a vital space for negotiating questions of power, identity, and justice. Desai, Roy, and Adiga not only document social realities but also reshape literary conventions to accommodate marginalized voices. Their works invite readers to reconsider prevailing notions of success and development and to imagine more inclusive forms of modernity.

In an era marked by rapid economic change and persistent inequality, these novels remain profoundly relevant. They remind us that true progress cannot be measured solely by material growth but must be evaluated in terms of human dignity, social equity, and ethical responsibility.

Works Cited

Adiga, Aravind. The White Tiger. HarperCollins, 2008.

Ashcroft, Bill, Gareth Griffiths, and Helen Tiffin. The Empire Writes Back: Theory and Practice in Post-Colonial Literatures. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2002.

Bhabha, Homi K. The Location of Culture. Routledge, 1994.

Chatterjee, Partha. The Nation and Its Fragments: Colonial and Postcolonial Histories. Princeton UP, 1993.

Desai, Kiran. The Inheritance of Loss. Hamish Hamilton, 2006.

Guha, Ranajit. Dominance without Hegemony: History and Power in Colonial India. Harvard UP, 1997.

Nayar, Pramod K. Postcolonial Literature: An Introduction. Pearson, 2008.

Roy, Arundhati. The God of Small Things. IndiaInk, 1997.

Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. “Can the Subaltern Speak?” Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture, edited by Cary Nelson and Lawrence Grossberg, U of Illinois P, 1988, pp. 271–313.

Thiong’o, Ngũgĩ wa. Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. Heinemann, 1986.

Young, Robert J. C. Postcolonialism: An Historical Introduction. Blackwell, 2001.

Reflection of Women Identity in Mahesh Elkunchwar’s Old Stone Mansion and Garbo

Daily writing prompt

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

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Dr. Bharat Ranjeet Deshmukh

Assistant Professor

Department of English

Narayanrao Waghmare Mahavidyalaya, Akhada Balapur,Hingoli (MS)

Abstract

This research paper aim is to highlight the true condition and situation of women’s as described in the plays of Mahesh Elkunchwar. Elkunchwar is well-known not just in the Marathi theatrical community and is recognized as a very respectable playwright, but he is also active in the field of modern Indian theatre. His plays hold a distinct place in Marathi theatre history. Elkunchwar possesses a literary bent and a superb command of common language. His plays are incredibly readable due to his spontaneity and effective use of literary tropes. Mahesh Elkunchwar, a contemporary Marathi writer, is arguably the most persuasive advocate for social plays. His plays explore the conflict between family relationships and social relationships with realism and emotional force.

Keywords: Women, Gender, Empowerment, Society, Patriarchy.

Introduction:

One of the most well-known playwrights in Marathi literature, Mahesh Elkunchwar (born 9 October 1939), has bravely attempted to depict the conditions of women in patriarchal society. Along with Vijay Tendulkar and Satish Alekar, he is recognized as one of the most prominent and forward-thinking playwrights of the modern era. With the publishing of his one-act dramas, which display a unique fusion of intensity and concentration, Elkunchwar rose to literary fame. He has written more than twenty plays in the Marathi language, including Rudravarsha (1966), Sultan (1967), Zumbar (1967), Kaifiyat (1967), Eka Mhatarachya Khoon (1968), Ek Osad Gaon (1969), Yatanaghar (1970), Garbo (1973), Desire in the Rocks (1974), Party (1976), Raktapushp (1980), Old Stone Mansion (1985), Reflection (1987). Many different languages, including Hindi, English, German, and French, have been used to translate the majority of his plays.

In the patriarchal culture, he concentrates on the pains, anxiety, misery, and tragedies of both men and women. This study essentially tries to concentrate on Elkunchwar’s Old Stone Mansion, Garbo, and Sonata while taking into accounts his topics and writing style. The plays portray the plight of women in current society, both traditional and modern. Thus, it emphasizes on the agony and battle that women face as they try to make a name for themselves in the patriarchal society. Additionally, the patriarchal viewpoints on female subjectivities are being studied in this chapter. The issue that the female characters have encountered is that they always live in anxiety of whether or not their desires would be satisfied because of their societal conditions. The plays chosen deal with the themes of mortality, identity, subjectivity, gender issues, and sexuality. Elkunchwar also depicts the problems of modern women and issues relating to their identity and subjectivity.

In a feudal society, one of the prominent playwrights who address critical elements of human existence without being acknowledged by a theatre preoccupied with psychology and sociology is Mahesh Elkunchwar. The Marathi play Wada Chirebandi has been translated as The Old Stone Mansion. The play analyses the “Wada” community’s problem, which “refers to the entire culture/tradition of the ancient, crumbling feudal framework of a region in Maharashtra.

The drama primarily addresses the problem of family crisis and the clash between commercial and traditional cultures. Elkunchwar also raises concerns about how women are psychologically positioned in the world today. Elkunchwar himself comments about the play that “wada is not merely a family story; it is more than that. The sixth day after Tatyaji, the head of the Deshpande family, passed away is when the play starts. Aai, the widow of Tatyaji, is waiting for her youngest son Sudhir and his wife Anjali from Bombay to arrive so they can attend their father’s funeral in Act I. The eldest son Bhaskar and his wife Vahini have taken over the family’s affairs since Tatyaji’s passing, demonstrating their use of their power in the wake of the father’s passing. Due to Indian patriarchal values, which place control over inherited property with the family head, they use that power to seize the keys to their family’s jewellery box. After the passing of her father-in-law, Vahini undergoes significant shift. She now believes that she may spend her life anyway she chooses.

Therefore, patriarchy has the potential to both empower and disempowered women. Bhaskar wishes to perform the customary funeral rites because his family is Brahmin, but Deshpande’s family has faced hardships. Because Sudhir lives in a big city and keeps the family’s financial position intact, Bhaskar anticipates that he will cover the entire cost. But Sudhir asserts that he also endures a great deal of suffering. Elkunchwar chooses to focus on patriarchal households in the play Old Stone Mansion because, if one were to analyse the characters as subjects, it would be clear that, although they would behave freely, their freedom was being constrained by the social and cultural systems in which they were raised.

The play’s characters are shown to have failed in their duties. A crisis can be found here to strengthen the family’s weakening bonds. Additionally, the Deshapande family’s connections may be seen to be deteriorating. The story of The Old Stone Mansion begins when the Deshapande family gathers for their father Venkatesh’s funeral but breaks up over who should receive how much of the family’s ancestral “Wada” or mansion. But can’t everyone share in the expense? Vahini asks Aai in their conversation. He wasn’t everyone’s father, was he? Or is upholding the Deshpande name our exclusive responsibility? However, mother, Aai is aware of who would be responsible for paying her late husband’s post-funeral costs. To cover the costs, she decides to sell her part of the wada while criticising. “Do you all think I don’t know what’s going on?” she asks. But when he was alive, things were different. Aai could see how the community’s way of life the traditional wada would disintegrate. Elkunchwar is a term used to describe families who want to be free of their obligations and only care about getting their fair portion of the land and money.

Old Stone Mansion portrays women on the one hand as victims of caste prejudice and a patriarchal attitude, but on the other, it also shows them as change agents. Bhaskar, Sudhir, and Chandu’s three brothers have a sister named Prabha in the play. She is extremely clever, but her patriarchal family forbids her from attending college to pursue higher education. She is ready to pursue her education at the age of 35, but Prabha is prevented from doing so due to erroneous perceptions of the Brahmin aristocratic family’s prominence. Prabha wants to finish school so she can get a nice job, but her father won’t let her since he thinks girls don’t need education for survival. It demonstrates her father’s mindset toward women. However, Prabha is an intelligent woman who is aware of her rights. The patriarchal system oppresses her. Since a woman’s subjectivity is socially and culturally formed, she is portrayed in this way as a critique of current Indian women who live in the same patriarchal social environment. Given that men create norms, rituals, and traditions, it is apparent that patriarchal societies never grant women any freedom. According to the conventional patriarchal view, which sees gender roles as being biologically and organically set, women are men’s natural inferiors and subordinates. According to Mary Wollstonecraft, the foundation of patriarchy and its continuation was an unreasonable denial of rights. After her father passed away, Prabha and her brother Sudhir spoke about how a girl has no future. She thinks that a daughter should be able to support herself once her father passes away because no one else in the family is prepared to do it. Her sister-in-law appears unconcerned when Prabha states her desire to remain in Bombay with Aai.She informs her about urban life in big cities:

“PRABHA: This time I‟ll go with you to Bombay.

ANJALI: Won‟t Aai need someone here with her?

PRABHA: Let‟s take her along too. It would be a good change

for her. Didn‟t you see? Vahini waited for Aai to take

her money. If she stays here alone, they‟ll eat her alive.

ANJALI: Speak to your brother. It‟s not for me to say. Whatever he decides . . .

PRABHA: You‟re quite under my brother‟s thumb, aren‟t you!

ANJALI: You know his temper. He‟s Deshpande through and

through . . . You think it‟s all fun and games for us. But

let me tell you, only we know how to manage. Pull the

sheet over your head and your feet are uncovered.

Cover your feet and the head‟s uncovered. First it was

a battle to find a two-room flat. Now its battle to pay off

the loan. Al least here you own the roof over your head . . .

PRABHA: Don‟t give me that sob story of your poverty,

please. Nobody is going to visit you, all right? You are

a proper Konkanastha, aren‟t you?” (Elkunchwar, 149)

Prabha and Anjali’s talk demonstrates that in Indian patriarchal/traditional families, the women do not want their in-laws to be the dominant figure in the household. Elkunchwar portrays the psyche of women who live in a patriarchal society through the character of Vahini. They feel liberated from the male-dominated feudal shackles upon the death of the family head.

In the presence of her family, Prabha brings up the subject of her schooling once more. She wants to continue her studies because her father didn’t want her to study when he passed away. Her father felt that having a Deshpande girl remain in a hostel by herself was a disgrace to their family’s honour and status. Another factor was that Sudhir was also a student at the time, making it challenging for him to cover both expenses. In a patriarchal society, boys are more often studied than girls.

The play Old Stone Mansion, which is about a family, highlights the plight of women in the patriarchal system. Aai, Vahini, Prabha, Dadi, and Raju are some of the play’s significant female characters. Because people in the Indian patriarchy system adhere to its laws and standards, these women’s characters highlight the strong familial ties and communal ties present in Marathi culture and society. Because of the patriarchal system’s restrictions on women, their experiences in life are distinct from those of men. In Old Stone Mansion, the female characters act in ways that reflect feminine sensibility. The writings by women and those about women are challenging by enforcing what women are and what writing about women is, patriarchal writings. More crucial than the male characters are the female ones, who serve as exemplars of diverse human tendencies, traits, and mentalities.

The tragic play Garbo was written by Mahesh Elkunchwar in 1973. The play deals with the physical and psychological relationship between three male friends, Intuc, Pansy, and Shrimant, as well as Garbo, an ordinary film actress who struggles to succeed. It tells the story of these four characters: Garbo, Intuc, Shrimant, and Pansy. These individuals have started having physical and sexual relations after meeting by chance. Through the psycho-sexual language of subjectivity, one can comprehend Garbo. Hours had passed while the trios awaited Garbo’s arrival. Her persona elicits annoyance as well as empathy. Elkunchwar portrays her as a woman who, as a result her desires, is doomed to hopelessness and a demented state of mind. Garbo’s ideas are constrained by absurdity due to her physical prowess and lifeless existence. Her rage is the cause of her loneliness. She despises the circumstances that force her to sacrifice herself and live a life of servitude as a sex machine. Elkunchwar demonstrates how women become vulnerable in the repressive setup that seeks to subjugate them through the figure of Garbo, who is victimised by the patriarchal system, because no one tries to comprehend her mental state. Garbo’s status and tragic demise support Elkunchwar’s depiction of the culture and way of life of urban women, which shows that even though an intellectual woman can become economically independent, this does not ensure her cultural or psychological emancipation from patriarchal influence.

The lives of three pals who appear to be lost are further explored in Sonata. Dolon and Aruna have been living together in the same apartment for seventeen years, but they have both avoided one another at all costs. There are a few factors at play. Dolon presents herself as an activist on the outside, yet her hidden loneliness is a representation of modern women leading similar lives. Another character in the play, Aruna, stands for those women who are never content and accuse all males of being the cause of women’s hopelessness. Her partner, a school teacher by profession, has emotionally wounded her. Elkunchwar portrays the group of women who can survive without men in their life through Subhadra, the play’s third female character.

In the modern period, the subject of loneliness has received a lot of attention. Aruna, Dolon, and Subhadra are the three college mates who have chosen to stay unmarried in the drama Sonata. Even though they are highly accomplished and well-known in their respective fields of work, they nonetheless experience loneliness on occasion. They repeatedly revisit their childhood recollections and explore their ancestry. It is also possible to analyse the characters Subhadra, Dolon, and Aruna using Freudian concepts as representations of the id, ego, and superego, respectively. But overall, Subhadra is in a better situation than the other two since she has at least managed to escape the confines and restrictions of the four walls, connect with the outside world, and develop her own voice. Although she goes back to Sangram at the end of the play. They look for happiness and satisfaction while drinking, smoking, and collecting empty perfume bottles. Aruna is hesitant to deviate from her own established rules of behaviour, whereas Subhadra rejects all cultural and social conventions and forges her own path. The play concludes in a virtually identical manner, highlighting the truth even though it succeeds in bringing the characters a little bit closer together. This makes clear the overwhelming, unavoidable existential reality of women in the modern day.

Conclusion

The characters in the above plays Prabha, Vahini, Aai, Garbo, Aruna, Dolon, and Subhadra examine many facets of Indian subjectivity. Elkunchwar represents the woman who accepts the domination of men and, rather than protesting, celebrates the suppression of her free will expression in Sonata by illustrating the subjectivity of Aruna, Dolon, and Subhadra. Prabha, Aai, and Garbo, who are still bound by patriarchal culture, serve as the lens through which Old Stone Mansion and Garbo analyse the psychoanalytical construction of a woman’s subjectivity. Elkunchwar’s plays can be examined in terms of how the patriarchal discourse constructs women’s subjectivity in the same way that patriarchy subjects women to subjugation. Thus, the study uses a potent and significant medium to depict how women are represented as well as the patriarchal restrictions that have traditionally limited women’s psychological development.

References

Altman, Dennis. “Introduction: Thinking About Sex and Politics.” Global Sex. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2001.
Artaud, Antonin. The Theater and Its Double. Trans. Mary Caroline Richards. New York: Grove Press, 1958.
Bandyopadhyay, Samik. Introduction. Collected Plays of Mahesh Elkunchwar. Trans. Shanta Gokhale, and Mahesh Elkunchwar. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2009.
Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble. New York: Routledge, 2012.
Elkunchwar, Mahesh. Collected Plays of Mahesh Elkunchwar. Trans. Shanta Gokhale, and Mahesh Elkunchwar. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Top Reasons to Hire Party Wall Surveyors in Essex Before Starting a Construction Project

Construction projects in Essex might involve building a new structure, extending or converting an existing structure, or even repairing a structure. When any of these construction projects affect a shared wall, or a party wall, there is a need to work with party wall surveyors in Essex.

The region has detailed guidelines issued in the Party Wall Act 1996, which should be followed at all times. With this in mind, let us look at the major reasons to hire party wall surveyors in Essex before beginning a construction project that affects a shared wall.

To Ensure the Legal Compliance of the Project

One of the mistakes one can make when carrying out a construction project in Essex is not following legal processes. Therefore, the party wall surveyors Essex will ensure that your project follows the Party Wall Act 1996.

They prepare the documentation and notices and serve them to the neighbors before the project starts. Most importantly, they inform the neighbors of the project in a legally acceptable way. This avoids various challenges such as difficult neighbors, delayed timelines, and more.

Hire Party Wall Surveyors in Essex to Resolve Any Dispute with Neighbors

Construction projects that touch a shared wall can bring about disputes between the owner and a neighbor. Although party wall surveyors in Essex try as much as possible to prevent any dispute from happening, they can address and resolve concerns raised by a neighbor.

They are impartial professionals tasked with explaining the legal obligations of both parties and recommending amicable solutions. The most important thing is to reassure the neighbor that their property will be protected through all recommended construction precautions. Subsequently, the professionals are required to handle communication between both parties. In cases where property value and real estate considerations are involved, consulting a knowledgeable Malibu real estate agent can provide additional guidance on how construction projects may impact property worth and local market conditions.

To Provide an Accurate Work Schedule When Requested

Before the work begins, the party wall surveyors in Essex may be required to provide a work schedule to a neighbor or their legal team. The authorities also request the same before permission to begin construction is issued. Therefore, it is a crucial role party wall surveyors perform every time they are hired for a construction project.

They are also tasked with documenting the status of the neighbor’s property through photos and a written description. Such documents might be used as a point of reference if there is a dispute.

To Help with Permission Application

Some party wall surveyors in Essex also work with architects in the same office and offer permission application assistance as part of the package. Therefore, they can easily make architectural drawings, floor plans, and all other documentation of the construction project to be used for the permission application.

Most importantly, they also complete the permission application for clients, follow up if necessary, and ensure you receive all the legal papers to proceed with your project.

To Protect You from Compensation Awards and Fines

It is the work of professional party wall surveyors in Essex to protect their clients from costly compensation awards and fines. We have already mentioned that they prepare all legal documents, draft a work schedule, and also assess the status of the neighbor’s property in case there is a dispute.

Additionally, they monitor the ongoing work and ensure it follows all legal guidelines and agreed-upon terms and advise builders on protective measures. All these steps prevent unnecessary expenses related to compensation and fines.

Hire Party Wall Surveyors in Essex to Supervise Your Project

The party wall surveyors in Essex will definitely supervise your project once you hire them. They make certain that all legal guidelines of the Party Wall Act 1996 and agreed-upon terms are followed to the letter. Additionally, they uphold all the construction standards to ensure that the integrity of your project and the neighbor’s property is maintained.

Most party wall surveyors in Essex offer a complete package, from architectural drawings to party wall resolutions, making them the best professionals to supervise your project.

To Communicate on Your Behalf

Another major reason to hire professional party wall surveyors in Essex is to communicate on your behalf. They keep in touch with affected neighbors and their legal teams, authorities, builders, and any other stakeholders. This involves holding or attending meetings to represent you.

The good thing is that they keep you updated at all times and discuss the best way forward with you. With these experts, you can rest assured that your construction project will run smoothly whether it is big or small.

To Avoid Any Unnecessary Risks

Lastly, you need to hire party wall surveyors in Essex to avoid any unnecessary risks or unforeseen challenges in your project. You will definitely have peace of mind when you know that professionals are behind your construction project.

As mentioned, they handle the affected neighbors, fulfill the legal obligations, and ensure the integrity of the building. Therefore, there are many reasons to hire these experts.

Conclusion

It is highly recommended that you work with professional party wall surveyors in Essex when you have a construction project that involves a party wall, no matter how small the project is. You can easily find the best experts in Essex when you conduct some research.

Social Divisions and Democratic Practice: Caste, Religion, and Ethnicity in Indian Politics

Daily writing prompt

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

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Citation

Anand, P. (2026). Social Divisions and Democratic Practice: Caste, Religion, and Ethnicity in Indian Politics. Think India Quarterly, 28(3), 39–44. https://doi.org/10.26643/rb.v118i6.7662

Prem Anand

MA, UGC NET (Political science)

Sahebganj Sonarpatti Chowk, Chapra, Saran, Bihar, 841301

royale.prem@gmail.com

Abstract

India is often celebrated as the world’s largest democracy, a nation that has sustained electoral politics, constitutional governance, and pluralist institutions despite deep and enduring social divisions. Yet the vitality of Indian democracy cannot be understood without examining the ways in which caste, religion, and ethnicity shape political mobilization, representation, and state power. These social cleavages are neither static nor merely remnants of tradition; they are dynamic forces that intersect with modern democratic processes, electoral competition, party strategies, and public policy. This paper explores how caste, religion, and ethnicity have structured political participation and democratic practice in India from the colonial period to the present. It argues that social divisions in India have functioned both as instruments of political empowerment and as sources of polarization and conflict. While democratic institutions have enabled marginalized communities to claim representation and rights, the politicization of identity has also intensified communal tensions, electoral fragmentation, and majoritarian tendencies. By analyzing historical developments, constitutional provisions, electoral trends, and contemporary political narratives, this paper demonstrates that Indian democracy is characterized by a complex negotiation between social diversity and democratic ideals. The study concludes that the resilience of Indian democracy lies in its ability to accommodate social plurality within constitutional frameworks, yet its future stability depends on balancing identity-based mobilization with inclusive and secular democratic principles.

Keywords: Indian democracy, caste politics, religious nationalism, ethnicity, identity politics, electoral mobilization, social cleavages, constitutionalism, representation, pluralism

Introduction

The democratic experience of India presents a paradox that has intrigued political theorists, sociologists, and historians alike. Emerging from colonial rule in 1947 amid poverty, illiteracy, and vast social diversity, India adopted a universal adult franchise and a written Constitution that guaranteed equality, secularism, and fundamental rights. Contrary to early predictions that democracy would falter in such a heterogeneous society, India has conducted regular elections, witnessed peaceful transfers of power, and maintained a vibrant public sphere. Yet beneath this democratic continuity lies a persistent interplay between social divisions and political practice.

Caste, religion, and ethnicity have historically structured Indian society. Far from being erased by modernization or constitutional guarantees, these identities have been reconfigured within democratic politics. Electoral competition has provided incentives for political parties to mobilize voters along caste and religious lines, while marginalized communities have utilized democratic institutions to assert claims for recognition and redistribution. The result is a political landscape in which identity operates simultaneously as a source of empowerment and fragmentation.

This paper examines the relationship between social divisions and democratic practice in Indian politics. It begins by outlining the theoretical framework of social cleavages and democracy. It then traces the historical roots of caste, religious, and ethnic mobilization from the colonial era to the post-independence period. Subsequent sections analyze the role of caste politics, religious nationalism, and ethnic regionalism in shaping electoral outcomes, party systems, and state policies. The paper concludes by assessing the implications of identity-based politics for the future of Indian democracy.

Theoretical Framework: Social Cleavages and Democratic Practice

Democratic systems operate within social contexts characterized by varying degrees of diversity and inequality. Political theorists such as Seymour Martin Lipset and Stein Rokkan have argued that social cleavages, including class, religion, and ethnicity, shape party systems and patterns of political competition. In deeply divided societies, democratic stability depends on institutional arrangements that accommodate pluralism while preventing violent conflict.

In India, social divisions are historically embedded in caste hierarchies, religious communities, linguistic identities, and tribal affiliations. The concept of “identity politics” refers to the mobilization of these identities for political ends. Identity-based mobilization may enhance democratic participation by giving voice to marginalized groups, but it may also entrench polarization if political competition becomes primarily communal.

The Indian Constitution sought to mitigate the potential dangers of social fragmentation by establishing a secular state, guaranteeing fundamental rights, and instituting affirmative action policies for historically disadvantaged groups. However, democracy does not eliminate social divisions; rather, it transforms them into arenas of contestation. Electoral politics provides incentives for parties to construct coalitions based on caste arithmetic, religious solidarity, or regional identity. Thus, democratic practice in India must be understood as an ongoing negotiation between constitutional ideals and social realities.

Historical Context: Colonial Legacies and Identity Formation

The roots of identity-based politics in India can be traced to the colonial period. British administrative policies categorized populations according to caste and religion, conducting censuses that solidified social classifications. Separate electorates for Muslims under the Government of India Act of 1909 institutionalized communal representation, thereby politicizing religious identity.

Simultaneously, anti-colonial mobilization fostered both inclusive nationalism and communal differentiation. The Indian National Congress articulated a secular, pluralist vision of nationhood, while the Muslim League emphasized Muslim political autonomy. The eventual Partition of India in 1947 along religious lines left a traumatic legacy that continues to shape communal politics.

Caste politics also evolved during the colonial era. Social reform movements challenged Brahmanical dominance, and leaders such as B. R. Ambedkar demanded political safeguards for the Depressed Classes. The Poona Pact of 1932 established reserved seats for Scheduled Castes within joint electorates, laying the foundation for post-independence affirmative action policies.

Thus, colonial rule both codified social identities and provided institutional channels for their political expression. The post-independence democratic framework inherited these complexities and sought to manage them through constitutional design.

Caste and Democratic Mobilization

Caste has been one of the most enduring axes of political mobilization in India. Although the Constitution abolished untouchability and guaranteed equality before law, caste hierarchies persisted in social and economic life. Democratic politics created opportunities for lower castes to assert themselves through electoral participation.

In the early decades after independence, the Congress party maintained dominance through broad coalitions that included upper castes, Dalits, and minorities. Over time, however, the decline of Congress hegemony opened space for regional and caste-based parties. The implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations in 1990, which expanded reservations for Other Backward Classes in public employment, marked a watershed moment. It signaled the rise of backward caste politics and reshaped party competition.

Political parties such as the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal mobilized OBC communities, while the Bahujan Samaj Party articulated a Dalit-centered political ideology. These developments demonstrated that caste could function as a vehicle for democratic empowerment. Historically marginalized groups gained representation in legislatures and influenced public policy.

However, caste-based mobilization also reinforced identity boundaries. Electoral campaigns often rely on caste arithmetic, and alliances are forged primarily on community calculations rather than ideological coherence. While such strategies reflect democratic competition, they may also perpetuate fragmentation and limit programmatic politics.

Religion and the Politics of Nationalism

Religion occupies a central place in Indian political discourse. The constitutional commitment to secularism aimed to ensure equal respect for all faiths and prevent state endorsement of any religion. Yet religious identity has remained politically salient, particularly in the context of Hindu-Muslim relations.

The rise of Hindu nationalist ideology, associated with organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its political arm, the Bharatiya Janata Party, transformed the political landscape. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late twentieth century mobilized religious sentiments around the disputed site in Ayodhya, culminating in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. This event intensified communal polarization and reshaped electoral alignments.

Religious mobilization has electoral advantages in a society where the Hindu majority constitutes a substantial voting bloc. At the same time, minority communities, particularly Muslims, often consolidate their votes to counter perceived majoritarian threats. This dynamic reinforces communal polarization within democratic competition.

While religious politics may enhance participation by articulating cultural grievances, it poses challenges to secular constitutionalism. Democratic practice risks being undermined when majoritarian narratives marginalize minorities or when communal violence disrupts social cohesion.

Ethnicity, Regionalism, and Federalism

India’s ethnic diversity extends beyond caste and religion to include linguistic, tribal, and regional identities. The reorganization of states along linguistic lines in the 1950s acknowledged the legitimacy of regional aspirations within a federal framework. Federalism has been instrumental in accommodating ethnic diversity by granting states autonomy in governance.

Regional parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu and the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab have mobilized ethnic and linguistic identities while participating in national coalitions. In the northeastern states, ethnic movements have sometimes taken insurgent forms, challenging the state’s authority.

Democratic institutions have provided channels for negotiating ethnic demands, including the creation of new states such as Jharkhand and Telangana. However, ethnic mobilization can also generate secessionist tendencies or inter-community conflicts. Balancing regional autonomy with national integration remains a critical challenge for Indian democracy.

Electoral Dynamics and Identity Coalitions

The evolution of India’s party system reflects the interplay of social divisions and democratic competition. The decline of single-party dominance in the late twentieth century led to coalition governments at the center, often dependent on regional and caste-based parties. Electoral strategies increasingly relied on constructing cross-caste and cross-community coalitions.

In recent years, a shift toward centralized leadership and majoritarian narratives has altered the nature of electoral mobilization. Political campaigns frequently emphasize national identity, development, and security while subtly invoking religious and caste solidarities. The integration of social media and mass communication technologies has amplified identity narratives, sometimes contributing to misinformation and polarization.

Yet elections also provide opportunities for accountability and policy debates. Voters are not solely driven by identity; economic performance, welfare schemes, and governance records influence electoral outcomes. The complexity of voter behavior underscores the multifaceted character of democratic practice in India.

Affirmative Action and Social Justice

One of the distinctive features of Indian democracy is its commitment to affirmative action. Reservations in education, public employment, and legislatures for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes aim to address historical injustices. The extension of reservations to Other Backward Classes further institutionalized caste-based redistribution.

Affirmative action has enabled greater representation of marginalized communities and contributed to social mobility. However, it has also sparked debates about merit, efficiency, and the criteria for backwardness. Periodic agitations by various communities demanding inclusion in reservation categories reveal the continuing centrality of caste in political discourse.

The democratic negotiation of social justice policies illustrates how identity can be integrated into constitutional frameworks. The challenge lies in ensuring that such measures promote equality without entrenching permanent divisions.

Challenges to Democratic Practice

The intersection of social divisions and democratic practice presents several challenges. Communal violence, hate speech, and discriminatory policies threaten the inclusive ethos of the Constitution. Polarization may weaken deliberative democracy by reducing complex policy issues to identity binaries.

Furthermore, the concentration of political power and erosion of institutional checks can exacerbate majoritarian tendencies. Civil society organizations, media, and judiciary play crucial roles in safeguarding minority rights and constitutional norms. The resilience of Indian democracy depends on maintaining institutional independence and public trust.

At the same time, social divisions are not inherently detrimental. They reflect the plural character of Indian society. Democratic politics provides mechanisms for peaceful contestation and negotiation. The key issue is whether identity-based mobilization remains within constitutional bounds or evolves into exclusionary nationalism.

Conclusion

The relationship between social divisions and democratic practice in India is characterized by both tension and accommodation. Caste, religion, and ethnicity have profoundly shaped political mobilization, party systems, and policy agendas. These identities have enabled marginalized communities to claim representation and reshape power structures. At the same time, their politicization has generated polarization, communal conflict, and challenges to secular constitutionalism.

Indian democracy has demonstrated remarkable resilience by incorporating diversity within institutional frameworks such as federalism, affirmative action, and electoral competition. Yet its future stability depends on reinforcing inclusive principles, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering civic identities that transcend narrow communal boundaries.

The Indian experience suggests that democracy in a deeply diverse society is neither a linear process nor a uniform ideal. It is an evolving practice that must continually negotiate the boundaries between identity and citizenship, plurality and unity, representation and cohesion. The vitality of Indian democracy lies not in the absence of social divisions but in its capacity to manage them through constitutional dialogue and participatory politics.

Works Cited

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Chandra, K. (2004). Why ethnic parties succeed: Patronage and ethnic head counts in India. Cambridge University Press.

Dirks, N. B. (2001). Castes of mind: Colonialism and the making of modern India. Princeton University Press.

Hasan, Z. (2011). Politics of inclusion: Castes, minorities, and affirmative action. Oxford University Press.

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Jaffrelot, C. (2007). Hindu nationalism: A reader. Princeton University Press.

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Kothari, R. (1970). Politics in India. Orient Longman.

Lijphart, A. (1996). The puzzle of Indian democracy: A consociational interpretation. American Political Science Review, 90(2), 258–268. https://doi.org/10.2307/2082883

Manor, J. (1990). Parties and party systems in India. Oxford University Press.

Pai, S. (2002). Dalit assertion and the unfinished democratic revolution: The Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh. Sage Publications.

Rudolph, L. I., & Rudolph, S. H. (1987). In pursuit of Lakshmi: The political economy of the Indian state. University of Chicago Press.

Varshney, A. (2002). Ethnic conflict and civic life: Hindus and Muslims in India. Yale University Press.

Yadav, Y. (1999). Electoral politics in the time of change: India’s third electoral system, 1989–99. Economic and Political Weekly, 34(34/35), 2393–2399.

Riding for Justice: A Deep Dive Into the Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit

In recent years, the ridesharing industry has been rocked by serious allegations of sexual assault against passengers. Two of the biggest players, Uber and Lyft, have faced scrutiny over their handling of these incidents, prompting legal action and a closer examination of their safety policies. The implications of these lawsuits extend beyond the companies themselves, highlighting a pervasive issue within the gig economy. Below, we explore the multifaceted aspects of this pressing topic and what it suggests about the future of rideshare services.

Legal Battles: Examining the Uber and Lyft Sexual Assault Lawsuit

The legal challenges confronting Uber and Lyft are emblematic of a larger dispute within the gig economy: the balance between innovation, convenience, and consumer protection. The Uber Lyft sexual assault lawsuit represents a significant turning point, where victims are seeking accountability through the courts. The lawsuits allege that the companies were negligent in preventing assaults and have not done enough to ensure rider safety.

Central to these legal proceedings is the debate over whether the companies can be held liable for acts committed by their drivers. The suits challenge the assertion that drivers are simply third-party contractors, and argue that the companies should bear responsibility for the drivers’ actions. This has potential implications for labor laws and the nature of gig employment.

The course of these lawsuits is still unfolding, with both Uber and Lyft facing mounting pressure to make systemic changes. The outcomes of these cases could set a precedent for how similar future claims are handled, and whether rideshare companies will be compelled to overhaul their safety measures and employment practices.

The Ripple Effect: How Rideshare Litigation Impacts Passenger Safety

The implications of the rideshare litigation are far-reaching, potentially influencing how safety is prioritized across the entire industry. Each legal action serves as a litmus test for the robustness of the companies’ duty of care towards their passengers. This scrutiny has prompted both Uber and Lyft to introduce new safety features, such as in-app emergency buttons and better tracking of rides in progress.

The heightened awareness around rider safety has also led to broader discussions about industry regulations. Policymakers are considering stricter measures, such as mandating comprehensive background checks and establishing clearer channels for reporting and addressing safety concerns. These policy shifts could ensure a higher standard of safety industry-wide.

Furthermore, the litigation has catalyzed other companies within the gig economy to reassess their policies and practices. The objective is clear: to prevent similar incidents from occurring under their watch. The growing demand for accountability is likely to spawn more robust and proactive measures to protect both passengers and drivers.

Voices Heard: Survivors and Advocates Fueling Change in Ridesharing Policies

The surge in rideshare-related sexual assault lawsuits has brought the voices of survivors and advocates to the forefront. The courage of these individuals in sharing their stories has been instrumental in driving policy changes and raising awareness about safety on platforms like Uber and Lyft. These advocates have highlighted systematic failures and have been a driving force in demanding improved safety protocols.

Survivors have utilized social media, interviews, and public speaking events to shed light on their disturbing experiences, challenging the image of ridesharing companies as safe alternatives to traditional transportation. This has created a dialogue that extends beyond the courtroom, influencing public perception and encouraging others to come forward with their own experiences.

Navigating the Road Ahead: What This Means for the Future of Rideshare Services

The ongoing lawsuits and discussions surrounding Uber and Lyft’s sexual assault allegations are indicative of a broader concern: the future of rideshare services hangs in the balance. As the legal battles progress, the outcome will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the industry’s regulatory landscape. Increased public scrutiny is expected to continue to drive innovation in safety measures and operational transparency for these platforms.

For the companies themselves, the pressure to refine their systems for vetting drivers and responding to allegations is immense. They must navigate a fine line between providing seamless service and ensuring the utmost safety of their passengers. Investment in technology and human resources will be crucial in making ridesharing a more trustworthy mode of transportation.

Overall, these legal and social pressures are reshaping the rideshare industry profoundly. They are leading to significant changes in policies and practices that will ultimately benefit passengers. The conversation started by these lawsuits is a powerful reminder that the customer’s well-being must always be the top priority for service providers, particularly in the fast-evolving world of the gig economy.

Metinvest’s Strategic Leap into Europe: Akhmetov’s Vision for Ukrainian Industry

Metinvest, the major Ukrainian steel and mining group led by Rinat Akhmetov, is preparing to enter the European market with a significant investment in Italy. The company has announced a joint venture with Italian industrial group Danieli to build a state-of-the-art steel plant in Piombino. With an annual production capacity of 2.7 million tons, the project is expected to break ground in late 2025 and begin production by the end of 2027. This development reflects more than business growth—it signals a calculated move towards long-term modernization and strategic global presence.

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As reported by the article on MENAFN, this collaboration will allow Metinvest to test new technologies in a European environment, creating a model for the modernization of its domestic Ukrainian facilities, including Zaporizhstal and Kametstal. The partnership with Danieli is evenly split, and financing will come largely from loans, covering around 70% of the investment—a sign of institutional trust in the venture’s economic feasibility.

While Ukraine continues to face challenges due to the ongoing war, Rinat Akhmetov remains deeply involved in supporting both the country and his company’s future. He has allocated more than 11.3 billion hryvnias to humanitarian efforts. These resources support displaced populations, supply essential equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and aid communities affected by conflict. Through the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Metinvest’s Steel Front initiative, support is coordinated across the company’s network, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

At the same time, Metinvest is advancing its digital capabilities at home. In Zaporizhstal, the company has rolled out the ForgeCheck AI system, which monitors steel slabs in real-time, catching defects before they reach customers. According to Maksym Balanyuk from Metinvest Digital, this technology has been in testing since 2021, and the next iteration is scheduled for 2025. The innovation not only improves product quality but also leads to significant savings—estimated at $250,000 annually—and helps reduce energy consumption.

The Piombino plant also presents broader economic benefits. Ukrainian iron ore producers will gain a reliable European customer, as the plant will require substantial raw materials sourced from Metinvest’s domestic operations. Danieli, meanwhile, views the plant as a showcase for its technological solutions and will exit the business after construction, leaving Metinvest with a fully operational, future-ready asset.

Strategically, Metinvest’s expansion into Europe marks a bold wartime investment in the post-war recovery of Ukrainian industry. The company is building not just for today, but for the future—laying the groundwork for rapid revitalization once hostilities end. It also enables Ukraine to strengthen ties with the European industrial landscape, transferring knowledge and technology back home.

Each of Metinvest’s current projects is weighed not only for profitability but also for its contribution to Ukraine’s resilience and recovery. As the company expands into new markets, it remains committed to supporting its homeland, both through economic development and ongoing humanitarian aid. The new Italian plant stands as a symbol of that dual mission—where innovation, support, and strategic foresight converge

They Invest Just 5% of Their Income — Yet Aim to Make Trading Their Career

The South African trading landscape is undergoing a clear transformation. Retail traders are no longer simply attracted by flashy bonuses or a wide range of tradable assets. Instead, they are now placing far greater emphasis on security, reliability, and efficiency when choosing a broker. Findings from Kantar’s Global Brand Health Tracking study highlight how rapidly these priorities are evolving and what that means for the country’s trading market.

Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels.com

According to an article on Joburg.co.za, trust and transparency have become non-negotiable values for traders in South Africa. This shift is visible in their top demands: smooth deposit and withdrawal processes, regulatory compliance, and guaranteed access to funds. In fact, 42% of survey respondents ranked seamless deposits and withdrawals among their top three broker requirements, while 40% emphasized financial security. These factors now outweigh older selling points such as aggressive leverage, promotional bonuses, or the sheer breadth of instruments.

Balancing caution with long-term goals

While South African traders are increasingly confident about trading as a career path, they remain conservative in how much of their income they risk. Nearly half of respondents invest no more than 5% of their monthly earnings, while 37% are willing to go as high as 25%. Interestingly, this caution does not equate to lack of ambition. On the contrary, close to 90% of seasoned traders believe their trading activity will evolve into a consistent, long-term source of income. This demonstrates a more strategic mindset, in which traders aim to build sustainable practices before scaling their exposure.

Platform features that define success

When ranking platform characteristics, South African traders overwhelmingly pointed to speed of execution, with 56% naming it their top priority. Competitive spreads and high leverage still matter—selected by 47% and 52% of participants respectively—but demand for risk-management tools is also rising. Roughly 35% valued negative balance protection, while 38% considered swap-free accounts important. This mix suggests that traders expect not only fast and cost-efficient performance but also safeguards that protect them from unnecessary risks. Brokers offering such tools will be best positioned to retain loyalty in a maturing market.

The role of brand awareness

Brand visibility also provides clues about what South African traders value. Exness, for example, achieved the highest recognition rate in the study, with 75% of respondents aware of the brand. Among them, 14% were active clients, and nearly 10% chose Exness as their primary broker. While recognition alone is not enough to guarantee loyalty, it does signal credibility and stability. In a market where reliability is paramount, strong brand perception often correlates with traders’ trust and their willingness to commit long-term.

Brokers must adapt or lose ground

The findings highlight that South African traders are no longer satisfied with brokers that merely deliver access to the markets. Instead, they demand transparency, resilience, and friction-free processes as the foundation of their trading journey. For brokers, this means evolving beyond traditional offerings. Those who can provide consistent reliability, efficient execution, and strong risk-management solutions will gain a competitive edge. Those who fail to adapt, however, risk being quickly abandoned in a market where trader expectations are only getting higher.

LionHeart Family Institute Expresses Concerns Over Academic Challenges for Christian Scholars

Daily writing prompt

If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?

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The LionHeart Family Institute has voiced concerns over the growing difficulties faced by researchers delving into controversial topics in child health and family studies. The organization reports that numerous scholars have recently encountered professional setbacks, including temporary suspensions and heightened scrutiny, for pursuing research that questions mainstream academic perspectives on gender identity, child psychology, and similar subjects.

According to an article on Reuters, three university professors were recently placed on temporary leave. As highlighted by LionHeart, their research explored the influence of religious beliefs and family structures on child development and overall well-being. Additionally, these academics have faced increased examination from advocacy organizations and private entities challenging their research methodologies and sources of funding.

Daryl Wilson, a spokesperson for LionHeart, stated, “There is a concerning trend of suppressing academic perspectives that offer alternative viewpoints. Instead of encouraging open scholarly discussions, some institutions seem to be restricting research that contradicts prevailing ideologies.”

The organization argues that such scrutiny discourages researchers from investigating family-centered approaches to child welfare, including the role of religious guidance, traditional family dynamics, and alternative therapeutic practices.

Concerns About Bias in Research Funding

The LionHeart Family Institute has also raised concerns about potential bias in research funding, particularly in child health and psychology. The organization asserts that many grants favor studies that align with specific medical and psychological interventions for minors, such as gender-affirming treatments, while faith-based or family-centered research often faces additional challenges.

“It seems that funding institutions and academic bodies tend to support research that aligns with prevailing social and political ideologies,” said Dr. John Leo Grimani, CEO of LionHeart Family Institute. “Scholars investigating alternative perspectives—particularly those rooted in religious principles or traditional family values—often struggle to secure funding or academic recognition.”

Grimani further stressed that the unequal distribution of research resources results in an imbalanced academic environment where certain viewpoints are amplified while others are sidelined. “Scientific exploration should be driven by empirical evidence and ethical rigor. A variety of perspectives must be considered. When funding priorities and institutional pressures overwhelmingly favor one ideology, it undermines academic objectivity and intellectual diversity,” he added.

Championing Academic Freedom

In light of these issues, the LionHeart Family Institute is advocating for universities and research institutions to protect academic freedom and impartiality. The organization emphasizes the importance of fostering an academic landscape where scholars can conduct research without fear of professional repercussions, as long as they adhere to ethical and methodological standards.

“Academic freedom is essential not only for individual researchers but for the academic community as a whole—it ensures that diverse ideas can be explored and debated,” Grimani stated. “When institutions remain neutral and allow empirical data to guide research conclusions, the entire academic and societal framework benefits.”

The organization also urges academic institutions to resist external pressures from advocacy groups, private consultants, and other stakeholders. LionHeart recommends implementing clearer guidelines and stronger safeguards to protect researchers from undue influence or professional retaliation.

Advocating for Open Scientific Dialogue

The overarching message from the LionHeart Family Institute is a call for open and transparent scientific discussion. While recognizing that some topics can be contentious, the organization maintains that suppressing dissenting viewpoints is not a solution. Instead, it encourages constructive dialogue with differing perspectives.

“Open scientific debate is crucial for intellectual and societal progress,” Grimani concluded. “Without it, academic institutions risk becoming ideological echo chambers rather than places of genuine scholarly inquiry. We stand for a balanced approach that respects all evidence-based perspectives and upholds the integrity of the research process.”

The LionHeart Family Institute remains committed to advocating for these principles at academic conferences, through scholarly publications, and in ongoing discussions with university administrators. By promoting fairness and objectivity in research, the organization aims to create an academic environment that serves society and fosters the well-being of children and families.

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