Blogs - IISPPR

Climate Action

Economic Instruments in Climate Policy

Abstract

Climate change poses significant risks to economies worldwide, affecting human resources, health systems, and overall economic stability. Economic instruments play a crucial role in mitigating climate change while fostering sustainable growth. This paper examines key economic tools such as carbon pricing (taxes vs. cap-and-trade), green subsidies, and climate finance, analyzing their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption. Case studies, including Sweden’s carbon tax, the EU Emissions Trading System, and India’s emerging carbon market, illustrate the real-world impact of these instruments. Additionally, the paper explores the broader economic implications of climate policies on growth, investment, employment, and global trade. While these policies impose short-term costs, they drive long-term economic stability, job creation, and technological innovation. The study highlights the need for periodic evaluation and global cooperation to maximize the effectiveness of economic instruments in achieving a low-carbon, sustainable future.
Keywords: Climate Change, Economic Instruments, Carbon Pricing, Cap-and-Trade, Green Subsidies, Climate Finance, Renewable Energy, Emissions Trading, Sustainable Growth, Global Cooperation

February 28, 2025 No Comments

Public Policies

Redefining Algorithmic governance: AI for People, Policy and Progress

The article, “Redefining Algorithmic Governance: AI for People, Policy, and Progress,” explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping public policy in India. It examines how AI is being integrated into governance, from predicting drought patterns to streamlining welfare distribution; while highlighting the challenges of algorithmic opacity, data privacy, and systemic bias. The piece raises critical questions about power dynamics in AI-driven decision-making, questioning whether true authority lies with the coder designing the algorithm, the policymaker implementing it, or the AI system itself. It draws comparisons with global AI governance models, such as the EU’s risk-based regulations, China’s state-driven approach, and the US’s corporate-influenced strategies to position India’s path forward.

Going beyond mere critique, the article presents concrete policy recommendations. It calls for the creation of an Independent AI Ethics Authority (AIEA) to oversee AI deployment, the adoption of Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIA) to evaluate AI’s social and economic consequences, and the promotion of inclusive AI design to safeguard marginalized communities. Ultimately, the article argues that AI is not just a technological tool but a political force, capable of either reinforcing inequalities or driving inclusive progress. It emphasizes the need for transparent, accountable, and people-centric AI governance to ensure that technological advancements serve democratic values and the public good.

February 28, 2025 2 Comments

SOCIOLOGY

How Does Bollywood and Regional Cinema Portray Women and Violence in Films?

How Does Bollywood and Regional Cinema Portray Women and Violence in Films? Divyasri SN, Anmol Yadav & Nandini Singh 1. Introduction Anmol Yadav India’s perception of women and violence is shaped by cinema, a potent cultural medium that both reflects and shapes societal attitudes. Both Bollywood and regional films have an impact on public opinion in India, frequently feeding negative preconceptions. Cinema is compared to dreams in Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, emphasizing how it shapes social conventions. Many movies still normalize violence and uphold gender inequity, even though some have progressive themes. According to a 2017 Geena Davis Institute study, women in Bollywood are significantly underrepresented, receiving only 31.5% of the screen time compared to male actors. 2. Historical Perspective Anmol Yadav Social conventions and cinematic tropes have greatly influenced how women are portrayed in Indian movies. Indian films have long employed these clichés to establish a strong emotional connection with viewers, drawing on Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes and universal symbols like the mother or the hero. Women were frequently portrayed in Bollywood’s early years (1930s–1950s) as selfless individuals who embodied virtue and parenting ideals. Devdas (1955) reaffirmed the idea that women’s value is correlated with their interactions with males, while Mother India (1957) depicted strong but conventionally constrained female roles. Nuanced depictions of women were first seen in Indian film during its heyday, which spanned the 1950s to 1970s. As an unmarried mother, Sharmila Tagore’s role in Aradhana (1969) defied social expectations. Hypermasculine themes, such as Amitabh Bachchan’s “angry young man” in Zanjeer (1973) and the action-packed Sholay (1975), which combined violence with justice, also became more popular during this time. Bollywood tended toward marketed entertainment from the 1980s to the 1990s, eschewing nuanced female characters in favor of stereotypical ones as victims or romantic interests. Negative preconceptions were reinforced by the frequent romanticization or trivialization of violence against women. Regional film, on the other hand, provided more varied representations. Bengali, Malayalam, and Tamil films explored women’s lives in more detail while capturing local sociocultural quirks. The 1964 film Charulata by Satyajit Ray delicately examined the inner lives of women. However, patriarchal storylines continued to exist, with some movies using honor or tradition to defend violence. A change has been brought about by the emergence of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which provides room for unusual storylines and nuanced female characters. This development is changing how movies are told and how the industry makes money. 3. Bollywood and the Normalization of Violence Against Women Anmol Yadav Stalking is commonly portrayed in Bollywood as a respectable and romantic kind of courting. Male heroes who persistently seek women are portrayed in movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Raanjhanaa (2013) as romantic rather than harmful. DDLJ’s famous quote, “Jaa Simran jaa, jee le apni zindagi,” for example, seems empowering at first but ultimately casts the father as Simran’s protector. With lines like “Shaadi ke baad patni ki izzat pati ke haath mein hoti hai” from Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1997) and “Pati Parmeshwar hota hai” from Biwi No. 1 (1999), Bollywood further reinforces negative gender stereotypes by reducing women to subservient positions. In movies like Baaghi (2016) and Kabir Singh (2019), women are also employed as plot elements for male retaliation, with their misery serving as an excuse for male violence. The assumption that women must experience pain in order to regain power is further supported by movies like Bandit Queen (1994), which examine domestic abuse through extreme retribution scenarios. Sheila Ki Jawani and Munni Badnaam Hui are two examples of item songs that further objectify women by treating them as objects for males to consume. (References – https://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in/epgpdata/uploads/epgp_content/women_studies/gender_studies/10.women_media_and_films/28._women_in_regional_films/et/6359_et_et_28.pdf Role of women in contemporary Indian cinema: A psychological perspective -Berlin school of business and innovation- https://www.berlinsbi.com/blog/role-of-women-in-contemporary-indian-cinema-a-Psychological-perspective Critical Analysis of the Representation of Women in Indian Cinema Dr. Ruchika Chaudhary https://research-communications.cmpcollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/10-Dr.-Ruchika-chaudhary-Critical-Analysis-of-the-Representation-of-Women-in-Indian-Cinema-Modified.pdf The Impact of Gender Representation in Indian Films https://geenadavisinstitute.org/research/the-impact-of-gender-representation-in-indian-films/ Study on the Impact of Bollywood Films on the Youth Population in India https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383177362_The_study_on_impact_of_bollywood_films_on_the_youth_population_in_India https://www.shethepeople.tv/film-theatre/regional-films-on-feminism-jhimma-uyare-sinjar/ ) 4. Gender Stereotypes and Tropes in Indian Cinema Nandini Singh 4.1. The “Damsel in Distress” Trope Hindi cinema or should we say the whole Indian cinema has been male-oriented, it has always been in search of such a hero who talks about everyone and fights for everyone. In the inception of Indian cinema, female characters remained in historical, mythological, religious and traditional roles. The earliest change in this theme is visible in 1935 when Dadasaheb Phalke produced the film Hunterwali. Indian cinema seems to be changing with the changing society.Early years after independence, films like Patita, Ek Hi Raasta and Sadhna etc. depicted the indecisiveness of a woman, her chastity and her position in the hegemonic system of a male dominated society, but herchanged forms come to the fore in the movies made in later years.This was the period in the story of Indian cinema when women were out of the field of producing and directing films and this field was completely in the hands of men. 4.2. The “Item Girl” Phenomenon The objectification and sexualization of women in Indian films have been normalized to the extent that it is hard to imagine a film without the mandatory item number or a scene that shows the female lead in a provocative outfit. In most films, women are portrayed as mere objects of desire, and their characters are often reduced to their physical appearance and sexuality. One of the most egregious examples of this is the item number. In an item number, a woman dances to a sexually charged song, dressed in revealing clothes, and is often surrounded by men. The item number is meant to be a highlight of the film, and filmmakers believe that it is necessary to include it to attract audiences. However, it reduces women to sexual objects and sends a message that women’s bodies are for male consumption. This portrayal not only diminishes the value of women but also reinforces gender stereotypes that limit women’s choices and

February 28, 2025 No Comments

International Relations

The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Prospects for a Two-State Solution

The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Prospects for a Two-State Solution Anmol Yadav, Nandini Singh & Divyasri S 1.Introduction By Anmol Yadav The Israel-Palestine conflict has been on-going for more than 100 years between Jews and Arabs over a piece of land between Jordan river and the Mediterranean Sea. Between 1882 to 1948 via the Aliyah’s movement, Jews from around the world gathered in Palestine. After World War 1, the Ottoman Empire fell, and the UK got control over Palestine which was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. The Balfour Declaration was issued after Britain gained control with the aim of establishing a home for the Jews in Palestine. However, during that period, the Arabs were in majority in Palestine. Jews favored the idea while the Palestinians rejected it. Almost 6 million Jews lost their lives in the Holocaust which also ignited further demand of a separate Jewish state. Jews claimed Palestine to be their natural home while the Arabs too did not leave the land and claimed it with the international community supporting the Jews. In 1947, the UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem becoming an international city. That plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side and never implemented. 2. Historical Background of the Conflict By Anmol Yadav In 1948 Britain lifted its control over the area and Jews declared the creation of Israel. Although Palestinians objected, Jews did not back out which led to an armed conflict. The neighbouring Arabs also invaded and were thrashed by the Israeli troops. This made thousands of Palestinians flee their homes. This was called Al-Nakba, or the “Catastrophe”. Israel had gained maximum control over the territory after this came to an end. Jordan then went on a war with Israel and seized control over a part of the land which was called the West Bank, and Egypt occupied Gaza. Jerusalem was divided between Israel in the West, and Jordan in the East. However, no formal peace agreement was signed, each side continued to blame each other for the tension and the region saw more wars. Israeli forces captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank, various areas of Syrian Golan Heights, Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula in the year 1967.Israel still occupies the West Bank, and although it pulled out of Gaza the UN still regards that piece of land as part of occupied territory. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital, while the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. The US is one of only a handful of countries to recognize Israel’s claim to the whole of the city. 3. TWO STATES SOLUTION The “two-state solution” refers to a proposed resolution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict that envisions the establishment of two separate and independent states, one for Israelis (Israel) and the other for Palestinians (Palestine), living side by side in peace and security. Hamas forcibly took control over the Gaza Strip in 2007. Shortly thereafter, the Israelis imposed a complete closure on Gaza’s borders. They declared Gaza to be an enemy entity. Of course, Gaza is not a state. Hamas, of course, is viewed by Israel and by much of the international community as a terrorist organization, including the United States, for their history of attacks on civilians and so forth. On June 24, the UN Secretary General António Guterres told a virtual meeting of the United Nations Security Council that the Israeli Palestinian conflict is at a “watershed moment”. The Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank have alarmed the Palestinians, many Israelis and the international community. Such annexation would be “a most serious violation of international law”. Under international law, annexation is forcible acquisition of territory by one state at the expense of another state. Such an act even if sanctified by Israeli law is illegal under international law and would violate the universally acknowledged principle of the “inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force”. 4. Political and Diplomatic Efforts There have been various peace Efforts like the 1978: Camp David Accords – Israel-Egypt peace treaty, 1987-1993: First Intifada – Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories and Oslo Accords – Peace negotiations between Israel and the PLO, leading to limited Palestinian self-rule.2000s saw Second Intifada of Palestinian uprising with significant violence and Israel withdrawing from the Gaza Strip but maintaining control of its borders. Hamas won Palestinian legislative elections in 2006 and took control of the Gaza Strip in a violent conflict with Fatah.2008 to 2014 saw many war uprisings continuing to the dates. 5.Major Obstacles to a Two-State Solution By Nandini Singh 5.1. Territorial disputes The first proposal for separate Jewish and Arab states in the territory was made by the British Peel Commission report in 1937. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a partition plan for Palestine, leading to the1948 Palestine war. As a result, Israel was established on the area the UN had proposed for the Jewish state, as well as almost 60% of the area proposed for the Arab state. Israel took control of West Jerusalem, which was meant to be part of an international zone. Jordan took control of East Jerusalem and what became known as the West Bank, annexing it the following year. The territory which became the Gaza Strip was occupied by Egypt but never annexed. Since the 1967 Six-day War, both the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip have been militarily occupied by Israel, becoming known as the Palestinian territories. 5.2. Security Concerns During the time of Oslo in the 1990s, a vast majority of Palestinians in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip clearly accepted Yasser Arafat and the PLO as their legitimate representatives. With Arafat’s death, the failure of the peace process until now, and the rise of Hamas, these problems have worsened. Hamas, despite and perhaps because of its role in perpetrating

February 28, 2025 No Comments

International Relations

The Strategic Ramifications of CPEC: A Disquisition on Its Impact on India’s Geopolitical and Border Security Paradigm

Authors : Tanuj Samaddar, A R Sangeetha, Md. Rizwan, Ankush Kumar Within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship undertaking of great significance throughout South Asia as a strategically significant regional, economic, and geopolitical undertaking. Wolf (2019) conceived the corridor between the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China and the Gwadar Port in the Balochistan province of Pakistan via a sprawling network of roads, railways, energy initiatives, and special economic zones (SEZs). New Delhi sees CPEC as a significant security threat that violates India’s sovereignty, escalates border tensions, and redraws regional power disparities, even though Beijing touts it as a forerunner of economic revitalization and regional connectivity. (Pant and Joshi , 2017) Its passage through the disputed Gilgit-Baltistan territory, a region still a crucial part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and subject to territorial claim by India, is the main argument supporting India’s strategic concerns on CPEC. CPEC’s effects cover a more Chinese military presence in the Indian Ocean Region, the militarization of economic corridors, and regional economic architecture realignment. Through the lenses of sovereignty, economic dependence, military tactics, and geopolitical reconfigurations, this research charts the complex security consequences of CPEC for India. This study seeks to provide a subtle view of the manifold security threats presented by CPEC and the corresponding countermeasures India uses to minimize its negative effects by combining a large amount of academic work. The sovereignty narrative surrounding the CPEC has caused intense unease among Indian policy and strategic circles. Pant and Joshi (2017) among others argue that the corridor’s crossing through Gilgit-Baltistan directly violates India’s territorial integrity, hence supporting Pakistan’s effective administrative authority over the area. Kumar (2019) adds that China’s infrastructure related spending in the area practically acknowledges Pakistan’s territorial claims, thereby worsening the legal and political deadlock over Kashmir. India’s strategic apprehensions are further accentuated by the potential encirclement effect precipitated by China’s economic corridors, collectively known as the ‘String of Pearls’ strategy (Brewster, 2018). The encirclement theory posits that Beijing’s financial statecraft is fundamentally tied to its larger geostrategic aims, where infrastructural investments act as channels for security leverage In addition, India’s positive outreach to regional actors—namely Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asian Republics—through infrastructural ventures like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is indicative of a move to offset Pakistan’s geoeconomic centrality in CPEC. The synergizing of Indo-Pacific alliances, more specifically through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), is an adjunct mechanism to counterbalance Chinese strategic gains (Jacob, 2020). Economic and Military Aspects of CPEC Influencing India’s National Security The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has fundamentally altered the economic landscape of South Asia, with notable implications for India’s national security. Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Chinese investments has spurred significant infrastructure development along India’s western border, raising fears of strategic encirclement. The corridor linking Gwadar Port to China’s Xinjiang province enhances Pakistan’s logistical capabilities, allowing for more efficient military mobilization (Pant,2018) . Chinese involvement in vital transport and energy projects in Pakistan challenges India’s trade networks, potentially diminishing India’s influence in South Asia (Small, 2020). Furthermore, as Pakistan grapples with a growing debt burden from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, this economic imbalance has become closer aligned with Chinese policies, thereby complicating India’s geopolitical position (Rana,2021). The military implications of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) present significant security concerns for India, especially given the increasing Chinese presence at Gwadar Port. Analysts indicate that what was initially intended as a trade hub may now serve dual military functions, potentially allowing China to station naval assets in the Arabian Sea (Singh, 2019). This development raises apprehensions about a possible Chinese-Pakistani naval partnership, which could undermine India’s maritime security. Moreover, CPEC traverses Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), a region that India claims as its own. China’s investments in infrastructure, including highways and railways in POK, bolster Pakistan’s ability to mobilize forces along the Line of Control (LoC), heightening border tensions. Furthermore, reports suggest that Chinese-funded security deployments along the CPEC route have increased militarization in border areas, raising the likelihood of potential conflict scenarios (Sharma, 2022). The expanding military and economic partnership between China and Pakistan has prompted a more assertive Pakistani approach to border disputes, resulting in a rise in ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) (Malik, 2022). This corridor enhances China’s geo-economic influence, positioning it as a key South Asian player and marginalizing India’s role in the region. The potential for a two-front war scenario—where India could face simultaneous military threats from China to the north and Pakistan to the west—has become a significant concern for India’s defense strategists. Furthermore, China’s debt-trap diplomacy in Pakistan raises alarms about long-term geopolitical realignments, posing an additional threat to India’s strategic interests. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has significantly transformed India’s national security landscape, impacting economic sovereignty and military readiness. The corridor’s path through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has exacerbated border conflicts, and Pakistan’s increasing economic dependence on China fortifies the Sino-Pak alliance, thereby challenging India’s position in the region. From a military perspective, the potential dual-use nature of Gwadar Port, alongside infrastructure that enhances Pakistan’s military mobility, heightens the risk of cross-border skirmishes. In response to these developments, India must bolster its border security, strengthen alliances with global partners, and seek to expand alternative trade routes, such as Chabahar Port. Addressing these complex challenges necessitates a comprehensive security strategy integrating diplomatic, economic, and military measures to protect India’s strategic interests. Impact of CPEC in Indo-Pak border In such a scenario, which is likely to be created by India’s concessions to Pakistan, the Indo-Pak border dimensions along with border dynamics would substantially change. Such considerations most certainly include the geographical base of Pakistan and India as an extension of these countries to Afghanistan as it brings the vast areas of Balochistan, Sindh, and the southern provinces of Afghanistan into geographical proximity to the western borders of northern India via scanty highlands and plateaus connecting these desert-based provinces.

February 28, 2025 No Comments

No Poverty

Urbanization, Poverty, and Policy Interventions in India: Challenges and Pathways Forward

Urban poverty remains a pressing challenge in developing economies, shaped by rapid urbanization, inadequate housing, and economic disparities. This article explores key policies, including housing schemes and social protection measures, assessing their impact on vulnerable communities while proposing sustainable strategies for inclusive urban development and improved livelihoods.

February 28, 2025 No Comments

Blog

AI and Data Protection: We Truly Protected by our Data Shield

1.Ajit Kumar 2.Pranjal Sahay 3. Deepika Mehra 4. Sakshi Agarwal AbstractAs we know, the use of AI is increasing day by day. The advent of AI has brought significant changes on a global scale. Due to AI, manual work has been reduced, and smart automation has evolved. The accuracy of work has increased, and human labour has decreased. AI also saves time. However, with the rise of AI, the misuse of personal data is also increasing. Individuals, companies, and organizations can collect, use, and dispose of personal data with the help of AI. In this technological era, the misuse of personal data is not a big challenge for those skilled in technology. Data misuse is rising, and the crucial question is: how can we control it? Controlling data misuse is a challenging task in today’s digital age. This paper discusses the steps taken at both global and national levels to regulate the misuse of personal data. The European Union implemented the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25, 2018 to safeguard individuals’ privacy. On the other hand, the United States has adopted a sectoral approach to data protection. Various regulations have been enacted, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), to regulate data privacy in different sectors. Canada has also introduced legislation to ensure data protection—the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Recently, Nigeria replaced its old data protection law with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. Similarly, India passed its new data protection legislation, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) of 2023, which came into effect on September 1, 2023. IntroductionThe emergence of artificial intelligence has proved to be a boon for society, benefiting not only individuals but also industries. AI has become a necessary evil in today’s world. It is a man-made intellect created to drive innovation and creativity. AI has demonstrated its significance in ways that were once considered impossible. It not only predicts problems but also provides solutions that can be implemented when needed. From an industrial perspective, AI is contributing its intelligence across various sectors, including education, healthcare, logistics and transportation, retail and e-commerce, banking and financial institutions, and many more. Today, AI is no longer just a luxury but a necessity in our daily lives. However, what is a boon today may become a bane tomorrow, as every coin has two sides. While AI offers immense benefits, it also poses threats, such as the infringement of individuals’ privacy and the rise of cybercrime, which can harm society and hinder progress. To address these challenges, global initiatives have been taken by legislators to protect individual rights and maintain law and order. Legislation has been introduced in the form of data protection laws, such as India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. These regulations aim to govern how organizations collect, process, and store personal data, highlighting the importance of human intelligence in overseeing artificial intelligence. History of Artificial IntelligenceArtificial Intelligence has become an essential part of our lives. To better understand its functioning, let’s explore its origins. The roots of AI can be traced back to ancient times, as seen in Greek mythology’s mechanical birds and the Golem. The ideas of Aristotle also played a crucial role in shaping early conceptions of AI. Later development in AI With the advent of the digital revolution, scientists envisioned creating a machine that could mimic human intellect. This led to the birth of AI. The term “Artificial Intelligence” was first coined during the Dartmouth Conference. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed early successes in game playing and theorem proving; however, the “AI Winter” of the 1970s followed due to unfulfilled expectations for progress. In the 1980s, expert systems were developed to solve problems using rule-based reasoning. By the 1990s, computing power and data availability had significantly increased. Additionally, machine learning expanded, enabling systems to learn from data without explicit programming. By 2010, neural networks began achieving significant advances in complex data analysis, including image and language processing. A major turning point occurred with the Turing Test, where IBM’s Deep Blue defeated a chess champion, and AlphaGo defeated a Go champion. As AI continues to develop, it has the potential to revolutionize society; however, ethical concerns such as algorithmic bias and employment displacement must be carefully considered. Opportunities with AI AI presents an incredible opportunity, knocking at our doors. This opportunity can be understood from three different perspectives: individual perspective, industrial perspective, and contingent perspective. Individual Perspective AI can be integrated into individuals’ lives to alleviate loneliness. It provides an emotional quotient, offering companionship, especially to people who live alone—whether due to employment reasons or personal circumstances. Certain AI tools like Alexa, Siri, and Rabbit R1 not only answer queries but also engage in polite and meaningful conversations, making users feel less isolated. These technologies act as digital companions or acquaintances. Industrial Perspective AI has benefitted various sectors of society, not just at a national level but on a global scale. Education Sector AI has enabled students to expand their knowledge beyond traditional fields. With the help of AI-powered prompt engineering, students can enhance their research and innovation. It has simplified learning by introducing technologies that prepare students for interviews, skill acquisition, and exploration. Teachers can track students’ progress using AI software like Brisk Teaching, Grade scope, School AI, Magic School, and more. Healthcare Industry AI has proved to be a boon in the healthcare industry. With advanced monitoring technologies, diseases can now be detected in their earlier stages, improving patient outcomes. AI has also reduced errors in dosage administration, introduced virtual nursing assistants, minimized fraud, and streamlined administrative procedures. Transportation Industry In transportation, AI has introduced electric and autonomous vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. These innovations not only cut costs on petrol and diesel but also contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing

February 28, 2025 No Comments

Gender Equality

Rural Women in Indian Politics

This post looked at the progress in the realm political participation made by Indian rural women since independence. The historical context of Indian women in politics was provided alongside, the progress made such as in the Panchayati Raj institutions. Additionally, the lingering challenges for women, including women representatives reduced to symbolic figures and the persistence of gender stereotypes were looked into. A comparative study of differing women’s representation in the states of Odisha and Karnataka was also conducted. This study showed how economic progress for women does not automatically translate into political empowerment; unless supported by sufficient political will. Finally, suggestions were made for enhancing the representation of women in Indian politics.

February 28, 2025 No Comments

Public Policies

Ethical AI Frameworks for Financial Inclusion in Developing Economies: A Case Study of India

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial services can significantly improve financial inclusion in developing countries, especially in India, where a large segment of the population is either unbanked or inadequately served. Nonetheless, the application of AI in this area presents ethical dilemmas, such as bias, insufficient transparency, concerns regarding data privacy, and the possibility of marginalizing disadvantaged groups. This research paper aims to tackle these issues by creating a context-specific ethical AI framework designed for the Indian financial sector, focusing on principles of fairness, inclusivity, and accountability.

February 28, 2025 1 Comment

Gender Equality

Strengthening HER Future: Evaluating Women Centric Policies

India is moving from women’s development to women-led development, which ensures women’s active participation in society. The government has worked on various schemes focused on improving education, employment, healthcare, and safety for women.

The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme attempts to change the child sex ratio alongside child education, but budgetary slippages and poor inter-departmental coordination continue to constrain the scheme. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’ funds maternity benefits through conditional cash transfers, but awareness and fund disbursement is insufficiently robust. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana’ issues unsecured credit to women entrepreneurs, but suffers from under-education, misuse of loans, and over-indebtedness amongst women business owners.

While there has been advancement through these programs, a lot more needs work. There needs to be involvement from the government and the private sector as well as civil society to successfully promote the long-term well being and empowerment of women in India.

February 28, 2025 No Comments

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