The article deals with the various aspects of poverty and the measures took by international institutions and the Indian government bodies for their upliftment.
In today’s information-driven world, the right to privacy and the right to information are essential for ensuring governmental accountability and protecting individual freedoms. While these rights often complement each other, conflicts can arise when requests for personal data intersect with transparency. Balancing these rights requires clear legal mechanisms and definitions, particularly concerning terms like “personal information” and “public interest.” As more nations adopt RTI and privacy laws, developing institutional frameworks that prioritize public interest while safeguarding privacy is crucial. Striking this balance ensures both privacy protection and governmental transparency in modern democracies.
The Circular Economy: Minimized Waste, Maximized Efficiency ABSTRACT The circular economy is a transformative approach aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency by reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing materials. It contrasts with the current linear economy, which leads to overconsumption and environmental degradation. Based on three core principles—eliminating waste, circulating products, and regenerating nature—it promotes sustainability and economic growth. Recent innovations, such as waterless dyeing and artificial intelligence, enhance circular processes by improving product design, optimizing resource use, and reducing waste. The circular economy presents a pathway to significant environmental and economic benefits, unlocking trillions in value while addressing global challenges like climate change. INTRODUCTION The circular economy represents a transformative shift in how we produce, consume, and manage resources. It emphasizes the continuous use of materials and products through methods like refurbishment, reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing, effectively reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials, the circular economy is designed to create a more resilient system that benefits businesses, people, and the environment. In this essay, we will explore the core principles of the circular economy, its benefits, and its integration with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), supported by data and evidence. The Problem with the Current Linear Economy Today’s global economy largely operates on a linear model of production and consumption, commonly referred to as a “take-make-dispose” system. In this model, resources are extracted, used to make products, and then discarded as waste after their use. This system is unsustainable due to its heavy reliance on finite resources, such as fossil fuels and metals, and its contribution to environmental degradation. According to the World Bank, global waste generation is expected to increase by 70% from 2016 levels by 2050, reaching 3.4 billion tons annually . This increase in waste is driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, and overconsumption, particularly in developed countries. The linear economy’s reliance on wasteful production processes has contributed to significant environmental issues, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. The Circular Economy: Principles and Approach The circular economy offers an alternative to the wasteful linear model by focusing on three key principles: Eliminating Waste and Pollution Circulating Products and Materials Regenerating Natural Systems These principles guide a shift from a consumption-based, resource-intensive economy to one that prioritizes sustainability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Elimination of Waste and Pollution The first principle of the circular economy aims to eliminate waste and pollution by rethinking how products are designed and how production processes are structured. In a circular system, waste is viewed not as an inevitable byproduct of consumption but as a design flaw. Products are developed to minimize their environmental impact, from materials sourcing to end-of-life disposal. One prime example of waste reduction in action is the waterless dyeing technology pioneered by DyeCoo, a Dutch company that has developed a system that eliminates the need for water in textile dyeing. The textile industry is one of the most water-intensive sectors globally, with traditional dyeing processes consuming an estimated 79 billion cubic meters of water annually. DyeCoo’s waterless technology eliminates water usage, reduces energy consumption, and eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, helping to combat one of the most polluting aspects of the fashion industry. Circulation of Products and Materials The second principle of the circular economy focuses on keeping materials and products in circulation for as long as possible. This involves designing products that are durable, repairable, and easy to disassemble. When products can no longer serve their original purpose, their components or materials are recycled or repurposed for new uses, reducing the need for virgin resources and minimizing waste. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, adopting circular economy principles in the EU alone could lead to a reduction in carbon emissions by up to 48% by 2030 and a decrease in material costs by €600 billion per year. Circular strategies such as remanufacturing and refurbishment allow industries to retain the value of materials and products by extending their life cycles. For instance, companies like Caterpillar and Rolls-Royce have embraced circularity by offering remanufacturing programs for heavy machinery and jet engines, respectively, ensuring that parts and materials are reused instead of discarded. Regeneration of Nature Beyond waste elimination and material circulation, the circular economy also emphasizes the need to regenerate natural systems. This principle recognizes that the economy and the environment are interconnected, and that businesses should not only minimize their negative impact on the planet but actively contribute to the restoration of natural ecosystems. In practical terms, this means using renewable resources, protecting biodiversity, and adopting regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health and sequester carbon. The circular economy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing the use of resources and shifting towards renewable energy sources. A study by the International Resource Panel suggests that a circular economy could reduce global carbon emissions by up to 72% by 2050, particularly in industries like cement, steel, plastic, and aluminum. Economic and Environmental Benefits The economic benefits of transitioning to a circular economy are substantial. According to the World Economic Forum, adopting circular practices could unlock $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030. Circular business models create opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and new revenue streams. For example, IKEA, a global leader in home furnishings, has committed to becoming fully circular by 2030. This includes designing products for reuse and recycling, using renewable and recycled materials, and offering furniture take-back services. Environmental benefits are equally impressive. The European Environment Agency estimates that circular economy strategies could reduce Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions by 56% by 2050. By reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing pollution, the circular economy supports the goals of international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Circular Economy One of the most exciting recent developments in the circular economy is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to optimize circular processes, enabling businesses to design more sustainable products, improve resource efficiency, and implement circular business
In today’s world, usage of resources sustainably is utmost important. In a situation where people below poverty line live on a meagre wage of $2.15 dollars, it is important that we know how to “reduce, reuse, recycle” our resources. SDG 12 or Sustainable Development Goal 12 deals with reduction of waste production and ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns for the society. Each stage of production or manufacturing presents an opportunity to reduce resource and fossil fuel use, foster innovation, conserve energy, cut emissions, and advocate for a circular economy approach. The question may arise that why achieving this goal is important? Our planet is running out of resources, but populations are continuing to grow. If the global population reaches 9.8 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets will be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles.We need to change our consumption habits, and shifting our energy supplies to more sustainable ones is one of the main changes we must make if we are going to reduce our consumption levels. However, global crises triggered a resurgence in fossil fuel subsidies, nearly doubling from 2020 to 2021. Goal 12 targets:- Target 12.1: From 2019 to 2023, one-third of member states (63 countries) have reported 516 policy instruments related to sustainable consumption and production. Target 12.2: From 2015 to 2022, Domestic Material Consumption (DMC) increased by 5.8%, and Material Footprint (MF) rose by 6.8%. Regional disparities between DMC and MF continue to grow, particularly between regions where MF is higher than DMC (Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, Europe and Northern America, Northern Africa and Western Asia) and those where MF is lower than DMC (Central and Southern Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania), showing different patterns of material consumption and their corresponding environmental impact. Target 12.3: In 2022, 19% of global food was wasted, totalling 1.05 billion tonnes, with household waste accounting for 60%. This waste generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, costing over $1 trillion annually, while 783 million people suffer from hunger. Addressing this issue is crucial for halving food waste by 2030, yet only 9 out of 193 countries have included food waste in their Nationally Determined Contributions as of 2022. Meanwhile, the percentage of food lost globally after harvest on farm, transport, storage, wholesale, and processing levels is estimated at 13.2% in 2021. Target 12.4: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement: Targets 12.4 and 12.5: In 2022, e-waste generation rose to 7.8 kg per capita from 6.2 kg per capita in 2015, but only 1.7 kg per capita was properly managed. Mismanaged e-waste leads to resource loss, increased use of virgin resources, and environmental hazards, underscoring the urgency for improved and environmentally sound management. Target 12.6: In 2021-2022, 73% of companies included in the sample published sustainability reports, with the number of companies tripling since 2016. This growth was observed in all regions in 2022. Target 12.c: Fossil fuel subsidies hit a record high of $1.53 trillion in 2022, reversing the declining trend observed from 2012 to 2020. The post-COVID energy price surge inflated these subsidies, prompting some governments to introduce new support measures. Consequently, public funding for oil, coal, and gas production and consumption more than doubled from 2021 to 2022 and tripled since 2015, impeding progress towards net-zero transition. What is a circular economy? A circular economy, sometimes known as circularity or CE, is a model of resource production and consumption in any economy that emphasises extending the life of current materials and products through sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, and refurbishing them. In order to address global issues including pollution, waste, biodiversity loss, and climate change, the concept emphasises the model’s three guiding principles being implemented design-based. To shift towards a circular economy, three key concepts need to be followed: minimising waste and pollution, extending the life of products and resources, and restoring natural systems.In contrast to the conventional linear economy, CE is specified. Circular economy and its relation with SDG 12: Circular economies, or CEs, are seen to offer potential solutions to issues including the rising demand for resources worldwide, price fluctuation for raw materials, as well as rising consumption and population globally.(Alonso-Almeida and Rodriguez-Anton,2019). The circular economy (CE) is a transformative concept aimed at transitioning from the traditional “take-make-dispose” linear economy to a more sustainable model. It emphasises minimising waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting the recycling and reuse of materials. This model is designed to achieve long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. CE directly supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as those related to responsible consumption, production (SDG 12), and poverty eradication (SDG 1). (Khalid, A. M., Sharma, S., & Dubey, A. K,2018, August).One critical area where CE is particularly important is in addressing the issue of plastic waste management. Plastic waste (PW) has become one of the fastest-growing segments of municipal waste globally, with serious environmental consequences. As highlighted by Hossain et al. (2022), only about 9% of plastic waste is recycled, with the vast majority ending up in landfills or the natural environment. The circular economy offers solutions by promoting the reuse of plastics and improving recycling technologies (Hossain, R., Islam, M. T., Shanker, R., Khan, D., Locock, K. E. S., Ghose, A., … & Sahajwalla, V ,2022).Furthermore, the CE model helps tackle the depletion of natural resources by advocating for closed-loop systems. The report by the Finnish Environment Institute (2018) stresses that businesses adopting circular practices can reduce their dependency on raw materials, lower production costs, and contribute to sustainability. In essence, CE can drive innovation while mitigating environmental damage by reducing resource extraction and waste generation. However, structural adjustments to laws, rules, and business models are necessary for the effective use of CE. For example, as the Finnish report discusses, policies that promote sustainable patterns of production and consumption must be incorporated into
RTI: Unveiling Governance and Strengthening Democracy Abstract Explore the critical role of the Right to Information (RTI) Act as a pillar of democracy, enhancing transparency and accountability in governance worldwide. This paper examines historical and contemporary frameworks across various countries, highlighting how RTI fosters citizen empowerment and reinforces democratic principles. Learn about its impact on civil society and media, alongside key challenges and case studies that underscore the need for effective information access in promoting just and inclusive governance. Introduction In contemporary governance, RTI (Right to Information) and democracy are foundational elements that promote transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment. A thriving democracy relies on active citizen participation, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to decision-making processes. The RTI, as a fundamental right, grants individual success to information held by public authorities, cultivating a culture of openness and trust. This dynamic interplay not only facilitates equitable power distribution but also ensures that governance is reflective of and responsive to community needs. The evolution of RTI legislation globally underscores a commitment to these democratic principles, beginning with Sweden’s groundbreaking Freedom of Information Act in 1766 and extending to contemporary frameworks in numerous nations. This paper will explore various RTI frameworks, assess their impact on democratic governance, and address the challenges and future directions for this essential right. By highlighting the significance of RTI, we can better understand its critical role in strengthening democracy, enhancing media accountability, and combating corruption in our increasingly complex societies. Through these lenses, the importance of public interest and the role of civil society in promoting transparency will be examined. Global Perspectives on the Right to Information The development of RTI legislation has been instrumental in promoting transparency across different countries: The evolution of Right to Information (RTI) legislation has played a pivotal role in unveiling governance and reinforcing democracy across the globe. Sweden’s Freedom of Information Act, established in 1766, set a foundational standard for public access to government documents. France’s Constitution, through Article 14 , emphasizes citizens’ rights to vital information, promoting accountability. The UK’s 2005 Freedom of Information Act built upon historical frameworks, supported by significant court cases that affirmed the necessity of information access. In the United States, the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, along with key Supreme Court decisions, highlights the importance of transparency (United Kingdom. (2005). Additionally, the UN’s 1946 resolution recognizes RTI as a fundamental human right integral to democratic principles (United Nations General Assembly). The Right to Information in India In India, the journey toward RTI has been pivotal in enhancing democratic governance. Key milestones include: The journey toward the Right to Information (RTI) in India has been essential for enhancing democratic governance. Significant milestones include the Supreme Court ruling in UP v. Raj Narain (1975), which affirmed that transparency is vital for democracy. This landmark decision established that the right to information is implicit in the right to free speech, thereby bolstering citizens’ rights. In 1990, the Shourie Committee was formed to shape RTI legislation, emphasizing information as a public good. Its recommendations laid the groundwork for the RTI Act, which was enacted in 2005. The RTI Act embodies principles of transparency and accountability, empowering citizens to question and oversee governance, significantly improving citizen engagement and reducing corruption. Additionally, civil society initiatives, particularly by organizations like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) have played a crucial role in advocating for RTI. Their grassroots efforts mobilized communities and raised awareness about the importance of information access, ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act and empowering citizens to exercise their rights. Impact of the Right to Information The implementation of RTI has far-reaching effects on Democratic governance: Empowerment of Citizens: The Right to Information (RTI) empowers citizens by granting access to vital information, enabling them to challenge injustices and hold officials accountable (Lopez, 2022). This empowerment is essential for a vibrant democracy where informed citizens actively participate. Lamont v. Postmaster General, 381 U.S. 301 (1965). Stanley v. Georgia, 394 U.S. 557 (1969). RTI also promotes transparency, acting as a deterrent to corruption. When public officials know their actions are subject to scrutiny, they are more likely to uphold ethical standards (Smith & Green, 2021). Furthermore, RTI fosters civic engagement, allowing informed citizens to influence policymaking, ensuring that government actions reflect public interests (Jones, 2023). However, challenges remain, such as bureaucratic resistance and lack of awareness among citizens regarding their rights. Political interference can also hinder effective implementation. Addressing these issues through awareness campaigns and robust legal frameworks is vital for maximizing the potential of RTI, thereby strengthening democracy and promoting accountability. Literature Review The Right to Information (RTI) is pivotal in enhancing democratic governance through transparency and accountability. Priya Sharma (2019) emphasizes that RTI empowers citizens, enabling them to hold public officials accountable and participate actively in governance. This sentiment is supported by Meera Patel (2021), who argues that access to information strengthens democratic values. However, challenges persist. Sunil Gupta (2020) highlights bureaucratic resistance as a significant barrier to effective RTI implementation, while Rina Desai (2022) warns of political interference undermining transparency efforts. Despite these obstacles, Lakshmi Rao (2023) presents a more optimistic view, illustrating how RTI has led to tangible improvements in governance, particularly in India, through landmark cases that combat corruption. The role of civil society is crucial in advocating for RTI. Anil Kumar (2021) notes that organizations like the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) mobilize communities, raising awareness about information access. This grassroots activism demonstrates the vital link between RTI and civic engagement. The literature presents a balanced view of RTI, showcasing its potential to transform governance while acknowledging the challenges that must be addressed for its effective implementation. Future Directions To address these challenges, future efforts must focus on: Enhancing Awareness: Public education campaigns are essential to inform citizens about their rights under RTI, empowering them to seek information Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Continuous refinement of legal provisions can help address loopholes and ensure more robust protection of Encouraging Civic Participation: Building networks among civil society organizations
This article analyzes Singapore’s development journey. Singapore, a small island in Southeast Asia, has made strides in economic growth. It tops various world rankings in terms of human development, education, livability, and more. It serves as a case study for developing countries with limited resources.
Education for All ; understanding the role of SDG 4 in improving education around the world Education is something that is a birth right of every child. It’s education that carries the utmost importance in one’s life and enables them to live freely in the world. It is the key to a better life. Sustainable Development Goal 4 or SDG 4 helps the world by making education more accessible and making the world a better place. Even though the progress is not fast enough and 58% of the population has access to good education, United Nations strives to improve it by 2030.There targets are as follows:- Target 4.1: Completion rates in primary and lower secondary level education continue on an upward curve while the percentage of young people completing upper secondary school increased from 53% in 2015 to 59% in 2023. This increase, however, is at a slower pace relative to progress in the preceding eight[1]year period and such improvements do not always result in positive learning outcomes. Between 2018 and 2022, based on learning outcomes at the end of lower secondary school across 81 OECD and partner countries, mean performance in mathematics fell by a record 15 points while in reading fell 10 points. However, reading and mathematics scores had been declining for these countries prior to 2015, suggesting that COVID-19 explains only part of the decline. A complex set of factors affect the education systems of upper-middle[1]income and high-income countries. Target 4.2: Data from 76 mainly low- and middle-income countries from 2015 to 2023 shows that approximately two-thirds of young children are developmentally on track, with no significant gender differences. However, there are wide variations among countries and regions. In 2022, globally, 7 out of 10 children participated in organized learning one year before reaching official primary school age. Despite a 1.5 percentage point decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, participation levels have started to recover and return to pre-pandemic levels. Target 4.3: In countries with recent data, around one-sixth of individuals aged 15-64 have participated in education and training. Participation is significantly higher among youth aged 15-24 compared to those aged 24-55, with an average participation rate of nearly 50% across most regions. However, less than 3% of older adults aged 25-55 engage in education and training in most regions. Target 4.5: Socioeconomic disparities are prevalent in education, affecting various indicators. Global and regional parity ratios may hide gender inequalities within countries, disadvantaging either girls or boys. Disparities based on location or household wealth are more pronounced, with rural or less affluent families facing greater challenges. These gaps widen at higher education levels, leading to increased dropout rates and fewer opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Target 4.a: Only half of all primary schools have the basic infrastructures and materials to provide an adequate schooling experience to pupils with disabilities and one in five primary schools globally does not have single-sex sanitation facilities. On average, 44% of primary schools, 56% of lower secondary schools and 69% of upper secondary schools had access to Internet in 2022, almost double the rates in 2021. At the upper secondary level, 91% of schools have access to electricity, 81% have computers for pedagogical use and 69% of schools are connected to the internet. Impact and Improvements -: Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), focused on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning, has played a significant role in the improvement of global education systems. It represents a shift from previous global education frameworks by broadening the scope of education targets to cover pre-primary, primary, secondary, and higher education, as well as vocational and adult education, addressing not only basic literacy and numeracy but also global citizenship, sustainability, and gender equality. SDG 4’s comprehensive approach to quality education has influenced policies globally, emphasizing equality and lifelong learning as key elements to promote social inclusion and reduce inequalities (Unterhalter, E. 2019).One of the primary impacts of SDG 4 has been the establishment of measurable targets, such as ensuring free and equitable primary and secondary education for all children and the elimination of gender disparities in education. These targets have encouraged governments to prioritize education reforms, leading to improved access to education, particularly for disadvantaged groups, including women, children with disabilities, and marginalized communities(Boeren, E ,2019).However, the success of SDG 4 has been mixed. While global enrolment in primary education has increased, significant challenges remain in terms of quality, equity, and inclusivity. Many countries still struggle with issues such as teacher shortages, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of access to digital learning tools, particularly in rural areas.SDG 4 also addresses the content of education, promoting skills for sustainable development, human rights, and peacebuilding.This holistic approach has fostered educational practices that go beyond traditional rote learning, encouraging critical thinking, collaboration, and global awareness. The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in education, for example, has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing learning outcomes, especially in remote or underserved regions. Additionally, SDG 4 has created opportunities for international collaboration and partnerships in education, as seen through initiatives that bring together governments, private sectors, and civil society organizations to share best practices and resources (Saini, M., Sengupta, E., Singh, M., Singh, H., & Singh, J 2023) Improvement in Women’s Education -: Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) has played a critical role in improving women’s education by focusing on eliminating gender disparities and providing equal access to quality education at all levels. It has enabled global efforts to ensure that women and girls receive the education necessary to participate fully in economic, political, and social spheres. Despite some progress, significant challenges remain, particularly in regions where traditional gender roles, poverty, and social norms hinder access to education for women and girls. One of the most significant impacts of SDG 4 has been in increasing literacy rates among women. Literacy is closely linked to better employment opportunities, higher income, and greater social and political participation. It also has instrumental value, as maternal literacy correlates
Understanding Labour Law: A Quick Guide Labour law, commonly known as employment law, is a set of laws governing the rights and obligations of employees, employers, and trade unions. It covers a wide range of topics, including employment terms, which range of topics, including employment terms.[1], which include hiring practices, contracts, job descriptions, and termination procedures. Working conditions, which establish guidelines for health, safety, and welfare at work. Wages and Benefits, which control minimum wage, Overtime pay, and other forms of compensation. Trade unions, provide guidelines for the creation and operation of these organizations. And Industrial relations, which offers channels for resolving conflicts between employers and employees. To guarantee fair treatment and shield workers from exploitation, labour laws seek to balance the power relations between employers and employees. [2][3] 1. From Colonial Roots to Modern Safeguards: The Evolution and Impact of Labour Laws in India[4] India’s labour laws, which have their origins in the nation’s colonial past, are intended to uphold equitable labour practices and safeguard workers’ rights. Major laws like the Factories Act of 1881, which regulated working conditions, child Labour, and safety requirements, set the groundwork during the British administration. The Indian Constitution of 1950 played a pivotal role in creating Labour rights, and the country’s Labour laws were greatly strengthened after independence.[5][6] The dedication to social justice and economic stability for workers has been strengthened over time by the enactment of laws like the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947, and the Minimum Wages Act of 1948, the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952.[7][8] These rules are enforced by Labour agencies of the federal and state governments, whose inspectors frequently visit workplaces to verify wages and safety. Fair treatment and improved working conditions are negotiated by trade unions, while disagreements between companies and employees are resolved by special courts and tribunals.[9] To make sure that everyone is aware of the laws, government organizations and non-governmental organizations also provide programs that teach employers and employees about their rights and obligations.[10] A balanced work environment is essential for the welfare of employees as well as the social and economic development of the nation, and the court is a key player in interpreting these regulations.[11] 2. Why We Need Labour Law: There are multiple reasons why labour laws are essential some of them are[12]– Worker protection ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and acceptable hours. This makes it harder for employers to abuse or take advantage of their employees. Labour laws ensure social fairness by protecting disadvantaged workers from discrimination and unjust treatment. This protects their rights, which lessens inequity. Effective labour laws promote workplace harmony by resolving disputes between employers and employees. This avoids disputes that might disrupt business operations. Labour laws provide clear rules for employers to recognize their responsibilities to their employees. This knowledge can enhance workplace relations and lessen legal problems. -To ensure that workers are not placed in hazardous situations and that their health and safety are given first priority, it is critical to establish clear standards for workplace safety and health.[13] o The Benefits of Labour Laws: – Fair Treatment: Labour laws protect workers from exploitation by ensuring that they receive fair compensation, have reasonable working hours, and are employed in safe environments.[14][15] – Economic Stability: Labour laws promote economic growth and stability by developing an employee base that is inspired and efficient. – Social Justice: By safeguarding disadvantaged workers, these rules lessen inequality and guarantee equitable treatment for people from all backgrounds. – Industrial Harmony: By preserving harmony between employers and employees, conflict resolution procedures contribute to the smooth operation of the economy. – Clear Guidelines for Employers: Labour laws give a framework for employers to avoid legal conflicts and promote positive working relations.[16] Workplace Health and Safety: Labour laws provide standards that protect employees’ health and well-being by preventing illnesses and accidents at work. – Overall Development: Labour laws provide a balanced and equitable working environment, which helps a country’s economic and social advancement.[17] o Misuse of labour Laws: – False Claims: Workers may file unfounded claims against employers, leading to unnecessary legal battles and financial strain on businesses. – Excessive Regulation: Over-regulation can overwhelm employers, particularly small businesses, hindering growth and innovation. – Corruption: Corrupt practices within enforcement agencies can result in biased decisions, leading to unfair treatment and demands for bribes. – Union Misuse: Trade unions may exert undue pressure on employers, making unreasonable demands that can disrupt business operations and cause economic losses. – Delays in Dispute Resolution: Slow legal processes in labour disputes can create prolonged uncertainty, which can be exploited to delay justice.[18][19][20] Case Laws- SAIL v. National Union Waterfront Workers[21] Facts: The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) employed outside contractors to manage the inventory in their stockyards. This approach was contested by the labour union National Union Waterfront Workers, who said that using contract labour was exploitative. They insisted on regular employment inside SAIL for contract workers. Issue: whether contract workers should be automatically converted into regular SAIL employees when contract labour is ended under Section 10 of the CLRA Act. Judgment: On August 30, 2001, the Supreme Court of India rendered its decision. When contract labour is eliminated, contract workers do not immediately become regular employees of the major employer (SAIL). There is no legal requirement for automatic absorption. The competent authorities will decide whether or not to outlaw contract labour. Based on the requirements outlined in Section 10 of the CLRA Act, this determination must be made. There must be a direct employer-employee relationship with the major employer for contract workers to be regularized. In this case, no such relationship was found. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited v. Workmen[22] Facts: Under Section 10(1) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the West Bengal government referred five relevant concerns to the Industrial Tribunal during the dispute. Three of these concerns were resolved by the Tribunal. The Central Government or the State Government of Karnataka, according to HAL, should have the rightful jurisdiction to refer the
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIND AND HEALTH We have often heard stress can cause weight gain, stress can cause acne, stress affects a female’s menstrual cycle and so on. It is established that the mental state and physical health of a person are affected by one another. But in this article we shall dive deeper to understand how that works. What is health? The World Health Organization or WHO defines health as “ a state of complete physical, mental, social well being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” WHO (World Health Organisation) states that, not having a disease or illness is not the only criterion to classify one as healthy or unhealthy, one must also be in a state of being physically, mentally and socially fit. It further defines health as a dynamic state that is it keeps changing and is not always constant for anyone. Dimensions of health Health is multidimensional which means it has many components to it. In order to be healthy one must be fit in all dimensions of health. Following are some dimensions of health: Physical health – It includes absence of any external injuries, chronic diseases as well as a fit body. Physical health is taken care of by doing regular exercise, taking proper diet and having proper sleep. Mental health – It includes having normal functioning cognition, ability to regulate thoughts and absence of mental disorders, excessive negative and distorted thoughts, etc. Emotional health – It includes having the ability to understand one’s emotions and feelings and being able to control them rather than being controlled by them. It also means absence of psychological disorders and excessive or prolonged stress, etc. Social health – It includes having the ability to make and maintain social relationships and having basic social skills required to function in society, like communication skills, social behaviour, conflict resolution etc. Spiritual health – It includes having a sense of meaning and purpose in life and hence motivation to live. It also includes having an identity of own. People lacking identity face existential crisis. Vocational health – It includes having a healthy attitude towards work that is having ambitions, motivation to work, career choice and satisfaction and good performance. Interdependence of dimensions of health All the dimensions of health are interconnected. This is a very crucial fact. As if one suffers in a particular dimension of health the other dimensions will also be affected. For example a socially unfit person may also suffer emotionally due to lack of meaningful relationships. This will in turn affect their spiritual, physical and mental health which may further affect vocational health as well. Therefore mental health and physical health are connected, making sense why stress causes so many physical health related issues. Psychoneuroimmunology Psychoneuroimmunology is a study dealing with the role of psychological processes and neurological processes in immunity. Immunity refers to an organism’s capacity to fight against foreign agents (antigens), or germs when they enter the organism’s body and help heal wounds and infections. Immune system of an organism consists of cells, proteins produced by these cells, and organs. Hence for a healthy, strong body good immunity is essential. According to psychoneuroimmunology, a person’s mind (emotions, thoughts etc) can influence their immunity. Understanding nervous system : CNS or Central Nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It controls everything in our body. It is responsible for maintaining homeostasis (internal balance) in the body by regulating temperature, blood pressure, heart rate etc. To do so the endocrine system and CNS need to communicate. Endocrine system consists of ductless glands that produce hormones (chemicals) and directly release it into the bloodstream. The body and brain communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals or messages. The brain sends electrical and chemical signals through neurons. The electrical signals move forward in a neuron and from one neuron to another due to electrical and chemical gradients present between the intracellular region and extracellular region of the neuron. This depolarizes (changes the intracellular region of the neuron’s charge from negative to positive) the region in the neuron (axon). When the electrical signal reaches the end of a neuron, neurotransmitters are released by synaptic knobs of the neuron. These are chemical messengers. They are the ones that carry signals to muscles, glands or other neurons and make communication possible. Understanding immune system : The immune system attacks any foreign agent that it doesn’t identify as its own and starts to kill it to avoid any harm to the body. But the immune system sometimes also attacks unharmful agents as well like in case of allergies and also with transplants and sometimes it could be overactive causing autoimmune diseases which are dangerous. So whenever a foreign agent enters the body and comes in contact with an immune cell, it attaches with its receptors which induce changes in the cell. When the foreign agent attaches to immune cells that are cytokine producing cells, cytokines will be produced. Cytokines are proteins responsible for starting and stopping inflammation and bind with receptors of other cells and help in cell proliferation, direct immune cells to the site of infection, direct immune cells to produce antibodies to kill the pathogen and they also store this memory about the pathogen and how to kill it, so that if it enters the body again shortly, the body can kill it and this time it is quicker to respond. Understanding connection between immune system, endocrine system and nervous system: The interaction between the Endocrine, immune, and nervous system is called the immune neuroendocrine network. The brain can control the immune system through the neuroendocrine network or by the autonomic nervous system which produces chemicals which bind to immune cells, similarly the immune system can communicate with the brain by using its chemical messengers (Ader, 2001). The chemical messengers used by the immune system to communicate with the brain are cytokines – when cytokines reach the brain, they are able to signal the brain that
India is committed to SDG 13, targeting significant emission reductions and renewable energy growth by 2030. Ongoing efforts focus on resilience, equity, and innovative strategies to combat climate change.
