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FINANCE
Ravishen Jain

THE EMERGENCE OF BRICS: A NEW GLOBAL FORCE

The BRICS coalition encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has emerged as a significant force in transforming the global economic and political framework. Initially founded to foster economic cooperation among emerging economies, evolved into a multifaced platform addressing financial stability, geopolitical strategy, and sustainable development. This research explores the coalition’s origins, its role in challenging Western dominance, and its contributions to economic Cohesion and global governance.

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January 18, 2025 No Comments
Health
Niharika Punia

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND ADULT PSYCHOLOGY

Childhood trauma profoundly affects psychological health, often resulting in anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Neurobiological changes, such as amygdala hyperactivity and hippocampal shrinkage, impair emotional regulation and memory. Early interventions like CBT, TF-CBT, and EMDR can promote recovery, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and continued research.

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January 15, 2025 No Comments
Climate Action
Adithyan P

FOUNDATIONS OF CLIMATE POLICY

This article examines the scientific foundations of climate change & it’s effects and how the public policies today are combating challenges like greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, and human activities like industrialization. It highlights evidence from current government practices historical data emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Key words-Climate Change,Greenhouse Gas Emissions,Sustainable SolutionsCarbon, ,Public Policies

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January 15, 2025 No Comments
Health
khushi Jain

The Psychological Aftermaths of Traumatic Brain Injury

Bhumi Sharma, Khushi Jain Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can lead to overwhelming and lasting effects on a person’s cognitive, behavioural, emotional and overall psychological functioning. Issues like memory loss, mood swings, aggressive behaviour and in some cases psychological disorders like major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder; are not that uncommon in people who have suffered from a TBI. Research in this field can provide us with a better understanding of the psychological effects of a physical injury and can help us build better interventions and treatments. It can also help in exploring the relationship between TBI and development of psychological disorders and delve deeper into neuropsychology. This article will talk about long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of TBI; and the relationship between TBI and the development of psychiatric disorders. The Multifaceted Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Mental Health  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in those aged under 40 years, commonly affecting young males injured in road traffic accidents. The injury interrupts the important developmental transition to independence and results in significant emotional distress (Ponsford et al. 1995). Clarification is also required concerning the contribution of pre-injury psychiatric history to post-injury disorders. The literature variously posits that preinjury disorders increase risk for post-injury disorder development (Deb et al. 1999; Ashman et al. 2004), that they are not significantly associated (Fann et al. 1995; Jorge et al. 2004), or that those without a pre-injury history have an increased risk of post-injury psychiatric disorder (Fann et al. 2004). Importantly, there are dramatic variations in reported incidence and prevalence rates between studies, with post-injury incidence of depression ranging from 15.3% to 33% and prevalence from 18.5% to 77% (Kim et al. 2007). Reported prevalence of anxiety disorder ranges between 19% (Rutherford et al. 1977) and 70% (Lewis, 1942). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical condition that impacts individual  cognitive functions (memory deficits, post-traumatic amnesia, and attention challenges), emotional stability (depression, anxiety, and PTSD), and behavioral functions (aggression, impulsivity, and social withdrawal).Historically, TBI has been linked to post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), a global cognitive disturbance characterized by confusion, disorientation, and difficulty in storing or retrieving new information. This stage often includes retrograde amnesia, significantly impacting patients’ ability to reintegrate into daily life (Halalmeh et al., 2023). Early studies on sports-related concussions identified that individuals with repeated concussions exhibit greater susceptibility to neuropsychological deficits and long-term cognitive impairments. Younger children, in particular, are at a higher risk of prolonged cognitive deficits, emphasizing age as a critical factor influencing recovery trajectories. Recent advancements highlight virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation as a promising intervention. Semi-immersive VR has shown superior results in improving attention, memory, and executive functions compared to traditional methods, offering an engaging approach to cognitive recovery post-TBI (De Luca et al., 2019). However, significant gaps persist. Given the individual variability in TBI experiences, these findings may not be generalizable across diverse populations. Personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to individual needs remain underexplored. However, future research must address the heterogeneity of TBI experiences to ensure equitable and effective interventions for all patients. TBI and Psychological Disorders Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI is when the brain suffers an injury from an external force and can range from mild to severe, which can even lead to death. The relationship between TBI and psychological disorders is intimate but complex. The interplay between neurological damage from TBI and the onset of psychiatric conditions is complex, and understanding this relationship is crucial for improving the treatment and outcomes for individuals affected by brain injuries. The most common consequences of TBI are psychological and psychosocial impairment and may result in a broad range of emotional and behavioural abnormalities. The most severe manifestation is in the form of psychological disorders. According to studies the frequency of psychiatric disorders in individuals is higher than in the general population and in individuals prior to injury. These suggest that the chance of mood and anxiety disorders to occur increases during the first year post injury. Around 70% of people after suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury exhibited Sleep-wake dysfunction. Post-mortem detailed evaluations of the brains of patients who did and did not suffer from TBI showed a significant reduction in hypocretin neurons which causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Behavioral, Cognitive and Emotional Effects on TBI  Traumatic brain injuries extend far beyond physical damage, significantly impacting an individual’s daily functioning and overall quality of life. These effects are not limited to the individual but also influence their social environment and the people around them.This theme is vital as it sheds light on how various impairments such as memory loss, emotional instability, and social withdrawal, aggression, impulsivity undermines an individual’s independence and productivity. The complexity and uniqueness of each injury highlights the necessity for tailored interventions, as a standardized approach fails to accommodate the diverse challenges faced by TBI survivors. Understanding the multifaceted impacts of TBI is crucial for developing effective strategies to support individuals in regaining functionality and improving their quality of life, while also easing the burden on their caregivers and support systems. The interventions are necessary as the course of recovery for a TBI survivor can be lengthy and challenging both on the survivor and the caregiver as it requires proper care, timed medications, follow ups which can become a burdened in the caregiver’s life and it may result in emotional disturbances in caregivers such as anxiety or depression and its adverse effects may stay longer in their life. Hence tailored approaches, such as cognitive rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and structured support systems, help survivors regain independence while providing caregivers with the resources and coping strategies needed to manage their roles effectively. This holistic approach ensures better outcomes for both survivors and their support networks. TBI in Military Personnel: Unique Cognitive and Emotional Challenges Most studies presented previously describe TBI in civilian populations. However, given the high rates of TBI among veterans and military service members, it is crucial to understand how it affects their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. The acute effects of

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January 15, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Manjiri Phansalkar

WOMEN AND CHILDREN UNDER ISIS

WOMEN AND CHILDREN UNDER ISIS __________________________________________________________________ By Manjiri Phansalkar ABSTRACT ISIS, also known as ISIL – the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (terrorist organisation) is a Sunni jihadist group with a particularly violent ideology that calls itself a caliphate and claims religious authority over all Muslims. With the quantum of attacks, incidents and undercover – sleeper cells persisting in the transient nexus of the twenty-first century, a very striking component of such an organisation is known to bear great repercussions as well as contribute significantly to its working. Women and children – generally considered to be the ‘softest targets’ in any area of conflict, are subjected to excessive torture and are awarded unforeseen, dreadful consequences on committing an apparent act of crime, which is deemed to be against the rules as dictated by their extremist law. It is such an unbecoming setting that calls for the long – due synthesis and analysis of the treatment offered to women and children under ISIS. This paper looks at three prime areas of detailed study, encountering the framework and mechanisms of ISIS, followed by the extremities experienced by women and children and finally a constructive analysis of the atrocities.  __________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION ISIS is short for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and is concurrently also known as ISIL or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Towards June 2014, ISIS chose to rename itself as the “Islamic State” accounting to the fact that it proclaimed the creation of a global caliphate. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was their leader since 2010, declared that he was the new caliph and, resultantly,  was now ruling all Muslims. ISIS, ISIL and IS appear to be mostly synonymous, however, in the particular case of ISIS, it has been long established that Abu Musab al-Zaqawi was the (extremist) founder of this organisation – in 1999 Within the next  five years, al-Zarqawi’s new group rapidly advanced in their recognition through their barbaric activities and simultaneously also chose to associate with Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda (AQI). They are known to and considered to be Islamic extremists, Islamists or Jihadists, closely linked to the dramatically popularised concept of Jihad or “struggle.” Various other terrorist organisations, such as the Taliban, Boko Haram, the Al-Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah have also been participating in the global realm of affairs and have been making the news for decades(especially now, considering the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza). However, ISIS appears to be in a strata of its own. In 2014, Al-Qaeda officially dissociated itself from ISIS, and subsequently became a self-sustained entity. Al-Qaeda refused to take responsibility for ISIS’ actions which they deemed to be “too extreme” in some cases. ISIS has proven to be a rather negatively growing potential in the acts of terror across the expanse of the globe, considering which, it has now become a force to be reckoned with. Women and children have always been a significant catalyst in events throughout history. In the case of women, it can be observed that women take various roles for the recruitment, and in that sense become agents for a shift towards radicalization and counter-extremism (Saltman, 2019). Women are the silent driving forces of society. Their involvements and dynamics directly impact the children of the society. Children are seen as the beacon to carrying such radicalised and extremist views forward for society. Focusing particularly on minors, adolescents, it is understood that they are indoctrinated for future jihad, emphasising the influential role that children can also play in terrorist operations (Spencer, 2016) . In this chapter, we attempt to analyse these roles and their impacts in current incidents, in relation to ISIS operations. DECODING : WOMEN AND CHILDREN UNDER ISIS While ISIS poses threats to the world in many ways that are manifested through unexpected scenarios, it is noticeable that not all of it is possible without the necessary requirement of manpower, which would / does essentially engage in acts of terror, in the name of an extremist-jihadist law. Although, from time immemorial, society has known itself to be patriarchal by nature, a similar algorithm applies to the mechanisms of ISIS as well. However, a surprising fact represents itself in the form of participation by women and children in acts of terror across the globe. Considering the popular opinion of women being the suppressed fraction of population under the ISIS, it is rather unlikely to witness women (and children) participation alongside men. Two reasons may be considered here. As a first, women may be subjected to forced participation, as a mandate enforced by the patriarchal guidance of laws, or perhaps they do so willingly, out of their personal choice. On the other hand, in the case of children, it is understandable that – a provocative environment- such as that of ISIS would demand only so much from a child so as to follow the traditions long-established by their forefathers, while also keeping in mind the fact that the children from those women who themselves indulge heinous acts of terror, are bound to bring their children up in a manner similar to theirs. In this section of examining the activities and treatment offered to women and children under the ISIS, a synthesis is observed through a framework of three sequential categories. Primarily, we dive into the ideology that ISIS aims to propagate, followed by the understanding of the linkage as established by the ISIS with women and children and finally produce a simple analysis of the  established linkage. ISIS – WHEREABOUTS ISIS follows a very extreme form of Islam known as Salafism (in Arabic al salaf al salih means the “pious forefathers”). It promotes violence and bloodshed to establish and maintain Qur’anic hegemony through a very strict adherence to the Qur’an and Shari’a law. ISIS adheres to an apocalyptic theology and believes that the Mhadi or “guided one” will soon arrive and redeem Islam. ISIS has declared jihad against all infidels. That includes westerners, Christians and Jews. But it also includes any

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December 12, 2024 No Comments
International Relations
Manjiri Phansalkar

GWADAR: A CHINESE GIBRALTER

“GWADAR: A CHINESE GIBRALTER” Alok Bansal. New Delhi. Pentagon Press LLP, 2023. 224 pages, ISBN 978-81-951894-8-9. Rs 995 (Hardcover) Reviewed by: Manjiri Abhay Phansalkar In the current scenario of 21st century geopolitics and geostrategy, where countries and personalities are trying to establish their foothold as a global leader, China has delicately partnered with Pakistan to attain its goals of global leadership, economic hegemony as well as establish its geostrategic supremacy by means of mobilizing and exercising the deep-sea port of Gwadar on Pakistan’s Makran coast. The text by a retired Indian Naval Captain Alok Bansal, Gwadar: A Chinese Gibraltar highlights the strategic, economic and political attributes of Chinese operation of the Gwadar port while also representing the security concerns of the bordering nations and addresses the implications and influences of the operation of the upcoming deep-water port. The book, in totality discusses the importance of the Gwadar port especially with reference to the geopolitical entities in the neighborhood. “An established South Asian expert on Pakistan and a well-known defense analyst, Captain Bansal possesses impressive academic and experiential knowledge of multiple facets of South Asian geopolitics”. His book, Gwadar: A Chinese Gibraltar introduces and discovers various facets such as geopolitical significance, geostrategic implications, economic prowess, security matters and influences on neighboring entities in a series of six compact segments. In the initial phase, the book attempts to draft out a brief context of the region of Gwadar as well as the surrounding region in reference to the erstwhile occupants, the dynamic history, demographic evolution as well as geographic features of the arena.  The author continues to bring out the significance of the Gwadar deep-sea port. This aspect is practiced in relevance with the firstly the geographical location (and the possibility of  the port being exercised as an alternative to the previously existing ports at Omara and Karachi), secondly the advancements and innovations being implemented during the development of the deep-sea port (inviting investments and partnerships from key players in the global arena) and thirdly, presenting the short comings and limitations of the operation of the port post the idealization of the state-of-the-art facilities being established at the location. Further, the book delves into the security implications for Pakistan, in both the dimensions of Internal and External Spheres. On the External Sphere of security, the main highlights are presented in the form of Maritime security-whereby Pakistan envisages a respite from possible naval blockades and trade hinderances faced by the Indian Navy. In the context of Reducing Economic Vulnerability whereupon the operation of Gwadar port in addition to the ports at Omara and Karachi provides not only an added factor of security, but also guarantees flexibility and extravagance in matters of international trade, commerce and an option of transshipment leadership Finally, merging Pakistan’s security strategies with that of China’s so as to establish safety, stability, as well as superiority in the region of tumultuous events. On the Internal Sphere of security, the author introduces the two main aspects of development of Gwadar and the impact on the region of Balochistan as well as the rection of the Balochi locals to the developments taking place on their land. It is noticeable herein, that the Balochis are particularly apprehensive of the developments on the Gwadar port, as it comes as an action to jeopardies their land so that the owners reap negligible benefits of the port. China, a decisive player in the upgradation of Balochistan via the development of the Gwadar deep-sea port is shown to have heightened importance in the book. China’s efforts to assist Pakistan in this developmental project is viewed to be firstly, an attempt to enhace its geostrategic as well as economic standing on the global sphere and secondly, allow Pakistan to establish itself as a major stakeholder in global trade while also act as a lynchpin in the commerce of the land-locked countries within the Asian continent. The author addresses the Gwadar port as a major stakeholder in China’s CPEC, i.e. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and is considered to be a leading project under China’s BRI i.e. Belt and Road Initiative. Venturing into the latter section of the book, the author attempts to bring out the primary impacts on Regional Security that majorly concern the bordering region of Pakistan, as well as the influences on the extra-regional powers. With regards to Afghanistan and Central Asian Regions (once a part of the Soviet Union), it is discovered that the Gwadar port emerges as the soul of their trade and commerce with regions outside of Asia. However, the issue of resistance by the local Baloch population remains a matter of concern for the development of the deep-sea port. In context of Iran, the Gwadar port is a clear competitor to the Chabahar port being developed by the Iranian government, in collaboration with the Indian government. Referring to the United States, the book brings out the intricacies of the global economic competition between China and the US, because of which China’s rise as a global hegemon is becoming inevitable. Also citing the intricate relationship with Russia, the Gwadar port emerges as a combined effort to exercise relations on economic forums. In the last section of the book, the author deals with the implications of the deep-sea port on India and states prime issues such as naval surveillance not only by the Pakistani Navy but the Chinese Navy as well, coupled with an attempt to jeopardies the maritime trade of the Indian subcontinent by mobilizing Gwadar as the hotspot for Asian commerce. Lastly, Chinese efforts on the Gwadar deep-sea port is visible intent to promulgate the concept of String of Pearls which aims to detrimentally harm India’s geostrategic posturing. In the concluding segment of the text, the author presents certain engaging theories and fruitful recommendations for India to effectively negate the detrimental influence of the Gwadar port on Indian trade. One striking feature is the suggestion for India to engage with Baloch nationals and promote Chabahar port over Gwadar as a preferred gateway to

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December 12, 2024 No Comments
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Middat Khan

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – A Path to Sustainable Development in India

By Middat Khan

Overview:
This article provides a discussion on the topic characteristic at the Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) that deals with the industrial innovation and infrastructure development for its advancement, resilience and inclusiveness. It describes how all these three constituent parts are relevant in supporting global balance and economic progress as well as in the fight for most important matters affecting the world today such as poverty, injustice and ecological ill-health. The emphasis of the article is placed on the India’s accomplishment and difficulties in relation to SDG 9 with regard to the mentioned programmes, namely Bharat-mala Pari-yojana, Make in India and Digital India. It also reviews India’s increasing standing in the industrial growth, the importance of more secure structures for economic and societal cooperation, and the requirements for environmental enhancement in industry and construction. Moreover, the article discusses the place and function of MSMEs, private stakeholders, perspectives for the further development of India as well as green industrialization and digitalization.

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December 10, 2024 No Comments
Responsible Consumption and Production
Abhishek Kumar

Advancing Circular Economy through Sustainable Waste Management

~By Abhishek Kumar Introduction The linear “take-make-dispose” model of production and consumption has significantly contributed to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and increasing waste generation (Sharma et al., 2020; Kumar & Mehta, 2021). The Circular Economy (CE) model, by contrast, seeks to close the loop by promoting the recycling, reuse, and recovery of materials, aiming to keep resources in use for as long as possible (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020; Singh et al., 2019). This transition can result in reducing environmental footprints while creating new economic opportunities (Bocken et al., 2016). According to the European Commission (2020), the Circular Economy Action Plan is a vital step toward achieving sustainability goals by minimizing waste and encouraging more sustainable production methods. The role of effective waste management in the CE model is critical, enabling the transformation of waste into valuable resources ( Geissdoerfer et al., 2017). Globally, these practices can generate significant economic benefits, including job creation, economic growth, and enhanced resilience (Kirchherr et al., 2018; Stahel, 2016). As countries adopt CE frameworks, understanding the synergies between waste management and CE is essential for scaling up circular practices. This paper examines the strategies and innovations that align waste management with the goals of a circular economy, with a focus on emerging technologies and global case studies (Lieder & Rashid, 2016; Van Buren et al., 2016). Circular Economy Concept 1. Circular Economy and Its Role in Waste Management: Circular economy (CE) principles are grounded in minimizing waste, maximizing the lifecycle value of products, and reducing resource consumption ( Geissdoerfer et al., 2017; Bocken et al., 2016). Waste management plays a vital role in Circular Economy, where the goal is to divert waste from landfills and transform it into reusable resources (Sharma et al., 2020). In industries such as electronics, automotive, and packaging, the design of products for longevity, repair ability, and recyclability is key to supporting CE objectives (Kumar & Mehta, 2021; Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020). One of the most effective strategies is the implementation of closed-loop recycling systems, where products are designed with their end-of-life in mind, reducing the need for new raw materials (Van Buren et al., 2016). This approach can reduce both environmental impacts and operational costs, leading to a more sustainable economy (Singh et al., 2019; Sharma et al., 2020). 2. Technological Innovations: Advancement in technologies have been pivotal in improving waste management systems and facilitating the circular economy. Innovations such as Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technologies, including anaerobic digestion and gasification, are helping convert organic waste into bioenergy, reducing landfill dependency (Zhao et al., 2018; Kumar & Mehta, 2021). These technologies not only recover valuable resources but also generate renewable energy, contributing to the energy transition (Bocken et al., 2016). Other than this, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) equipped with AI and automation technologies improve waste sorting processes, enhancing recycling efficiency and reducing contamination rates (Lieder & Rashid, 2016; Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020). Smart waste management systems utilizing IoT sensors and data analytics help optimize collection routes and monitor waste streams, thus increasing operational efficiency (Sharma et al., 2020). 3. Global Case Studies: Global examples demonstrate the practical applications of CE principles in waste management. Japan’s Eco-Towns are notable for their industrial symbiosis model, which encourages industries to share by-products and reduce waste through mutual exchanges (Kirchherr et al., 2018). Similarly, Sweden has adopted a highly efficient waste management system, where over 99% of household waste is recycled or converted into energy, significantly reducing reliance on landfills (Stahel, 2016). In India, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy framework for plastic waste management has made strides toward reducing plastic waste through accountability measures placed on manufacturers to manage the disposal of their products (Singh et al., 2019; Sharma et al., 2020). 4. Recent Trends in Sustainable Waste Management: Recent trends indicate growing interest in urban mining, where valuable materials are recovered from e-waste and old infrastructure, reducing the need for virgin materials and promoting sustainable production (Zhao et al., 2018). Circular bioeconomy practices, particularly in the agricultural sector, are gaining momentum as agricultural and food waste are being repurposed into bio-based materials, chemicals, and fertilizers (Lieder & Rashid, 2016; Kumar & Mehta, 2021). Furthermore, Zero-Waste movements are being increasingly adopted by cities like San Francisco and Kamikatsu, Japan, which aim for near-total diversion of waste from landfills through extensive recycling and composting efforts ( Geissdoerfer et al., 2017; Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020). 5. Policy Interventions: Policy frameworks are critical in scaling up the circular economy. The European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan outlines measures to reduce waste, boost recycling rates, and promote sustainable consumption patterns (European Commission, 2020). The National Sword Policy in China, which bans the import of contaminated recyclable materials, has forced other countries to enhance their domestic recycling capabilities (Kirchherr et al., 2018). Policies such as these are integral to fostering a global transition toward circular systems. Conclusion: The integration of waste management practices into the circular economy offers a promising pathway to reduce environmental degradation, improve resource efficiency, and foster economic growth. By leveraging technological innovations, scaling up best practices, and promoting robust policy frameworks, the circular economy can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of waste while creating new opportunities for industries and communities. However, to realize this potential, continued efforts in collaboration, technology, and policy implementation are essential. References: Bocken, N. M. P., Short, S. W., Rana, P., & Evans, S. (2016). A literature and practice review to develop sustainable business model archetypes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 65, 42-56. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020). The Circular Economy Advantage. Retrieved from https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org European Commission. (2020). Circular Economy Action Plan. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy Geissdoerfer , M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M. P., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The circular economy – A new sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757-768. Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2018). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221-232. Kumar, R., & Mehta, P. (2021). Sustainable waste management practices in India: Current trends and challenges. Waste

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December 8, 2024 No Comments