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International Relations
Anto Mariya M M

Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific: Assessing the Role of Key State Actors

Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific: Assessing the Role of Key State Actors Author: Anto Mariya M M Introduction The Indo-Pacific is a maritime region which has become an arena for geopolitical competition. The region has become the contemporary strategic interest of state as well as non-state actors. With the challenges of territorial disputes, IUU fishing and piracy, cooperation for maritime security becomes imperative (Maritime Security – Pacific Forum, 2024). Power politics also play out in the region. Maritime security can mean the strategies adopted to safeguard the maritime infrastructure from vulnerabilities. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at safeguarding maritime assets, ensuring the safety and security of trade routes, and preventing illicit activities at sea (Windward, 2024). Major powers like the USA and China, as well as regional players like India and Japan, have a strategic interest in safeguarding the maritime region of the volatile Indo-Pacific. Even the often-ignored small island and littoral states play an important role. This article examines the roles of different state actors from a broad power spectrum in the region’s maritime security. Role of State Actors United States The United States has the largest military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, sustained by its naval bases and fleets. The US’s presence in the region started primarily as a move to curtail communism in the area during the Cold War (Gopal, 2017). However, the United States’ interests have widened, and so has its naval force in the region. One of its goals in the region is safeguarding important shipping routes in the Indo-Pacific and the free flow of trade supported by its allies. India, Japan and Australia are some of the key partners of the United States in the Indo-Pacific’s security domain. However, the primary target in maritime security of the Indo-Pacific is to tame the Chinese dragon from expanding its territory and influence, mainly in the East and South China Seas. To cut back Beijing’s regional dominance, the US has even encouraged India, another regional player, to take the role of ‘Net Security Provider’. It includes President Donald Trump preferring the term Indo-Pacific over Asia-Pacific in light of China’s expanding politico-military activities. Thus, the United States’ maritime security focus has been to increase regional stability and stop nuclear proliferation and terrorism, including its many other security initiatives. The global power, the USA, conducts the world’s largest international maritime exercise, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. It has also emphasised partnerships such as AUKUS with Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with the democratic nations of Japan, India, and Australia. These military exercises and alliances are also part of the US’s greater role in the Indo-Pacific region. China China’s imperial aspirations of becoming Zhongguo, or the ‘Middle Kingdom’, which refers to being the centre of the world, are still very much present (Air University (AU), 2024). China realises its path to superpower status through regional hegemony. It forms the rationale why China spends a great deal of effort exerting control over the Asia-Pacific, such as its Belt and Road Initiative and its components like the Maritime Silk Road, or making expansive jurisdictional claims in the South China Sea – the Nine-Dash Line. International law, even the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed by China, takes a back seat in this matter. This assertion by China has caused the South China Sea to emerge as a flashpoint in the region. Beijing wants to reduce the presence of the United States in the region to a great extent. Oftentimes, the Indo-Pacific has become a stage where the power politics between the USA and China play out. The Chinese want the United States’ military forces, its allies and security partners farther away from its shores. It is the only way they can protect themselves from frequent maritime challenges. Thus, China aims to reach an unassailable strength to have control over the economy and military in the region and extend its global influence. India The adoption of the concept of Indo-Pacific, replacing Asia-Pacific, emphasised a bigger role for India. However, it was initially cautious. Nations like the US wanted India to be part of the security architecture of the region. The assertiveness of China in the Indian Ocean called for India to take a proactive role. In the confluence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, India’s position and interests in the Indian Ocean overtook the Pacific, unlike the US, Japan and Australia (The Indo-Pacific in Indian Foreign Policy, n.d.). India’s main priorities for involvement in the region are energy security and economic prosperity. It needs to secure sea lanes for its oil imports and trade routes from Maritime threats. To counter the aggressive Chinese behaviour, India engages with like-minded partners through the Quad, BIMSTEC, IORA, and ASEAN forums. New Delhi also endorses the vision of a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific. Thus, India is a regional power with a crucial role to play in the maritime security of the Indo-Pacific region. Japan Japan, a keen player in the Indo-Pacific geopolitical domain, takes up the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) Strategy. It is often overlooked, but Japan plays a crucial role in reducing the small Pacific nations’ reliance on China. Japan aids these small maritime nations in protecting their water with various capacity-building measures. For instance, Japan engages with small island states in the Pacific, such as Fiji, Micronesia, and Palau, to promote their maritime security capability. Tokyo’s initiatives support a rules-based maritime order and help stabilise the Pacific region against external coercion (IPDForum, 2024). Japan also partners with the United States and Australia to secure the sea lanes and strives for the same through initiatives like the Blue Dot Network and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). Japan is thus a key regional power, addressing challenges of illegal fishing and environmental threats and, by and large, fortifying maritime security in the region. Small Maritime States The littoral and island states in the Indian and Pacific oceans are

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Blog
Upasana Vyas

Warfare Reimagined: The Refugee Paradox, Data vs Dignity, and the Environmental Exodus

Since war no longer wears a uniform and instead lurks behind screens, satellites, and deceits, this piece is a heartfelt and urgent call to reconsider our understanding of war, displacement, and dignity in the modern world.

It pleads for us to see refugees not as burdens or numbers, but as human beings whose lives are influenced by forces they cannot control, yet are met with indifference or even worse, animosity. It calls out the hypocrisy of powerful countries that champion human rights while outsourcing cruelty and avoiding accountability. It mourns the erosion of dignity in a world where digital fences and legal loopholes take precedence over transparency. But it doesn’t stop at critique, it calls for a new legal and moral framework. One where international law actually protects those in war, those fleeing from various forms of violence, those whose privacies are violated, and those severely affected by environmental issues.

At its heart, this article is a tribute to justice—calling on us to bring back humanity

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Public Policies
Ankit Pandey

Waste Management in India: An Analysis of Government Policies and Outcomes

Recommendations 

To tackle the chronic gaps in solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), a multi-pronged approach is the need of the hour. Community involvement has to be given top priority through behavior change campaigns focusing on segregation of waste at source, utilizing local institutions like schools and Panchayats for outreach targeting (Kumari, 2024). Incentivizing families through reward programs and incorporating multimedia aids in awareness campaigns can correct misunderstanding regarding waste disposal while emphasizing its health and environmental consequences (Patil, 2025). At the same time, decentralized infrastructure, such as biogas plants and compost pits, must be ramped up with strict controls on capacity levels to avoid overloading plants, while PPPs can improve maintenance and operational effectiveness of existing vermicomposting units (Ghosh et al., 2025). Strengthening liquid waste management by investing in drainage systems and leachate treatment technologies is also crucial (CPCB, 2022).

  Institutional capacity building and policy integration are essential to prevent ODF targets from overshadowing SLWM. A specific SLWM framework under SBM with distinct budgets and monitoring mechanisms would guarantee responsibility (Kumari, 2024). Educating municipal workers in waste management procedures and policy harmonization with circular economy values, e.g., encouraging recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives, can embed sustainable practices (ADB, 2021). Technological advancement should also be given high priority, e.g., Research and Development in affordable automated segregation technologies, biodegradable products for agricultural residues, and digital solutions such as waste-tracking apps to enhance transparency (Anand & Devi, 2023). Scaling pilot projects on managing menstrual waste would further ensure recycling and safe disposal of sanitary products.

In order to improve the enforcement of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016, a few major recommendations arise. First, enforcement measures need to be strengthened by setting up strong monitoring systems at macro and micro levels to monitor compliance and performance of ULBs (CPCB, 2021). Real-time data collection and transparency will facilitate targeted interventions and accountability. Second, 100% segregation at the source should be pursued nationwide aggressively through publicity campaigns and incentivization, as fewer states have laws for 100% segregation (CPCB, 2021). Third, waste treatment facilities need scaling on a priority basis, specifically scientific landfill management with adequate buffer zones in order to avoid environmental pollution, considering the low reclamation rate and widespread dumpsites (CPCB, 2021). All these measures together can fill the gaps that exist and guarantee sustainable urban waste management.

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Gender Equality
Sakshi Sharma

Patriarchy and its Impact on Women’s Struggles in Society

This comprehensive study delves into the deeply entrenched nature of patriarchy as a systemic force perpetuating women’s subordination across societies. Tracing the historical roots of patriarchal structures through cultural, economic, and theoretical lenses, the article explores how gender-based violence, socio-economic limitations, and institutional biases are normalized. Drawing on feminist theory—including liberal, radical, Marxist, and cultural feminism—it outlines the evolution of feminist movements through four distinct waves, each contributing to the ongoing fight for gender justice. Ultimately, the work emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach to dismantle patriarchal systems and promote equity, autonomy, and agency for all women.

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Public Policies
Madhuleena Das

A Comparative Analysis of Previous Trump-Era and Biden-Era Immigration Policies: Shifts in Enforcement, Humanitarian Approach, and Legal Pathways in the United States.

Conclusion
The comparison of immigration policies under the Trump and Biden administrations highlights a stark contrast in ideology, execution, and humanitarian priorities. While the Trump era was marked by stringent enforcement, deterrence strategies, and significant rollbacks of asylum protections, the Biden administration has attempted to adopt a more humane and inclusive approach. Implementation of legal pathways requires consideration of the rights of asylum seekers, a broad range of civil society actors, and compliance with international and domestic law, but legal pathways moulded in the US for the sake of personal belief of political parties exploit the rights of immigrants, making them dependent on leadership rather than pure essence of Law and Policy. Economic nativism views immigration as a threat to native citizens’ economic well-being, but recent CBO findings highlight immigration’s positive impacts on labour shortage, creation of business, and employment creation.
Ultimately, the analysis reveals that while leadership change can influence the direction of immigration policy, long-term transformation requires legislative action, administrative consistency, and public support. As the U.S. continues to grapple with global migration challenges, future policies must strike a balance between border security and the protection of human rights—reaffirming the country’s commitment to both law enforcement and humanitarian leadership.

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International Relations
Sejal Verma

The Impact of International Relations on the Indian Economy

The article examines the impact of international relations on the Indian economy, focusing on key geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. It highlights the economic implications, including the depreciation of the rupee, trade disruptions, and energy security challenges. The paper also addresses the rise of protectionist policies in Western nations and their effect on India’s trade patterns and capital movements. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for India to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, diversify trade partnerships, and adapt to global changes to ensure sustainable economic growth.

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Good Health and Well-being
SHIERIE FATMA

HEAT, HUNGER AND HEALTH ALARMING FOR 2025

Towards Sustainable Development in 2025 and Beyond: The interconnectedness of climate resilience, food security, and healthcare access emphasizes the importance of an integrated policy approach. Holistic management of these issues not only resolves current crises but also guarantees long-term sustainability, economic stability, and social equality. Yet this depends on sound data-driven governance, fair resource distribution, and participatory citizens. The final question then is: How does India institutionalize this comprehensive framework so as to have a sustainable model of development which is resilient, adaptive, and fair—-not merely for 2025, but also for future generations?

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Miscellaneous
Chhavi Thakur

Sentiment analysis in Stock market forecasting using NLP

This research investigates the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods for sentiment analysis in stock market prediction. Through the analysis of financial news, social media, and company reports, the model determines market sentiment to forecast stock price movement. The use of sentiment information with conventional forecasting techniques improves the accuracy and reliability of forecasts. This method provides investors with more insight into market behavior influenced by public opinion and news sentiment.

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Quality Education
Diksha Kashyap

Skill Education: Key to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047

Skill education is the cornerstone of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. As India aspires to become a developed nation, empowering its youth with industry-relevant skills is crucial. Skill-based education bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability. By nurturing a workforce that is adaptable, future-ready, and globally competitive, India can drive sustainable economic growth and social progress. Investments in vocational training, digital literacy, and upskilling initiatives will unlock the nation’s demographic dividend, ensuring inclusive development. A skilled India is not just a vision—it’s the engine that will power Viksit Bharat into reality.

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Quality Education
Ayush Burnwal

Assessing the Impact of Government Policies on Education: Effectiveness, Public Perception, and Outcomes

Ayush Burnwal, Zaheen Qureshi, Sanjula D, Pankhudi Jha Introduction Education has been recognized as a human right across the world under numerous conventions, declarations and laws. The universal declaration of human rights guarantees everyone the right to education under article 26. In the Indian context, the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act highlights the importance of education for children between the age of 6 to 14 years in India. This right is guaranteed to every citizen under article 21A of the Indian Constitution. Government intervention helps ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to education. This is crucial for reducing societal inequities.  Education can be considered as an investment in the future of a nation. Well educated citizens will be productive members of a nation and will contribute to its stability and growth. Besides, the government of India is actively working towards ensuring that every citizen receives education to support their own needs and wants. To achieve the goal of full literacy, the government has been introducing a number of policies and programmes every year.  One such programme which has been successful throughout the years is Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) which is the Government of India’s flagship programme for achievement of Universalization of Elementary Education in a time bound manner, as mandated by the 86th amendment to the indian constitution making free and compulsory Education to the Children of 6-14 years age group, a Fundamental Right. It aims to address the problems faced during the initial phase of a child’s education, which is, elementary schooling, where children begin to develop their cognitive and social skills. SSA focuses on providing quality elementary education while bridging regional gaps in literacy by partnering with state governments throughout the country.  To address the nutritional needs of children, the government of Tamil Nadu introduced the mid-day meal scheme, which was soon implemented across the nation. By providing meals, this scheme increased the enrollment rates as hunger no longer served as a barrier to education. Furthermore, the Indian government introduced Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya or KGBV which reduced gender disparities in education. Setting up residential schools with boarding facilities has been of assistance in encouraging girls from disadvantaged sections to get educated. All the above-mentioned policies are a few among many policies being introduced by the Indian government to make education accessible to every child in the country. Research Methodology 1. Research Design This study employs a descriptive and evaluative research design to assess the effectiveness of the Education system and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) based on public perception. The study does not focus on quantitative indicators such as enrollment rates or dropout rates but rather evaluates stakeholders’ opinions regarding SSA’s implementation and impact. A mixed-method approach was used, integrating quantitative survey responses with qualitative insights from personal interviews and discussions. The data was refined using a double-random selection process to enhance accuracy and reliability. 2. Data Collection The research relies on primary data collection, gathered through random selection of participants across various states using both online and personal investigations. 2.1. Primary Data Collection: (a) Online Surveys: A structured questionnaire was designed to collect responses from students, teachers, school administrators, and parents about their opinions on SSA’s effectiveness. The survey included questions on: Accessibility and inclusivity of education under SSA Perceived improvements in school infrastructure and facilities Quality of teaching and teacher training programs Challenges faced in policy implementation Overall satisfaction and suggestions for improvement (b) Personal Interviews & Field Surveys: In-person discussions and interviews were conducted to gain deeper qualitative insights into the challenges and successes of SSA and the education system. Respondents were encouraged to share their personal experiences with the policy’s impact. 2.2 Data Selection Process After the initial data collection, a random selection technique was applied at two levels: First Selection: An initial 100 responses were collected from various states. Final Selection: To eliminate potential biases and data inconsistencies, a computer-based random selection process was used to filter and refine the dataset. A final 30 responses were selected for analysis to ensure a more accurate and representative understanding of public opinion. 2.3 Secondary Data Collection Although the study primarily focuses on primary data, secondary sources such as government policy documents and past research reports were reviewed to understand the context of SSA’s implementation. 3. Data Analysis The collected data were subjected to general analysis to assess stakeholders’ opinions about SSA’s effectiveness. 4. Study Limitations Limited Sample Size: The final selection of 30 responses may not fully capture national trends. Subjectivity of Opinions: The study relies on personal perceptions, which may not always align with actual policy outcomes. Regional Variations: Since responses were collected from different states, regional disparities in SSA’s effectiveness may not be fully accounted for. 5. Policy Implications and Future Scope The findings provide a people-centric assessment of SSA’s impact, offering valuable feedback for policymakers. The study highlights key strengths and challenges in policy implementation, which can inform future education reforms. By employing random selection at multiple stages, this methodology ensures objectivity and reliability in evaluating public opinion on SSA. Findings and Insights The study analyses the real-world impact of the government policies aimed at the education sector, specifically focusing on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. The dataset encompasses educational qualifications, general awareness, and personal experiences with the education system. The objective is to analyse the effectiveness of policy implementations and assess the level of awareness of the education policies across different demographic groups. There were 100 responses, and a sample of 31 was randomly selected, taken in an online and physical interview format, of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Mainly, the data comes from Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. By gender distribution, 74% were female and 26% were male. The majority were graduates (48%), while others had completed higher secondary. 1/2 of the individuals were between the 20-40 age group.  Among state-specific schemes, Kanyashree Prakalpa, Sabooj Saathi, Prakalpa, Mid-Day Meal Scheme were most well known in West Bengal and Gaon ki Beti yojana was

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