IISPPR

International Relations
Samriddhi Shet

Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: The Hidden Tactic of Conflict and Control

Sexual violence as a weapon of war is not incidental; it is a calculated strategy used to terrorize communities and assert dominance. From Rwanda to Bosnia, Ukraine to Afghanistan, countless women have suffered as tools of warfare, yet international mechanisms remain alarmingly ineffective. The failure of global institutions to enforce justice perpetuates this cycle of trauma. Despite legal frameworks, the lack of real accountability leaves survivors abandoned. If this inhuman warfare tactic remains unchecked, its scars will linger far beyond the battlefield. Urgent action is needed to create survivor-focused solutions and enforce meaningful consequences for perpetrators.

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Public Policies
Piyush Chaudhary

Evaluating the impact of Mid Day Meal Scheme among Tribal Children

For many tribal children in India, school isn’t just a place to learn it’s a place to eat. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), also known as PM-POSHAN, is more than just a government program; it’s a lifeline. Designed to combat malnutrition and improve school attendance, this initiative ensures that millions of children receive at least one nutritious meal a day. But is it truly reaching those who need it most? In tribal communities, where food insecurity and educational barriers are highest, the impact of MDMS is mixed. While some states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh have introduced millet-based meals and community-run kitchens, others struggle with irregular food supply, poor infrastructure, and lack of dietary diversity. Despite its challenges, MDMS has transformed lives helping children stay in school, improve their health, and break social barriers. With better monitoring, localized meal plans, and community involvement, this scheme has the potential to be much more than a meal program it can be a stepping stone to a brighter future for India’s most vulnerable children.

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Climate Action
Adithyan P

Technological Innovations in Climate Policy

Abstract

Technological advancements play a crucial role in shaping climate policies and enhancing global resilience. This paper explores innovations in renewable energy, smart cities, climate informatics, and sectoral adaptation in agriculture, water management, and disaster risk reduction. Renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and green hydrogen, are accelerating the shift from fossil fuels. Smart cities leverage IoT for efficient energy use, water conservation, and disaster preparedness. Climate informatics, powered by AI and big data, enhances climate monitoring and policy-making. In agriculture and water management, precision farming and AI-driven weather predictions improve adaptation strategies. Additionally, geospatial technologies and AI-based disaster response systems strengthen early warning and risk management. Despite these advancements, challenges such as policy gaps and equitable access persist. This paper underscores the transformative role of technology in climate policy and the need for collaboration between governments, industries, and communities to foster a sustainable and resilient future.

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Health
Niharika Punia

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF OVERCROWDING ON DEVELOPMENT

Overcrowding profoundly affects mental health, cognitive development, and social well-being. It increases stress, anxiety, and depression, disrupts learning and relationships, and forces individuals to develop coping mechanisms—some healthy, others harmful. Addressing overcrowding’s psychological impact through better housing policies and mental health interventions is essential for long-term well-being and resilience.

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Quality Education
Priyanka D

Bridging the Gender Gap Through Education: A Systematic Examination of Barriers, Strategies, and Policy Interventions in Achieving SDG 4 and SDG 5

Education is transformative in establishing gender balance in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 & SDG 5). While noteworthy, barriers, including poverty, cultural norms, and institutional bias, deny girls quality education. The article establishes the correlation between education and gender equality-a conspicuous interface for addressing successful strategies, policy interventions, and case studies to enhance inclusive learning environments. Targeted reforms, teacher training, and technology can direct action by addressing these challenges and empowering women socially, economically, and politically, hence fostering long-run sustainable development.

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FINANCE
Amrita Avilipsa

Financial Inclusion as a Catalyst for SDGs 1 , 8 , 10 : Bridging Poverty , Promoting Growth , and Reducing Inequalities

This article examines the multidimensional impact of financial inclusion on poverty reduction, income inequality, and economic growth. By exploring its transformative role in empowering marginalised populations and fostering
equitable development, this study aims to contribute valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and financial institutions striving to build inclusive economies.

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Health
ketaki baravkar

Nature Meets Nurture: Unraveling Trauma’s Genetic Pathways

The MAOA gene’s influence on behavior, particularly aggression, is significantly shaped by environmental factors, especially childhood trauma. While the low-activity MAOA variant (MAOA-L) is associated with increased risk, its impact is most pronounced in individuals with a history of maltreatment, highlighting the complex interplay of nature and nurture.

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Health
Priyanka D

Social Media and Its Impact on Adolescent Mental Health

Social media are integral to adolescent lives and help development in areas of identity, self-esteem, and mental well-being. They connect and educate. When used excessively, social media can also lead to anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying, disrupting sleep. Awareness can help mitigate any of the harmful effects of online behavior, ultimately helping to build better digital habits. Follow this advice to balance screen time, shield the mental health of adolescents, and help them enjoy their time online.

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