Authors: Stuti Rangappa , Tarini Aleti Abstract India made education a fundamental right in 2009 through the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. Sixteen years later, millions of children in rural government schools cannot read, calculate or even hold the state accountable for either failure. The Act promised them quality education. What it delivered was only enrollment. Arguments presented in this paper address the gap between promises and reality as not simply a failure of governance but of legislation. Through a doctrinal socio-legal methodology drawing on ASER Reports (2014–2024) and UDISE+ Annual Reports (2020–2024), it identifies three structural loopholes in the Act: a compliance framework that exempts the very schools it should govern most strictly, a complete silence on what children must actually learn and an enforcement mechanism that places the burden of accountability on those least equipped to bear it.

Authors: Manisha Guruprasad, Pearl Dua, Narayani Sree S Abstract This paper analyses India’s evolving foreign policy through the lens of Russian oil trade, despite geopolitical demand, post the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. The study explores India’s transitioning foreign policy from the era of non-alignment to multi-alignment, and how this has helped India gain both economic and political leverage during challenging times, like the one examined in this paper. India’s decision for Russian oil import was in line with its own strategic autonomy and national interest, and this assertion exemplifies India’s strong foreign policy. India’s firm stance of maintaining its national energy security through its tactful statesmanship diplomacy, has made India a crucial player in the multipolar global order, whilst being a strong voice of the Global South. India has actively carved the path for the multipolar global order and a stronger Global South representation. The combination of sophisticated diplomacy, active multi-alignment approach, and assertion of India’s strategic autonomy has helped India to rise to be a prominent global power in the emerging multipolar order. Keywords: Multi-alignment, Strategic autonomy, Energy security, Russian oil, National interest; Multipolarism, Hedging theory, Global South

AUTHORS: PRISCILLA AKOSAH, ZIKRA ARSHAD ABSTRACT Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is the most extensive reservoir of terrestrial carbon but one of the least utilized mechanisms for mitigating climate change. This research presents a thematic literature review covering 23 scholarly articles written from 2021 to 2026 on four different themes concerning SOC: its role in the carbon cycle, the influence of land use and type of ecosystem on the amount of SOC stock, the efficiency of land management in increasing SOC stock, and the obstacles currently inhibiting its application to mitigate climate change and in the carbon market. The thematic review identifies that soil organic carbon is being depleted faster than it can be replenished, due to deforestation, improper agriculture, and warming global temperatures. Although techniques such as no-till agriculture, agroforestry, cover cropping, and biochar have shown potential for increasing SOC levels, they exhibit large variations when applied to different areas and settings. Important shortcomings can be found in the monitoring of SOC, its longevity, as well as our knowledge regarding sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America’s soils. In conclusion, this review suggests that there should be an effort to include SOC as a crucial element within the scope of global climate policy, as opposed to being a secondary choice.

Authors: Eldin Joshy, Vishakha Singh, M Sai Saranya, Staicy Susan Thomas, Deepika Boora, Shriya Agnihotri, Kalika Kumari, Shourya Bahl Abstract This study analyses the structural paradox in India’s job market, where high macroeconomic growth and youth moving towards higher education coexist with the problem of unemployment and underemployment among educated youth. Based on secondary macro-level data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Reports (2017-18 to 2023-24) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) sectoral projections, the study employs a descriptive and comparative trend-analysis framework using the Usual Status (ps+ss) approach. The findings reveal a quantitative expansion in labour supply, with aggregate graduate Labour Force Participation Rates (LFPR) rising from 60% to 66.20%, heavily driven by a 13.1% increase in rural female participation. At the same time, aggregate graduate unemployment declined to 13% by 2023-24. However, a deeper qualitative mismatch persists: labour market absorption is structurally skewed toward informality, with rural graduate self-employment rising to 64.7% while secure, regular salaried employment stagnates at 12.7%. Further, a significant sectoral divergence exists between capital-intensive, high-Gross Value Added (GVA) industries and low-productivity, high-employment multiplier sectors. Ultimately, the paper highlights a lack of coordination between the theoretical results of formal higher education and the advanced technical, digital, and personal competencies demanded by India’s fastest-growing sectors. Keywords: Educated Unemployment, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Skill Mismatch, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Employment Quality

Authors: Matthew AGBA, Prachi Gautam, Nidhi Susan Sunu, Shriya Ajit Patil, Ashwani Pradeep Kumar Tiwari, Pukhrambam Elizabeth Devi, Mulamba Adrian Felix Abstract The research primarily focuses on the impact of digitalisation and financial development on self-employment. To conduct the study moderate multiple regression analysis is conducted and the data was collected from the World Bank’s Open Data and other publicly available macroeconomic databases resulting in 300 observations covering 15 developing countries over the period 2005-2024. This study examines how digitalization and digital financial inclusion are associated with self-employment,specifically analyzing how regional digital infrastructure and institutional framework influence occupational choice. It fills a research gap by treating unemployment as not just a control variable but as a key catalyst which promotes self-employment. The result of analysis shows that digitalisation alone has an important direct effect on self-employment, but it depends on shift labour dynamics, whereas domestic financial development has negatively affected self-employment, as it leads to formal wage employment. Keywords: Digitalization, Financial Inclusion, Labour Dynamics, Self-Employment and Formal Wage Employment.

Authors: Nayna Sharma and Fayis TN Abstract Objective: this paper discusses MNCs financial risk management strategies for dealing with a fluctuating world economy and how these strategies differentiate across various sectors and geographies. Methodology: A PRISMA systematic review framework is employed where academic literature, industry reports, and case studies published between 2015-2025 are extracted from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Both qualitative and quantitative findings derived from the literature review are integrated using thematic analysis of traditional risk-management approaches and sophisticated tech-based tools. Results: The paper validates three major hypotheses: 1. MNC risk management depends on institutional and sector-specific contexts (H1). 2. Higher market volatility leads firms to use increasingly sophisticated derivative instruments and structured hedging vehicles (H2). 3. Industries like manufacturing, energy, and banking employ much more advanced risk structures than service-sector oriented businesses (H3). Additionally, there appears to be a geographical divide: firms located in developed markets tend to utilize standardized ERM systems and developed derivative markets whereas their counterparts in emerging economies resort to operational agility, localized sourcing and geographically diversified business activities in an attempt to buffer against inherent structural and political risks. Conclusion: There is a growing trend of shifting from siloed financial hedging towards centralized and integrated Enterprise Risk Management systems. Although new emerging technologies like AI and algorithmic modeling were seen to be put to use for optimal risk prediction, there exist unprecedented challenges such as regulatory, model based and system risks. Hence, no single strategy is seen/used as universally effective; long-term financial corporate sustainability is developed from the combination of financial derivatives, operational flexibility and timely regulatory compliance. Keywords: Financial risk management, Multinational corporations, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Hedging strategies, Sectoral volatility, Geographic diversification.

Authors: Gopichand Dandimeni, Srishti Semwal, Mark Philip Jayan, Rashi Bhowmick, Afreen, Akanksha Verma, Zarrin Amroliwala, Saumya Pandey Abstract The Strait of Hormuz stands out as one of the most crucial maritime chokepoints in the world, acting as a vital passage for global oil, liquefied natural gas, and commercial shipping. Nestled between Iran and Oman, this strait has consistently played a key role in global energy security. However, persistent tensions between the United States and Iran have raised alarms regarding potential disruptions, military escalations, and legal uncertainties in this essential waterway. This paper delves into the broader strategic importance of global maritime chokepoints, focusing specifically on Hormuz and its role in international security and trade. By employing qualitative policy analysis and reviewing sources related to international law and energy security, the study evaluates the military, legal, and economic risks tied to the strait. The findings reveal that Hormuz is particularly vulnerable due to its narrow geography, the concentration of energy flows, and its susceptibility to coercive tactics from both state and non-state actors. Additionally, the paper highlights that any disruptions in the strait can have immediate repercussions on oil prices, shipping costs, and the stability of global supply chains. Ultimately, the study suggests that establishing a multilateral maritime security framework, bolstered by diplomatic efforts and clear legal guidelines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is the most effective way to mitigate risks and ensure freedom of navigation

Authors: Alok Pratap Singh, Jashan Sood, Rituraj Saraf Abstract In today’s world where every geopolitical conflict and economic uncertainty reaches smartphones within seconds, staying informed has become easier than ever-but disengaging has become increasingly difficult. With constant updates surrounding Operation Sindhoor to growing debates on artificial intelligence and job displacement, young people today are exposed to an unprecedented stream of information that demands constant attention. Although social media and digital platforms have led to increases in the level of awareness and connectivity across society, they have also led to the creation of the phenomenon known as doomscrolling, which describes the compulsively consuming of negative or distressing online content. The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics, causes, and effects of doomscrolling behaviours among members of Generation Z (Gen. Z), who were born into a digitally-connected world where smartphones, social networks, and readily-available real-time flows of information originate from different locations around the globe. The study uses relevant contemporary case studies and examines how people’s engagement with social media has been influenced by uncertainty-driven digital engagement and how this has changed their patterns of information consumption and impacted their overall well-being. Keywords: Doomscrolling, Generation Z, Wellbeing, Digital Addiction, Digital Dissociation, Psychological distress.

Authors: Trisha Dhar, Bhavya Anand, and Precious Ajie Esq ABSTRACT The communities of artisans and indigenous peoples in the developing world contribute to the global fashion industry, valued at USD 1.7 trillion a year, with their design language, weaving practices, and motif traditions, yet they obtain less than 5 percent of the retail value of their culture. This essay explores how these structural factors lead to the creation and perpetuation of economic inequalities within the exploitation of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) within the global fashion industry, particularly through the example of Indian textiles. It addresses the following research question: How does the global supply chain contribute to unequal economic benefits derived from traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS)? Through doctrinal analysis of existing laws, including the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, the Copyright Act, 1957, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and international legal obligations of India in relation to the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) negotiations and the Nagoya Protocol; through a value analysis of the supply chain, and engagement with existing academic literature to date, the essay outlines four mechanisms of economic marginalization: the limitations of the Geographical Indication (GI) approach, the intellectual property vacuum created by the idea/expression divide, the dominant structure of the supply chain, and the absence of benefit-sharing arrangements for TCEs. Another shortcoming identified in the existing literature on TCE exploitation is the notion that it should be considered under the category of legal classification rather than that of governance of supply chains. From the analysis of empirical evidence drawn from published studies and reports on the weaving clusters of Banaras, Chanderi, and Kutch, it is evident that the economic marginalisation of weaving communities is a policy-induced problem. The conclusion to this paper provides a comprehensive multi-perspective policy approach to TCE exploitation that comprises TCE-specific legislation, mandatory benefit sharing in supply chains, GI democratization, and constitutional approaches. Keywords: Traditional Cultural Expressions, Fashion Law, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Inequalities in Supply Chains, WIPO IGC, Cultural Misappropriation, Benefit Sharing, Indian Textiles, Weaving Communities.

Authors: 1. Hemangi Singh, Tata Institute of Social Sciences 2. Manoj Yellaiah Vallam, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus 3. Shrawani Ganesh Bokshe, KDK College of Engineering 4. Pratishtha, Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology 5. Saqeef Bayezid Ahsan, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh 6. Aruhi Jain, JSS Science and Technology University 7. Shaik Sameeruddin, Vignana Bharathi Institute of Technology 8. McDonald Julius, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi, Africa 9. Asfia Hasan, Jamia Millia Islamia Abstract Rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate environmental governance have intensified ecological degradation across cities in the Global South, particularly through the erosion of urban green spaces and the collapse of functional waste management systems. This study examines the intersecting roles of urban green infrastructure and solid waste governance in sustaining ecosystem health, with a focus on India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria as representative developing-nation contexts, benchmarked against European nations, notably Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Employing a qualitative comparative methodology, the study draws on peer reviewed literature, government policy documents, and international organization reports to conduct thematic and comparative policy analyses across four dimensions: urban green space distribution, solid waste management systems, public health and environmental inequality, and governance effectiveness. Findings reveal that urban green spaces deliver critical ecosystem services, including air purification, urban heat island mitigation, and biodiversity conservation, while simultaneously supporting physical and mental well-being among urban populations. Escalating waste generation in cities such as Lagos, Dhaka, and Mumbai overwhelms underfunded collection and disposal systems, generating severe environmental pollution, waterborne disease burdens, and disproportionate health risks in low-income communities. Comparative analysis confirms that European cities achieve superior sustainability outcomes through binding regulatory frameworks, integrated green-waste urban planning, advanced recycling and waste-to-energy technologies, and structural advantages largely absent in developing-country governance contexts. The study concludes that urban ecosystem sustainability cannot be achieved through isolated interventions; it requires the deliberate integration of green infrastructure planning, equitable waste governance, and strengthened institutional accountability. Policy recommendations include enforceable urban green space mandates, formalization of informal waste economies, increased environmental budget allocations, and community-centred governance frameworks. This research contributes a cross-regional comparative perspective to the urban sustainability literature and provides evidence-based direction for policymakers in rapidly urbanizing nations. Keywords: Urban green spaces; solid waste management; ecosystem sustainability; environmental governance; urbanization; developing countries; comparative urban policy.