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Good Health and Well-being
Rajat Rao

The Relationship Between Childhood Adversity and The Development Of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious psychiatric condition influenced by childhood adversity, temperament, and triggering events. Research links BPD to early trauma, including parental neglect, abuse, and unstable home environments. Studies show that adolescents and adults with BPD report significantly higher rates of childhood adversity than their peers. Temperamental traits like emotional instability and impulsivity, combined with environmental factors such as bullying and trauma, contribute to its onset. Genetic predispositions also interact with early adverse experiences, influencing BPD symptoms. Emotional abuse and neglect are among the strongest risk factors. BPD affects emotional regulation, relationships, and identity, with therapy being the most recommended treatment.

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April 1, 2025 No Comments
Health
Rajat Rao

Impact of Social Isolation on Elderly People

Social isolation in elderly individuals, particularly women aged 60-69, is linked to health issues such as depression, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Factors like hearing loss, loss of a spouse, and low social engagement contribute to isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened loneliness due to financial concerns and lack of digital connectivity. Those with lower education levels or divorced individuals are especially vulnerable. Research highlights that social connectedness improves well-being and longevity. Initiatives like community outreach, telehealth services, and digital literacy programs can help mitigate the impact of isolation, fostering stronger social ties and enhancing quality of life for older adults.

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April 1, 2025 No Comments
Climate Action
Rubin cyriac

Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance: Analysing the Impact on Renewable Energy Firms

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a crucial aspect of business strategy, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Firms in this industry are increasingly adopting CSR initiatives to enhance their reputation, attract investors, and comply with regulatory requirements. This paper examines the relationship between CSR and financial performance in renewable energy firms, analyzing whether firms that invest more in CSR initiatives experience better financial outcomes.

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April 1, 2025 No Comments
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Mayara Shrotriya

AI and Automation: How they are reshaping job markets

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is reshaping the global economy, driving efficiencies, reducing costs, and creating new opportunities for innovation. However, these technologies also disrupt traditional labor markets, raising concerns about job displacement, economic inequality, and ethical challenges. This article explores the economic implications of AI and automation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and entertainment, highlighting both their transformative potential and the challenges they present. By understanding these dynamics, we can better navigate the opportunities and risks of this technological revolution, ensuring its benefits are broadly shared and its challenges effectively managed.

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March 25, 2025 No Comments
Climate Action
Abhilasha Sharma

Impact of Himalaya glacier retreat on hydrology of India

Impact of glacial retreat in Himalayas on Hydrology: A Comprehensive Review Often referred to as the “Third Pole,” the Himalaya and Hindu Kush, are the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar regions. Himalayan glaciers are critical of freshwater in Asia, feeding major river systems like the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, etc. Supporting about 1.9 to 2 billion people. With climate change and global climate change, growing rate of glacial retreat is becoming a major issue which is leads to major issues related to water and food security, river discharge change, underground water recharge, the risk of floods and droughts across the region (Bolch et al., 2012; Kulkarni et al., 2021). This literature review examines the hydrological impacts of Himalayan glacier retreat and explores its subsequent socio-economic implications. Glacier Retreat in the Himalayas Rising global temperatures has accelerated Himalayan glaciers retreat over the past few decades. According to studies up to 67% of Himalayan glaciers has been lost in last decade itself, and projections predict more paid decline with current temperature rise (King et al., 2021). Some recorded examples are Gangotri Glacier has been retreat at an average rate of 18.5 meters per year from 1963 to 2006 (Ramanathan, 2011) and Samudra Tapu Glacier receded by 862 meters during the same period (Kulkarni et al., 2007). The annual rate of glacial shrinkage in the Indian Himalayan region ranges from 0.2–0.7% for 11 river basins between 1960–2004, with a mean extent of 0.32–1.4 km² (Kulkarni et al., 2011; Bolch et al., 2012). The Himalayan glaciers are retreating at rates ranging from 10 to 60 meters per year, with many small glaciers already disappearing (Dasgupta & Sen, 2020). Satellite imagery shows the Zemu Glacier in Sikkim has significantly receded since 1935 (Singh, 2016). This trend is attributed to rising temperatures, reduced snowfall, and black carbon deposition that decreases the reflective capacity of ice, accelerating melt (Lee et al., 2021). The rate of glacier retreat is influenced by various factors , including rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and the deposition of black carbon, which reduces the albedo effect and accelerates melting. The rate of glacier retreat is not uniform across the Himalayas; it varies due to regional climatic conditions, glacier size, and topographical features. Research shows that smaller glaciers are retreating faster compared to larger ones due to their lower ice mass and surface area (Bolch et al., 2012). Hydrological Impacts  1. Variation in River Runoff Glacier melts significantly impact on the rivers water discharge originating from the Himalayas. Major rivers like Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra etc are glacier-fed water, especially during dry seasons. Glacier retreat initially cause increase in river discharge due to accelerated melting, which raises the risk of floods and soil erosion (Immerzeel et al., 2010). But, with continued glacial retreat, there is reduction in river flow due to decreased discharge which leads to water availability for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use (Prakash, 2020).  Studies predict that the upper catchments of these rivers will experience an initial increase in streamflow due to accelerated melting, followed by a sharp decline as glacial storage is exhausted (Singh et al., 2013). For instance, the Indus Basin, heavily reliant on glacial melt, may see its water availability significantly impacted by mid-century (Lutz et al., 2014). Seasonal variations in runoff patterns are also becoming more pronounced. The shift from glacial to rainfall-dominated river systems can result in more erratic flow regimes, increasing the frequency of both floods and droughts. This has significant implications for water resource management, particularly in regions that depend on consistent river flows for irrigation and hydropower (Immerzeel et al., 2010). 2. Variability in Seasonal Flow Observed shift in period of peak flow from glacier to earlier period of the year , which was originally observed during summer months (Rasul & Molden, 2019). This has lead to decreased water availability during critical agricultural periods, affecting crop irrigation and also affects hydropower generation, during summers which is period of high energy demand (Pathak et al., 2017). This shift in seasonal flow patterns can lead to mismatches between water supply and agricultural demand. For example, earlier peak flows may coincide with periods when water demand for irrigation is low, while reduced flows during the actual growing season can negatively impact crop yields. Moreover, changes in flow timing affect aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the life cycles of fish and other aquatic organisms dependent on specific flow conditions (Pathak et al., 2017). 3. Groundwater Recharge Initial increase in river runoff assist in groundwater recharge especially during dry months , (Kulkarni et al., 2007). But as glaciers retreat, there is reduction in meltwater flow which leads to declining groundwater levels (Rasul & Molden, 2019). When this situation persists for long period it far reaching impacts. Groundwater systems are particularly vulnerable to changes in glacial meltwater input. In many Himalayan regions, groundwater serves as a critical buffer against seasonal water shortages. The decline in recharge rates due to reduced meltwater can lead to the over-extraction of groundwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues. Additionally, changes in groundwater recharge can affect water quality, as lower recharge rates reduce the dilution of pollutants (Rasul & Molden, 2019). 4. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) Glacial lakes which are formed due loose moraine or ice left by glacier retreat that are highly vulnerable to sudden breaches, causing catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) (Mool et al., 2001). GLOFs can lead to widespread flooding, causing the destruction on large scale. More than 32 GLOF events have been recorded in the Himalayas, with increasing frequency in recent years. (Dasgupta & Sen, 2020)  5.Floods and Droughts During period of initial glacier retreat due to high river discharge, risk of seasonal flooding increases particularly during monsoons (Immerzeel et al., 2010). But as glaciers continue to shrink, the long-term reduction in meltwater will lead to water scarcity and an increased risk of drought, particularly affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies (Prakash, 2020). 5. Sediment Transport and River Morphology Glacier retreat also changes the sediment transport dynamics. Initially, increased meltwater

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March 25, 2025 No Comments
Decent Work and Economic Growth
ADITI SHARMA

AI in Developing Economies: A Growth Tool or a Barrier to Equity?

By: Aditi Sharma & Sanket Ghodeswar Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing economies across the globe, remodeling industries, and redefining the future of work. Developed countries are exploiting AI to foster innovation and productivity, while its effects on developing economies are multifaceted. On the one hand, AI brings many opportunities for economic growth, efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. It can help solve age-old problems like poverty, illiteracy, and poor healthcare. Nevertheless, most developing nations do not possess the required infrastructure, human resources, and regulation to effectively tap into AI. AI-powered automation can replace human labor in industry sectors that rely heavily on it, exacerbating socio-economic imbalances. Also, dependence on AI systems built by the Global North can entrench biases, curtailing developing economies’ agency in determining their technological destiny. The key question remains: Does AI serve as a tool for inclusive growth, or does it act as a barrier to equity? This article explores AI’s potential to drive economic growth in developing economies while also highlighting the risks it poses to equity and inclusion. AI as a Tool for Economic Growth in Developing Economies AI has great potential to stimulate economic development in developing countries through enhanced productivity, innovation, and service sector transformation. Most nations in the Global South are already employing AI-based solutions to address major challenges, enhance livelihoods, and promote industries. One of the most exciting uses of AI is in agriculture, where it is assisting farmers with data-driven insights. In India, CropIn, an AI-based platform, employs predictive analytics to deliver real-time advisory services. Using satellite imagery and weather data, CropIn assists farmers in minimizing crop loss and boosting productivity. This technology is especially beneficial to small-scale farmers who do not have access to advanced farming practices. AI is also making governance more robust by enhancing transparency and effectiveness in public services. In Brazil, the government employs AI to identify fraud in social welfare programs, allowing for more effective resource allocation and less corruption. In Indonesia, startup eFishery has created an AI-based smart feeding system that assists fish farmers in maximizing feeding schedules, reducing cost and improving yield. This has greatly increased the productivity and revenue of small-scale fish farmers. The financial sector is also where AI is shaping economic change. In Nigeria, fintech services such as Paystack and Flutterwave, powered by AI, are increasing financial inclusion by making digital payment services accessible to small businesses. The platforms have simplified it for entrepreneurs to participate in e-commerce, which has led to the expansion of local economies. In medicine, AI is assisting developing countries in addressing issues of accessibility and affordability. Sophia Genetics, an AI platform, is improving medical diagnostics in Kenya, especially in diseases such as cancer. Also, Rwanda has incorporated AI-based diagnostic tools to enhance healthcare outcomes in rural areas. Also, Zipline, a drone-based system for the delivery of medical supplies, ensures remote locations get necessary medication in a timely manner. These examples highlight AI’s ability to solve real-world problems, enhance efficiency, and contribute to economic growth. However, despite these advancements, AI also presents significant risks that could hinder equity and inclusive development. AI in Developing Economies: A Barrier to Equity and Inclusive Development Although AI can be a great economic development tool, its fast take-up in developing economies is worrying in terms of inequality, bias, and exclusion. AI, if not properly implemented, can increase socio-economic gaps instead of closing them. Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination One of the largest fears associated with AI is algorithmic bias. Because AI programs are trained on past data, they tend to mirror and even enhance preexistent social biases. If the data for training AI algorithms are biased, then the results will be biased as well. For instance, in 2018, Amazon abandoned its AI recruitment tool after it discovered the tool was biased against women. The algorithm learned from previous hiring data that preferred men and consistently dismissed resumes of women, perpetuating gender-based discrimination in hiring. Likewise, AI-based tenant screening software has disproportionately given lower ratings to Black and Hispanic renters, causing housing discrimination. These examples show how AI, if poorly constructed, can feed into social injustice instead of driving it out. Developing economies, which do not generally have strict AI regulations, are especially open to these biases. Economic Disparity and Job Loss AI-based automation threatens jobs immensely, particularly in labor-driven sectors. A 2023 McKinsey report shows that AI could automate 14 million jobs globally by 2030, with developing economies hit the hardest. For example, in the hotel industry, AI-based self-check-in machines and virtual assistants have resulted in the loss of jobs for hotel employees. Valerie Gills, a U.S. hotel receptionist, lost her job when her company substituted human personnel with automated systems. The same dynamics are unfolding in emerging economies, where lower-skilled workers are most exposed to job loss due to AI. In Latin America, research shows that nearly 25% of the positions occupied by Latino workers, especially in agriculture and construction, may be displaced through automation by 2030. Without adequate reskilling efforts, AI will increase unemployment levels and expand the economic gap. Omission of Persons with Disabilities AI technologies do not consider the requirements of individuals with disabilities, hence causing digital exclusion. The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) released a report, which established that most AI-enabled applications are greatly dependent on visual recognition, which makes them impossible for visually impaired people to access. Tom Pey, president of RSBC, accused the hasty deployment of AI-based services without disabled users in mind, saying it has shut them out of vital digital services. Unless AI is designed with inclusion in mind, disabled communities in emerging countries could be further marginalized. AI and Financial Exclusion As AI transforms financial services, it also threatens financial exclusion. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) cautioned that AI-powered “hyper-personalization” in banking may render some people uninsurable based on their financial or health record. FCA Chief Nikhil Rathi warned that this might disproportionately impact low-income people, perpetuating economic inequality. Likewise, in poor countries, AI-based credit scoring

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March 25, 2025 No Comments
Blog
Samridhi Raju

Constitutional Morality and Individual Rights

Constitutional morality and individual rights are fundamental pillars of democracy, ensuring justice, equality, and personal freedom. While individual rights empower citizens with autonomy, constitutional morality ensures these rights align with democratic values and social justice. Conflicts arise when traditions or societal norms contradict constitutional principles, as seen in cases like Sabarimala and Section 377 in India. The judiciary plays a crucial role in balancing these interests, safeguarding individual freedoms while upholding constitutional ethics. Ultimately, fostering constitutional morality is essential for sustaining democratic integrity and protecting human dignity in an evolving society.

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March 18, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Rupal Gurjar

Water as a Geopolitical Weapon: Climate Change, the Brahmaputra River, and Arctic Tensions

Climate change is exacerbating global water disputes, turning water into a strategic asset in geopolitical conflicts. This study examines two critical case studies: the Brahmaputra River and the Arctic. The Brahmaputra, shared by China, India, and Bangladesh, is increasingly contested due to dam construction, shifting hydrology, and the lack of a binding water-sharing agreement. Meanwhile, in the Arctic, melting ice is transforming previously inaccessible waters into new trade routes and resource frontiers, intensifying global competition. These cases highlight how climate-induced water scarcity and accessibility shifts are reshaping international relations, underscoring the need for cooperative water governance and sustainable policy responses.

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March 18, 2025 No Comments
Climate Action
Mohit Sharma

The Unfair Burden: Climate Injustice and the Disproportionate Impact on the Global South.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue but a justice issue, highlighting deep disparities between nations. Industrialized Western countries, which fueled their economic growth with fossil fuels, are primarily responsible for historical greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, the Global South, despite contributing the least, faces the harshest consequences—rising sea levels, extreme droughts, and devastating natural disasters. Developing nations lack the financial and infrastructural capacity to combat climate change, intensifying calls for climate justice. While agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement exist, there remains a gap between developed countries’ promises and actual climate aid. Without substantial global action, climate change will continue to reinforce historical inequalities and marginalization.

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March 18, 2025 No Comments