IISPPR

International Relations
Mohit Sharma

International Human Rights Laws and Refugee Crisis.

The global refugee crisis has intensified due to conflicts, persecution, and climate change, challenging international legal frameworks designed to protect displaced individuals. Despite the existence of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, refugees often face restrictive immigration policies, xenophobia, and inadequate living conditions in host countries. The principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of refugee protection, is frequently undermined by national security concerns and political interests. This article explores the complexities of forced migration, international human rights laws, and the challenges of global responsibility-sharing, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy reforms and stronger international cooperation to safeguard refugee rights.

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Blog
Priyanka Tapadia

AI AND DATA PROTECTION: CHALLENGES IN AUTOMATED DECISION-MAKING

  Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionizing industries by automating decision-making processes in banking, healthcare, governance, and law. While AI-driven decision-making enhances efficiency and scalability, it also raises significant concerns regarding privacy, fairness, and accountability. India’s legal framework, particularly the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), attempts to address these challenges, but its silence on AI-specific issues calls for a more comprehensive regulatory approach. This article examines the legal, ethical, and policy challenges of AI-powered automated decision-making (ADM) in India and proposes solutions for a balanced regulatory framework. The Privacy and Security Risks of AI Decision-Making AI systems require vast amounts of personal data to function, raising significant privacy concerns. In India, AI-driven ADM systems collect information from social media, financial transactions, and biometric databases like Aadhaar. While these technologies improve service delivery, they also risk unauthorized access, data misuse, and mass surveillance. The DPDP Act, 2023, aims to protect personal data through consent-based collection and stringent penalties for non-compliance. However, it does not explicitly regulate AI-specific concerns such as algorithmic profiling, predictive analytics, and real-time surveillance. This gap leaves room for potential data breaches and misuse of sensitive information. Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination A significant challenge of AI-driven ADM is the risk of algorithmic bias, which can lead to unfair outcomes and discrimination. AI models learn from historical data, which often contains biases related to gender, caste, and socio-economic status. If unchecked, AI-based recruitment tools, credit-scoring systems, and facial recognition technology can reinforce discriminatory patterns, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. Unlike the EU’s GDPR, which enforces transparency in AI decision-making, India’s legal framework does not explicitly address algorithmic fairness. The absence of clear mandates for fairness audits, bias detection, and data diversity standards increases the likelihood of systemic discrimination in AI-powered decision-making processes. Lack of Transparency and Explain ability One of the most pressing concerns in AI and ADM is the lack of transparency. Many AI models operate as “black boxes,” making decisions without clear explanations. This opacity is particularly problematic in high-stakes sectors like healthcare, law enforcement, and finance, where AI-driven decisions can have life-altering consequences. The DPDP Act does not mandate AI explain ability or grant individuals the right to challenge AI-driven decisions. Unlike Article 22 of the GDPR, which gives individuals the right to contest automated decisions, India’s legal framework lacks strong provisions for algorithmic accountability, leaving affected individuals with limited legal recourse. Legal Framework and Regulatory Challenges in India India’s current legal landscape for AI and data protection remains fragmented. The DPDP Act, 2023, establishes fundamental data protection guidelines but does not regulate AI-specific concerns. Other relevant laws include: Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) – Governs cybersecurity and data protection but lacks AI-specific provisions. Aadhaar Act, 2016– Regulates biometric data collection but does not address AI-driven profiling. National Data Governance Framework Policy, 2022 – Facilitates data sharing for AI research while ensuring security. EU Artificial Intelligence Act (Comparative Perspective) – Aims to classify AI systems by risk level and enforce transparency requirements, something India has yet to implement. India’s lack of a dedicated AI regulation leaves gaps in accountability, making it necessary for policymakers to introduce AI-specific guidelines for fairness, transparency, and accountability. Accountability and Ethical Responsibility A critical issue in AI-driven ADM is determining liability. When AI makes a flawed or harmful decision—such as rejecting a job application, denying a loan, or misdiagnosing a patient—who is responsible? The developer, the deploying organization, or the government? Currently, India does not have clear legal provisions assigning liability for AI-related harm. Some legal experts propose a “human-in-the-loop” model, where AI decisions are subject to human oversight, particularly in sensitive domains. Others advocate for AI liability frameworks, ensuring that AI developers and users bear legal responsibility for algorithmic errors and discriminatory outcomes. Case Studies: AI and Legal Precedents in India and Beyond Legal actions against AI systems are rising globally. In India, ANI vs Open AI is a landmark case where the Delhi High Court reviewed copyright claims against AI-generated content. Internationally, Microsoft, GitHub, and Open AI have faced lawsuits over unauthorized data usage in AI training models. While India has begun addressing AI-related disputes, it still lacks a robust legal framework to regulate AI-driven harm effectively. Strengthening regulatory policies is crucial to address AI’s evolving risks. The case was filled in the us courts against the Microsoft, GitHub and Open AI for the violation of copyright. The case has been filled in us and Europe by the artist, more than 8500 authors, and media organization for staling the work. Mitigating Risks: Steps Towards Responsible AI To ensure AI is used responsibly in India, the following measures must be taken: Enact AI-Specific Regulations – Introduce laws addressing AI accountability, fairness, and transparency. Mandate Fairness Audits – Establish independent reviews to detect and mitigate algorithmic bias. Enhance Explain ability Requirements – Require AI systems to disclose decision-making logic, especially in critical sectors. Align with Global Standards – Adopt best practices from GDPR and the EU AI Act to ensure AI compliance. Strengthen User Rights and Redressal Mechanisms – Provide legal channels for individuals to challenge AI decisions and seek redress. Improve Data Protection Measures – Implement stricter encryption, anonymization, and security protocols for AI-generated data. Increase Public Awareness – Educate individuals on their rights regarding AI-driven decisions and available legal protections. FACT OF CONCERN In all over the world, the cases in the courts against the AI is increasing day by day, especially in us, Europe and now even in India. Increase in the cases in the courts also increases the concerns for the privacy of the individuals. According to the google, 50% of the bank scams and fraud are done through the AI. When there is an ADM there is no any limit for controlling and hence the frauds and scams increases. AI Implication in Credits AI has the potential to touch pretty much every aspect of the business of lending. Lending is an information-based business and many of the tasks performed by humans can

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Decent Work and Economic Growth
ADITI SHARMA

Atmanirbhar Bharat: Strengthening India’s Foundations for Tomorrow

By: Aditi Sharma & Sanket Ghodeswar Introduction During the coronavirus pandemic in India, the lockdown, and an existing slowdown in the growth of the domestic economy and the economic impact of the pandemic, the government issued an adapted idea of self-reliance. The concept of Atmanirbhar bharat (Self-Reliant India) was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2020, aiming to transform India into a self-sufficient and globally competitive economy. Rooted in the idea of Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat envisions a resilient nation capable of sustaining itself while also contributing to the global economy. By promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and encouraging indigenous production, this vision aspires to make India a key player in various sectors, from technology and defense to agriculture and healthcare. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stands on five key pillars: economy, technology-driven systems, infrastructure, vibrant demography, and demand & supply chain. Additionally, under India Vision 2047, the nation is committed to emerging as a global powerhouse. This initiative goes beyond social and economic progress—it underscores India’s significance and the role of its citizens in shaping global development. Key Pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat: – 1] Economy: – As the outbreak of Covid 19 has clearly demonstrated that the world including India was not fully prepared to tackle the crisis without any external help. So government of India under Aatmanirbhar Bharat economy pillar focuses on achieving sustainable growth. The goal is to develop a strong financial ecosystem that supports industries, attract foreign investment and promote local production. A lot of initiatives like Production Linked Incentive and Corporate Tax Reduction have been introduced to boost domestic manufacturing. At the same time reforms in banking sector aims to improve efficiency and strengthen economic stability.   2] Infrastructure: – Absence of robust infrastructure further escalated India’s problem during covid 19 pandemic. However, the second pillar which is infrastructure is very vital for any country’s economic development as it enhances industrial efficiency and ease of doing business. In regards of this Government of India has launched ambitious project like National Infrastructure Pipeline which involves an investment of 100 lakh crores to develop roads, ports and railway. To strengthen transportation and logistics government also came up with Bharatmala and Sagarmala projects. Additionally, with the launch of Smart cities mission it also aims to create sustainable urban spaces with advanced technology integration.   3] System: – System which is third pillar talks about modernizing governance and creating transparent business environment. The main reason behind this is to streamline governance and simplify regulatory process so that business can evolve in more amicable way without bureaucratic hurdles. Government has taken prominent step toward digitalization by expanding e-governance, simplifying tax structure through GST and introducing start up friendly policies.   4] Vibrant Demography: – Government introduced Vibrant Demography as 4th pillar with vision to leverage India’s young and dynamic workforce for economic growth. According to MoSPI report titled ‘Youth in India 2022’, by the year 2036, those above the age of 30 will form the majority of population. To extract benefit, initiative like Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana are being explored. At the same time National Education Policy 2020 ensure that youth are better prepared for the job market by bridging gap between skills and academic education.   5] Demand & Supply Chain: – The demand and supply chain pillar focuses on strengthening local market and mitigating dependency on imports. Through initiative like ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ government tries to promote domestic industries and boost export. The government has also introduced reforms which support MSME, improve agriculture logistics through e-NAM and enhance infrastructure to facilitate faster goods movement. Government Initiatives on Atmanirbhar Bharat The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, launched in May 2020, represents India’s strategic push towards self-reliance across various sectors. With a financial package of ₹20 lakh crore (approximately 10% of India’s GDP), the initiative aims to strengthen domestic industries, enhance economic resilience, and reduce dependency on imports. Several key government initiatives have been introduced under this mission to promote self-sufficiency in manufacturing, technology, defense, infrastructure, and financial sectors. One of the flagship programs under this initiative is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which provides financial incentives to domestic manufacturers across 14 key sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. With an outlay of ₹1.97 lakh crore, the scheme is designed to enhance India’s export competitiveness and boost local manufacturing. Complementing this effort is the Make in India 2.0 program, which focuses on 27 champion sectors, including defense, renewable energy, and textiles. By attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and improving domestic production capabilities, this initiative has already garnered over $81.72 billion in FDI inflows during FY 2021-22. To support small and medium enterprises, the government launched the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) with an allocation of ₹5 lakh crore, benefiting over 1.14 crore MSMEs. This scheme has played a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of these enterprises, particularly during economic downturns. Infrastructure development has also been a key priority, with the PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan launched at an investment of ₹100 lakh crore to improve multi-modal connectivity through enhanced transport networks across roads, railways, and ports. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has sanctioned loans worth over ₹22.5 lakh crore to promote entrepreneurship among small businesses. Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, the Digital India initiative, with an investment of ₹1.13 lakh crore, has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide. Under the BharatNet program, over 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats have been connected with high-speed broadband, enabling greater digital penetration in rural India. Another crucial aspect of self-reliance is defense manufacturing, which the government has strengthened through the Defence Indigenization Policy. A negative import list has been introduced to restrict imports of over 310 defense items, prioritizing indigenous production. As a result, the defense sector received a record ₹1.62 lakh crore capital outlay in Budget 2023-24 to further boost local manufacturing. The One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative has been another key driver of self-reliance, promoting

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Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Srijan Vishwakarma

Intellectual property rights in the Digital age

Intellectual property rights in the Digital age Srijan Vishwakarma, Rishita Golait, Aryan Bhardwaj, Prashant Pippal Abstract This study investigates the evolution and challenges of intellectual property rights (IPR) in the digital era. It explores how digital technologies have reshaped the landscape of intellectual property protection, focusing on copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. The paper examines the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital rights management systems on IPR enforcement. It also addresses the global issues of IP protection in an interconnected digital world and proposes viable solutions for effective IP management. These solutions, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve the management and protection of intellectual property rights in the digital age. Keywords: Intellectual Property Rights, Digital Age, Copyright Protection, Patent Law, Trademark Infringement, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source Software Introduction Intellectual property rights have undergone significant evolution since the first documented patent in Florence, Italy, in 1421. However, the digital revolution, a monumental milestone in this evolution, has fundamentally altered how intellectual property is generated, safeguarded, and enforced. The transition from manual to digital patent filing systems has streamlined verification procedures while introducing new challenges. Modern IPR frameworks now encompass emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, biotechnology, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology. The digital era has brought forth new challenges in content reproduction, distribution, and protection, necessitating stronger enforcement measures. The ease of data transfer and storage has led to a surge in piracy, trade secret theft, and geographical indicator misrepresentation. Recent cases, such as Anil Kapoor’s complaint against Simply Life India (CS(COMM) 652/2023), underscore the pressing need to address the new issues of preserving individual rights in an AI-powered future. The evolving landscape of intellectual property rights. The first ever recorded patent is from Florence, Italy, in 1421, which granted exclusive rights for 3 years exclusive right for his invention of a ship transportation machine to Filippo Brunelleschi; this tells us that IPR had existed for a very long time and had changing and evolving with the time. The primary change that occurred over this time is that, before, the patent had to be done manually in paperwork and submitted personally, making it a time-consuming process. Also, it was hard to verify the originality of the invention because it was challenging to match the patent with the existing one. However, in modern times, when patents are recorded digitally, it is easy to verify the originality of patents in records. Only products, machines, inventions and improvement methods were considered for patents before, but now AI, blockchain, biotechnology, genetic engineering & nanotechnology are also eligible for patents. The evolving landscape of IPR has improved and made it harder to plagiarize content, making it safer for copyright holders. Trademarks are now globally recognized and cannot be misused by local businessmen to misrepresent their products. However, the current IPR provides for stricter penalties for stealing trade secrets, as it is now more likely that a trade secret could be stolen with the use of technology. The impact of digital technology on IP In the current age of the world where technology has advanced so much, it has been happening often now that infringing on IPR has become an issue for copyright holders. In this digital world, it is easy to transfer and store data from one place to another, causing widespread piracy, stealing trade secrets & misrepresentation of geographical indicators. Scams like these are happening all around the world. Also, with the introduction of AI, which uses collected data from publically available data and user-generated data, Personality rights are under threat; for instance, in the case of Anil Kapoor’s lawsuit against Simply Life India (CS(COMM) 652/2023). In this case, Anil Kapoor’s face was morphed into another person by using AI deepfake for advertisement purposes, violating his Personality rights and IPR (Intellectual Property Right). Challenges of Copyright Protection in the Digital Age: A Detailed Analysis The digital era has dramatically challenged copyright protection, changing how creative works are reproduced, disseminated, and consumed. This section rephrases and reframes the most critical subjects and cites and references for each argument, highlighting the digital era’s impact on copyright protection.1. Product reproduction and distribution have become effortless in the digital age, revolutionizing the speed of copying and distributing intellectual property. Digital books, music, and movies can now be replicated and shared globally in a matter of seconds. This rapid distribution has significantly complicated the control of copyrighted content, underscoring the urgent need to address this issue.2. Mis-Measurement of utilization: Online publication of works has led to their unrestricted download, sharing, and redistribution availability. This extensive distribution makes it challenging to monitor and regulate the use of content, thereby complicating copyright enforcement.3. Complex Ownership Issues: The digital revolution has clouded and complicated intellectual information ownership. With the ease of copying and dissemination, identifying a work’s creator or legal owner is harder. This dilemma gets significantly more complicated when many parties claim ownership, highlighting digital ownership issues4. The expensive expense of law enforcement: Copyright enforcement in the digital age is costly and time-consuming. Due to the abundance of internet material, infringement is hard to spot. Additionally, prosecuting lawbreakers demands financial and administrative resources.5. International distribution: Digital material may be sent worldwide. However, due to national copyright laws, worldwide infringement is difficult to manage, and the international reach hampers enforcement. Impact Of Open Source Software On Intellectual Property This case study examines creating an IP portfolio to commercialize with a technology. Trade secrets, patents, and copyrights are key IP rights. OSS affects each of these rights, especially licensing constraints and IP protection.1. Trading Secrets: However, a changed ingredient selection code based on OSS with a restrictive license may need to be disclosed openly. This could potentially reveal the recipe’s trade secret, eroding its protection and posing a significant risk2. Patents: If the mixer control code uses OSS modules with restrictive licensing, control algorithm patent rights may be significantly limited. A restricted OSS license may mandate that software modifications—and perhaps the copyrighted invention—be made freely accessible.

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Blog
SANDHYADEVI KUMMETHA

Navigating Inheritance Laws in India Testamentary Succession

Inheritance in India refers to the legal transfer of a deceased person’s assets to their heirs, either through a will (testamentary succession) or according to succession laws in the absence of a will (intestate succession). The Indian Succession Act, 1925 governs the inheritance laws for various religious communities, with specific provisions for each. The process involves drafting a valid will, appointing an executor, and, if necessary, obtaining probate for smooth transfer and resolution of any disputes among heirs.

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International Relations
Vaibhav puri

Hunting Bin Laden: The Deadly Manhunt of Operation Neptune Spear

INTRODUCTION  Operation Neptune Spear was a pivotal military operation conducted by the United States on May 2, 2011, to eliminate Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda and the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Executed by the U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 (DEVGRU) under the direction of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. Department of Defence, the raid took place in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The operation was the result of years of intelligence gathering and strategic planning, culminating in a high-risk mission that ultimately led to bin Laden’s death. This paper examines the intelligence efforts, strategic execution, and geopolitical implications of Operation Neptune Spear, assessing its impact on U.S. national security and counterterrorism policies. Intelligence and Planning Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the CIA began collecting information on key individuals connected to or providing support to Bin Laden.   THE FIRST CLUE Shortly after 9/11, the CIA began tracking individuals linked to bin Laden. A major early breakthrough came from a piece of luggage belonging to Mohammad Atta, the lead hijacker. The bag contained documents, hijacker instructions, and flight training manuals, confirming al-Qaeda’s involvement and bin Laden’s role. Intelligence efforts continued, with a CIA operative, Jalal, identifying bin Laden’s voice in transmissions from the Tora Bora Mountains, proving his continued influence. However, bin Laden evaded capture and resurfaced in Pakistan. (Washington Post), (CIA), (PBS).  A MISTAKE Bin Laden relied on trusted couriers to maintain communication with Al-Qaeda. One, Ibrahim, made a fatal error on August 27, 2010, when he used a mobile phone in Peshawar, a city under CIA surveillance. This allowed the agency to track him to a suspicious compound in Abbottabad, which exhibited unusual security measures. The compound’s high walls, lack of digital communication, and residents’ habit of burning trash pointed to the presence of a high-value target. Surveillance identified a mysterious tall man, “The Pacer,” whose physical traits matched bin Laden’s.  GREAT DISCOVERY Once the CIA identified Ibrahim’s location, they conducted further surveillance to assess the compound. The facility was situated in a highly secured area of Abbottabad, close to the Pakistan Military Academy. Several key factors indicated that the compound housed a high-value individual: Unlike other homes in the area, the compound had no telephone or internet connections, an unusual measure suggesting the need for secrecy. The residents burned their trash instead of disposing of it in the usual collection system, minimizing external exposure. A mysterious tall man, who never left the premises, was occasionally seen walking in the courtyard. Analysts referred to him as “The Pacer” due to his habitual pacing back and forth. His physical characteristics closely resembled those of bin Laden. After gathering substantial evidence, the CIA presented its findings to top U.S. officials, including President Barack Obama. While the intelligence was not 100% certain, the assessment strongly suggested that bin Laden was hiding in the Abbottabad compound. (bookshelf) Nail Into the coffin To further verify bin Laden’s presence in the compound, the CIA enlisted the help of Dr. Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani physician. Dcotor Afridi was tasked with running a fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad under the guise of administering hepatitis B vaccines. The objective of this covert operation was to collect DNA samples from individuals residing in the compound to confirm bin Laden’s identity. Dr. Afridi and his medical team visited the surrounding areas and attempted to gain access to the compound by offering free vaccinations. While the team was unable to directly obtain DNA from bin Laden or his immediate family, their efforts provided valuable intelligence on the residents and their movements. This reinforced the CIA’s confidence that bin Laden was indeed hiding inside the compound. (BBC) EXECUTION OF THE MISSION On the night of May 1, 2011, two stealth-modified Black Hawk helicopters carrying SEAL Team 6 with 24 officers departed from a U.S. base in Afghanistan and infiltrated Pakistani airspace undetected. Upon arrival at the compound, one of the helicopters experienced mechanical issues and crash-landed, though no personnel were injured. The SEALs quickly adjusted their strategy and proceeded with the mission. The team breached the compound and engaged in a brief firefight with bin Laden’s guards. Moving through the building, they encountered and neutralized several occupants before reaching the top floor, where Osama bin Laden was located. Bin Laden was shot and killed after resisting capture. His body was positively identified through facial recognition and DNA analysis. The SEALs collected valuable intelligence materials before exfiltrating the site. Due to the compromised helicopter, a backup aircraft was called in, and the damaged helicopter was destroyed to prevent technology from falling into foreign hands. Within 40 minutes of landing, the SEAL team successfully completed the operation and returned to Afghanistan. (Caravan)  Legal and Ethical Considerations in the Hunt for Osama bin Laden Legal Considerations Under U.S. Law: In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the U.S. Congress enacted the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists (AUMF) in 2001. This legislation empowered the President to employ “necessary and appropriate force” against entities responsible for the attacks. The Obama administration cited the AUMF as a legal basis for the operation against bin Laden. John Bellinger III, former legal adviser to the U.S. State Department asserted that the operation was a legitimate military action, stating that the assassination prohibition does not apply to killings in self-defence or during armed conflict. Under International Law: The incursion into Pakistani territory without prior consent sparked debates about sovereignty violations. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gillian, emphasized the nation’s disapproval of such unilateral actions, highlighting concerns over sovereignty and adherence to international law. Conversely, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder defended the operation as an act of national self-defence, aligning it with the U.S.’s inherent right to protect itself under international law. (Wikipedia) Scholars have also scrutinized the operation’s legality under international humanitarian law. Some argue that the absence of an active armed conflict between the U.S. and al-Qaeda at the time challenges the justification of bin

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Public Policies
MUSKAN JAISWAL

NITI AAYOG’S SDG INDIA INDEX REPORTS: AN ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED CASE STUDIES

The MoSPI’s 2022 publication “Guidance on Monitoring Framework on SDGs at the sub-national Level” inter alia includes the guidelines for the development of SDG-based National Indicator Framework (NIF) and State Indicator Framework (SIF), which facilitates localization and assists State Governments in the development and refinement of the sub-national level monitoring framework by providing comprehensive guidance. In consonance with the MOSPI’s NIF and SIF, NITI Aayog has released four reports titled ‘SDG India Index,’ covering indices for 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2023-24 based on the globally accepted Sustainable Development Solution Network (SSDN) methodology. These reports illustrate the challenges respective States/UTs face in monitoring SDGs at the sub-national level, along with the best practices being followed in the States/UTs for SDG monitoring. This mechanism of monitoring through indigenized dashboards has facilitated Evidence-Based Policy Making (EBPM) in Indian policy circles. These tools evaluate the performance of the states and union territories aligned with the NIF, providing both goal-wise scores, ranking, and a composite score (0-100) that reflects overall progress collated from the raw data. (PIB, 2024). Thus, the following article undertakes four case studies (i.e., Delhi, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal) to assess and delineate the attempts of SDG localization on the ground.

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Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Priyanka D

The Future of Work: How AI and Automation Will Reshape the Labor Market and Impact Human Jobs

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are reshaping industries, enhancing productivity, and driving economic growth. While these technologies streamline processes in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and finance, they also present challenges such as job displacement and widening economic inequality. AI-driven advancements demand a shift in workforce skills, emphasizing the need for reskilling and upskilling to ensure adaptability in an evolving job market. The Fourth Industrial Revolution underscores the importance of digital literacy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, bridging the gap between human capability and technological progress. Governments and corporations play a crucial role in fostering inclusive AI adoption through strategic policies, education reforms, and ethical AI practices. As AI continues to transform global economies, balancing innovation with workforce welfare is essential for sustainable development. By addressing skill mismatches and ensuring equitable access to technology, societies can harness AI’s potential while minimizing its disruptive impact on employment and social stability.

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FINANCE
Ravishen Jain

BRICS AND THE PATH TO DE-DOLLARIZATION

ABSTRACT
BRICS continues its efforts to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade, the group is exploring ways to strengthen financial autonomy and develop a BRICS-specific reserve currency. The development of a reserve currency, together with ongoing efforts to enhance local currency trade, has the potential to reshape global economic systems. By addressing global dependence on the dollar, BRICS aims to empower its member states, foster economic sovereignty, and reduce vulnerabilities in global trade and finance.

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International Relations
Samriddhi Shet

India’s National Security Challenges in the context of Cross-border terrorism

Cross-border terrorism poses a severe threat to India’s national security, affecting its sovereignty, economy, and social stability. The evolving nature of terrorism, from infiltration to hybrid warfare and cyberattacks, has made counterterrorism efforts more complex. India faces challenges from Pakistan-backed groups, insurgencies in the Northeast, and emerging threats like drone warfare. While diplomatic measures and international cooperation are crucial, addressing root causes such as ideological radicalization and socio-economic disparities is essential. A comprehensive approach integrating technology, security reforms, and global alliances is necessary to safeguard India’s democratic values and ensure long-term peace and stability.

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