Authors: Ashmita Kulabhi, Trisha Dev, Ankit Gautam, Jerin Jojy ABSTRACT Climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion have emerged as some of the most pressing global issues of recent times. Transitioning towards a low-carbon economy that safeguards natural resources is therefore imperative for achieving a sustainable future. In this context, India’s ambitious targets of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuelbased power generation capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, underscore the urgency of a green economy transition capable of meeting the nation’s burgeoning energy demands in a sustainable yet reliable manner. This paper analyses India’s green transition by examining sectoral pathways of decarbonisation across key domains—urbanisation, transport, industry, and MSMEs. It explores the country’s evolving energy landscape, focusing on the growth trajectory and changing composition of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity, while also highlighting the regional disparities and policy drivers underpinning renewable expansion. To capture these regional dynamics, a comparative case study approach is employed, analysing Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar as representative examples of high-, medium-, and low-performing states in the green transition. This approach provides deeper insights into how policy frameworks, institutional capacity, and investment flows influence renewable energy outcomes. Further, the study constructs a Green Inclusiveness Index (GII), composed of four equally weighted indicators, to assess the extent of regional inclusiveness in renewable energy deployment. The findings reveal that, although India has made consistent progress in expanding its non-fossil fuel capacity and diversifying its energy mix, the distribution of renewable energy remains spatially uneven, reflecting a distinct green divide among states. The paper concludes with evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at promoting a just and inclusive green transition. Keywords: Green Transition, Green Inclusiveness Index, Energy Transition Trajectory, Green Industrial Corridors, Transport Decarbonisation, Green Divide

Authors: Om Dwivedi, Vivek Kumar, Riddhi Singh, Upasna Sharma, Garvit Chandra ABSTRACT There is something deeply contradictory about India’s development record. Between 2005 and 2021, over 415 million people were lifted out of multidimensional poverty, a feat remarkable by any global standard, and yet India continues to sit near the bottom of international rankings on female economic participation, safety, and autonomy. This paper investigates that contradiction. The central research problem is not simply that gender equality lags behind poverty reduction; it is that the metrics used to track poverty reduction are structurally incapable of detecting women’s individual capability deprivations because they measure at the household level rather than at the level of the person. Through Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach and Martha Nussbaum’s articulation of Central Human Capabilities, this paper argues that India’s patriarchal social structure acts as a dominant negative conversion factor, meaning a structural barrier that systematically prevents household-level resources from becoming individual freedoms for women. Drawing on NFHS-5, the NSSO Time Use Survey (2019), NITI Aayog MPI reports, World Bank poverty estimates, and Oxfam India’s labour data, the study finds that across four domains of economic capability, asset control, political agency, and bodily safety, women’s combined capabilities remain severely constrained even within technically non-poor households. Spousal violence affects 29.3% of ever-married women. Female land ownership stands at 18.7%. Labour force participation hovers between 25 and 30%. These are not residual problems but structural features of how gender inequality persists beneath an apparently successful poverty reduction story. The paper concludes with specific, actor-directed policy recommendations and calls for a reorientation of national data collection toward individual-level capability measurement. Keywords: Gender Inequality, Multidimensional Poverty, Capability Approach, Sustainable Development Goals, Women’s Empowerment, Intra-Household Inequality, Development Measurement

Authors: Pranavan P, M.Elavarasi, S Tongpangkokla Ozukum, Kshitij Manjappa, Khushi ABSTRACT Background:Socialmedia has evolved from a tool for social interaction into a major educational resource that shapes how students learn, collaborate, and engage in academic environments. Its influence is especially notable among university students, where digital platforms have become integral to knowledge exchange and self-directed learning. Objective:This study investigates the impact of social media on students’ learning behaviour, with a focus on how platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn influence study habits, motivation, and academic collaboration among Indian higher education students. Methods:A qualitative research design was employed, and data were collected through Google Forms from 47 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Thematic analysis was used to identify key behavioural patterns, challenges, and perceived benefits of social media in education. Results:Findings revealed that social media significantly enhances student collaboration, access to learning materials, and motivation. However, issues such as distraction, misinformation, digital fatigue, and reduced concentration were frequently reported. The dual nature of social media use—both facilitative and disruptive—was evident across responses. Conclusion:Social media can serve as a powerful educational tool when integrated responsibly into learning environments. To harness its full potential, educational institutions must focus on developing digital literacy, ethical use policies, and teacher training in digital pedagogy. Promoting mindful and structured use of social media can enhance learning outcomes while minimizing its negative psychological and cognitive impacts. Keywords:Social media, learning behaviour, digital literacy, student engagement, academic performance, higher education.

Authors: Monali Kawdiya, Pavni Choudhary, Kujala Supriya, Kolanka Lakshmi Sai Swathi ABSTRACT The global payments ecosystem is rapidly transforming due to digitalization and financial innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical enabler in digital payment systems, particularly in fraud detection, risk assessment, personalization, and operational efficiency. This study examines how machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics reshape payment infrastructures. Using a qualitative approach based on secondary sources and peer-reviewed literature, it evaluates AI’s role in enhancing security and transaction efficiency while enabling personalized customer experiences. Findings indicate that AI significantly improves fraud monitoring and operational responsiveness. However, challenges related to transparency, explainability, regulatory compliance, and algorithmic bias remain. The study concludes that strong governance frameworks and methodological transparency are essential for sustainable AI integration in financial services.

Authors: Sonal Dhingra, Sushoma Sinha, Saikrishna C R, Kirti Singh ABSTRACT The study investigates India’s Renewable energy exports to the European Union (EU) in the period from 2012 to 2021 and is based on the policy framework of the European Green Deal through three main sectors – solar, wind and electric vehicles (EVs). It evaluates how the changing EU environmental regulations, trade policies, and sustainability mechanisms have resulted in the ups and downs of India’s renewable exports. The regression results show that the export growth in these sectors is mainly driven by the policy changes rather than by market forces. On the other hand, solar exports indicate an alertness to global energy prices and EU renewable consumption, while wind exports are swayed by tariff systems, certification conformities, and technology access. Compared to other sectors, the EV sector shows the greatest policy dependency. Its competitiveness is directly linked to EU-level adoption mandates, certification standards, and moreover, India’s domestic initiatives such as FAME-II and PLI schemes. The research highlights that the export paths are set by the strategic synchrony of India’s renewable production policies and the EU’s sustainability frameworks. Ultimately, it affirms that the EU Green Deal serves not only as an environmental strategy but also as an economic governance tool that determines trade between India and the EU in the field of renewable energy and cooperation. Keywords: European Union (EU), Green Deal, Renewable Energy exports , Solar Sector, Wind Energy, Electric vehicles (EVs), Sustainability

Authors: Jyoti Gaira, Aarya Wadaskar ABSTRACT One of the biggest environmental issues the world is currently experiencing is climate change, and India is particularly vulnerable due to its varied agro-climatic conditions and heavy reliance on climate-sensitive industries. Climate change has been associated with a range of documented impacts on agriculture, water resources, forests and biodiversity, human health, and coastal systems, as well as rising temperature trends Evidence from existing studies indicates that agricultural productivity is among the most affected sectors, as a large proportion of the Indian population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for livelihood and food security. Climate variability, combined with pressures such as rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth, is placing increasing stress on India’s already vulnerable natural and social systems. This review paper examines existing research on the effects of climate change on crop productivity and environmental systems in India. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and secondary data sources, the review summarizes major trends, regional differences, and key environmental impacts, while acknowledging that many reported relationships are associative rather than based on direct cause-and-effect evidence. Keywords: Climate change, Crop productivity, Indian agriculture, Climate extremes, Monsoonvariability, Foodgrain production, Environmental impacts

Authors: Vilakshan Sharma, Shilan Ata Ali, Khushi Sibal, Vidushi Keshari, Shubham Kaswan, Hiya Chadha, M.Ayshwarya ABSTRACT The digital era has positioned social media platforms as critical spaces where gender, identity, and economic participation intersect. This study examines how social media enables women to assert digital identities and participate in entrepreneurial and economic activities. Drawing on thematic and survey-based evidence, the research uncovers that social media functions as a space of both empowerment and negotiationfor women. Respondents reported increased confidence, professional visibility, financial independence, and access to learning and networking opportunities. These findings align with global academic insights highlighting gendered platform preferences, algorithmic biases, and the commercialization of self-presentation online. However, the research also illuminates challenges such as emotional pressure, criticism management, cautious political expression, and mixed impacts on mental well-being. The study concludes that while social media significantly enables women’s economic empowerment and marketplace participation, these digital opportunities are shaped by persistent gendered structures, platform bias, and socio-cultural negotiation. This duality highlights the need for more inclusive platform design, digital literacy frameworks, and policy support to strengthen women’s equitable participation in the digital economy. Keywords: Social media, women’s empowerment, digital identity, digitalentrepreneurship, gendered platforms, economic participation.

Author: Uddipta Biswas ABSTRACT This paper traces the evolution of marriage laws in India from the colonial period to the present, analysing how legal frameworks, case laws, and personal law reforms have shaped the institution of marriage. It examines key shifts in legislation and judicial interpretation to show how marriage law has been used to negotiate questions of gender, community identity, and state authority. The study argues that the changing legal landscape reflects the ongoing tension between tradition, social reform, and constitutional principles in modern India. Methodologically, this paper adopts a doctrinal and interpretive legal approach, analysing statutes, judicial decisions, and secondary literature within a broader socio-legal framework.

Authors: Maryam Naik, Neha Bhowmik, Mehul Das Gupta, Omkar Mahajan ABSTRACT Neobanks represent a new wave of digital-first, branchless financial service providers that are gradually reshaping the financial landscape both globally and in India. Their emergence reflects a significant transformation in banking, as they integrate innovative technology, cost efficiency, and a customer-oriented approach into sectors that have traditionally been conservative and resistant to rapid change. In India, the growth of neobanks can largely be attributed to strategic partnerships with licensed banks and non-bank financial companies (NBFCs), which have not only facilitated product innovation but also spurred digital inclusion. Operating entirely online, these institutions aim to bridge the existing gap between traditional banking services and the evolving preferences of a tech-savvy clientele. However, despite their groundbreaking advancements, neobanks often find themselves navigating a regulatory grey area, as there is no specific licensing framework guiding their operations. This ambiguity not only impacts market dynamics but also influences how risks are allocated and affects public trust in digital finance. This research delves into the evolution, adoption, and regulation of neobanks in India, drawing insights from various studies focused on regulatory frameworks, financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and operational challenges. It emphasizes the vital role of government institutions, particularly the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in shaping the neobank ecosystem while highlighting ongoing issues related to service autonomy, user trust, and regulatory oversight. The findings suggest that while advancements in technology have fueled rapid growth and inclusion, the long-term sustainability of this ecosystem necessitates a careful balancing act between innovation and stability, achieved through enhanced governance and risk management practices. The paper argues that the future success of neobanks in India will hinge on the establishment of a clear licensing framework, bolstered digital safety, increased financial literacy, and improved public confidence through well-structured supervision and accountability mechanisms.

Author: Madhulika Mishra & Sparsha Singam ABSTRACT The rapid increase of electronic waste has, among other things, escalated the concerns of the global community regarding environmental and health effects such that India is one of the top e-waste generators in the world. This research paper, through the analysis of secondary data and two-city level case studies, i.e. Hyderabad and Bangalore, investigates the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India. The study reveals that apart from the regulatory progress, the enforcement of the regulation is still very weak; the provision of services is not sufficient, and the governance of the fragmented local government units is still very weak, which together impede the EPR implementation in the area under study. It is necessary to strengthen data systems, integrate informal actors, and elevate institutional capacity if we are to open up the way for India’s circular economy. Keywords: Electronic Waste Management; Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR); Policy Implementation; Recykal; Producer Responsibility Organizations(PROs)