Volume 13 | Issue 12 |

 Abstract

Child labour continues to remain one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in contemporary India. Despite significant legal frameworks and welfare initiatives, a large number of children are still engaged in various forms of labour across sectors such as agriculture, construction, brick kilns, hospitality, stone quarries, animal husbandry, manufacturing, and domestic work often in self-employed or informal settings. This persistent issue adversely affects children's physical, social, moral, and cognitive development, depriving them of education and fundamental rights.The problem is further intensified by poverty, unemployment, lack of access to quality education, and rural-to-urban migration. Migrant child labourers, in particular, are forced to abandon schooling and work under vulnerable and exploitative conditions. This study aims to examine the current scenario of child labour in India, the socio-economic determinants contributing to it, and the gaps in policy implementation. It also explores constitutional provisions, legislative measures, and government and non-government child welfare programs that seek to safeguard children's rights.As a welfare state, India has made considerable progress in framing policies and legal instruments to eliminate child labour. However, effective enforcement, public awareness, and social responsibility remain crucial for ensuring equitable implementation and building a child-centric future for sustainable human development.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Child Labour; Socio-Economic Factors; Children's Rights; Constitutional Safeguards; Labour Legislation; Policy Implementation; Welfare Programs; Sustainable Human Development.

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This article examines the influence of coalition governance on state capacity and public service delivery in Manipur, India, between 2000 and 2022. The analysis highlights the capacity of dominant parties to maintain policy coherence despite patronage pressures as a key factor shaping service delivery. Congress-dominated coalitions (2000-2017) sustained relatively coherent policy agendas, leading to mixed outcomes in education and infrastructure. In contrast, the post-2017 BJP-led alliances introduced new dynamics of volatility and fragmentation, which were partially offset by increased central support, though often at the expense of need-based allocations. Comparative case studies across sectors demonstrate that coalitions modulate, rather than determine, development outcomes within structural constraints such as fiscal dependence and insurgency. These findings emphasise the significance of stabilising mechanisms for peripheral federal states.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Coalition politics; State capacity; Manipur development; Public service delivery

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The insurance sector has been highly restrictive in adapting to the digitalisation happening around the globe. However, the emergence of Industry 4.0 has pushed insurance companies towards integrating ICT (Information & Communication Technology) into their business operations to remain competitive and meet client expectations. This technological shift demands a strategically developed and well-managed digital infrastructure to deploy future opportunities. Considering this phenomenon, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between the investments made in procuring digital infrastructure and the efficiency scores of the general insurance companies. A non-parametric Data Envelopment Approach (DEA) is used to evaluate the cost-efficiency scores of each company for the observation period by using the Malmquist index. Correlation is used to test the relationship between digital investment and efficiency scores. The results indicate an improvement in the technical and scale efficiency of the in-sampled general insurance companies over the observation period. It also shows a negative relationship between the two variables. The study concludes that despite a gradual increase in IT (Information Technology) investments, IT investments have no role in improving the efficiency scores of Indian general insurance companies.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Indian insurance sector; General Insurance; Data Envelopment Approach (DEA); Information Technology (IT) investments; Efficiency

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Abstract Green finance has gained increasing global importance as a policy and financial mechanism for addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable development challenges. In developing economies such as India, the significance of green financial products is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where livelihoods are closely dependent on natural resources and are highly vulnerable to climate variability. This study presents an analytical examination of major green financial products and critically evaluates the role of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in shaping green finance frameworks, with special reference to rural India. The study adopts a database-based analytical research design, drawing upon peer-reviewed journal articles, institutional reports, policy documents, and UNEP publications. The collected literature was systematically classified and analyzed using thematic and comparative analytical techniques to identify trends, institutional roles, and implementation challenges associated with green finance in rural contexts. The analysis focuses on key green financial instruments, including green bonds, green microfinance, renewable energy loans, sustainable agriculture credit, and climate risk insurance. The findings reveal that green microfinance, sustainable agriculture credit, and renewable energy financing demonstrate high potential for promoting environmentally sustainable livelihoods in rural India, while green bonds play an indirect yet supportive role through infrastructure development. However, the adoption of green financial products in rural regions remains constrained by low financial literacy, limited institutional outreach, high perceived investment risks, and inadequate customization of global green finance frameworks to local socio-economic conditions. The study further finds that UNEP has played a pivotal role in advancing global sustainable finance norms through policy advocacy, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder partnerships; nevertheless, the translation of these global frameworks into effective rural-level financial mechanisms in India remains uneven. The study concludes that strengthening rural-centric green finance requires improved policy coordination, enhanced institutional capacity, and localized adaptation of UNEP-led frameworks. These measures are essential for aligning global sustainability objectives with rural development priorities and for ensuring inclusive and climate-resilient growth in rural India.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Keywords: 1. Green Financial Products 2. Sustainable Finance 3. Rural India 4. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 5. Environmental Sustainability 6. Climate Finance 7. Green Banking 8. Renewable Energy Financing 9. Financial Inclusion 10. Eco-friendly Investments 11. Rural Development 12. Environmental Policy 13. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14. Green Economy 15. Impact Assessment

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Ambedkar's idea of democracy has great significance in the prevailing socio-political ambience. He emphasized on many untouched and unexplored aspects of Indian society and polity unlike his contemporaries. He was immensely committed to democratic method for the resolution of socio-political disagreements and dichotomies. Equality, eviction from discrimination, abolition of untouchability and the inhuman practices were the most significant issues agitating in his mind which reflected in the Constitution of India. Therefore the foundation of the constitution is premised on the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. He wanted social democracy prior to political democracy and he urged to make 'political democracy' a 'social democracy'. He believed that political democracy could not be lasted unless there lied at the base of it social or economic democracy. Ambedkar's idea of democracy is based on social justice. He also emphasised on the constitutional morality as one of the many tools for the proper functioning of democracy. This paper analyses Ambedkar's ideas on democracy of his dream for India, and also identifies the preconditions for the successful working of democracy.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Revisiting Ambedkar's Democracy

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This study examines the returns to scale and the significance of input elasticities in shaping regional economic performance across Indian States and Union Territories for the year 2020-21. Employing a log-linear Cobb-Douglas production function, the analysis highlights the elasticity of capital expenditure (1.15) and labor force participation rate (0.24), leading to a combined input elasticity of 1.39. While this suggests increasing returns to scale. Hypothesis testing through Restricted Least Squares (F-test) indicates that the null hypothesis of constant returns to scale cannot be rejected at a 5% significance level. This finding underscores the statistical insignificance of the observed increasing returns, suggesting a constant returns to scale scenario during the study period. These outcomes hold significant policy implications, advocating for strategic public investments and labor market interventions to optimize resource allocation and enhance economic performance. The research contributes to the literature on regional production efficiency, offering actionable insights for policymakers to foster sustainable and balanced growth.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Gross State Domestic Product, State-wise capital expenditure, State-wise Labour Force Participation Rate, Cobb-Douglas Production Function, Return to Scale,F-Test Approach

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This research paper investigates the role of Artificial intelligence in enhancing flood management systems in India, focusing on early warning systems and post flood management. The purpose is to evaluate AI tools in improving flood prediction accuracy, lead times and damage assessment efficiency, addressing challenges and opportunities in their deployment. Employing a mixed methods approach grounded in secondary data analysis from governmental reports, institutional studies and the study compares AI tools. Findings reveal that AI tools significantly outperform conventional techniques, achieving upto93% accuracy in early warning systems and boosting lead times by up to 18 hours. Post flood,AI enabled damage assessment attains up to 95% accuracy. Practical implications highlights AI's potential to transform disaster preparedness and response in India by facilitating timely alerts and efficient resource allocation. The paper underscores the need for improved explainability, localised adaptation and integration framework for widespread AI adoption in flood management.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Artificial intelligence, Flood management, Challenge, Opportunity, Efficiency

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Murivenna oil is a traditional polyherbal formulation from Kerala, blending ancient Ayurvedic practices with modern pharmaceutical science. This review details its composition, which consists of nine key botanical ingredients, including Pongamia pinnata and Aloe vera, prepared in a coconut oil base. The exploration includes historical accounts, pharmacological insights, and contemporary phytochemical studies that affirm Murivenna's effectiveness in wound healing, anti-inflammatory activities, antimicrobial properties, and tissue regeneration. Following the guidelines of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, the formulation is standardized and subjected to rigorous quality control measures. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of Murivenna as a cost-effective and biocompatible option in managing wound care across dermatology, orthopaedics, and post-surgical contexts, thereby integrating traditional Ayurvedic approaches into evidence-based medical practices.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Murivenna oil, Ayurveda, wound healing, phytochemical standardization, pharmacological activities, polyherbal formulation

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The political landscape of Tamil Nadu stands as a striking anomaly in India, a unique case of Dravidian exceptionalism where regional parties, the DMK and ADMK, maintain absolute hegemonic control. This paper narrates the evolution of this stable bipolar system, tracing its roots from the early 20th century's Justice Party and its foundational focus on social justice, non-Brahmin representation, and agitational politics. This historical journey culminated in the establishment of stable, alternating Dravidian rule post-1967. At its core, the political contest is not a mere struggle for power, but an ideological battle over who is the true guardian of Dravidian ideals--social justice, state autonomy, and linguistic pride. The rivals wage this competition primarily through extensive welfare populism and the strategic co-option of smaller, identity-based parties, which successfully fortifies the system's bipolar structure. Despite the recent deaths of charismatic stalwarts and mounting ideological challenges from national parties, the Dravidian mandate remains the non-negotiable prerequisite for state power, ensuring the continued resilience and distinctive character of Tamil Nadu's politics.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Dravidian Exceptionalism, Bipolar Party System. DMK and ADMK, Social Justice, Welfare Populism, Political Hegemony.

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The article "Naming a Nation: The Historical Significance of 'Bharat' and 'India' examines the development, significance, and cultural ramifications of the two names used to refer to the same country. 'India' has its origins in colonial and foreign interpretations of the country, whereas 'Bharat' has its roots in ancient Indic sources and has civilizational, cultural, and spiritual significance. Using passages from the Rigveda, Mahabharata, Puranas, Jain, and Buddhist writings, the article shows how 'Bharat' represents both indigenous identity and historical continuity. The word 'India', which was popularized during British colonial authority and is derived from the Indus River, is contrasted with this in the paper as an external view of the area. The issue goes all the way to the Constituent Assembly discussions that resulted in the constitutional phrase 'India, that is Bharat', which highlights both continuity and dualism in national identity. The article makes the case that 'India' represents a contemporary, colonial legacy, whereas 'Bharat' represents the essence of an old civilization through an examination of historical documents, constitutional rhetoric, and decolonial ideology. In order to promote cultural revival and epistemic decolonization, the writers support recovering the term 'Bharat'.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Bharat, India, Constituent Assembly, Decolonial Identity, Civilizational Continuity

  License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition