Vol. No. 1, Issue 23, July-September 2025

Azeri Ethnonationalism as a Challenge to the Dominant State Ideology in Iran

Author/s : Liyaqat Nazir, PhD Research Scholar, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Shahid Iqbal, PhD Research Scholar, Jamia Millia Islamia

Abstract : The Islamic Republic of Iran, contrary to its perception of being a predominantly Farsi speaking and Persian-Shi’ite dominated state, is home to large and significant ethnic, linguistic, sectarian and religious minorities which are most often territorially concentrated. Over the years, some of these minorities have challenged the political rule of the dominant Persians and launched political movements to that effect. One such case is that of Azeri- Turks in Iranian Azerbaijan. This paper analyses how Azeri ethnonationalism poses a fundamental challenge to the dominant state ideology in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Azeris, over the decades, have come to form a specific sense of identity rooted mostly in their cultural and ethnic peculiarity. This combined with a feeling of relative deprivation and general economic neglect of the Azeri dominated provinces by the Iranian authorities has given rise to periodic unrests and political upheaval in Northwestern Iran. The political aspirations of Iranian Azeris are variously expressed in terms of equitable economic development, cultural rights, political autonomy or national government and in the extreme case outright secession or the integration with the Republic of Azerbaijan. I argue that given the numerical status and regional concentration of Azeris and also the nature of state ideology as enshrined in the constitution and other laws, the Azeri ethnonationalism challenges and threatens the viability of state ideology in post-revolutionary Iran.

Keywords: Azeris, Dominant State Ideology, Ethnonationalism, Iranian Azerbhaijan

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 01-07

Promoting Green Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Growth in India

Author/s : Prakash Singh, PhD. Scholar, Centre for Development Studies (IIDS), University of Allahabad, Prayagraj

Abstract : This study explores the role of green entrepreneurship in fostering sustainable development while driving economic growth in India. It could delve into various aspects, such as the emergence of green businesses, the challenges and opportunities they face, government policies and initiatives to support green entrepreneurship, the potential for job creation and innovation, and the broader implications for achieving environmental sustainability alongside economic prosperity.

Promoting Green Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Growth in India refers to encouraging and supporting environmentally friendly businesses and startups that contribute to the country's economic development while prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection. This initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly products, ultimately leading to long-term economic growth that is socially and environmentally sustainable.

In recent years, the concept of green entrepreneurship has gained significant traction globally as a means of fostering sustainable economic growth while addressing pressing environmental challenges. In the Indian context, where rapid urbanization and industrialization have placed immense pressure on natural resources and ecosystems, promoting green entrepreneurship has emerged as a critical strategy for achieving sustainable development objectives. This study explores the potential of green entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in India. It examines the emergence of green businesses across various sectors, highlighting their innovative approaches to addressing environmental issues while generating economic value in the process. Drawing on empirical evidence and case studies, this study identifies the key challenges and opportunities facing green entrepreneurs in India, including access to finance, regulatory barriers, market dynamics, and technological innovation. Moreover, it analyses government policies and initiatives aimed at supporting and incentivizing green entrepreneurship, such as financial incentives, capacity-building programmes, and regulatory frameworks. By fostering a conducive ecosystem for green entrepreneurship, India can unlock significant economic potential while advancing its sustainability goals. The paper concludes by offering insights into future research, policy, and practice directions to further promote and scale up green entrepreneurship for sustainable economic growth in India.

Keywords: Green Entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation, rapid urbanization, emerging economies, carbon emission.

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 08-16

Reinterpreting Confucius’s Educational Philosophy: The Relevance and Limitations in Contemporary Indian and Global Contexts

Author/s : Ayushi Kiran, Research Scholar, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi

Pabitra Saha, Research Scholar, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi

Abstract : The prime motive of this paper is to examine the relevance of Confucius’s educational philosophy in contemporary Indian and global contexts. As Confucius’s (551–479 BCE) educational philosophy primarily emphasized on moral cultivation (ren), lifelong learning, and respect for teachers through education. This paper compares and contrasts Indian and global teachers from a philosophical and sociological standpoint through the rigorous literature reviews. The paper also examines the contemporary relevance of Confucian thought in addressing the current educational debates on ethics, inclusivity, democracy, and creativity. He proved that education functions as a means of achieving social harmony in his era (Yao, 2000). While his pedagogic core philosophy has an impactful influence on East Asian education systems and its resonance with global theorists and Indian thinkers reveal both continuities and tensions. Analysis of this study indicates that Confucius’s ideas remain pertinent in shaping discourses on ethics, citizenship, and responsibility in school education but strongly require the reinterpretation of his ideas to align with democratic, inclusive, and creative pedagogical frameworks in contemporary education.

Keywords: Confucius’s educational philosophy, global contexts and contemporary India, hermeneutic approach, moral education, critical knowledge

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 17-24

Inter District Comparison of Enterprises in Mizoram

Author/s : Dr. MS Dawngliana Hnamte, Associate Professor, Dept. of Economics, Govt. Mamit College, Mizoram

Abstract : Mizoram is one of the twenty eights states of Indian union, situated remotely in the north eastern corner. Even though Mizoram comprises eleven districts now, when the latest Economic Census was done in 20013, there are only eight districts. Therefore, the three newly created districts, viz, Saitual, Khawzawl and Hnahthial districts were left out in the present study due to non-availability of data. The growth of total enterprises in the latest Economic Census was 20.44 %. In this period agricultural enterprises recorded a growth rate of 11.58% whereas non-agricultural enterprise was 23.02%. Among all the eight districts of the state, Aizawl district claimed the highest percentage in regard to both agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises in respect to the type and location whereas Saiha district has the lowest percentage in both. Among the workers engaged in enterprises, 34.68% were working in the owned account enterprise while another 65.32% engaged in the enterprises with hired labour. The present study is based on secondary data.

Keywords: Enterprises, Own Account Enterprises (OAE), Enterprises with hired labour, Agricultural enterprises, Non-agricultural enterprises

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp.25-31

The Concept of Audit in Forensic Science

Author/s : Dr. J. R. Gaur, Lifetime Professor, Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar

Bhawana Dahiya, PhD Research Scholar, Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar &

Dr. Kanika Gaur, Assistant Professor, Chitkara School of Law, Chitkara University, Rajpura

Abstract : The concept of forensic audit is comparatively a new subject. However, it has existed in the process of forensic examinations in one form or the other. For quality control of any system or organisation, internal and external audits play a major role. The same applies to all disciplines of forensic science. In recent times, in the age of ever-increasing financial fraud, some people link forensic audit mainly to financial records and their examination to discover financial fraud, embezzlement, or any other irregularities for using the evidence in legal processes. But the holistic concept of audit in forensic science is different and has vast boundaries, which have been discussed in detail in the present paper.

Keywords: Forensic Audit, Quality Control, Forensic Science, Frauds, Embezzlement, Legal Processes

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 32-35

The Strategic Logic of Peace: An Analysis of India’s Nuclear Submarines Capability and Its Nuclear Doctrine

Author/s : Momina Batool, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Political Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India

Abstract : India has long embarked upon the endeavour of construction of Nuclear Submarines. However, this development has multi-faceted reasons underlying it. This paper aims to unravel the motives underpinning India’s strategic imperatives to develop a nuclear deterrent at sea by deciphering upon the possible key geopolitical considerations, regional security concerns. Additionally, the research aims to assess the congruence of these submarines with India's Nuclear doctrinal elements of—credible minimum deterrence, no-first-use of nuclear weapons and massive retaliation. This paper by looking at the ‘Why’ part of the procurement of nuclear submarines also aims to probe the nuanced prospects of peace underlying this pursuit.

Keywords: Nuclear Submarines, Indian Nuclear Doctrine, India, Nuclear Deterrence, Peace

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 36-45

The Israel–Palestine Conflict: An Analysis of Humanitarian Law Violations and the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

Author/s : Jashi Kant, LL.B (University of Delhi), LLM (RRU Gandhinagar)

Manshi, Assistant Professor of Law, Lords University

Abstract : The on-going Israel-Palestine conflict has once again drawn international attention due to the scale and intensity of violence, particularly in the Gaza Strip. This conflict resulted in civilian casualties, infrastructural destruction, and a worsening humanitarian crisis that has raised several legal and ethical concerns. This article evaluates the alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the context of the most recent armed violence, focusing on the core principles of civilian protection, proportionality, and accountability. It critically examines the legality of military operations that have resulted in high civilian death tolls, including children, and the targeting of essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and refugee shelters. The issue of the Israeli imposed blockade on Gaza is analysed as a potential form of collective punishment, leading to widespread poverty, hunger, and denial of access to basic services, in possible violation of the Geneva Conventions. Furthermore, the article explores the vulnerabilities of the civilian population, with particular attention to displaced families and children who have suffered the most in this cycle of violence. This article also explores the accountability mechanism available and the international legal institutions responsible for it, including UN and ICC. This article aims to contribute to the discourse on humanitarian protection and the pursuit of justice in protracted conflicts marked by asymmetric warfare and geopolitical paralysis, by examining these aspects through a legal lens.

Keywords: Israel-Palestine conflict, Ethical Concern, Geneva Conventions, Humanitarian Protection, UN and ICC

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp.46-53

Cultural Preservation through Storytelling: Indigenous and Folk Narratives for Children in India

Author/s : Tania Sharma, Research Scholar, Department of Education, CIE, University of Delhi

Manisha Nayak, M.Ed. Scholar, Department of Educational Studies, Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia

Abstract : India's indigenous and folk narratives have long served as vessels for cultural preservation, imparting moral values, communal identities, and historical knowledge across generations. In the context of children's literature, these narratives play a pivotal role in fostering cultural continuity and educational development. This research investigates the significance of traditional storytelling in preserving India's diverse cultural heritage while contributing to the cognitive and moral growth of young readers.

Through an extensive literature review, the study examines the evolution of Indian folk narratives and their integration into contemporary children's literature. The research design employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the impact of indigenous narratives on children's cultural identity and educational outcomes. Data collection methods include surveys, interviews and content analysis of children's books, focusing on the representation and adaptation of folk narratives.

Preliminary findings indicate that exposure to indigenous and folk narratives enhances children's understanding of cultural values, promotes language development and fosters a sense of community belonging. However, challenges such as the dominance of globalized content and the marginalization of regional narratives pose threats to the preservation of indigenous storytelling traditions.

The study concludes by emphasizing the need for integrating indigenous narratives into educational curricula and children's literature to ensure the continuity of India's rich cultural heritage. Recommendations include the development of culturally relevant educational materials, training for educators and initiatives to promote the use of indigenous languages and storytelling traditions.

Keywords: Storytelling, Indian Folk Narratives, Children Literature, Language Education, Indigenous Storytelling Traditions.

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 54-61

Waheed Jahan Begum (1858-1930): A Torchbearer of Muslim Women’s Education in North India

Author/s : Dr. Tuhina Islam, Assistant Professof, Department of History, Aliah University

Abstract : In the early nineteenth century, women in Indian society were largely confined to domestic spheres with limited access of education. The social reform movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj etc were started by the Hindu reformers to emphasize the issue of women's upliftment through education while on the other side, some Muslim male reformers such as Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Shaikh Muhammad Abdullah etc are often credited for advocating Muslim women's education. However, the popular narrative tends to highlight the contributions of male reformers and leaving many female contributors underrecognized. So, the present paper would highlight the significant yet overlooked role of Waheed Jahan Begum, wife of prominent educationalist Shaikh Muhammad Abdullah, who dedicated her life for promoting girls’ education in North India particularly at Aligarh and paved the way for other Muslim women in India towards education.

Keywords: Social Reform, Muslim women, Education, less recognised, Waheed Jahan Begum.

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 62-67

Provincializing the Periphery: Amalendu Guha's Assam as a Micro-Critique of Wallerstein's World-System – A Theoretical and Empirical Refinement

Author/s : Souzatya Dutta, M.A. Politics and International Relations, Pondicherry University, R. Venkataraman Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry

Abstract : This paper studies the Nested Dependency Model to Amalendu Guha’s archived document of Assam colonial revenue and production. It makes Assam one of the main examples, which can be used to reconsider the concept of the periphery presented by Wallerstein, in the Indian context. While WST explains global inequality through the hierarchical relationship between the Core, Semi-Periphery, and Periphery, it tends to obscure the complex mechanisms of exploitation operating within postcolonial nation-states. Guha’s study of Assam as a “subordinated internal colony” provides an empirical counterpoint, revealing how colonial and national elites reproduced the very logic of dependency that WST attributes to the global level. Drawing on historical evidence such as revenue remittance, trade monopolies, price manipulation, and racialized labour segmentation, the paper argues that Assam exemplifies a “core-within-the-periphery” structure where the national core (Calcutta/Delhi) assumes the role of a secondary extractor. Integrating these perspectives, the paper formulates the Nested Dependency Model, which explains regional underdevelopment as a result of double dependency: indirect subordination to the global core through world-market demands, and direct subordination to the national core through internal administrative and merchant controls. This framework reveals that semi-peripheral states like India sustain their intermediate global position by replicating patterns of extraction internally. The study further highlights how economic dependency intertwines with ethnic and cultural hierarchies, producing a coloniality of power that continues to shape identity politics and insurgent movements in the Northeast. By provincializing Wallerstein through Guha’s micro-history, the paper offers a refined understanding of uneven development that situates regional exploitation as a systemic and necessary feature of both global and national capitalism.

It is demonstrated in the paper that the work on Assam by Guha demonstrates how subnational areas internalise global dependency processes, provincializing the periphery itself.

Keywords: World-Systems Theory, Internal Colonialism, Amalendu Guha, Assam Economy, Nested Dependency Model

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 68-74

Unleashing the Power Within: Analyzing Trauma and Revenge in Stephen King’s Carrie

Author/s : Ms. Malavika S, Ph. D Research Scholar (FT), Department of English, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore

Dr. M. Marimuthu, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Coimbatore

Abstract : This study investigates the evolution of the principal characters in Carrie by Stephen King, with emphasis on trauma, rather than emotional and socio-cultural influences. Trauma unfolds psychologically, given that it is derived from past or present events. Some of them include severe sexual abuse, or violence resulting in deprivation and relays quite a number of entrapped symptoms manifesting in anxiety, depression or intimacy issues all of which are seen in Carrie, culminating with her final trauma. Social isolation occurs where the person feels disconnected from the society around him or her exclusion; above all, being accused of prejudice or not quite fits into the society’s expectations. Discontent with both society and self leads to loneliness and frustration and even reduces self-esteem, which deteriorates mental health further. Isolation in literature is commonly a medium of social comment, thus affecting the actions a character takes and reinforcing thematic depth. Repression is an unconscious defense that does not allow a person to confront emotional pain, fears, or anxieties, leaving within his own internal conflict and subliminal suffering which tragically appears in fiction. It is through repression that the protagonist later retaliates who becomes a superhuman in fuels with agony by years of oppression. The novel remains a classic horror story, keeping readers engaged with its high emotion and themes of belonging and self-discovery, all the while being a cautionary tale about the effects of intolerance.

Keywords: Psychological trauma, social isolation, Repression, intolerance

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 75-80

India-Maldives Relations Amidst Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean

Author/s : Dr. Jissa S, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Sree Narayana College, Kollam

Abstract : After a prolonged period of cordial relations between India and Maldives, a shift in Maldives’ attitude towards India began in 2012 due to the increasing role of China in the Indian Ocean. The existing literature on China in the Indian Ocean focuses mostly on the country’s maritime ambition in the context of a rapidly evolving global political landscape. This study departs from the existing literature on tracing the relationship between India and Maldives amidst growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. The present study focuses on the Chinese strategy to gain dominance in the Indian Ocean by maintaining relations with the island country, Maldives and how this affects the relationship between India and Maldives. This study identifies two primary research questions: (i) why did China try to dominate the Indian Ocean region? (ii) How did growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean affect the relationship between India and Maldives? The present study used qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary data to explore these questions.

Keywords: Indian Ocean, Maldives, strategic location, littoral states, choke points

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 81-89

Love Attitudes and Life Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships: A Correlational Study

Author/s : Kashish Bhatia, B.A (H) Psychology, Department of Psychology, Jagannath University, Bahadurgarh, NCR Haryana

Rupali Rawat, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Jagannath University, Bahadurgarh, NCR Haryana

Abstract : The current study investigates the Correlation between love attitudes and life satisfaction among Indian young adults involved in romantic relationships. The major purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between distinct love attitudes and overall life satisfaction. There was total 6 types of love attitudes that were examined on the sample population. The young adults who were in a relationship for more than 6 months were examined. A sample of 79 participants were assessed using the Love Attitude Scale and the Scale with life Satisfaction. To inspect the associations between love attitudes and life satisfaction Pearson correlation analysis was conducted. The findings revealed a significantly high positive correlation between Agape love style and life satisfaction, indicating that selfless, altruistic type of love style contributes positively to well-being. Additionally, the Eros and storge love styles also showed a positive correlation with life satisfaction, indicating that passion and friendship in love relationships contributes to greater life satisfaction. However, other love attitudes (such as Ludus, Pragma, and Mania) did not show any significant correlation with life satisfaction. These results clearly show that certain types of love attitudes, particularly Agape, Eros and pragma are more associated with life satisfaction among young Indian adults, offering meaningful present and future implications for relationship counselling along with personal development.

Keywords: Romantic relationships, love attitudes, life satisfaction, well-being, young adults

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 90-100

Strategies and Barriers of Climate Change Adaptation: A study in Two Agro-climatic Zones in Tamilnadu

Author/s : Dr. S. Jagadees Pandi, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Economics, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Karur

Abstract : The present study examines farmer’s adaptation strategies to climate change in Tamilnadu based on a cross-section database of two agro-ecological zones in Tamilnadu. The specific objectives of the study is examinate farmers’ perceptions towards climate change adaptation measures taken in the study reidentifying the determinants of farm-level adaptation strategies to changing climatic conditions; and analyzing the constraints being faced by the farmers for applying the adaptation measures. The research study has attempted to characterize the understanding the climate change and variability in the context of local perceptions on impact, coping and adaptation strategies from the perspectives of farmers in two agro climatic zones in Tamilnadu. According to the farmers taken for this study the most important damage caused by the changes in climate is the crop damage that they have experienced in their land. Climate change negatively affected the productivity and crop production in the study area. High temperature cessation and erratic rain caused to accelerate erosion in soil fertility and resulted to crop failure and low yielding. These farmers operate in the small size of land and most had already adopted some coping strategies to the harsh climate conditions that have prevailed over the years. Therefore, the old and advanced scientific ways of strategies need to be intensified with the support of local farmers.

Keywords: Climate change, Adaptation, climate zones, crop failure, crop production, soil fertility etc.,

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 101-110

Energy Security Triangle: Kazakhstan's Balancing Act Between Russian and Chinese Interests (2010-2024)

Author/s : Priyanshu Agarwal Research Fellow, Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Abstract : This paper examines Kazakhstan's strategic balancing of Russian and Chinese interests in its energy sector from 2010-2024. As a major hydrocarbon producer, Kazakhstan has implemented a sophisticated "multi-vector" approach to maintain sovereignty while maximizing economic benefits from its energy resources. The analysis reveals how Kazakhstan navigated critical dependencies—including Russia's control of key export pipelines and China's growing investments under the Belt and Road Initiative. Despite infrastructure vulnerabilities and foreign ownership challenges, Kazakhstan has successfully diversified export routes, strengthened relationships with Western partners, and developed alternative energy pathways. The research demonstrates how Kazakhstan's energy diplomacy evolved following geopolitical shifts, including Western sanctions against Russia and domestic energy crises. Kazakhstan's experience offers valuable lessons for resource-rich smaller states managing relations with competing great powers while pursuing energy security and strategic autonomy in an increasingly multipolar international system.

Keywords: energy security, multi-vector policy, strategic hedging, Belt and Road Initiative, pipeline politics, resource diplomacy

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 111-122

Child Abandonment in India: Legal, Social, and Economic Dimensions and the Role of Institutional Care in Rehabilitation

Author/s : Kapil Bhati, Ph.D. Scholar, Bennett University, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Avnish Singh, Assistant Professor, Bennett University, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract : Childhood is one of the wonderful phases of everyone's life. It is that stage of life when a person feels pure happiness. But this happiness is totally based on the parents of a child. Unfortunately, there is a bitter truth that in India, countless children face abandonment by their parents due to financial struggles, unwed births or social discrimination. Act of abandonment not only violates the ethical norms of a child but also invades upon the fundamental rights of the children. Parents left infants and young children in hospitals, bus stands, railway stations or public places. Son preference increases the rate of female girl child, which directly impact one gender to be abandoned more, due to preference of male children. But abandonment is not only limited to female infants. Children from both the genders have to face this harsh reality of being abandoned by parents. Institutions care system were designed as a measure for deprived children’s homes, but despite that children faces various forms of harassment under institutions and become the victims of several forms of emotional and psychological harms. India is making considerable changes in welfare of the children and for protection of their rights. But abandonment of children is continuing to be increasing. Many children grow up without experiencing the comfort of a loving household. This, paper explores the economic, social, and legal dimensions of child abandonment and how child abandonment exists in India and Role of institutional care system in childcare. This paper also examines the major causes of abandonment issue and challenges encountered by children who are abandoned by their parents. Recognition is also provided in this paper, to the role of institutional care in ensuring the rehabilitation of abandoned children. Study also try to address the gap and provide the suitable recommendations for improvement of the adoption process for ensuring the child-centric approach.

Keywords: Child abandonment, Rehabilitation, Social stigma, Adoption laws, Child welfare, Neglected Child, Child welfare, Institutional support

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 123-131

Affective Computing: Contemporary trends in Personality Assessment

Author/s : Sibin Raj K, Ph.D. Research Scholar, School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI), Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

Manas K Mandal, Emeritus Resource Faculty, School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI), Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

Abstract : This article aims to systematically examine how affective computing technologies are being developed and applied for personality assessment in psychological and behavioural research. As artificial intelligence evolves from reactive systems to more complex cognitive models such as Theory of Mind-AI (ToM-AI), its potential to support or augment human decision-making in psychological contexts has gained increasing attention. Now, the landscape of psychological assessment also started the changed way of looking at psychological attributes especially ‘personality’ with the help of affective computing technology also known as emotion AI (Artificial Emotional Intelligence). Affective computing is used for emotion sensing, recognition, interpretation, and simulation. In this respect, any technology capable of acquiring stable and measurable individual characteristics is likely to benefit the personality assessment. This paper, (a) systematically review the literature on the affective computing technologies capable of assisting the human decision on personality assessment and other psychological attributes, (b) analysing the possibilities of using such technologies as a corroborative decision support system in applied psychology, and (c) critically evaluate the scientific gap between psychology, computer science and neuroscience in the field of affective computing.

Keywords: Affective computing, Personality assessment, Emotion AI, Decision support systems, Machine learning, Human-computer interaction

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 132-147

Contemporary Challenges to Internal Security in India

Author/s : Dr. J. R. Gaur, Lifetime Professor, Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar

Anshu Singh, Assistant Professor and PhD Research Scholar, Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar

Abstract : Maintenance of internal security in the urban areas and the countryside in India have always been challenging task for the police and the security forces. There seems to be a paradigm shift in the modus operandi of the criminals challenging internal security in India due to the adoption of innovative and deceptive techniques by them. The present paper highlights some of such issues which are innovative challenges to the internal security in India. It also warns the public at large to adopt preventive measures and the security forces to keep vigilance for preventing any breaches in the internal security of the country.

Keywords: Internal Security, Countryside, Modus Opernadi, Paradigm Shift, Innovative Challenges, Security Forces

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 148-151

The Imperative for Conceptualizing Intimate Partner Violence from a Male’s Perspective in the Indian Setting

Author/s : Jaleel Ahmad, Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia University

Prof. Archana Dassi, Professor, Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia University

Abstract : Millions of women worldwide are impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV), which has a wider impact on their health and social well-being. A broader approach is necessary to characterize IPV since it is a complex, multifaceted, and multidimensional phenomenon. However, the current literature majorly focuses on women’s perspectives to decode the determinants and factors associated with IPV. The research lacks a male’s perspective. For a deeper comprehension of the intricate problem of IPV, it is necessary to look at the main theoretical frameworks that are now in use and conceptualize them from the men’s perspective. In order to conceptualize IPV in the Indian context, this study examines the current theoretical frameworks and suggests a blended conceptual framework from men’s perspective.

Keywords: IPV conceptual frameworks, Intimate partner violence, Men’s perspective of IPV, Men’s lens to IPV, Conceptualization of IPV

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 152-157

Rivers as Biopolitical Frontiers: Reframing Political Geography to Include Biopolitical Geopolitics through Transboundary rivers

Author/s : Sreerag P Nair, Student, MIT WPU, Pune

Fathima Mirza, Student, MIT WPU, Pune

Abstract : This paper examines the intersections of hydropolitics and biopolitics by analyzing how upstream nations deploy transboundary rivers not only as geopolitical leverage but also as instruments for governing populations, regulating resource flows, and shaping water-use practices. Building on Foucault’s concepts of biopolitics and biopower, the study integrates these with hydropolitics scholarship, which has largely framed trans-state rivers as tools of soft power and interstate negotiation. By re-situating rivers as both ecological and biopolitical infrastructures, the paper argues that state practices of river governance extend beyond territorial sovereignty to encompass the governance of life itself.

The Brahmaputra serves as a critical case study given its trajectory through China, India, and Bangladesh, and the basin’s history of disputes over hydropower, diversion, and flood management. China’s upstream dam-building and diversion projects provoke downstream anxieties in India and Bangladesh, demonstrating how control of water flows functions as regulation of agricultural livelihoods, urban water security, and ecological survival. India’s hydropower expansion and flood-control schemes similarly shape internal migration, disaster preparedness, and regional stability, while Bangladesh faces compounded vulnerabilities of salinity, flooding, and dependence on upstream releases. These dynamics show how river management becomes a mode of governing populations and uncertain futures, not merely a matter of territorial sovereignty. While Karen Bakker’s conceptualization of water’s materiality as both political and biopolitical offers a key theoretical anchor, political geography scholarship on transboundary rivers highlights how hydrological interventions reorder space, authority, and life itself. In the Brahmaputra basin, upstream and downstream projects exemplify how states exercise biopolitical power by conditioning the life-chances of millions. Comparable patterns are visible in the Mekong and Nile basins, where dam-building has restructured livelihoods and redefined regional security imaginaries. Together, these cases underscore that the Brahmaputra is not an isolated dispute but part of a wider global trend in which rivers serve simultaneously as geopolitical fault-lines and biopolitical instruments.

Methodologically, the paper employs a qualitative case-study approach, combining discourse analysis of treaties, policy documents, and official statements with secondary literature on environmental governance and hydropolitics. By foregrounding the Brahmaputra dispute, the paper hypothesizes that the study of transboundary rivers must move beyond traditional geopolitical frameworks to incorporate biopolitical dimensions. Doing so enriches our understanding of how control over rivers operates not only through interstate negotiations but also through technologies of governance that regulate life, space, and ecological futures.

Keywords: Hydropolitics, Biopolitics, Political Geography, Transboundary Rivers, Geopolitics, Brahmaputra

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 158-172

Gender Mainstreaming in Urban Development: A Critical Assessment of Urban Policies in India

Author/s : Aditi Rathore, PhD Research Scholar, Department of Geography, MLS University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Seema Jalan, Professor, Department of Geography, MLS University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract : With more than half of the world's population now residing in cities, the majority of the future demographic increase will be urban and will consist primarily of women. Future cities will be characterized by feminized urban sex ratios. The urban population in India is projected to rise from 31.2% in 2011 to a staggering 50% by 2050, and the number of women residing and working in urban areas will also rise. Women face a variety of obstacles that prevent them from fully participating in society, particularly in fast-growing urbanization contexts. As a result, gender considerations must be incorporated into all aspects of urban and spatial planning and management. In this context UN-Habitat advocates for incorporating gender mainstreaming approach in policy making and urban planning. It is a strategy for making women’s as well as men’s concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.

The Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, through flagship schemes such as Smart City Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna-Urban, AMRUT, DAY-NULM, HRIDAY, SBM-Urban etc. will shape the political, economic, societal spheres of people residing in urban areas. In this context, it is important that gender mainstreaming is applied in these urban policies so that women benefit equally from the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these schemes. This paper provides the case for gender mainstreaming in mentioned urban policies of India and critically evaluates these policies and suggests the approach forward.

Keywords: Gender mainstreaming, gender equality, urban planning, urban policies, policy evaluation

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 173-179

Assessing the Impact of Decentralization on Public Service Delivery in Bihar: Participatory Governance Approach

Author/s : Ashish Kumar, Research Scholar, Department of Public Administration, Central University of Karnataka, Kadaganchi

Dr. Sandeep Inampudi, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Central University of Karnataka, Kadaganchi

Dr. Supriya David, Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration & LSG, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur

Abstract : This study examines the complex relationship between decentralization and public service delivery in Bihar, exploring how the decentralization process has facilitated the delivery of public services. Bihar, renowned for its rich history and complex social and political structure, presents a distinct example for analysing the contradictions and challenges of governance at the local level. Although decentralization is often viewed as advantageous, it has also boosted community involvement, improved the quality of services, and encouraged people’s participation.

This study traces the historical context of decentralization in the state, beginning with early attempts in the 1950s and culminating in the implementation of the 73rd Amendment Act in the 1990s, which established the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This historical overview lays the groundwork for comprehending the evolution of decentralized governance and the accompanying structural changes. The post-73rd Amendment era marked a pivotal shift towards local self-governance, with PRIs assuming significant responsibilities and powers. However, despite these substantial changes, the expected improvements in governance and public service delivery have remained elusive.

Participatory governance has significantly improved public service delivery in the state. Healthcare faces numerous inefficiencies, despite decentralised governance having improved healthcare services. Education suffers from inadequate facilities, including infrastructural gaps. The state can perform constructively due to participatory governance. Case studies from certain regions illustrate these challenges and demonstrate how decentralization has contributed to enhanced service delivery in the state.

Finally, the present study primarily focuses on the relationship among decentralization, participatory governance, and public value theory, revealing that, despite its theoretical benefits, it aims to analyse how this theory enhances the effectiveness of public service delivery. By identifying the root causes and proposing targeted policy interventions, this paper aims to enhance the discourse on improving decentralized governance and public service delivery in Bihar.

Keywords: Decentralisation, Participatory Governance, Public Service Delivery, Local-Self Governance, Public Value Theory, Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Issue & Page No. : Vol. No. 1, Issue 24, October-December 2025, pp. 180-187

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