India plays a significant role in climate diplomacy due to its growing economy, high greenhouse gas emissions, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. This essay focuses on India’s efforts in climate diplomacy, highlighting its: (a) negotiation tactics in global climate meetings like the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement (b) climate policies like the National Action Plan on Climate Change and the International Solar Alliance (c) partnerships with countries like the EU on climate and energy issues (d) advancements in climate technology and sharing knowledge with other nations (e) promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards a cleaner economy. However, the rapid growth of industries all over the world is causing a lot of damage to forests and is throwing off the balance of nature. This is leading to problems like acid rain and global warming. Leaders worldwide now understand the seriousness of climate change and are trying to find ways to save the environment. However, they are struggling because they need to balance protecting nature with continuing to develop industries quickly. So, they are using climate diplomacy to look after the environment based on their own country’s needs. India, with its eco-friendly policies and low pollution levels, is playing a role in this. India is working on global climate governance problems and trying to find a way to keep the environment safe while still growing economically through its climate diplomacy efforts. However, this essay looks at the good and bad points of India’s climate diplomacy, as well as how working together more could help lead the fight against the world’s climate crisis.

Keywords: India, climate diplomacy, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, climate policy, international cooperation, sustainable development.

The tribal communities of West Bengal are diverse and heterogeneous, characterized by varying socio-cultural and economic traits. This study aims to compare and contrast the different approaches of tribes in West Bengal regarding their livelihood strategies, identity formation, language, food, occupation, and educational achievements. Utilizing quantitative data from the census and other sources, the study reveals that tribal communities in West Bengal exhibit varying degrees of integration and assimilation with mainstream society, influenced by their geographic location, historical background, and cultural affinity. Additionally, it identifies challenges and opportunities faced by these communities, including poverty, discrimination, displacement, education, health, and empowerment. The study compares the different approaches and achievements of tribal people by district and offers policy implications and recommendations for enhancing the well-being and development of tribes in West Bengal.

Keywords: West Bengal Tribe, Tribal Livelihood, Tribal Culture, Cultural Attitudes, West Bengal

This study explores what matters the most in determining students’ preference for private universities over public universities for higher study in Bangladesh. One of the key factors was the COVID-19 pandemic. During Covid-19, the private university continued their academic activities but in contrast, the public university failed to do so. During the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a UNESCO report, 1.6 million students were affected in 190 countries globally. According to a study report in Bangladesh, about 40 million students were affected due to the closure of academic institutions. It is believed that it is the most victim area in the country. However, higher education in Bangladesh comprises public universities, private universities, and three international universities. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh at present, there are 55 publics and 114 private universities in the country. The number of private universities has exceeded the number of public universities in the last decade. Although the number of public universities is now less than that of private universities, almost all students still choose the first public universities for their higher study in Bangladesh. Then, they choose private universities for their higher study in the country. But in recent years, a changing trend in determining higher educational institutions for tertiary-level study has been observed in the country. Before COVID-19, generally, no private university issued/disclosed a circularseeking student admission before the admission test of public universities in the country. But during COVID-19, the public universities could not manage to hold admission tests. In contrast, on the other hand, the private university authorities did it. They took admission tests and admitted students to their universities. They also continued their teachinglearning activities without session jams.

This is an exploratory study designed to investigate the transformation of students’ preference in determining higher study in private universities over the public universities in the country. A simple random sampling technique was used and as many as 148 students were from 20 private universities in Dhaka city for this study. A questionnaire survey and key informant interview instruments were used for collecting primary data. Primarily, the study reveals that among many others, effective crisis management has a great impact on decision-making to continue teaching-learning activities that influence the students to choose their higher study destination.

Keywords: Public University, Private University, Higher education, Bangladesh. 

The study investigated the strengths and challenges of knowledge-based theory in the twenty-first century. The study reviewed relevant literature through an exploratory approach to provide information on knowledge-based theory for solving contemporary issues. The study found that knowledge-based theory is essential for firms to manage information effectively in a complex and competitive global economy. The study highlights the importance of knowledge development, acquisition, and application. Investing in knowledge management systems, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a learning culture are all critical strategic priorities. Knowledge-based theories are always evolving to address new issues and trends in corporate dealings. Open innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with external partners are critical to addressing global concerns, while ethical considerations in knowledge management strategies are also important.

Keywords: Knowledge-based theory, firm, dynamic capabilities, open innovation, knowledge assets, sustainability, social responsibility.
JEL Classification: D83, O32, O34

Zimbabwe has witnessed remarkable increase in cases of gender-based violence (GBV) purportedly committed within and around precincts of universities. The gender-based violence cases that appear in local and/or national news are a small fraction of all such incidents within and around university campuses as the majority are not reported. In spite of the massive national scale of gender-based violence within university campuses, little studies have unravelled the experience of female students and the impact of GBV on their welfare and academic achievements. Using feminist qualitative methodologies, the study explores the lived experiences of female students on GBV at a selected institution of higher learning in Masvingo province. Snowball sampling method was employed to collect data from thirty-two (32) female students who experienced GBV during their stay on campuses. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results reveal that a substantial number of female students are survivors of GBV at the selected university. Female students are exposed to sexual, physical, economic, psychological, material, coercive control, stalking, rape among many other forms of gender based violence. Female students’ experience of GBV is characterized by deep infamy, with often irrevocable effects on their plans and hopes for the future. The results reveal how female students experience feelings of helplessness and fear and how they are silenced by ignorance in university domiciliary space. However, in some cases, GBV is ‘normalized’ as part of female students’ experience on campus. A comparison of their lived experiences on GBV against an ‘imaginary violence’ which they regarded as being more ‘real’ than their own, serves to trivialise their experiences. These results have significant implications for university administrators seeking to implement interventions that address gender based violence at the selected university and beyond.

Keywords: Gender based violence, prevalence, lived-experiences, female students, university

This study explores the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in addressing groundwater management challenges in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh. By identifying recharge zones and constructing 2,087 mini percolation tanks, the initiative achieved significant improvements in groundwater levels, agricultural productivity, and rural employment. GIS enhanced site selection precision, ensuring resource efficiency. Challenges such as non-functional assets and resource misallocation highlight the need for robust frameworks. Policy recommendations include scaling GIS-based interventions, fostering community participation, and adopting IoT-driven monitoring systems.

Keywords: GIS-Based Aquifer Management, Groundwater Recharge, MGNREGA Implementation, Water Conservation Strategies, Sustainable Rural Development.