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The Indian economy has been increasing with an average GDP growth rate of 7%. As a result, India became the fifth-largest economy, with a GDP of $3.6 trillion, and is expected to become the third-largest by 2030, surpassing Japan and Germany. Japan’s GDP growth rate was 1.1% in 2022, but it suffers from public debt and trade issues, whereas Germany’s GDP growth rate was 1.80% in 2022, but it suffered from high inflation, low purchasing power, and investment. This situation adds to India’s prospects of becoming the third-largest economy. Hence, 23 years of GDP data from the USA, China, Japan, Germany, and India were analysed. It has been predicted that India has the potential to overtake Japan and Germany and become the third-largest economy, with a $5 trillion economy, by 2030. Appropriate economic reforms, the implementation of monetary, fiscal, and physical policies, and control of poverty and unemployment help India achieve these goals.

Keywords: Gross Domestic Product, $5 Trillion Economy, Third largest Economy, and Economic Policies.

Indigenous Knowledge carries distinct connotations: local Knowledge, Traditional Knowledge, or knowledge developed by the community over long interaction with the particular environment. Indigenous knowledge is often passed down through people’s memories. The indigenous knowledge remains in the society and is expressed in activities that reflect on the form of stories, folk songs, folklore, proverbs, dance, myths, cultural values, beliefs, rituals, community laws, local language, taxonomy, agricultural practices, managing equipment, materials, plant species, and animal breeds (Basu et al. 2009). It is primarily inherited from ancestors to descendants over generations, serving as the foundation for the utilisation and management of Natural Resources. It is a collective experience and knowledge of phenomena that remains with older generations. In fact, Indigenous or Traditional knowledge developed over prolonged interactions between people and their local environments. The basic format and intensive structure of the knowledge system remain with a few people, such as the Shaman (Gurumain of the Paraja Community), who disseminate it to others in a restricted manner.

Keywords: Indigenous-Knowledge, Bio-Technology, Folklore, Gurumain, Sustainability.

Most existing studies on seasonal migration focus either on the determinants and patterns of migration or on the living and working conditions of migrant labourers at their destinations. This study fills a critical gap by examining the institutional processes that enable and reinforce labour migration from rural odisha.

Using primary survey data from Balangir-one of Odisha’s most backward districts with a long history of distress-driven migration-the study investigates how multiple institutions shape and sustain the migration system from origin to destination. The findings show that political, social, and economic institutions in the migrants’ home villages actively support labour contractors (both primary and secondary) in coordinating and managing migration flows. In particular, the study highlights how village committees, functioning as religious and community-based bodies, play a pivotal role in assisting contractors during the recruitment process.

The econometric analysis reveals a negative relationship between the size of advance payments received by migrant workers and their subsequent debt burden. To analyse these dynamics, the study employs descriptive statistics and a dummy variable regression model to assess the influence of labour contractors in determining the amount of advance payment.

Keyword: Rural Development, Process of Migration, Labour Contractor, Interlink Labour Market.

Global population growth has immense implications for natural resources, altering ecological balances and leading to environmental deterioration. As the population explosion has multiple consequences for land, water, forests, and energy resources, the need to study its various dimensions and sustainable practices becomes highly relevant. Though the burden of resource scarcity is felt more in low-income regions, both developed and underdeveloped countries face these challenges. This research aims to examine agricultural land degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss in the Indian context. It also examines global and national initiatives, such as population policies, that address these issues. The study further focuses on the transition from non-renewable to renewable energy sources as a measure for achieving ecological stability and intergenerational sustainability. The research emphasises an integrated approach to population management and resource conservation for a sustainable future.

Keywords: Natural resources; Population growth; Environmental implications; Sustainability; Renewable energy.

Subjective well-being (SWB) reflects individuals’ evaluations of their lives, including cognitive judgments of life satisfaction and emotional experiences of happiness, stress, and anxiety. While substantial literature has examined SWB in urban populations, relatively less attention has been devoted to understanding rural residents’ subjective well-being, particularly in developing economies.

This paper explores pathways, impacts, and policy frameworks for enhancing SWB in rural communities. Drawing on conceptual and empirical literature, it identifies drivers such as digital inclusion, social capital, access to health, and agricultural transformation, alongside barriers including income inequality, poor living conditions, and gender disparities. Using illustrative data and synthesized evidence, we demonstrate that SWB has a significant impact on rural development outcomes, including farm productivity, labour participation, household resilience, and social harmony. The study highlights the precariousness of tribal livelihoods in the face of modern development challenges. Poor access to digital connectivity, banking services, and modern healthcare accentuates their sense of exclusion. Nevertheless, their attachment to land, forests, and traditional rituals provides meaning, identity, and spiritual satisfaction, contributing positively to subjective well-being despite material deprivation.

The paper concludes with policy recommendations for inclusive and sustainable rural revitalization, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). This paper contributes to the growing scholarship by examining the multidimensional drivers of rural SWB, identifying impacts on socioeconomic and agricultural outcomes, and providing actionable policy pathways.

Keywords: Subjective well-being, rural development, happiness, life satisfaction, resilience, farm productivity, inclusive policies, Sustainable Development Goals.

The paper is based on data from the 6th rounds of minor irrigation censuses conducted by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Planning & Convergence Department, Odisha on behalf of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (formerly MoWR) between 1986-87(1st census) and 2017-18 (6th census). The analysis reveals regional disparities in growth rates, utilization challenges, and increasing reliance on groundwater for agriculture. It also reveals that although groundwater structures have consistently dominated MI schemes, their growth rate has slowed down over time, with significant regional disparities in Odisha. The Central region, initially leading in growth, now faces stagnation, while Northern and Southern regions show modest gains. The study also highlights disparities in irrigation potential utilization (IPU), with some districts achieving high efficiency while others lag behind. It points out that the annual growth rate of ground water structures is increasing from 1986-87(1st census) to 2017-18(6th census) in all regions of Odisha. Despite a rise in irrigation potential, the utilization remains inconsistent across districts, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices and targeted interventions to enhance irrigation efficiency in underperforming regions. Accordingly, management strategies need to be chalked out.

Keywords: Culturable Command Area, Groundwater Irrigation, Irrigation Potential Created, Irrigation Potential Utilized, Minor Irrigation Census, Regional Disparities.