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Tackling Malnutrition Among Children in India: The Role of National Health Policies
Child malnutrition in India is a significant public health concern. While there has been progress in reducing stunting, wasting, and underweight rates among children, the prevalence of malnutrition remains high, especially with a recent increase in childhood anaemia. It is essential to implement effective national health policies and programmes to address this issue. Initiatives such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), and the National Health Policy 2017 play a pivotal role in enhancing nutritional and health outcomes for children. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, socio-economic disparities, and a lack of parental education and awareness hinder the effectiveness of these programmes. Misconceptions about nutrition and child-feeding practices among mothers are also significant contributors to malnutrition. This chapter aims to explore the potential of national health policies in combating child malnutrition in India and addressing the role they play in improving childrens nutritional status. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
The paradox of sex: A thematic analysis of identity among indian cis-gendered female asexuals
Asexuality is the absence of sexual attraction to others or a low desire for sexual activity. In the collectivistic culture of India, the lack of sexual relations after marriage is judged from a lens of "normalcy." Asexuality is often an invisible spectrum among the queer population and usually does not get the desired attention. Individuals who identify as asexuals may not always be opposed to romantic relationships. However, the heteronomative pressures of adhering to approved social roles for romantic partners may affect them. The study aims to understand the different sources of coercion and constraints in romantic relationships experienced by individuals who identify as asexuals through in-depth interviews. The interviews tap into the mental health of asexual women in a heteronormative society. The variables in focus are coping styles, beliefs, self-image, social attitude, and relationship dynamics. The study follows a thematic approach where the emerging themes from the in-depth interviews will be analyzed in detail to form a theoretical framework to explain the heteronormative pressures on asexual women. The findings will be examined from a feminist perspective, considering the equality of all genders and sexual expressions. The findings are also analyzed using Kristeva's concept of abjection, to explore asexuality as an "abject" in a collectivistic society. Asexuality is thus seen as deviant and worthy of separation from "normal sexual expression" in a society that has conflicting opinions about sex and sexuality. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved. -
Effectiveness of relationship education programs for premarital romantic and sexual relationships for adolescents and young adults: A systematic review
Relationship Education Programs (REPs) have gained significant attention in recent years in Western cultures as a preventative approach to promoting healthy romantic and sexual relationships. These programs aim to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to build and maintain positive romantic and sexual relationships, and to reduce negative societal outcomes such as teenage pregnancy and single-parent households. This systematic review will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on relationship education programs for pre-marital romantic and sexual relationships in terms of their effectiveness, various formats in which they are delivered, and outcome variables being studied. The findings show that the outcomes could be divided into seven categories: self improvement, knowledge acquisition, attitudinal changes, behavioral changes, psychological impacts, skill development, and changes in relational dynamics. It has been demonstrated that REPs are effective in knowledge and skill transfer for romantic relationships. Effectiveness testing was done using quasi-experimental designs, experimental studies with a control group, or randomized control trials. Most of the REP research was conducted in the USA; very few studies were obtained from other parts of the world. The effectiveness of REP, program characteristics, testing, gender differences etc. are also discussed. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved. -
Blockchain and IoT Integration for Financial Sector Revolution
The Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the globe. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) speaks about the use of Internet of Things (IoT) concepts and technology in industrial environments. The financial industry has long traded in the things that areintangible, from once-tangible but now-less-tangible items like stock certificates and even money itself. The Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologythat offer and storedata aboutthings mighthave direct influence on how financial services institutions operate their businesses. The Financial Industry is adopting IoT for fast and effective transactions. The invention of disruptive technology like blockchain, which is a decentralized, unchangeable ledger makes tracking assets and record transactions easier. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is based on the peer-to-peer idea that eliminates intermediaries from the system. It is possible to establish smart contracts, which will do away with the need for any middlemen. Due to the IoTs broad application and dispersed nature, security and privacy are the primary concerns in the financial sector. Blockchain is essential for IoT applications where data security and privacy are top priorities. Blockchain can secure data and keep the transactions private. IoT enhances business opportunities and offers firms a competitive edge in both established and developing industries. It has an impact on every aspect of technology, including the methods used to gather data and the locations, timings, and purposes for doing so. Since this data must be safeguarded, we need a standard blockchain-oriented architecture for IoT applications. The data generated by the financial industry is crucial because it establishes future market trends and preserves data on consumer and investor investments. Financial data is vulnerable to assaults and needs to be protected. This paper explores the need for regulations and policy in this area and attempts to understand how blockchain technology can be used to overcome barriers to IoT adoption in the financial sector. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Role of the Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes in Nanodiagnostic Devices and Nanobiomedicines
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained immense attention and have emerged as an instrumental tool in various applications including electrochemical sensing, biomedical applications, water purification, and biofuel cells. Their heightened utilization is attributed to their unique properties, such as high specific surface area, enzyme loading capacity, biocompatibility, mass transfer resistance, ease in crossing biological barriers, and ease of functionalization and immobilization. Possessing all these characteristics improves their applicability in biomedical applications including diagnosis, imaging, nanobiomedicine, and drug delivery. The functionalization of CNTs is highly crucial as it improves their biocompatibility and overcomes their limitation of insolubility in water and organic solvents. Functionalization also transforms them into more complex and effective drug delivery and biosensing tools with enormous and specific biomedical properties. This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion of the various structural and chemical properties, types, and synthesis strategies of CNTs. It also gives an insight into the kinds of functionalization for ameliorating their properties and comprehensively discusses their applications in nanodiagnostic devices and nanobiomedicine, ensuring the audience feels informed and knowledgeable. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Carbon Nanodots: Application in Drug Delivery and Bioimaging
Carbon nanodots (CNDs), the newest member of the carbon-based nanomaterial family, are also among the most promising for the development of unique, cutting-edge applications. They are regarded as a rising star among nanomaterials due to their singular and unmatched physicochemical and photoluminescent capabilities. Numerous applications built on CNDs have been created during the past 10 years. Carbon dots exhibit ease of functionalization, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, photostability, and favorable photoluminescence and water solubility properties. Due to these distinctive characteristics, they find extensive applications in live cell imaging, catalysis, electronics, biosensing, power systems, targeted drug delivery, and various other biomedical fields. This chapter examines the most recent advancements in carbon dot nanomedicine, including their application as imaging agents and drug transporters. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Functionalized Nanomaterials in Nanobiomedicines and Diagnostic Devices
The development of nanomaterials for biomedical applications over the last 20 years has shown great potential for altering the way that all facets of illness management are thought to be approached. Since nanomaterials may be customized to incorporate features for early diagnosis, medication delivery, therapy, treatment, and patient response monitoring, they are particularly appealing as a system. The realm of functionalized nanomaterials is characterized by its diversity and rapid evolution, with ongoing research endeavors focused on discovering novel functionalities and applications for nanoscale materials. Functionalized nanomaterials play a pivotal role in nanobiomedicines and diagnostic devices, contributing significantly to advancements in these fields. The use of functionalized nanomaterials varies from cancer therapy, drug delivery, cosmetics, and medical use to various other entities. Therefore, this chapter reviews the fundamentals of nanomaterials fictionalization, surface fictionalization, and different nanomaterials that are contributing to drug delivery and diagnostic devices. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Traditional Wisdom in Water Harvesting: A Comparative Review of Ahar Pynes and Tank Systems in India
The Indian subcontinent has historically relied on rainwater harvesting for agricultural and domestic water purposes. Traditional water management practices were crucial in the development of settlements and growth of villages and towns in Ancient India. Numerous indigenous water management practices have evolved across the diverse geography of this region to capture rain and manage surface water runoff. These systems have sustained the agrarian economy over centuries by contributing to irrigation and water security. This research paper focuses on two diverse water management systems in two geographically distinct areas in India. The Ahar Pyne system is practiced in the flood prone alluvial plains of Bihar, while the Tank system of irrigation is prevalent in the arid Deccan region. Both these systems were managed by the local communities living in their vicinity. These systems promote flood mitigation and drought resilience. These systems have become increasingly neglected in the recent years with development and advent of piped water supply. As the world grapples with problems escalated by climate change and the ensuing issue of water scarcity, there is an increasing interest in traditional systems and how they can be adapted to current needs. The comparative study of these two systems accentuates the adaptability of indigenous water management practices in different climatic and topographic conditions. The study also underlines the significance of integrating these traditional systems into the current water management processes. The paper also highlights the relevance of these systems in the current scenario and the need for revival and sustainable management of these systems towards building a resilient future. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Uprooted and Under Pressure: Exploring the Links Between Globalization, Environmental Issues, and Mental Health in Diasporas
Globalization has both good and bad effects. Among its positive impacts, it has caused a revolution in the environment leading to a major crisis. Quick growth in industry and cities has harmed nature, wildlife, movement of people across the globe, and their health. The damage to our planet and changing weather have put global health and life at risk. Current studies clearly show how the environmental crisis hurts peoples health through polluted air, food scarcity, and unsafe water. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of globalization and the environmental crisis on peoples minds and communities. Globalization-induced changes have led to an environmental degradation and several mental and social problems. According to the World Migration Report (2019) 3.6% of all people on Earth are migrants from other countries, which is about 281 million people. These groups that reside away from their home countries are more vulnerable to dangers resulting from changing world politics, increased conflicts, lack of natural resources, and economic hardships in a new country. Sometimes governmental policies may also push these groups to the side lines. This may limit their access to various services leaving them exposed to the effects of environmental crises. Additionally, a lack of social support, money troubles, and the loss of social and cultural identity can worsen these issues. This can make it harder for them to fit into their new societies and also affect their mental health. The present chapter aims to review the current research to highlight the challenges that diaspora and migrant communities face as a result of environmental crises caused by globalization. It not only focuses on the resulting mental and social stresses but also provides suggestions for policy and treatment. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
IndiaA Growing Hub for Global Education
Purpose/Objective To understand the stakeholders perspective of different methods by which internationalization of education has been happening in India. Design/Methodology/Approach A qualitative research approach based on the interview method is adopted, along with a review of historical data on the growth of different formats. Findings India needs to regain its lost glory from the pre-independence era as a global education hub by working on all three formats of internationalization of higher education: encouraging student exchange programs, enabling Indian Universities to expand overseas, and welcoming foreign institutions to set up campuses in India. Originality This research will be the first of its kind to present themes emerging from student interviews and opinions about the three formats of internalization of higher education in India. This research contributes to the ongoing transformation of India's higher education landscape, aligning it with global standards and aspirations. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Finding a New Life Through Adaptive Reuse for the Old Railway Terminus Complex, Kochi, Kerala
The research article, titled Finding a New Life through adaptive reuse for the Old Railway Terminus Complex, Kochi, Kerala, examines the historical and cultural importance of the original and still existing railway station complex in Ernakulam. This station, which symbolized the arrival of the initial train to Cochin, was constructed during the zenith of the Kochi kingdom in partnership with the British, making a substantial contribution to the regions progress. Over time, the stations original role steadily diminished, leading to its abandonment and subsequent deterioration. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of adaptive reuse as a strategy for conserving this valuable urban asset. The objective of the research is to reuse these neglected structures with the goal of reintegrating them into the vibrant urban landscape of Kochi, thus ensuring a sustainable and environmentally conscious future for the city. The approach involves a thorough analysis of the historical context, current condition, and potential utilization of the precinct. The main findings emphasize that adaptive reuse is an effective method for optimizing space to meet modern requirements while maintaining the historical essence of the built environment. The study highlights the significance of preserving cultural assets by creatively repurposing decommissioned railway historical structures, demonstrating their potential to contribute to sustainable urban development. The research highlights the importance of finding a balance between preserving historical elements and incorporating modern practicality. It provides a framework that can be used by other communities dealing with similar challenges. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026. -
Utilizing GIS for Crime Mapping to Identify Crime Hotspots in the Urban Context of Kerala
This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for crime mapping to pinpoint hotspots within the Museum police stations jurisdiction in Trivandrum, Kerala, which saw the highest number of crimes reported in 2022, as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), making it an important issue to be tackled. Trivandrum was chosen for its high population density, aligning with criminological theories linking dense urban areas to increased criminal activity. The jurisdiction of the Museum police station area was explicitly selected due to its significant incidence of various crimes as per the data available from the Kerala police website while comparing it with the overall 21 jurisdiction boundaries. Data collection encompassing seven crime categories as per the analysis of previous literature studies, which includesrape, theft, molestation, kidnapping, murder, hurt, auto theft, and robberywas meticulously gathered from the Museum police station and organized using Excel, then analysed through GIS techniques. These methods included Average Nearest Neighbours Analysis to identify crime pattern types, Kernel Density Estimation to visualize crime density maps, Choropleth mapping to highlight wards with heightened crime rates, and Standard Deviation Ellipse Analysis to explore trends in crime distribution. These analytical approaches and their comparison with buffered maps facilitated a comprehensive spatial examination, uncovering distinct crime hotspots and illuminating factors contributing to their concentration. The study concludes by pointing out the main vulnerable areas of the study with the help of the previously mentioned mapping analysis, helping in providing suitable areas to be focused on to provide design strategies to curb crime. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026. -
Targeting Metabolic Reprogramming: A New Frontier in Cancer Therapy
Cancer cells undergo profound metabolic reprogramming to meet the high demands of unchecked proliferation within the nutrient-limited tumor microenvironment (TME). While fundamental metabolic pathways are conserved, cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic fluxes and substrate preferences, meticulously dictated by genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental cues that reshape enzyme and transporter profiles. This metabolic rewiring sculpts the TME, fostering both competition and cooperation, often favoring tumor-promoting stromal components (cancer-associated fibroblasts, M2 tumor-associated macrophages), and hinders antitumor immunity. Targeting aberrant cancer metabolism and originating interactions in TME presents a promising therapeutic avenue. However, the inherent metabolic heterogeneity across malignancies necessitates personalized combination therapies and continued research to efficiently target this key cancer hallmark. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Advancing Climate Finance for Sustainable Future: Integrating Human Capital, Climate Neutrality, and Emerging Technologies
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) laid the scientific groundwork for the widespread agreement that, in the medium and long terms, development and inclusive growth are seriously threatened by climate change caused by humans. The importance of sustainable development and the pressing need to address climate change cannot be underscored in the rapidly evolving global setting. A key tool for reaching carbon neutrality and greening sustainable economic growth is Climate Finance, which is centered on eco-friendly investments and activities. By supporting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, climate finance assists nations in lowering their greenhouse gas emissions. It also aids in community adaptation to the effects of climate change. Combining human capital and emerging technologies such as blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) with climate finance is an additional opportunity to boost migration prospects and ease transitions in adaptation processes. Furthermore, in addition to addressing concerns about the potentially negative effects of some climate policies on development prospects and economic growth, an integrated policy package incorporating the scaling up of low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable finance, and carbon pricing could also help achieve the goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. In order to solve urgent environmental issues and achieve sustainable development goals, climate finance must improve. This chapter explores the need of climate finance and human capital with evolving technologies. Further, it analyzes the synergy of climate finance with climate neutrality and challenges and barriers in the achievement of sustainability. Furthermore, a need for a regulatory framework for achieving climate neutrality in terms of climate finance is discussed. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Understanding the Determinants of Happiness Among Young Adults
The volume provides a comprehensive understanding of the conceptual and practical implications of happiness. It is a synthesis of cutting-edge research and real-world strategies by authors from diverse disciplines, including psychology, sociology, philosophy, neuroscience, spirituality, education, literature, arts, and music. It offers a glimpse into the science and practice of happiness by exploring positive psychological variables such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence, physical rest, flow, bliss, psychological well-being, spiritual happiness, and workplace happiness. This volume is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the pursuit of happiness, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with practical wisdom to guide readers on their journey toward a joyful and meaningful existence. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
The Impact of Virtuous Organizational Practices on Flow at Work Among Kitchen Employees in Bengaluru
Chefs arent mere cooks; they are culinary artisans who create art in the form of dishes. Flow among kitchen employees enhances creativity, focus, and efficiency where he flourishes at his work. This study on kitchen employees in Bengaluru aims to analyze the organizational practices that have impacted the state of flow and led to employee well-being. A quantitative method was adopted to collect data from the samples. The sample includes kitchen employees at all levels of management and operation from various hotels and stand-alone restaurants. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of how virtuous practices in the organization lead to the state of immersion. The studys findings contribute to the overall efficiency of human resource management in chefs mainly focusing on employee well-being, performance, and creativity. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Mindfulness and Energy at Work Among Frontline Restaurant Employees
This study examines the correlation between mindfulness and energy in work among frontline restaurant staff in Bengaluru, India. The paper presents theoretical underpinnings related to mindfulness and energy in work, methodology, and some key findings. Through a convenience sampling method, 222 frontline employees working in top-rated fine dining specialty restaurants in Bengaluru were surveyed. The level of mindfulness was measured with the 15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and energy at work by the 14-item Relational Energy Scale. The analysis of data used Pearsons correlation and regression in order to check the relations and causations, complemented by ANOVA and t-tests for the demographic differences. The study results indicated a statistically significant low positive correlation between mindfulness and energy at work (r = 0.337, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that mindfulness predicts 11.4% of the variability in energy at work. Significant demographic influences include marital status on mindfulness and industry experience on energy levels. The findings indicate that developing mindfulness will increase employees energy and well-being, leading to improved organizational outcomes. Recommendations are provided for specific HR strategies that can integrate mindfulness practices into routine workplace routines. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Happiness at Work: Flow as an Aid in Achieving Workplace Excellence
The volume provides a comprehensive understanding of the conceptual and practical implications of happiness. It is a synthesis of cutting-edge research and real-world strategies by authors from diverse disciplines, including psychology, sociology, philosophy, neuroscience, spirituality, education, literature, arts, and music. It offers a glimpse into the science and practice of happiness by exploring positive psychological variables such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence, physical rest, flow, bliss, psychological well-being, spiritual happiness, and workplace happiness. This volume is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the pursuit of happiness, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with practical wisdom to guide readers on their journey toward a joyful and meaningful existence. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
The Convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Finance: Transforming the Financial Landscape
This chapter examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on sustainable finance by emphasizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment choices. This chapter utilized the literature review method to analyse diverse AI models, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, concerning data analysis, risk modelling, and sustainable product development in the financial industry. Additionally, the study presents a use case of the AI-implemented model in the ESG ratings, which assesses environmental consequences and evaluates investment sustainability. The research also recognized possible challenges and ethical issues in the application of AI in the sustainable investing domain. These challenges highlight the necessity for a comprehensive governance framework and the appropriate implementation of AI. The study contributes to the literature by providing insights into technology advancements and proposing solutions to address sustainable finance requirements. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Blockchain-Enabled ESG Management: Enhancing Data Authenticity and Transparency
Blockchain has a virtual path that is immutable and allows for secure and transparent business transactions and reduces the need for mediators. This chapter outlines the use of blockchain in the management of ESG to boost information integrity and transparency. The purpose is to know how blockchain can potentially contribute to proving some ESG metrics, enhancing the compliance to regulations, and over legalize the reporting on sustainable development. It has been employed by doing a critical analysis of the existing applications of blockchain for ESG reporting in the current fiscal year and studies with cases including expert talk for pronouncing the impact on the data accuracy among the various sectors. According to the results, the ability of blockchains distributed ledger to store data concerning ESG and ensure transparency is resistant to changes. However, problems like compatibility and scalability still have not disappeared and that is why tactical solutions remain relevant. From this study, it can be inferred that there is a potential of blockchain to greatly enhance stakeholders confidence through transparent and exemplary ESG process, which is then likely to enhance organizations ethical behaviour. Besides, it directly focuses on the capacity of blockchain to affect new sustainable company processes and rules and regulations. In conclusion, the use of blockchain technology brings hope in the shift of sustainability governance due to its provision of authenticity and accountability of data, hence promoting better and ethical corporation conduct. It provides valuable information to the stakeholders who want to rely on blockchain to enhance sustainable performance. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.