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Analysing the Relationship Between FDI and the Dimensions of Sustainable Development in India
After dominating international development policy for more than 20years, sustainability and sustainable development have attracted more and more attention in policy and scholarly discourse. Significantly, recent events have emphasised the significance of pursuing sustainability and sustainable development even more. These include the adoption of a circular economy strategy, the move to renewable energy sources, the fight against climate change, and attempts to reduce emissions from fossil fuels. Foreign direct investment is one method of achieving sustainable development. Therefore, a sustainable relationship between FDI and sustainable development in India has been established in the subsequent pages of this paper and this causal relationship has been analysed. This causal relationship has been established via the vector error correction model. Through the findings, this paper doubles down on the idea that FDI is a great source for the introduction of sustainable development. However, it is also found that policymakers should focus on the implementation of those policies that utilise the benefits of FDI while simultaneously working against the negative environmental impacts and promoting the need for human development. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Role of Technology in Achieving SDG Adoption in Emerging Economies
Technology has always changed the world for the better making processes efficient and effective, yet it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding and know-how of these technologies in order to utilize them for SDG adoption especially in emerging economies. The United Nations sustainable development goals (SGDs) provide us with a framework for creating a more sustainable, prosperous and equitable future by the year 2030 and modern technology has a vital role to play in actualizing these plans. However, utilizing technology for SDG adoption in emerging economies come with its own set of constraints and challenges. Emerging economies face unique challenges in their pursuit of the United Nations SDGs, including limited infrastructure, economic instability, and unequal access of resources. Nonetheless is proving to be a key enabler in overcoming such hurdles and accelerating the adoption of SDGs. This chapter explores how technology, including mobile connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling smother and more streamlined adoption of SDGs and how emerging economies are the real beneficiaries. Mobile technology, for instance, has revolutionized the financial system making it inclusive, bring it within reach of the unbanked population of the world. Technology is also empowering small farmers with accurate weather forecast, real-time market data, and affordable crop management tools. This is a direct contribution to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). In a similar manner, AI-powered app-based healthcare solutions are a massive leap within the sector and can help tackling disease outbreaks and enhancing the general health of the people, thus having a direct positive impact on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, the applications of IoT are numerous and are proving to be rather beneficial for cities in emerging economies. It is being utilized to implement smart energy grids to water management systems directly contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). This chapter concludes by examining the need of inclusive policies and investment in digital infrastructure to ensure that emerging economies can reap maximum through the modern-day technologies. It also addresses the potential risks, such as digital inequality and data privacy concerns assessing how the contemporary technology be utilized in order to achieve sustainable development in emerging economies. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Bridging Academia and Communities Through Service-Learning Praxis at Christ University
The Service Learning (SL) experiences of students in higher education institutions play a pivotal role in shaping future generations to be more inclusive and responsible. This chapter delves into the institutionalisation of SL, community partnerships, and specific departmental SL experiences, focusing on the initiatives at Christ University. At the core of these efforts is the Centre for Service Learning at Christ University, which actively monitors, recommends policies, and establishes frameworks for departments. The chapter introduces the ADORED model, elucidating the phases of SL at the institution: Assess, Develop, Organise, Reflect, Execute, and Demonstrate. This chapter describes SL practices in the School of Commerce, Education, and Psychology, offering tangible examples. By examining these specific cases, the chapter provides insights into the successful integration and sustainability of SL within a university setting. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Polymeric Nanocomposites and Their Applications
A polymer is a macromolecule comprising numerous repeating subunits linked by covalent bonds. The word polymer arises from Greek, with polus denoting many and meros denoting parts. Although humans have used polymers long before, their chemical properties were studied only in the nineteenth century. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Cardiac Endothelial Impairment in the Danio Rerio Due to Change in the Circadian Rhythm
Light is one of the environmental factors which regulates the circadian rhythm in humans and animals. Circadian rhythm is a light and dark cycle which controls awakeness and sleepiness. Circadian rhythm regulates all the physiological functions. Artificial light at night disrupts the circadian rhythm in the population. Mostly developing and developed country population is very much prone to the disturbance in the circadian rhythm as shift work becomes very common. In this study we have disturbed the circadian rhythm of the Danio rerio by continuously exposing them to bright light and disturbing their resting period by creating surface waves for 96 h. At regular intervals, triplicates were meticulously extracted from control and experimental tanks, their hearts tenderly dissected and preserved in formaldehyde for subsequent analysis. Through the lens of a microtome, the intricate architecture of cardiac tissue unveiled a disquieting narrative, after 48 h and 72 h show trabeculae and necrosis in the inner layer of the ventricles and lumens were seen in the bulbus arteriosus. These findings not only mirror the cardiac consequences observed in humans experiencing circadian disruptions but also underscore the potential of zebrafish as valuable models for investigating pharmacological interventions aimed at mitigating such cardiovascular consequences. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Production of Biochar from Algal Biomass and Their Applications
Algal biomass represents one of the most promising targets as a source of biofuel production, bioenergy, as sustainable feedstock and other valuable products. Algal biomass with its physicochemical properties and potential use has gained immense interest presently for converting it into biochar. Algal biochar synthesis has been done using conventional methods like pyrolysis, slow, and microwave-assisted methods along with modern ones like hydrothermal carbonization and torrefaction. Algal biochar has been variedly derived from the macroalga from fresh, brackish, and marine waters. This algal biochar has been extracted for maximum nutrient contents and capacity to exchange ions, as it is high in pH, ash, nitrogen sources, and inorganic components like phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Biochar has been produced from fresh water macroalga Cladophora glomerata, as a biosorbent of heavy metals that have high toxicity. Other algal biochars include Chlorella vulgaris, Dunaliella salina, Haematococcus pluvialis, Gracilaria, and Oedogoniumsps has high affinity toward oxyanions like arsenic, molybdenum, and selenium that are difficult to be removed using conventional techniques. Algal biochar is a boon for amending soil for agricultural purposes especially applicable to acidic soils increasing the crop productivity and as absorbents for removing organic and inorganic contaminants in waste water treatment. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Biochar a Futuristic Approach for Heavy Metal Remediation from Wastewater
Heavy-metal-induced contamination has been one of the major pollutants, and currently being one of the most serious concerns for its ill effects on the environment, and toxicity towards humans and plants. Being persistent in the milieu for decades, these heavy metals can also seep into underground waters polluting the soil and aquifers. Contaminated water causes the physiochemical and biochemical changes affecting the plant growth and yield. Additionally, it also has a major concern with the human health effects. Hence, it is very important to find ways to remove these heavy metals efficiently from water. In recent years, different ways of remediating heavy metals from waste water have been undertaken. Biochar, a carbon-rich source is derived from the decomposition of organic wastes that has been competent adsorbent for the heavy metal from water thus, helping as an effective treatment option. An adsorbent for heavy metals, biochar has porous structure, pH value, surface function and high cation exchange. Several methods have been used to synthesise biochar with a significant physiochemical property and have been used for various chemical applications. Being an exceptional heavy metal adsorbent, biochar is also ecofriendly, least expensive and effective treatment that has a greater potential in the near future as a best option for wastewater treatment. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Remediation by Biochar
The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) around the world is influenced by anthropogenic, natural, and global transport activities. They are pervasive environmental contaminants that are toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and have negative biological effects. PAH molecules stability and hydrophobicity are the two main factors that influence their long-term persistence in the environment. PAHs contamination of soil, water and sediments has been widely dissipated for years, necessitating effective remediation processes through research and development to achieve impactful treatment and reuse of soil, water and sediments. The biochar amendment to PAHs contaminated soil, water and sediments has been suggested as an inventive and environmentally friendly technology. The primary method of removing PAHs involves sorption onto biochar. In this chapter, types and effects of PAHs exposure on humans the mechanisms of PAH sorption to the biochar, effects of adding biochar to soil, water and sediments that have PAH contamination are thoroughly discussed. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Harnessing Digital Finance for Sustainability and Equity in Marine and Seaside Economies
The integration of digital finance into marine and seaside economies offers transformative potential to foster sustainability, equity, and economic growth. This chapter explores the role of financial technology (FinTech) in addressing the unique challenges faced by coastal and marine industries, including resource depletion, economic instability, and socio-environmental disparities. It highlights how innovations like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile financial platforms can enhance financial inclusion for coastal communities, streamline investment in sustainable marine projects, and promote transparent governance. Through case studies and data-driven analysis, the chapter investigates global best practices where digital finance has enabled resource optimisation, resilience in the face of climate change, and support for blue economy initiatives. By examining the interplay of technology, finance, and sustainability, this chapter aims to provide actionable insights into leveraging digital finance for building resilient and equitable marine ecosystems, contributing to a sustainable blue economy. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Blockchain in Drone Systems: Advancements, Security Implications and Community Acceptance
Use of drones is an indication of urbanization. There are many societal acceptance factors that need to be assessed for urban drones. This work also emphasizes on the future of blockchain as a novel technology in the upcoming decade. Acceptance of this novel technology will substantially increase the effectiveness and efficiency of future delivery options. The studys methodology will be determined after performing a detailed literature survey on the topic of drone and blockchain technology usage acceptance and community engagement. This study provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis about the knowledge of drone technology among the diversified population. The primary goal of the study is to analyse the general acceptance of drones in day-to-day activities. The research also focuses on understanding the need to educate people about drone technology in plausible areas of applications. With the emergence of this technology, it is evident that drone have a great prospect to grow in various sectors and industries. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Transforming Food Waste Management with Blockchain: A Sustainable, Consensus Driven Framework
Food waste management is a stern issue that is prevalent around the word, affecting multiple countries and cultures. In a technology driven era, blockchain has gained intense attention because of its various beneficial facets. Blockchain is defined as a technology with its features like security, transparency and immutability, where only the authorized members in a network are given access. The decentralized technology enables transparency and traceability which can be used in food supply chain in conjunction with the various consensus mechanisms to validate transactions. This would ensure consistency and reliability, ensuring the stakeholders to track vivid stages such as food production, processing and distribution. Wastage of food is a cosmopolitan issue conducive to social, economic and environmental challenges. Our proposed work provides substantial benefits in a way to tackle inefficiencies in the food supply chain, Blockchain based business process reengineering can further automate these processes. The paper presents five popular consensus mechanisms that can be used for a sustainable food waste management. The work focuses on providing a blockchain based solution that is low powered and scalable, which in turn increases sustainability and reduces global food waste. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Human Resource (HR) Analytics and Its Modus OperandiAn Explorative Study
People management immensely benefited from predictive HR analytics that provide deeper insight into employee data for effective decision-making. HR analytics has contributed to formulating and implementing data-driven strategies across various industries and organizations. The main objective of this conceptual paper is to explain the concept of HR analytics and describe its modus operandi. We reviewed the literature on various facets of HR analytics from 2016 to 2024. We have explained the modus operandi of HR analytics through the key aspects of strategic HRM. This paper is significant because HR analytics is evolving as a more technical discipline with modern technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Epileptic Seizure Detection Contribution in Healthcare Sustainability
This study describes a sustainable EEG data methodology. Classification using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for feature extraction, with the objective of reducing the computational efforts while keeping accurate neural signal analysis. DWT decomposes the EEG signal into timefrequency specific components which allows extraction of ten key wavelet features, including wavelet energy, entropy, maximal coefficients, zero-crossing counts, and dominant frequency. These features capture essential timefrequency features of EEG signals, providing a comprehensive yet computationally efficient representation. By streamlining feature extraction, this approach reduces data dimensionality and minimizes computational processing time, aligning with sustainable technology objectives. The resulting feature vectors serve as robust inputs for classification models, effectively supporting EEG data interpretation with reduced energy and less resource utilization. This study demonstrates that targeted feature extraction can achieve high classification performance in EEG analysis while adhering to principles of sustainability and resource efficiency. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Ethical Integrity and Performance in Isolation: An Intrinsic Motivation Mediated Focus
This research investigates the mediating influence of intrinsic motivation on employee isolation and job performance of work-from-anywhere Information Technology professionals in India. Intrinsic motivation and ethical integrity are fundamentally intertwined, each enhancing and reinforcing the other. The lenses of the self-determination theory underpin the study. The research questions covered in the study are: (a) Does employee isolation affect job performance? (b) Does intrinsic motivation during employee isolation affect job performance? (c) Does intrinsic motivation mediate the connection between employee isolation and job performance? The SEM based approach survey was conducted to collect data from 410 IT employees who work from anywhere for a minimum of one or more days per week. The findings indicate that (a) employee isolation has a negative influence on job performance, (b) intrinsic motivation significantly influences job performance during employee isolation, and (c) intrinsic motivation mediates indirect-only (full mediation) the link between employee isolation and job performance. The employers need to build upon intrinsic motivation tools for work-from-anywhere Information Technology professionals, which ensures employees relatedness by giving rewards, a sense of purpose towards assignments, autonomy through intrinsic motivation and ethical integrity, and developing IT expertise, which significantly increases performance among employees in work isolation situations. Through the lens of self-determination theory, the research contributes to the work-from-anywhere literature by exploring the relations between employee isolation, job performance, and the mediating influence of intrinsic motivation on IT professionals in India in the current scenario. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Nanomaterials Synthesized from Mangroves and Their Associates
Nanotechnology has great potential for developing nano-enabled equipment and products in a variety of industries, including personal care, medical, food, and agriculture. Despite the increasing use of metal nanoparticles in various domains, concerns concerning biological and environmental safety during manufacture remain. Traditional commercial methods for generating nanoparticles often entail chemical procedures and high-energy physical approaches that are both environmentally damaging and expensive. As an alternative, green synthesis employing plants has arisen, which reduces the requirement for toxic chemicals and severe reaction conditions in nanoparticle synthesis. The utilization of mangrove plants for nanoparticle synthesis has recently gained popularity due to their abundance of unique phytochemicals that aid in nanoparticle synthesis. Microorganisms in mangroves and enzymatic activities in plants can be utilized for a range of biotechnological and environmental uses. Bioactive compounds from mangrove resources show potential for creating bionanomaterials that can be utilized in environmental and biomedical fields. Bionanomaterials created from mangroves are incredibly effective in medical uses and cleaning up the environment. Bionanomaterials are produced by utilizing mangrove and various biomolecules obtained from mangrove plants as substances for the creation of nanoparticles. Bionanomaterials made from biomolecules offer benefits for the sustainable use of mangroves because of their large surface area, biocompatibility, and minimal toxicity. Here focuses on the potential of mangroves as a natural resource for producing bionanomaterials in various applications, promoting an eco-friendly approach. This chapter investigates various types of mangrove species and their elements utilized in creating nanoparticles, as well as the applications of the nanoparticles in therapy, agriculture, and industry. It also investigates the obstacles hindering the extensive utilization of plant-based nanoparticle synthesis. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Mangrove-Associated Bacteria
Mangroves are used by folklore in indigenous medicine for the treatment of diseases. They contain an array of pharmacologically significant bioactive compounds. The endophytes of the mangroves have the capability of producing biologically active compounds which may be similar to their host plant. They are also able to produce novel and unique bioactive compounds which can be used in therapeutics. Bacillus and Streptomyces are the major genera of bacterial endophytes found in the mangroves. The major groups of bioactive compounds produced by the bacterial endophytes of mangroves include terpenoids, alkaloids, polyketides, etc. The bioactive compounds produced by the endophytes possesses biological activities, such as antibacterial, cytotoxic, antioxidant activity, etc. These compounds have profound applications in the discovery of drugs. The present chapter focuses on the bacterial endophytes found in the mangroves, the bioactive molecules produced by them, and the pharmacological activities associated with these endophytes. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Novel Secondary Metabolites from Mangrove Flora: Chemistry and Bioactivity
Secondary metabolites found in abundance in mangrove plants play a vital role in enabling these plants to withstand challenging environmental circumstances. Over the years, studies on the isolation and characterization of secondary compounds from mangroves have shown that they include a vast number of novel compounds that have not been previously described. Mangrove secondary compounds have been shown to feature unique carbon skeletons, unique ring systems, or peculiar structural moieties. These new substances have also shown a range of biological activity. We reviewed a variety of new compounds in this review, along with their structural variations and biological activity. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Lumnitzera racemosa Willd.
Lumnitzera racemosa Willd. is a mangrove plant with a broad distribution, spanning from the coastal regions of East Africa to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Australia. Various parts of this plant have been traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments, including infertility, asthma, diabetes, snake bites, and skin conditions, such as herpes, pruritus, scabies, sores, leprosy, and thrush. The therapeutic properties of L. racemosa are believed to be due to its diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, lignans, phenolics, sulfur-containing compounds, tannins, terpenoids, and glycosides. A literature review has identified 101 distinct compounds isolated from this plant, many of which have demonstrated significant biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive effects. In addition to these, extracts from L. racemosa exhibit anti-allergic, anti-angiogenic, anticoagulant, antimalarial, and larvicidal properties. This review highlights the traditional uses of the plant, the bioactive compounds isolated from it, and their pharmacological properties. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Ceriops tagal (Perr.). C. B. Rob.
Plants have been used for medicines since ancient times as they serve critical needs and are easily accessible. In recent years, various nations have seen a major increase in the use of plant-based treatments, resulting in a significant rise in the global demand for herbal products. This chapter describes Ceriops tagal, a mangrove species with excellent potential for bioactive components and biological activity. The majority of the distinctive secondary metabolites and their analogs reported in this plant are di-, tri-, and tetra-terpenoids (dolabrane, lupane, oleanane, dammarane, and pimarane), phenolics, and steroids from the hypocotyls, roots, and aerial parts. Various studies reported 97 terpenoids and 14 other metabolites. Many biological activities have already been identified from various extracts, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neurotrophic activities. In this chapter, we explored the biological potential of C. tagal, particularly its anticancer and neuroprotective activities, and it may be valuable for young researchers looking into the potential drug for chemotherapeutic and neurotrophic properties for the treatment and prevention of cancerous and neurological disorders. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Specialized Metabolites of Mangroves and Their Biological Activities
Mangroves are woody plants that are found in intertidal zones, where land meets the sea, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They synthesize and accumulate diverse specialized metabolites that fall into major categories such as phenolics, terpenes, and alkaloids. Mangrove-derived chemical compounds have also been shown to exhibit a variety of biological properties including anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. In this chapter, we present the chemistry and biological activities of the mangrove-specialized metabolites. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.