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Symbolism, Ritual, and Continuity: A Socio-Cultural Interpretation of Kumaoni Folk Art Aipan
The chapter aims to explore Aipan, a traditional floor art form of the Kumaoni people in Uttarakhand. It examines Aipan as a cultural practice that encompasses symbolism, rituals, gender roles, and oral traditions. The chapter uses insights from folklore studies, anthropology, and cultural theory to study the visual language and social-religious importance of Aipan motifs. It will also examine how these motifs, which are rooted in Brahmanical tradition but maintained through folk practices, represent personal and community identities. Aipan is not just an art form; it is a culturally meaningful practice that conveys cosmological, spiritual, and social stories. In a time when tradition is both being revived and diluted in the modern market, the chapter will also discuss how Aipan is changing to fit todays consumer culture thus addressing important questions about preservation, change, and authenticity. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. -
Mudscapes of Meaning: Performative Language of Chikal Kalo
Chikal Kalo is a unique mud festival celebrated in Marcela, Goa, reflecting deep religious, ecological, and cultural significance. This ethnographic study explores the oral tradition and performative practices of Chikal Kalo, which have been transmitted across generations without written documentation. Through participant observation and interviews with local residents, the research examines the festivals origins, symbolic elements, and evolving expressions. It highlights how embodied memory and ritual performance preserve indigenous heritage. The study also underscores the festivals role in reinforcing social cohesion and cultural identity. Chikal Kalo exemplifies a living tradition rooted in ecological consciousness and communal values. The festivals vibrant blend of dance, music, and food attracts travellers while preserving its devotional roots. The findings contribute to broader discussions on intangible cultural heritage and its role in sustainable community development, while safeguarding Konkani culture amid rapid modernization. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. -
The Dual Challenge of Genetically Modified Crops for the Environment and Farmers Rights
The potential environmental benefits of genetically modified (GM) crops are accompanied by worries about ecological dangers and the degradation of farmers' rights. The relationship between genetically modified crop technology, environmental sustainability, and seed sovereignty laws is critically examined in this chapter. Certain genetically modified features may result in biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and genetic contamination, even though they can help minimize pesticide use and increase climate resistance. Furthermore, traditional farming methods are frequently undermined by the spread of intellectual property regimes, which restrict farmers' capacity to share and conserve seeds. Diverse socio-legal results are illustrated by case studies from Africa, the USA, and India, exposing a gap in global governance. To guarantee that GM technologies are in line with ecological integrity and farmers' autonomy, the chapter advocates for a multifaceted policy framework that balances innovation and justice, encourages participatory regulation, and funds interdisciplinary research. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Consumer Buying Behavior
Influencer marketing has emerged as a transformative force in the digital landscape, significantly shaping consumer buying behaviour. This abstract explores the multifaceted impact of influencer marketing on consumer purchasing decisions, emphasizing its role in fostering trust, enhancing brand awareness, and driving sales. Influencers, who are perceived as relatable and authentic figures, cultivate a sense of trust among their followers, making their endorsements more credible than traditional advertising methods. Research indicates that 61% of consumers are more likely to trust recommendations from influencers compared to brand- produced content. This trust not only influences immediate purchase decisions but also contributes to long- term brand loyalty. Moreover, influencer marketing effectively utilizes social proof, where consumers are motivated to purchase products endorsed by influencers they admire, often driven by a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). The targeted nature of influencer campaigns allows brands to reach niche audiences, thereby increasing engagement and conversion rates 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Geopolitical Risk, Variability of Oil Price, and the Global Trade Uncertainty: An Economic Perspective
Oil prices are the outcome of a highly integrated, dynamic global system. With geopolitical risk and trade policy uncertainty contribute to the volatile world markets, the study analyses the impact of geopolitical risk, trade policy uncertainty on crude oil price globally. It considers data from 2000 to 2023 and finds out systematic link between the three variables. The data proved a long run impact of trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk on the crude oil. This enhances the influence of the variables and leads to implementation of policy measures in global markets. The data are tested through Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and checked for long run cointegration and short run association. The policy, thus, has been suggested as to improve the transition towards sustainability globally. Though the impact of geopolitical risk and trade policy uncertainty is not strong on crude oil price in world market, it can affect the short run volatility. Thus, mitigation, diversification and transparency are the key factors to strengthen the existing situation in world. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
From Belief to Bandwidth: Navigating Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Age of Algorithms
As our lives become increasingly intertwined with digital technology and way people experience and express religion is also continuously evolving. This one chapter explores how idea of FoRB is evolving in digital world over course of time, where smartphones, social media, algorithms have become everyday tools for faith, connection, control. While digital spaces can open up new opportunities for interfaith dialogue, spiritual exploration, community- building, they can also pose serious risks. Issues like online hate speech, digital surveillance, content moderation, algorithmic bias often challenge free expression of belief. This chapter will have a closer look at how FoRB operates in online environments by combining insights from international human rights law, digital sociology, case studies from around world. We here focus on examining how free belief truly is in age of internet, considering what it takes to protect that freedom when technology both connects and controls. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Religious Freedom in the Age of AI: A Constitutional Law Perspective
This chapter examines the developing linkage between religious freedom and artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of constitutional law. As AI systems play a growing role in filtering access to information, censoring speech, and shaping governance, they pose remarkable opportunities while also constituting major challenges to the freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). The chapter considers how AI can improve religious expression and inter- religious dialogue, and then it identifies concerns, such as algorithmic bias, digital censorship, and surveillance of religious groups. It also examines constitutional structures and case laws, with special attention to the balance between technological innovation and fundamental rights protection. By promoting ethically designed AI systems, inclusive governance and effective legal protections, this chapter suggests elements of such a normative blueprint to ensure that religious freedom continues to be affirmed in the digital era. It ends with future- oriented approaches and how AI regulation could be aligned with FoRB standards globally. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Digital Dignity: Ethical AI Governance for Protecting Religious Freedom
The chapter describes how artificial intelligence intersects with freedom of religion or belief through an analysis of policy deficiencies followed by proposed guidelines to address biases and discriminatory practices and cultural sensitivity problems. The implementation of a "human rights by design" method should become the standard practice by incorporating diverse data collection and bias assessment procedures and processes that explain artificial intelligence protocols and require collaboration between stakeholders. The chapter supports faith leader participation in AI development processes through a design method that also requires an adaptive governance system adapted to evolving religions and technologies. The integration of FoRB into AI ethics requires the analysis of best practices from IBM's fairness toolkit alongside Boston's transparency policies and the development of cross- border coordination systems that admit oversight mechanisms as an immediate requirement. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Innovative Approaches to Employee Compensation and Motivation: Designing Strategic Reward Systems
This explores the evolution and strategic relevance of reward systems in enhancing employee motivation and organizational performance. Moving beyond traditional pay structures, it emphasizes the integration of innovative compensation models aligned with business objectives and employee expectations. Drawing upon key motivational and behavioral theories, the discussion covers both monetary and non-monetary components of total rewards, including performance-based pay, recognition programs, flexible benefits, and career development opportunities. This examines the role of technology, sectoral differences, and cultural contexts in shaping reward strategies across global organizations and contemporary challenges such as pay equity, remote work compensation, and ethical considerations. Case examples and global practices are analyzed to provide actionable insights. The chapter concludes with future-oriented recommendations for designing inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable reward systems that foster engagement, retention, and strategic alignment in a rapidly changing workforce environment. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
AI-Driven Image Forensics for Cybercrime Detection: Chain of Custody and Legal Admissibility
Advanced techniques for analyzing and verifying digital images make AI-driven image forensics a crucial tool in detecting cybercrime. With the rise of cybercrime involving altered and forged images, AI-driven techniques like deepfake detection and metadata analysis present hopeful means for uncovering evidence. The incorporation of AI into forensic investigations, however, presents considerable challenges concerning the chain of custody and the legal admissibility of digital evidence. To ensure that digital evidence stays intact and unmodified during the investigation, it is crucial to uphold an uninterrupted chain of custody. To set forth unambiguous criteria regarding the admissibility of AI-processed evidence in court, legal systems must also grapple with the progressing character of AI. This chapter investigates how AI-driven forensics, maintaining the integrity of digital evidence, and the legal structures necessary to guarantee justice in the era of artificial intelligence intersect. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. -
AI-Driven Marketing Automation and Hyper-Personalization Strategies for Enhanced Consumer Engagement
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into marketing has revolutionized how businesses engage with consumers, allowing for hyper-personalized interactions and marketing automation. This paper explores the role of AI in driving consumer engagement through targeted strategies that leverage data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modelling. By enabling real-time personalization, AI tools optimize customer experiences, increase engagement, and improve conversion rates. The paper also addresses the challenges associated with data privacy and ethical considerations in AI-driven marketing. The findings suggest that AI-driven marketing can significantly enhance consumer loyalty and business performance when used responsibly and strategically. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
CBDCs in a High-Evasion Economy: Seigniorage, Tax Collection, and Institutional Tensions
This chapter investigates the welfare implications of introducing Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in an economy with tax evasion and varying degrees of central bank independence (CBI). The model considers scenarios with and without central bank independence, where the fiscal authority finances its expenditure through sales tax and/or seigniorage revenue from the central bank. The model analyses the equilibrium conditions for the coexistence of cash and CBDC, and it depends on the degree of CBI. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Introduction to International Financial Economics and Banking
The global financial economics and banking is emerging to be a very important element in an economical setting that becomes increasingly global. The primary objective is to deliberate how the capital flows, foreign exchange markets, interest rate parity and banking regulations have affected financial stability across nations and the economic growth. Background and theoretical structures that define the field of international finance and international banking that interconnect is outlined in the chapter. The chapter sheds some light on the dynamic entanglements between global financial institutions multinationals, central banks, and the overall global capital finance markets, cross-border risk evaluation set ups, and international liquidity indicators for macro-financial connections. The given work can contribute to the main part of the scholarly work by providing a complete image that combines the classical theory with the modern developments, hence, can be of use to scholars, policy makers, and financial professionals dealing with global financial markets. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Sustainability and Pandemic (COVID-19): A Catalyst for Transformative Change
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed systemic vulnerabilities while accelerating transformative shifts in sustainability. This chapter examines its impact on the three pillars-economic, environmental, and social. Economically, it caused severe contractions and supply chain disruptions, prompting calls for localized, equitable models. Environmentally, emissions temporarily dropped but were offset by plastic waste and rebounds. Socially, the crisis deepened inequalities in health, education, and digital access, underscoring the need for equity in sustainability. Drawing from global and Indian contexts, including India's green recovery and renewable energy push, the chapter highlights evolving strategies like ESG frameworks and digital adoption. It advocates embedding sustainability in recovery through green stimulus, innovation, and global cooperation for a resilient future. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Digitalization and Human Rights: Navigating through Ethical and Legal Concerns
Digitalization became popular with the digital revolution of the late 20th century, propelling the shift from mechanical and analog electronic technology to digital electronics. It significantly contributed to all fields of human interactions, ensuring sustainable development, human well-being, and societal welfare. The latest innovations and constant changes in the technological world have broadened the scope of digitalization. Along withthe many advantages, digitalization poses some particular challenges to global society. Although these complexities can be attributed to system failures, they are primarily due to the misuse of digital technologies. Some people fraudulently use digitalization to satisfy their egoistic and profit-oriented motives, neglecting the fundamental claims of others. This shows that ethical principles and legal standards have not been adequately respected in the digital space. From this perspective, this chapter, using the critical analytical method, examines the required ethical and legal concerns to protect human rights in the digital space. Copyright 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global Scientific Publishing is prohibited. Use of this chapter to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited. The publisher reserves all rights to license its use for generative AI training and machine learning model development. -
Beyond Lexical Accuracy: AI's Catastrophic Loss of Political Blood in Translating Lorde's Revolutionary Vernacular
This chapter examines how generative AI systems (ChatGPT-4o, Gemini 2.5) process the revolutionary poetics of Audre Lorde, revealing systematic patterns of grammatical standardization, affective dilution, and political neutralization. Through comparative analysis of three poems (Power, A Litany for Survival, Who Said It Was Simple) under minimal and culturally contextual prompts, the study demonstrates AI's architectural inability to preserve African American Vernacular English (AAVE), embodied metaphor, or radical tonality. These distortions-rooted in training data biases and fluency optimization-constitute epistemic violence by sanitizing texts where form enacts resistance. Findings expose limitations in developer frameworks prioritizing "harmlessness" over linguistic justice. The chapter proposes pedagogical strategies for critical AI literacy and urges redesign of systems to honor marginalized epistemologies. Ultimately, it argues that tools shaped by dominant grammars cannot ethically translate insurgent voices. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Sustainable Education and Economic Development: A Critique of the Kerala (India) Model
Education is essential for societys growth and economic development. From the UDHR, all international conventions, national constitutions, and enactments have prioritised education for transforming society. This became more explicit with the SDG4 (quality education). Based on the UDHR and SDG4 guidelines, India also prioritises augmenting the educational sector in its policies and programs. The national education policies provide a foundational framework for this effort. Although many researchers praise the Kerala model of education, several others sharply criticise it as not aligning with the demands of quality and job market requirements. In 2023, almost 250000 students emigrated from Kerala for educational purposes. The student emigration constitutes nearly 11.3% of the states total emigration, raising serious concerns about the quality of education. From this perspective, this chapter critically examines sustainable education and economic development aspirations, evaluating the educational landscape of the most literate state in India, Kerala. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Right to Privacy and State Surveillance: An Analysis of the Legal and Ethical Challenges Concerning State Surveillance
The conflict between state surveillance and the fundamental right of privacy is apparent even at the conceptual level. The rise of advanced surveillance mechanisms has been another abetting factor to this conflict while on the other hand many theorists have been at work to find a harmonisation between them. Surveillance techniques and mechanisms have indeed been helpful in thwarting the threats to national security and keeping the integrity of a nation. The chapter analyses whether the collective good that upholds state surveillance tends to override the individual interest that advocates the right to privacy. It considers the criteria or procedures followed to arrive at such a decision and whether the authorities could have been advised to find a better solution through harmonization rather than neglecting one in favour of the other. It explores the morality behind surveillance, including the panopticon model by Bentham, which was an example of promoting moral behaviour through surveillance. Copyright 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global Scientific Publishing is prohibited. Use of this chapter to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited. The publisher reserves all rights to license its use for generative AI training and machine learning model development. -
AI-Powered Military Logistics and Strategy: A Paradigm Shift in Modern Warfare
The function of logistics and strategic planning has expanded beyond traditional supply lines as contemporary warfare becomes more complicated. AI is changing military operations by facilitating autonomous logistics systems, real-time data processing, and quicker decision-making. This change is altering how military strategy is developed and implemented, going beyond efficiency improvements. AI provides a level of adaptability never before achievable, from autonomous transport systems and coordinated battlefield support to predictive maintenance of combat vehicles. An intelligent and robust logistics ecosystem is being fostered by the integration of technologies such as swarm robotics, satellite-based monitoring, and quantum-enhanced optimization. But this change also presents operational, ethical, and policy issues. This chapter addresses the hazards of reliance and misalignment while examining the complex effects of AI on military logistics and strategy. Copyright 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global Scientific Publishing is prohibited. Use of this chapter to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expressly prohibited. The publisher reserves all rights to license its use for generative AI training and machine learning model development. -
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Advanced Materials Science: A New Era of Innovation
The increase of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the discovery, design, and optimization of new materials is causing a rapid acceleration of the field of materials science. This chapter addresses the principles for how artificial intelligence and machine learning can enable the predictive modeling, high-throughput screening, and smartproduction ofpolymers, alloys, ceramics, and nanomaterials. Emphasized are some of the techniques, such as hybrid approaches to artificial intelligence and physics, generative models, and reinforcement learning. Some important problems in the chapter are spoken about: lack of standards, incoherence of data, and unfeasibility of explaining the models. Along with that, this also attempts to investigate how the advantages of upcoming malware such as quantum computing, edge synthetic intelligence, and open information facilities can reinforce the research and innovation in the forthcoming age of materials. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.