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Reframing Accountability for Human Trafficking Along the India-Bangladesh Border: A Securitization and Fragmented Governance Approach
This research investigates the persistence of human trafficking along the IndiaBangladesh border through the combined theoretical lenses of securitization and fragmented governance. While existing literature and policy frameworks often approach trafficking as an issue of migration management, social welfare, or criminal justice, this study argues that such interpretations inadequately address the structural and political dynamics that shape state responses. The research posits that the framing of trafficking as a national security threatrather than a social or human rights concernhas produced a system where accountability is diffuse, bureaucratic, and performative rather than substantive. 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. -
Breaking the Cycle of Child Labor in Dehradun: A Multidimensional Study on Causes and Challenges
Child labor remains a critical issue, particularly in developing nations like India, where millions of children are deprived of their right to education and safe childhood due to poverty, marginalization, and inadequate policy implementation. This study explores the underlying causes, occupational patterns, and harmful consequences of child labor in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It highlights that children are primarily engaged in agriculture, domestic work, and small industries, often facing physical and mental exploitation. Despite existing legal frameworks and initiatives like the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and National Child Labor Projects, enforcement challenges persist. The study uses cross-sectional and triangulation methods to analyze data from 42 child laborers and suggests a holistic approach, including poverty alleviation, quality education, community empowerment, and rehabilitation services, as key to combating child labor. It emphasizes the need for multi-stakeholder participation to ensure child rights and reduce labor dependency among vulnerable families. 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. -
Sex Work and Caste Governance in India: Between Informal Regulation and Legal Apathy
Sex work in India occupies a paradoxical position tolerated in practice yet criminalized and morally condemned in law and society. However, this paradox is not merely a product of legal ambiguity; it is deeply entrenched in Indias historical caste hierarchies, gender norms, and systems of informal governance. This article critically interrogates the intersection of caste and sex work in India, focusing on how marginalized caste communities engaged in traditional and contemporary forms of sexual labor are governed not only by a punitive legal framework but, more insidiously, through caste-based informal regulation and entrenched social surveillance. The states neglect, combined with a moralized legal discourse, contributes to what this article terms legal apathy- a systemic failure to extend legal rights, protections, or recognition to sex workers, particularly those from oppressed caste locations. 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. -
Economic, Political, and Demographic Drivers of Social Isolation: Exploring the Role of Digital Literacy and Migration in Shaping Social Isolation - A Qualitative Study
This chapter examines the impact of migration and digital literacy on social isolation amongst workers. Migration can disrupt established social networks, making it challenging for an individual to establish and build new connections. The research employed a qualitative approach, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with migrant workers residing in Bengaluru. The findings provide contextual information on the causes of social isolation and help acquire more knowledge on how migration and digital literacy relate and influence social isolation. It prioritises individual experience over statistical data, with an increased understanding of the drivers of social isolation. Advanced digital literacy, on the other hand, can reduce social isolation by enabling migrants to maintain connections with their immediate family, access information, and develop innovative social networks. The research study's findings had a significant impact on policies and employers, highlighting the importance of social integration and mental health. 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. -
Impact of AI on Students Mental Health and Well-Being
This chapter examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on students' mental health and well- being, addressing the urgent need for innovative solutions in response to escalating mental health challenges among this demographic. In recent years, mental health issues among students have surged due to a combination of factors, including increasing academic pressures, socio- economic disparities, and the pervasive influence of digital technologies. These challenges create a complex array of psychological and emotional difficulties that necessitate timely and effective interventions.AI technologies, particularly those leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), are emerging as scalable and accessible tools for mental health support in educational settings. Unlike traditional therapeutic methods, which often face geographical, financial, and logistical constraints, AI-powered tools provide round- the- clock assistance to users, transcending barriers of time and location. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Artificial intelligence in education: A pathway to achieving SDG 4
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in education, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the global education system. As the world strives to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), AI offers significant potential to enhance educational access, equity, and quality. This chapter explores the intersection of AI and education with a focus on how AI can contribute to the achievement of SDG 4. The chapter examines the role of AI in personalizing learning, promoting equity and inclusion, enhancing teacher effectiveness, and fostering global collaboration for sustainability. AI's ability to deliver personalized learning experiences is one of its most significant contributions to education. Through adaptive learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems, AI can tailor educational content to meet the unique needs of individual students, ensuring that learning is accessible and engaging for all. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Digital Pulse of Volunteerism: Tools That Drive Engagement and Impact
Volunteering has changedas a resultofthe digitalage, whichhas increased chances for involvement beyond time and location restrictions. In addition to assessing and enhancing social effect, this chapter examines the technological tools and platforms that help organizations recruit, engage, and retain volunteers. Using case studies and real-world examples, it looks at data-driven monitoring frameworks, gamification strategies, recruitment tools, and collaboration platforms. Issues like data privacy, the digital divide, and the dangers of relying too much on technology at the detriment of interpersonal relationships are also covered in the conversation. The chapter emphasizes how digital innovation can improve community participation and support long-lasting social change by fusing theoretical models with practical applications. Future trends and policy issues are discussed to help businesses create digital volunteer ecosystems that are ethical, inclusive, and productive. Copyright 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. -
TamilEnglish Machine Translation: A Comparative Analysis of Human and AI Renderings
This chapter explores the understudied challenges of TamilEnglish machine translation (MT), which is a field where most existing scholarship has focused on Western language pairs. It performs a comparative analysis of published translations of acclaimed Tamil authors such as Perumal Murugan, Ashokamitran, Jeyamohan, and Charu Nivedita with AI- generated translations produced by systems including ChatGPT, Grok, and AI Novel Translation. It explores issues of accuracy, fidelity, style, and cultural nuance. By examining how AI tools interpret and reproduce linguistic choices, syntax, and cultural particularities, it evaluates the extent to which AI can approximate human translation and highlights the role of post- editing in bridging gaps. The analysis not only identifies recurring errors but also suggests methods for refining human and AI translations for Tamil literary texts. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Investigating the factors influencing health equity
This chapter determines various determinants of global health and wellbeing in relation to the Third Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring "Good Health and Well-being." It investigates the contribution of cultural, environmental, systemic, and socio-economic factors to health outcomes and the expected international cooperation towards closing the gaps in the health of nations. In the chapter, a qualitative methodology has been followed based on secondary data in the form of two peer-reviewed literature pieces. From there, the synthesis has been done to find an overview of global healthcare governance structures, their effectiveness, and major challenges.The study shows that while mechanisms of global health care governance are rated as being moderately effective, wide gaps in funding, transparency, and equitable access to services persist. Respondents also showed the need for increased international collaboration, especially on social determinants of health and strengthening health systems in low-and middle-income countries. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
State-of-the-Art of AI-Driven Smart Technologies
Emergence as a transformative force has redefined the contours of technological innovation across industries and societies. AI-driven smart technologies-ranging from intelligent personal assistants and autonomous vehicles to predictive healthcare systems and smart infrastructure-have transitioned from futuristic concepts to integral components of everyday life. The convergence of other and 5G networks has accelerated intelligent capabilities, including perceiving, reasoning, learning, and real-time. These technologies are designed not merely to automate tasks but to personalize experiences, optimize utilization, and operational efficiencies across multiple domains. The rise of smart technologies is rooted in the rapid growth of algorithms, neural networks, cognitive computing, and autonomy. In the domain of consumer electronics, AI evolution is where thermostats work collaboratively to offer convenience, security, and energy efficiency. These systems can learn user preferences over time, automate routines, and alerts recommendations. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. -
AI-Driven Innovations in Soil Management, Crop Productivity, and Autonomous Agricultural Vehicles
The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into agriculture is escalating significant transformations in essential areas like soil management, crop yield enhancement, and self-operating farming vehicles. This chapter examines the ways in which AI-driven tools-such as machine learning algorithms, remote sensing technologies, robotics, and autonomous systems-enhance decision-making processes, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to environmental sustainability. With AI, it is possible to carry out accurate diagnostics of soil health, predictive irrigation and fertilization, early detection of diseases, and real-time monitoring of crops. Moreover, AI-enabled self-driving vehicles are transforming the world of mechanized agriculture by providing efficient planting, spraying, and harvesting. This chapter offers a detailed examination of these innovations, assesses their practical uses, and deliberates on the consequences for farmers, researchers, and policymakers. It also underscores the ethical, infrastructural, and socio-economic challenges linked to the use of AI in agriculture. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Legal Perspective on Access to Medicines and Innovation: Balancing Right to Health With Patent Protection
This chapter examines the intricate legal and policy conflicts between the right to health and the global intellectual property system that regulates pharmaceutical patents. Although patents encourage innovation, they frequently result in obstacles to the affordable availability of essential medicines, especially in low-and middleincome countries. This chapter explores the legal bases of the right to health, the TRIPS Agreement along with its flexibilities, and investigates ways in which national and international legal structures can align the need for innovation with public health needs. Case studies from India, Brazil, and South Africa demonstrate the challenges and opportunities associated with reform. It also assesses different innovation models and provides legal and policy suggestions for reconciling patent law with human rights duties, especially regarding global health emergencies like COVID-19. It concludes by pinpointing future research avenues, such as legal strategies for addressing new biotechnologies and readiness for worldwide pandemics. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Local self-government in India: A critical analysis through the lens of democratic decentralization
Local Self-Government (LSG) existed in a variety of forms throughout India. LSG was seen as an effective form of day-to-day management and administration in rural areas in India. This ensured a democratic form of administration even during the time of monarchs. Although it had a setback during the Muslim and British rulers period, it continued to exist. Gandhi raised his voice for increased decentralization and self-rule of the villages. Although the Constitution did not provide such an option, many committees opined that the local governance should be entrusted to the local people. Accordingly, LSG got constitutional recognition through the 73rd and 74th Amendments in 1992. It provided a three-tier system of governance at the regional level as well. Using analytical and critical lenses, this chapter examines the functioning of the constitutionally established LSG model through the lens of democratic decentralization to expose how far it has achieved its objective. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Emerging Trends and Innovations in Cybersecurity Insurance Policy Customization Using Generative AI Fraud Detection
Generative AI is transforming policy customization and fraud detection. Cybersecurity insurance can be both a boon and a bane as the existing models for underwriting and assessment are relatively static in a world which is witnessing a constant escalation between attack and defense mechanisms. By assessing huge datasets, spotting emerging pattern and predicting potential vulnerabilities in real time, generative AI introduces dynamic risk modeling. Help insurers design hyperpersonalized cyber insurance products that are tailored to specific business profiles, operational risks and exposure levels to enhance coverage and premium accuracy. Generative AI helps in anomaly detection and identifying suspicious behaviour in insurance claims in fraud detection domain. Using legitimate claims scenarios to train AI model, fraud detection models can detect anomalies and fraud as never before. The intersection of expertise in cybersecurity, AI development and insurance will be key to creating strong,flexible and transparent insurance structures that can respond to the intricacies of today's cyber threats. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
AI-Driven Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Urban Environments
In buildings, AI-driven energy management systems (EMS) are revolutionizing the way energy is consumed. Smart building technologies equipped with AI can monitor environmental conditions, occupancy patterns, and equipment performance to fine-tune their operations, leveraging intensive machine learning to learn the preferences of building occupants and adapt accordingly to ensure comfort while minimizing energy use. Predictive maintenance, powered by AI, also contributes to energy efficiency by identifying equipment that operates inefficiently or is at risk of failure, enabling timely interventions that prevent energy waste. The industrial sector, a significant consumer of global energy, is another arena where AI is making remarkable strides in enhancing energy efficiency. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Embodied Intelligence and the Phenomenology of Al
The intersection of artificial intelligence (Al), embodied cognition, and phenome-nology represents one of the most profound and complex inquiries in contemporary philosophy of mind. This chapter explores the epistemological and ontological dimensions of embodied intelligence and its relationship to the phenomenology of consciousness, with a specific focus on qualia-the subjective, first-person qualities of experience. By bridging computational models of intelligence with phenomeno-logical analyses of perception and awareness, the chapter advances an integrative framework that challenges reductionist and purely mechanistic views of cognition. It argues that consciousness, rather than emerging from disembodied computation, is fundamentally rooted in embodied, context-dependent, and experiential struc-tures. Drawing from phenomenological thinkers such as Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty, alongside contemporary Al paradigms including connectionism and enactivism. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Green by Design AI in Fashion Retail and the Rise of the Conscious Consumer
The fashion industry stands at a transformative crossroads, where artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable values reshape consumer behavior and retail strategies. Green by Design: AI in Fashion Retail and the Rise of the Conscious Consumer investigates how AI-driven personalization, product recommendations, and algorithmic nudging can foster environmentally responsible choices while navigating the ethical limits of automated influence. This volume presents theoretical and empirical contributions that examine social trust as a critical mediating factor in the relationship between AI technologies and sustainable consumer decisions. Trust-both in technology and in the ethical intent of fashion brands emerges as a determinant of consumer receptivity to AI-guided sustainable behavior. Through interdisciplinary analysis that spans marketing, data ethics, psychology, and digital retail, the book explores how perceived transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in AI systems influence the formation of social trust and, in turn, amplify or constrain sustainable consumption. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Impact of Startup Singam Television Show in Regional Entrepreneurship of Tamil Nadu
This paper examines how Startup Singam, Tamil Nadus first startup reality show, helps develop local entrepreneurial ecosystems. The program provides a lively platform where new entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas to investors. They can gain essential financial support, useful mentoring, media exposure, and important business connections. The show has sparked significant investments in various sectors. Notable startups like YourTribe, Keeraikadai, Sacdeeil Flying Taxi, Kaigal, Graciss Napkins, TAMS, and Arola Bamboo have gained attention. Importantly, it has supported women entrepreneurs and inspired a cultural shift among Tamil Nadus youth. Many are moving from the safety of traditional jobs to embrace the risks of starting their own businesses. A unique part of the show is its ValueCorn initiative, which focuses on sustainable business growth rather than inflated valuations. . While early results show strong progress, this study emphasizes the need for ongoing research into the programs long-term economic effects, its potential for replication in other areas. 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. -
Indigenous Knowledge and the Moral Landscape of Energy Transformation
A moral reorientation based on equality and justice is necessary as the world moves away from extraction-driven energy systems and toward sustainable alternatives. This shift calls for more than simply technological advancement. Indigenous knowledge challenges prevailing patterns of exploitation by providing important insights into resource management, community-centered sustainability, and land stewardship. This chapter explores how Indigenous epistemologies are changing the moral terrain of energy transformation, emphasizing the moral necessity of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary practice and policy. The study highlights how Indigenous perspectives offer avenues to resilience, climate justice, and intergenerational responsibility by contrasting extractive paradigms with equity-centered methods. In order to achieve equitable and inclusive energy futures, it is not only legally required but also morally necessary to acknowledge and institutionalize Indigenous rights within energy governance. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning models to optimize fertilizer consumption for sustainable agricultural growth: AI for precision agriculture
Agriculture and food are very important and basic needs for humans. From ancient time human started to feed themselves with the help of grains and animal's products. Later agriculture sector revolutionized with the production of various crops. Rice, wheat and pulses are grown at large to feed the worldwide population. World population is increasing rapidly. In 2000 worldwide population was 600 crores which becomes 800 crores in 2025. To feed a large population, farmers have to yield more crops with a limited resources. Farmers were using traditional methods for a long period to grow the crops, but these traditional methods are not enough to feed the growing population. AI and data driven approaches can help a lot modern agriculture sector by analyzing the data of soil quality, weather conditions, need of nutrients, pesticides and fertilizers. By collecting a large real time data with the help of sensors, drones and AI enabled machinery, can help a lot farmers to know the exact demand of crops as per the conditions. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing.