International Journal of Political Science

This research explores India’s strategic engagement in international maritime agreements as a mechanism for promoting a resilient and sustainable ocean governance framework. It examines India’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 and its active participation in regional and global cooperative initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience, marine conservation, and disaster preparedness. Using a qualitative analytical approach based on policy documents, multilateral agreements, and regional initiatives, the study assesses India’s contributions to climate diplomacy, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable fisheries management. The findings reveal that India’s maritime diplomacy has strengthened regional cooperation, improved disaster response capacities, and supported community-based conservation efforts, thereby contributing to biodiversity protection and influencing global maritime norms. The analysis highlights how India integrates environmental stewardship with strategic and economic interests, positioning itself as a responsible maritime power in the Indian Ocean region. The study concludes that how India’s maritime strategy demonstrates a holistic approach that advances climate resilience, regional stability, and sustainable development, framing it as a key actor in shaping a resilient blue economy and a sustainable ocean governance model for the future.

The participation of women in South Asian politics is much less than what we see in developed parts of the world, such as Europe or North America. Women make up close to half the population, but only a small numeric share of elected and public positions within government. The extension of voting rights has enhanced women’s capacity to vote, but has not resulted in an overall greater role for women in political leadership. Women’s underlying social and cultural identity, violence against women, lingering issues of religion, detailed expectations of customary law, and deep inequalities all combine to undermine women’s participation in politics. South Asian Countries still consider politics to be a male-centred area of society, with a small percentage of women reaching national parliaments and assemblies, often from established political families. The increasing engagement of women in local governance is gradually transforming the political behaviour in South Asia, especially among the forms of decentralisation, such as India’s Panchayati Raj. This paper reviews both the reduction of barriers and the opening of opportunities for women to engage politically in both civil society and local government, using empirical data and recent academic contributions. It aims to discuss the structural, cultural and institutional factors of representation for women, exploring possible ways forward. This study proposes that this form of progressive change could enhance democracy in South Asian nations, along with whether new opportunities to enhance women’s representation and participation will be incrementally or deliberately developed in the social systems of government.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision for education was deeply rooted in the principles of social justice, equity, and empowerment. His advocacy for inclusive and accessible higher education played a pivotal role in shaping policies that uplift marginalized communities, particularly Dalits and other historically disadvantaged groups. This paper explores Ambedkar’s educational philosophy, emphasizing his belief in education as a tool for social mobility and empowerment. It examines the impact of his ideas on contemporary higher education policies in India, including affirmative action, reservations, and institutional frameworks that promote equitable access. Furthermore, the study highlights challenges that persist in achieving his vision, such as systemic discrimination, dropout rates among marginalized students, and gaps in policy implementation. By critically analyzing Ambedkar’s contributions and their relevance in the current higher education landscape, this paper aims to underscore the need for continued reforms to ensure a truly inclusive and enlightened academic environment. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the architects of Indian Constitution. He was a well-known politician and an eminent jurist. Ambedkar’s efforts to eradicate the social evil like untouchability and caste restriction were remarkable. The leader, fought for the right of the dalits and other socially backward classes. He was appointed as the first Law Minister in the Cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru. He posthumously awarded th BharatRatna, India’s highest civilian honor in 1990. He was a scholar, jurist and a revolutionist. His contribution ranges from educational reforms made by the British Indian Government in the education system from before independence to the post-Independence era. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the

Political polarization characterized by increasing ideological divergence and deepening affective hostility between partisan groups has become a defining challenge for contemporary democratic governance. The expansion of digital media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and WhatsApp has fundamentally reconfigured how individuals obtain information, articulate political preferences, and engage in public discourse. While these platforms broaden avenues for civic expression, they also facilitate ideological segmentation and undermine trust in institutions. This paper investigates the interaction between digital media environments, psychological predispositions, and political structures in shaping polarization. It reviews scholarly debates regarding whether digital platforms generate polarization or primarily intensify existing divisions and evaluates potential regulatory, educational, and design-based interventions. Drawing on empirical research and theoretical perspectives, the study argues for transparent platform governance, enhanced media literacy, and responsible algorithmic design to support healthier democratic communication online.

The paper explores the intersection of cultural nationalism and foreign policy by examining the ideological influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Prime Minister Narendra Modi global strategy. It argues that Modi foreign policy is not merely pragmatic but deeply rooted in the cultural and civilizational ethos articulated by the RSS, emphasizing Bharatiya identity, self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), and global recognition of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The study highlights how cultural nationalism serves as both a guiding principle and a soft power tool in India’s diplomatic engagements under Modi. Through an analysis of policy initiativessuch as the promotion of Yoga diplomacy, the reconstruction of civilizational ties with the Global South, and assertive stances in international forums the research demonstrates how India external relations reflect a blend of realpolitik and cultural idealism. By situating Modi approach within the broader ideological framework of the RSS, this paper provides a nuanced understanding of how domestic cultural narratives shape India’s evolving global identity and foreign policy orientation in the 21st century

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) is the Rights-based flagship Indian scheme for the care and protection of children. Institutional structures and fund flows are what official documents speak about, but there is hardly any critical analysis available on how this scheme has been put into practice. This paper evaluates ICPS from within a rights-based framework- a framework that locates children as right-holders of three baskets of rights: protection, provision, and participation. As per secondary data from government sources, NCPCR reviews, UNICEF reports, and academic studies, this article brings out both strengths and weaknesses of the scheme. The findings lead to the fact that even though child protection infrastructure has been widened across the country by ICPS with qualitative successes in certain states such as Kerala due to convergence in its true spirit-in Karnataka-with effective NGO partnership-and Maharashtra-streamlining adoption procedures-states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are still languishing with issues of unutilized funds, vacancies, and weak monitoring systems. It finds that institutional efficiency, not policy design, is the key determinant of outcomes. The paper thus helps highlight inter-state variations besides surfacing structural bottlenecks in the system as applicable toward knowing how recalibrated ICPS would better drive equitable child protection.

This paper examines the legal and empirical bases for incorporating menstrual leave within India’s labour regulatory framework. Its objective is to determine whether a constitutionally compliant, evidence-based accommodation model can adequately address menstruation related occupational-health needs without reinforcing stigma or producing adverse labour-market consequences. Using a doctrinal analysis of statutory and constitutional provisions, supported by peer-reviewed medical, socio-legal, and labour-policy literature, this study evaluates gaps within India’s labour codes and assesses international approaches to menstrualhealth regulation. Although global research increasingly documents productivity losses associated with dysmenorrhoea and the gendered inequalities arising from insufficient workplace accommodations, little inquiry has focused on the legal design, evaluation, or normative justification of menstrual-leave interventions. This paper situates menstrual accommodation within the Indian constitutional framework, particularly Articles 14, 15(3), and 21, and critically examines competing justifications, including health-based claims, economic considerations, gender-responsive occupational health, and the need to counter menstrual stigma. The findings suggest that a well-designed accommodation duty, rather than an unconditional leave entitlement, aligns more closely with constitutional principles and comparative experience. The paper concludes by recommending a statutory amendment incorporating procedural safeguards, participatory design, and evaluative mechanisms to ensure a coherent and equitable approach to menstrual health in the workplace.