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The EU Battery Regulation and Circular Economy: assessing WTO compatibility and implications for developing countries
No full textThe increasing adoption of trade-related sustainability measures has intensified the focus on transitioning to a circular economy. A notable example is the European Union’s (EU’s) Battery Regulation (2023), which promotes circularity in the battery sector through stringent requirements on minimum recycled content, recycling efficiency, and material recovery. While these measures seek to enhance resource efficiency, they present significant challenges for developing countries, many of which lack the financial resources, waste management infrastructure, and technological capacity required for compliance. This paper examines the WTO compatibility of two key provisions of the EU Battery Regulation: (1) the minimum recycled content requirement under the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement and (2) the waste battery shipment obligation under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Specifically, it assesses whether these measures constitute de facto discrimination against countries with less-developed waste management systems and are more trade restrictive than necessary. Drawing on this analysis, the paper argues that World Trade Organization (WTO) panels must integrate the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and duty to cooperate when evaluating the WTO compatibility of trade-related sustainability measures. Doing so would prevent such measures from unduly restricting trade opportunities for developing nations while fostering a just transition toward sustainability
Modeling Escapism and Immersive Experience in the Metaverse
No full textAs the metaverse emerges as a prominent domain of digital interaction, understanding what drives immersive user engagement is increasingly critical for developers, scholars, and policymakers. Escapism—the desire to cognitively disengage from reality—has surfaced as a key psychological antecedent to immersive experience in virtual environments. This study offers conceptual and methodological advancements by modeling escapism as a second-order formative construct and immersive experience as a second-order reflective construct, thus adopting a formative—reflective higher-order modeling approach rarely applied in this domain. Using survey data from metaverse users, the study tests a structural model linking escapism, immersive experience, and downstream outcomes. Findings demonstrate that immersive experience fully mediates the effect of escapism on hedonic well-being, eudaimonic well-being, and user engagement, thereby highlighting its central role in translating psychological triggers into user outcomes. The study offers theoretical clarity and practical insights for developers to equip them to deliver a metaverse experience aligned with users’ escapism-related expectations. It also provides inputs relating to policy guidance for using escapism to promote responsible digital well-being, thereby contributing to the public good and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of promoting well-being
What Motivates Indian Students to Choose Criminology? Exploring Its Link to Career Preferences, Myths, and Realities
No full textOver the past decade, criminal justice education has gained significant attention among Indian students. However, unlike Western contexts where substantial research exists, there is limited empirical evidence on the motivations for choosing criminology and related career preferences in India. To address this gap, a survey was conducted among 457 undergraduate criminology students across various Indian institutions using a self-reported questionnaire. The findings indicate that personal interest, aspirations to join law enforcement agencies, and media influence are primary motivations for selecting criminology as a major. Regarding career preferences, students ranked social defence services (Juvenile Justice) as the most desirable, followed by positions in law enforcement, academia, and correctional institutions. Additionally, the study found that students with parents serving in law enforcement are significantly more likely to prefer careers in law enforcement agencies
Investor Perception and Transforming Decision-Making in the Age of AI-Driven Work Arrangements
No full textAs behavioral finance explores market imperfections and investor rationality in the absence of seamless access to market information, artificial intelligence emerges as a transformative force in financial decision-making. AI enhances market operations by offering a platform for real-time, accurate, and transparent access to information, thereby influencing investor perception. With its ability to conduct in-depth fundamental and technical analyses, AI plays a pivotal role in identifying stocks, assessing risks, managing funds, and optimizing portfolios. Additionally, AI-driven work arrangements are reshaping financial decision-making by enabling automated trading, algorithmic investment strategies, and data-driven market predictions. As AI fosters greater investor participation and efficiency, it addresses market inefficiencies while making investors more informed and rational participants in equity markets. This study examines the intersection of AI and investor perception in equity markets through a bibliometric and thematic analysis
Analyzing key factors influencing IPL cricket scores using explainability and multimodal data
No full textIn this study, we investigate data from the Indian Premier League (IPL) spanning from its inception in 2008 to the most recent 2024 season to identify and analyze key factors influencing cricket scores. Using the H2O AutoML framework, we develop a predictive model focused on identifying low first-innings scores, incorporating data on location, weather conditions, teams, and players, while distinguishing them from matches with par or high score. Explainable AI (XAI) tools are employed to quantify the influence of various match features on score predictions, ensuring transparency in the model’s decision-making process. To further enhance classification performance, we introduce pre-match pitch report descriptions generated by a Large Language Model (LLM). For a subset of matches, we leverage multimodal LLM capabilities to analyse pitch report videos, comparing their predictive value against textual descriptions. Our findings underscore the potential of AI and machine learning in sports analytics, specifically in predicting cricket scores based on pitch conditions and other influential factors. This research provides valuable insights for teams, coaches, fantasy sports enthusiasts, IPL administrators and analysts, helping to optimize strategies based on available pre-match information. As part of our work we are sharing a pitch report dataset, python source code for the predictive model with explainability, and a Most Valuable Player (MVP) implementation framework to enhance reproducibility and support further research in cricket analytics
The AI-Driven Workplace : Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Automation
No full textThis chapter explores the ethical challenges of AI-driven automation in the workplace, addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on employees, organizations, and society. As AI systems become integral to various industries, ethical concerns such as job displacement, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and transparency are increasingly significant. The chapter examines the benefits of AI in enhancing productivity and decision-making while highlighting the potential risks, particularly the displacement of workers and perpetuation of societal biases. It emphasizes the importance of human oversight, employee education, and the creation of ethical frameworks to ensure AI is deployed responsibly. The role of legal and regulatory structures in addressing these challenges is also discussed, alongside the importance of fostering an ethical AI culture within organizations. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into how businesses can navigate the complexities of AI ethics, promoting responsible use of AI technologies while mitigating risks
Transformational HR for Generation Z : gig economy efficiency and adaptability
No full textThe contemporary workforce is being radically transformed by the emergence of Generation Z and the explosive growth of the gig economy. Gen Z differs from other generations in valuing flexibility, autonomy, and purposeful work more than the long term employment model. Their technological literacy has redefined work standards, with freelancing, temporary contracts, and remote work becoming the new norm. While this trend is beneficial in the sense that it provides work-life balance and diversified sources of income, it has challenges in employment security, mental well-being, and career advancement. HR practitioners need to shift by embracing innovation, technology, and flexibility. The old model of employment does not suit Gen Z's needs anymore, calling for dynamic practices such as on-demand learning, customized benefits, and AI-enabled talent management. Yet, aligning digital evolution with a people-centric strategy continues to be the key
Can China set up an alternative to SAARC minus India?
No full textChina may see a regional vacuum with a non-functional SAARC. But it is unlikely to succeed in filling the gap with another regional entity.
China and Pakistan are reportedly trying to create a new regional bloc that can be an alternative to the increasingly dysfunctional South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
India is likely to be excluded from the initiative.
In a meeting held in Kunming on June 19, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh apparently discussed the possibility of forming the new regional bloc to focus on economic integration, infrastructure development and regional connectivity.
India's determination to isolate Pakistan and not engage with it has negatively impacted South Asian regionalism and the regional associations built around it, namely SAARC and South Asian Free Trade Association (SAFTA).
Can the SAARC gap be filled by China? And would doing so serve China's strategic goals in the region?
SAARC has not held a formal summit since 2014, in keeping with India's position of no engagement with Pakistan, a state it accuses of supporting terrorism.
India's focus instead has been on strong bilateralism with its South Asian neighbours. So far, China has done the same by significantly building strong relations with South Asian countries
