Digital transformation plays a vital role in pollution reduction by driving a transition to a lowcarbon economy. Its contribution to overall environmental sustainability can be realized when the different economic players and the general population cooperate and interact with digital technologies. This study investigated the influence of digitalization, social factors, energy transition, and population density on sustainable development. This study employed cutting edge econometric methods, including panel cointegration tests and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) analysis while collecting data from East Asian nations from 1995 to 2022. The study findings show that digitalization (β = 0.2315, p < 0.01) has the significant direct impact on sustainable development in East Asia, followed by social factors (β = 0.766, p < 0.10) and renewable energy transition (β = 0.048, p < 0.01). Notably, the interaction terms (DIG*ET) and (SF*POP) have significant positive impact on sustainable development. Population density also increases the sustainable returns of social investments, implying the crucial role of urban-focused human capital development. But negative time trend suggests decreasing returns to scale, both perhaps indicating the importance of ongoing innovation. These results support the necessity of well-integrated policies that simultaneously integrate digital infrastructure, education-health enhancement, and renewable energy transition to promote sustainable growth for EA. There is a pressing need for policymakers in cities to focus on digital-green synergies, especially in high-density areas, in order to trigger the maximum sustainability benefits.

This study explores the role of religion as a state-promoted tool for political assimilation in Pakistan’s border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. The study is based on five phases of fieldwork (2016–2024) combined with a thematic literature review. The research explores how religious strategies were deployed to forge a unified national identity in these regions. The findings reveal significant disparities in the effectiveness of these strategies. In KP, historical factors, cultural alignment, and geopolitical influences—particularly the Afghan conflict—largely facilitated the integration of Pashtun identity into Pakistan’s broader Islamic-national framework. Tools such as madrassa networks, education reforms, religious slogans, and state-backed Islamist parties effectively promoted religious nationalism. In contrast, religious assimilation efforts in Balochistan largely failed due to entrenched ethnic nationalism, economic exclusion, and political marginalization. Attempts to expand madrassas, delegitimize nationalist leaders as “anti-Islamic,” and support religious movements have been met with resistance, deepening distrust between the Baloch population and the state. The study found that religion alone cannot sustain national cohesion, particularly in regions with longstanding grievances and systemic inequalities. This research emphasizes the limitations of top-down, coercive assimilationist policies and underscores the necessity for more inclusive approaches, such as addressing economic disparities, recognizing regional identities, and promoting political participation as essential components for building a sustainable and unified nation. The study provides critical insights for policymakers, advocating for a shift from religious assimilation to strategies that prioritize justice, equity, and cultural accommodation, particularly in KPK and Balochistan.

The foremost objective of the study is to provide pragmatic in-depth analysis of India’s contemporary offensive as well as hegemonic backed-strategies regarding dealing with neighbors by following kautliya "Arthashastra” wisdom which reciprocate is the main pillar of India’s foreign policy since inception. The study examines the relationship between Kautilya's Mandala theory, a cornerstone of ancient Indian foreign policy expertise, and how it informs modern India's approaches to international relations. Kautilya's Mandala theory is presented in the "Arthashastra," which highlights the intricate interconnection of surrounding states by visualizing a circle of alliances and conflicts influencing a central authority. In India's current foreign policy endeavors, the Mandala concept remains vital. India's policy of 'Neighborhood First' towards its neighbors is a reflection of the Mandala's focus on fostering relationships with neighboring governments to uphold regional peace and safeguard national interests as well as aligns India's with multilateral forums, bilateral partnerships, and strategic alliances. The applicability of Kautilya's Mandala theory to the challenges and opportunities of India's current global engagement is thoroughly examined in this essay. It looks at how India strikes a balance between the ideals of the Mandala and the challenges of contemporary international relations, taking into account the varied players, interests, and shifting dynamics of the global scene? It also takes into account how India's objectives of strategic autonomy, regional dominance, and worldwide leadership are aided by this adaptability? This study is qualitative in nature and follows analytical, descriptive methods along with content and desk analysis.

1. Populism has become a prominent feature of contemporary democratic politics because it combines an appeal to popular sovereignty with a moral division between a virtuous people and a corrupt eli...