December 2025 | School of Liberal Studies and Humanities, UPES
Every season brings a story, and every changing season leaves us with questions worth exploring. The December 2025 edition brings together stories that look beyond the headlines to uncover the tensions, transformations, and human experiences shaping our world. From global power dynamics to environmental concerns, digital habits, social inequalities, and the changing meaning of travel, this issue captures a world in transition—one that demands both curiosity and critical reflection.
At the heart of this edition is our cover story, “The Allure and Aftermath of Winter Tourism in India,” which explores the fascination of winter destinations and the consequences that accompany their growing popularity. Behind snow-covered landscapes and picturesque getaways lie questions of environmental sustainability, pressure on local resources, and the delicate balance between tourism and conservation. The story invites readers to look beyond the postcard-perfect imagery and consider what it truly means to travel responsibly.
The issue also turns its lens towards the forces shaping our collective future. In international relations, the India–Russia Summit highlights the enduring significance of strategic partnerships in an uncertain world, while an exploration of tariffs examines how economic decisions become instruments of global influence. Closer to home, the environmental threat posed by PFAS pollution raises important questions about industrial practices, regulation, and the long-term consequences of chemical contamination.
Equally compelling are the stories that bring these larger concerns into our everyday lives. Climate anxiety reveals the emotional connection between people and a changing environment, while Exploring Brain Rot examines the effects of excessive digital consumption on attention and thought. With winter illnesses and air pollution posing heightened concerns for Dehradun, the healthcare section underscores the urgent connection between environmental conditions and public well-being.
Beyond politics and public health, this edition explores the evolving aspirations of students navigating foreign education, the influence of cinema on personal identity, and the continuing struggle against dowry and gender inequality. Fashion offers another perspective on identity and self-expression, reminding us that even the smallest choices can communicate who we are and how we wish to be seen.
What makes this edition special is its attempt to connect the seemingly distant with the deeply personal. International decisions influence local economies; environmental degradation affects both physical health and emotional well-being; and cultural practices, digital platforms, and personal choices shape the society we collectively create.
As the year draws to a close, these pages offer more than a reflection of current affairs. They present an opportunity to question familiar narratives, discover overlooked perspectives, and recognise the responsibilities that come with understanding our world. This December, we invite you to look beyond appearances, engage with difficult questions, and discover the stories behind the changes unfolding around us.
Because understanding the world begins with looking beyond what we see.