Journal of African Development

The unresolved territorial disputes along the Himalayan frontier between India and China constitute one of the most consequential flashpoints in contemporary Asian geopolitics. The Galwan Valley clash of June 2020, the most lethal direct confrontation between the two nuclear-armed states since the 1962 Sino-Indian War, exposed deep structural tensions between their respective national security doctrines and the normative architecture of international law. This paper undertakes a rigorous examination of how India and China have each developed, articulated, and deployed national security doctrines in the Himalayan context, and how these doctrines interact with — and frequently circumvent — the binding obligations of international law, including the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force, the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity, and the corpus of bilateral and multilateral treaty commitments. The paper analyzes the key legal instruments governing the India-China border dispute, including the 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the 1996 Agreement on Confidence Building Measures, and the 2005 Political Parameters and Guiding Principles, arguing that both states have increasingly subordinated these legal frameworks to the imperatives of strategic competition and domestic nationalist politics. Drawing on international relations theory, international legal scholarship, and case studies from recent Himalayan standoffs, the paper argues that the progressive militarization of the LAC represents not merely a bilateral security failure but a systemic challenge to the capacity of international law to regulate the behavior of major revisionist and status-quo powers. The paper concludes by assessing the prospects for legal and diplomatic mechanisms capable of restoring stability and compliance with international norms in the Himalayan region......

In this paper, we introduced the several generalized forms of continuous maps such as -continuous and strongly -continuous maps in generalized binary ideal topological spaces and investigate various relationships of these maps by demonstrating the use of some counter examples

Leadership transitions frequently serve as critical turning points in the direction, speed, and sustainability of organizational reform. This study examines how leadership change shapes reform trajectories across administrative institutions by analyzing the relationship between transition patterns, leadership style, institutional capacity, and reform outcomes. Drawing on a multi-institutional dataset constructed to reflect realistic public sector conditions, the study applies a comparative analytical framework to evaluate variations in reform continuity, implementation speed, employee alignment, and perceived administrative effectiveness. The findings indicate that leadership changes characterized by strategic continuity, participatory communication, and procedural legitimacy are more likely to generate stable and progressive reform trajectories, whereas abrupt or politically contested transitions tend to produce implementation delays, staff resistance, and fragmented policy execution. The study further suggests that institutional preparedness and middle-management support mediate the effects of leadership turnover on reform performance. By integrating leadership theory with reform process analysis, the paper contributes to the public administration literature by offering a structured explanation of why some leadership transitions accelerate reform while others disrupt it. The study concludes with implications for succession planning, administrative resilience, and future research on leadership-driven institutional transformation

The present study examined the effectiveness of virtual lab learning in enhancing environmental sustainability awareness and self-efficacy among B.Ed. students. An experimental method using a single-group pre-test–post-test design was employed. The sample consisted of 45 B.Ed. students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Environmental Sustainability Awareness Test and the Self-Efficacy Scale based on Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory. Statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, and Cohen’s d effect size were used for data analysis. The results revealed a significant improvement in both environmental sustainability awareness and self-efficacy among B.Ed. students after the virtual lab learning intervention. The findings indicate that virtual lab learning is effective in promoting environmental sustainability awareness and strengthening self-efficacy among prospective teachers..

Background: In the modern healthcare sector, nurses often face immense work pressures and unpredictable schedules that disrupt their work-life balance, leading to emotional fatigue, low commitment, and high attrition. Given their critical role in patient care, retaining nurses is essential. This study investigates how work-life balance influences nurses’ retention with an emphasis on the mediating role of affective commitment. Methodology: The study employs a cross-sectional and quantitative approach. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires from nurses in healthcare institutions across J&K, India. Out of the 261 questionnaires that were distributed, 211 valid responses were received and subsequently used for analysis. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in two steps. In step 1, the reliability and validity of the constructs were evaluated, and in step 2, the hypothesized relationships among the variables – work life balance, affective commitment, and employee retention – were assessed. Results: Findings reveal that work-life balance positively and significantly impacts affective commitment as well as employee retention. Moreover, affective commitment significantly impacts employee retention, besides mediating the connection between work-life balance and employee retention. The results underscore the significance of emotional attachment in fostering retention. Conclusion: Work-life balance enhances nurse retention both directly and indirectly via affective commitment. To foster affective commitment and prevent nurse attrition, healthcare administrators must design policies that promote work-life balance. This study adds to the existing literature by confirming the mediating function of affective commitment in the work-life balance and employee retention connection within the healthcare context..

The rapid growth of digital platforms has significantly transformed consumer behavior, particularly among Generation Z. This study examines the role of influencer marketing in shaping the online purchase decisions of Gen Z consumers aged 18–25, with specific reference to Gudalur Taluk, Nilgiris District. The research adopts a descriptive design and is based on primary data collected from 100 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The study analyzes the influence of influencer marketing, the impact of influencer credibility, and the relationship between engagement and actual purchase behavior.

The findings reveal that influencer marketing has a significant impact on the purchase decisions of Gen Z consumers, with a majority of respondents acknowledging the influence of social media personalities. Influencer credibility, including trustworthiness, authenticity, and expertise, emerges as a key factor influencing purchase intention. However, the study also identifies a gap between engagement and actual buying behavior, indicating that interaction with influencer content does not always lead to purchase decisions. The results of ANOVA and Z-test further confirm the statistical significance of influencer marketing in affecting consumer behavior.

The study concludes that influencer marketing is a powerful tool in the digital marketing landscape, but its effectiveness depends on credibility and the ability to convert engagement into actual purchases. The research provides valuable insights for marketers, businesses, and researchers in understanding the evolving behavior of Gen Z consumers in a localized context

Arvind Adiga is one of the most significant contemporary Indian English novelists. His debut novel The White Tiger brought him success as a writer within a very short period; which is very rare and phenomenal. His works often offer a critical portrayal of the socio-political realities of modern India. Adiga’s fiction raise social issues with the gloomy image of India which he painted with the darker shades of corruption, poverty, casteism, immorality, insensitivity, etc. His narratives move around the contradictions of India's economic progress, where prosperity for a few privileged often coexists with the deprivation and injustice for most of the people. Adiga's characters challenge the established power structures and reveal the moral and ethical dilemmas arising from social and political inequalities. Adiga’s protagonists can be seen as the major victims of such social vices which are delineated through their struggles and challenges while facing them. His works function as social commentaries, offering valuable insights into the realities of twenty-first-century India.

 The present paper explores a reflection of contemporary socio-political India through Adiga’s literary works The White Tiger, Between the Assassinations, Last Man in Tower and Selection Day with a view to understanding critically how caste, class, corruption and politics work together to sculpt Indian lives. This paper also analyzes these fictions to debunk the social structures and the evils within, and how they, altogether, affect the common masses

The Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) market has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the Indian financial system, driven by the increasing preference for passive investment strategies, regulatory support, technological advancements, and growing investor awareness. This study examines the evolution and expansion of the Exchange-Traded Fund market in India by analyzing its historical development, growth patterns, market composition, and the key factors influencing its rapid adoption. The study highlights the transition of the Indian ETF industry from a market initially dominated by Gold ETFs to one where Equity ETFs account for the largest share of assets under management. Using secondary data collected from industry reports, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and other published sources, the study evaluates trends in assets under management, the number of ETF schemes, investor participation, and trading activity over time. It also identifies the major drivers of market expansion, including government disinvestment initiatives, increasing institutional participation, lower expense ratios, transparency, liquidity, and the growing acceptance of passive investment products. Further, the study discusses the challenges hindering broader ETF adoption, such as limited retail investor awareness, liquidity concerns in certain ETF categories, and market concentration. The analysis emphasizes the significant role of SEBI and other market participants in strengthening the ETF ecosystem through regulatory reforms, investor education, and product innovation. The findings suggest that the Indian ETF market possesses substantial growth potential and is expected to play an increasingly important role in the country's investment landscape as passive investing continues to gain momentum

The study sought to investigate the impact of plyometric and core strength training packages on selected psychological parameters among college men basketball players. To achieve the purpose of the study (N=60) sixty men basketball players were selected from National college, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India as subjects. The age of the subjects ranged from 19 to 25 years. The selected subjects were divided into three equal groups (N=20). Group I underwent plyometric training. Group II underwent core strength training. Group III acted as control group who did not undergo any specialized training program other than their daily routine. The psychological parameters such as sports achievement motivation, state anxiety, self-confidence were selected as dependent variables and they were assessed by 20- item self- evaluation questionnaire, the scale includes 20 statements, rosenberg self-esteem scale respectively. The subjects were concerned with their particular training for a period of six weeks, three days per week. The collected data from three groups prior to and immediately after the training programme on selected criterion variables were statistically analyzed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The level of confidence was fixed at 0.05 for all the cases to test the hypothesis. The result of the study reveals that the plyometric training and core strength training groups achieved significant improvement on selected psychological parameters such as sports achievement motivation, state anxiety, self-confidenceof college men basketball players

This study aimed to develop an integrated anthropometric and motor fitness profile of youth roller sports skaters using multivariate statistical techniques. The primary objective was to identify latent physical traits and classify skaters into distinct morpho-functional clusters aligned with sport-specific demands. Fifteen male roller sports skaters aged 11 to 14 years (M = 12.7 ± 1.1) were assessed for 12 anthropometric traits, including height, weight, limb lengths, girths, bone breadths and skinfolds, alongside six motor fitness variables: agility (shuttle run), speed (30m sprint), power (standing broad jump), flexibility (sit and reach), core endurance (sit-ups), and balance (stork stand test). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied using IBM SPSS (v26.0). Descriptive statistics indicated normal developmental variability in anthropometric and motor fitness traits among participants. Pearson’s r indicated strong correlations among body composition measures (e.g., weight, girths, bone breadths) but weaker associations with performance traits like balance and agility. PCA extracted four components accounting for 85.2% of the total variance. The first component reflected musculoskeletal mass, while the second was characterized by agility and speed-related traits. Cluster analysis yielded three athlete profiles differing in body size, limb proportions and fitness capabilities. Multivariate profiling revealed meaningful somatic patterns and performance groupings among youth roller skaters. These findings underscore the value of combining morphological and motor fitness assessments to support targeted talent identification and personalized training interventions. The approach offers a sport-specific model for physical profiling in early adolescence.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of plyometric training and weight training on selected motor ability components namely muscular endurance, coordination and flexibility among inter-collegiate women volleyball players. Forty-five (N = 45) inter- collegiate women volleyball players aged 19–23 years, representing from the affiliated colleges of Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India, were randomly assigned to three equal groups (n = 15 each): the Plyometric Training Group (PTG), the Weight Training Group (WTG) and the Control Group (CG). The experimental groups participated in their respective training programmes for twelve weeks, with three sessions per week on alternate days in addition to their regular volleyball practice, whereas the control group continued only with regular volleyball activities. Muscular endurance, coordination and flexibility were assessed by using the sit-up test, wall toss test and sit-and-reach test respectively before and after the training intervention. The collected data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and whenever a significant F-ratio was obtained, Scheffé's post hoc test was applied to determine paired mean differences. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The findings revealed that both plyometric training and weight training produced significant improvements in muscular endurance, coordination and flexibility compared with the control group. Furthermore, the plyometric training group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the weight training group across all selected motor ability components. It was concluded that plyometric training is a more effective training modality than weight training for enhancing selected motor abilities among inter-collegiate women volleyball players

This study was designed to investigate the effect of conventional training and resistance training on selected skill performance variables among badminton players. To achieve the purpose of the study (N=45) forty five men badminton players were selected from Affiliated Colleges of Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India as subjects. The age of the subjects ranged from 19 to 25 years. The selected subjects were divided into three equal groups (N=15). Group I underwent conventional training, Group II underwent resistance training and Group III acted as control group who did not undergo any specialized training program other than their daily routine. The skill performance variables such as short service accuracy, long service accuracy, smash accuracy and footwork efficiency were selected as dependent variables and they were assessed by short service accuracy test (target-based badminton service test), long service accuracy test, smash accuracy test (target smash test) and footwork efficiency test (timed movement test) respectively. The subjects were concerned with their particular training for a period of twelve weeks, three days per week. The collected data from three groups prior to and immediately after the training program on selected criterion variables were statistically analyzed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The level of confidence was fixed at 0.05 for all the cases to test the hypothesis. The result of the study reveals that the conventional training groups and resistance training group achieved significant improvement on selected skill performance variables such as short service accuracy, long service accuracy, smash accuracy and footwork efficiency of badminton players

Between 2022 and 2026, global supply chains faced unprecedented simultaneous stress from overlapping geopolitical conflicts. The Russia–Ukraine war, the Gaza–Israel conflict and associated Red Sea crisis, broader Middle East escalations including the 2025 Iran–Israel confrontation, and the ongoing US–China technology and trade war have collectively created systemic, multi-front vulnerabilities with no historical precedent. This paper presents a systematic narrative review that synthesizes evidence across four interlocking disruption theatres to identify shared disruption mechanisms, sectoral impacts, and adaptive responses at organizational and policy levels. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature, industry reports, and empirical developments from 2025–2026, we conducted thematic analysis across the four conflict theatres. Disruption mechanisms were inductively coded and mapped against sectoral and regional impact data.

Five persistent disruption mechanisms were identified: maritime chokepoint vulnerability, sanctions-driven financial fragmentation, critical material concentration, food supply chain weaponization, and compound crisis amplification. Differential impacts were observed across sectors and regions. Adaptive strategies documented include supply diversification, nearshoring, friend-shoring, strategic inventory buffering, ESG-enabled resilience, and accelerated digitalization. Evidence points toward permanent structural reconfiguration of global trade networks, progressive economic bloc fragmentation, and an enduring elevation in supply chain risk premiums. This review proposes a conceptual framework for multi-conflict supply chain vulnerability and highlights priority research gaps, contributing foundational insight for scholars and practitioners navigating an era of enduring geopolitical fragmentation..

The environment plays a vital part in a creature`s life however, commercial exploitation of environment along with its resources is threatening the environment of the country and causing ecological imbalance. The business organizations for their operations often resort to activities like falling of trees, illegal hunting of wild animals, pollution, and land degradation etc. Such activities often affect the tribal and indigenous communities as these activities often cause destruction of their habitat and financially exploiting them. To deal with these issues numerous laws have been formulated by the government. The primary objective behind formulation of such laws is not just to protect the environment but also to maintain and improve the same. These laws either directly or indirectly imposes restrictions on activities by corporations which impairs the environment and its quality. These restrictions may be in the form of imposing fines or closing of its business operations. However, the effective implementation of such laws remains doubtful. The companies rarely adhere to the environmental regulations and often try to find out, and use loopholes for evading their responsibilities imposed by the legislations. The inefficient cooperation, and coordination between government agencies, lack of public participation, and corruption provide room for evading responsibility by the companies. The present paper discusses the difficulties faced in making corporate houses adhere to the environmental norms along with the application of principles like Polluter Pays and Precautionary for making a corporation responsible towards environment while conducting its operations. The paper discusses the effects of non-compliance and recommends possible remedies for addressing these issues relating to non-compliance of environmental regulations. It further aims to making corporates and their actions more sustainable.

In the modern world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is factually managing the organization processes, the staffing and the performance on the business floor globally. The purpose of this research is to study the response of organizations to AI, their adoption and the impact of AI on the organizational performance of the organizations engaged in IT and service sectors in Maharashtra. The technique involves using quantitative research and the data were primary data which was collected from a structured questionnaire filled by 450 employees and people from manager level.  Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and a data analysis was conducted using SEM. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence has a considerable effect on the adaption workforce because of its high potential to upskill the employees, create a culture of lifelong learning and help the employees adapt to the workload and new job demands. According to the study, ability of the workforce to adapt has a positive impact on the organizational performance in terms of productivity, innovation, operational efficiency and effective decision-making. In addition, workforce adaption mediates AI adoption and organizational performance only partially. The Working Paper highlights the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. Therefore, the study substantiates the requirement of blending technology advancement and track progression in employee adaptation programs for success and sustainability...

Domestic violence against men represents a profoundly underrecognized public health crisis with devastating mental health consequences that extend far beyond visible physical injuries. While societal discourse predominantly frames domestic violence through a gendered lens focusing on female victimization, emerging evidence reveals that male victims experience comparable rates of psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation. This research examines the unique mental health burden experienced by male domestic violence survivors through a comprehensive analysis of psychological symptomatology, help-seeking barriers, and long-term psychiatric outcomes. Drawing on data from 1,847 male survivors across clinical and community settings, we document that 68% meet diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, 72% exhibit clinically significant PTSD symptoms, and 43% report active suicidal ideation—rates comparable to or exceeding those documented in female survivor populations. The study reveals how masculine gender norms, societal stigma, institutional bias, and lack of male-specific support services create compounding psychological distress beyond the abuse itself. Male survivors face unique mental health challenges, including shame-based internalization, identity disruption, social isolation, and systemic invalidation that intensify psychiatric symptoms and impede recovery. We identify critical gaps in mental health screening, trauma-informed care protocols, and therapeutic interventions specifically designed for male survivors. This work contributes both empirical documentation of mental health outcomes in understudied populations and practical frameworks for clinicians, policymakers, and service providers to address this hidden epidemic through evidence-based, gender-inclusive approaches to domestic violence mental health care

Background: Pregnancy induces major changes in the musculoskeletal system, especially in first-time mothers (early primiparous women). Hormonal, biomechanical, and lifestyle shifts often lead to joint laxity, back pain, or postural changes. In rural areas, these issues can go unrecognized due to lack of awareness, resources, or proper care.

OBJECTIVE: 1.To find the prevalence of delayed onset of musculoskeletal dysfunction in early primiparous women among in rural areas

2.To determine prevalence of delayed onset of musculoskeletal dysfunction in early primiparous women among in rural areas.

Methods: This observational survey-based study was conducted in Karad among 95 women fitting the inclusion criteria. A structured Google form was used to collect responses on musculoskeletal symptoms and care history. Statistical analysis was performed using data derived from these responses.

Results: 83.2% reported back pain after childbirth.

64.2% had joint or muscle pain persisting since delivery.

66.3% experienced musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy.

Only 58.9% received physiotherapy or exercise advice.

While 71.6% believed these issues impacted quality of life, just 23.2% reported daily activity limitations.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of delayed onset musculoskeletal dysfunction was found to be significantly high among early primiparous women aged 35–45 years in rural areas of Karad. Commonly reported issues included back pain, joint pain, and decreased physical functioning post-childbirth. Early marriage and early pregnancy appeared to be key contributing factors. The study also found that a large number of women had not received physiotherapy advice during or after pregnancy. However, all participants found the awareness session helpful, indicating the importance of community-level health education and physiotherapy awareness in addressing these issues.

In the modern corporate landscape, the significance of incorporating sustainability in the organization's strategic approach and operating strategies is being understood. Integrating human resource policies and practices into environmental sustainability goals, Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) has become a crucial strategy. This study explores the relationship between Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices and environmental sustainability and organizational sustainability. Research will examine important GHRM practices – such as green recruitment and selection, green training and development, green performance appraisal, green compensation and reward, and employee involvement in green activities. To examine the effects of these practices on employees' eco-related attitudes, actions, resource conservation, and organizational sustainability outcomes, a quantitative research approach was used. This study analyzes the connection between GHRM activities and various organizational performance measures like process efficiency, employee participation, company image and long-term competitiveness. The results show that successful practices of GHRM can play an important role in achieving environmental sustainability by supporting the use of resources in a responsible way and minimize the organization's environmental impact. In addition, GHRM can positively impact organizational sustainability by promoting employee engagement, productivity and better alignment with organizational sustainability objectives. The research underscores the significance in applying sustainability principles in HRM practices and will be useful to managers, policy makers and researchers who wish to implement sustainable organizational development in the business world in this environment of growing environmental awareness

With an ever-evolving media landscape, social media has become a powerful communication method for businesses to engage with their target audience, especially the younger generation (Generation Z), who spend significant time on digital platforms. Social media influencers have become very powerful intermediaries that are able to influence user perceptions and preferences, as well as buying habits. The analytical study was carried out to delve into the role of social media influencers in creating brand loyalty among customers from the Gen-Z age group. The research investigates the effect of such factors as credibility, authenticity, expertise, attractiveness and engagement on the consumers' trust and loyalty towards brands. The method applied in the analysis is quantitative research which focuses on the analysis of the attitudes and actions of Generation Z consumers in responding to influencer marketing activities that exist in popular social media. This study explores how the relationships between ISS and the critical elements of brand loyalty: repeat purchase intention, brand advocacy, emotional attachment, and long-term commitment. According to the results obtained, social media influencers are found to play great roles in reinforcing brand loyalty through strengthening trust, increasing brand visibility, and building considerable consumer-brand relationships. Engaging, genuine, user-generated content is more powerful in influencing the process of loyalty building than traditional forms of advertising. Overall, the study offers valuable insights for marketers, brand managers, and businesses interested in effectively utilizing influencer marketing strategies as a way to reach the Generation Z consumer. It is also a part of the increasing oeuvre of digital marketing, consumer behavior, and brand management in the social media landscape

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure has increasingly gained prominence as a key pillar of sustainable capital markets development in developing nations. The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, implemented by the Indian Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) since 2022-23 as a mandatory reporting regime for all companies ranked in the top 1,000 by market capitalisation, is one of the most extensive frameworks within the Global South. In this paper, a critical review is provided about the structure, implementation, and empirical results from the BRSR reporting framework with the intention of drawing insights about the implications for ESG disclosures in South Africa, especially in light of the JSE Sustainability Disclosure Guidance (2022) and King IV Report on Corporate Governance. Based on a mixed-methods approach to research that combines systematic content analysis of 280 BRSR reports, panel data regressions on 180 BSE-listed companies (2021-2024), and semi-structured interviews with 24 capital market regulators, institutional investors, and sustainability experts, the paper shows that mandatory ESG disclosure has led to significant improvements in disclosure quality (β = 0.43, p<0.001), decreased information asymmetries, and slight improvements in ESG performance scores. The analysis of cross-country institutional comparisons highlights similarities as well as differences in the structure of the two regulatory regimes, providing useful lessons for the adaptation of policy within the South African regulatory framework. This analysis has important ramifications for capital market regulators, listed companies, institutional investors, and international organisations that seek to facilitate sustainable development through non-financial reporting

The convergence of Indian accounting standards with International Financial Reporting Standards through the adoption of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) represents a major reform in corporate financial reporting, with potential implications for the stability and informativeness of reported earnings. The aim of this study is to examine the level and change in earnings volatility of selected Indian corporates before and after the adoption of Ind AS. Specifically, the objectives are to analyse earnings volatility during the pre-Ind AS period, assess earnings volatility in the post-Ind AS period, and compare volatility across the two accounting regimes. The study adopts a quantitative and comparative research design based on secondary data collected from audited financial statements of selected Indian listed companies. Earnings volatility is measured using standard deviation, and statistical analysis is performed using mean, one-sample t-test, and paired-sample t-test with the help of MS Excel and SPSS. The findings reveal that earnings volatility is statistically significant in both periods and increases significantly after Ind AS adoption, indicating heightened sensitivity of reported earnings under the IFRS-converged framework. The study concludes that while Ind AS adoption leads to higher reported earnings volatility, such volatility reflects enhanced responsiveness of accounting numbers to economic conditions rather than a decline in reporting quality...

This article develops a multidisciplinary conceptual framework to support research, innovation, and sustainable development across different fields. The main challenge today is not only the lack of knowledge. It is also the lack of strong frameworks that can connect research, responsible innovation, practical implementation, and sustainability outcomes. Existing studies show that sustainable development is often slowed by fragmented governance, weak local application of missions, poor knowledge integration, limited evaluation systems, and inadequate alignment between innovation and social or environmental goals. To address this gap, the article proposes the FIELDS framework. It includes six connected functions: Frame, Integrate, Experiment, Leverage, Diffuse, and Steer. The framework brings together systems thinking, mission orientation, co-production, responsible innovation, ecosystem support, and reflexive evaluation. It also highlights key enablers such as policy coherence, data governance, finance, skills, and justice. The article argues that impactful sustainability research should be judged not only by publications or patents, but by its ability to create practical, responsible, and scalable change..

In India, the digital payment system has revolutionized the business landscape, especially in the realm of small businesses and micro-enterprises. The research article explores the effects of digital payments on small business growth in India, focusing on the influence of various payment technologies, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI), mobile wallets, internet banking, QR code payments, and card-based payments. The research method in this study is descriptive and analytical, and secondary data is obtained from open access journals, institutional reports, government reports, and data on digital payments.

The study concludes that the digital payment methods have had a positive impact on small businesses, highlighting benefits such as streamlined transactions, enhanced customer convenience, better financial visibility, and improved operational efficiency. Digital payments decrease reliance on cash payments, ease financial record keeping, and help improve financial inclusion by linking businesses to formal banking systems. Incentives by the government like Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana and development of UPI have contributed significantly to the growth of digital payments in India.

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. While municipal waste and consumer products are often highlighted as major contributors, chemical factories involved in the production of polymers, plastic additives, and petrochemical feedstocks represent a significant but relatively underexplored source of environmental contamination. Plastic pellets, industrial effluents, packaging waste, and accidental releases from manufacturing facilities contribute substantially to terrestrial, freshwater, and marine pollution. The environmental consequences extend beyond ecological degradation and include threats to human health, food security, biodiversity, and economic sustainability. Immediate policy concerns focus on regulatory compliance, waste management, pollution monitoring, and industrial accountability. However, the issue is deeply rooted in broader structural economic and developmental systems characterized by increasing plastic demand, fossil-fuel dependence, inadequate circular economy mechanisms, and unequal environmental governance. This review examines the sources and pathways of plastic pollution originating from chemical factories, evaluates existing literature on environmental and socio-economic impacts, discusses current policy frameworks and industrial practices, and identifies future directions for sustainable development. The review emphasizes the need for integrated approaches involving technological innovation, regulatory reforms, circular economy principles, and international cooperation to address both immediate and long-term challenges associated with industrial plastic pollution.

E-commerce and digital marketing have rapidly changed the shopping landscape. This shift has fueled a surge in online impulse buying. This study explores how Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WOM), online reviews, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and self-control shape impulsive buying behaviour among consumers in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. A quantitative approach was used. The research collected insights from 150 participants through a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Advanced statistical tools, including SmartPLS, helped uncover the intricate connections between these drivers and online impulse purchases.

The findings reveal that E-WOM, online reviews, and FOMO each have a strong positive effect on online impulse buying. Consumers are more likely to make unplanned purchases due to social influence, peer recommendations, and the urgency these factors create. However, individuals with high self-control are much less likely to make impulsive online purchases. These results clearly show that E-WOM, peer feedback, and the fear of missing out can increase impulse buying, while strong self-control reduces it. E-commerce marketers and digital retailers can use these insights to design strategies that leverage social proof, persuasive reviews, and scarcity to encourage consumer purchases..

Current cybersecurity risk management approaches fail to adequately address today's organizational resilience needs due to the increasing complexity of cyber threats driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the imminent arrival of quantum computing. The current paper critically reviews the latest risk management strategies for cybersecurity, comparing compliance-centric methods with adaptive, AI-supported, and quantum-resistant solutions. We assess the effectiveness of integrated risk management architectures, zero trust and cyber resilience frameworks and evaluate how they have evolved in recent years, in line with recent developments, such as NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2 (2025), ISO/IEC 27001:2025 and new threat detection systems powered by AI. The study marks a paradigm shift in three areas: continuous risk assessment, automated response orchestration and preparedness for post-quantum cryptographic protocols. The results show that companies with a hybrid human-AI governance model and real-time risk quantification methods and companies that have implemented proactive quantum-safe transition planning have measurably better security postures. The paper concludes with a strategic roadmap for enterprise adaptive cybersecurity risk management with a focus on the intersection of technology, culture and regulation

This study investigates the non-linear and asymmetric impacts of war-driven crude oil price volatility on India’s manufacturing sector. Using monthly empirical data spanning from April 2012 to March 2026, we capture major geopolitical disruptions including the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict and the subsequent 2023–2024 Middle East escalations. Employing a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) framework, we decompose international Brent crude oil price fluctuations into partial sum processes of positive and negative changes. The empirical results reveal a pronounced long-run cointegration between oil price shocks, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for manufacturing, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), and the INR/USD exchange rate. Critically, the Wald test confirms structural asymmetry: positive war-induced oil shocks exert a statistically significant, severe contractionary effect on manufacturing output, whereas negative oil price corrections fail to trigger a proportional industrial expansion. This asymmetric pass-through is transmitted primarily through a cost-push inflation squeeze and severe supply chain frictions. Indian factory floors remain highly vulnerable to sudden geopolitical supply-side shocks. Our insights challenge conventional symmetric policy frameworks, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted strategic fuel reserves, currency-oil hedging mechanisms, and rapid structural diversification toward renewable industrial energy architectures..

This study aimed to analyze the impact of economic complexity on reshaping the trade performance of four Arab countries—Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Morocco—during the period 2000–2022. The study employed the Unconditional Quantile Regression for Panel Data (RIF-Panel Quantile Regression) methodology, allowing the measurement of the impact of economic complexity indicators across different levels of trade performance rather than focusing solely on average effects.

The analysis focused on three main dimensions of trade performance: total exports, high-technology exports, and export market penetration. Economic Complexity, Trade Complexity, and Research Complexity indicators were incorporated as key explanatory variables.

The results revealed that the relationship between economic complexity and trade performance in Arab countries is nonlinear and conditional upon both the level of trade performance and the type of complexity indicator considered. The impact of trade complexity remained limited in the lower and middle quantiles of total exports but became more pronounced in the upper quantile. The findings also showed that economic complexity contributed to supporting high-technology exports during the early stages of industrial development, whereas the negative effect of research complexity highlighted a gap between scientific research outputs and the requirements of manufacturing and export activities.

Regarding market penetration, the results indicated that trade complexity was more effective when supported by an enabling institutional and commercial framework. The study recommends adopting selective industrial and trade policies that strengthen the link between scientific research and manufacturing while enhancing product quality and promoting qualitative integration into global value chains

Cybersecurity and data protection are now a major concern in today's digital age, especially as organizations continue to expand their online operations and digital technologies. Cloud computing, AI, e-commerce, and network integration are key elements in enabling digital businesses to enhance their operation and customer interactions. But, organizations have also seen multiple cyber threats emerge in this digital transformation, such as phishing, ransomware, malware, insider threats and distributed denial-of-service attacks. As cyber attacks become more frequent and sophisticated, data privacy, financial security, operational continuity, and organization reputation issues have become significant challenges.

This research investigates the significant cyber risks that are facing digital businesses and discusses the best ways of protecting data to mitigate cybersecurity risks. The study covers all the available literature on cybersecurity management, cloud security, AI-based threat detection, encryption technologies, and regulatory measures like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The research also looks at the difficulties companies encounter when trying to implement cybersecurity measures, like financial constraints, lack of cybersecurity experts, employee negligence, and new attack methods.

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been enthusiastically propagated as instruments of poverty reduction and women economic empowerment and in the developing economy of India. The current paper explores how MFIs improve women livelihood in Gujarat, India, with regard to economic empowerment, challenges to access policy response. This study performed a mixed-methodology involving both quantitative and qualitative data, collecting feedback of 200 women who participated in the research about the services of microfinance. The outcomes show a moderate positive correlation between microfinance participation and women economic empowerment (R 2 = 0.098, p < 0.001). There still exists challenges linked to financial literacy and logistical barriers. All these challenges notwithstanding, women displayed strength in obtaining and leveraging microfinance services. The research findings indicate that MFIs do have a contribution to economic outcomes of women but the effectiveness should be improved with diversified financial products, capacity building programs, and gender-sensitive policies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the financial sector, revolutionizing investment planning, portfolio management, and financial decision-making processes. This study examines the role of AI technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, robo-advisors, big data analytics, and algorithmic trading in improving the efficiency and accuracy of financial decisions.

The research investigates how AI assists investors in risk assessment, portfolio diversification, fraud detection, market prediction, and automated investment advisory services. The study also explores the psychological and behavioral impact of AI-driven systems on retail and institutional investors.

Using a quantitative research methodology, primary data was collected from investors, finance professionals, and students through structured questionnaires. Statistical tools such as correlation analysis, regression analysis, and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data.

The findings reveal that AI significantly enhances investment efficiency by reducing human errors, enabling real-time market analysis, and providing personalized investment recommendations. However, concerns regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and overdependence on automated systems remain major challenges.

The study concludes that AI has become an indispensable component of modern financial systems and will continue to reshape investment planning through intelligent automation, predictive capabilities, and enhanced financial accessibility

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed corporate Human Resource Management (HRM), particularly within hiring workflows. This study investigates the impact of AI integration on the efficiency and objectivity of recruitment and selection processes. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected via structured questionnaires from [Number, e.g., 150] HR professionals and recruiters across [Industry/Region]

The findings indicate that AI-driven tools—such as resume parsers, predictive analytics, and automated screening algorithms—significantly reduce time-to-hire and minimize initial manual screening workloads. However, the data also reveal notable concerns regarding algorithmic opacity and a perceived loss of the "human touch" during candidate evaluation.

Statistical analysis demonstrates that while HR professionals strongly favor AI for early-stage advisory tasks, resistance persists when AI transitions from an administrative aid to an automated decision-maker. Ultimately, this study underscores the necessity of a socio-technical framework that balances machine efficiency with human oversight to ensure equitable hiring outcomes

The emergence of financial influencers, commonly known as finfluencers, has significantly transformed the investment behaviour of Generation Z investors in the digital economy. Social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Telegram, Reddit, and X (Twitter) have become major sources of financial knowledge, investment guidance, and market trends among young investors. Finfluencers simplify complex financial information through reels, short videos, live sessions, podcasts, and online communities, thereby increasing financial participation among youth. However, the increasing reliance on social media financial content has also raised concerns regarding speculative and risky investment behaviour.

The present study examines the impact of finfluencers on risky investment behaviour among Generation Z investors while analysing the mediating roles of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and financial self-efficacy. The study adopts a quantitative research approach using structured questionnaires administered to Generation Z respondents aged between 18 and 27 years. Convenience sampling technique is proposed for data collection, and statistical tools such as SPSS and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) are suggested for analysis.

The study is grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, Behavioural Finance Theory, and Theory of Planned Behaviour. The findings are expected to reveal that finfluencer exposure significantly influences emotional investment behaviour, speculative trading activities, and investment confidence among young investors. Psychological factors such as FOMO and financial self-efficacy are expected to mediate the relationship between finfluencer influence and risky investment behaviour.

The study contributes to behavioural finance literature by integrating digital social influence with psychological dimensions of investment decision-making. The findings may assist policymakers, financial educators, and regulatory authorities in promoting responsible financial awareness and regulating unverified financial advice in digital platforms

Business analytics has emerged as a critical discipline in the modern data-driven economy, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights from vast and complex datasets. This paper examines the transformative role of business analytics in converting raw data into tangible business value across diverse industry sectors. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic literature review with empirical case study analysis of 12 multinational organizations that have implemented advanced analytics frameworks. Findings reveal that firms leveraging descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics report an average 23% improvement in decision-making efficiency and a 17% reduction in operational costs within three years of adoption. The paper introduces a four-stage Business Analytics Value Creation (BAVC) model that maps the journey from data acquisition to strategic value realization. Key drivers identified include data quality governance, organizational data culture, talent capability, and technology infrastructure. The study further highlights implementation challenges such as data privacy compliance, integration complexity, and the analytics talent gap. Implications for managers, policymakers, and academic researchers are discussed, with recommendations for building analytics-ready organizations. This paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation and data-driven strategy by providing an integrated conceptual framework grounded in empirical evidence

An Analytical Study of Supply Chain Management Practices in Manufacturing Industry – SKM Egg Products Supply chain management (SCM) plays a pivotal role in determining the operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and competitive advantage of manufacturing organizations. This study presents a comprehensive analytical examination of supply chain management practices adopted by SKM Egg Products, one of India's leading integrated egg and egg products processing companies. The research focuses on evaluating the end-to-end supply chain framework of the organization, encompassing procurement of raw materials, production planning, inventory management, warehousing, logistics, and distribution channels.

The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of existing supply chain practices at SKM Egg Products and identify areas of strength, inefficiency, and potential improvement. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were employed, including structured questionnaires, personal interviews with supply chain personnel, and analysis of company records and industry reports. The study explores key dimensions such as supplier relationship management, demand forecasting, cold chain logistics, quality control mechanisms, and customer satisfaction levels.

Findings of the study reveal that SKM Egg Products maintains a well-integrated supply chain with strong backward linkages to poultry farmers and forward linkages to domestic and international markets. However, challenges related to seasonal demand fluctuations, perishability of products, transportation bottlenecks, and dependency on fragmented supplier networks were identified as critical areas requiring strategic attention. The study also highlights the growing importance of technology adoption, including ERP systems and real-time tracking, in streamlining supply chain operations.

The research concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience, reducing lead times, minimizing wastage, and improving overall supply chain visibility. The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable insights to industry practitioners, academicians, and policymakers engaged in agro-based manufacturing supply chain management.

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed the modern workplace, reshaping employee experience and strategic management practices across industries. Organizations are increasingly integrating technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), cloud collaboration platforms, data analytics, and automation tools to improve employee engagement, productivity, and organizational performance. This paper examines the intersection of technology, employee experience, and strategic management, emphasizing how organizations can strategically align technological innovation with human-centered management approaches. The study adopts a conceptual and analytical methodology based on secondary data collected from academic journals, industry reports, and organizational case studies. Findings indicate that technology-driven employee experience positively influences employee satisfaction, retention, innovation, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, strategic management practices that prioritize digital transformation, employee wellbeing, and continuous learning contribute significantly to sustainable competitive advantage. However, challenges such as digital fatigue, privacy concerns, resistance to change, and skill gaps remain critical barriers. The paper concludes that organizations must balance technological advancement with employee-centric strategies to achieve long-term organizational success in the digital economy

The rapid proliferation of social media has birthed a new class of financial opinion leaders known as "Finfluencers." This research investigates the profound impact these digital creators have on the retail investment behaviours of Generation Z and Millennial investors. As traditional financial advisory services face barriers of high costs and complex jargon, young investors are increasingly turning to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for financial guidance.

Through a mixed-methods approach—combining quantitative surveys of retail investors and qualitative sentiment analysis of viral financial content—this study explores the psychological drivers of trust, including perceived authenticity, relatability, and the "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO).

The findings reveal that while finfluencers significantly democratize financial knowledge and increase market participation, they also catalyse herding behaviour and overexposure to high-risk assets. Furthermore, the study examines the effectiveness of recent 2025–2026 regulatory frameworks, such as mandatory SEBI/ASIC licensing, in mitigating misinformation. The results suggest that source credibility now hinges more on regulatory compliance than on social engagement metrics, marking a pivotal shift in how young investors vet financial advice in a post-truth digital economy

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) has birthed a new era of digital commerce characterized by hyper-personalization. This research investigates the profound impact AI-driven personalization has on the customer engagement and loyalty of Generation Z and Millennial consumers. As traditional e-commerce models face barriers of high customer acquisition costs and low retention rates, retailers are increasingly turning to AI recommendation systems, dynamic content, and predictive analytics for competitive advantage.

Through a quantitative approach utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) on a sample of retail shoppers, this study explores the psychological drivers of trust, including perceived personalization, AI accuracy, and the “Personalization-Privacy Paradox”.

The findings reveal that while AI-driven personalization significantly democratizes product discovery and increases market participation, it also catalyses privacy concerns and algorithmic fatigue. Furthermore, the study examines the effectiveness of recent 2025–2026 data protection frameworks in mitigating these concerns. The results suggest that customer loyalty now hinges more on transparent data usage and AI trustworthiness than on mere transactional convenience, marking a pivotal shift in how young consumers vet e-commerce platforms in a post-truth digital economy

Digital payments have emerged as a transformative tool in promoting financial inclusion, especially in rural areas where access to traditional banking services remains limited. The rapid growth of mobile banking, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), digital wallets, and government-backed digital initiatives has significantly improved the accessibility and efficiency of financial services among rural populations. This paper examines the role of digital payments in enhancing financial inclusion in rural areas, identifies the major challenges affecting adoption, and analyses the socio-economic impact of digital financial services. The study also highlights the role of government initiatives, technological advancements, and financial literacy in accelerating digital transformation in rural communities. The findings reveal that digital payments contribute to economic empowerment, transparency, reduced dependency on cash transactions, and improved access to banking services. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy, cyber security concerns, and lack of infrastructure continue to hinder widespread adoption. The paper concludes by suggesting policy recommendations to strengthen digital ecosystems and promote inclusive economic development

Organizations that want to be able to manage all their assets are now required to use Asset Management Systems (AMS).operational efficiency, cost optimisation and revenue sustainability. The increasing Leverage digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and other innovations.The advent of cloud computing, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Integrated the asset management practices with the strategic business functions. The present study examines the effect The impact of Asset Management Systems on revenue generation and organizational performance. The research investigates the efficiency of asset tracking and maintenance, technology, and the management of inventory and capital. The research focuses on asset tracking efficiency, maintenance management, technology, and inventory and capital management. Operational optimization and adoption help to increase profitability and financial sustainability. A quantitative research methodology was followed with the help of structured questionnaires which were distributed Amongst workers and supervisors in separate sectors. Statistical tools including The percentage analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis and reliability testing were used To assess how AMS relates to organizational growth. The results show that organizations with high-level AMS technologies have reported that they have achieved the following: Augmented working efficiency, lower maintenance expenses, greater asset use, and higher revenue generation. Predictive maintenance and real-time asset monitoring have a significant impact Minimize equipment downtime and increase productivity. The study concludes that effective asset management systems offer long term competitive benefits and increase financial outcomes. Performance

Background: Environmental sustainability has become a major concern in the hospitality industry due to increasing environmental pressures, regulatory expectations, and growing awareness among stakeholders. The housekeeping department is one of the most resource-intensive areas in hotel operations, consuming significant amounts of water, energy, and chemical cleaning agents. Therefore, the adoption of green cleaning practices is essential for promoting sustainable hotel operations, particularly in rapidly expanding hospitality regions such as the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).

Objective: This study aimed to explore the green cleaning practices implemented in the housekeeping departments of selected star hotels in Delhi NCR. It sought to identify the types of environmentally sustainable practices adopted, examine the perceived benefits of green housekeeping, and understand the challenges faced in implementing these initiatives.

Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design to gain in-depth insights into sustainable housekeeping practices. Data were collected from housekeeping managers, supervisors, and operational staff working in selected star-category hotels in Delhi NCR using purposive sampling. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to gather detailed information on green cleaning procedures, organizational support, and operational barriers. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, themes, and categories. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were maintained throughout the study.

Results: The findings revealed that most star hotels had initiated eco-friendly cleaning practices such as the use of biodegradable cleaning products, microfiber cleaning systems, water-saving techniques, and proper waste segregation. These initiatives were largely supported by management commitment and organizational sustainability policies. Key benefits included reduced environmental impact, improved health and safety for housekeeping staff, and enhanced brand image among environmentally conscious guests. However, the study also identified challenges that hindered full implementation, including high initial investment costs, limited staff training, and the absence of standardized sustainability guidelines across the industry.

Conclusion: The study concludes that green cleaning practices play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability and improving operational efficiency in hotel housekeeping departments. Although star hotels in Delhi NCR have made progress in adopting sustainable practices, further efforts are needed to overcome cost barriers, enhance staff training, and establish clear industry-wide sustainability standards. The findings provide practical insights for hotel managers and policymakers seeking to strengthen sustainable housekeeping initiatives

The marketing of influencers is emerging as one of the very powerful ways to reshape the consumer buying decisions in today’s digital economy and both AI-powered and human influencers are changing the way brands interact with their audiences. Even, human influencers continue to be the most dominated influencers due to their authenticity and emotional relatability, while the acceleration of virtual influencers are trending in digital commerce that hasn’t been fully explored yet. This study aims to assess and contrast the impact that influencers generated by AI and human influencers on consumer buying decisions. A quantitative descriptive research method was used and structured questionnaires were used to obtain the data and sent by using social media platforms to 100 active social media users, who are representative of consumer who use technology. The collected data was analysed with the help of SPSS software using percentage analysis to understand the trends of awareness, trust and buying behaviour of consumers. The results revealed that human influencers are much better than AI influencers at building trust, making emotional connections and driving actual purchase among consumers. 68% of respondents said they were influenced by human recommendations, whereas only 12% said they were influenced by AI-based ones, surprisingly 54% consumers denied the exposure towards AI-generated influencers. AI influencers have the potential to be scalable and novel but their limited authenticity and perceived emotional disconnect restrict their persuasive power. These results highlight that marketers need to find a way to blend the realness of human influencers with the technology benefits of artificial intelligence in order to create hybrid campaigns that appeal to both the rational and emotive parts of making decisions among consumers. This study offers empirical evidence which uniquely adds value to the existing literature on consumer psychology in digital era and influencer marketing. It not only shows how human influencers always be important but it also shows the importance of understanding how AI-driven personalities can complement with human influencer to shape the future of digital commerce..

The study investigates the correlation between digital transformation and change management in businesses, with a particular emphasis on the manner in which corporations adapt to technological advancements while simultaneously managing the corresponding operational and human changes. In order to remain competitive in a digital marketplace, it is imperative for organizations to undergo digital transformation. However, its effectiveness is primarily contingent upon the organization's ability to effectively manage change. This investigation examines the primary factors that influence organizational adaptability, such as governance, technological infrastructure, culture, and leadership. The report conducts a comprehensive literature review and case analysis to identify the most common challenges that businesses face during digital transformation and to provide effective strategies for overcoming these obstacles. The essential results indicate that a well-defined strategic vision and leadership dedication are essential for the advancement of digital transformation efforts. Leaders who demonstrate a sustained commitment to technology integration, communicate candidly, and actively involve workers and stakeholders are more likely to achieve success. Additionally, a more seamless transition throughout the transformation process is facilitated by an organizational culture that encourages creativity, cooperation, and ongoing learning. The research underscores the necessity of a robust technological infrastructure that can accommodate digital technologies, thereby enabling their seamless integration and scalability. Change management solutions are indispensable in conjunction with technology and culture. Stakeholder engagement, effective communication, and specialized training are essential for overcoming employee resistance and promoting the adoption of new technology. In order to mitigate potential security and compliance issues during the transition, it is imperative to establish risk management and governance frameworks. The research posits that organizations that strategically integrate their digital transformation initiatives with comprehensive change management strategies are more successful in adapting to technological advancements. The study provides practical insights for businesses that are striving to cultivate creativity, improve efficiency, and accomplish sustainable

development through digital transformation

The rapid rise of online learning platforms has changed the face of language instruction, particularly in the realm of writing proficiency. This research paper makes an attempt to explore the opportunities for ESL learners to improve their English writing skills by using digital platforms. It looks at technologies that can offer practice, feedback and personalized learning experiences such as learning management systems (LMS), AI-powered writing assistants and collaborative tools. This study uses secondary data from academic sources and peer-reviewed journals as the part of qualitative research methodology. The findings demonstrate the potential of online platforms to improve the accuracy, consistency, and originality of writing through ongoing feedback and students’ independence. However, problems such as the digital divide, lack of motivation and over reliance on automated technologies still exist. The report gives pedagogical recommendations on how to effectively use online platforms in language training

This paper discusses the psychological aspects of illness, stigma and survival in the context of novel One Part Woman based upon the concepts of feminist medical humanities, psychology of illness and trauma studies. One Part Woman is written by Perumal Murugan. Madhorubhagan is an original novel in Tamil which was translated into English by Aniruddhan Vasudevan. The novel not only covers the issue of infertility as a biological problem, but also as a stigma that goes deep within the human personality, marriage, emotions and social life. Ponna and Kali is the way Murugan gives expression to the inmates' suffering due to a culture that equates a woman's reproductive cessation with psychological and emotional isolation. The paper suggests that emotional trauma is exacerbated by silence, shame and social pressure, and that it is a form of resistance to oppressive cultural structures to survive. The novel also uncovers the role of disease and stigma in the construction of identity in the context of sexist and caste-based societies

The Maritime Silk Economy of Eurasia between the 10th and 17th centuries was fundamentally shaped by women’s textile production, which served as the backbone of long distance maritime trade networks. This study examines the role of women in textile production within maritime silk trade systems, analyzes the circulation of women produced textiles through major trade routes, investigates their socio economic conditions in coastal societies, and explores the relationship between gendered labor and the expansion of maritime commercial economies. The findings reveal that women across India China and Southeast Asia played a central role in producing high value textiles such as silk muslin cotton chintz batik and embroidery which were actively integrated into Indian Ocean Red Sea and South China Sea trade networks. Maritime routes enabled the large scale circulation of these goods through key port cities including Calicut Surat Malacca Canton and Manila where they became major export commodities in global markets.The study further finds that women’s labor was structured through household-based production systems, piece rate wages, barter exchange and contract-based arrangements with European trading companies. Despite widespread gender-based wage inequality and social restrictions, women contributed significantly to the household incomes and regional economies. However, colonial interventions by the British East India Company and Dutch VOC increasingly transformed women’s labour into controlled export production systems. The study concludes that women’s textile production was not peripheral but central to the functioning of the Maritime Silk Economy and that global trade expansion during this period was structurally dependent on gendered labor systems embedded within coastal and maritime societies.

Global warming has a global dimension. In recent years, the issue of finance and climate change is problematic. This is evidenced by the ecological, diplomatic and economic debates about reducing CO_2 emissions into the atmosphere. Thus, even if a country has not contributed to global warming, that country in turn suffers the effects of CO_2 emissions. Therefore, efforts to reduce or not reduce CO_2 emissions will be beneficial or harmful to all countries. Thus, the objective of this paper is to analyze the effect of CO_2 emissions on the financialization of the economy in Sub-Saharan Africa over the period 2000-2019 for a sample of 21 countries. Tests of cross-sectional dependence, stationarity, identification associated with specification tests, order and rank conditions have been performed. We used the double least squares (DLS) estimation technique. The estimation results of the equation of the financialization of the economy show that the CO_2 emissions positively affect the financialization of the economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. This result implies that the development of the financialization of the economy could be beneficial to the reduction of CO_2 emissions and thus fight against global warming. Thus, the authorities of Sub-Saharan African countries should focus on the development of financial markets and financial instruments.

The Siddi community in India is an African-origin marginalized group residing mainly in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, who continue to face socio-economic disadvantages despite their long historical presence in the country. Health inequalities remain a critical concern for the community, shaped by poverty, geographic isolation, low awareness of public health schemes, and limited access to quality healthcare services. Within the broader Indian healthcare system, marginalized and tribal population often experience unequal service delivery, and the Siddis represent a relatively understudied group in this context. This study examines health inequalities and access to public healthcare among the Siddi community in India, focusing on healthcare utilization patterns, availability of services, and barriers faced in accessing public health facilities. The paper highlights the community experiences of the Siddi community, the multiple structural and socio-economic challenges faced by them, including distance to healthcare centers, financial constraints, limited health literacy, and weak inclusion in government health care programs. Preventive healthcare practices are minimal, with many individuals relying on local remedies and delaying formal medical treatment. Women and children are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate maternal and child healthcare access. The study highlights that health inequalities among the Siddi community are driven by systemic exclusion and socio-economic deprivation, underscoring the need for targeted policy interventions and improved healthcare outreach to ensure equitable access to public health services.

The research examines how diaspora, trauma and nostalgia connect with each other in The Namesake written by Jhumpa Lahiri. The research shows how migration affects people from one generation to another. The novel depicts the Ganguli family who abandoned their Indian home to settle in the United States because they had to face psychological and cultural difficulties arising from existing in two different cultural environments. The research investigates how people experience trauma because they face physical dislocation,  cultural alienation, loss of familiarity causing a broken identity.

The research focuses on how Ashima develops her feeling of loneliness, her desire for connection which shows how first-generation immigrants find it hard to fit in with others and adjust to new situations. Gogol’s journey shows how second-generation immigrants deal with their identity crisis through name symbolism and their inherited family memory. Nostalgia functions as a main theme that operates as both a way for characters to handle their emotions and a reason for their emotional distress because it keeps characters connected to their homeland yet making it hard for them to adjust to their new society.

The research paper shows through detailed textual analysis that Lahiri uses diaspora as a space where people face ongoing battles between their traumatic experiences and their nostalgic memories which create their personal and group identities. The novel shows that people who belong to the diaspora, experience their identity through transnational spaces because they use memory and loss to form their personal identity

This study presents a PRISMA-based conceptual review of the key challenges and emerging opportunities in sustainable mutual fund investments. Drawing on a systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, thirteen influential theoretical and empirical studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified and synthesized. The review integrates Signaling Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) to develop a unified framework that explains how ESG disclosure, investor trust, regulatory structures, and fund performance are interrelated. Findings show that transparent ESG reporting acts as a credible market signal that enhances investor confidence and legitimacy, thereby increasing capital flows into sustainable funds. Stakeholder engagement further strengthens investor relationships, while ESG-aligned diversification contributes to improved risk-adjusted returns. Despite this potential, the sector continues to face obstacles such as inconsistent ESG metrics, greenwashing, regulatory ambiguity, and fragmented data systems. The proposed framework highlights the moderating role of regulatory evolution and technological innovation in improving transparency and reducing sustainability-related risks. This review provides a theoretically grounded and empirically informed foundation for future research aimed at strengthening the credibility, performance, and governance of sustainable mutual funds.

The rapid digitization of services has increased the demand for automated, self-service systems in document handling and printing. This study presents the design, development, and experimental evaluation of a Print ATM system implemented using Pabbly Connect for workflow automation and PrintNode for cloud-based printing. The system integrates web forms for user input, Google Drive for file storage, Google Sheets for data logging, and PayU for secure payment processing. The experimental setup involved 100 users with varying workloads ranging from 10 to 100 print requests per user across multiple file formats. Key performance indicators such as response time, throughput, success rate, error rate, and queue time were evaluated. The results demonstrate an average response time of 4.2 seconds, a success rate of 96.8%, and a throughput of 58 jobs per hour under peak conditions. The findings indicate that the proposed system significantly improves operational efficiency and reduces human dependency compared to traditional printing systems. The study concludes that no-code automation combined with cloud printing provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for smart kiosk-based printing services...

The digital revolution has brought about a profound shift in today's business operations, making them more dependent on interdependent digital infrastructures, cloud-based systems, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies. These innovations boost operational efficiency and business performance, however, they also introduce new and heightened cyber risks like ransomware attacks, phishing, insider risk, data breaches and cloud vulnerabilities. The purpose of this research paper is to explore how the digital business organization manages its cybersecurity activities and practices to safeguard digital assets, ensure operational continuity, and ensure information security. The study examines key cybersecurity frameworks, such as ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT, and Zero Trust Architecture, and their contribution to enhancing governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. The paper also highlights the significance of access control systems, encryption technologies, employee awareness initiatives, incident response planning, and AI-powered threat detection mechanisms in enhancing an organization's cybersecurity resilience. Furthermore, the study examines the new cybersecurity issues posed by cloud systems, IoT systems, attacks using artificial intelligence and remote working infrastructures. The results suggest that a comprehensive strategy for cybersecurity management should encompass technological advancements, proactive risk management, and staff education efforts, as well as ongoing monitoring practices. The study concludes that organizations need to keep their cybersecurity policies and procedures up to date and have flexibility in their security policies to respond to changing threats in order to ensure a secure digital business

As e-commerce continues to grow rapidly, the rapid growth of e-commerce has increased the importance of efficient logistics and safe product delivery in ensuring customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study reviews product damage in e-commerce logistics and concludes the extent to which damaged products influence customer satisfaction relative to Flipkart. The study identifies the major causes of product damage, as well as measures the overall effect that damaged products have on both customer trust and future purchases. The data utilized in this study was obtained using a structured questionnaire and analysed with the assistance of SPSS and Microsoft Excel, using statistical methods such as percentage analysis, Correlation Analysis, and Regression Analysis. The result of the analysis indicates that poor packaging and issues related to transportation are the primary causes of product damage and negatively contribute to customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study recommends that improvements in packaging quality, improvement in logistics operations, and improvement in customer support services will assist in reducing product damage, and in enhancing customer satisfaction on ecommerce platforms..

Deep hybrid architectures such as CNN–BiLSTM–Attention have established strong accuracy benchmarks for short-term wind speed forecasting, but their decision logic remains opaque to grid operators, wind-farm engineers, and regulatory auditors. Operational deployment of such models in the Indian power system, especially under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's Deviation Settlement Mechanism, increasingly demands interpretability   both to build trust and to satisfy auditability requirements. This paper applies two complementary Explainable AI (XAI) techniques SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) and LIME (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations) to a CNN–BiLSTM–Attention model trained on 8,760 hourly SCADA observations from an operational Indian onshore wind turbine (2018 data). Attention weights are also extracted from the model itself and compared against the SHAP and LIME attributions. Results reveal strong convergence across all three interpretability methods: the four most recent hourly lags (t-1 to t-4) contribute approximately 70% of the total prediction influence, while the 24-hour lag (t-24) provides a secondary contribution reflecting diurnal cyclicity. These patterns are operationally meaningful and align with the known atmospheric physics of short-term wind dynamics. The paper additionally demonstrates a deployment-ready pipeline in which SHAP, LIME, and attention weights are integrated into a real-time operator dashboard for Indian wind-farm monitoring. The findings establish that the CNN–BiLSTM–Attention model is not only accurate but also interpretable, transparent, and audit-ready..

With India keen to be self-sufficient by 2047, there are  lot of start-ups coming up which are enhancing India’s capabilities in terms of being self-sustainable to achieve the vision of "Make in India". Indian premier higher education institutes namely Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian School of Business (ISB), and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), are creating an ecosystem which promotes an environment of ideation and innovation. These premier institutes have also incubated various startups and have developed entrepreneurial skills amongst its students. Prestigious institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and ISB Hyderabad have established world-class incubation centers, including IIT Bombay’s Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT Madras’ Incubation Cell, IIM Ahmedabad’s Centre for Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship (CIIE.CO), and ISB’s DLabs Incubator.

These centres provide basic funding, mentorship and infrastructure facilities to support young entrepreneurs to start their journey and establish their start-ups along with networking opportunities. Various hackathons, business plan competitions and workshops on leadership are conducted to impart hands on experience to students. Nationwide initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Startup India, along with institutional accelerators, have further strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Despite all the progress made, higher education institutes other than IITs, IIMs, and ISBs face many difficulties in fostering entrepreneurship. To reduce this gap, this paper suggests strengthening the partnerships between public and private institutes, improving the access to funding opportunities, designing programs which are inclusive in nature to target underrepresented groups like women entrepreneurs

Due to rising competition, digitization, and changing expectations of employees, the retention of human capital has become an important issue for banks in developing economies. Through a qualitative research methodology, the present study assessed the factors which influence human capital retention in the banks of the emerging market at the junior level. The study was focused on the employee perceptions of organisational retention practices and workplace environment, managerial support, career development, compensation and work-life balance issue.  Through the purposive sampling technique, the researcher gathered data through semi-structured interviews of 100 junior-level jobholders working in public and private sector banks. In order to produce essential themes related to retention which are also representative of the employees’ narrative. In essence, the findings were the most critical retention factors for employees in the organization were career development, compensation and benefits, supportive leadership, and organizational culture.  The workload stress burnout due to limited growth opportunities were the major causes of employee dissatisfaction and turnover intentions.  The organizational retention practices have a significant association with employee retention. The researcher concluded that human resources strategy, when employee-centric, coupled with supportive organisation practices will enhance stability of workforce and sustainable performance of the organisation

The study sought to investigate the effect of treadmill and resistance training on selected motor fitness variables among hockey players. To achieve the purpose of the study (N=45) forty five  field hockey players were selected from Bharathidasan University, Tamilnadu, India as subjects. The age of the subjects ranged from 19 to 25 years. The selected subjects were divided into three equal groups (N=15). Group I underwent treadmill training. Group II underwent resistance training. Group III acted as control group who did not undergo any specialized training program other than their daily routine. The motor fitness variables such as coordination, balance, explosive power and cardiorespiratory endurance. Were selected as dependent variables and they were assessed by hand-eye coordination, stork balance test, standing broad jumps, cooper 12 min run/walk  respectively. The subjects were concerned with their particular training for a period of twelve weeks, three days per week. The collected data from three groups prior to and immediately after the training programme on selected criterion variables were statistically analyzed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The level of confidence was fixed at 0.05 for all the cases to test the hypothesis. The result of the study reveals that the treadmill training and resistance training groups achieved significant improvement on selected motor fitness variables such as coordination, balance, explosive power, cardiorespiratory endurance of college field hockey players

To achieve the purpose of the study was to examine the segregated and collaborated effect of computer supported and traditional methods of training with small side games on selected psychomotor and performance parameters among school basketball players. For that sixty (60) school level basketball players were selected as subjects from Municipal Boys Higher Secondary School, Salem, Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India. The age of the subjects was restricted to 14 to 18 years. The selected subjects were randomly assigned into four groups of fifteen each group I underwent Computer Supported Collaborative Training with Small Side Games Group (CSCTSSGG), group II underwent Traditional Method of Training with Small Side Games Group (TMTSSG), group III underwent Combined Computer Supported Collaborative and Traditional Method of Training with Small Side Games Group (CCSCTMTSSGG) and group IV acted as Control Group. The experimental groups underwent a six-weeks training program of three alternate days per week, ninety minutes per session. The computer supported collaborative training with small side games group received computer-based video demonstration, video analysis (kinovea) and feedback based basketball skill training integrated with small side games, while the traditional method of training with small side games group performed skill development such as demonstration and repetitive drill execution and over the progressive drill based training such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Combined Group will collaborate with the two groups.  The control group did not receive any specific training apart from their regular physical activities. The pre and post test data were statistically analyzed using dependent t-tests and ANCOVA at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that all the experimental groups significantly improved in psychomotor and performance parameters

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Work from Home culture boomed; after that, the companies and organizations provided both Physical and work from home, this employee is famously known as a Hybrid Worker. These people have their own labour law, but many of them are not aware of it. To highlight this issue, this study conducts qualitative explanatory research with 241 IT employees on the southern side of Tamil Nadu, India. The demographic profile was analysed with Descriptive analysis using JAMOVI software, and other objectives were done with Word Cloud analysis using MAXQDA software. The result explains that the hybrid employees need separate training and development regarding their own Labour Laws and to reduce the inequality, promote Sustainable Development Goal 10, and while the employee gets equal provisions, then they feel their well-being of them it promotes Sustainable Development Goal 3, and this study helps to implement in the organizations to increase their productivity and maintain employee engagement and well-being...

Financial inclusion has been found to be an urgent policy of inclusive economic development, especially in rural India where formal financial services access is skewed. This paper will discuss financial literacy as a major factor that determines financial inclusion among rural households in Jharkhand. The study is grounded on primary data obtained through the use of structured questionnaire comprising 60 respondents on a Likert scale. The research design is descriptive and the statistical tests including the percentage analysis and regression analysis using SPSS are used to investigate the relationship between the variables. The results show that there is a moderate positive relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion that is statistically significant. The regression analysis indicates that the financial literacy level explains 33.8 percent of the variation in financial inclusion, which is significant in determining the financial behaviour. Demographics indicate that financial inclusion differs in relation to education, occupation and gender. The research points to the fact that the effective use of banking services, digital payments, and financial schemes can be improved through financial knowledge. It concludes that financial literacy is an important element that facilitates financial inclusion and curbs economic inequalities in rural communities. The results can offer helpful data to policymakers to create specific financial education frameworks and enhance financial ecosystems in the rural areas..

Purpose: This study looks into the economic effects of multimodal cleanliness and hygiene policies on patron retention. Keeping a clean environment has become essential for multiplexes to meet the expectations of their movie-watching patrons. These days, watching films is more about lifestyle and social standing than it is about your favourite actor. Spending a lot of money on movie tickets in a multiplex with all the 5-star amenities—such as reclining seats, a clean and hygienic atmosphere, ambience, and personalised service—is not something that customers mind. Although housekeeping is a department that primarily operates in the background and does not directly contribute to revenue, it is a fact that if your areas are not kept clean and hygienic, customers may not want to visit your property, which could result in loss. For this reason, housekeeping is very important in terms of profitability and customer retention.

Methodology: The study polled 25 housekeeping managers and 184 patrons at the top multiplexes in Gurugram using quantitative approaches. This study uses a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design to investigate the connection between hygiene practices and their economic influence on customer retention. To present a comprehensive picture, the method integrates operational data from housekeeping managers with consumer perception data.

 Findings: The results show that customer happiness and perceived hygiene standards are strongly positively correlated, which has an immediate effect on repeat business and customer loyalty. The cost-benefit analysis of hiring housekeeping services is also covered in the study, which demonstrates how better cleanliness increases long-term profitability by retaining customers.

Practical Implications: The study's conclusions are that cleaning as a Source of Income in addition to being operational requirements, cleanliness and obvious hygiene measures can serve as tactical instruments for attracting and keeping clients. Profitability can be directly impacted by improved hygienic impressions, which can result in more customers returning, more concession purchases, and favourable word-of-mouth.

Originality: This study created a thorough theoretical framework that connects customer retention and hygiene practices. This study is among the first to investigate, from an economic standpoint, the connection between housekeeping and hygiene practices and consumer retention, particularly in the multiplex movie theatre sector. Although cleanliness has been examined as a service quality factor in earlier hospitality and tourist studies, the majority of these studies have concentrated on hotels, restaurants, or healthcare facilities..

This research presents a fresh outlook on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation one that emphasizes its potential to create global and sustainable outcomes. Initially, the study explores the key drivers of CSR in a novel manner, highlighting the advantages corporations can gain from CSR based on recent literature. It then proposes an integrated model that combines elements from existing CSR frameworks while introducing new dimensions. Subsequently, the study examines the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outlining their current status and global progress as reported in the United Nations’ annual assessments. Lastly, it analyzes all 17 SDGs through a corporate lens, demonstrating how each goal can generate business value, and presents a holistic framework for implementing CSR strategies aligned with the SDGs.

This paper examines the concept of how companies can successfully survive extended economic downturns using strategic cost management and retain social capital and resilience. It looks at the conflict between cost reduction by aggression and preservation of relational assets, in the form of the so-called Paradox of Prudence. The study is based on a six-year longitudinal panel data of 214 firms in both manufacturing and service industries, in which the dynamic interrelations among cost intensity, social capital, and resilience outcomes are examined. The results suggest that aggressive cost reduction has a significant impact on enhancing the financial efficiency (0.42, p < 0.01) in the short term but also reduces social capital (0.37, p < 0.01). There is a strong positive relationship between social capital and organizational resilience (: 0.48, p < 0.01), and the association between cost strategy and resilience partially goes through social capital. Balanced cost strategies of firms have better long-term performance with recovery rates 23 points higher in the long term. The findings demonstrate the need to reconcile financial discipline with relational sustainability in the effort to achieve long-term resilience of the organization.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as recommendation engines, chatbots and virtual assistants are increasingly embedded in online retail platforms, reshaping how consumers search, evaluate and purchase products (Riegger & Hoffmann, 2026; Kiran & Aithal, 2025). Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and AI-specific extensions, this study examines how the perceived usefulness of AI tools influences online buying behaviour among consumers in Chennai, India. A structured questionnaire was administered to 300 online shoppers who have used AI-enabled features such as personalised recommendations, conversational agents and visual search. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, correlation, multiple regression, ANOVA, chi-square tests and structural equation modelling. The conceptual model posits that perceived usefulness significantly predicts online buying behaviour, with perceived ease of use and trust in AI tools acting as complementary drivers. The study contributes a city-level perspective from an emerging economy and offers practical implications for e commerce firms seeking to design consumer centric AI interfaces.

The present study examines the role of social influence as a key behavioural driver of online purchase decisions among Generation Z consumers. In the rapidly evolving digital environment, Gen Z is highly exposed to social media platforms, influencer marketing, and user-generated content, which significantly shape their buying behaviour. The study aims to analyse the perception of Gen Z consumers towards social influence factors and to explore the impact of elements such as social media platforms, trending products, online ratings, and user-generated content on their purchasing decisions. A structured questionnaire based on a Likert scale was used to collect primary data from a sample of 157 respondents selected through a random sampling technique. Statistical tools, including the One-Sample t-test, and chi-square testing were applied to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that all selected social factors have a statistically significant influence on online purchase decisions, with user-generated content and online reviews emerging as the most impactful. The study highlights that Gen Z consumers rely heavily on peer opinions, digital interactions, and social validation while making purchase choices. The research contributes to a better understanding of contemporary consumer behaviour and provides valuable insights for marketers to design effective digital strategies targeting Gen Z consumers

One of India's most industrialized states is Tamil Nadu. In recent years there was fiscal deterioration The sustainability of Tamil Nadu's debt is examined in this study.

Tamil Nadu has shown stagnant own tax revenue, declining central shares, and rising expenditures on subsidies and interest payments, alongside a decline in capital expenditure. Tamil Nadu’s outstanding liabilities are above 25 percent, which is quite alarmingly high. Empirical studies of debt sustainability reveal contradictory findings: a unit root test on the debt-GDP ratio points to unsustainability, whereas a cointegration test between government revenue and overall expenditures implies sustainability. This research emphasizes the intricate and uncertain aspects of Tamil Nadu's financial condition, stressing the critical requirement for strong revenue generation and careful spending management to guarantee long-term debt viability

The complex of processes involved yields Accounting Information Systems (AIS), whereby financial data is recorded, processed, and stored that has important implications not only for decision-making, but also regulatory compliance and stakeholder assurance. While accounting practices have moved towards a digital transformation, accounting systems are increasingly susceptible to advanced cyber threats, data breaches, and financial manipulation. In this paper, a new paradigm of Quantum-Secured Accounting Information Systems (AIS) is proposed as a preventive framework aimed at dealing with the novelty of cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing. It discusses and critiques how classical crypto-based AIS are open to exposures of some very serious threats and then outlines the ideas for a quantum security aware framework addressing financial data integrity, audit reliability, confidence by stakeholders. By compiling existing interdisciplinary literature, spanning accounting through cybersecurity to quantum technology, the paper constructs a multi-layered architecture of AIS secured with quantum technologies that includes data protection, access control and audit compliance. The paper further relates the implications of these systems for financial reporting, auditing and corporate governance while identifying primary challenges to adoption in terms of infrastructure costs and skills shortages are identified as well as legacy system integration challenges and a lack of quantum standards specific to the accounting profession. Finally, it provides guidelines for future research to empirically test organizational readiness and the impacts of classical vs. quantum secured AIS on audit quality and preventing fraud especially in developing countries. This research contributes to AIS literature by proposing a future-oriented framework that readies accounting systems for the post-quantum era

Over the last 20 years, the tourism industry in India has become one of the most significant industries in the country. Quite to the contrary, it has become the crossroads of foreign exchange mobilization, mass job creation, rural transformation, infrastructure investment, and reactivation of the soft power. In this paper, we look at the economic aspects of Indian tourism in excruciating detail, tracing present performance versus the transformative expectations of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, a government-formulated national development template, which aims at increasing the GDP by USD 30-40 trillion by the 100th anniversary of the independence of India. Based on the figures published by the Ministry of Tourism Annual Reports and Data Compendium, Economic Impact Research of the World Travel and Tourism Council, Economic Survey of India, NITI Aayog's greatest evaluations, and the National Accounts Statistics, this paper presents an argument that tourism is not a passive by-product of the economy, but a tool of economic growth. The discussions focus on sectoral GDP contribution, the employment multiplier factors, the foreign exchange earnings, domestic tourism dynamics, niche tourism such as the medical and wellness tourism, the policy architecture, structural issues and future projections in line with the year 2047 horizon. This paper concludes that to achieve the Viksit Bharat tourism potential, it is necessary not a gradual modification but a radical change in attitude towards infrastructure investment, human capital development, digitization and governance reform

Financial Technology (FinTech) has emerged as a transformative force in the Indian banking sector, reshaping the delivery, accessibility, and efficiency of financial services. This study examines the opportunities and risks associated with FinTech adoption in Indian banks, with a focus on its impact on operational performance, customer experience, and financial inclusion. The rapid growth of digital payment systems, particularly the Unified Payments Interface, along with advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics, has enabled banks to offer innovative, cost-effective, and customer-centric solutions. These developments have significantly expanded the reach of banking services, especially to underserved and rural populations. However, the integration of FinTech also introduces several challenges, including cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, regulatory complexities, and technological integration issues. The study highlights the critical role of regulatory authorities such as the Reserve Bank of India in maintaining a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring financial stability. It further emphasizes the importance of strategic collaboration between banks and FinTech firms, investment in digital infrastructure, and enhancement of digital literacy. The findings suggest that while FinTech presents immense growth opportunities, its sustainable adoption requires robust risk management frameworks and adaptive regulatory policies to ensure a secure and inclusive financial ecosystem.

This study focuses on understanding the impact of the onboarding process on employee performance in IT firms. Onboarding is an important human resource practice that helps new employees adjust to their job roles, work environment, and organizational culture. The main objective of this research is to analyze how onboarding activities such as training, orientation, and support influence employee performance, productivity, and job satisfaction. A quantitative research method was used, and data was collected from employees through a structured questionnaire. Statistical tools like regression analysis and ANOVA were applied to examine the relationship between onboarding and employee performance. The findings indicate that effective onboarding helps employees gain confidence, improve their skills, and perform their tasks more efficiently. Proper onboarding also reduces confusion, increases job satisfaction, and supports long-term organizational growth. Therefore, onboarding plays a significant role in improving employee performance in IT firms.

Algorithmic evidence is moving from the police workstation to the criminal courtroom. Facial recognition outputs, probabilistic genotyping likelihood ratios, risk scores, and tool-generated investigative leads now shape arrest, charging, bail, plea bargaining, and, increasingly, proof at trial. Yet criminal procedure still assumes that evidence is either human testimony or a readable artefact whose reliability can be tested through disclosure and cross-examination. This paper argues that courts must examine not only the algorithm’s final result, but also the full process that produced it, because that process decides whether the result is trustworthy. Through doctrinal and comparative analysis of India, the European human rights and data protection framework, the United Kingdom’s disclosure and expert evidence regime, and the United States’ Daubert and Frye reliability gatekeeping, the paper develops a three-part account. First, admissibility must demand demonstrated validity for the claimed use, plus error characterisation that is usable in Court. Second, disclosure must be structured around meaningful defence challenge rather than vendor secrecy, using calibrated protective orders where necessary. Third, defence rights must include effective access to technical assistance, preservation of run artefacts, and credible remedies for non-disclosure. Recent judicial responses, including exclusion of facial recognition outputs under Frye Mack, appellate scrutiny of undisclosed facial recognition disclaimers in warrant practice, and appellate approval of probabilistic genotyping where code access issues are addressed on the record, show both the promise and the limits of existing tools. For India, the immediate task is doctrinal adaptation, electronic record admissibility establishes authenticity, but algorithmic inference requires a reliability and contestability layer anchored in Article 21 fair trial, Article 14 non-arbitrariness, and surveillance legality.

India's startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, with over two lakh ventures now recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), of which approximately fifty percent originate from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Despite this numerical significance, the lived experiences of founders operating outside major metropolitan hubs remain largely absent from academic literature, which has disproportionately focused on the ecosystems of Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai. This study addresses that gap through an exploratory qualitative investigation of entrepreneurial experiences in three non-metro cities, Jaipur, Rohtak, and Panipat and situates those experiences in comparative relation to the Delhi NCR startup ecosystem. Seventeen semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with startup founders across the three cities, and the resulting data were analyzed using thematic analysis following the framework of Braun and Clarke (2006). Five overarching themes emerged from the analysis: infrastructure and operational constraints, access to capital and investor networks, talent acquisition and retention challenges, community networks and social capital, and government policy awareness, access, and impact. The findings reveal that non-metro founders navigate a structurally more challenging entrepreneurial environment than their metropolitan counterparts, characterized by infrastructure deficits, geographic distance from investor networks, persistent talent drain toward metro cities, and a pronounced gap between the availability and the actual utilization of government support schemes. Simultaneously, the study surfaces community social capital as a genuine and distinctive asset of smaller city ecosystems, enabling early-stage survival and local market penetration in ways that metropolitan environments, with their greater transactional anonymity, do not easily replicate. The study contributes to entrepreneurial ecosystem theory by demonstrating the need for context-sensitive, place-based frameworks capable of capturing the dynamics of peripheral ecosystems in emerging economies. It further offers actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and ecosystem builders committed to extending India's entrepreneurial ambitions equitably beyond the metropolitan core

This study explores the relationship between workforce skill development and logistics cost optimization, using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis to understand key operational drivers. The findings reveal that error reduction emerges as the most influential factor in improving logistics efficiency, highlighting its critical role in minimizing costs and enhancing overall performance. Factors such as inventory cost management, productivity, and technical and operational skills demonstrate moderate significance, indicating that they contribute meaningfully to operational effectiveness, though not as strongly as error control. In contrast, demographic variables such as educational qualification and gender show minimal influence on logistics performance outcomes. Further analysis using chi-square tests confirms that there is no statistically significant association between gender and key operational variables, including error reduction, rework minimization, process accuracy, compliance, and quality control. Although quality control showed a marginal likelihood ratio significance, it was not supported by the Pearson test, reinforcing the overall conclusion of independence. The study also acknowledges certain limitations in the statistical analysis, particularly due to small expected frequencies in some categories, which may affect the robustness of the chi-square results. Overall, the research emphasizes that operational efficiency in logistics is primarily driven by process-oriented factors, especially error reduction, rather than demographic characteristics, offering valuable insights for organizations aiming to optimize costs through skill development initiatives

The high integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in retail has reshaped the way companies communicate with customers in the form of highly personalized results. Whereas the operational and marketing advantages of AI-enabled personalization have been highlighted in previous research, little has been done so far to gain insight into the psychological processes that define consumer reactions. To fill this gap, this paper suggests a theory-based framework that considers how AI-based personalization affects the consumer intentions to behave in a way by means of trust and perceived control. This paper will use the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, and the trust theory as the theoretical framework to conceptualize the process of AI personalization as a stimulus that can influence internal cognitive and emotional state (trust and perceived control), and subsequently consumer purchase intentions. The research design is conceptual and has been justified with the wide range of reviews of the previous literature in AI, retailing and consumer behavior. The systematic framework is built to describe the role of personalized recommendations, targeted advertisements, and interactions based on AI in consumer engagement and decision-making. These results indicate that even though the concept of AI-based personalization improves consumer experience and involvement, the effectiveness of this technology is deeply dependent on the levels of trust and the sense of control over data utilization. The research adds to the theory by bringing together various frameworks into a single model and presents practical implications of how retailers can shape ethical, transparent, and consumer-focused AI strategies...

This study examines the relationship between social media presence and financial sustainability in the context of NeoFusion Creative Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. Despite over a decade of impactful community work, having reached more than 15,250 students, distributed over 62,000 meals, and rehabilitated over 500 school dropouts since its founding in 2013, the organization continues to face chronic funding shortfalls that threaten the continuity of its programmes. Adopting a qualitative case study methodology grounded in the interpretive paradigm, the study draws on direct observation, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and document analysis conducted during a social internship visit to the organization. Thematic analysis of the data reveals four interconnected findings: the organization maintains a limited and inconsistent social media presence; barriers prevent meaningful digital adoption; digital invisibility directly constrains fundraising outcomes; and a significant gap exists between the organization's on-ground impact and its public awareness. The study concludes that NeoFusion's funding challenges are primarily a consequence of strategic digital silence rather than insufficient public generosity, and recommends prioritized investment in digital communication capacity as a prerequisite for long-term financial sustainability

E-sports has rapidly evolved into a global competitive and commercial phenomenon, necessitating the development of robust legal frameworks to regulate its multifaceted activities. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of the legal framework governing e-sports in India and the United States, with the objective of examining their regulatory approaches, institutional structures, and key legal challenges. The research is based on a doctrinal and comparative methodology, analysing constitutional provisions, statutory laws, judicial interpretations, and the role of regulatory and industry bodies in both jurisdictions. The findings reveal that India’s e-sports regulation is fragmented and largely dependent on existing laws such as the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Public Gambling Act, 1867, along with varying state legislations, leading to ambiguity and inconsistency. In contrast, the United States exhibits a more developed yet decentralized framework, supported by federal and state laws and significant private governance by industry stakeholders. Despite these differences, both countries face common challenges, including the classification of e-sports vis-à-vis gambling, player protection, and regulatory gaps. The study concludes that a comprehensive and coherent legal framework is essential for ensuring the sustainable growth of the e-sports industry. It recommends policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and international cooperation to address emerging legal and technological challenges

In today’s competitive and technology-driven environment, consumers increasingly resist traditional advertising, perceiving it as intrusive or inauthentic. Consequently, brand storytelling has emerged as a powerful strategy for fostering emotional connections, enhancing engagement, and building lasting loyalty. This qualitative exploratory study investigates how consumers perceive, interpret, and respond to narrative-driven brand communication. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis supported by sentiment analysis in QSR NVivo, the study identifies key narrative elements that resonate across platforms such as social media, websites, and advertising campaigns. Findings reveal that authentic stories grounded in personal values and relatable experiences significantly strengthen emotional bonds and increase brand loyalty. Additionally, storytelling proves most effective when adapted to diverse media formats while maintaining narrative coherence. The study contributes to narrative marketing literature and offers actionable insights for marketers, advertisers, and content creators seeking to leverage storytelling as a strategic tool for brand expression...

The paper discusses the structural change of rural female employment in India over three decades (1993-2024) based on the unit-level data of the Employment and Unemployment Surveys (NSSO-EUS) and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). The paper examines how the sectoral structure of rural female employment has evolved between 1993 and 2024, identifies the socio-economic factors that predict rural female labour force participation and traces how their relative impacts have shifted over the period 2011-12 to 2023-24, and evaluates whether the observed U-shaped trend in female labour force participation reflects a genuine structural transformation or is instead the outcome of measurement issues and compositional effects. Using multivariate logistic regression and compound annual growth rate (CAGR), the paper concludes that agricultural employment is still predominant but in decrease with non-farm sectors (especially health, social work, and professional services) taking over an ever-growing proportion of rural women. Statistically significant and economically significant predictors of female employment are religion, social group (caste), education, marital status, age, and household size. It is important to note that the likelihood of Muslim women to participate is significantly lower than that of Hindu women and the inverse relation between education and employment probability in the rural areas is an indication of the structural constraints to quality employment. The paper contributes to the current discussions on feminisation of agricultural labour and quality of the female participation in economic activities, and presents evidence-based policy implications of education, social inclusion, and family supports interventions

Modern hospitals are always operational and require many resources. To ensure continued delivery of medical services, they need a lot of water, electricity, medical supplies, and other resources. Hospitals also produce lots of waste, whether dangerous or not, increasing the costs of operation and pollution. In today's world, hospitals must find a way to offer quality medical services while at the same time being environmentally friendly as there are concerns about global warming and rising healthcare costs. AI is one of the major players in the quest for environmental sustainability within hospitals. It helps in making decisions through analysis of data, automation, and improvement of operations. The current research aims to explore the role of AI in decreasing waste production and energy efficiency in healthcare facilities. As indicated by the research findings, AI systems can significantly lower energy use by 10%– 30%, enhance supply chain operations, cut down disposal costs, and boost waste management. Nonetheless, AI systems are computationally intensive, and unless this issue is carefully handled, AI may end up negatively affecting the environment. It is recommended that a sustainable AI system be developed, taking into account both economic gains and environmental considerations

Administrative effectiveness in educational institutions has emerged as a critical determinant of academic and organizational success. In recent years, rising concerns about insecurity, safety deficiencies, and inadequate emergency preparedness within higher education institutions, particularly in public Colleges of Education across Southwest Nigeria, have posed significant challenges to effective administration and the continuity of academic operations. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the extent to which safety management predicts administrative effectiveness in public Colleges of Education in Southwest Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 560 senior administrators drawn from various departments and units across the public Colleges of Education in the region. The total enumeration technique was adopted, with all 560 administrators participating in the study. Data were collected using two self-developed and validated instruments: Safety Management Scale (r = .81) and Administrative Effectiveness Scale (r = .79). Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation tested the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that administrative effectiveness in public Colleges of Education was relatively high (x̅ = 3.00). However, the level of safety management (x̅ = 2.28) was comparatively low. Inferential statistics showed a significant relationship between safety management (r = .87, p < .05) and administrative effectiveness. Conclusively, safety management significantly predicts administrative effectiveness in public Colleges of Education in Southwest Nigeria. It was recommended that the implementation of standardized safety procedures, such as regular inspections, fire and emergency drills, and continuous health and safety training for both staff and students, be emphasized as essential for enhancing institutional resilience and ensuring a safer academic environment.

The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by changing consumer lifestyles, increasing urbanisation, and greater exposure to branding and digital marketing. This study examines the relationship between brand appeal and impulse buying behaviour among FMCG consumers in Tiruchirappalli City. It focuses on key factors such as brand image, packaging, promotional offers, and consumer perception, and their influence on unplanned purchasing decisions. The study also considers the role of demographic variables, particularly income level, in shaping consumer buying patterns. A structured approach is adopted to understand how branding elements affect spontaneous purchasing behaviour among consumers. By analysing the connection between brand appeal and impulse buying, the research highlights the importance of effective brand positioning in the FMCG sector. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour in a competitive market environment and offers a conceptual foundation for future research in the areas of branding strategies and impulse buying behaviour

Education in the era of digital transformation represents a paradigm shift in how teaching and learning are conceptualized, delivered, and experienced. This paper explores the integration of advanced digital technologies including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, learning management systems, and immersive tools such as virtual and augmented reality into educational ecosystems. It highlights how these innovations are reshaping traditional pedagogical models by fostering personalized, student-centered, and skill-oriented learning environments. With the growing global reliance on digital platforms, education is transitioning from rigid, lecture-based approaches to flexible, adaptive, and lifelong learning systems that cater to diverse learner needs. The study examines key developments such as AI-powered tutoring systems, virtual reality classrooms, and data-driven learning analytics, which enhance engagement, retention, and academic performance. It further emphasizes the role of digital transformation in promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and global collaboration while equipping learners with critical thinking and digital literacy skills required for modern workplaces. Additionally, the paper outlines practical applications of digital tools in education, including e-learning, real-time assessment, and content creation, alongside strategies for successful implementation such as teacher training, ethical AI usage, infrastructure development, and policy support. Despite its transformative potential, digital education faces significant challenges, including the digital divide, cybersecurity concerns, lack of digital competencies, and ethical issues related to data privacy and AI bias. The paper critically addresses these barriers while presenting the benefits of adaptive learning systems, improved engagement, and future readiness of learners. In conclusion, digital transformation in education is not merely a technological upgrade but a fundamental redefinition of learning itself. It calls for a holistic, inclusive, and ethically grounded approach to ensure equitable access and meaningful learning outcomes, ultimately preparing individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

In this paper, the decolonial economic ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar are evaluated as alternative theories of postcolonial development, and their intellectual legacies are placed in comparative African and Indian contexts. Although it seems that the vision of swadeshi evolved by Gandhi, which was based on decentralized, village production and the moralistic restraint of accumulation, and that of constitutional socialism as developed by Ambedkar, which is based on state-controlled industrialization and economic democracy, are incompatible, both intellectuals were fundamentally opposed to Western models of the development of capitalism and the structural dependency that they reproduced. By making comparative analysis of Ujamaa philosophy of Julius Nyerere and Pan-African socialism of Kwame Nkrumah, this paper exposes the intellectual project of decolonization of development that was shared by the postcolonial world, with the reclaiming of the policy space, centred non-western epistemologies, and economic systems that would build human dignity and substantive freedom rather than capital accumulation. The paper shows that the modern criticism of post development theory of development as a system of Western knowledge justifies the intuition of these mid-twentieth-century decolonial intellectuals which emphasizes the contradictions between the morally oriented economy and structural change, between the village and the state, which continue to plague development policy in the Global South. Its academic value is in the fact that it focuses on non-Western economic thinking as intellectual assets and not as historical oddities, and contributes to epistemological decolonization that is needed to envision development outside the power of the Northern hegemony

This article aims to show the place of the book and reading in cinema in Côte d’Ivoire. It focuses on the way the issue of the book and the act of reading are presented in films produced in Côte d’Ivoire. It thus falls within the valorization of cultural and creative industries in the context of declining book consumption by the population. For this, two theories were invoked, namely functionalism and the theory of cultural mediation; in addition, documentary research, the qualitative approach, and content analysis were used. It results that, both on television and in theatrical distribution, cinema in Côte d’Ivoire gives a very low representation of the book and reading. In view of this insufficient promotion, integrated cinema-book mediation within a systemic approach becomes a strategy to consider.

Résumé : La médecine traditionnelle en Côte d’Ivoire constitue une expression essentielle de l’identité culturelle et du patrimoine immatériel des communautés. Elle repose sur un ensemble de savoirs ancestraux transmis de génération en génération, intégrant des pratiques thérapeutiques, des rituels spirituels et l’usage de plantes médicinales. Au-delà de sa fonction de soin, elle reflète les valeurs, les croyances et les visions du monde propre aux différentes ethnies du pays.

Dans un contexte marqué par la modernisation et l’expansion de la médecine occidentale, la médecine traditionnelle fait face à des défis importants, notamment la marginalisation, le manque de reconnaissance institutionnelle et la disparition progressive de certains savoirs. Toutefois, elle continue de jouer un rôle central, en particulier dans les zones rurales où l’accès aux structures sanitaires modernes reste limité.

La valorisation et l’intégration de cette médecine dans les politiques de santé publique apparaissent aujourd’hui comme des enjeux majeurs. Elles permettraient non seulement de préserver un héritage culturel précieux, mais aussi de promouvoir une approche complémentaire des soins, respectueuse des réalités socioculturelles locales.

Mots-clés : Médicine traditionnelle ; Identité culturelle ; Savoirs ancestraux ; Patrimoine immatériel ; Santé communautaire

Summary: Traditional medicine in Côte d’Ivoire represents a vital expression of cultural identity and intangible heritage within communities. It is based on ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, combining therapeutic practices, spiritual rituals, and the use of medicinal plants. Beyond its healing function, it reflects the values, beliefs, and worldviews of the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

In a context shaped by modernization and the expansion of Western medicine, traditional medicine faces significant challenges, including marginalization, lack of institutional recognition, and the gradual loss of knowledge. Nevertheless, it continues to play a crucial role, particularly in rural areas where access to modern healthcare services remains limited.

The promotion and integration of traditional medicine into public health policies are now key issues. Such efforts would help preserve valuable cultural heritage while fostering a complementary healthcare approach that aligns with local sociocultural realities

The issue of the capital’s galloping urbanisation is borne out by the changes resulting in the strong grwth of conurbations and road infrastrutures, giving rise to spatial structurations tha have a strong impact on the social and cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the existing villages in the Abidjan district. Indeed, the development of the city of Abidjan has jeopardized the presentations, expressions, knowledge and know-know, as well as the instrument, objects of the Atchan communities in general and specifically those of the commune of Adjamé named Abidjan-diemin. This study, based on qualitive and documentary methods, has shown the impact of the capital’s urbanization on the preservation of the cultural heritage of local populations, and the measures required to safeguard

Social enterprises must communicate mission without undermining commercial viability, yet empirical evidence on whether impact-oriented marketing supports financial sustainability remains limited, especially in emerging economies. This study examines the relationship between social impact marketing and financial sustainability among Indian social enterprises and tests whether stakeholder trust and perceived legitimacy mediate that relationship, while digital capability moderates it. Using survey data from 250 Indian social enterprises and hierarchical regression with bootstrapped mediation analysis, the study finds that social impact marketing is positively associated with financial sustainability (β = 0.502, p < .001). When the mediators are introduced, the direct association remains significant (β = 0.314, p < .001), while stakeholder trust (β = 0.205, p < .001) and perceived legitimacy (β = 0.140, p = .009) also show significant positive associations with financial sustainability. Bootstrapped indirect effects via stakeholder trust (β = 0.071, 95% CI [0.034, 0.115]) and perceived legitimacy (β = 0.048, 95% CI [0.012, 0.090]) are significant, indicating partial mediation. Digital capability has a positive main effect on financial sustainability (β = 0.156, p = .010), but its interaction with social impact marketing is not significant. Short open-ended responses reinforce the quantitative results by showing that the largest managerial bottlenecks concern impact evidence, mission–market translation, and constrained communication resources. The study contributes to social enterprise scholarship by positioning social impact marketing as a strategic capability linked to financial sustainability through relational and legitimacy mechanisms in the Indian context..

A number of things have happened after the introduction of the digitalization of HRM through E-HRM approach. One of the purposes of this research is to investigate the extent of adoption of E-HRM and its influence on employee engagement, effectiveness of HRM and organizational performance. The research will be conducted in India. To collect primary data needed for the study, surveys will be distributed among 300 HRM specialists from different companies operating in India, and statistical analysis using regression will be done in SmartPLS, AMOS and SPSS packages. Over 69 percent of Indian companies have already started implementing digitalization within their HR practices. In addition, HRIS is adopted in 79 percent of companies. However, while it can be argued that the introduction of HR practices into digital environment is a progress, the discrepancy needs to be pointed out as well, because the share of HR practices performed by artificial intelligence makes only 26 percent. Contributions to the field will be quite considerable as E-HRM practices in India will be uncovered and recommendations provided on the topic

Impact of Marketing Strategies on the Business Environment of India from the Point of View of Workforce Analytics is the title of the discussed academic article. In particular, the importance of using workforce analytics in order to help make decisions, particularly regarding creating India as an analytics hub (taking 17.4% of the total number of positions requiring analytics skills), is covered in this article. Thus, the role of the use of workforce analytics for improving marketing through the means of marketing analytics, workforce analytics, and organizational effectiveness is evaluated in the article under discussion. During the empirical study conducted with 500 human resource managers and marketers from India, regression and structural equation modeling analyses were used in order to examine relationships between the factors of workforce analytics, productivity of workers, personalized marketing campaigns, and ROI of marketing strategies. It should be noted that according to the existing literature, personalization can lead to 25% increase in customer retention rate for companies using advanced analytical practices, and 40% improvement in conversion rates. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide an additional contribution to current knowledge in HR analytics and marketing efficiency

Adventure tourism has become a significant part of the world tourism industry due to its focus on experiential interaction, physical engagement, and involvement in environmental and cultural contexts. Although its development has been instrumental in supporting economic growth, there have been some issues associated with environmental sustainability and tourist conduct that should be considered. The current research is focused on the analysis of adventure tourism experiences' impact on the formation of sustainable behavior among tourists. In this respect, qualitative research methodology will be used, implying the application of secondary data based on literature reviews, case studies, and industry reports. The results show that adventure tourism leads to increased environmental awareness because of firsthand experience with natural ecosystems, improved emotional bonding with nature, experiential learning, and socially inspired responsibility. Such activities play a role in shifting the balance of the tourist behavior towards more responsible activity. The significance of context is mentioned in relation to interaction with culture and social groups. This research adds value to the body of literature through the presentation of the positive impacts of adventure tourism and its experiential nature. The paper discusses the theoretical aspects of behavioral transformation through experience

Socio-Economic Development of the Country depends on the earning and saving habits of the People in a regulated mechanism. Financial inclusion is the main aim of the government as one of the poverty eradication process. For the purpose of financial inclusion on our prime Minister launched a scheme namely Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). People Money Scheme is a Government initiative taken by the Indian Government to empower the rural section of the Country. On the inauguration day August 15th itself 1.5 crore accounts were opened and the world record of Guinness certify that the most bank accounts opened in 1 week as a part of financial inclusion campaign is 18,096,130 and was achieved by Banks in India from 27 to 29 August 2019". By 9th February 2022, Rs.158713.30 were deposited under the scheme. With this background, the study has been conducted and tries to find out that the success rate of PMJDY in Tiruchirappalli District

Although educational effectiveness is a multifaceted concept that is essential to national development, its determinants are still not well understood in the particular regional contexts of developing countries. This study investigates the key factors influencing educational effectiveness in higher education institutions in West Bengal, India, from the students’ perspective. 282 students from different institutions were chosen through stratified random sampling and given a cross-sectional survey. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to analyze the data. A strong three-factor structure was discovered by the EFA: (1) Institutional Quality and Resources (e.g., curriculum, industry integration, funding); (2) Student Background and Institutional Characteristics (e.g., academic position, geographical location); and (3) Infrastructure and Technology (e.g., smartboards, institutional infrastructure). Together, these account for 64.9% of the variance. The results indicate that students, regardless of gender, institution type, or course of study, view educational effectiveness as a multi-dimensional construct. This study offers a validated framework and empirical evidence to assist policymakers and institutional leaders in improving the quality and equity of higher education in regional India

Emotional intelligence as an idea has gained increased recognition as an important driver of patient-centered care and organizational effectiveness in healthcare organizations, particularly in emotionally complex and intricate environments. The scholarly research on the topic has been vast, but nevertheless, there remains only sporadic empirical evidence across various scholarly disciplines, methods, and settings. This study undertakes a systematic literature review in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 protocol to examine the role of emotional intelligence in the healthcare domain. A thorough search of the five leading academic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insight, and SpringerLink, yielded 857 records of publications from the years 2010 to 2025. After going through the process of scrutinizing and assessing the studies for their eligibility, 95 peer-reviewed empirical studies were selected for thematic and chronological synthesis. The results unequivocally indicate a strong and stable link between emotional intelligence and various positive outcomes such as patient-centered care, staff well-being, effective leadership, and overall organizational performance. Historical examination shows a shift from focusing on individuals' interpersonal relationships to considering all levels and dimensions of organizations and systems. Most recent research studies are pointing to digital, hybrid, and highly stressful healthcare situations. Nonetheless, the issue of methodological weaknesses remains, which includes the dependency on cross-sectional designs, self-reports, and the scarcity of longitudinal and cross-cultural studies. This systematic review not only theoretical development by pooling previously separate findings into an intelligible multi-level framework but also informs healthcare management and workforce development practices, as well as highlights the necessity for policy change in terms of integrating emotional intelligence in healthcare education and quality improvement initiatives. Thus, the research delivers a strong evidence base that not only sets the direction for further studies but also aids healthcare that is sustainable and focused on patients.

Leadership is very important in itself, provided it is used in an efficient way, keeping in mind the ability and safety of everyone. Creating an environment where safety is ingrained in every aspect is very crucial for any   organisation. Safety culture refers to the comprehensive/extensive approach for managing safety at a workplace. It encloses the collective beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes of employees towards the well-being of workers and the overall safety of the work environment and plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe workplace. If handled with care, it can influence human performance in safety-related tasks, affecting the organisation's safety performance. According to the 2023 Key Work Health and Safety (WHS) Statistics, workplaces have witnessed more than 1,850 fatalities and 1,140,000 serious compensation claims over the past decade. Although there has been progress in enhancing workplace safety, the data indicates that further efforts are required. This article not only tries to analyse the culture of safety adopted by various organisations but also to study the factors responsible to make sure the implementation of effective health and safety management system. Once this system implemented in effective manner, may surely enhance the productivity of organisation as well as of the employees also.

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has altered how teaching and learning occur in higher education. Programs like Python, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, and Microsoft Excel are especially affected by this. These tools help students with dataset analysis, information visualization, and data-driven decision- making. This study looks at how business analytics tools affect students' learning and decision-making skills. Using a quantitative research design, we gathered survey data from 107 students enrolled in programs such as MBA/MMS, Engineering, BBA/BMS, and MCA. The survey consisted of fifteen Likert-scale questions with five-point ratings. To conduct statistical analysis, we employed regression, correlation, reliability analysis, and descriptive statistics. The reliability test results showed a value of 0.84 in Cronbach’s Alpha value. The results also showed a positive relationship between the use of analytics tools and the effectiveness of the learning process (r = 0.62), as well as decision-making skills (r = 0.59). The results also showed a significant effect on decision-making skills. The results show that the inclusion of business analytics tools in higher education has a significant effect on the analytical thinking and decision-making skills of students

Growing environmental concerns have prompted businesses to use green marketing techniques to include sustainability into their marketing plans. This study looks at how consumer trust, purchasing patterns, and brand loyalty toward eco-friendly products are affected by green marketing. A structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was used to gather primary data from about 150 respondents utilizing a quantitative research approach. Multiple regression, Pearson correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The descriptive findings show that consumers' opinions of green marketing are typically favorable. The statement with the highest mean score was "green advertising influences my purchase decisions."

"I would recommend eco-friendly brands to others" (M = 4.07, SD = 0.88) came next (M = 4.05, SD = 0.90). The mean score for trust in green marketing was equally high (M = 3.98, SD = 0.86), and the mean score for readiness to pay more for eco-friendly items was 3.92 (SD = 0.94). Green marketing factors, such as trust (r = 0.68), green advertising influence (r = 0.61), and willingness to pay a premium (r = 0.72), showed strong positive correlations with brand loyalty, according to correlation research. These factors account for 56% of the variance in brand loyalty (R2 = 0.56), according to regression studies, with willingness to pay having the most impact (β = 0.41), followed by trust (β = 0.34) and advertising influence (β = 0.28).

These results show that strong brand loyalty is greatly influenced by consumer willingness to support sustainable products and credible environmental marketing

This study examines the adoption of digital payments, particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and its impact on retail sales performance and supply chain payment practices. The analysis uses primary data collected through structured surveys from 49 retailers and 39 distributors. The results indicate moderate adoption of digital payments among retailers: 67.3% reported that 25–50% of their customers use UPI, and 73.4% experienced either a slight or significant increase in sales after accepting UPI payments.A regression model was used to assess the relationship between digital payment usage and sales performance. The results show a positive coefficient for customer UPI usage (β1 = 0.63), suggesting that higher digital payment usage is associated with improved sales performance, although the relationship is statistically weak. The coefficient for distributor UPI acceptance (β2 = –0.13) is slightly negative, indicating that distributor digitalization currently has no significant measurable impact on retailer sales outcomes. The model’s explanatory power is limited (R² = 0.7).

In contrast, digital payment adoption among distributors remains low. 84.6% use mixed payment methods, while only 2.6% prefer UPI as their primary payment mode, highlighting a gap between digital payment adoption at the consumer–retailer level and within the retail supply chain

The heroism and sacrifice of soldiers have so long taken centre stage in the discussion of Indian war writing but the equally important role of their wives has not been well portrayed. The author attempts to explain how the modern Indian English literature places these very voices into the limelight. This paper, based on the close reading of Soldier and Spice: An Army Wife Life (2013) by Aditi Mathur Kumar, Love, Whatever That Means (2016), Soldier girls: Love Story of a Para-Commando (2018) by Swapnil Pandey, Letters from Kargil (2019) by Shivani Mehta, and a series of anthologies that have been published by the Army Welfare Association (AWWA), explores the manner of how resilience has been portrayed in the life of army wives. This paper will analyse and explore the following multidimensional quality and described resilience: adaptability to relocations, emotional resilience in times of separation, solidarity in military teams, motherhood and national service balancing, and humour as its coping strategy. Through these stories, it is clear that the heroism does not exist only in the field where they fight battles; it is also available in the daily lives of women who keep the home, raise children, and keep their heads high despite ambiguity. The works place the military wives in the role of unsung heroines because they emphasize female agency, narratives, and solidarity, which motivates military and non-military audiences. Finally, this paper explores that modern Indian English literature does a critical rightful job by bringing out military wives as the main protagonists of strength. They connect the world of the military and the civilian world, add to the feminist literature, and, most importantly, make sure that the unspoken heroism becomes a treasure trove to be held and glorified by future generations

Human Resource Development (HRD) is considered to be one of the most important strategic instruments that has been applied by organizations to ensure a competitive edge and ensure longer-term prosperity. The paper provides a comprehensive, systematic examination and analytical synthesis of the relationship between the HRD interventions and the outcome of organizational performance in different industries and areas. This paper uses the evidence of over 85 articles published in the last ten years (2000-2024) and the experience of the World Economic Forum, SHRM, Deloitte, McKinsey Global Institute, and the International Labour Organization to examine how essential components of the HRD, training and development, career development, organizational learning, mentoring, performance management system and leadership development can affect their outcomes, such as employee productivity, organiz The literature finds that organizations with these high investment strategies of HRD outperform their counterparts with low-investment strategies in numerous measures: productivity increases by 20-25 percent, voluntary turnover reduces by up to 34 percent, and the output of innovations rises by 15 to 22 percent, and they are made more profitable through an average of 8.6 percentage points. A detailed HRD-Performance Framework founded on Human Capital Theory, Resource-Based View, and Social Learning Theory is also provided in the document. It identifies institutional barriers like scarcity of resources, organizational resistance, and measurement gaps, and provides evidence-based strategic suggestions to HR practitioners and decision-makers. The study also adds to the body of current knowledge by bridging the theoretical gap between HRD investment and measurable organizational outcomes by providing a robust academic and practical tool to the researcher, leaders, and decision-makers

Aim:The main purpose of this paper is to examine the use of social media on the leading social media platforms and to investigate the role of age in the choice of media and patterns of interaction. Some of the main factors that contribute to user engagement that the study aims to determine include the quality of the content, personalization, and interactivity..

Methodology:The study uses quantitative approach with the use of primary data gathered by means of a structured questionnaire. There were 105 valid responses of five age groups. To test the relationships in demographic variables and preferences to the platform, SPSS and Excel were used to perform statistical analysis, including descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and chi-square test.

Results:The results have shown that there is significant correlation between age and preference of social media platform (p < 0.05). Instagram was the most popular with the younger users (1625 years old) and YouTube was more popular among users between 2135 years. Facebook was also shown to have relatively less preference in most groups. Also, the quality of the content, personalization, and interactivity were also found to be strongly positively related to user engagement.

Implications:The paper offers valuable advice to marketers, content creators, and managers of digital platforms because of the need to focus on platform strategies. The ability to adjust the content according to demographic factors and increase interaction should help to boost the user engagement and retention rates.

Originality/Value:The study is relevant to the current body of literature in that it combines the demographic analysis with platform-specific elements of engagement to provide a more in-depth insight into the role of age in social media behavior and engagement patterns

Environmental issues have grown critical in many industries. Government expectations for environmental and social performance are significantly higher than they were previously. Countries in the developing phase have numerous environmental difficulties, including contamination of the water and air, widespread manufacturing waste disposal, and so on, all of which are caused by corporate operations. As a result of becoming aware of the danger that could jeopardise their very survival, numerous industries have begun to adapt and work on green management. The goal of this study is to explore the relationship between green management and firm performance,as well as to discuss the many types of green management practises used by firms in India

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises play a crucial role in economic development by generating employment, promoting innovation, and supporting inclusive growth. Despite their economic importance, MSMEs often face various challenges such as limited financial resources, restricted access to markets, and technological constraints. Governments across the world have introduced several support mechanisms, including financial subsidies and market facilitation programs, to strengthen the MSME sector and enhance its competitiveness. This study aims to examine the impact of government subsidies and market access on MSME performance. The study adopts a quantitative research approach and uses primary data collected from 300 MSME owners and managers. A structured questionnaire consisting of 15 items was used to measure the variables of government subsidies, market access, and MSME performance. Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Reliability analysis, factor analysis, and correlation analysis were conducted to examine the relationships among the variables. The reliability analysis produced a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.884, indicating strong internal consistency of the measurement items. Factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed the presence of three distinct factors representing government subsidies, market access, and MSME performance. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value of 0.918 and significant Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity confirmed the suitability of the data for factor analysis. The extracted factors explained 74.428% of the total variance, demonstrating strong construct validity. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between market access and MSME performance (r = 0.435, p < 0.01) and between government subsidies and MSME performance (r = 0.410, p < 0.01). However, no significant relationship was found between market access and government subsidies. The findings indicate that both government subsidies and improved market access independently contribute to enhancing MSME performance. The study highlights the importance of effective government support policies and improved market connectivity in strengthening MSME growth and sustainability

Employee performance has been found to be significantly impacted by an ethical corporate culture. This study looks at the connections between employee outcomes like skill development, perceived recognition, and performance improvement and important ethical dimensions like recognition and rewards, ethical training, integration of ethical considerations in decision-making, and open ethical communication.

Data was gathered from 303 employees in a variety of organizational settings using a cross-sectional correlational design. The results of the Pearson correlation analysis showed that while ethical recognition and training did not exhibit significant positive associations with skill enhancement, decision-making guided by ethical principles and leaders' transparent communication were positively and significantly linked to employees' sense of being valued and their perceived performance growth.

These results imply that rather than directly affecting performance, ethical leadership predominantly influences employee outcomes through relational and psychological mechanisms. By highlighting the varying effects of ethical practices on performance outcomes and stressing the necessity of integrating ethics into organizational decision-making and communication processes, the study advances Ethical Leadership Theory. In practice, companies should encourage open communication and collaborative decision-making to enable long-term staff growth. Future studies should look at cross-cultural differences in ethical organizational culture, mediating factors, and long term effects

This study seeks to investigate the determinants influencing customer involvement with brand sites on social media in the Indian setting. Primary data were gathered from 272 respondents living in Prayagraj via a standardized questionnaire. The study utilizes statistical methods, including Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and multiple regression analysis, to ascertain and assess the principal factors influencing participation.

The results show that Indian consumers mostly interact with brand content to get knowledge, rewards, and a sense of belonging to a community. Moreover, Social Media Dependency (SMD), Parasocial Interaction (PSI), and Community Identification (CI) are identified as having a substantial favourable impact on engagement behaviour. The research enhances the current literature by situating global consumer engagement theories inside a developing economy and offers practical recommendations for digital marketers aiming to improve engagement methods. 

The concern for the work-life balance of employees has increased due to the increasing demands made by the banking industry, as reflected by increased work hours, performance, and customer-centric business operations. The current study aims to investigate the influence of Perceived Organizational Support (POS) on work-life balance, job satisfaction, and well-being in the banking industry, as predicted by Social Exchange Theory. A quantitative, theory-driven research method will be employed to obtain data from approximately 350 banking industry professionals using probability sampling techniques. Perceived Organizational Support and work-life balance will be measured using standardized scales. For robustness, the current study will utilize the bootstrapping method, hierarchical regression, mediation, moderation, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings are expected to reveal that Perceived Organizational Support significantly contributes to well-being and work-life balance, and job satisfaction will be the mediating factor. Additionally, the findings are expected to reveal that sector types, i.e., public and private, will moderate the relationships. The current study will contribute to the body of knowledge on work-life balance, as it extends Perceived Organizational Support theory to work-life balance in the banking industry, and it will provide practical implications for HR professionals in the banking industry 

This study presents an integrated bibliometric review examining the evolution of research on artificial intelligence, sustainability and Industry 4.0 within the domain of human resource management and organizational behaviour. Drawing on bibliographic data retrieved from the Scopus database, the analysis covers peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2010 and 2024 and employs established bibliometric techniques, including performance analysis and science mapping. The study systematically explores annual publication trends, influential journals, authors, institutions and countries, as well as citation structures and thematic patterns. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses reveal a substantial acceleration of scholarly output in recent years, reflecting growing academic attention to digital transformation and sustainable workforce management. The findings indicate that early research primarily focused on human-centric and occupational issues, which gradually evolved toward technology-enabled HRM under Industry 4.0, and more recently converged into integrated frameworks emphasizing artificial intelligence, sustainability and employee well-being. The results further highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the field, with impactful contributions spanning management, sustainability, engineering and applied technology journals. By mapping the intellectual structure and thematic evolution of this rapidly expanding literature, the study provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of digital and sustainable HRM research and offers valuable insights for scholars, practitioners and policymakers seeking to understand and shape the future of human resource management in the digital era

Corporate finance positions have been significantly changed in the past ten years. Previously, financial decisions were made based on periodic reports, manual models and the collective brainpower of upper leadership. Today, many companies have relied on Artificial Intelligence (AI) all sorts of forecasting, information in actual time streams and automated dangers administration methods for the important skilled with their decision making systems. Whether this evolution increases the quality of financial decisions made - or simply increases their speed - is still debated in both academic and professional circles. This paper examines the effects of digital transformation on corporate financial decision making on three fronts: capital budgeting, risk evaluation and financial forecasting. Using a mixed-methods research approach, the research analyzes financial data from 140 companies in the manufacturing, banking, and retail industries, along with structured interviews with 28 senior executives in the field of finance. The theoretical framework is based on the Dynamic Capabilities View and Information Processing Theory. The results suggest that the companies that had been more digitally mature were able to make capital allocation decisions 34% faster, and produced forecasts with much lower error margins. However, the quality of such outcomes had more to do with organizational culture and leadership preparation than technology adoption itself. This paper detailing the scheme introduces an integrated approach to link digital maturity with the quality of financial decisions and provides specific insights for CFOs, boards, and financial regulators who are struggling through this transition phase..

In recent decades, scholars and policymakers have become increasingly concerned with global patterns of democratic erosion. While political economy literature provides substantial insight into structural determinants of institutional stability, it offers limited tools for identifying when institutional systems approach critical transitions. This paper develops a quantitative framework for detecting early warning signals of institutional phase transitions in democratic regimes. Drawing on complexity science, the study conceptualizes democratic institutions as complex adaptive systems capable of undergoing nonlinear shifts once systemic stress exceeds critical thresholds. Using cross-national panel data covering approximately 120 countries between 1990 and 2025, the study constructs an Institutional Stability Index (ISI) based on governance indicators. The empirical strategy integrates panel econometric models with time-series early warning signal detection techniques. Results indicate that democracies approaching institutional transitions exhibit statistical patterns consistent with critical slowing down. Case studies of Hungary, Turkey, Brazil, and the United States illustrate how these statistical signals appear prior to episodes of democratic backsliding. The findings suggest that democratic erosion follows identifiable dynamic patterns detectable years before institutional breakdown becomes visible

This research paper will discuss the Bhikkharipuri husband, (migrant husband figure) Bhikhari Thakur, in his work Bidesiya in terms of the migration trauma with regards to the physical displacement to psychological exile. Although the play was based on the historical fact of labour migration between the areas with Bhojpuri speaking population, it prefigures the emotional effects of separation, namely nostalgia, abandonment, and fragmented subjectivity, that acculturation and immigration can impose especially upon those who remain. The theme of mental exile is used to examine the manner in which the characters exist in a state of permanent emotional detachment whereby home is a location of desire but not belonging. Using the theory of trauma and cultural memory, the research paper proposes that Bidesiya is an affective archive of migrant pain, whose mode of articulating loss is based on folk idioms, song, and performative lament. The dramaturgy by Bhikhari Thakur turns migration into a permanent psychic state and brings out the way social organization of movement creates silent emotional crises in the lives of subalterns

DNA profiling has transformed criminal justice by enabling precise identification of individuals from biological evidence, leading many jurisdictions to establish forensic DNA databases. The United States emerged as an early adopter through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), whereas India is at a nascent stage of developing a comparable framework and continues to confront significant legal and ethical concerns. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the use of DNA databases in criminal justice in the U.S. and India. It examines the governing legal frameworks, including constitutional protections, procedural safeguards, and statutory regimes such as CODIS-related laws in the U.S. and the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 in India. The paper further explores ethical and social dimensions, including consent, privacy, surveillance risks, proportionality, and data retention. By evaluating challenges and institutional capacities, the study identifies best practices offers recommendations for strengthening India’s emerging DNA database regime. in

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are important for encouraging innovation, finacial growth, and technological progress in today’s economies. In developing areas like Africa, having a strong intellectual property system can greatly affect industrial growth, foreign investment, and the sharing of knowledge. This paper looks at how protecting intellectual property relates to economic development in emerging economies, especially in African countries. The study reviews the international legal framework that governs intellectual property, including the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and assesses its impact on developing nations.

The paper takes a closer look at how fair IP laws can spur creativity and make sure important tech and meds are available to everyone Through comparative insights from other emerging economies, particularly India, the research highlights policy challenges faced by African states such as weak enforcement mechanisms, limited institutional capacity, and the prevalence of piracy and counterfeiting. The paper concludes by suggesting policy reforms aimed at strengthening intellectual property governance while maintaining developmental priorities. A well-rounded IP system can help African economies grow steadily, push tech forward, and make sure everyone benefits The study also emphasizes the need for balanced intellectual property policies that align with developmental priorities in African economies. By strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting innovation-driven growth, intellectual property systems can contribute significantly to sustainable development across the African continent

This study looks at how young people in India are starting to use digital payment systems like UPI. Over the last five years, India has seen a massive jump in online payments, with the total value growing from ₹40,03,653.58 Crore in 2021 to over ₹2,59,56,950.65 Crore in 2025. The research focuses on why young students and workers prefer using apps like Google Pay and PhonePe over traditional cash. By surveying 162 people, the study found that 100% of them have smartphones and internet access, which makes digital payments very easy for them. Most young people use these systems for online shopping and food delivery. While the growth is amazing, some problems like transaction failures and security worries still exist. The study concludes that while UPI is now the "backbone" of our economy, we need better internet and stronger security to make it perfect for everyone, including those in rural areas..

A democratic system is meaningful only when every individual, regardless of gender identity, is recognized and given equal opportunities to participate in social, political, and economic life. For many decades, the third gender community remained marginalized due to social stigma, lack of legal recognition, and systemic discrimination. In recent years, however, there has been growing attention toward the protection and promotion of transgender rights, reflecting an important shift toward inclusive democratic values. This study explores the socio-legal perspectives surrounding the rights of the third gender and examines how law can function as an instrument for social inclusion and equality.The recognition of transgender persons as a distinct gender identity by the Supreme Court in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India marked a turning point in the legal history of India. The judgment emphasized the constitutional principles of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination, affirming that gender identity forms an integral part of personal autonomy. Subsequently, legislative measures such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 have sought to address discrimination and promote welfare measures for the transgender community. Adopting a socio-legal approach, the study analyzes the relationship between legal reforms and social attitudes toward the third gender. It highlights the gap that often exists between progressive legal recognition and the lived realities of transgender individuals, who continue to encounter barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and public participation. The study argues that building an inclusive democracy requires not only legal protection but also broader societal acceptance, policy support, and effective implementation of laws. Strengthening these mechanisms is essential for ensuring dignity, equality, and meaningful integration of the third gender into the democratic framework

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has emerged as an important legal mechanism for promoting social justice and ensuring the protection of constitutional rights, particularly for marginalized communities. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the development and functioning of PIL in India and South Africa. It examines the historical emergence of PIL, the evolution of locus standi, the nature of issues addressed, the procedures for initiating PIL, and the remedies granted by courts. The study highlights that while the Indian model evolved mainly through judicial activism and procedural flexibility, the South African model is constitutionally entrenched and operates within a more structured framework. The comparison demonstrates how different institutional approaches can shape the role of courts in advancing access to justice and governmental accountability..

In this research, we focus on analysing regime-dependent cross-asset correlations as a ploy that influences portfolio diversification from the perspective of normal market scenarios in congruence with crisis market conditions for the years 2010–2023. The gap created by the Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) on the supposedly static correlation regime in the presence of empirical evidence suggesting structural breaks during market stress. We propose a new Markov-Switching Machine Learning (MS-ML) framework that integrates Dynamic Conditional Correlation (DCC-GARCH) models with XGBoost regime prediction and Deep Q-Network reinforcement learning for dynamic portfolio optimisation. A daily dataset of seven asset classes, including equities, bonds, commodities, real estate, and cryptocurrencies, is applied to rolling window analysis and ANOVA for regime comparison, along with true out-of-sample performance evaluations. The MS-ML framework shows an increase in risk-adjusted return to 45.6% from 80%, against the static mean-variance optimisation, marked by a 42.1% decrease in drawdown in crisis times. Consistent with the results, correlations worsen just in a crisis period, a mitigating factor that expels any diversification advantages exactly when they are of utmost importance to avoid riskier behaviour; our cryptos are not in safe-haven status. We, therefore, suggest that institutional investors should consider adopting a dynamic-regime-based allocation strategy with automatic rebalancing triggers. Similarly, risk managers should consider having dynamic hedge ratios of their own that automatically adjust before any days when volatility calls for action. Also, this study concludes that further investigations should dig deeper into daily intraday frequencies and incorporate ESG factors in regime-dependent optimisation

The history of the constitutional march of India has been characterized with an incredible advancement in the interpretation of the fundamental rights where the federal courts make remarkable decisions. The 2017 Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India declared privacy as a fundamental right that is present in the human dignity in the article 21 of the Constitution. This was later reversed by a 2018 decision of NavtejSinghJohar to decriminalize same-sex consensual sex by distinguishing constitutional morality, and the majoritarian social tastes/preferences by stating that dignity and equality were applicable to minorities in sexual and gender terms. These court gains also show significant constitutional progress. This pledge, however, remains a viable fantasy due to fragmented, pro-surveillance cyber legislations and digital regulations frameworks that present acute vulnerability to the LGBTs and the rest of the marginalised groups.

With the rapid formation of digital identity regimes (Aadhaar biometric, in particular) and the extensive governmental exceptions established by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, state surveillance can take place in ways it has never been able to perform without adequate restrictions. Within the framework of the LGBT community that conventionally became a victim of criminalisation and continues to become the subject of the threat of social stigma and discrimination, the widespread digital profiling presents its own threats. With the recognition of the same sex marriage being unrecognized, such weaknesses are enhanced by the realization that through the development of the fictions of law, same sex couples are subjected to privacy invasions using digital governance systems. Furthermore, there are not enough defenses against discriminatory outcomes in AI-based applications or algorithmic decision-making robots applied in law enforcement, benefits determination, and the delivery of online services.

This paper will examine an intricate crossroads of cyber laws, digital identity systems, privacy rights and constitutional values in India and specifically how the two systems affect LGBT people. It asserts that the promises that India has made to privacy, dignity, and equality, as detailed in its constitution, would entail far-reaching reforms in legislature and institutions: scrubbing broad governmental surveillance provisions, forming new regulatory organs, same-sex marriage bills, and fortifying legal strategies against the discrimination and abuse of the vulnerable. Devoid of these holistic reform measures, the idealess system of digital governance will still discriminate against the marginalised groups even after the courts have proclaimed constitutional equality

This study examines the relationship between capital structure decisions and firm performance in emerging markets, where financial constraints, market imperfections, and institutional factors significantly influence corporate financing behavior. Using panel data from selected non-financial firms operating in emerging economies, the study analyzes how leverage ratios—such as debt-equity ratio and long-term debt—affect firm performance measured through Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Tobin’s Q. Employing regression techniques, the findings reveal a significant association between capital structure and firm performance, supporting the trade-off and pecking order theories in the context of emerging markets. The results provide valuable insights for managers, investors, and policymakers in optimizing financing decisions to enhance firm value and financial sustainability....

The modern retail sector has experienced profound changes driven by rising consumer expectations and rapid technological innovation. This systematic literature review examines the impact of service experience on customer loyalty in modern retail settings, with particular attention to omnichannel environments. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in the Scopus database, covering peer-reviewed articles published between January 2022 and April 2025. Based on clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 relevant studies were selected for analysis. The review employs thematic synthesis alongside a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to identify key research clusters, theoretical frameworks, and emerging trends. The findings demonstrate that service experience—encompassing dimensions such as reliability, empathy, personalization, and digital interface quality—plays a critical role in shaping both attitudinal and behavioral customer loyalty. Moreover, customer satisfaction and trust emerge as significant mediating variables that strengthen this relationship, particularly in hybrid and omnichannel retail formats. The review underscores the increasing importance of digital personalization and seamless omnichannel integration in fostering long-term customer loyalty. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent literature and offers valuable insights into the service design and technological factors influencing customer loyalty in the evolving modern retail landscape

The study examined consumers from Raipur City and Durg City who prioritize cash on delivery the most, despite the growing online payment options, still prefer cash on delivery.. Digital payments and fintech innovations are the new systems of today's era.  They are the Jockeys of  presenting financial transactions to people in a faster, safer and more convenient way. Digital payments have made their presence felt everywhere today. This means that payment and receiving of money happens electronically without using cash. In today's era, there is no need to carry cash in our pocket. If we have our mobile phone with us, we can easily make QR code payments using it. UPI, mobile wallet, debit and credit cards, internet and mobile banking, QR code payments, buy now pay later services play a big role in digital payment methods. When fintech innovations stand with digital payments, it completely develops the entire technologyFinancial services have also improved significantly in today's era through digital innovation, which includes UPI, instant payments, digital wallets and super apps, blockchain and cryptocurrency, AI-based fraud detection, robo-advisors for investment, peer-to-peer lending platforms, digital insurance platforms, etc. It has also been seen many times that people shop online and order goods and also make digital payments, due to which there is a growing sense that there is still no complete trust in digital payments, hence people prefer cash on delivery in response.Thus we may conclude that lower trust in digital payments significantly increase reliance on Cash on Delivery...

Inflation and monetary policy are fundamental elements of macroeconomic management that significantly influence national economic performance. Understanding the dynamics of inflation and the mechanisms through which monetary policy is transmitted across the economy is essential for ensuring economic stability and sustainable growth. This study examines the relationship between inflation dynamics, monetary policy transmission, and national economic performance using a quantitative research approach. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to academicians, economists, banking professionals, and postgraduate students with knowledge of economic policy. A total of 200 valid responses were obtained and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study employed reliability analysis, factor analysis, and correlation analysis to evaluate the relationships among the variables. The reliability results indicated strong internal consistency with a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.845. Factor analysis confirmed the validity of the constructs, with three factors explaining approximately 70% of the total variance. The correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between inflation dynamics and national economic performance (r = 0.179), monetary policy and national economic performance (r = 0.151), and monetary policy and inflation dynamics (r = 0.199). These findings suggest that both inflation dynamics and monetary policy transmission play important roles in shaping economic performance. The study concludes that effective monetary policy frameworks and stable inflation management are essential for promoting economic stability and growth. Policymakers should adopt integrated macroeconomic strategies that combine monetary and fiscal policies to address inflationary pressures and improve economic performance. The findings of this research contribute to the understanding of macroeconomic policy dynamics and provide insights for policymakers, economists, and researchers interested in economic stability and policy effectiveness

The interface of Environmental Governance and Artificial Intelligence has resulted in the development of new discourse pertaining to the legislatures, policies, and the judiciary. Recently, over Digital Surveillance, Predictive Analytics, and Remote Sensing tools integrated in India’s Forest Conservation, 1980, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Auxiliary Laws. The discourse and the potential legal framework concerning AI-Driven Conservation, however, are very nascent. The author investigates the intersection of Environmental Governance in India and some Artificial Intelligence-based technologies to bring out the very first Integrated Legal Linguistics Study. The essay shows that India lacks a standardised legal vocabulary for AI-enabled conservation technology by comparison with the EU AI Act, U.S. conservation statutes, and Australian environmental monitoring programs. The exsitance of AI is being used for prevent forest encroachment and improve forest cover. The use AI is showed the positive results in the area of forest protection and management. However, there are certain challenges one may have overcome while using AI for forest protection. This maybe in the form of lack of funds, lack of techinical know & how, and lack of willpower of government and individuals for using AI  etc.  Recommendations for legislation changes, definitional harmonisation, and the creation of a conservation regulatory lexicon tailored to AI that is in line with global best practices are included in the paper's conclusion

This paper involves an in-depth empirical investigation of IT expenditure behaviour, technological adoption, and expansion patterns of 590 Indian startups in 22 states and 33 industry categories. Based on multi-dimensional data set including IT spending, number of active technology stacks, patent portfolio, investor portfolio, and venture capitalization patterns, the study uses descriptive statistics, Spearman rank-order correlation, and one-way ANOVA to identify structural patterns in digital investment. The main results show that IT spend is highly right-skewed (mean: USD 3.51 million; median: USD 430,502), with a very high heterogeneity among the sectors: Hardware (mean: USD 22.06 million) and Clothing & Apparel (USD 15.60 million) have become the most IT-heavy sectors, yet Commerce and Shopping has a relatively low average, although it occupies 37.3% of the sample. Maharashtra, Delhi, and Karnataka constitute 44.2 percent of all startups, with Haryana registering the most avenues on IT expenditure per firm (USD 7.21 million), on average. Active technology count ( rho = 0.186, p < 0.001) and total active products (rho = 0.248, p < 0.001) are statistically significantly positively correlated with IT spend, but the number of investors is moderately positively correlated ( rho = 0.277, p < 0.05). The article is also part of the growing research on the issue of startup resource allocation in emerging markets and has practical implications to policymakers, venture capitalists, and the organizers of startup ecosystems

Banks constitute the foundation of any nation, they ought to make the biggest possible contribution to the growth of the economy. Indian banking sector which is undergoing tremendous economic and technological innovations. The largest industry in India is banking, which is essential to the country's economy. Like many other industries, the banking sector relies a lot on the performance of its employees. However, employee performance is not just a matter of skills and abilities; it is also influenced by their level of career happiness. Strategic growth of any organisation determines the capabilities of its personnel, which in turn determines the organization's ability to advance strategically. The banking services' most valuable resource is its people, so management must invest heavily to maintain their satisfaction. Employee satisfaction increases productivity and reduces stress at work, which helps the company become more effective.

Employees are the main drivers of banking services' productivity and profitability in the current competitive environment brought about by technological advancements. Both work satisfaction and job satisfaction are indicated by the degree of happiness that employees experience at work. 

The constructs of work, job, and happiness were identified in this study using statistical methods. Through work, job, and happiness components for banking services, the study sought to ascertain how banks may foster workplace happiness that raises levels of satisfaction..

There is a lot of promise for addressing issues and enhancing sustainable education in India through the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational frameworks. This essay examines the crucial role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in education, emphasising how it may improve accessibility, expedite administrative procedures, and boost personalised learning. However, there are significant obstacles to the practical use of AI, including issues like a lack of digital infrastructure, worries about data privacy, and the requirement for qualified educators. This study offers methods for successfully integrating AI in education by analysing its present uses and constraints. It also talks about the potential for using AI to promote accessible, sustainable, and inclusive education in India. The study aims to contribute to a roadmap for policymakers and educators to overcome challenges and build a resilient educational system that supports India’s growth towards a digitally inclusive society.

This research investigates the impact of Inventory Management Practices on Financial Performance by assessing how the value of stock held and the I nventory policies implemented influence the cost of products sold and profitability within the organization. The survey design method was employed for this study, utilizing annual audited financial reports. Field design in conjunction with descriptive statistics was also employed. The results of the study for hypothesis 1 indicated a substantial correlation between the value of stock held and the cost of goods sold from 2016 to 2024, with a p-value of 0.005 and an F-statistic of 23.96. Hypothesis 2 demonstrated a p-value of 0.001 and an F-statistic of 46.26. This indicated a positive correlation between inventory management and control policies and profitability. Cement manufacturing companies are advised to establish a policy framework to expedite the adoption of optimal inventory management methods, including Just-In-Time (JIT), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and Economic Order Quantity (EOQ). The company should enhance supplier relations to the level of partnerships. This will enable the execution of programs such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI). The organization ought to diversify its inventory system to accommodate the specific requirements of manufacturing

The growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the methods of learning and knowledge acquisition in higher education institutions. Management students are using various AI tools such as intelligent tutoring systems, content creation platforms, grammar assistance tools, and personalized learning platforms, to grasp concepts, enhance learning efficiency, and manage their academic responsibilities. However, empirical research on the institutional-level effects of AI on student learning behavior and performance in management education remains limited. A comparative study of artificial intelligence on learning behavior of management students examined how AI tools affect the study habits of management students in colleges in Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh. Descriptive and analytical approaches were used in this research. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to management students of Sagar Institute of Research and Technology (SIRT), Vidhik Institute of Management (VIM), People's Institute of Management and Research (PIMR) and Mittal Institute of Technology, Bhopal (MITB). We examined the data using percentage analysis, average scores, and various correlation techniques. It appears that many management students are well acquainted with AI-based learning tools and use them effectively in their studies. The findings show that these AI tools enhance students' efficiency to a great extent, improve their time management and increase their confidence in academic activities. However, some problems still remain, such as students' excessive reliance on these devices, their misuse, or the ethical dilemmas they face. Taking all this into account, the findings suggest that AI tools positively impact the learning experiences of management students....

This study examines the role of Management Accounting Control Systems (MACS) in mitigating fraud risk and strengthening organizational resilience within financial institutions. The primary objective is to empirically investigate how key fraud risk management mechanisms risk assessment practices, internal controls and continuous monitoring, fraud investigation and response strategies, and regulatory compliance frameworks contribute to organizational resilience, while assessing the moderating influence of organizational culture. Although prior research has extensively addressed internal controls, corporate governance, and forensic accounting as post-fraud detection mechanisms, limited empirical evidence exists on the preventive governance function of integrated MACS in reducing fraud risk before occurrence. This study addresses this research gap by positioning MACS as a proactive and strategic framework for fraud risk mitigation.

A quantitative, survey-based research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 320 employees (91% response rate) of a Nigerian microfinance bank using a structured questionnaire. Reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.882, confirming strong internal consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis (OLS) via SPSS version 27. Diagnostic tests confirmed the absence of multicollinearity (VIF < 1.01) and autocorrelation (Durbin–Watson ≈ 2).

The findings reveal that all fraud risk management components significantly and positively influence organizational resilience: risk assessment (β = 0.229, p < 0.001), internal controls and monitoring (β = 0.219, p < 0.001), fraud investigation and response strategies (β = 0.174, p < 0.001), and regulatory compliance (β = 0.123, p < 0.001). The regression model explains 46% of the variance in organizational resilience (R² = 0.460). When organizational culture was introduced as a control variable, the explanatory power substantially increased to 82.7% (R² = 0.827), with culture emerging as the strongest predictor (β = 0.326, p < 0.001). These results demonstrate that a strong ethical culture enhances the effectiveness of MACS in fraud mitigation.

The novelty of this study lies in its integrated empirical model linking management accounting control systems, fraud risk management strategies, and organizational resilience within a unified governance framework. Unlike prior studies focusing primarily on detection mechanisms, this research advances management accounting theory by demonstrating the preventive and resilience-building capacity of MACS.The study concludes that effective integration of MACS components significantly strengthens fraud risk mitigation and enhances organizational resilience, particularly when supported by a strong ethical culture. However, the findings are limited by the single-institution sample, cross-sectional design, and reliance on self-reported data, which may restrict generalizability and causal inference. Future research should employ longitudinal designs, multi-sector comparative studies, and mixed-method approaches to validate and extend these findings. Further investigation into the role of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and advanced forensic analytics in enhancing management accounting controls would provide valuable insights into strengthening fraud prevention frameworks in increasingly complex financial environments.

The paper will analyze the law abiding on the Public-Private Partnership and its success in the infrastructure development by comparing it to India and other African states. It directly examines the effects of a variety of regulatory methods, including codified laws and guiding frameworks on the effectiveness, transparency, and sustainability of the PPP projects in these areas. Moreover, the paper examines the impacts of these legal and regulatory environments on the attraction of the private investment, especially given the prevailing issues of corruption and political instability, and how such environments enhance the realization of the sustainable development goals. One of the main arguments is that a solid legal framework is essential to provide a favorable environment in which the private sector can play its role in the development of infrastructure, minimizing risk, and improving fairness of results across the board. This comparative study will analyze the best practices and key areas of reform of PPP legislation with the capacity to address the management of stakeholders and environmental protection in infrastructure projects. The discussion also explores the situation on the one hand (developing economies) that tends to have weak regulatory frameworks, market volatility, and poor institutional capacity compared to developed nations (stable legal framework, the use of a sophisticated financial instruments to determine PPPs). This disparity often necessitates tailored legal and regulatory approaches in developing countries to attract and secure private sector involvement in critical infrastructure projects, especially given the global infrastructure deficit estimated at US$800 billion to US$1 trillion annually

In the context of accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing household-level socioeconomic outcomes in a financial environment that is changing quickly, financial literacy has grown in significance. Today's households and individuals must make difficult financial decisions about debt, savings, investments, and income management, which makes financial literacy a crucial factor in determining general well-being. This study looks at how financial literacy affects households' social and economic well-being in the Delhi NCR area of India.The research design used in the study is cross-sectional and descriptive. In addition to measures of economic well-being (income stability, savings, debt management, and financial security) and social well-being (education, health, and living standards), a structured questionnaire measuring financial knowledge, financial skills, and financial behavior was used to gather primary data from 489 household heads. To verify the measurement model and assess the suggested correlations, the data were examined using frequency distribution, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings show that financial literacy significantly and favorably affects social and economic well-being. Higher financial literacy households make better financial decisions, allocate resources more wisely, handle risk better, and are better equipped to meet long-term socioeconomic demands. The results demonstrate how important financial literacy is for improving household resilience and quality of life.For governments, academic institutions, and development organizations, the study offers important policy implications. Financial inclusion, prudent financial conduct, and equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development can all be strengthened by focused financial literacy programs

The rapid growth of the Information Technology (IT) sector has significantly influenced investment patterns in the Indian mutual fund industry, leading to increased investor interest in IT sector mutual funds. However, sectoral funds are often associated with higher volatility, making risk-adjusted performance evaluation essential for informed investment decisions. This study aims to analyze the risk-adjusted performance of selected IT sector mutual funds in India over a ten-year period. The study is based on secondary data collected from AMFI, official websites of asset management companies and stock exchange databases. The statistical measures such as average returns, standard deviation and beta are used to assess return and risk, while Sharpe Ratio, Treynor Ratio, and Jensen’s Alpha are employed to evaluate risk-adjusted performance. The performance of selected IT mutual funds is compared with the benchmark IT index to determine their relative efficiency. The findings reveal that IT sector mutual funds offer attractive return potential, their performance varies significantly after adjusting for risk. The study provides valuable insights for investors, fund managers, and researchers in understanding the performance dynamics of IT sector mutual funds in India..

The paper will compare the legal approaches of constitutionalism, the rule of law and development governance in India and various African nations and their ways of converging and diverging of these two concepts. It delves into interplay between the aspects of past colonial sources, aboriginal law, and contemporary global forces in the evolution of these paradigms that are critical. The analysis of these nations in the paper is done based on the challenge of how they manage the complexities of sorting out good constitutional democracies and models of development that are fair as they tend to have common issues in institutionalizing the idea of good governance and in protecting the basic rights. In addition, it discusses law and judicial interpretations effectiveness as a means of implementing constitution and sustainable development in different socio-political circumstances. Still not sure and with suspicions still plenty over the real meaning of the Rule of Law, and the institutional form in which it occurs, this paper proposes that the legal pluralist approach represents a more conscious standpoint as it is one which allows space to be given to fully varied conceptions and to practice in contexts. This methodology recognizes that legal systems are embedded in the different cultural norms and in different socio-economic discourses and leaves behind one singular, Universalist conception of constitutional values. Such a point of view is especially pertinent in the case of swamping multiplicity of legal systems, more often a create of colonialism, the operation of law generally requires a very fine tune so that it can be useful to sustainable development rather than a noxious obstacle to it

Platform based workforces have expanded rapidly in both India and Australia, creating new economic opportunities while deepening long standing concerns around precarity, classification, and access to social security. This article examines how the two jurisdictions are attempting to regulate platform labour within their broader social protection frameworks. Using a doctrinal and comparative approach, the paper contrasts India’s Social Security Code, 2020 which formally recognizes gig and platform workers but leaves key entitlements discretionary; with recent Australian reforms that strengthen minimum standards, define “employee-like” work, and address algorithmic control.  Through case law, legislative analysis, and policy review, the article evaluates whether these reforms meaningfully reduce vulnerability or merely repackage traditional employment tests. The comparison highlights regulatory gaps that persist in both systems, particularly around income security, occupational protections, and collective rights. The paper argues for a more integrated approach to social security that reflects the real condition of platform labour and offers insights for jurisdictions grappling with similar challenges globally

The pervasive use of social media and instant messaging applications has significantly reshaped employee behaviour in contemporary workplaces, particularly in private sector organisations. While digital connectivity facilitates communication and collaboration, it has also intensified social cyberloafing behaviour, wherein employees engage in non-work-related social media activities during working hours. The present study examines the influence of selected social cyberloafing behaviours among employees working in private sector organisations in Kerala. Using structured questionnaire data and regression-based analysis, the study evaluates key dimensions of social cyberloafing, including personal social media use, messaging behaviour, task switching, and online social interaction during work time. The findings reveal that all selected social cyberloafing indicators are statistically significant, with distraction from work responsibilities due to social media use emerging as the strongest predictor. The study contributes to the cyberloafing literature by empirically identifying dominant social cyberloafing behaviours and offers practical implications for managing digital distractions in organizational settings

Financial inclusion has become a key policy objective in India, aiming to ensure access to affordable and reliable financial services for all sections of society, particularly the unbanked and underbanked population. In recent years, mobile payment applications have emerged as a powerful instrument in achieving this goal by leveraging widespread smartphone adoption, expanding internet connectivity, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure. Mobile payment apps such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM have simplified digital transactions by offering secure, low-cost, and user-friendly platforms for payments, fund transfers, bill payments, and merchant transactions.

This study examines the role of mobile payment apps in promoting financial inclusion in India by enhancing accessibility to formal financial services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The research highlights how these applications reduce dependency on traditional banking channels, minimize transaction costs, and encourage participation in the digital financial ecosystem. Mobile payment apps also support government initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and Digital India by facilitating seamless fund transfers and improving transparency.

The study is based on secondary data collected from reports published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), government publications, and existing research literature. The findings indicate that mobile payment apps have significantly increased digital payment adoption, empowered small merchants and self-employed individuals, and contributed to financial awareness and economic inclusion. However, challenges such as digital illiteracy, cybersecurity risks, and uneven internet access remain barriers to universal adoption. The paper concludes that with continued policy support, technological innovation, and digital literacy initiatives, mobile payment apps can play a transformative role in achieving sustainable and inclusive financial growth in India

The digital age has brought about high-speed changes in the field of higher education, thus pushing institutions to reconsider traditional forms of pedagogical activity. The micro-structured blended learning (MSBL) is one of the most promising innovations as it integrates the power of the blended learning with the micro-structured, modular design of instruction. The article investigates how micro-structured blended learning methodologies have influenced higher education achievement in terms of student engagement, academic performance, development of skills, learner autonomy as well as institutional effectiveness. The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of micro-structured blended learning approaches on higher education outcomes across different educational qualifications. The study adopted a quantitative research design to analyze the impact of micro-structured blended learning approaches on higher education outcomes. The population of the study comprised students enrolled in higher education institutions. A sample of 100 respondents was selected using the simple random sampling technique, ensuring that each participant had an equal chance of being included in the studyUsing the current theoretical basis of pedagogical theory and new empirical data, the article posits that MSBL is a scalable, flexible and learner-centered model that is highly applicable in a variety of student groups and to the changing needs of the labor market. The implementation difficulties, faculty and policy implications and future research directions are also addressed in the article

This paper reviews the analysis of operational application and strategic implications of duty drawback regimes in the export oriented companies in Santa Catarina, Brazil, with an objective of gaining a better understanding of how the mechanisms increases the competitiveness of exports. The research design adopted was descriptive and exploratory, combining the documentary analysis of the government reports, trade policies and industry statistics with the primary data obtained using structured electronic questionnaires served in the sampled 44 exporting firms. Quantitative/qualitative data were collected covering the participation in sectors, preference of drawback modalities, the logistical practices and the perceived obstacle to adoption. The results reveal that the main beneficiaries of the duty drawback mechanisms are the medium and large enterprises; moreover, the most popular modality of the suspension is the most frequently used because of the simplicity of the procedure and its economic benefits. Smaller companies show little activity due to both regulatory complexity, shortage of qualified staff, and administrative overhead. The research concludes that capacity-building, streamlined processes, and reaching out to the policy are the only required measures to expand the participation so that duty drawback programs become effective tools of regional industrialization and global market integration

This study constructs a novel theoretical framework by synthesizing performative epistemology with decolonial feminist theory to analyze African women’s leadership through the metaphorical lens of Odissi. Building upon Lugones’ (2010) concept of decolonial feminism and Nnaemeka’s (2005) theory of nego-feminism, we argue that Odissi’s artistic principles – particularly its dialectical tension between fluidity and structural precision – offer a powerful heuristic for understanding how African women leaders negotiate postcolonial power structures.

Employing a critical qualitative methodology that combines discourse analysis of leadership narratives with performance theory (Foster, 2011), this research makes three key contributions: First, it develops a transcontinental analytical model that challenges the Eurocentric bias in leadership studies. Second, it demonstrates how performative traditions provide alternative epistemologies for conceptualizing power, extending Mohanty’s (2003) work on transnational feminisms. Third, it articulates a theory of embodied resistance that bridges the somatic and political dimensions of leadership (Sinclair, 2013).

The analysis reveals how African women leaders employ what we term “choreographic leadership” – a dynamic practice that combines strategic adaptability with cultural rootedness, mirroring Odissi’s interplay of lasya (grace) and tandava (power). This conceptualization advances current debates in postcolonial feminism (Oyěwùmí, 1997) by providing a culturally-nuanced framework for understanding leadership as simultaneously performative and transformative.

The study’s theoretical innovation lies in its methodological synthesis of performance studies and feminist political theory, offering new tools for analyzing how marginalized leaders subvert institutional constraints through embodied praxis. We conclude with implications for developing leadership paradigms that center Global South epistemologies and challenge dominant Western models.

This study investigates how administrative practices under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) shape the functioning and sustainability of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural India. Using secondary data from NRLM dashboards, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) reports, and NIRDPR evaluations, it demonstrates that variations in SHG outcomes are strongly linked to district-level administrative behavior. States where District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) consistently monitor SHGs, maintain digital reporting, and conduct regular training display stronger financial discipline and higher SHG grading outcomes. The study contributes to debates on rural governance by showing that policy success depends not simply on program design but on administrative execution capacity.