International Journal of Research & Technology
IJRT (International Journal of Research and Technology) The International Journal of Research and Technology (IJRT) (ISSN (Print): 2321-7510 | ISSN (Online): 2321-7529) is a peer-reviewed, open-access, and multidisciplinary platform dedicated to publishing high-quality and original research across diverse fields of science, engineering, and technology. Our mission is to promote pioneering research that drives innovation, solves real-world challenges, and contributes to the advancement of global knowledge. IJRT ensures a transparent and quality-driven editorial process, upholding high academic standards to guarantee the authenticity, relevance, and significance of all published work. We welcome research articles, review papers, case studies, and short communications that demonstrate innovative approaches, enhance the understanding of core principles, and address pressing challenges in science and technology. Committed to academic excellence, IJRT offers a fully open-access publishing model with a low-cost publication charge, allowing unrestricted global access to its content free of charge for readers, while ensuring affordability for authors. All accepted papers are indexed in major academic and scientific databases, supporting visibility, citation, and career growth for our authors. With a diverse and inclusive editorial vision, IJRT fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and provides a platform for transformative ideas that have the potential to influence both the academic community and industry practices worldwide. Email addresses for submitting articles are editor@ijrt.org, Info.ijrt@gmail.com Journal Information Title: International Journal of Research and Technology (IJRT) ISSN (Online): 2321-7529 ISSN (Print): 2321-7510 Refereed : Peer Review Starting Year : 2013 Impact Factor: 7.275 Subject : Engineering, Sciences, Management, Medical Science, Multidisciplinary Subjects Frequency: Quarterly (4 issues per year) Language: English Publication Format: Online (Open Access) Publication Format : PDF & HTML, Online (Open Access) Email Id : editor@ijrt.org Website: https://ijrt.org UGC Approved Journal : as per New UGC Rules
Eco-Dystopian Narratives and Digital Technologies: Sustainability and Resistance in Contemporary Climate Fiction
Eco-dystopian narratives in contemporary climate fiction critically examine the entanglement of ecological crisis and digital technologies within late-capitalist societies. This paper analyzes Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake and Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future to explore how digital and techno-scientific systems function as both agents of environmental destruction and instruments of sustainability and resistance. Atwood’s speculative dystopia exposes the dangers of unchecked biotechnologies, corporate digital control, and data-driven consumerism that accelerate ecological collapse and ethical erosion. In contrast, Robinson’s climate realist narrative foregrounds the strategic use of digital technologies such as financial algorithms, climate modeling, and global data networks, as tools for collective governance, ecological accountability, and sustainable intervention. Through a comparative reading, the paper argues that while Oryx and Crake presents technology as a cautionary force reinforcing eco-dystopia, The Ministry for the Future reimagines digital infrastructures as potential catalysts for climate justice and resistance against fossil-fuel capitalism. Together, these texts articulate divergent yet complementary visions of eco-dystopian futures, emphasizing the urgent need for ethical technological engagement, global cooperation, and sustainable environmental praxis in the face of planetary crisis.
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Sustainable Customer Experience Through Digital Transformation in Cooperative Banks of Uttarakhand: An SDT-2026 Perspective
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the operational and service delivery frameworks of banking institutions worldwide. In India, cooperative banks play a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in geographically challenging and socio-economically diverse regions such as Uttarakhand. In this context, digital transformation has emerged as a vital strategy not only for improving service efficiency but also for achieving sustainability in banking operations and enhancing customer experience. This study examines sustainable customer experience through digital transformation in cooperative banks of Uttarakhand, with a special focus on its relevance to the Sustainable Development through Digital Transformation (SDT-2026) framework. The research explores the role of key digital banking channels—internet banking, mobile banking, and USSD-based services—in shaping customer experience, satisfaction, and long-term retention. From a sustainability perspective, the study investigates how digital banking reduces paper consumption, minimizes physical branch visits, lowers operational costs, and contributes to environmental conservation while ensuring inclusive access to financial services for rural, semi-urban, and technologically underserved populations. The multidisciplinary approach integrates management perspectives (service quality, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency), humanities insights (digital literacy, trust, behavioral change, and financial inclusion), and scientific aspects (technological reliability, system usability, and data security). The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design, utilizing primary data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to customers of selected cooperative banks across Uttarakhand. Secondary data from bank reports, policy documents, and prior empirical studies support the analysis. Statistical tools such as percentage analysis, mean scores, and correlation analysis are employed to examine the relationship between digital banking adoption and sustainable customer experience. The findings are expected to reveal that digital banking channels significantly enhance customer convenience, accessibility, and service responsiveness, leading to higher satisfaction and retention levels. Moreover, the study highlights the role of digital transformation in promoting sustainable banking practices by fostering environmental responsibility and social inclusivity. Challenges such as digital illiteracy, infrastructure limitations, and security concerns are also identified, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions and customer education initiatives. The study contributes to existing literature by providing region-specific insights into cooperative banking in Uttarakhand and offering a sustainability-oriented framework for digital banking adoption. The outcomes of the research are expected to assist policymakers, bank management, and stakeholders in designing sustainable, inclusive, and customer-centric digital banking strategies aligned with the broader goals of SDT-2026.
An insight into Consumer Inclination towards Quick Commerce Industry - A comparative Analysis between Zepto and Blinkit
India is a country where retailer, shopkeeper reference plays a vital role. But in recent times the adoption rate of quick commerce industry has increased drastically which led to sales decline of physical retail stores in Delhi NCR. In Q-commerce industry, Blinkit and zepto have emerged as a dominants player with Swiggy, InstaMart and others. The study is done for purpose to review the Consumer current pattern of buying groceries and other household items, reviewing their attitude and preferences towards quick commerce Industry. A well-structured questionnaire was designed and formulated to collect data of consumer’s pattern. This result will help quick commerce industry players and other traditional players for framing their mission, vision, objectives and policies. An in-depth knowledge is been collected from articles on consumer behaviour, Quick commerce Industry adaptation and consumer attitude through google scholar and other online modes. Quick commerce Industry was only chosen for study and area of Delhi/NCR was selected to collect the responses.
Sustainable and Responsible Workforce Management in the Digital Era: Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Platforms
Artificial intelligence and digital platforms have become increasingly embedded in organizational systems, fundamentally redefining how work is organized, monitored, and controlled. If their proponents’ claims are true, and if these technologies can indeed forestall dystopian futures, many of the questions they raise are about responsibility, sustainability, and ethics for technology to be worthwhile in the long term, it must support rather than detract from our well-being as a workforce. Drawing on the review literature, this concept paper contributes to our understanding of how artificial intelligence and platform-based systems are shaping managerial accountability and sustainable workforce practices in digitally transformed organisations. Referring to recent literature from management, organizational ethics, and digitalization research, the paper develops major themes concerning algorithmic decision-making, workforce surveillance, restructuring of work, skills, and employment, as well as governance challenges. The review raises tensions between efficiency-led digitalisation and the requirement for responsible workforce practices that manage with dignity, fairness, and inclusion for employees. According to the paper, sustainable and responsible management of people in the workforce needs a human touch that precedes technology advancement with ethical underpinning, transparency, and creating value over the long term. The theoretical lenses are integrated as they provide unique, complementary aspects of the phenomenon, and together, these provide an integrated understanding. The study offers a synthesised view on workforce responsibility in the digital age and suggests implications for further research and for practice.
Niharika Singh, Dr. Shalini Singh, Dr. Shweta Dipti
Finance, Economics and Sustainability in the Digital Era: Role of Green Finance, SRI
Sustainability has emerged as a major concern for economies worldwide due to environmental degradation, climate change and social inequality. The financial and economic systems play a crucial role in supporting sustainable development by directing investments toward environmentally and socially responsible activities. This study aims to examine the role of finance and economics in promoting sustainability, with emphasis on green finance, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). The study adopts a qualitative and conceptual research approach based on secondary data collected from academic journals, government publications and international reports. The analysis reveals that green financial instruments, ESG-based investments and supportive economic policies contribute significantly to environmental protection, financial stability and long-term economic growth. Additionally, inclusive financial models enhance financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods. However, challenges such as lack of standardized ESG frameworks and limited technological integration remain. The study concludes that coordinated financial policies and sustainable investment practices are essential for achieving long-term sustainable development.
Shipra Singh, Mukta Mandal, Dr. Priti Rai, Dr. Roshni Jaiswal
Bridging Tradition and Progress: The Role of Education in Sustaining Indian Culture
Few civilizations can match the age and diversity of India’s culture, which has been developing for millennia. Along with this rich heritage, the Indian education system has also grown, combining traditional values with modern goals. This paper looks at how education in India has developed from the past to the present, its guiding ideas, major changes over time, and the challenges it faces today. It also discusses how education helps protect and promote Indian culture in today’s changing world.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Tiwari, Aditya Singh Yadav, Prof. (Dr.) Tulika Saxena, Arpit Singh Yadav, Dr. Rajender Tewari
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Have A Symbiotic and Mutually Enforcing Relationship with Human Rights
Human rights, equity, and social justice are integral to sustainable development, forming its ethical core by ensuring fair resource distribution, inclusive opportunities (health, education, jobs), and dignity for all, especially the vulnerable, moving beyond mere economic growth to address systemic inequalities, poverty, discrimination, and environmental harms through integrated policies, legal frameworks (like the SDGs), and grassroots action for a truly just and sustainable future. Achieving sustainable development requires an inseparable link between human rights, equity, and social justice, ensuring that environmental and economic progress does not come at the cost of human dignity or fairness, but rather serves to uplift the most vulnerable and build just, resilient societies for all generations. Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Social justice and human rights are deeply linked concepts focused on fairness, equality, and dignity, with human rights being inherent entitlements for all people (like rights to health, education, freedom), while social justice is the principle of ensuring equitable access to resources, opportunities, and rights within society, often tackling systemic issues like poverty, discrimination, and inequality. Think of human rights as the foundational entitlements, and social justice as the application of those rights and fairness in real-world structures, aiming for a just distribution and participation for everyone, which is why movements for one often support the other.
Work Stress and Its Impact on Job Satisfaction in Academic Institution
In today’s highly competitive and rapidly evolving academic environment, faculty and staff face growing pressures to publish research, secure funding, and adopt innovative teaching methods. While these demands encourage professional growth and creativity, they also contribute to increased work stress, which can negatively affect mental well-being and job satisfaction. This paper explores the relationship between work stress and job satisfaction within academic institutions, emphasizing the role of organizational culture in shaping these outcomes. It argues that institutions promoting psychological safety, autonomy, collaboration, and a growth-oriented mindset can mitigate stress and enhance overall job satisfaction. By synthesizing insights from organizational psychology and higher education research, this study highlights how supportive and innovative institutional cultures can serve as strategic tools for improving employee well-being and sustaining long-term academic excellence.
Aditya Singh Yadav, Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Dixit, Prof. (Dr.) Tulika Saxena, Kalindi Kumari, Dr. Ashok Kumar
A Study on Urbanization and Economic Development in Punjab
Punjab has experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades due to a decline in the proportion of agricultural activity and an increase in rural-to-urban migration. Using census data, this paper examines the recent patterns and trends of urbanization in Punjab between 1961 and 2011. It looks into Punjab's pertinent urbanization determinants. Lastly, it calculates how Punjab's urban economic growth is affected by urbanization. The empirical findings demonstrate that Punjab's urban population is growing at a faster rate than the state's overall population. Punjab's urban areas and agglomerations are also growing quickly. Most significantly, compared to other classes of cities and towns, Punjab's urban population is concentrated in and around Class I cities. The results of the OLS regression indicate that urbanization in Punjab, as measured by the size of the city population, is negatively impacted by the road distance to the sub division (or the closest city population of one lakh or more). Conversely, Punjab's urbanization is positively impacted by the overall length of the city's roads. Furthermore, as indicated by city population density, Punjab's urbanization is positively impacted by the overall number of schools, colleges, and electrical connections. The study also discovers a positive correlation between Punjab's urban economic growth as indicated by district domestic product and urbanization as indicated by the size of the district urban population. The study concludes by outlining a number of policy options for Punjab's planned urbanization that will enhance both the province's and India's economic growth.
Digital Technologies, AI and Sustainability
Digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are playing a crucial role in advancing sustainability by improving efficiency, reducing resource waste, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data analytics, and blockchain help monitor energy use, manage supply chains, and track environmental impacts in real time. AI enhances sustainability efforts by analysing large datasets to predict climate patterns, optimize energy consumption, improve waste management, and support smart agriculture. For example, AI-powered systems can forecast energy demand, optimize renewable energy integration, reduce emissions, and increase crop yields while minimizing water and fertilizer use. Together, digital technologies and AI support sustainable development by enabling cleaner production, smart cities, circular economy models, and responsible resource management. However, sustainability also requires addressing challenges such as high energy consumption of data centers, digital waste, and ethical use of AI. When applied responsibly, digital technologies and AI act as powerful enablers of economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being, contributing significantly to long-term sustainable development.
Abhinya Srivastava, Ayushi Srivastava, Vaishnavi Gupta
Artificial Intelligence and Corporate Social Responsibility: Implications for Sustainable Business Practices
With the increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the context of business and society, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is also going through a transformation process: from what it means to how it is viewed or applied. With businesses coming under more and more scrutiny around environmental, ethical, and social aspects of their operations, AI is being portrayed as a strategic weapon to make these corporate programs more effective, transparent, and accountable. This paper investigates the potential contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how the latter is expected to drive sustainable business conduct. The authors leverage a discursive analysis of secondary literature (academic research, global policy frameworks, and sustainability reports) to investigate the role that AI plays as it relates to environmental sustainability, ethical governance, stakeholder engagement, and responsible supply chain management. At the same time, it provides a critical overview of key issues concerning algorithmic bias, data protection, and individual accountability, along with the potential for corporate social responsibility to be shallowly adopted. Theoretical and Practical Implications The paper posits that, late last decade, it could be determined that, despite the potential gains for sustainability to be made from AI deployment in organizations (and this was noted at a relatively early stage), such beneficial outcomes of such are contingent upon responsible governance, ethical design, and alignment with core CSR principles. According to this analysis, adding AI to the CSR framework will lead towards sustainable business in the long run, if technological change occurs by keeping social responsibility and ethical value demands.
Dr. Shalini Singh, Niharika Singh, Dr. Sarika Singh
Digital Transformation and Green Innovations Smart Cities
The rapid growth of cities has increased global issues related to energy, the environment, and infrastructure. To tackle these problems, cities are embracing digital transformation and green innovation strategies to become smart, sustainable, efficient, and focused on citizens. Digital transformation means using modern technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and cloud computing to improve urban management and governance. Green innovation, meanwhile, emphasizes eco-friendly practices such as renewable energy, electric transportation, smart grids, and waste-to-energy systems that support environmental sustainability. This research looks at how digital transformation promotes green innovation in smart cities by improving resource use and cutting carbon emissions. Using secondary research and case studies from Singapore, Amsterdam, and India's Smart Cities Mission, the study shows how technology and sustainability rely on each other. The findings indicate that cooperation among governments, industries, and citizens is crucial to solving challenges like data privacy, costs, and policy gaps. The paper concludes that the connection between digital technologies and green innovations is key to creating strong, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.
Awadhesh Kumar, Utkarsh Srivastava, Gaurav Vishwakarma, Roopesh Kr. Yadav, Dr. Amit Kumar Singh
The future of the Indian retail industry and AI: a Systematic Review of Sustainability
The fashion industry frequently fails to meet sustainability targets; however new technology developments provide a variety of solutions to this problem. One particularly promising helper in advancing sustainability in fashion is artificial intelligence (AI). This study of the literature examines the possible advantages and drawbacks of AI in relation to the sustainability of the fashion industry. After a systematic literature review and conducting a pilot survey we find that AI has a wide range of uses in the fashion industry, including supporting sustainability initiatives in waste management, supply chain management, creative design, sales and promotion, and data analysis. Even though AI has a lot of promise, it's crucial to recognize its drawbacks, such as the amount of data needed and the accompanying implementation costs. The studied literature emphasises the importance of responsible resource management, accessible services, and effective customer satisfaction, both now and in the future, all of which align with the complex nature of sustainability. In conclusion, AI is an essential ally in steering the fashion industry toward a more sustainable future, despite certain misgivings.
Rapid changes in technology, market dynamics, and consumer behaviour are reshaping industries and research domains. One of the major future challenges is technological disruption, where fast-evolving digital tools such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics demand continuous adaptation. Organizations and researchers must keep pace with innovation while managing high costs, skill gaps, and system integration issues. Another significant challenge is sustainability and environmental responsibility. Increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints, manage resources efficiently, and comply with environmental regulations requires innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Balancing economic growth with sustainable practices will remain a critical concern in the future. Changing consumer expectations also present a challenge. Modern consumers demand personalized, convenient, and affordable solutions. Meeting these expectations requires innovation in product design, service delivery, and business models. Failure to adapt may lead to reduced competitiveness and market relevance. From a research perspective, data security and ethical concerns are growing challenges. With increased reliance on digital platforms and data-driven systems, protecting user privacy and ensuring ethical use of information is essential. Researchers must address these issues while maintaining transparency and trust.
Aman Yadav, Shreya Singh, Divyanshu Maurya
The Role of Digital Transformation in Today’s Era: A Secondary Research Study
The digital transformation has become the key to the economic growth, effectiveness of organizations, and development of society in the modern era. The introduction of digital technologies in business processes, governing principles, and social systems has transformed the conventional system of practices and value creation processes. The current paper is an analysis of the impact of digital transformation in the modern world by conducting a systematic review of the existing literature sources and secondary data. The study examines the conceptual underpinnings, sectoral influence, advantages, and issues of digital transformation by relying on scholarly publications, institutional reports and policy documents. Results show that although the digital transformation boosts productivity, innovation, and service delivery, the challenges of the digital divide, cyber security threats, and skills remain a critical problem. The paper concludes that when the right infrastructure, digital literacy and policy frameworks are in place, digital transformation is inevitable in ensuring sustainable and inclusive development.
Dr. Servesh Kumar Sheetal, Mrs. Ritu Raj
Sustainable Management Practices Through Digitalisation in the Service Sector: A Study with Reference to the Indian Financial Sector
This research paper discusses the interlink between digital transformation and sustained management practices in the services sector, with particular emphasis on the Indian financial system. It explores the way in which highly advanced digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Big Data Analytics, facilitate the aims of Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) criteria in emerging countries. The analysis adopted in the research paper involves a mixed research methodology to conduct a systematic review of current literature (2020-2025), with a complementation of the analysis with the data collected from ESG disclosure statement analysis among major financial institutions in the Indian context. The analysis also involves an analysis of the BRSR statement with support from thematic analysis derived from preparatory regulatory statements released by RBI, SEBI. Results clearly show that technological advancements have considerably improved the operational sustainability, financial sustainability, and transparency in Indian financial services. Digital Public Infrastructure, namely UPI & AA, has resulted in improving the social dimension of sustainability. New emerging failures, like digital pollution, cyber risk, and algorithmic bias, challenge the sustainability gap. From the findings, it is apparent that consideration among management paradigms to incorporate cyber sustainability is essential to achieve robust, sustained financial sustainability in the Indian context.
Implementing Green Supply Chain Strategies for Enhanced Business Sustainability
Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has become a critical strategic approach for organizations striving to achieve long-term sustainability. As environmental concerns intensify globally, the integration of green practices such as eco-design, green procurement, cleaner production, and reverse logistics into supply chains has gained academic and industrial attention. This paper examines the role of GSCM strategies in enhancing business sustainability by exploring their impact on environmental performance, operational efficiency, cost management, and competitive advantage. It also focusses on motivations and phases to adopt GSCM. Drawing upon existing literature and a structured SWOT analysis, this study evaluates the challenges and opportunities associated with adopting green supply chain strategies. The findings highlight the importance of leadership commitment, stakeholder collaboration, and technological innovation for successful GSCM implementation. The recommendations emphasize policy support, investment in green technologies, supplier partnerships, and employee capacity building.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Sonkar, Dr. Pooja Yadav
India’s Green Finance Taxonomy: A Comparative Assessment with Global Standards
The importance of green finance has significantly increased, due to growing urgency of climate change and sustainable development. Green finance act as an important mechanism to mobilize capital toward environmentally sustainable activities. A comprehensive taxonomy is essential to identifies and categorizes appropriate green economic activities, thereby enhancing transparency and reducing the possibility of green washing. As a means to define environmentally sustainable economic activity and direct financial flows toward climate-resilient development, green finance taxonomies are crucial. Green finance taxonomies act as an outline for institutions and, investors providing common definitions for sustainable assets, with pillars typically involving the company’s significant environmental contribution, avoidance of considerable harm, and social safeguards. Several nations throughout the globe have developed structured green finance taxonomies, such as China’s Green Bond Endorsed Project Catalogue and the European Union (EU) Green Taxonomy, which offers comprehensive technical screening criteria and disclosure requirements. The green finance ecosystem is evolving significantly in India, with strong support from regulatory measures, such as the issuance of sovereign green bonds, and improved sustainability reporting requirements for businesses and financial institutions. However, the absence of comprehensive and unified global green finance taxonomy raises issues such as uniformity, consistency, comparability, and global coherence. This research paper aims to analyse India’s new green finance taxonomy and determine its alignment with leading global green finance taxonomy standards. The study utilizes a descriptive and comparative methodology that is entirely based on secondary data drawn from reports, policy documents, and regulatory frameworks published by international organizations such as World Bank, OECD, and European Commission as well as Indian institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Criteria for technical screening, standards disclosure requirements, sectors covered in taxonomy and the application of the "Do No Significant Harm" principle are the key aspects of comparison in this research paper. The finding of this study discloses that India's green finance framework partially aligns with international standards, particularly in areas like clean transportation and renewable energy; however, it is still primarily principle-based and lacks specific technical thresholds and uniform disclosure requirements. Furthermore, this research paper concludes that grater alignment with international green finance taxonomies would boost investor confidence, increase market transparency, and strengthen India's entry into global sustainable finance markets. To support the development of robust and internationally aligned green finance taxonomy for India, policy recommendations are proposed in this paper.
A Conceptual Framework for Understanding User Behaviour Towards Digital Financial Services: An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model
The rapid expansion of digital financial services (DFS) has transformed financial access and transactions, particularly in developing economies. Despite substantial policy support and technological advancement, the adoption and sustained use of digital financial services remain uneven, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. Understanding user behaviour towards digital financial services is therefore critical for achieving inclusive and sustainable digital finance. Research in the past has thoroughly used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explain the adoption of technology on the basis of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. However, the complexity of digital financial services, as characterized by financial risk, security concerns, trust issues, and varying user capabilities, has shown that TAM alone is incapable of explaining adoption behaviour fully. The paper proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework that extends the Technology Acceptance Model to better understand user behaviour towards digital financial services. Building on TAM, the proposed framework integrates perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, perceived risk, social influence, and digital financial literacy as key antecedents influencing behavioural intention, which subsequently leads to actual usage behaviour. By incorporating behavioural, social, and capability-based factors, the framework provides a more holistic and context-sensitive explanation of digital financial service adoption. Hence, the paper adds to the existing literature by proposing an integrated theoretical model that can guide future empirical research. The proposed framework also offers practical insights for policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and FinTech firms seeking to design effective strategies to enhance digital financial literacy, build trust, reduce perceived risk, and promote inclusive and sustainable adoption of digital financial services, particularly in rural and semi-urban contexts.
Pankaj Juneja, Dr. Bhupender Singh, Dr. Vaniki Joshi Lohani, Deepti Sharma, Dr. Mohit Lohani
Working Capital Efficiency and Financial Resilience of MSMEs in India
Good working capital management is very important for the financial stability and long-term survival of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In recent years, MSMEs in India have faced many financial difficulties because of economic uncertainty, changing market conditions, late payments from customers, and shortage of funds. This study aims to understand how effective management of working capital helps MSMEs remain financially strong. Financial resilience means the ability of a business to handle financial pressure, continue operations smoothly, and recover from economic problems. This study uses secondary financial data of selected Indian MSMEs collected over a period of five years. Working capital efficiency is examined using measures such as the cash conversion cycle, inventory turnover, time taken to collect payments from customers, and time taken to pay suppliers. Financial resilience is measured through liquidity position, solvency, and consistency of cash flows. Panel data regression analysis is applied to study the relationship between working capital efficiency and financial resilience, while also considering firm size, age, and industry type. The results show that MSMEs with efficient working capital management are financially more stable. Firms that convert cash faster, manage inventory well, and collect payments on time are better able to maintain liquidity and deal with financial stress. However, delaying payments to suppliers for too long can negatively affect financial stability. The study highlights that adopting proper working capital practices is essential for improving liquidity and supporting long-term growth. These findings are useful for MSME owners, financial managers, policymakers, and financial institutions working to strengthen the financial position of the MSME sector in India.
Challenges and Opportunities of Green Financing for MSMEs in India
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are central to India’s economic development due to their substantial contribution to employment generation, export growth, and inclusive development. However, the sector is also characterized by high energy consumption and environmental impact, largely arising from dependence on carbon-intensive technologies and inefficient production processes. In the context of India’s climate commitments and decarbonization goals, promoting environmentally sustainable practices among MSMEs has become a policy priority. Green financing, encompassing financial instruments, incentives, and risk-sharing mechanisms that support environmentally responsible investments, offers a critical pathway to facilitate this transition. This paper examines the key challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing and utilizing green finance, including limited awareness and technical capacity, high upfront investment costs, lack of collateral, information asymmetry between lenders and borrowers, product mismatches, and regulatory constraints. At the same time, it highlights emerging opportunities such as cost savings from energy efficiency, access to green markets, supportive government initiatives, blended finance mechanisms, digital finance platforms, and growing technical assistance frameworks. The study is based on secondary data drawn from government policy documents, multilateral agency reports, and academic literature published during the period 2020–2025. The findings suggest that while recent initiatives-such as SIDBI’s green financing schemes, national credit guarantee programs, and increasing regulatory attention by the Reserve Bank of India—have created a supportive foundation, the scale of green investment among MSMEs remains limited. The paper argues that wider adoption will require targeted concessional finance, effective risk-sharing instruments, standardized green eligibility frameworks, and enhanced capacity-building support. The study provides policy-relevant insights for policymakers, financial institutions, MSME associations, and development partners seeking to accelerate an inclusive and sustainable green transition within India’s MSME sector.
Intellectual Property, Benefit Sharing and Ethical Commercialization of Indian Knowledge Systems: A Sustainable Management Perspective
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) represent a rich, historically embedded body of knowledge encompassing traditional medicine, ecological stewardship, agriculture, and community-based governance. In recent years, the commercial utilization of IKS—particularly in sectors such as AYUSH, herbal pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and biodiversity-based enterprises—has expanded significantly. However, this commercialization raises critical concerns related to intellectual property protection, equitable benefit sharing, and ethical management. Conventional intellectual property regimes inadequately address the collective, intergenerational, and culturally embedded nature of IKS, often resulting in misappropriation and exclusion of knowledge holders from value creation. Drawing upon stakeholder theory, institutional theory, and sustainability-oriented management literature, this conceptual paper develops an integrative framework for the ethical commercialization of Indian Knowledge Systems. Using Indian case illustrations including the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), AYUSH-based enterprises, and tribal medicinal plant initiatives, the study proposes a conceptual model and theoretical propositions linking ethical governance to sustainable value creation. The paper contributes to management scholarship by positioning ethical IKS governance as a strategic capability for inclusive and sustainable development, with implications for managers, policymakers, and researchers.
Dr. Puneet Sethi, Dr. Anand Joshi, Dr. Rajiv Verma, Ms. Anshu Chauhan
The Role of Physical Activity in Preventing Postural Deformities: A Student-Centred Study
Little physical activity, sedentary lifestyles, and too much screen time are all contributing to postural deformities like forward head position, rounded shoulders, thoracic kyphosis, and scoliosis in school and college populations. Often arising throughout adolescence, these musculoskeletal problems usually persist into adulthood and result in persistent pain, practical limitations, and a reduced general quality of life. This student-centred study explored the link between physical activity and postural abnormalities as well as the effectiveness of a 12-week school-based physical activity intervention. Using a mixed-method research approach, 420 observational group members and 60 intervention group members were utilised. To carry out the postural examination, plumb line analysis, craniovertebral angle (CVA) measurement, and visual postural screening were employed. The National Physical Activity Questionnaire (NPAQ-SF) was used to assess activity levels. Three times a week for twelve weeks, the intervention included exercises designed to increase strength, coordinated mobility, and posture. The data revealed a negative correlation between the amount of physical activity and the prevalence of postural abnormalities. Students who participated in a lot of physical exercise showed significantly less musculoskeletal discomfort and much improved spinal alignment. The intervention group showed a significant posture improvement and a drop in discomfort as opposed to the control group. According to the study, frequent exercise is absolutely necessary for avoiding postural abnormalities in kids. Long-term musculoskeletal health and general well-being can be greatly improved by inexpensive programs for physical exercise in schools that are centred on the pupils.
Manish Kumar Singh, Suraj Kumar Patel, Dr. Balroop Yadav
Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Preservation
Sustainable tourism focuses on promoting tourism activities while protecting natural resources and cultural heritage. It aims to balance economic development with environmental conservation and the preservation of historical and cultural assets. Responsible tourism practices help reduce negative impacts on heritage sites and encourage respect for local traditions and cultural values. This study is based on a review of secondary data from academic journals, reports, and policy documents. The findings indicate that community participation and effective tourism planning play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. The paper concludes that sustainable tourism is essential for ensuring long-term cultural preservation and sustainable development.
Role of Banks in Promoting Sustainable Business Practices
The growing emphasis on sustainability has expanded the role of banks beyond traditional financial intermediation to actively promoting sustainable business practices. This study examines the role of banks in fostering sustainability through green financing, integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, sustainable investment instruments, and financial inclusion initiatives. The research is based exclusively on secondary data collected from published bank annual reports, sustainability and ESG disclosures, regulatory guidelines, reports of central banks, and existing academic literature. The study analyses trends and initiatives adopted by banks to support environmentally responsible and socially inclusive business activities. The findings reveal that banks play a significant role in directing capital towards renewable energy projects, eco-friendly enterprises, and sustainable business models while enhancing risk management and long-term financial stability. However, challenges such as lack of uniform sustainability reporting standards, limited disclosure practices, and regulatory constraints hinder the effective implementation of sustainable banking. The study concludes that strengthening regulatory frameworks and improving transparency can enhance the contribution of banks toward sustainable business development.
Dr. Sarika Singh, Dr. Shalini Singh, Mr. Sushil Kumar
Sustainability In Agriculture and Food Security
Sustainability in agriculture and food security has become a critical global concern due to increasing population pressure, climate change, depletion of natural resources, and environmental degradation. This research examines sector-specific approaches to achieving sustainability in agriculture with a focus on ensuring long-term food security. The study highlights key sectors including crop production, livestock, fisheries, water management, soil conservation, technological innovation, policy support, and post-harvest management. Sustainable practices such as crop diversification, integrated farming systems, efficient irrigation techniques, organic and conservation agriculture, and climate-resilient technologies are analysed for their role in enhancing productivity while minimizing ecological impact. The paper also emphasizes the importance of institutional frameworks, government policies, and supply chain efficiency in reducing food losses and improving accessibility. Based on secondary data and existing literature, the study concludes that a sector-specific and integrated approach is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural development and ensuring food security for present and future generations.
Srishti Singh, Shruti Srivastava, Satya Gupta, Ms. Nidhi Yadav
Future Challenges and Innovations in Sustainability
Sustainability has emerged as one of the most critical concerns of the modern world. Rapid industrialization, population growth, climate change, and excessive exploitation of natural resources have created serious environmental, economic, and social challenges. This research paper aims to study the future challenges faced in achieving sustainability and the innovative solutions that can help overcome these challenges. The paper discusses issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, ethical economic growth, disaster management, and social inequality. It also highlights the role of innovation, technology, youth participation, gender inclusion, governance, and cross-disciplinary research in ensuring sustainable development. The study is based on secondary data and provides a descriptive analysis of sustainability challenges and future innovations.
Sustainable Tourism, Heritage and Cultural Preservation
Sustainable tourism has emerged as a crucial approach to balancing economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Heritage and culture are vital components of tourism, contributing significantly to national identity, social cohesion, and economic development. However, rapid tourism growth often leads to environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and loss of heritage authenticity. This research paper explores the relationship between sustainable tourism and heritage and cultural preservation. It analyses the importance, challenges, and strategies for integrating sustainability into tourism practices. The study highlights how sustainable tourism can protect heritage sites, promote cultural continuity, and ensure long-term socio-economic benefits for communities.
Vaibhavi Choudhary, Anjali Singh, Jagriti Yadav
Sustainability has emerged as a critical global priority, requiring tailored strategies across different sectors to address environmental, social, and economic challenges effectively. This research paper explores sector-specific approaches to sustainability, focusing on agriculture and food security, sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation, renewable energy transitions, health and well-being in urban spaces, and sustainable practices in higher education institutions. The study highlights how customized sustainability frameworks can enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote inclusive development. By examining sector-based initiatives and best practices, the paper emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into policy-making, technological innovation, and institutional governance. The findings suggest that sector-specific strategies are essential for achieving long-term sustainable development goals and ensuring resilience in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization.
Anchal Gupta, Ritika Verma & Anjana Yadav
Language As Power in African and Indian English Literature
Language in postcolonial literature is not merely a medium of communication but a powerful instrument of control, resistance, and identity formation. African and Indian English literature reveal how language operates as a site of power shaped by colonial history. This paper examines how English—once imposed as a colonial language—has been appropriated, reshaped, and resisted by African and Indian writers. Through selected works by Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Raja Rao, Salman Rushdie, and Arundhati Roy, the study explores how language functions as a tool of domination as well as empowerment, enabling postcolonial writers to reclaim voice, culture, and authority.
Beyond The Sieve: A Survey of Artificial Intelligence Approaches for Prime Number Prediction and Structural Analysis
The study of prime numbers, the essential structural blocks of number theory, has been the area of rigorous logical and algebraic methods. While effective for showing general properties, these standard methods often struggle to identify delicate, high-dimensional patterns within the arrangement of primes that may not be simply expressible in closed-form mathematical language. This report studies the developing paradigm of using Artificial Intelligence (AI), mostly deep learning, to balance classical number theory. We survey key methodologies, including the application of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and transformers for next-prime calculation, and the use of unsupervised learning for uncovering latent structures in prime distributions. We discuss important successes, such as models that complete high truth in expecting subsequent primes within unnatural sequences and the identification of potential novel inter-prime relationships. However, we also address serious limitations, most particularly the models' leaning toward speaking rather than true extrapolation, their absence of interpretability, and the important challenge of moving from pattern credit to mathematically generalizable proof. The deduction suggests that AI serves not as a replacement for standard theory, but as a powerful investigative tool for generating novel hypotheses about prime distribution, possibly guiding mathematicians toward new theorems and a deeper understanding of the primes.
Asheesh Patel*, Pradeep Kumar Maurya, Ajay Kumar Kushawaha
Transforming Business Operations for Sustainability through Digitalization
This research paper investigates how digitalization transforms business operations toward sustainability. With mounting environmental challenges and competitive pressures, organizations increasingly adopt digital technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and big data analytics—to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and drive sustainable business models. The paper synthesizes academic literature, case studies, and industry reports to evaluate opportunities, challenges, and best practices for integrating digitalization with sustainable operations across sectors. The growing urgency of environmental degradation, climate change, and social responsibility has compelled organizations to rethink traditional business operations. Digitalization has emerged as a powerful enabler of sustainable transformation by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and blockchain into operational processes. This research paper explores how digitalization transforms business operations to achieve sustainability goals. Through an extensive review of existing literature and conceptual analysis, the paper examines key digital technologies, their impact on operational sustainability, challenges faced by organizations, and strategic frameworks for effective implementation. The study concludes that aligning digital transformation initiatives with sustainability objectives can significantly enhance resource efficiency, transparency, and long-term business value.
Priyam Singh, Priyal Mishra, Khushboo Arora, Dr. Priti Rai, Prof. Charu Agarwal
Digital Transformation in Promoting Millets (“Shri Anna”): A Study of Consumer Behaviour in Lucknow
Today, marketed as "Shri Anna," millets have become a key element of India's plan for sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security. The way millets are marketed, consumed, and promoted has changed significantly in recent years due to digital transformation, particularly in metropolitan areas (Wadhawan & R. K. A., 2020). In Lucknow, a significant metropolitan centre in Uttar Pradesh, this study investigates the impact of digital platforms on consumer awareness, attitudes, and purchasing behaviour regarding millets. Government initiatives like the International Year of Millets (2023), digital India campaigns, and the increasing usage of social media, e-commerce platforms, food applications, and online health influencers are all taken into consideration when conducting the research. The study investigates how consumer understanding, trust, and acceptance of millet-based products are impacted by digital tools such as social media marketing, mobile applications, e-commerce websites, online commercials, and influencer-led content. Additionally, it examines how customer preferences are evolving due to factors including ease, exposure to digital information, lifestyle modifications, and health consciousness. Structured surveys and interviews with urban consumers in Lucknow to be used to gather primary data, supplemented by secondary data from reports, policy documents, and online media sources. In addition to highlighting the increasing significance of digital communication in encouraging sustainable and healthful food choices, the results are anticipated to highlight issues like price sensitivity, misinformation, and the scarcity of millet-based goods. The study offers insights for policymakers, agri- entrepreneurs, digital marketers, and food companies to create more successful digital strategies for millets by concentrating on customer behaviour. All things considered, the study advances knowledge of how digital transformation might promote sustainable consumption, nutritional awareness, and the more general objectives of economic growth and food security in modern urban India.
Dr Gagan Deep Chadha, Dr Nidhi Srivastava
Sustainable Practices in Higher Education Institutions
In today’s world, sustainable development plays an important role and has become a global issue because many environmental problems include (pollution, deforestation, and climate change), social inequality can be seen in unequal access to (education, digital resources, and economic opportunities among different sections of society), and resource depletion has been increasing rapidly (Hasan et al., 2025). In this situation, higher education institutions play significant roles because these institutions shape future generations and create awareness among students and society. This study mainly focuses on the concept of sustainable development and sustainable practices in higher education institutions. This study focuses on green campus, saving energy, saving water, waste management, and digital technologies, which have been discussed in this paper. Higher education institutions help in making students responsible citizens by providing proper education, encouraging research activities, and involving them in community-based programs. This paper also finds the problems or challenges faced by institutions in implementing sustainability practices, which include lack of awareness, lack of funds, and lack of facilities, etc. These are some of the issues which create problems in implementing sustainable practices. This study has given some practical suggestions which help higher education institutions promote sustainable development effectively. In conclusion, sustainable practices in higher education are essential for achieving long-term sustainable development and preparing future generations to address global sustainability challenges.
Jagriti Tiwari, Bhawna Shukla, Ananya Verma
Swastika Upadhyay, Anchal Bharti, Ankita Devi
Sustainable Management Practices are about doing business in a way. You have to be responsible when you do business. A company needs to make money. Companies are supposed to use water and other things we get from nature carefully so we do not waste them. They have to think about the people who will be alive after us and make sure they have what they need. The Practices are important for our future. Green Supply Chain and Logistics Management is about making Green Supply Chain and Logistics Management environment friendly. They try to use plastic and packaging carefully. They also try to save fuel when they transport things. Companies are using vehicles or vehicles that use less fuel. They plan the delivery routes carefully. Warehouses are using energy and they make sure to dispose of waste properly. The main goal of Green Supply Chain and Logistics Management is to reduce pollution and protect the environment. The Circular Economy and Business Models are about using things again and again. They want us to reuse, recycle, and reduce the things we buy. They can take products that are broken or do not work anymore and use the parts to make new products. Companies should do things that help people and the planet. This is called Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR for short. Sustainability Reporting is when companies tell us what they are doing to help the environment and people. Companies share information about what they're doing for the environment and society. This helps people trust companies, including the people who buy things from them and the people who give them money. CSR and Sustainability Reporting are important for companies to do. Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Startups are businesses that people start to solve problems that affect society and the environment, and they also want to make money. Entrepreneurship and Startups work on things like renewable energy, managing waste, farming in a natural way, and finding solutions for clean water. The main goal of Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Startups is to make a difference by doing things in a new way. ESG is important for people who invest money in companies because it helps them pick companies that are good and honest.
Sustainable, according to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, is, i.e. ‘able to continue without causing damage to the environment’. I believe Knowledge is sustainable, regardless of its form. The tradition of knowledge, beginning with Mahadeva (Lord Shiva), was carried forward by Sage Ved Vyas. Sustainability is generally understood through environmental science, economics, and policy, yet linguistics, i.e. ‘a scientific and systematic study of language’, is humanity’s primary medium of communication. It plays an equally foundational role in shaping sustainable societies. This paper explores the thematic connections between linguistics and sustainability, focusing on how linguistic practices impact environmental awareness, preserve ecological knowledge, shape public discourse, and support inclusive sustainability policies. By examining indigenous knowledge systems, environmental communication, digital media, and global governance, the paper argues that language is not merely a weapon for describing sustainability but a driving force that determines how societies conceptualise, negotiate, and act upon environmental challenges.
From Intent to Impact: Digital Transformation and the Economics of Sustainable Finance
Despite the rapid expansion of green finance, carbon markets, and socially responsible investing, global progress toward sustainability remains uneven and difficult to verify. This paper argues that the central limitation of sustainable finance lies not in insufficient capital mobilization, but in a persistent intent–impact gap, wherein financial flows labelled as “green” fail to translate into demonstrable environmental and social outcomes. The study advances the argument that digital transformation plays a critical role in closing this gap by reshaping how sustainability-related financial activities are measured, monitored, and governed. Adopting a conceptual and analytical approach, the paper examines how digital financial infrastructure, data-driven governance, and fintech-enabled monitoring mechanisms can convert sustainability intent into measurable impact. It critically evaluates the performance limitations of carbon markets and socially responsible investing, emphasizing challenges related to information asymmetry, credibility of ESG disclosures, and weak verification frameworks. Digital technologies, when embedded within financial systems, are shown to reduce these frictions by enabling real-time data capture, enhanced traceability of funds, and improved accountability across market participants. India is used as a strategic reference case to illustrate this transformation in an emerging economy context. Initiatives such as India’s digital public infrastructure, SEBI’s ESG disclosure frameworks, sovereign green bond issuances by the Reserve Bank of India, and institutional experimentation at GIFT City demonstrate how digital integration can strengthen the conversion of green capital into verifiable outcomes. At the same time, the analysis highlights persistent risks related to data reliability, regulatory coordination, and greenwashing. The paper contributes to the sustainability finance literature by reframing green finance as a conversion challenge rather than a funding challenge and underscores the necessity of aligning digital governance with economic policy to achieve credible and scalable sustainable development.
Vishnu Kumar, Alok Kumar, Amrit Kumar, Kalindi Kumari, Dr. Sunil Kumar Rai
Sustainable Practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India: Advancing Towards Environmental Stewardship and Social Responsibility
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India are progressively implementing sustainable practices to address persistent environmental, social, and economic challenges while aligning with India's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper examines the integration of sustainability across five critical dimensions: curriculum development, campus operations, governance frameworks, research and innovation, and community engagement. Through an analysis of policy frameworks, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation systems, supplemented by case studies from leading Indian universities, this paper identifies both successes and critical blocks in the implementation of sustainability. The research reveals that Indian HEIs have made sweeping progress in accepting renewable energy, implementing waste management systems, and integrating environmental courses. Systemic challenges, including financial constraints, capacity gaps, and resistance to curricular change, continue. The paper presents the argument that HEIs must function not merely as knowledge disseminators but as living laboratories for sustainable development practices. They should not only teach subjects, but should also take care of the fact that it is implemented in real-life situations. Recommendations focus on strengthening policy support, establishing sustainable financing mechanisms, reforming curricula and enriching disciplines, developing complete sustainability metrics, and building institutional capacity as well.
Role of Nonverbal Communication Training in Enhancement of Employability Potential in Engineering Students
In the evolving landscape of global employment, the employability of graduates is increasingly shaped not only by technical expertise but also by their ability to project confidence, credibility, and professionalism through non-verbal cues. Research consistently demonstrates that non-verbal communication skills significantly influence perceptions of competence and employability during recruitment interactions (Mehrabian, 1972; Burgoon, Guerrero & Floyd, 2016). Engineering students, despite strong academic preparation, often experience employability gaps due to insufficient development of behavioral communication skills that shape first impressions and professional presence (Gokuladas, 2010; Islam & Kirillova, 2020). This paper examines the role of structured nonverbal communication training as a driver of employability enhancement within higher education. Core non-verbal elements—posture, eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and professional appearance—have been shown to influence hiring decisions and interview performance (Bonaccio et al., 2016; Cannata et al., 2024). Particular emphasis is placed on the development of confidence, gravitas, and social intelligence as mediators that strengthen employability potential among engineering students (Carney, Cuddy & Yap, 2010; Lopes et al., 2015). The paper also highlights curricular gaps in engineering programs, which often privilege technical knowledge over essential employability skills (Yusoff, 2010). By proposing an integrated nonverbal communication training framework, the study underscores the need for higher education institutions to embed behavioral communication training to ensure graduates enter the workforce with both competence and confidence.
Ankit Kumar Sharma, Dr. Pankhuri Agarwal
Balancing AI Growth with Environmental Sustainability: Future Challenges & Innovations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies, industries, and daily life. However, its rapid expansion comes with rising energy consumption, increased carbon footprints, and resource demands. This paper explores the environmental challenges posed by AI growth, evaluates current mitigation strategies, and outlines future innovations that can align AI development with ecological sustainability. The goal is to map pathways for responsible AI that supports both technological progress and planetary health.
Jyoti Singh Vishaka Sonkar, Mohd Asad Ali Khan
Investigating Effectiveness of Boom Energy Recuperation Hydraulic Excavator using Intensifier and Accumulator
Hydraulic excavators are essential in construction and mining due to their high load-handling capacity and operational flexibility, but they suffer from low energy efficiency and high energy consumption. The present investigation proposes a modified hydraulic circuit aimed at enhancing energy regeneration by utilizing output from both working chambers of a three-chamber hydraulic cylinder during the boom-lowering phase. Unlike conventional systems, where fluid from one chamber is sent to the accumulator and the other is wasted into the reservoir, the proposed design directs fluid from both chambers to a hydraulic pressure intensifier, which boosts the pressure before storing it in an accumulator. This modification significantly increases the amount of energy that can be recovered and reused during boom lifting, thereby reducing support on the hydraulic pump and minimizing energy waste. Additionally, it lowers negative pressure at the pump inlet, reducing the risk of cavitation and extending pump life. Early simulation results using Automation Studio® Educational Version 6.0 demonstrate a notable improvement in energy recovery over traditional systems. The integration of a pressure boosting mechanism and redesigned flow path shows great potential for enhancing the performance and efficiency of hydraulic excavators, paving the way for more energy-efficient and sustainable solutions in heavy machinery operations.
Niraj Kumar, Anubhav Kumar Sharma, Niranjan Kumar
Impact Of Green Finance, Fintech, And the Digital Economy on Environmental Sustainability
Improving environmental sustainability is a critical objective for economies seeking to accelerate global growth. The United Nations General Assembly recommends implementing the SDG-7 proposals to improve environmental sustainability. This study, using panel data, examines the impact of green finance, fintech, and digital economy on environmental sustainability India, USA, China & Ireland from 2013 to 2023. The analysis utilized the panel unit root, panel cointegration, and pairwise Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality tests. Our empirical data suggest that cointegration is one of the factors examined. Green finance, the digital economy, and FinTech are strongly intertwined. The findings may provide useful insights into the development of environmental sustainability. Policymakers should create energy-compatible policies to facilitate green finance for energy systems in the India, USA, China & Ireland. To analyse Green Finance, Financial Technology, Environmental Sustainability, and Digitalization across India, the United States, China, and Ireland over the past five years, a multi-faceted data collection approach is necessary. Green Finance data can be sourced from organizations like the Climate Bonds Initiative, OECD Green Finance and Investment, and national financial regulators. Financial Technology data, such as Statista, EY's Global Fintech Adoption Index, the World Bank's Global Findex, and Accenture, reveal key trends in digital payment systems adoption and market growth. These sources enable tracking of global trends, allowing cross-country comparisons of fintech adoption and usage, revealing regional differences and the overall development of the fintech industry. Environmental sustainability metrics, such as CO₂ emissions per capita and renewable energy consumption, provide vital insights into a country's progress in achieving environmental sustainability and identifying areas for improvement.
Dr. Mohsina Hayat, Prof. Rachana Saxena, Aanchal Soni, Shourya Chopra
A Study On: The Future Prospects and Challenges of Fintech
Financial technology (fintech) continues to reshape the financial sector, revolutionizing banking, payments, lending, and investments. With rapid technological advancements, fintech enhances financial inclusion, improves operational efficiency, and reduces costs. However, these innovations also bring significant challenges, including regulatory compliance, cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, and ethical implications of algorithmic decision- making. This study aims to analyse the fintech industry and its future, assess awareness and public perception of fintech services, and identify key consumer preferences. Additionally, it examines the challenges hindering online payment adoption, focusing on technological infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The research also explores how fintech companies influence financial institutions by analysing their competitive strategies and market dynamics. Emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and decentralized finance are evaluated for their role in shaping the future of fintech. While fintech offers new opportunities, risks such as financial exclusion, systemic instability, and digital fraud remain critical concerns. By identifying these opportunities and challenges, the study provides insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and technology developers, helping them foster responsible innovation and develop risk mitigation strategies. The findings emphasize the need for a balanced approach that ensures financial security while promoting fintech’s transformative impact. Ultimately, the study aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the evolving fintech landscape, informing stakeholders about future prospects, emerging trends, and regulatory developments in online payments and digital financial services.
Prof. Rachana Saxena, Dr. Mohsina Hayat, Sahithi Polisetty, Shrujana C
Sustainability Inflation: Do Green Policies Quietly Increase Cost of Living for the Urban Poor?
Sustainability and green policies are generally presented as solutions for environmental protection and long-term human welfare. However, this research explores a rarely discussed and uncomfortable reality: whether sustainability initiatives unintentionally increase the daily cost of living for the urban poor. The study focuses on the conflict between environmental responsibility and economic affordability, especially for low-income families living in urban areas. Instead of relying on official data or secondary sources, this paper is built on student-led field observations, informal conversations, and lived experiences of economically weaker sections in the city. As a student researcher, the students conducted informal surveys and discussions with urban poor households such as street vendors, domestic workers, daily wage labourers, auto drivers, sanitation workers, and small shop owners living in rented rooms or informal settlements. The discussions were not structured interviews but everyday conversations about expenses changes in prices, and difficulties in adapting to new “green” rules. This approach allowed genuine responses, free from technical language or policy influence. One major observation was that many urban poor individuals were not against sustainability itself. However, they felt that green policies were designed for people who could afford choices. For example, bans or restrictions on older vehicles were seen as environmentally necessary, but for poor auto drivers or delivery workers, replacing vehicles was financially impossible. Electric vehicles were viewed as “rich people’s sustainability,” not a realistic option. Charging infrastructure, battery replacement costs, and lack of resale value created fear rather than hope. The study also found that energy-saving policies sometimes increased expenses instead of reducing them. Poor households were encouraged to use energy-efficient appliances, LED lights, or cleaner cooking fuels. However, the upfront cost of such products was a major barrier. Many families continued using older appliances or unsafe alternatives because they could not afford the “initial investment” required for sustainability. In some cases, prepaid smart meters created anxiety, as families feared sudden disconnection if balance ran out, leading to more cautious but stressful energy use. The analysis suggests that sustainability without affordability can deepen urban inequality. When green choices are expensive, they become privileges rather than rights. The research does not argue against sustainability but emphasizes the need for inclusive design. Policies must be grounded in real-life economic conditions, especially of the urban poor, who are often the least contributors to environmental degradation but the most affected by policy changes. In conclusion, this study highlights that true sustainability must balance environmental goals with social justice. If green policies increase the cost of survival for the poor, they risk losing public trust and long-term effectiveness. Sustainability should reduce hardship, not redistribute it downward. The findings call for a people-centered sustainability model, where affordability, dignity, and participation of the urban poor are central to environmental action.
Anchal Singh, Richa Dwivedi, Anjali Kumari
Impact of Green HRM on Sustainable Human Resource Practices and Employee Mental Well-Being in Educational Institutions
Increased recognition of mental health, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, has placed employee well-being at the centre of Human Resource Management (HRM). While HRM has gained significant momentum in recent years, research on employee well-being (EWB) and mental health within HRM remains limited. This study examines the relationship between Green Human Resource Management practices and employee well-being, focusing on mental and physical health, thereby contributing to social sustainability. A survey was conducted with 140 academic staff members from higher education institutions in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The findings indicate that Green HRM practices, including green recruitment, training, recognition, and eco-friendly workplace initiatives, significantly improve employee satisfaction, mental health, and overall well-being. Additionally, the study highlights the moderating effect of resource commitment in strengthening this relationship. A conceptual model is proposed to illustrate the link between Green HRM practices and employee well-being. This research contributes to the HRM literature by emphasising the strategic importance of sustainability in fostering healthier, more motivated employees and offers practical insights for higher education institutions aiming to adopt Green HRM strategies for long-term organisational success.
Dr. Sharmila Singh, Dr. Vijay Kumar Verma, Dr. Priti Rai
Pedagogy for Sustainability: Reorienting Education in an Era of Global Crises
The contemporary world is facing unprecedented environmental, social, and economic challenges arising from climate change, ecological degradation, and unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. Despite growing awareness and policy initiatives, meaningful progress towards sustainability remains limited, underscoring the need for deeper value transformation among individuals and societies. Education plays a critical role in addressing this gap by shaping worldviews, ethical responsibility, and critical consciousness. This paper critically examines the evolution of pedagogy for sustainability within the broader framework of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), as promoted by UNESCO and embedded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4.7. The study traces the shift from early environmental education focused on awareness and conservation to transformative, learner-centred pedagogies that emphasise critical thinking, social justice, and ecological responsibility. It further explores the tensions between sustainability education and dominant paradigms in business and management education, which have historically prioritised economic growth and profit maximisation, often conflicting with planetary limits. Focusing on the Indian context, the paper analyses the implications of the National Education Policy 2020, which advocates holistic, experiential, and transdisciplinary learning for sustainability. However, it argues that pedagogical practice remains constrained by rigid curricula, examination-oriented systems, and inconsistent teacher preparedness. The paper concludes by highlighting the fragmented and under-researched nature of sustainability pedagogy in India and calls for transformative, value-oriented educational approaches aligned with global sustainability imperatives and local socio-cultural realities.
Rachana Singh, Dr Pooja Singh, Dr Shalini Singh, Dr Shubhanker Yadav
Smart Loans, Smarter Banks: The Rise of AI in Indian Loan Management
Indian banking industry is rapidly going digital, artificial intelligence (AI), technology-driven data are defining trend. Of all banking processes, AI implementation has most disturbed lending. Since ages there have been long delays in processing loans in Banks of India because of subjective credit appraisal process (Test time values) which increases high operational cost of Banks of India as NPAs augment, financial frauds multiply. Limitations have compelled banks to pursue smart technology-driven decisions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, fairness of lending operations. It is on this background that Indian banks are heavily embracing AI in an attempt to introduce new innovation in their loans management. Paper examines how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing process of loan management in Indian banks based on most important functional domains such as, credit scoring, risk assessment, automatic loan approval system, fraud detection tools, NPA prediction models. Conceptual research design is used in the research, sources used are secondary data which include academic papers, market reports, banking magazines, proper case precedent. Findings indicate that efficiency and precision of loan approval procedures, decreasing the dependency on the personal judgment of the individuals, and increasing the overall risk management competence could be significantly improved by AI-driven lending systems. With machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics, the banks are now better endowed to be able to predict the credit worthiness of borrowers, and any possible default risks at an early stage. And AI led loan management services also benefit the customer experience and financial inclusion by providing retail, MSME and small business customers with faster access to credit. Nonetheless, despite its merits, the AI-based loan management system also has its grave problems - privacy and confidentiality of the data, discrimination of algorithms used, lack of transparency and clarity of regulations etc. particularly in the setting of Indian banking. Therefore, the paper hints at the idea that although AI can potentially make Indian banks smarter and stronger, in addition to the suitable governance frameworks and ethical AI practices, the adherence to the established regulation norms as well as a reasonable policy are both critical to the growth of banking in India.
Role of Government Policies in promoting Sustainable Management Practices
Sustainable management practices are essential for achieving long-term economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. Governments play a critical role in promoting these practices through the formulation and implementation of effective policies, regulations, and incentive mechanisms. This study examines the role of government policies in encouraging the adoption of sustainable management practices across various sectors. It explores how regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, environmental standards, and awareness programs influence organizational behaviour toward sustainability. The research also analyses challenges faced by governments and organizations, including policy enforcement, compliance costs, and limited institutional capacity. Using a qualitative and secondary data–based approach, the study highlights best practices and policy tools that have successfully driven sustainable outcomes. The findings suggest that coherent, well-enforced, and participatory government policies significantly enhance the integration of sustainability into management practices, contributing to long-term national development goals and environmental resilience.
Aligning Indian Knowledge Systems with SDG 8: Strategic Insights from Kautilya’s Arthashastra
The pursuit of sustainable economic growth and decent work, encapsulated by Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), remains a pivotal challenge in contemporary management and policy, often complicated by the limitations of conventional business models. While modern business strategies emphasize efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness, they often overlook ethical governance, labour welfare, and long-term societal well-being. "Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), particularly Kautilya’s Arthashastra, offer a robust and distinct framework for economic management. Its emphasis on ethical leadership, inclusive growth, and welfare-oriented governance provides a compelling alternative perspective that warrants rigorous exploration for its contemporary applicability and potential to enrich current sustainable business models. Employing a conceptual and interdisciplinary approach, this study uniquely bridges ancient Indian economic thought, specifically Kautilya's Arthashastra, with contemporary sustainable business discourse by systematically aligning its core principles with SDG 8 targets and modern management constructs. This offers a culturally grounded alternative to conventional sustainability frameworks. A conceptual framework is proposed linking Arthashastra-inspired strategic principles with sustainable business outcomes. The paper contributes to management literature by demonstrating how ancient Indian economic thought can inform modern sustainable business strategies and inclusive growth agendas.
Steering the Digital Shift: Leaders Managing Ethical Debt in the Age of Accelerated Digital Transformation for the IT Sector
Over the past few years, there has been a rapid shift in the organisation towards Digital. Transformation Front. This shift has been primarily driven by competitive gains in international markets. More likely similar to “Technical Debt”, this paper focuses on “Ethical Debt”, which is related to the pace at which technological adoption takes place, at times outpacing the development of robust ethical values or considerations. "Ethical Debt"—the accumulated cost of deferred moral considerations, such as data privacy gaps, algorithmic bias, and transparency deficits, incurred during accelerated digitalisation. Much like technical debt, ethical debt provides short-term agility at the expense of long-term organisational integrity and public trust. Through this paper, research explores how these “moral liabilities” leaders could identify and mitigate. This paper, through multi multi-disciplinary lens, tries to identify the need for alterations in traditional governance models to address the issues with Generative AI and the Automation framework. Through this paper, we propose a proactive Leadership Framework for Ethical Redress, which shifts the focus from reactive compliance to an "Ethics-by-Design" approach. The key findings of this paper will try to highlight the need for a deliberate shift towards ethical accountability, as well as the social and financial cost to remediate these Digital setbacks else potential failures of digital transformation are at higher risk. This paper concludes by offering integration of a robust policy framework that contributes to the core of digital strategy, ensuring that the drive for transformation does not come at the cost of human-centric values.
Bloom Scrolling and Sustainable Digital Well-Being: An Emerging Perspective
Digital transformation has rapidly shifted the ways in which online content is consumed, raising serious mental health, emotional resilience, and long-term digital well-being concerns. The pervasiveness of doom scrolling, or excessive exposure to negative and distressing online content, has increasingly been linked to anxiety, stress, and unsustainable digital behaviors. In contrast, bloom scrolling represents an alternative mode of digital consumption that foregrounds intentional engagement with positive, meaningful, and constructive content. This paper positions bloom scrolling as an emergent perspective for fostering sustainable digital well-being in the contemporary digital ecosystem. The paper shows how bloom scrolling can act to improve emotional balance, increase cognitive engagement, and enable healthier patterns of digital engagement. It also reflects on the role of the digital platforms, content creators, and policy frameworks in building environments supportive of positive digital experiences without sacrificing user agency or interaction. This study contributes to the growing discussion of digital sustainability by placing bloom scrolling as an active behavioral approach that can help reduce the negative effects of negative content exposure. Bloom scrolling allows considerations of well-being in digital consumption to create a path towards more ethical, resilient, and sustainable online ecosystems. This paper concludes by highlighting some of the important managerial, educative, and policy implications, and stresses the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in order to integrate positive digital behaviors into practice and ensure sustainable long-term digital well-being.
Mr. Shashank Pandey, Ms. Sushmita Srivastava
Efficiency of Natural Photosensitizer for Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage through Photogalvanic Cells
The enhanced global energy need of clean, cheap and sustainable energy has introduced research into solar energy conversion and storage technologies. Photogalvanic cells offer a promising route for sustainable energy conversion directly into electrical energy with inherent storage capacity. The significant component of these cells is photosensitizer which absorb the sunlight and start the cell reaction. Natural photosensitizers are eco-friendly, low cost, high abundance, non-toxic and biodegradable that’s why in recent years growing attention has been focused toward the application of it in photogalvanic cell. Hence, this study represents a comprehensive work of use of natural photosensitizer in photogalvanic cells. The basics of photogalvanic cells are also discussed followed by an investigation of the overall performance of the cell. Factor affecting all parameters of the cell, limitations, advantages and recent development to enhance the shortcoming of use of natural photosensitizer in the cell are crucially overview. Lastly upcoming prospects and challenges related to natural photosensitizer in photogalvanic cells are emphasized with their potential character in sustainable solar energy conversion and storage.
Shachi Tiwari, Chandrakanta Mall, Jitendra Kumar Chaurasiya, Rohit Kumar, Prem Prakash Solanki
Multicomponent Synthetic Reactions involving Aminopyrazole-Based Hetrocycles
Aminopyrazoles are important and versatile building blocks in heterocyclic chemistry and have been extensively employed in the synthesis of pyrazole-fused heterocyclic frameworks. Owing to the presence of multiple reactive sites, aminopyrazoles exhibit diverse chemical reactivity, making them particularly suitable substrates for multicomponent reactions (MCRs). These reactions provide efficient, atom-economical, and sustainable approaches for the rapid construction of structurally complex and functionalized aza-heterocycles. In recent years, the use of aminopyrazoles in MCRs has gained significant attention due to their ability to generate molecular diversity through one-pot processes while minimizing reaction steps, time, and waste. Pyrazole-containing compounds are widely recognized for their medicinal relevance, with reported biological activities including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Consequently, aminopyrazole-based MCRs have become an attractive strategy for the development of biologically relevant heterocyclic scaffolds. Although several reviews have focused on the synthesis and general applications of aminopyrazoles, a comprehensive review dedicated exclusively to their reactivity in multicomponent reactions has not been reported to date. This review presents a systematic and critical overview of the reactivity of aminopyrazoles in multicomponent reactions, covering various reaction types, mechanistic aspects, and synthetic outcomes. Recent developments, representative examples, and potential future directions in this rapidly evolving area are also highlighted, providing a valuable resource for researchers working in heterocyclic and medicinal chemistry.
Rohit Kumar*, Jitendra Kumar Chaurasiyaa, Shachi Tiwaria
Sustainable Organizations in the Age of Digital Transformation: A Human-Centered Framework Integrating Sustainable HRM, Digital Disruptions, Technostress, and Work–Life Balance
The pursuit of organizational sustainability has expanded significantly in the digital era, encompassing not only environmental and economic dimensions but also the psychological and social sustainability of human capital. Rapid digital disruptions have transformed work processes, intensified performance expectations, and altered work–life boundaries, often resulting in technostress and employee burnout. This paper develops a doctoral-level conceptual analysis of sustainable management practices by integrating Human Resource Management (HRM), digital transformation, technostress, and work–life balance into a unified framework. Drawing upon established theories, empirical findings, and institutional evidence, the study argues that sustainable organizations are those that adopt human-centered digital strategies supported by sustainable HRM practices. The paper contributes to sustainability literature by proposing a multi-level integrative model suitable for future empirical validation.
Ms.Vaishali Vishwakarma, Prof. (Dr.) Tulika Saxena, Dr. Sunil Kumar
Green finance has emerged as a transformative mechanism that aligns economic growth with environmental sustainability. In India, where rapid industrialization and urbanization are exerting pressure on natural resources, green finance plays a crucial role in promoting low-carbon and climate-resilient development. This study explores the theoretical basis and conceptual relationship between green finance and sustainable economic growth, with particular reference to India’s major sectors such as energy, transport, manufacturing, and agriculture. “Through a review of contemporary literature, the study highlights how financial instruments, such as green bonds, green credit, and sustainability-linked investments, contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper concludes that effective policy frameworks, regulatory support, and increased private participation are essential for expanding the green finance ecosystem in India.
Snehal Yadav, Shivani Sahani, Himanshi Jaiswal, Dr. Pallavi Singh, Dr. Rajendra Tiwari
Leadership in the Age of Automation: Transforming Managerial Roles in a Digitally Driven Workplace
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the fusion of digital, biological, and physical technologies, is fundamentally reshaping the global workplace. The rapid advancement and integration of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics are not just changing operational tasks but are precipitating a profound transformation in the nature of managerial work and leadership itself. This research paper explores the evolving role of leaders in an increasingly automated environment. It argues that the traditional, command-and-control model of management is becoming outdated, giving way to a new framework centred on human centric skills, strategic vision, and moral leadership. Through an analysis of contemporary literature and emerging trends, this paper identifies the key competencies required for future leaders, including digital literacy, empathy, change management, and the ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and human machine collaboration. It also examines the significant challenges, such as workforce reskilling, moral conflicts in AI deployment, and managing employee anxiety. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for organizations and individuals to successfully navigate this transition, positing that the leader of the future will be less a director of tasks and more a cultivator of human potential in a symbiotic relationship with technology.
Amna Muzaffar, Sonali Singh, Tanya Shukla, Dr. Pallavi Singh, Er. Aditya Singh Yadav
Classroom Activity as a Model Learning Approach
Traditional classroom instruction has been controlled by textbook & lecture-oriented methods, often limiting student’s deep involvement to predefined academic boundaries. In contrast, classroom activity– based learning has emerged as a modern approach that highlight experiential, participative and reflective learning processes. This paper examines classroom activities as a current learning strategy that promotes creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. While existing the studies acknowledge effectiveness of activity-based learning in enhancing student engagement, there remains a significant gap in understanding how structured classroom activities expand student’s space beyond traditional curricula. This paper addresses this gap by conceptualizing the classroom activities not merely as instructional tools, but as competitive tool that encourage thinking from different perspective and lifelong learning. The study highlights how activity-driven learning environments allow learners to explore knowledge across cross functional, social, and practical contexts, thereby transforming the classroom from a restricted learning space into a dynamic knowledge ecosystem. Findings the contribute of modern educational discourse by emphasizing the strategic integration of classroom activities as core educational framework rather than supplementary teaching methods.
Riya Jaiswal, Neha Yadav, Shreya Singh, Dr. Charu Agrawal, Er. Aditya Singh Yadav
The Role of Advertising in Shaping Consumer Buying Behaviour
Advertising serves as a communication technique aimed at informing and convincing consumers to purchase a product or assistance. The success of companies and marketers relies on it, making it an essential element. Advertising is a marketing technique where the advertiser compensates to have their product or service displayed to, a target audience can manifest as traditional media such as television, print newspapers, and radio advertisements, or modern platforms such as websites, blogs, and SMS. In the market, buyers. Demand is influenced by the range of products offered and their appeal to specific consumers. Knowledge of a product's presence influences the chances that consumers will purchase it. A person's preference the flavour of a product can also be affected by psychological and environmental factors. Both the Flavors we enjoy and the things we cherish evolve over time. In this manner, advertisements can affect the preferences of customers and ultimately their buying choices.
Dr. Amit Kumar Singh, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, Dr. Vinay Kumar Tiwari, Er. Aditya Singh Yadav
Employee Awareness & Compliance Level Towards TDS Deduction – NCL Employees Survey
Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is a crucial mechanism of the Indian taxation system aimed at ensuring timely tax collection and promoting voluntary compliance among salaried employees. Despite its importance, many employees lack adequate awareness regarding TDS provisions, calculation methods, exemptions, and compliance procedures, which often leads to confusion, incorrect tax planning, and non-compliance. The present study seeks to critically examine the level of awareness and compliance towards TDS deduction among employees of NCL. The research adopts an observational approach, drawing upon primary data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to NCL employees. The study evaluates employees' understanding of applicable TDS rates, permissible deductions. Form 16, and income tax return filing requirements. Descriptive statistical techniques have been employed to analyze and interpret the collected data. The findings indicate that while employees largely remain compliant with TDS deductions, such compliance is predominantly procedural and employer- driven rather than knowledge-based. Limited tax literacy and over- reliance on organizational payroll mechanisms restrict informed participation in tax planning. The study underscores the necessity for structured tax awareness programs, enhanced communication mechanisms, and continuous employee education to strengthen informed compliance and promote greater financial awareness among employees.
Kumari Sonam, Muskan Jaiswal, Sakshi Singh, Dr. Charu Agrawal, Dr. Rajender Tewari
Digital Transformation in Higher Education: A Framework for Smart Institutional Governance
The digital transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) has evolved from isolated technology adoption toward holistic restructuring of governance systems. This chapter introduces a conceptual framework for smart Institutional Governance a model that integrates digital transformation processes with strategic, organizational, and technological dimensions of governance. Drawing on multi-theoretical perspectives, including the technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) model Institutional Theory, and Smart Governance Framework the chapter highlights how data-driven decision-making, intelligent systems, and digital leadership can create agile, transparent, and responsive educational ecosystems. Practical recommendations and implementation pathways for higher education policymakers and administrators are presented. The framework emphasizes the role of data-driven decision-making, digital leadership, and integrated information systems in fostering transparency, accountability, and agility. It explores how emerging technologies such as learning analytics, artificial intelligence, and enterprise digital platforms support evidence-based policymaking, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive institutional responses to dynamic educational environments. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the importance of organizational culture, regulatory alignment, and environmental readiness in successfully implementing smart governance practices. By synthesizing theoretical insights with practical governance challenges, this chapter provides actionable recommendations for higher education administrators, policymakers, and academic leaders. The proposed framework serves as a strategic guide for designing resilient and future-ready governance models capable of enhancing institutional performance, improving service delivery, and promoting sustainable innovation. Ultimately, the chapter contributes to the growing discourse on digital transformation in higher education by positioning smart institutional governance as a critical enabler of quality, competitiveness, and long-term institutional success.
Afreen Kamal, Akshita Jaiswal, Ayush Maurya, Aditya singh Yadav, Dr. Prashant Kumar
The Study of the Comparative Chemical Profile of Polar and Nonpolar Fractions of Cinnamomum Tamala Leaves by Chromatography and Spectroscopic Methods
Cinnamomum tamala (CT) is a member of the Lauraceae family, and its leaves are most popularly used as a spice in Indian food. Along with spice, it is associated with many medicinal values such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, antifungal, immunomodulation, etc. Here, we made a study about the qualitative analysis of different phytochemicals in different fractions of CT leaves, along with their TLC fingerprinting. Based on GC-MS analysis of polar and nonpolar fractions, Eugenol was reported as an active constituent that is present in excess in nonpolar fraction. Further, eugenol was analysed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) using a C-18 column. The results showed that the distribution of different phytochemicals varied among the different fractions, with the maximum amount of eugenol found in the non-polar fraction (Hexane fraction) and then in the total methanol fraction.
Dr Jitendra Kumar Chaurasia, Dr. Shachi Tiwari, Rohit Kumar, Dr Amit Kumar Sharma
Field Survey Report on Organised and Unorganised Markets (A Comparative & Case Study of Phoenix United Mall & Mangal Bazaar, Lucknow)
This field survey report presents a comparative and case-based study of two contrasting retail environments—Phoenix United Mall, representing the organised retail sector, and Mangal Bazaar, representing the unorganised market system. The study was conducted through direct field visits, observation, and interaction with customers and sellers to understand how both markets function in real-life conditions. Primary data were collected from 20 customers and 10 sellers from each market using random and convenience sampling methods, along with on-site notes and informal interviews. The survey examined key aspects such as market structure, customer behaviour, pricing systems, seller experiences, infrastructure, and service facilities. The findings show that Phoenix United Mall offers a planned layout, standardised pricing, modern amenities, and a comfortable shopping environment, attracting mainly middle- and high-income consumers. In contrast, Mangal Bazaar operates in an open, unplanned setting with flexible pricing, heavy bargaining, minimal facilities, and strong personal interaction between buyers and sellers, catering mainly to budget-conscious customers. The study reveals that while organised markets provide convenience, quality, and security, unorganised markets offer affordability, flexibility, and accessibility. Both systems play a vital role in meeting the diverse needs of consumers and together form an essential part of the city’s retail ecosystem. The report highlights that neither system can fully replace the other, as both serve different segments of society and complement each other in the overall market structure.
Nitin Maurya, Omkar Nath Tiwari, Dr. Prashant Kumar
Impact Of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management: A Comparative Study of Samsung, Xiaomi, Apple and Vivo
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a disruptive technology, which is shaping the organization structure, managerial decision making and the work force management practices. Recent years have seen a transformation of HRM from an administrative and transactional function to a strategic and data driven one, influenced in part by the rise of AI technology. This paper, A Comparative Study of Human Resource Management Practice in Vietnamese and Other Asian Smartphone Companies Focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact, discusses AI influence on HRM via comparison analysis among four MNCs: Samsung; Xiaomi Inc.; Apple and Vivo. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive methodology, based on secondary data collected using companies’ disclosure, industry reports and academic studies. It assesses the use of AI in HR processes and pilot projects across upstream/resourcing activities such as recruitment and selection, midstream/ upskilling and reskilling (as part of training and development), downstream/coaching, evaluation (performance management & employee engagement) as well internal talent acquisition for workforce planning. Results indicate that AI substantially improves HR effectiveness, decision quality, and strategic congruence. Yet, the spread and application of AI differs among companies due to business strategy, corporate culture, ethical considerations and governance. Samsung focuses on creating a large-scale workforce analytics, Apple’s AI is ethical and putting employee welfare at the core; Xiaomi is placing more emphasis on automation and operational efficiency while Vivo prefers to keep a balance between engagement and performance optimization. The paper concludes that although AI provides many opportunities for HRM, its promise will only be achieved by responsible implementation, ethical governance, and supportive human/community-AI partnership.
Artificial Intelligence as Co-Author: Rethinking Authorship and Creativity in Contemporary Literature
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary literary production, significantly challenging traditional notions of authorship, originality, and creativity. With the increasing use of generative language models in creative writing, AI is no longer limited to auxiliary functions such as editing or proofreading but actively participates in the generation of literary texts. This paper examines the role of AI as a co-author in contemporary literature, focusing on its implications for authorship theory, creative agency, and literary interpretation. Drawing on literary theory, cognitive creativity studies, and ethical discourse, the study argues that authorship in the digital age is a collaborative and hybrid process involving both human and machine intelligence. While AI expands creative possibilities, it also raises ethical, legal, and aesthetic concerns that demand critical attention. The paper concludes by advocating for a reconceptualization of authorship that acknowledges technological collaboration while retaining human accountability and interpretive authority.
A Study on Using Ratio Analysis to Evaluate a Company's Performance
This paper looks at how ratio analysis can be used to assess a company's financial health. Ratio analysis involves calculating different financial ratios from a company's financial reports to understand its profitability, ability to pay short-term and long-term debts, and how efficiently it operates. The paper explains how important ratios—like profitability ratios (Return on Assets, Return on Equity), liquidity ratios (Current Ratio, Quick Ratio), solvency ratios (Debt-to-Equity Ratio), and efficiency ratios (Asset Turnover, Inventory Turnover)—help evaluate the company's overall financial performance. By using these ratios, investors, managers, and other stakeholders can make better decisions about investments, management, and assessing risks. A case study is included to show how ratio analysis is applied to a real company, revealing important financial trends and issues. The research finds that while ratio analysis is helpful, it should be combined with other information for a complete picture of a company’s performance. In conclusion, despite its limitations, ratio analysis is an important tool for financial decision-making.
Review on Argyreia speciosa sweet: medicinal use and biochemical activities
Argyreia speciosa Sweet (Family Convolvulaceae) is a significant 'rasayana' plant that is heavily utilised as an adaption in the Ayurveda medical system Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, Elephant Creeper, and Woolly Morning Shine are some of its common English names, its Sanskrit name is Vridhadaraka. which translates to "anti-aging." Growing throughout India, it is a large climber. The Ayurvedic Materia Medica gave it lots various pharmacological characteristics. In cases of rheumatism and neurological diseases, the root is used as a shift tonic. A number of phytochemicals have been listed from the plant as well as been used traditionally and by diverse tribes to treat various human illnesses. Hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory in nature anti-rheumatic, antioxidant, and anti-oxidant pharmacological actions have also been noted. The administration of many current medications has been restricted due to unfavourable side effects, so it is important to investigate the potential of this medication in the management of neurological, rheumatic, and liver conditions. This article discusses studies on the therapeutic applications of this significant herb.
Awanish Kumar Srivastava*, Dr Brijesh Singh
A Sustainable Insight on Talent Development and Employee Engagement by Up-skilling and Re-skilling for improving Employee Retention
Providing sustainable employee training and development opportunities can enhance job satisfaction, boost productivity, and improve employee retention but the most effective employee engagement strategies are ones executed by HR Department at top priority. That said, as with other organizational initiatives (e.g., ones tied to DEI and corporate social responsibility), high-level business leaders must be the drivers of your company’s efforts to realize a wholly engaged workforce. Ones that ultimately: Helps management understand their team members’ sentiment regarding the business Offers insight into the day-to-day work environment and work-life balance of employees Encourages employees who partake in remote work to join regular team-building activities Improves the company culture through worker feedback (through quarterly surveys) At the end of the day, helps retain high-performing talent in critical roles company-wide. “Reskilling” has become something of a buzzword in recent years as both businesses and workers struggle to adapt to a changing landscape. There are a few reasons why sustainable insights of reskilling has become such a hot topic in recent years: COVID-19 aftermath Displacement due to automation Skill shortages
Dr. Pallavi Singh, Mr. Varun Kumar Singh
Democratizing Law through Digital Transformation: Expanding Access to Justice through Inclusive Legal Technologies
Computerisation of law is a big opportunity and a significant threat to the contemporary jurisprudence. This paper discusses the democratization of access to justice due to inclusion of legal technologies, and eliminates the access to justice gap that is endemic to all marginalized groups in the world. This paper investigates the question of whether technology in fact enhances access or merely creates new forms of exclusion by critically examining some of the new digital legal technology, artificial intelligence applications and online dispute resolution platforms. As evidenced by the paper, despite the opportunities offered by the digital transformation that the elimination of the legal services barriers has never been this minimal, the digital divide, the bias of the algorithms, the privacy of the data, and the loss of the human-centered approach to the legal advocacy remain the issues of concern. The paper relies on the factual data concerning various jurisdictions and it is assumed that the real democratization cannot be confined solely to the use of technologies but should be constructed in a particular fashion with the focus on equity, transparency, and procedural fairness. As it can be seen, participatory legal technologies must be designed with the participation of underserved communities, lawyers, and technologists. Besides, the paper claims that laws should be revised to ensure that such innovations can be utilized in the name of justice and not efficiency. This paper, lastly, recommends a normative model of evaluating digital law intervention, which identifies that the limitation of access to justice to technological access but must imply meaning, meaning, and empowerment of the law processes.
Prof. (Dr.) Bhavish Gupta, Dr. Govind Prasad Goyal
Energy Auditing practices for HVAC Systems: An IoT-based Approaches
Energy consumption in institutional facilities—including universities, hospitals, government buildings and research laboratories—is largely driven by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems alongside a diverse set of distributed mechanical appliances such as pumps, fans, compressors, refrigeration units, and laboratory equipment. Escalating energy costs, increasingly stringent sustainability regulations and global carbon-neutrality commitments necessitate the development of a structured, scalable and technology-enabled energy auditing simple behavior control specifically tailored to these energy-intensive systems. IoT-driven operational behavior practices enhance HVAC system efficiency and reduce overall energy consumption. The paper provides a comprehensive energy auditing simple behavior control review analysis on the inefficiencies and hidden energy losses in traditional systems visa vis utilizing advancement in control system and use of IoT-based sensing networks, real-time energy monitoring of occupancy related data analytics, and performance benchmarking to make HVAC efficient. The article while summarizing application of IoT in optimizing energy uses using simple control techniques and use of real time HVAC system monitoring. Energy audits have long been recognized as a cornerstone of effective energy management in institutional and commercial buildings. Empirical studies consistently report that systematic energy auditing, coupled with targeted energy conservation measures (ECMs), can yield energy savings ranging from 10–30% in facilities, with corresponding reductions in operating costs and carbon emissions. These savings are achieved through improved operational behavior practices; equipment upgrades and control strategy enhancements that address both system inefficiencies based on IoT. The results demonstrate that the proposed simple behavior control enables measurable reductions in energy consumption, operating costs, and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing system reliability and occupant comfort. This study presents a scalable and reproducible energy auditing framework for institutional facilities that enables data-driven decision-making and supports long-term sustainability planning in line with national and international energy efficiency objectives.
Influence of Content Authenticity on Long-Term Consumer Loyalty in Digital Markets
In today’s digital marketplace, consumers are bombarded with a vast array of promotional content, leading to scepticism and diminishing loyalty. This study explores how content authenticity influences long-term consumer loyalty in digital markets, focusing on the mediating role of consumer trust. Drawing on data from 135 participants, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships among content authenticity, consumer trust, and loyalty. Results demonstrate that authentic content significantly enhances consumer trust, which in turn strengthens long-term loyalty toward brands. The study confirms that consumer trust partially mediates the relationship between authenticity and loyalty, emphasizing trust as a key mechanism that transforms genuine communication into sustained consumer commitment. These findings extend existing marketing theories by integrating authenticity and trust within digital contexts and provide actionable insights for marketers seeking to build enduring customer relationships amidst increasing digital content saturation. The research underscores the strategic importance of prioritizing authenticity to cultivate trust and foster loyalty in the evolving digital landscape.
Prof. Vipin Jain, Dr. Charul Verma, Prof. Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Dr. Avinash Rajkumar
Development of Algorithms for Ranking and Un-ranking Function of N-Queens Problem
The n-queens Problem, introduced in 1850 by Carl Gauss, the problem requires us to find the placement of N queens on an NXN chessboard such that no queen is attacking the other. This paper mainly composed of following problems: 1. To evaluate all the solutions for given number of queens. 2. Ranking Function: For given solution, to find rank or index of that solution in set of solution space. 3. Un-ranking Function: For given index find that solution in set of solutions. We have covered these problems in this, we have conducted an extensive study on these problems and realised that no simple formula is there to solve these problems. There are many algorithms to generate all the solutions of n-queens problem, but in this paper we have considered backtracking. Ranking function: Ranking function states that to find index of solution in set of all solution. Un-ranking function: un-ranking function states that to find particular solution for particular index. I will discuss definition of n-queens problem, its relationship with CSP and history, various method of solving n-queens problem, normal method to find ranking and un-ranking function, at last we will discuss new concept of ranking and un-ranking function respectively.
Khushboo Srivastava, Surya Mohan, Bhaneshwar Singh, Ashwamedh Maurya, Saurabh Srivastava
Ethics of Sustainability: Moral Responsibility for the Future
The growing ecological crisis from climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion has transformed sustainability from a technical concept to a fundamental ethical concern. At its philosophical core, sustainability embodies a moral responsibility toward the future—to future generations and to the ecological systems that sustain life. This article views sustainability as a normative ethical framework based on responsibility, justice, and long-term ethical reasoning. Drawing on classical moral philosophy, contemporary environmental ethics, and the ethics of responsibility developed by Hans Jonas, this paper explores inter-generational justice, the moral status of nature, and the ethical implications of technological power. It argues that sustainability should be understood not simply as a policy objective but as a moral imperative that requires control, care, and moral foresight in human actions.
Himanshu, Dr. Priyanshu Agrawal, *Prof. A. K. Singh
The Role of Advertising in Business Success: Why It Matters for Small and Large Enterprises
Advertising plays a pivotal role in the marketing strategies of businesses of all sizes — from small local enterprises to large multinational corporations. This paper explores the importance of advertising, its objectives, mechanisms, and impact on business performance. It compares how small and large firms leverage advertising differently, discusses theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, highlights the evolving digital advertising environment, and offers practical recommendations. The findings indicate that effective advertising contributes to brand awareness, consumer loyalty, competitive positioning and business growth though the scale, media mix, and resources may differ between small and large businesses.
Shani Kumar Jaiswal, Shrey Agrawal, Rohit Singh, Rishika Yadav
Technological Challenges and Advantages of Small Finance Bank in India: A Descriptive Study on Digital Financial Inclusion
This paper examines how technology both facilitates and impedes the digital financial inclusion efforts of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India. The Reserve Bank of India set up SFBs to help small enterprises, marginal farmers, and low-income households that do not have access to traditional banking services. SFBs are now using digital channels like mobile banking, UPI, AEPS, and e-KYC more and more to provide low-cost, scalable financial services. Using a descriptive research design based on secondary data from regulatory reports, published bank documents, and prior empirical studies, the study synthesizes evidence on the technological advantages of SFBs—cost reduction, rapid onboarding, data-driven lending, and 24/7 access—against key challenges, including weak rural digital infrastructure, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, low digital literacy, high implementation costs, and complex compliance requirements. The analysis indicates a clear “digital paradox”: while technology facilitates wider outreach and operational efficiency, it simultaneously introduces risks of transaction failures, dormant accounts, and customer mistrust that dilute the intended impact on financial inclusion. The paper concludes by proposing broad policy and managerial recommendations such as strengthening rural connectivity, enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, investing in digital literacy and agent training, and leveraging fintech partnerships, thereby offering a structured agenda for making SFB-led digital inclusion more resilient and sustainable.
An OPF-Based Investigation of SVC and STATCOM for Power System Power Quality Enhancement
Power quality issues such as voltage instability, increased real and reactive power losses, and poor voltage profile have become critical challenges in modern interconnected power systems due to growing load demand and the integration of nonlinear loads. Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices provide an effective solution for dynamic reactive power compensation and voltage regulation. This paper presents a comparative analysis of two shunt FACTS devices, namely Static VAR Compensator (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), for enhancing voltage profile and minimizing transmission losses using an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) approach. The IEEE-14 bus system is considered as a test system. Simulation results demonstrate that optimal placement and sizing of STATCOM yields superior performance compared to SVC in terms of real and reactive power loss reduction and voltage profile enhancement.
Vivek Nishad, Avinash prasad*, Surendra Kushwaha, Manu Kumar Singh, Siddh Nath Singh