The growth in population has led to a significant surge in construction activities, which has also created challenges in water management. Water is essential in construction, particularly for mixing and curing concrete, as it plays a crucial role in the hydration of cement. In contrast, self-curing techniques are employed to reduce water wastage, as they utilize additional water that is not included in the mixing process to facilitate cement hydration. This study examines the mechanisms of self-curing nature, fresh properties and strength properties of concrete. The mechanical properties of concrete containing self -curing agents are investigated in this study. The study adopted cement content 383 kg/m3, water/cement ratio of 0.55, and 1%, 2%, 3% Polyethylene Glycol-400 were used in concrete mixes to avoid water curing. The results show that, the use of self-curing agents in concrete effectively improved the mechanical properties.The concept of several self-curing agents to reduce water evaporation from concrete and to increase the water retention capacity of concrete compared to conventional concrete. As per the result compressive strength of various mixes of M20 Grade of concrete is reliable. The study concludes that the compressive strength of mixes using self-curing compound (PEG-400) are at par with that of the concrete with conventional curing.

यह शोध राजस्थान की कोटपूतली तहसील में भूमि उपयोग एवं भूमि आवरण (LULC) की प्रवृत्तियों तथा समयगत परिवर्तनों का भूगोलिक विश्लेषण प्रस्तुत करता है, जिसमें लैंडसैट उपग्रह इमेजरी का समावेश किया गया है। अध्ययन के लिए 2020-2024 जैसी बहु-वर्षीय सैटेलाइट छवियों का उपयोग करते हुए NDVI, NDBI एवंNDWI जैसे स्पेक्ट्रल इंडाइसेज़ पर आधारित विशेषताओं का निर्माण किया गया है। पोस्ट-क्लासिफिकेशन तुलना तकनीक द्वारा कृषि, परती, बंजर, निर्मित क्षेत्र, जल निकाय और वनस्पति वर्गों में हुए प्रमुख परिवर्तन पहचाने गए।

अध्ययन में प्रधानमंत्री कुसुम (PM-KUSUM) योजना के तहत क्षेत्र में स्थापित सौर पंपों एवं सौर प्लांटों के स्थानिक वितरण का LULC परिवर्तन के साथ ओवरले विश्लेषण किया गया, जिससे कृषि भूमि के उपयोग, सिंचाई पैटर्न और भूमि-परिवर्तन की प्रकृति पर इसके प्रभावों का आकलन किया जा सका। परिणामों से पता चलता है कि क्षेत्र में शहरी विस्तार और कृषि-से-बंजर/निर्मित भूमि परिवर्तन में वृद्धि हो रही है, जबकि कुछ स्थानों पर PM-KUSUM के कारण परती भूमि का सौर ऊर्जा उत्पादन के रूप में उपयोग बढ़ा है।

The pervasive engagement of school students with social media platforms has increasingly captured the attention of researchers, educators, and mental health professionals alike. This review-based article synthesizes findings from existing academic literature to delineate the multifaceted impact of social media on the psychological well-being of school-aged children and adolescents. Consistent findings indicate both advantageous and detrimental effects, with excessive usage frequently correlating with elevated levels of anxiety, stress, diminished self-esteem, experiences of cyberbullying, and disruptions to sleep patterns. Conversely, judicious and responsible social media use can facilitate effective communication, enhance learning opportunities, and support emotional expression. The review strongly emphasizes the critical importance of digital literacy, active parental involvement, and the implementation of proactive strategies to cultivate healthy online behaviors among students.

This research portrays the results of an in-depth analysis of the unique challenges faced by women employed in the hotel industry. Contemporary working women, and especially those who are married, struggle with the added demands of balancing personal and work responsibilities. The analysis illustrates the need to appreciate and address these challenges in the interest of the overall well-being of women employees to foster a more supportive and considerate work environment. This study seeks to identify treatments and techniques that might help female hotel workers reduce stress and have a better work-life balance by analyzing current research and empirical data.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India aims to transform higher education by focusing on holistic, multidisciplinary learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. The policy advocates for large, multidisciplinary universities and promoting collaboration across disciplines. It emphasizes inclusive education, supporting underrepresented groups, bridging gender gaps, and expanding access to quality learning resources. The policy also integrates technology, ensuring digital equity and modernizing teaching methodologies. It focuses on ethical and moral values, preparing students to become socially conscious global citizens. The policy's success depends on effective implementation, robust teacher training, and continuous evaluation, ensuring its vision translates into meaningful societal transformation.

The enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2016 marked a paradigm shift in India’s approach toward financial discipline, asset reconstruction, and corporate insolvency resolution. Conceived as a comprehensive reform to address the twin challenges of burgeoning nonperforming assets (NPAs) and inefficiencies in the erstwhile recovery mechanisms, the IBC has been heralded as a transformational legal framework. This study undertakes a holistic evaluation of the effectiveness of the IBC in managing NPAs within the Indian banking sector, critically examining its institutional architecture, operational efficiency, and impact on financial stability. The findings suggest that while the IBC has significantly augmented creditor empowerment, instilled greater transparency in debt resolution, and fostered a credit-responsible corporate culture, its delivery has been uneven. Although recovery rates under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) have shown measurable improvement compared to earlier mechanisms such as SARFAESI and Debt Recovery Tribunals, systemic challenges persist. Judicial congestion, capacity deficits in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), and strategic litigations by defaulting promoters have contributed to protracted timelines, often diluting the Code’s fundamental objective of timebound resolution. Moreover, the tension between value maximization and creditor recoverability has surfaced in several high-profile cases, underscoring the delicate balance between commercial viability and statutory compliance. By engaging with empirical evidence, key judicial precedents, and comparative insights from global insolvency regimes, this paper highlights both the transformative outcomes and the inherent limitations of the IBC in its present form. The analysis underscores the urgent need for institutional strengthening, harmonization of regulatory frameworks, and adoption of innovative debt-resolution practices to enhance the efficacy of the Code. The study argues that the IBC, though not without shortcomings, has laid the foundation for a more resilient financial ecosystem in India by redefining insolvency jurisprudence and instilling market discipline. Its long-term success, however, will depend on strategic recalibrations, continuous policy refinements, and robust capacity-building measures aimed at evolving it into a more agile and inclusive framework for managing distressed assets.

Automatic helmet detection systems are crucial because fatal head injuries from motorcycle and workplace accidents are often caused by riders and workers not wearing helmets. Traditional monitoring methods fail when faced with real-world challenges like occlusions, poor lighting, and varied helmet types. Deep learning models, particularly the YOLO family, CNNs, and Transformer-based architectures, have revolutionized the field, creating highaccuracy, real-time systems essential for safety. This survey systematically reviews these advancements, covering detection models like YOLOv3 through YOLOv11, classification techniques (including hybrid models), and generative models (like GANs for data augmentation). The paper also benchmarks state-of-the-art models and discusses practical applications in smart cities and industrial safety. The focus is identifying open research problems and proposing solutions for next-generation helmet detection systems.

ছ'চিয়েল মিডিয়াসমূহ অৰ্থাৎ ইন্টাৰনেট, ইমেইল, ফেচবুক, ইউটিউব, টুইটাৰ, ইনস্ট্রাগ্রাম আদিৰ জৰিয়তে এক মূহুৰ্ততে বিশ্বৰ এটা প্ৰান্তৰ পৰা আন এক প্ৰান্তলৈ যোগাযোগ সম্ভৱ হৈছে। ইয়াৰ দ্বাৰা বাতৰি, ছবি, গ্রাফিক্স, দৃশ্য, ঘটনাৰ চলন্ত ৰূপ আদি দূৰ-দূৰান্তৰলৈ পঠোৱা সম্ভৱ হৈছে। সেয়ে ছ'চিয়েল মিডিয়াসমূহৰ জনপ্রিয়তা বর্ণনাতীতভাৱে বৃদ্ধি পাইছে। ম'বাইলত ইণ্টাৰনেট নাথাকিলে মানুহ এতিয়া স্থবিৰ হৈ পৰা দিন আহিছে। কাৰণ এই মাধ্যমবোৰৰ জৰিয়তে সকলোৱেই সম্ভৱ। ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াত যিহেতু যুৱপ্ৰজন্ম বেছি সক্রিয় হৈ থাকে গতিকে শিক্ষাৰ লগত ছচিয়েল মিডিয়া ওতঃপ্রোত ভাৱে জড়িত হৈ আছে। যুৱ প্ৰজন্মৰ মানসিক স্তৰ গঢ়াত বিশেষ ভূমিকা পালন কৰিছে ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াই। আমাৰ গৱেষণা পত্ৰখনৰ মূল বিষয় হ'ল শিক্ষাৰ ওপৰত ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াৰ প্ৰভাৱ। গতিকে ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াত শিক্ষাৰ ওপৰত কেনেদৰে প্ৰভাৱ বিস্তাৰ কৰিছে লগতে ইয়াৰ ভাল দিশ / বেয়া দিশৰ কাৰণ সম্পৰ্কেও আলোচনা কৰা হৈছে। বৰ্তমান সময়ত ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াই মানৱ সমাজক গ্ৰাস কৰিছে। পুৰণি চামক বাদ দি এনেকুৱা কোনো ব্যক্তি নাই যি ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াৰ লগত যুক্ত হৈ থকা নাই। বহুতে ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াৰ প্ৰভাবৰ বিষয়ে ভাল বেয়া দিশবোৰ সমালোচনা কৰিছে। সমালোচনা কৰিবৰে কথা, যিয়ে মানুহৰ জীৱন ধাৰণৰ প্ৰণালীয়েই সুকীয়া কৰিছে তাৰ সমালোচনাৰ প্ৰয়োজন আছে। কথা হ'ল আমি সমালোচনা কৰোঁ বা নকৰোঁ কিন্তু ইয়াৰ প্ৰচাৰ প্ৰসাৰ আৰু মানুহৰ ওপৰত ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াৰ প্ৰভাৱ বাৰুকৈয়ে মন কৰিবলগিয়া। ই মানুহৰ মানসিক স্তৰ পৰ্যন্ত বিয়পি পৰিছে। ৰাতি পুৱাৰ পৰা ৰাতিলৈকে প্রতি মূহূর্ততে মবাইল আৰু ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াৰ প্ৰভাৱ পৰিছে। প্রধানত কম বেছি পৰিমানে ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াই কিতাপৰ প্ৰয়োজন পূৰণ কৰিছে। ই শিশুৰ মানসিকতা সলনি কৰিছে। গতিকে গৱেষণা পত্ৰত শিশুসকলে/ ছাত্রই কেনেদৰে ছচিয়েল মিডিয়াৰ পৰা শিক্ষা গ্রহণ কৰিছে বা ইয়াৰ শিক্ষাৰ ওপৰত পৰা প্ৰভাৱ সম্পৰ্কে আমাৰ গৱেষনা পত্ৰখনত আলোচনা কৰা হৈছে।

Diverse backgrounds, irregular text shapes, and varying illumination make text detection and recognition in natural scenes a fundamental challenge in computer vision. Recent developments in deep learning have led to more robust solutions, with the Differentiable Binarization Network (DBNet) proving to be a particularly effective framework. DBNet presents a learnable binarization method that adaptively distinguishes text areas from intricate backgrounds, enhancing boundary precision and detection accuracy. In contrast to traditional methods that rely on segmentation, DBNet focuses on optimizing the thresholding mechanism directly. This enables both end-to- end training and efficient inference. Its ability to adapt makes it especially well-suited for managing text instances that are curved, multi-oriented, and small-scale.This study investigates the use of DBNet for detecting and recognizing scene text, underscoring its capacity to produce detailed probability maps and to integrate smoothly with recognition modules. Experimental assessments show that DBNet outperforms competitors across various bench- mark datasets, providing a scalable and dependable solution for practical text comprehension tasks. In automated document analysis and visual information re- trieval, scene text detection plays a crucial role. Methods based on segmentation can often have issues with efficiency and boundary precision, particularly when dealing with complex backgrounds. DBNet tackles these issues by implementing a thresholding mechanism that can be learned, allowing for high-precision detection in real time. DBNet reduces post-processing overhead and achieves faster inference while maintaining precision by adaptively refining probability maps. This study examines the function of DBNet in speeding up text detection pipelines and shows its efficacy across various datasets, underscoring its promise for use in resource-limited contexts like mobile and embedded systems.

This paper explores how language in English literature and communication becomes a powerful tool for social change and activism. Through speeches, poems, novels, plays, and digital expressions, writers and activists use words to question injustice, shape public opinion, and motivate people to act. The study shows that rhetorical agency – the power to use language effectively – has played a major role in historical and modern movements. By examining literary texts and contemporary activism, this paper highlights how English language and literature continue to influence society. The paper also discusses how literature fosters empathy, challenges dominant narratives, and gives voice to marginalized communities. Additionally, it explores the role of social media and digital platforms in expanding the reach of activist messages, making language a global tool for awareness and mobilization. Finally, the paper emphasizes that mastering rhetorical strategies in English empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to societal transformation.

In this research, polyaniline–titanium dioxide (PANI/TiO₂) nanocomposite thin films were effectively synthesized and evaluated for their carbon monoxide (CO) gas sensing capabilities. Titanium isopropoxide was used as a precursor to prepare TiO₂ nanoparticles via the sol–gel method, while polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized through chemical oxidative polymerization. The PANI/TiO₂ nanocomposite was obtained by blending both components in m-cresol and spin-coating the resulting mixture onto glass substrates. The structural, optical, and thermal properties of the prepared materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). XRD confirmed the formation of anatasephase TiO₂ and revealed a reduced crystallite size in the composite (25 nm) compared to pure TiO₂ (30 nm), indicating polymer–oxide interaction and suppressed grain growth. FTIR and UV–Vis spectra confirmed strong interfacial bonding and charge transfer between PANI and TiO₂, enhancing visible-light absorption and stability. The PANI/TiO₂ sensor showed a rapid and reversible response to CO concentrations (0–1000 ppb), exhibiting high linearity (R² = 0.901) and a detection limit of 0.40 ppb. These findings suggest that the PANI/TiO₂ nanocomposite is a promising, cost-effective, and highly sensitive material for CO detection in environmental and industrial applications.

This paper studies how rural work and poverty changed in India from 2017 to 2024. It uses official data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and NITI Aayog to show what kind of jobs people had and how many families were poor. The main focus is on women. The data shows that more rural women started working during this period. Their labour force participation rose from 24.6 percent to 47.6 percent. At the same time, rural poverty went down. This change happened when public programs like MGNREGA and SHG-linked schemes supported poor households. These schemes gave women new ways to earn. But most of the new work for women is still informal, unpaid, or low-paid. Many women work at home or on family farms without getting regular income. This paper shows that having more women in the workforce is a good sign, but it is not enough. To reduce poverty and build a strong rural economy, women need better jobs, fair wages, and support for unpaid care work. Real progress comes when women’s work is valued and their efforts lead to better lives.

भारतीय दलित साहित्य अकादमी के प्रकाशन की एक महत्वपूर्ण संपादित पुस्तक है, जिसका प्रथम संस्करण— 26 जनवरी 2003 में प्रकाशित हुआ। इस पुस्तक का संपादन प्रसिद्ध दलित साहित्यकार डॉ० माता प्रसाद ने किया है, जिसमें डॉ० सोहन पाल सुमनाक्षर, डॉ० जय प्रकाश कर्दम, कँवल भारती, डॉ० अवन्तिका प्रसाद मर्मट, डॉ० धर्मवीर, डॉ० दयानन्द बरोही, डॉ० मुद्रा राक्षस, डॉ० कुसुम वियोगी, श्री रमणिका गुप्ता, शरण कुमार लिम्बाले आदि 18 दलित साहित्यकारों एवं विद्वानों के दलित साहित्य के इतिहास, साहित्य, सौन्दर्यशास्त्र पर लेख संकलित हैं।

पुस्तक में प्रथम लेख, ‘दलित साहित्य का आन्दोलन’ में डॉ० सोहन पाल सुमनाक्षर जी ने दलित साहित्य का सामाजिक, ऐतिहासिक, अन्वेषण करते हुए पूर्व वैदिक काल, उत्तर वैदिक काल, मध्यकाल और आधुनिक काल में विभाजित किया है। इस लेख में डॉ० सुमनाक्षर ने पूर्व वैदिक काल में अनार्य, दास, दस्यु को शूद्रों का पूर्वज बताते हुए उत्तर वैदिक काल में शूद्रों के सामाजिक प्रतिबंध, मध्यकाल में बौद्ध और जैन धर्म आन्दोलन से उपजे सिद्धनाथ और संत-साहित्य की चर्चा करते हैं। आधुनिक काल में वे डॉ० अम्बेडकर के दलितोत्थान आन्दोलन से उपजे मराठी दलित साहित्य और बाद में हिन्दी दलित साहित्य का ऐतिहासिक क्रम प्रस्तुत करते हैं।

The unique traditional products of Odishan handlooms depict the strong cultural heritage of state and excellent craftsmanship of the weavers & artisans. Where Boyanika has established up shop with the intention of offering quality raw materials and marketing assistance to the Primary Weavers Coop Societies of the State. The objective of the institution is to organise and develop the Handloom industry in Odisha on a cooperative basis and to expand market for Handloom Fabrics in and outside the State. This present study has focused on marketing strategy of Boyanika and various developmental schemes for prospering of Handloom sectors in Odisha. After the analysis of marketing strategy and developmental schemes of Boyanika the present study concludes that one of the major sources of revenue collection of Boyanika is exhibition. Presently it organises many exhibitions within the state and outside the state to generate the revenue as well market the handloom products in a wider geographical segment.Boyanika has implemented various important and useful schemes of Government for the development of weavers and Handloom sector of Odisha. Among these policies MAI scheme, OFFDI and IHCDP has created much more opportunities in handloom sectors of Odisha. The increasing trend of sales, profits etc. indicates that Boyanika will run for better opportunities in near future. 

Green finance is a key instrument for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since it is essential in balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth. This study is motivated with the fact there is an urgent need to investigate how green finance might be used to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as evidenced by the widening financial gaps in India's sustainable development agenda. Hence, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the role of role of green finance in promoting SDGs The collected data was analysed using One Sample t-test. The findings of the study indicated that Mobilizing sustainable capital for eco-friendly projects, Financing renewable energy sources like solar and wind, Supporting low-carbon industrial development, Funding climate-resilient infrastructure, Investing in sustainable urban development and green transport, Encouraging corporate adoption of ESG practices, Providing green microfinance for poverty reduction and jobs, Funding biodiversity conservation and afforestation, Supporting marine ecosystem protection projects, Reducing pollution-related health risks, Financing innovations in clean technologies, Strengthening policy implementation for sustainability, Enhancing global cooperation through green investment funds, and Promoting water conservation and sustainable agriculture are significant role of Green Finance in Promoting SDGs.

With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the world has entered a new era of change in numerous fields - and higher education is not one of them. Colleges and universities all over the world are also becoming interested in how AI can transform teaching, learning, assessment, administration, research and institutional governance in general. The possibilities are immense: not only the individualization of learning experiences but also the use of data to inform policymaking; not only the automation of routine tasks but the provision of inclusive and equitable education. Simultaneously, the process of AI implementation into the academic environment poses serious ethical, privacy, integrity, and equity issues. The paper examines the complex role of AI in higher education, its advantages, limitations, challenges, and future opportunities and focuses on the balanced, sustainable, and inclusive approach.

Sustainable construction of buildings in a manner that reduces the environmental effects, optimizes resource utilization, and improves efficiency of the building during its entire life cycle. Sustainable construction promotes economic, social and environmental health in the long term by incorporating new technologies and responsible planning. This paper is influenced by the increased desire to find out why the implementation of sustainable construction practices in the Indian real estate industry is still low despite their obvious advantages. The purpose of conducting this research is to evaluate the determinants influencing the adoption of sustainable construction practices in the Indian Real Estate Sector. The technique used in the current study is Structural Equation Modelling. The results of this study indicates that economic feasibility, environmental awareness, and regulatory support have a significant impact on adoption of sustainable construction practices.

PropTech has emerged as a transformative force in real estate development by introducing digital tools that enhances operational efficiency. These applications improve the efficiency of processes, add precision, and enable data-driven decision-making during the project life cycle. This paper is motivated by the increasing need to comprehend how digital transformation can enhance efficiency of operations in the fast changing real estate industry. This paper evaluates the role of PropTech in enhancing operation efficiency of real estate developers. The results of the one-sample t-test indicate that all factors associated with PropTech have statistically significant effect, which means that the respondents agree strongly regarding their effectiveness. The paper concludes that PropTech plays an important role to facilitate operations, delays, accuracy, and overall performance in real-estate construction.

FinTech is essential in creating opportunities to access sustainable financial products and making green investments transparent, more affordable and convenient to retail investors. Its digital innovations assist in breaking the traditional boundaries, thus speeding up the transition to investing in an environmentally responsible manner. The proposed study is driven by the increased need to learn more about how FinTech can mobilize individual investors towards green finance in the context of the increased environmental awareness. It seeks to investigate the manner in which digital applications can be used effectively to impact sustainable investment behaviour and climate objectives at large. The purpose of conducting this research is to evaluate the Role of FinTech in Accelerating Green Investment Adoption Among Retail Investors. The techinque used in the current study in one sample t-test using R Studios. The fidings of the study indicates that that Provide easy access to green investment products,FinTech applications increases awareness of sustainable investments options, FinTech offers simplified digital onboarding that encourages participation, FinTech tools enhance transparency about environmental impact, FinTech platforms reduce transaction costs associated with green investments, FinTech guide retail investors toward green assets, FinTech improves investor confidence by offering real-time performance tracking of green portfolios, FinTech enables micro-investing, making green investments affordable, Robo-advisors promote green investment options, FinTech improves financial literacy, and FinTech increases trust by offering verified and credible information are significant role of fintech in accelerating Green Investments among retail investors.

The Sanskrit word ‘dharma’ (or ‘dhamma’ in Pali) possessing multifarious life forms is derived from the root, dhr which means to uphold, to establish, to support or to maintain. Dharma is that which ensures the order and harmony of the universe and also embodies the guiding principles for social order as well as righteous behaviour of individuals. This omnibus term having no exact translation in any language and defied a universal definition is generally regarded as a normative concept that encompasses the recurring paradox of ancient Indian thought, the paradox being that a tradition based on memory or smriti must establish a perennial relationship between the eternal absolute truth and contingent historical truth. It is also considered as an Indian metaphysical equivalent of a primordial unmoved mover, something that causes motion without itself moving, that can be widely used in a variety of contexts to indicate various ideas. Rta as cosmic truth signifies those principles by which both natural and social worlds are sustained whereas Satya embodies individual truth i.e., the fulfillment by an individual of his personal duty under the rta. The main purpose of the paper is to study the different issues related to the genesis of concept of dharma as rta which are manifested particularly in the Rig Veda.

The period between 1930 and 1960 represents a transformative phase in the history of Maharashtra, marked by intense popular mobilization and farreaching social change. This era witnessed the convergence of nationalist struggles against colonial rule with region-specific movements addressing agrarian distress, labor exploitation, caste oppression, gender inequality, and linguistic identity. People’s movements during this period played a decisive role in reshaping political consciousness and redefining social relations, making Maharashtra a critical site for examining the dynamics of mass mobilization in modern India. This paper examines the nature, scope, and impact of people’s movements in Maharashtra from a historical perspective, focusing on how collective action contributed to social transformation. It analyzes major nationalist movements such as the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement alongside peasant struggles, labor movements, Dalit and anti-caste mobilization, women’s participation, and cultural activism. Particular attention is paid to the leadership of figures such as B. R. Ambedkar, whose interventions reoriented mass politics toward social justice and equality, and to the role of grassroots activism in shaping political outcomes. The paper also explores the long-term consequences of people’s movements, including the expansion of democratic participation, the growth of social justice consciousness, and the institutionalization of reform through legislation and state reorganization. At the same time, it critically examines the limitations and contradictions of mass mobilization, such as internal divisions, uneven outcomes, and the persistence of social inequalities.

The handloom industry is one of the most significant sources of livelihood and employment in Manipur, particularly for women, yet it continues to face multifaceted challenges that threaten its sustainability. This study examines the major problems confronting the handloom industry in three valley districts of Manipur—Imphal-East, Imphal-West, and Bishnupur. The study is empirical in nature and is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 400 handloom weavers through personal interviews using an open-ended questionnaire during the field survey conducted from August 2023 to January 2024. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select the respondents. The findings reveal that handloom weavers face severe production, marketing, financial, and health-related problems. Key issues include dependence on traders and middlemen, low and irregular wages, delay in payments, lack of proper marketing channels, rising raw material costs, limited access to credit, inadequate government support, outdated looms, lack of training, and intense competition from power loom and imitation products. Occupational health problems, particularly musculoskeletal disorders and chronic back pain, are widespread due to prolonged working hours and poor working conditions. The paper emphasizes the need for effective implementation of the Handloom Reservation Act, improved marketing infrastructure, and better access to credit and technology, enhanced government support, and increased awareness of welfare and health insurance schemes to ensure the sustainable development of the handloom sector in Manipur.

Higher Secondary education is a crucial factor in shaping students' career and academic paths, both before to and following their schooling, while higher secondary exam performance serves as a vital indicator of educational quality and equity. This research study examines the trends in Higher Secondary Examination performance in Manipur throughout the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, utilizing secondary sources based on official examination results. The research employed a descriptive longitudinal approach to ascertain annual changes in overall pass percentages, gender-specific performance, district-specific outcomes, and stream-specific results in Arts, Science, and Commerce. The results indicate significant fluctuations in overall pass rates, with a substantial increase in 2021, followed by a decline in 2022 and 2023, and a notable recovery in 2024, culminating in stabilization in 2025 as a result of post-pandemic normalization. Gender-based study indicates a consistent performance advantage for female pupils. District-based results indicate persistent disparities between valley and hill districts, whereas stream-based analysis shows greater stability in the Science stream compared to the Arts and Commerce streams. The research highlights the ongoing existence of regional, gender, and stream disparities in higher secondary performance and contends that evidence-based planning and interventions are essential for improving equity and quality in higher secondary education.

This study examined the improvements of initiatives and programs implemented in Marawi City’s solid waste management (SWM) system. It specifically identified ecological SWM programs funded by the city government, analyzed budget allocation strategies, assessed residents’ awareness and participation, and determined issues and challenges in implementation. Guided by the Political Economy of Fiscal Policy, Rational Choice, Public Choice, and Principal-Agent theories, the study explored how political and institutional factors influence local waste management.
A quantitative-descriptive design was used, involving selected city offices—CENRO, Budget Office, and General Services Office—and 233 residents from three barangays: Dimaluna, Rapasun, and Basak-Malutlut. Data were gathered through document analysis and survey questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean. Findings revealed that while several ecological SWM programs were implemented in compliance with Republic Act 9003, their execution remained limited, particularly at the barangay level. Budget allocation was generally effective but hindered by inadequate funds and delayed disbursement. Residents’ participation and awareness were also low. The study recommends strengthening community education, fiscal transparency, and inter-agency coordination, alongside investing in localized waste facilities and exploring innovative financing strategies to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

The oil content is an important quality aspect of instant noodles being related to consumer acceptability and health implications. The present research work was intended to study the effect of varying processing variables on the oil uptake by the instant noodles. The processing variables included mixing time, resting time, number of folds, dough sheet thickness, steaming time, frying temperature and frying time. All these parameters exerted significant influence on the oil absorption by the noodles. Mixing time varied from 4 to 8 minutes with an oil uptake ranging from 18.84 to 25.37 minutes, respectively. Noodles made from unrested dough indicated higher oil uptake of 26.53% whereas those made from sufficiently rested dough (30 and 60 minutes) had comparatively lower oil absorption (18.84% and 17.46%, respectively). Incorporating a greater number of folds and reduced dough sheet thickness while making noodles restricted the oil uptake in the noodles. Steaming time showed a dramatic trend. Initially with an increase in steaming time from 5 to 7 minutes, the oil uptake decreased from 18.84 to 17.2%, however further steaming escalated the oil absorption. Frying parameters, time and temperature exhibited a direct relationship with the oil uptake. Frying at 140 oC for 90 seconds contributed to least oil uptake whilst frying at higher temperatures for prolonged period resulted in higher oil uptake. Conclusively, these findings provided an insight in optimizing the processing parameters to produce customer friendly low-calorie wholesome noodles without compromising their textural sand cooking quality attributes.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced modern education systems across the world. In the Indian context, there is a growing need to integrate technological innovation with the preservation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), which represent the cultural heritage, traditional practices, languages, and ecological wisdom of local communities. This study explores the role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting cultural sustainability by reviving and integrating indigenous knowledge into Indian school education. The research examines how AI technologies can support the documentation, preservation, and dissemination of indigenous knowledge through digital archives, language processing tools, and interactive educational platforms. It also highlights the potential of AI-driven learning systems to create culturally responsive educational content that connects students with traditional knowledge and community-based practices. Furthermore, the study discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with using AI in preserving indigenous knowledge, including issues related to digital access, ethical considerations, and cultural sensitivity. By integrating AI with Indigenous Knowledge Systems, schools can foster culturally inclusive education while strengthening students’ understanding of India's diverse cultural heritage. The study concludes that the thoughtful use of AI can serve as an effective tool for revitalizing indigenous knowledge and promoting cultural sustainability in the Indian education system.

The prevalence of mental health concerns among students has risen significantly in recent years, driven by academic pressure, social challenges, and increased digital engagement. Educational institutions are increasingly tasked with identifying and addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress in a timely and effective manner. However, traditional psychological assessment methods primarily based on self-report questionnaires and clinical interviews are often constrained by limited scalability, subjective bias, delayed intervention, and insufficient access to trained professionals. In response, artificial intelligence (AI)-based psychological assessment tools have emerged as a transformative approach to student mental health monitoring. This review paper examines the evolving landscape of AI-driven tools, including machine learning models, natural language processing techniques, and affective computing systems, which enable continuous, datadriven, and scalable assessment of psychological well-being. The paper further explores their applications within educational institutions, such as early detection of at-risk students, real-time monitoring, and personalized intervention strategies. Additionally, this review critically evaluates the ethical, methodological, and practical challenges associated with AI integration, including concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, and the interpretability of automated decisions. While findings suggest that AI-based tools significantly enhance early identification and broaden access to mental health support, they also underscore the need for responsible implementation. Overall, AI holds substantial promise in transforming student mental health monitoring; however, its effectiveness depends on a balanced integration with human oversight, ethical safeguards, and context-sensitive deployment.

The digital payments landscape in India has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by rapid technological advancements, robust government initiatives, and increasing consumer adoption. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of digital payment systems in India from 2023 to 2025, grounded in the latest transaction data, market trends, and regulatory developments. Leveraging data from the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other key sources, the study examines growth trajectories, infrastructure advancements, and the role of fintech innovations in reshaping financial inclusion. The analysis highlights significant milestones such as recordbreaking daily transaction volumes and expanding adoption in tier 2 and rural markets. Furthermore, the paper addresses challenges faced by the ecosystem, including cyber security risks and digital literacy gaps, while exploring future opportunities for sustainable and inclusive digital payment growth. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers interested in the dynamic landscape of India's digital economy.

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have become the symbol of democratic decentralization and people's participatory governance in India following the arrival of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. Providing constitutional recognition to local selfgovernment was an initiative to promote participatory democracy, equality and broad-based inclusive development through elected local institutions. Since then, for over three decades, Panchayats have been instrumental in increasing people's participation; enhancing representation of women and weaker sections of society; and facilitating more inclusive development initiatives, and greater effectiveness of various rural development schemes. However, the institutional success or failure of PRIs in strengthening local democracy has been inconsistent and spotty in terms of its overall institutional capacity, devolution of powers and authority, financial independence, bureaucratic control, political interference, as well citizen involvement. This paper provides a qualitative analysis of the institutional strength of Panchayati Raj Institutions in strengthening people's local democracy in India, using secondary data such as constitutional provisions, government reports and scholars' writings. The paper assesses the performance and failures of Panchayati Raj Institutions in consolidating democratic governance, transparency, accountability and inclusive development. The paper suggests that the potential of PRIs can be harnessed for democratization and development in India only if Gram Sabhas become more participative and powerful, devolution is well-defined and functionaries are accountable and accountable. 

Drawing on a synthesis of contemporary scholarship spanning Africa, Asia, and America, this paper develops a conceptual framework
linking indigenous governance structures to entrepreneurial outcomes such as resource conservation, social cohesion, and inclusive
economic growth. The analysis identifies recurring institutional features—consensus-based leadership, customary resource tenure,
intergenerational knowledge transmission, and hybrid governance arrangements—that enable rural enterprises to remain resilient while respecting cultural values. The paper also surveys empirical cases, including tribal knowledge–based enterprises, community-based natural resource management systems, and hybrid panchayat models in India, to illustrate how these traditions translate into practice. It concludes by identifying persistent challenges, including inadequate documentation, weak policy recognition, and tensions between  customary and formal institutions, and proposes a research and policy agenda for integrating indigenous governance into sustainable rural entrepreneurship strategies.

This is an attempt to investigate how first-wave Gothic fiction serves as a powerful mechanism for disrupting established concepts of normalcy in late eighteenth-century European society. Arising during the Age of Enlightenment—a period anchored in empirical rationality, secularisation, and rigid bourgeois domestic ideals—the early Gothic novel systematically destabilised these emerging cultural frameworks. Through a critical analysis of foundational texts, this study explores the specific narrative strategies employed to fracture the illusion of a stable, orderly reality.