Volume 14 | Issue 1 |

 Abstract

Abstract: Background: In today's world, multitasking while using smartphones has become a trend in today's era. The constant usage of smartphones while walking, standing, and sitting affects balance. However, constant dual-tasking can lead to distractions, risk of falls, and impaired dynamic balance of an individual. Aim: To determine whether there are gender-based differences that influence dynamic balance while smartphone multitasking, in order to understand the potential impact on postural control and overall stability Methodology: 60 participants were recruited by using convenient sampling. 25-35 years was the age criteria specified. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were formed, and the assessment was done. Also, the Time-Up and Go test was used as an outcome measure. Results and Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that smartphone multitasking significantly affects dynamic balance among young adults aged 20-25 years. The results showed a progressive increase in Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores from general gait to multitasking conditions, indicating reduced -stability with increasing task complexity. The findings (p < 0.0001, highly significant) confirm that engaging in smartphone-related multitasking affects balance.

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 Keywords

Smartphones, Multitasking, TUG, dynamic balance, physiotherapy

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The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 institutionalised Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as the foundation of democratic decentralisation in India, empowering States to prescribe electoral qualifications under Article 243F. During the 1990s, several States introduced population-based electoral disqualifications, commonly known as the "Two-Children Norm," to address concerns of population growth. However, India's demographic landscape has since undergone a significant transition marked by declining fertility rates and improved socio-economic indicators. This study critically examines the relevance and implications of population-based electoral disqualifications in Panchayati Raj Institutions, with particular reference to the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2024, which repealed the Two-Children Norm. Adopting a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, the study analyses Panchayati Raj legislations in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh to assess the interaction between electoral eligibility norms, demographic change, and democratic governance. The methodology integrates comparative legal analysis, demographic assessment using National Family Health Survey data, institutional analysis of grassroots governance, and constitutional evaluation of Part IX of the Constitution and relevant judicial pronouncements. The findings reveal that fertility decline has occurred largely independent of electoral disqualifications, driven instead by education, healthcare access, and socio-economic development. The continued enforcement of the Two-Children Norm in several States has not produced measurable governance gains and has often constrained democratic participation, particularly among women and marginalised communities. The study argues that while population-based disqualifications may be constitutionally permissible, they are increasingly misaligned with the participatory objectives of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. The repeal of the Two-Children Norm in Andhra Pradesh is thus presented as an evidence-based and democratically inclusive reform, offering broader policy lessons for strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions across India.

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 Keywords

Panchayati Raj Institutions; Democratic Decentralisation; Two-Children Norm; Electoral Disqualifications; 73rd Constitutional Amendment; Local Self-Government; Demographic Transition; Constitutional Governance; Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act

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Abstract Accurate demand forecasting is the backbone of an efficient retail supply chain. Traditional methods, such as moving averages and linear regression, often fail to navigate the complexities of modern consumer behavior, characterized by rapid trend shifts and external disruptions. This study explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bridging this gap. By utilizing machine learning and deep learning, AI can process massive datasets including social media trends, weather patterns, and economic shifts to predict demand with unprecedented precision. The research highlights how AI-driven insights lead to optimized inventory levels, a significant reduction in stock-outs, and improved overall responsiveness. However, the study also notes that the transition to AI is not without hurdles; issues regarding data quality, high implementation costs, and the need for organizational cultural shifts remain prevalent. Ultimately, the findings suggest that while AI is a powerful tool for competitive advantage, its success depends on a balanced integration of technology and human expertise.

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Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Demand Forecasting, Retail Supply Chain, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Inventory Optimization, Predictive Analytics

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Goods and Services Tax (GST) represents one of the most ambitious and comprehensive indirect tax reforms undertaken in India's post-independence history. Introduced on 1st July 2017, GST subsumed a wide range of central and state-level taxes such as excise duty, service tax, value-added tax (VAT), central sales tax (CST), octroi, and entry tax. By creating a unified national market, GST aimed to eliminate the cascading effect of multiple taxes, reduce inefficiencies in the supply chain, and promote transparency in the taxation system. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, which includes essential products such as packaged food, beverages, toiletries, personal care items, and household goods, was directly impacted by this reform. Given the sector's reliance on high-volume sales, thin profit margins, and extensive distribution networks, even minor changes in taxation can significantly influence pricing strategies, consumer demand, and profitability. This study explores the multifaceted impact of GST on the FMCG sector in India. It examines how GST altered pricing structures, reshaped supply chains, influenced logistics efficiency, and affected both organized and unorganized players. The research highlights short-term challenges such as compliance burdens and working capital blockages, while also emphasizing long-term benefits including streamlined operations, reduced tax incidence, and enhanced competitiveness. By analysing secondary data from government reports, industry publications, and academic studies, this project provides a holistic view of GST's role in transforming the FMCG industry.

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 Keywords

Goods and Services Tax (GST), FMCG Sector, Tax Reform in India, Supply Chain Efficiency, Consumer Pricing, Logistics and Distribution

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Digital credentialing forms a crucial element in today's fast-changing world, thereby helping in building trust, with the adoption of new innovative technology that tends to help an individual to keep their diplomas and certificates tamper-proof, secure, and transparent, thus providing authenticity for one's identity that can be verified anytime. However, blockchain technology comes to the rescue. With the help of blockchain, verification can be applied in a wide variety of sectors such as Education, Health and Safety, Finance, and many more. Blockchain verification bestows the power of decentralized networks to establish trust, enhance the reliability and efficiency of data verification. The purpose of this paper was to explore the awareness, perceptions, opportunities, and obstacles that educators assess. Few studies reflect how Blockchain technology for Digital Credentialing in Higher Education establishes a sense of trust by its adoption and check the awareness and perceptions amongst the educators in higher education in India, the opportunities and obstacles according to them. So, to fill this gap, the researcher conducted descriptive research. The sample consisted of 120 educators randomly selected from the university in South-West Delhi. A Likert scale was distributed to examine the awareness and perceptions of educators on the usage of blockchain for digital credentialing in higher education. The present paper attempts to explore the awareness, perceptions, opportunities, and obstacles that educators assess. Data was analyzed using percentage analysis. The findings suggest that Blockchain for Digital Credentialing in Higher Education can prove to be beneficial for establishing trust amongst educators in higher education if used with caution. Educational implications were listed at the end, followed by a conclusion.

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Blockchain, Digital Credentialing, Higher Education

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Abstract: In the present study the investigator attempts to assess the level of life skill awareness among adult learners enrolled in Jan Sikshan Sansthan. Descriptive survey method is used for the study.The sample consist of 302 adult learners and the statistical techniques used for the study were mean, SD, t-test and percentage analysis.Result shows that the majority of adult learners have either low or average awareness. The study also found no significant difference in life skills between genders, and there is significant difference in critical life skills of adult learners enrolled in JSS scheme with respect to marital status.

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life skill,critical life skills, adult learners, jan sikshan sansthan, gender neutrality, vocational training

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Logistics networks frequently prioritize delivery speed, often selecting the fastest available route without explicitly evaluating the marginal financial and environmental cost of time savings. This study develops and evaluates a Green & Lean routing framework that quantifies the Cost of Speed by comparing fastest-path and shortest-path alternatives under a defined Service Level Agreement (SLA) tolerance. Using a simulation-based analysis of a synthetic Pan-India road freight network, the framework demonstrates that meaningful fuel cost and carbon emission reductions can be achieved without compromising delivery reliability. Results from 500 simulated shipments indicate substantial aggregate fuel cost savings and CO? reduction potential with zero SLA breaches, highlighting delay tolerance as a practical and scalable lever for sustainable logistics optimization.

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Green logistics, lean logistics, routing optimization, carbon emissions, supply chain management

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Understanding customer behavior is increasingly important for retaining customers and increasing profitability in the intensely competitive environment of e-commerce. This study aims to design a hybrid analytical model that combines the RFM analysis technique with machine learning algorithms in the processes of customer segmentation and churn analysis. The dataset used in this study was sourced from an e-commerce company in the UK and consists of real transactional data with detailed invoice information, several purchase quantities, and customer IDs. Following the cleaning process of this data, RFM values were calculated for each customer based on their purchasing behavior, while algorithms such as K-Means were applied to segment the customers into meaningful groups. Analyzing these clusters further will identify high-value, loyal, and at-risk customers, offering very useful information to help focus effective marketing strategies. Furthermore, the analytical framework identifies churn-prone customers based on transaction inactivity patterns about recent transaction habits. Thus, this paper shows that the integration of RFM metrics with machine learning algorithm analyses allows for a robust and data-driven analytical approach toward improving customer segmentation, churn analysis, and effective marketing strategy formulation for e-commerce businesses.

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 Keywords

Customer Segmentation, RFM Analysis, Machine Learning, K-Means Clustering, Customer Churn Analysis, Data Mining, E-Commerce Analytics, Customer Retention, Analytical Framework

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This study investigates secondary school teachers' perspectives on ethical challenges and student data privacy in the use of educational technology. With the rapid integration of digital tools in education, concerns around equitable access, digital misconduct, privacy, and data security have become prominent. Using a descriptive survey method, data were collected from 110 randomly selected secondary school teachers in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Two scales with Likert items assessed teachers' views on ethical dilemmas and data privacy issues. The findings reveal that approximately 70-80% of teachers express significant ethical concerns related to digital equity, online conduct, and commercial influences on learning platforms. Furthermore, a majority demonstrate strong awareness of student data privacy responsibilities and advocate for institutional safeguards and informed consent practices. The study highlights the pivotal role of teachers as ethical guides in promoting responsible technology use and protecting students in increasingly digital educational environments. These insights underscore the need for continuous professional development and robust privacy policies to support ethical and equitable adoption of educational technology.

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Ethical challenges in educational technology, Student data privacy, Algorithmic bias and transparency, Digital accountability

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Agriculture is one of the major economic activities in Kerala which is largely affected by Climate change. Insurance is seen as an effective tool to adapt to weather adversities. The study evaluated the present status, constraints and prospects of Restructured Weather based crop insurance for Paddy in Palakkad in the most insured blocks of Kollengode , Nenmara and Alathur. A specific analysis was made to present the claims ratio, breakeven ratio and Compound Annual Growth Rate. Despite a positive growth in enrolment (CAGR 0.13) and an increase in gross premium (CAGR 0.36), farmers continue to face significant challenges with the scheme. Delays in claim settlements (34.76), concerns over AWS reliability (47.14), and the distant location of weather stations (38.1) have made participation less appealing. Analyzing claims ratios, breakeven points, and penetration trends reveals a clear need for better coverage and a more reliable system. This paper provides an overview of the paddy cultivators' perception of crop insurance.

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Agriculture Risk ,Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance ,Paddy,Climate Change

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