Abstract

Decentralisation is the process by which the authority and functions of federal as well as state governments are delivered to local self-governing organisations. When we analyse the context of the Kerala economy, Kerala witnessed a paradoxical situation with participation in the labour force and parliamentary seats occupied by the female are very low. Decentralisation significantly contributes to women’s advancement in political as well as economic realms. The data from the State Election Commission reveals that there is a gradual rise in the participation of women in Local self-government elections from 2010 to 2020. In Kerala, decentralisation is fundamental for the political growth of women.

Keywords

decentralisation, women empowerment, local self-governments, grama panchayat, block panchayat, district panchayat, municipality, municipal corporations, and kudumbasree.

Abstract

Toy-based learning is gaining prominence as a transformative pedagogical approach in India, closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises joyful, inclusive, and holistic education. Grounded in constructivist and sociocultural learning theories, this approach encourages hands-on engagement, allowing children to explore, experiment, and learn through play. Educational toys act as mediators of experiential learning, fostering essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. This conceptual paper explores the role of toys in supporting holistic child development across four key domains: cognitive, language and communication, physical, and emotional-social growth. Tools such as puzzles, manipulatives, storytelling kits, and culturally rooted play materials have proven effective in promoting inclusive and engaging learning environments. This paper synthesises emerging evidence to demonstrate the potential of toy-based collaborative learning to achieve learning objectives at the foundational stage.

Keywords

toy-based pedagogy, collaborative learning, peer interaction, experiential learning, NEP 2020, early childhood education, and holistic development.

Abstract

Agriculture bears unpredictable outcome. Crop failure puts farmers in distress. As a remedial measure, the farmers concentrate on the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously. Sustainability of agriculture requires profitability and competitiveness. This will enhance the quality of products and resource utilisation. Mixed cropping is a cropping system in agriculture of sowing two or three crops simultaneously on the same field. This will reduce crop failure. The present article examines the role of mixed cropping in mitigating agricultural risks and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords

mixed cropping, crop failure, agriculture risk, and risk mitigation.

Abstract

This research shows how brands use patented technology as a marketing tool to position health monitoring wearables for student athletes, exemplified by the Oura Ring and Muse Headband. Intellectual property and patents act as a signal of integrity and performance guarantees, driving marketing strategies that target niche segments such as student athletes. While these products assist with stress reduction, improving focus and improving mental well-being, they track EEG waves and heart rate to assess consumers’ cognitive and overall health conditions. This enables niche segments such as student athletes to maintain a balance between academics and sports. While wearable technology offers increasing benefits in daily life, research comparing devices of similar caliber remains limited. This research evaluates the efficiency of marketing strategies that leverage patents and intellectual property to strengthen companies’ market positions, focusing on student athlete wellness and their challenges in balancing academic expectations alongside sports performance.

Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative secondary research design, exclusively analysing online and publicly available data, including previously published research, patent documentation, product marketing materials, company reports, and media articles. No interviews or primary data collection were conducted. The approach centers on rigorous content analysis and thematic synthesis of secondary sources to explore how patents and intellectual property influence marketing, branding strategies, and trust in wearable wellness technologies for student athletes.

Findings: Analysis of secondary data shows that patents and visible intellectual property achievements increase perceived credibility, trust, and willingness to adopt wearable technologies among student athletes. Reviewed materials highlight how companies strategically leverage patent status and legal victories in public marketing to differentiate themselves and substantiate scientific claims.

Practical implications: The findings indicate that marketers and institutions should foreground patents and IP status in wellness product communications to promote acceptance and trust among student athletes. Institutions selecting technology for athlete wellness programming may consider prioritising products with documented IP protection and scientific validation to maximise engagement and perceived efficacy (Cheong et al., 2023).

Keywords

student athletes, wellness technology, wearable devices, patents, intellectual property, secondary data, marketing, branding, and qualitative research.

Abstract

Global online retail has changed as e-commerce has expanded rapidly; however, the growth of e-retail has created new environmental challenges. This article examines the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to reduce the carbon footprint associated with online shopping. By analysing advanced AI-driven strategies in supply chain optimisation, logistics efficiency, and sustainable operational practices, the study explores how emerging technologies can enhance environmental responsibility within the e-commerce sector. The result demonstrates how Artificial Intelligence can contribute to sustainable growth and awareness related to environmental conservation within global retail networks.

Keywords

sustainable e-commerce, artificial intelligence, carbon footprint reduction, machine learning, and green technology.

Abstract

The adoption Foreign exchange reserves constitute a crucial buffer for emerging economies facing volatile capital flows, trade shocks, and external financial disturbances. This study provides a comparative assessment of foreign exchange reserve trends and adequacy in BRICS economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, over the period 1997–2023. Using a multi-indicator framework, reserve adequacy is evaluated through macroeconomic, trade-based, solvency, and liquidity indicators, including reserves-to-GDP ratio, import cover, reserves as a percentage of total external debt, and short-term external debt relative to reserves. The results reveal a sustained accumulation of foreign exchange reserves across all BRICS economies since the early 2000s, reflecting an increasing emphasis on precautionary reserve management. China consistently exhibits the strongest reserve adequacy across all indicators, while India shows a stable and significant improvement following post-liberalisation reforms. Russia and Brazil occupy an intermediate position, characterised by adequate but relatively volatile reserve buffers, whereas South Africa continues to display comparatively weaker reserve adequacy despite gradual improvement. Countries with stronger import and short-term debt coverage demonstrate greater resilience during periods of global financial stress, including the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the importance of employing multiple indicators to assess reserve adequacy and offers policy-relevant insights for strengthening external sector resilience in emerging economies.

Keywords

foreign exchange reserves, reserve adequacy, BRICS economies, external vulnerability, and emerging markets.