Volume 14 | Issue 3 |

 Abstract

Microfinance institutions are essential for advancing financial inclusion by offering financial services to underserved and low-income populations. In recent times, technological progress, including financial technology (FinTech), digital financial services, and artificial intelligence, has greatly altered the financial sector, presenting new possibilities for enhancing microfinance operations. This study investigates the effects of adopting fintech, digital financial services, and artificial intelligence on financial inclusion and credit access within microfinance institutions in India. This study relies on primary data gathered from 120 participants involved in microfinance services, such as microfinance borrowers and small business owners in Maharashtra, India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the responses were analyzed using statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, using Jamovi software. The results indicate that digital financial services have a statistically significant positive effect on financial inclusion. However, the adoption of FinTech and artificial intelligence did not show a significant impact on financial inclusion and credit access, respectively. These findings highlight the need to expand digital financial services to bolster financial inclusion in microfinance institutions. This study recommends that policymakers and financial institutions concentrate on enhancing digital financial infrastructure and promoting digital literacy to improve the success of technology-driven financial inclusion efforts.

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 Keywords

Microfinance, financial inclusion, fintech adoption, digital financial services, artificial intelligence

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Oil spills in oceans, rivers, and industrial water bodies are a major environmental problem that threatens marine ecosystems and aquatic life. Conventional oil spill cleanup techniques such as manual skimming, absorbent materials, and chemical dispersants are inefficient, labor-intensive, and often harmful to the environment. This project proposes the design and development of an Automated Oil Skimmer Boat, capable of collecting floating oil from the water surface using a mechanical skimming mechanism. The system integrates a floating hull structure, a conveyor-belt or disk-type skimmer mechanism, propulsion motors, and a microcontroller-based control system for navigation and automation. The collected oil is separated and stored in an onboard tank for safe disposal. The boat can operate either autonomously or through remote control, reducing human intervention and increasing efficiency. The proposed system offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and scalable solution for oil spill remediation in marine ecosystems, rivers, harbors, and industrial wastewater environments.

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 Keywords

Oil Skimmer, Oil Spill Cleanup, Autonomous Boat, Environmental Robotics, Water Pollution Control

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Humanoid robots capable of walking on two legs are an important research area in robotics because they enable robots to operate effectively in human environments. This project presents the design and development of a humanoid robot capable of basic bipedal locomotion integrated with artificial intelligence based interaction. The system uses Raspberry Pi 4 as the primary processing unit along with servo motors, IMU sensors, camera modules and ultrasonic sensors to enable stable walking and environmental perception. The robot is developed in two phases: Phase 1 focuses on AI based human-robot interaction using voice recognition and computer vision, while Phase 2 introduces bipedal locomotion using servo-driven joints and real-time balance feedback. The integration of locomotion control, sensor feedback and AI interaction enables the robot to walk, detect obstacles and interact with users. This work demonstrates how embedded systems, robotics and intelligent control can be combined to develop a functional humanoid platform for future applications in service robotics, healthcare and human-robot collaboration.

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 Keywords

Humanoid Robot, Bipedal Locomotion, Raspberry Pi, Servo Motor Control, IMU Sensor

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 Abstract

Abstract Scientific Management Theory, propounded by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the early twentieth century, represents one of the foundational approaches in the development of modern management thought. The theory emphasizes systematic observation, scientific analysis of work processes, task specialization, time efficiency, and performance-based management as key tools for enhancing organizational productivity. Although originally formulated for industrial settings, its principles have significantly influenced administrative structures across both private and public sectors. In the contemporary era, public sector institutions operate within a complex environment characterized by resource limitations, administrative bottlenecks, increasing public expectations, and heightened demands for transparency and accountability. These evolving governance challenges necessitate a reassessment of classical management principles to determine their continued relevance. This study adopts a qualitative and analytical methodology based on an extensive review of classical texts in management theory and contemporary scholarly interpretations. It critically examines the applicability of core principles of Scientific Management such as standardization, division of labor, scientific recruitment and training, and performance evaluation in modern public administration. The study further explores the integration of these principles within contemporary governance reforms, including e-governance initiatives, performance management systems, and outcome-oriented administrative frameworks. The analysis indicates that although certain mechanistic aspects of classical scientific management have been critiqued for overlooking human factors, its core emphasis on efficiency, rational planning, and systematic organization remains highly relevant. When harmonized with modern approaches that prioritize human relations, participatory governance, and technological innovation, Scientific Management Theory contributes meaningfully to enhancing institutional effectiveness. The study concludes that the contemporary relevance of Scientific Management lies not in its literal application but in its contextual adaptation to modern administrative realities, thereby supporting improved productivity, accountability, and public service delivery.

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Keywords: Scientific Management, Public Administration, Administrative Efficiency, Performance Management, Good Governance, E-Governance

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 Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 presents a vision of inclusive, learner-centred education, emphasizing multilingualism and foundational literacy. Yet its stance on English language education reveals a deep ideological split. While English remains indispensable for global mobility, higher education, and employability, NEP 2020 simultaneously promotes mother tongue instruction and flexible language pathways without resolving the structural inequities that limit English access for marginalized learners. This paper critiques NEP 2020's ambiguous language policy, arguing that it perpetuates linguistic elitism under the guise of equity and flexibility. Drawing on historical policy documents, sociolinguistic realities, and classroom practices, the paper calls for a coherent, justice-oriented approach to English education in India. It highlights contradictions in digitalization rhetoric, pedagogical support, and learner guidance, and proposes structural reforms to democratize English proficiency while preserving linguistic diversity. The analysis contributes to global conversations on language, equity, and educational policy in digitally mediated contexts. It situates NEP 2020 within India's multilingual heritage and global education debates, showing how unresolved contradictions in English policy mirror wider tensions in postcolonial societies.

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 Keywords

NEP 2020, English education, language policy, linguistic justice, digital divide, India, multilingualism, educational equity

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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The rapid expansion of digital communication technologies has transformed the social interactions and communication patterns of young individuals. Social media platforms have become an integral component of daily life among adolescents and young adults. While these platforms provide opportunities for communication, information sharing, and social connectivity, excessive or maladaptive use has been associated with psychological distress and mental health concerns. The present study explores the relationship between social media usage and youth mental health and examines the implications for psychiatric social work practice. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 respondents aged 18-25 years using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical techniques including frequency distribution and percentage analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that prolonged engagement with social media platforms is associated with increased levels of social comparison, anxiety, and emotional distress among youth. However, social media also facilitates communication and social support networks. The study highlights the need for digital literacy education and psychosocial interventions aimed at promoting responsible digital behavior among youth. The findings have important implications for psychiatric social workers involved in youth mental health promotion and behavioural addiction prevention.

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social media, youth mental health, behavioural addiction, psychiatric social work, digital wellbeing

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Forest ecosystems constitute critical reservoirs of biodiversity, regulate global climate, sustain livelihoods, and deliver indispensable ecosystem services. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures such as deforestation, land conversion, illegal logging, and climate change threaten global forest cover. Administrative pursuits -- including policy frameworks, institutional governance, enforcement mechanisms, participatory governance, and interagency coordination -- are essential for effective forest conservation. This paper examines the scope, strategies, and impacts of administrative efforts in forest preservation and sustainable management. It analyzes how governance structures, legal frameworks, enforcement institutions, community involvement, capacity building, monitoring technologies, and international cooperation influence conservation outcomes. The paper also explores challenges and proposes recommendations for strengthening administrative approaches. Ultimately, robust, transparent, and adaptive administration emerges as a linchpin in responding to forest degradation and securing ecological and socio-economic benefits for present and future generations.

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 Keywords

Forest conservation, Environmental governance,Administrative pursuit,Sustainable forest management, Policy and enforcement

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Abstract: Child abuse is not a legal issue or mental health issue, and it remains both, and the inability to approach it as a legal issue has long diminished the quality of efforts raised by both legal institutions and mental health facilities. The paper will attempt to do a socio-legal analysis of child abuse in Indian context looking at both the structural conditions that facilitate the abuse, legislative and judicial processes that are supposed to play a factor in curbing the vice and the psychological impacts that follow legal proceedings and in current form actually serve to intensify abuse. The paper uses the juvenile justice act, 2015 as a reference material to demonstrate that the greatest gap in the current management of this issue is not a legislative gap, but the systemic lack of psychologically informed practice within the legal establishment as reflected in the statutes, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 as well as the applicable provisions of the Constitution of India. It argues that effective child protection cannot be ensured just by having proper laws but by having a justice system that appreciates the impact of abuse on a child - and structures itself to respond.

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 Keywords

child abuse, socio-legal analysis, POCSO Act, trauma, psychological outcomes, criminal justice, India

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This descriptive study analyzes declining youth employment trend in the Indian companies and its implications for workforce age structure, outcomes of innovation and technological adaptations. Using secondary data from Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Deloitte reports, data from the WIPO, and Department of Science and Technology (DST) and global benchmarks spanning 2017 through 2025, the study finds a trend of sustained contraction of entry-level hiring and a slowdown in the ageing of corporate workforces. Campus recruitment budgets shrank by around 33% in 2023-24, whereas the average age of the workforce stood at 39 years old while the number of youths in it now stands at 26%. These trends are accompanied by steep youth unemployment rates of the order of magnitude 10.2-14.9% despite gains in aggregate labour force participation. Although indicators of India's innovation status are improving - in 2023, R&D expenditure of India touched at 1.27 lakh crore, while patent filings have increased by 15.7% - per-firm innovation outcome is still far below global levels. Comparative analysis shows that firms with a high proportion of youth forces enjoy 20-25% better performances for patents and quicker adoption of new technologies indicating the importance of young professionals for digital agility and exploring new technologies. The situation is further complicated by the HDI of migrants is 29.5 vs 25.4 for women for 2020-2025 along with the migration of 1.5-2 million skilled youth in the same period curbing the domestic innovation capacity. The findings are in consonance with the international literature on the dynamics of age-innovation and strengthen concerns of jobless growth in India. The study concludes revitalizing structured youth employment towards targeted hiring and youth qualification through job quotas, mentorship models, R&D incentives and diaspora engagement as a key in sustenance to India's long-term innovation competition. Future research needs to use firm-level longitudinal data to establish causal relationships between age composition of the workforce and innovation performance.

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 Keywords

Youth employment, age of workforce, innovation, India, migration, Research & Development.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seeks to transform India's education system by promoting holistic development, multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, and learner-centric pedagogy. Despite its progressive vision, the effective implementation of the policy faces several pedagogical challenges. These challenges include gaps in teacher training and capacity building, the need for comprehensive curriculum restructuring, the persistence of the digital divide, complexities involved in assessment reforms, language-related issues in multilingual education, and infrastructural constraints across educational institutions. This paper examines these key pedagogical challenges in the context of NEP 2020 and discusses the measures required to address them. It emphasizes that systematic teacher training, inclusive digital access, curriculum reforms aligned with classroom realities, and adequate infrastructural support are essential for translating the objectives of NEP 2020 into effective educational practice.

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 Keywords

New Education Policy 2020; Pedagogical Challenges; Teacher Training; Curriculum Reform; Digital Divide; Assessment Reforms;Educational Infrastructure.

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