Publication Archive

Public speaking has re-emerged as a crucial communicative competence in the twenty-first-century English Language Teaching (ELT) landscape, especially within digitally mediated learning environments. As global employability increasingly depends on verbal fluency, articulation, and audience engagement, the teaching of public speaking has shifted from a traditional performance-based model to a technology-enhanced pedagogical framework. This paper examines how digital tools—such as virtual presentation platforms, speech analysis applications, AI-powered feedback systems, and online collaboration spaces—can be effectively integrated into ELT to enhance learners’ confidence, clarity, and communicative autonomy. Drawing upon communicative competence theory, social constructivism, and digital literacy frameworks, the study explores how technology can scaffold public speaking tasks through formative assessment, real-time feedback, and self-reflective learning. It further analyzes the pedagogical advantages of platforms such as Flip, Toastmasters Online, and Yoodli AI in fostering learner-centered, practice-oriented speaking environments. The research underscores the role of digital tools not merely as substitutes for classroom interaction but as agents of pedagogical transformation that democratize access, personalize learning, and reduce performance anxiety. By aligning language proficiency with presentation skills, this paper argues for a redefinition of public speaking pedagogy in ELT—one that integrates human communication with digital innovation to create confident, articulate, and globally competent speakers.

Desirable Daughters (2002) by Bharati Mukherjee has generally been studied in terms of its preoccupation with identity, migrant family relationships, classes, caste and gender politics of migration. The present article will claim that the work of a continuous, albeit frequently hidden, dystopian imagination based on the varying types of surveillance is also in play in this novel. By applying the Foucauldian theoretical framework of panopticism and Deleuzian theoretical framework of control societies to Desirable Daughters, this paper demonstrates that the notion of diaspora as regards it is perceived in the novel of Mukherjee is not only a hybridity or a place of opportunity but a disciplined field whereby subjects, particularly the women are measured, controlled and forced to display specific kinds of identities. The plot lines, narrative voice and character strategies include an architecture of watchfulness functioning by the state and immigration apparatus, the multicultural gaze of host societies, the expectancies of homelands as well as the interiorised self-surveillance of characters in the novel. This paper performs a close reading of the main characters, devices of narrations and socio-spatial settings portrayed in the novel to exemplify how surveillance brings on a dystopian consciousness where freedom is conditional, identity is a weapon of existence, and agency is re-constructed. This paper finds that Desirable Daughters by Mukherjee is a work of contribution to the body of diasporic literature as it forms the use of the terms of surveillance and dystopian theory into the lexicon of critical writing of diaspora studies.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s fiction vividly portrays the struggles and negotiations of Indian-American women navigating the complex terrain of diaspora. This paper explores how her female protagonists embody the tensions between assimilation, resistance, and cultural memory in a globalized world. Drawing upon novels such as The Mistress of Spices (1997), Sister of My Heart (1999), and The Unknown Errors of Our Lives (2001), the study examines the ways in which Divakaruni reimagines migration as a multidimensional experience—one shaped by nostalgia, cultural hybridity, and feminist agency. Through a postcolonial feminist lens, the paper analyzes how her characters resist erasure by preserving inherited traditions while simultaneously adapting to the cultural codes of the host nation. The study situates Divakaruni’s work within the recent theoretical discourse of transnational feminism and diasporic subjectivity, arguing that her narratives transcend the binaries of East and West, homeland and hostland. The protagonists’ struggles to redefine identity illuminate the evolving contours of South Asian diaspora in twenty-first-century America. By emphasizing cultural memory as both burden and resource, Divakaruni re-centers immigrant women as agents of transformation rather than victims of displacement. Ultimately, her fiction underscores that belonging in diaspora is not about complete assimilation or rigid resistance but about crafting fluid, hybrid selves that reconcile the past with the present.

The authors of this chapter, which focuses on risk and portfolio management, attempt to draw attention to the part artificial intelligence (AI) in managing finance. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has disrupted various industries across all sectors. In addition to increasing the potential for alpha generation, artificial intelligence can assist with portfolio management in several ways, offsetting some of the shortcomings of conventional portfolio-building techniques. The study also emphasized the traditional and modern theories of portfolio and risk management in association with AI tools. Compared to conventional theories, the study’s comparative analysis showed that AI benefits in more logical decision-making. Markowitz’s theory developed a formula qualifying investors to mathematically address both risk acceptance and reward expectations, thus deriving an optimal portfolio. In today’s scenario, AI is trying to compile all the historical evidence, data, and cases and generate reports with the help of its various tools for the portfolio managers. Advanced algorithms and data science are used by AI portfolios to make decisions. They can analyse enormous amounts of data from multiple sources, finding trends and connections that human funds manager might overlook. AI has made it easier to analyse large and diverse data sets, which have improved decision-making significantly by offering insightful information about market trends and possible investment opportunities. Because of its ability to adjust to quickly shifting market conditions, AI has become an important tool for trading companies, helping them to manage risk, navigate volatility, and ultimately improve performance and profitability. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has deranged most industries, including the financial sector. For instance, machine learning (ML) can develop systems capable of learning from past experiences and be used for asset price prediction. Reinforcement learning (RL) is one of the utmost promising tools for developing a sequential and dynamic portfolio optimization theory. AI in asset management examines huge amount of data to find asymmetry, possible fraud, or operational mistakes. Operational risk can be reduced by using these algorithms to spot abnormal transaction patterns or staff activity that might point to fraud. This data-centric strategy guarantees that investment decisions are always based on impartial analysis. The study found that AI is a big part of mitigating various kinds of risks in investment portfolios. While AI solutions generally feature less management fees than usual alternatives, it's vital to know how these fees could influence overall returns. As we approach a new era in portfolio management, the utilization of AI is not just a fad, it is a crucial tactic for anyone hoping to maintain their lead in the cutthroat world of finance. There will be tremendous AI developments and breakthroughs in the future, offering people who use AI in portfolio management previously unheard-of opportunities. AI has a big impact on how investment portfolios handle different risks. It’s challenging to fully grasp that AI algorithms and measures in the financial sector offer sophisticated solutions for assessing, mitigating, and making decisions regarding risks.

Secularism is a core principle of Indian civilisation, having played a vital role in bringing together people from diverse backgrounds – a defining characteristic of Indian culture. The success of Indian democracy relies heavily on this principle, as it upholds fundamental values such as justice, liberty, equality, and unity. Its role in integrating different segments of society and fostering a sense of national identity warrants recognition. However, some argue that secularism is no longer relevant in India. This research paper explores various aspects of secularism, beginning with its definition, nature, and scope within India. The second section examines the relationship between democracy and secularism, investigating how they interact. Lastly, the paper considers the growing threats to secularism, including the rise of majoritarianism in India.

The lines separating Biology and Physics have started to blur in recent decades, leading to the emergence of the interdisciplinary field known as quantum Biology. This field looks into the possibility that basic quantum mechanical phenomena such as coherence, entanglement, tunneling, and superposition play crucial roles in biological processes that are beyond the scope of classical Physics. Biology has traditionally worked within the parameters of classical mechanics, presuming that delicate quantum effects cannot endure in the warm, humid, and cacophonous environments of living systems. But new findings in fields like photosynthesis, olfaction, avian magnetoreception, and enzyme catalysis indicate otherwise, suggesting that living things intentionally and possibly advantageously use quantum principles. From the earliest speculative theories to the most recent experimental confirmations, this book chapter methodically examines the evolution of quantum Biology. We investigate how the exceptionally high energy transfer efficiency in photosynthetic complexes particularly in the light-harvesting proteins of green sulfur bacteria and plants is supported by quantum coherence. The remarkable speed of proton transfers and enzymatic reactions during DNA replication is also investigated in relation to quantum tunneling. The chapter explores magnetoreception in migratory birds and suggests models in which sensitivity to Earth's geomagnetic field is made possible by radical pair mechanisms influenced by quantum entanglement. We also discuss the intriguing but controversial idea that quantum vibrations improve the human olfactory system's capacity for discrimination. In addition to examining particular occurrences, this research challenges more general theoretical models that seek to balance quantum mechanics with the decoherence commonly observed in biological settings. Recent developments in quantum information theory, biomimetic quantum technologies, and ultrafast spectroscopy are highlighted as essential instruments advancing DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.17551263 BJDD2025014 Volume 1, Issue 3, November-December 2025 pg-8 empirical research. We also critically evaluate the field's methodological difficulties, the skepticism of overly optimistic interpretations, and the significant philosophical ramifications of acknowledging life as a quantum phenomenon. In conclusion, quantum Biology suggests that quantum effects are not uncommon aberrations but rather are an essential part of life, offering not only a fresh perspective for reinterpreting well-known biological processes but also the potential for a fundamental paradigm shift. Quantum biology has the potential to completely transform biotechnology, medicine, and our comprehension of consciousness and the origin of life as experimental methods advance. This chapter highlights the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in order to completely comprehend the latest discoveries and possible future paths of quantum Biology, highlighting its revolutionary influence on our comprehension of life at the most basic levels.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are the first remarkable machines to provide electronic access to bank customers. They offer multiple advantages such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit, and balance enquiry. With ATMs, bankers have the ability to serve their customers even outside the bank premises. The main objective of this study is to identify the challenges faced by customers in using ATM services. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through a Google Form questionnaire with 302 sample respondents, while the secondary data was collected from publications and websites. The sample respondents in this study were ATM card holders, selected on the basis of convenient sampling. The findings reveal that the major challenges associated with ATMs include waiting in queues at ATM centers, machines being out of service, shortage of cash, and non-printing of transaction slips

The 21st century has ushered in an era of unprecedented disruption, characterized by technological innovation, climate change, global pandemics, and volatile market dynamics. In this context, traditional top-down leadership models are proving insufficient. This chapter, "Redefining Leadership: Adaptive Management in the Era of Disruption," explores how adaptive leadership and agile management practices are becoming essential tools for organizational success. Drawing on contemporary research and real-world case studies, the chapter delves into how resilient leadership, systems thinking, and change management can equip leaders to respond effectively to evolving challenges. It emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership, and decentralized decision-making in creating flexible, responsive organizations. Special attention is given to the role of digital transformation and data-driven strategies in enhancing adaptability. The chapter also introduces the concept of the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world, offering frameworks for strategic navigation through uncertainty. It encourages leaders to cultivate learning organizations that embrace innovation, inclusivity, and feedback loops. By redefining leadership through the lens of adaptability and continuous learning, the chapter provides a blueprint for sustainable success in disruptive times.

Basic sciences - including physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics - underpin scientific and technological advancement. In the 21st century, their utility is further reinforced by global challenges like climate change, pandemics, digitalisation, and chasing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whereas fundamental sciences create expansive horizons for interdisciplinary work and innovation with the help of digital tools such as AI and international collaboration, they are also subject to systemic hurdles. These are disproportionate funding allocation, excessive dependency upon bibliometry, inadequate support for early-career scientists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and increasing issues related to research ethics, mental well-being, and employment insecurity within academia. This article investigates the twin landscape of opportunity and challenge in modern basic sciences. It emphasizes the imperative to rethink funding mechanisms, facilitate open science, foster inclusive public engagement, and reform research evaluation frameworks to reward long-term value and global justice. The author makes the case for a fresh, inclusive, and curiosity-fostered commitment to basic science to ensure that it remains a foundation of sustainable human development and innovation.

University education represents the highest level of academic accomplishment. It is an important level of education in South Africa and ensures the continuous production of human capital for national development. In developed countries of the world, the adoption of cutting-edge innovations such as machine learning, AI-powered adaptive learning platforms, interactive learning videos and audio books and automated assessment has been notable. South African universities even though seem to have incorporated the use of information and communication technology (ICT) into learning; they still lag behind in the full integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The question of how such integration can be achieved is left hanging as a lot of challenges are bound. This chapter examined the practical applications of ML in higher education, its barriers and potential benefits at South African universities and suggested how it might affect the nation's educational system.

The lines separating Biology and Physics have started to blur in recent decades, leading to the emergence of the interdisciplinary field known as quantum Biology. This field looks into the possibility that basic quantum mechanical phenomena such as coherence, entanglement, tunneling, and superposition play crucial roles in biological processes that are beyond the scope of classical Physics. Biology has traditionally worked within the parameters of classical mechanics, presuming that delicate quantum effects cannot endure in the warm, humid, and cacophonous environments of living systems. But new findings in fields like photosynthesis, olfaction, avian magnetoreception, and enzyme catalysis indicate otherwise, suggesting that living things intentionally and possibly advantageously use quantum principles. From the earliest speculative theories to the most recent experimental confirmations, this book chapter methodically examines the evolution of quantum Biology. We investigate how the exceptionally high energy transfer efficiency in photosynthetic complexes particularly in the light-harvesting proteins of green sulfur bacteria and plants is supported by quantum coherence. The remarkable speed of proton transfers and enzymatic reactions during DNA replication is also investigated in relation to quantum tunneling. The chapter explores magnetoreception in migratory birds and suggests models in which sensitivity to Earth's geomagnetic field is made possible by radical pair mechanisms influenced by quantum entanglement. We also discuss the intriguing but controversial idea that quantum vibrations improve the human olfactory system's capacity for discrimination. In addition to examining particular occurrences, this research challenges more general theoretical models that seek to balance quantum mechanics with the decoherence commonly observed in biological settings. Recent developments in quantum information theory, biomimetic quantum technologies, and ultrafast spectroscopy are highlighted as essential instruments advancing empirical research. We also critically evaluate the field's methodological difficulties, the skepticism of overly optimistic interpretations, and the significant philosophical ramifications of acknowledging life as a quantum phenomenon. In conclusion, quantum Biology suggests that quantum effects are not uncommon aberrations but rather are an essential part of life, offering not only a fresh perspective for reinterpreting well-known biological processes but also the potential for a fundamental paradigm shift. Quantum biology has the potential to completely transform biotechnology, medicine, and our comprehension of consciousness and the origin of life as experimental methods advance. This chapter highlights the significance of interdisciplinary cooperation in order to completely comprehend the latest discoveries and possible future paths of quantum Biology, highlighting its revolutionary influence on our comprehension of life at the most basic levels.

The rapid digital transformation across industries has significantly impacted the finance and accounting sectors, altering the traditional roles and operations of financial professionals. The emergence and adoption of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, robotic process automation (RPA), cloud computing, and big data analytics are redefining how organizations manage, process, and utilize financial information. These digital tools are not only enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting but are also enabling real-time data analysis, improved forecasting, and strategic decision-making. The growing reliance on automation and advanced analytics is allowing finance teams to shift from transactional roles toward more advisory and analytical functions. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies is fostering transparency, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust. However, this transformation is not without challenges, including cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, the need for upskilling, and the complexities of integrating new technologies with legacy systems. This paper aims to explore and critically analyze the most prominent trends driving the digitalization of finance and accounting, assess their organizational impact, and highlight the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In today’s fast-changing world, education stands as the foundation for shaping a student’s future career, personality, and adaptability to life’s challenges. Among all subjects, Mathematics and English are central to both academic progress and practical living, yet they pose significant difficulties for students with learning disabilities. Such challenges, often linked to conditions like dyslexia and dyscalculia, affect how learners process and retain information, leading to struggles with reading, spelling, arithmetic, fractions, and problem-solving. These difficulties not only impact academic performance but also diminish self-confidence and motivation. The present study focuses on three key aspects: first, identifying the academic and emotional challenges faced by learning-disabled students in Mathematics and English; second, evaluating their academic effectiveness beyond traditional assessment methods, which often overlook hidden abilities; and third, suggesting remedial measures to improve learning outcomes. Strategies such as activity-based learning, phonics programs, visual aids, ICT tools, and step-by-step teaching methods can make a significant difference in their progress. By adopting inclusive, empathetic, and innovative approaches, schools and teachers can unlock the potential of learning-disabled students, helping them achieve academic success while building confidence and resilience for the future.

Feminism is a broad term that has been used in relations with the social issues and problems of women in the contemporary society. Nevertheless, the women throughout the world occupy the secondary place in the male dominated society. She is suppressed and exploited at the hands of her own consanguinity. She is treated as a subaltern and deprived from the natural power that she should get and create her own identity. The very idea of feminism is highly focused on ‘women’ and the role of the feminist is to create awareness among the women who helplessly suffers and do not raise any voice against the existing system. In this process, there is not only active involvement of the women but the rational thinking men also are supporting this challenging task to liberate the women from the unending chains of slavery and emancipate from it giving equality, rights and justice. Many western thinkers especially John Stuart Mill advocated the liberation of women and fought for their privileged rights. In his text The Subjection of Women (1869) asserts, “How difficult it would be for women to free themselves from the constraints and influences of the male literary tradition..." (qtd in M.A.R.HABIB,p.691). John Stuart Mill also expressed his great concern about the gender discrimination and the way women are treated in the society and pioneered to fight for their right. French feminist Simone de Beauvoir pertinently describes and gives voice in her epoch making book, The Second Sex (1949). She writes “One is not born but rather becomes a woman. No biological, psychological or economic fate determines the figure that the human female presents in society; it is civilization as a whole that produces this creature” (Beauvoir 457). Again Beauvoir comments: “it is not by increasing her worth as human being that she will gain value in man’s eyes; it is rather by modelling herself on their dreams” (68). In oriental countries like India the social reformers Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Bengal and Mahatama Jyotiba Fuley in Maharashtra did the yeomen service for the advancement of women. In the twentieth century the champion of downtrodden, the maker of Indian constitution Dr. Ambedkar also tried to pass the ‘Hindu Code Bill’ in the assembly so as to give equal rights to the women in India.

This research examines the adoption and implications of sustainable housekeeping practices within India’s hospitality sector, with a focus on environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and guest engagement. Through a systematic review of academic literature (2018–2024) and analysis of sustainability reports from leading hotel chains—including Taj/IHCL, ITC, and Oberoi—the study identifies transformative trends such as water-efficient technologies, waste diversion systems, and eco-friendly cleaning methods. Key findings reveal that hotels implementing ozone laundry systems reduced hot-water consumption by up to 80%, while greywater recycling and linen reuse programs decreased per-guest water usage by 15–27%. ITC Hotels achieved near-zero organic waste through large-scale composting, diverting 99% of food waste from landfills. Despite these successes, challenges such as high upfront costs for advanced technologies and staff training gaps persist, slowing industry-wide adoption. The study highlights the dual benefits of sustainable housekeeping: significant reductions in resource consumption (20–30% energy and water savings) and increased brand loyalty among eco-conscious travellers. Practical implications highlight the need for policy incentives, standardized certifications, and stakeholder education to accelerate green transitions. By bridging academic insights with operational data, this research provides a roadmap for hoteliers to align sustainability goals with economic viability, positioning India’s hospitality sector as a leader in environmentally responsible tourism.

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is crucial in the context of India’s growth, economic development, productive employment, and balanced growth. The year 2020 saw the Government of India unveiling a new classification of MSMEs, which integrated the services sector with manufacturing for the first time as well as altered investment and turnover limits. This review article analyses the implications of the revised classifications on the financial access and policy access gaps within institutional support frameworks for these enterprises. The paper attempts to demonstrate through government documents, RBI reports, and SIDBI’s MSME Pulse reports how the enhanced thresholds allow a greater number of enterprises to meet the criteria for MSMEs, with associated benefits of credit, subsidies, and government assistance programs. The review notes greater access to formal credit for small and medium enterprises, as well as wider participation in MSME policies post-reclassification, but also lacks awareness from micro-enterprises and institutional barriers to credit allocation as some of the enduring challenges. This paper seeks to evaluate, using empirical evidence, whether the reclassification has inclusively integrated the MSME’s micro level into formal financial systems, economically justifying the classification revision and, at the same time, providing policy recommendations for fostering sustainable development.

Automated Teller Machines enables banks to provide to their customers very competent and cost effective. Customer satisfaction is completely dependent upon the exposure of services provided by the banks and perception is based on accumulated past experience. There can be seen a societal shift towards the Automated Teller Machine sector because of many advantages from using Automated Teller Machine has made the society as a whole to accept the advent of Automated Teller Machine and use it in daily lives. The main objective of the study is to identify the consumers perception towards Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was collected through google form questionnaire with 302 sample respondents on the basis of convenient sampling method. The secondary data has collected through publications. The sample respondents to be used in this study are ATM card holders. In this study customers were selected on the basis of convenient sampling Keywords: Customer Perception, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and Banking Services.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have emerged as an essential component of modern banking operations. Across India, financial institutions are increasingly integrating this technology to enhance the speed, accessibility, and reliability of their services. With the continuous advancement of digital banking, ATM facilities are witnessing remarkable growth potential within the Indian market. In the near future, these machines are expected to evolve toward providing more personalized and user-centric banking experiences. Despite their rapid proliferation, certain challenges continue to influence customers’ perceptions—such as concerns about transaction security, service charges, and limited awareness of various ATM features. The present study seeks to analyze how ATM services affect customer behavior and satisfaction levels. Primary data were gathered using a structured Google Form questionnaire administered through a convenient sampling approach. The study sample comprises active ATM card users. Keywords: Automated Teller Machine (ATM), Banking Services, Customer Behavior, Customer Perception.