Localization is globally accepted as the strategy towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this article, we put forth the South Indian state of Kerala as a true executor of the localization of SDGs owing to her foundational framework of decentralized governance. We attempt to understand how the course of decentralization acts as a development trajectory and how it has paved the way for the effective assimilation of localization principles post-2015 by reviewing the state documents based on the framework propounded by the United Nations. We theorize that the well-established decentralization mechanism, with delegated institutions and functions thereof, encompasses overlapping mandates with the SDGs. Further, through the tools of development plan formulation, good governance, and community participation at decentralized levels, Kerala could easily adapt to localization, concocting output through innovative measures of convergence, monitoring, and incentivization carried out through the pre-existing platforms and processes. The article proves that constant and concerted efforts undertaken by Kerala through her meticulous and action-oriented decentralized system aided the localization of SDGs and provides an answer to the remarkable feat that the state has achieved through the consecutive four times achievements in the state scores of SDG India Index.

Background: India’s rich educational heritage dates to ancient times, with popular institutions like Nalanda, Takshashila, and Banarasi-Kasi flourishing as early as the 6th century BC, which offered diverse courses spanning medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and more. Invasions by the Mughals and British during the 12th to 18th centuries disrupted India’s traditional education systems. Post-independence, India faced the challenge of transitioning from ancient to modern education. Remarkably, the country managed to preserve its popular traditional education through a strategic change management approach by the educational institutions. The Government of India has introduced in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in July 2020, to bring transformational reforms in school and higher education systems. In this manuscript, we have summarized the salient features of the NEP 2020 and the preparedness steps to its effective implementation in Indian educational institutions. Method: We have utilised standard databases like PubMed, Science Direct, or Google Scholar, and/or public domains and the NEP 2020 document for this literature survey. Value addition: NEP 2020 aims to ensure access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability with more flexible curricular structure, and holistic approaches. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, dynamic planning, and collaboration among public and private institutions, and industries supported the effective implementation of NEP 2020. Notably, the change management approach, which has been a constant throughout India’s educational journey, played a pivotal role in keeping pace with technological advancements and fostering growth in the higher education system in India.

Research on zakat has captured the attention of scholars since 1981, exhibiting an increasing trend in publications and citations. This trend presents an opportunity for the author to delve into zakat research. The primary aim of this study is to dissect 10 years of zakat research, spanning from 2013 to 2022, with a focus on evaluating past achievements, current research patterns, and potential future research directions. Utilising bibliometric analysis as the primary tool, this study has formulated seven research questions derived from the primary objective. Key findings indicate a consistent upward trajectory in both publication and citation rates over the past decade, with 2013 being a pivotal year. Notably, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia emerged as the top three countries actively contributing to zakat research during this period. This study further outlines eight contemporary research trends, exploring various facets of zakat over the past decade. Additionally, this study identifies four prospective areas in zakat for future scholars to explore. This study's outcomes offer three significant contributions: 1) signalling to scholars that zakat research continues to burgeon; 2) providing inspiration and ideas for current scholars; and 3) motivating future scholars to embark on research ventures in untapped areas within the realm of zakat.

This study evaluates the health and sustainability of higher education systems in nine countries: the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Canada, China, Brazil, India, and South Africa. Using a multi-level analysis model and principal component analysis (PCA), nine key factors—such as international student numbers, academic levels, and graduate employment rates—were identified, capturing over 90% of the cumulative impact on higher education systems. India, scoring 6.2036 initially, shows significant room for improvement. The study proposes policies to increase graduate employment, promote international faculty collaboration, and enhance India’s educational expenditure, which surpasses 9.8% of GDP. Post-policy simulations suggest India’s score could rise to 8.7432. The paper also addresses the impact of COVID-19 on global education, recommending a hybrid model and increased graduate enrollment in China to reduce unemployment by 5.4%. The research aims to guide sustainable development in higher education globally.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the performance of Indian Banks in terms of financial metrics. The study focused specifically on the NIFTY Bank Index. The paper also advocates that a greater transparency in disclosing AI related information in a Bank’s annual report is required even if it is voluntary. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper uses a mixed method approach where quantitative and qualitative analysis is combined. A dynamic panel data model is used to understand the impact of AI of Return on Equity (RoE) of 12 Indian Banks in the NIFTY Bank Index over a five-year period. In addition to that, Content analysis of annual reports of banks was conducted to examine AI related disclosure and transparency. Findings: The paper highlights that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) significantly influences the financial performance of sample banks of India. Return on Equity the specific parameter positively influenced with adoption of AI. The profitability of banks is positively impacted by reduced errors and improved operational efficiency. The content analysis of annual reports of the banks indicates different approach for AI disclosure where some banks give detailed information and some are not transparent about AI initiatives. The findings suggest that a higher level of transparency could enhance confidence of all stakeholders. Theoretical Implications: The positive relation between adoption of AI and financial performance, specifically ROE, gives a foundation for academic research to explore the dynamics of emerging technology and financial systems. The study can be extended to explore the impact on other performance indicators in different sectors. Practical Implications: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of transparent AI related disclosures. A detailed reporting about integration of AI helps in enhanced stakeholders’ confidence in case of banking industry. The regulatory framework of banks may also consider making mandatory AI disclosure practices to ensure due accountability to maximize the benefits of AI in banking.

The transportation sector in India, which is a vital engine for economic growth, is progressively facing challenges related to climate change. Increased temperature, extreme weather conditions, and rising seas threaten physical infrastructure, service delivery, and the economy. This research examines efforts towards improving the climate resilience of India’s transport sector through policy interventions. Strategies encompass broadening the focus to cover the integration of sustainability, innovative technology deployment, and adaptive infrastructure planning. Multi-sectoral measures are proposed to guarantee longevity, equity and environmental protection. National transport infrastructure will be secured, people will be enabled to move sustainably, and India will take its position in the world economy as a climate-resilient country. Long-term resource management and promoting inclusive governance are critical to agri-transportation systems that can withstand the changing climate.