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.

With the declaration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of localisation principles and, consequently, the local-level institutions in implementing development policies came to the forefront. India adopted a thematic approach by condensing the seventeen goals into nine themes, to be worked upon by the local administrative units, furthering that each Village Panchayat (constitutionally known as Grama Panchayats) should select a theme in a plan year and strive towards attaining it. For the South Indian state of Kerala, with its good trajectory of decentralised governance, this localisation process of SDGs was rather smooth. In this article, we discuss the case of the best-performing Grama Panchayat (GP) in Kerala, which has identified ‘Village with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure’ as the development theme. Through qualitative research methodology, we examine how the Panchayat included projects specific to this theme in the development plans and how the implementation helped produce effects on multidimensional aspects of SDGs using the SDG Impact Assessment Tool. The case studies of different infrastructure-based projects endorse that with proper planning and implementation of such projects, the lowest tier of administration can significantly contribute to the improvement of development goals. We have delineated full fund utilisation through convergence schemes, community participation, and strong monitoring mechanisms as the factors leading the selected Panchayat to be the champion of the cause. The accomplishment exhibited by the Panchayat by integrating SDGs into the Village Development Plan through the projects on the theme of self-sufficient infrastructure can be well emulated by other local bodies across the world.

This paper explores the path to solving India’s economic problems from a Social Keynesian Economics perspective, analyzing the history, current status and prospects of India’s economic development. India should formulate targeted social policies according to the stage of economic development and needs. Improve the institutional mechanism to stimulate the internal dynamics and innovative vitality of the main business entities. India can improve its economic structure and enhance the balance and sustainability of economic growth by accelerating the implementation of the “Make in India” program, strengthening infrastructure construction, supporting agricultural and rural development, and implementing education and health care reforms. Developing consumer credit and increasing consumer demand were also effective means of enhancing economic growth, but further transformation and innovation in the manufacturing sector needed to be promoted.

Leaf litter decomposition and carbon release patterns in five homegarden tree species of Kumaun Himalaya viz. Ficus palmata, Ficus auriculata, Ficus hispida, Grewia optiva and Celtis austalaris were investigated. The study was carried out for 210 days by using litter bag technique. In the current investigation, the duration needed for desertion of the original biomass of diverse leaf litter varied from 150 to 210 days and specifies a varying pattern of decomposition and carbon release among the species. Grewia optiva took the longest time to decompose (210 days) while Ficus hispida decomposed more quickly than rest of the species (150 days). The relative decomposition rate (RDR) was reported highest in Ficus hispida (0.009-0.02 g-1d-1) and lowest in Grewia optiva (0.008-0.004 g-1d-1). Carbon (%) in remaining litter was in the order: Ficus auriculata (24.4 %) >Ficus hispida (24.3%) > Celtis austaralis (19.8%) > Ficus palmata (19.7%) > Grewia optiva (19%). The relationship between percentage weight loss and time elapsed showed the significant negative correlation with carbon release pattern in all the species. Releasing nutrients into the soil through the decomposition of homegarden tree residuals is a crucial ecological function that also regulates the nutrient recycling in homegarden agroforestry practices.

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.