Volume 14 | Issue 2 |

 Abstract

A paradigm change in developmental practice is being brought about by the incorporation of digital tools into rural community work, which is changing not just the effectiveness of service delivery but also the fundamental structure of social relations, power dynamics, and local agency. The deployment and effects of digital technology in the rural areas of Karnataka State, India, are examined sociologically in this article. Beyond a merely technological analysis, it looks at how technologies are changing community engagement, government, and livelihoods, from GIS-based water conservation apps and offline projector-based agriculture teaching to hyper-local civic platforms and fiber-optic internet. This study, which draws on recent case studies and government initiatives from 2024 to early 2026, concludes that although Karnataka is becoming a testing ground for digital experimentation, the effectiveness of these interventions is highly dependent on pre-existing social structures, digital literacy, and communities' capacity to use technology for their own purposes. The essay finds that technology works best as a catalyst that, when integrated into participatory frameworks, may promote resilience, accountability, and a more equitable type of rural development rather than as a substitute for community organization.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Development, Karnataka, Rural, Work, Digital and Technology.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The ice cream industry in India has undergone a significant transformation over the past two decades, moving from being viewed as a seasonal luxury product to becoming a widely consumed year-round dessert category. This shift has been driven by changes in lifestyle, income growth, exposure to global food trends, and increased cold-chain infrastructure. While flavor variety, brand familiarity, and pricing continue to influence purchasing decisions, there has been a growing emphasis on health and environmental concerns among consumers. This study examines the extent to which these concerns influence consumer buying behavior, with a particular focus on Devyani Food Industries Ltd. (DFIL) and its flagship ice cream brand Cream Bell. In recent years, consumers have become more aware of the ingredients and nutritional aspects of packaged foods, including frozen desserts. Concerns such as artificial flavors, high sugar levels, preservatives, and saturated fats have gained prominence. Similarly, rising awareness about environmental sustainability has caused consumers to reflect on the ecological impact of dairy production, packaging waste, energy consumption in cold storage, and corporate responsibility practices. These concerns are shaping how consumers evaluate ice cream brands, affecting not only purchasing frequency but also preferences for certain product categories such as low-fat ice creams, sugar-free variants, probiotic frozen yogurts, and vegan or plant-based alternatives. Cream Bell, established in 2003 under DFIL, entered the Indian market with the objective of making premium-quality ice cream accessible to a large section of the population. Over time, the brand has built a strong product portfolio that appeals to diverse demographic segments. It offers classic cones, cups, and tubs along with indulgent novelties, kulfi varieties, and family packs. Its growth strategy relies heavily on innovation, affordability, and an extensive distribution network. However, the emergence of health-conscious consumption patterns poses both challenges and opportunities for the brand. While demand for healthier ice cream options is growing, Cream Bell must compete with established brands like Amul and Mother Dairy, as well as new artisanal and experimental brands that prioritize organic ingredients and minimal processing. This research is important because it explores how consumer priorities are shifting in an industry traditionally associated with indulgence and enjoyment rather than nutrition or environmental responsibility. By analyzing consumer preferences, perception patterns, and purchase motivators, the study provides insights into market behavior that can help companies like Cream Bell adapt their product development, branding messages, and sustainability practices. The research adopts a structured methodology to capture relevant consumer insights. Both primary and secondary data sources are used. Primary data is collected via a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of consumers across different age groups and regions. Secondary data is obtained from academic journals, industry reports, market research publications, and company documents. The study uses descriptive research design to identify patterns and trends without manipulating variables. The data collected is analyzed to highlight how factors such as age, lifestyle, health conditions, media influence, and personal values shape purchasing decisions. Key observations from the study reveal that health awareness does not necessarily discourage ice cream consumption, but it does influence the type of ice cream purchased. Many consumers now look for labels indicating low sugar, reduced calories, real fruit content, or the absence of artificial color and flavor additives. Additionally, younger consumers are more open to trying alternative frozen desserts such as sorbets, gelatos, and plant-based ice creams. Meanwhile, environmental concerns are emerging but are still less influential compared to health-related considerations. Although consumers acknowledge the importance of sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing, price sensitivity and availability continue to override these considerations in actual purchase behavior. For "Cream Bell", the findings signal a need to strengthen health-oriented product lines and communicate ingredient transparency clearly. There is also room for the brand to improve its sustainability practices, especially in packaging and energy-efficient cold chain operations. Creating awareness through marketing campaigns, emphasizing natural ingredients, and launching options for niche segments such as diabetics and lactose-intolerant consumers can provide the brand with a competitive advantage.

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 Keywords

Ice Cream Industry, Lifestyle Changes, Indulgence vs. Nutrition, Health Awareness, Environmental Sustainability, Health-Oriented Variants, Corporate Responsibility

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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This paper describes the design and development of a portable and wearable physiotherapeutic device for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke patients. Hemiplegia, a prevalent post-stroke motor disability, demands continuous and repetitive physiotherapy for successful rehabilitation. The existing rehabilitation process is time-consuming, costly, cumbersome, and demands frequent visits to hospitals, making it inaccessible and impractical for long-term use. The proposed device utilizes a modular control design with the aid of two separate Arduino-based microcontrollers to control the mechanical and pneumatic systems independently. Stepper motors facilitate accurate elbow flexion and extension as well as forearm pronation and supination movements, while a pneumatic system drives a soft silicone actuator for finger flexion and extension. Independent control of the subsystems enables safe, accurate, and repetitive therapeutic movements with improved reliability. The hybrid actuation strategy integrates rigid motor-driven motion with soft actuation for improved patient safety and comfort. The device provides a cost-effective and portable solution for home-based rehabilitation, enabling patients to undergo physiotherapy at home, thus reducing hospital dependence and enabling continuous rehabilitation and improved quality of life.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Stroke Rehabilitation, Stepper motor, Pneumatic actuator, Arduino control.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Power transformers are one of the most critical and expensive components in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Any unexpected failure of a transformer can result in major power outages, economic losses, and damage to connected equipment. Therefore, continuous monitoring of transformer health parameters is essential to ensure reliability and long service life. This project presents the design and implementation of a Transformer Health Monitoring System using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The system continuously monitors key parameters such as winding temperature, oil temperature, oil level, load current, supply voltage, and gas formation inside transformer oil. Sensors are interfaced with a microcontroller, which processes the data and transmits it to a cloud platform for real-time monitoring. Alerts are generated automatically when parameters exceed safe operating limits. The proposed system provides predictive maintenance, reduces manual inspection, improves transformer reliability, and enhances overall power system efficiency.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Internet of Things (IOT), power transformer, WI-FI Module

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Mosquito repellent cream is intended to product against from mosquito bites. Particularly from Anopheles mosquitoes which spread malaria. A natural blend of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), mint (Mentha piperita), and citronella (Cymbopogon nardus L.) essential oils. This herbal combination provides long-lasting protection against mosquito bites. Marigold extract contains bioactive compounds known for their mosquito-repelling properties, while mint oil offers a cooling and refreshing sensation. Citronella oil contributes to both the fragrance and repellent effectiveness of the cream. Sensitive skin can safely use this polyherbal cream since it is an environmentally friendly and chemical-free substitute for synthetic repellents. Due to its natural composition the cream is safe, non-greasy, and rapidly absorbed into the skin. It provides a gentle, non-irritating, and skin-friendly way to avoid mosquito bites and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Mosquito Repellent Cream - Using Poly Herbs - Marigold, Mint, Citronella, Against Mosquito Borne Disease.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Despite having 16% of the world's population, India only possesses 4% of the world's rapidly diminishing water resources. It is anticipated that the present water consumption will increase from 40 billion cubic meters (bcm) to around 220 bcm by 2025. One of the most crucial inputs for crops is water. Its abundance and scarcity have an impact on plant growth and development, yields, and output quality. There are several ways to increase soil moisture and lessen these losses. These include mulching, cropping, tree planting, contour farming, using net-surfacing traps or polythene sheets to capture fog or dew, connecting water systems via canals to move water from areas with excess water to areas with deficit water, desalination technologies like distillation, electro-dialysis, and reverse osmosis, and using efficient watering systems like sprinklers and drip irrigation to cut down on plant water consumption. Changing people's attitudes and behaviours, including our own, is the most crucial stage in the process of finding answers to water and environmental conservation concerns.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Water, conservation, technology, Rainwater-harvest, drip-irrigation

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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This study aims to examine the influence of financial literacy on investment decisions of Gen Z investors and the mediating role of narrative bias in these decisions. Gen Z investors are increasingly becoming engaged in financial markets, but their decisions often do not correlate with their financial literacy, which raises questions about the behavioural determinants driving their decisions. The data were collected from 267 Gen-Z investors using a structured questionnaire. The study analysed the data using the process macro of IBM SPSS to explore the mediating role of narrative bias. The questionnaire was reviewed and tested to make sure it was accurate and reliable before analysing the relationship between the variables. The study finds that narrative bias mediates the relationship between investment decisions and financial literacy among Gen Z. Therefore, it is essential that investors not only focus on financial literacy but also protect themselves against the effects of narrative bias. The results help financial advisors and wealth managers to use strong narratives to protect the clients from falling into the trap of market myths. This result provides policymakers with guidelines to closely monitor the narrative bias created by financial influencers and the media, thereby enhancing investors' protection and confidence.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Financial behaviour, financial literacy, Gen Z, investment decisions, investors, narrative bias.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, and wildfires can cause serious damage to people and property, and during such times, getting the right information quickly is very important. However, information is often scattered across news, social media, government websites, sensors, and satellite reports, which can delay rescue and emergency actions. To solve this issue, this research proposes a Real-Time Disaster Information Aggregation Software that collects data from different sources and brings it together in one system. The software filters and organizes the information, identifies the type of disaster, and highlights the most important alerts using data analysis and machine learning techniques. It also provides real-time notifications, risk analysis, and an interactive map so that communities, emergency teams, and authorities can understand the situation clearly and take faster, better decisions during emergencies.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Disaster Management, Real-Time Monitoring, Emergency Response.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Inclusion means the policy or practices of ensuring that all individuals in our society has access to resource and opportunities. Inclusion is necessity for all educational sectors. From the past years to present situations many committees, commission, policies have recommended inclusive education for all children. In the educational context, Inclusive education system means where the educational policy of placing children with special needs, physical or mental disabilities in mainstreaming classroom and providing them with their suitable atmosphere. On 29th July, 2020 Union Cabinet of India was approved the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) for outlines the vision of new education system of our country. The policy is a comprehensive framework for primary level to higher educational level as well as vocational training cum education in both rural and urban India. Major aim of the policy is to transform India's education system by 2040. NEP 2020 shows that inclusion as a part of the various reforms of the ongoing education system, which aims to create learning environments that are sensible for all learner needs, conductive to successful educational outcomes and ultimately to a more equitable society. In this paper tries to focus the implementation strategies for inclusive education in the light of recommendations given by NEP 2020.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Inclusion, Disabilities, Mainstreaming, Vocational Training, Equitable Society

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

In the twenty-first century, disability studies in India have become an expanding genre. Additionally, this is the era in which Indians with disabilities are coming up with their life-narratives. However, the twentieth century did not witness such kind of spread. Yet this was the time when HPS Ahluwalia, a person with spinal injury, was coming up with his life narrative. Thus, the second half of the twentieth century is the time in India when persons with disabilities have just started controlling their images by appearing with their narratives. The disability of the author was produced by the Indo-Pak War of 1965, resulting in his spinal injury. The author's experience of "severe handicap" has called for a "story" as G. Thomas Couser points out that the "normal body" can pass without any explanation, but the deviant body calls for a narrative. Being a person who has served in the Indian army, successfully climbed up Mt. Everest, and always remained an epitome of the ultimately successful, masculine, desirable male figure by society, it becomes a challenge for him to accept the fact that he would never be a "whole man" again. John M. Kinder suggests that in many circumstances disabled veterans are expected to be hopeful about their recovery and steadfast in their belief. It was the author's life before impairment when he explored so much physically and had been trained in a particular way that kept on igniting a deep passion even after his impairment. This paper intends to explore Ahluwalia's text Higher Than Everest: Memoirs of a Mountaineer (1973) in the light of Marilynn J. Phillip's idea of four stages of development in the transformational process of disability experience that are: i) marginalization ii) retreat iii) renegotiation iv) emergence. It will make an effort to investigate whether and how these four stages are being organized and presented in the narrative of a disabled veteran in late twentieth-century India.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

disability studies, life-narratives, impairment, masculine, disabled veterans, marginalization

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition