India's Digital Public Infrastructure, comprising prominent tools such as Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Digital Payments, and Digilocker, is collectively referred to as "Stack India". Digital India aims to provide much-needed impetus to the nine pillars of growth sectors, i.e., Broadband Highway, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Scheme, and electronic administration: Government Reform through Technology, e-Kranti - Providing Electronic Services, Information for All, Electronic Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, and Early Harvest Programs. The term "digital transformation" has become popular to refer to the shift from digitalisation initiatives to a comprehensive overhaul of rules, procedures, and services aimed at simplifying user experiences for residents and frontline employees [1]. The paper's main objectives are to determine the relationship between bureaucratic corruption and digital transformation, and to identify factors that IT experts must adequately address to encourage the use of Digital means. The study shows that digitally connecting and offering services online has been the biggest accomplishment of Digital India. Nowadays, many internet services related to financial inclusion, education, health, and agriculture are accessible nationwide. Initiatives such as eNAM (National Agriculture Market), eSanjivini, DIKSHA (digital infrastructure for knowledge sharing), and Common Service Centres (CSCs) have given India a genuine sense of empowerment. Corruption and a bureaucratic mindset persist as obstacles to digital transformation. It has been observed that corrupt practices persist even after public services were digitised, and that digital services are insufficiently effective in addressing them [2]. It remains challenging to institutionalise new information systems, technologies, norms, practices, and other innovations that enhance planning, governance, operational effectiveness, and service delivery in the public sector. Participation of people in online services, having Knowledge and skills to use online services, significant use of ICT Technologies, IT laws, online Services, infrastructure for online services, and efficiency and transparency in online services increase trust in the Indian Administration. Analysis shows that corruption is prevalent in the public sector. Efficiency and transparency in online services have increased due to digital transformation. People participate less in online services due to network problems, illiteracy, lack of IT skills, and infrastructure challenges. An online survey was conducted using Google Forms to gather data from the education, health, and MSME sectors. The purposive sampling method was used to collect data. Three hundred ninety replies representing the broader population's viewpoint are gathered.

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Food waste is an increasingly critical issue, particularly in urban households, where it intersects with concerns of food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. In Varanasi, India, a densely populated and culturally diverse city, household food waste presents a unique challenge due to varying socio-economic conditions and traditional food practices. This study focuses on the role of women in managing household food, aiming to understand the types and quantity of food wasted and the socio-behavioural factors contributing to this issue. It further explores how targeted educational interventions can help reduce food waste. The primary objective is to analyse patterns of food waste in Varanasi households and investigate the socio-economic and dietary factors influencing waste generation. Additionally, the study evaluates the effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing food waste and fostering behavioural change. To assess the pre- and post-KABP (Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices) on food waste among the women in the households (HH) 2. To measure food waste in households. To educate the women of the household on the interconnection between food waste, climate change, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The study involved women aged 18 to 49, including those who were pregnant or lactating, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The Kuppuswamy socio-economic scale was used to classify participants, while a structured KABP questionnaire was administered both before and after the intervention. Food waste was measured over three consecutive days using labelled trash bags provided to each household. Participants were then provided with practical information on portion control, reuse of leftovers, and sustainable food practices through handouts and discussions. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse changes in behaviour and food waste patterns before and after the intervention. The study found an average household food waste of 1 kg per day in Varanasi, with lower-middle-class households generating the most due to poor food management. Following the intervention, food waste decreased by 20%, with over 80% of participants showing a decrease improvement in portion control and the reuse of leftovers. However, behavioural changes related to meal planning and composting remained limited, indicating a need for ongoing support and infrastructure development. Socio-economic status emerged as a significant determinant of food waste patterns. Educational interventions effectively increased awareness and reduced food waste by approximately 20%, underscoring the importance of community based efforts. Socio-economic challenges and infrastructural limitations remain barriers. Scalable policies and sustained educational campaigns are necessary for the broader adoption of sustainable practices.

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Child labour is a significant issue in rural India, where lack of education, social norms, and poverty push children into premature work, depriving them of their rights and opportunities. For many young people, adolescence is marked not by opportunity but by challenges such as poverty, limited access to education, and the burden of premature responsibilities. Although for many children, the transition from infancy to adolescence is often shadowed by financial difficulties and early responsibility, it should be a period of learning, growth, and opportunity. While numerous provisions of the law and international treaties protect children’s rights, millions of children still work in dangerous jobs that take away their fundamental rights to education, health care, and a good upbringing. This study examines the impact of child labour on the physical, mental, and educational well-being of children, using Bagru, Rajasthan, as a case study. Findings highlight safe working conditions, limited access to education, and poor healthcare. Effective policy interventions, improved educational infrastructure, and community support are essential to breaking this cycle and ensuring children’s rights are upheld. At the same time, awareness projects should be established in conjunction with community-driven initiatives to create a lasting impact. A multi-pronged approach is necessary to protect children and secure their future.

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Organised criminality in its various forms and sizes — mafias, syndicates, criminal gangs, cartels, cybercrime operators exploring internet spaces, or terrorists — has since the new millennium globalised in its operational and organisational structure, warranting the kind of robust scholarly research. Organized crime and terrorism in general have designated the African society with pigmentation of economic disorganization, erosion of moral and social values, and near state failure status. African organised crime, transnational crime, and terrorism are examined in the theoretical context of this work, including the ‘strain of anomie’, subcultures, and social disorganisation theory, to identify similarities in dimensions, culture, structure, and operational methodologies with similar crimes in the developed world. Additionally, to explore the dynamics of safety nets that African states and societies can leverage for their security. The study employed a time series research design and utilised secondary data collection through documentary review research, examining data from published materials such as books, journals, and memoirs. The theoretical study yielded results indicating that terrorism and African organized crimes are products of social structure, which emphasizes economic success – ‘pathological materialism,’ and the erosion of values and legitimate social constraints means to acquiring wealth. Findings also reveal a significant impact of organised crime on governance processes, the rule of law, and the overall economic structure and development. Furthermore, it is discovered to harm the law enforcement and judicial systems of states, especially in issues related to cross-border criminal networks. The study concludes that, besides the synergy of organisation that exists in criminal behaviour among organized crimes and terrorism, African organized crime is incubated within the environment of a poor governance system and social disorientation.

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Caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, which include Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), face various challenges. Objective: The study aimed to assess the psychosocial impacts and coping strategies employed by these caregivers. Methodology: For this study, the researcher employed a mixed-methods research strategy and a descriptive research design. Non-probability snowball sampling was used as a sampling method. Using the snowball sampling technique, 100 caregivers of children with SLD were interviewed. Primary data was collected from respondents. The interview was the method of data collection. The collected data were analysed and interpreted in relation to the study’s objective. Findings: A significant majority (83 per cent) reported a ‘markedly increased’ fear. Fifteen per cent experienced a ‘slight increase’ and only 2 per cent reported ‘no change’ in fear regarding their child with SLD. Twenty-three per cent of caregivers experienced a ‘markedly increased’ loneliness. In comparison, 64 per cent of caregivers reported a ‘slight increase’ in the feeling of loneliness, and 13 per cent reported ‘no change’. There was also a significant change in worry about the future due to the child’s poor academic performance. There was also a change in social connectedness, and the respondent also faced social stigma. It was found that the respondents coped with the situation by performing daily puja rituals and withdrawing socially to avoid negative comments.

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This article assesses China’s evolving role in Africa, examining whether its influence comes from soft Power, complex power strategies, or a combination of both. As China’s demand for resources increases due to its fast-growing economy, the Chinese government has strengthened its engagement in Africa through investments in mining, oil, telecommunications, and infrastructure. These strategies have started a global debate, with critics accusing China of exploiting African resources and imposing neo-colonial debt traps. Employing a dual lens of soft Power and complex strategy, this article investigates China’s diplomatic, educational, and humanitarian initiatives alongside its increasing military and economic presence in the region. It assesses China’s self-presentation as a peaceful and cooperative partner, in contrast to its geopolitical ambitions, which are reflected in military expansion and resource extraction. By underlining China’s multifaceted dominance in cultural exchanges, infrastructure projects, and military operations, this paper examines whether China’s presence in Africa promotes genuine development or imposes its economic and strategic control. The findings suggest that China uses soft and hard strategies to secure its interests in Africa while promoting cooperation. Nonetheless, African nations must exercise caution, considering the long-term implications of their interactions with China.

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