CORRIDORS OF COMPETITIVENESS: A DEDUCTIVE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK LINKING CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE TO TRADE INTEGRATION AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH EAST INDIA’S ACT EAST INTERFACE
This research introduces an empirically testable conceptual framework to analyse how connectivity corridors in North East India (NER) and South East Asia drive trade integration and inclusive development. By synthesizing theories from the gravity model of trade, new economic geography, and transaction-cost institutional theory, the paper redefines the NER as a strategic, moderated interface rather than a peripheral margin. The study proposes that physical, institutional, and digital connectivity, alongside reduced transaction costs, act as mediators for development, while border governance and financial inclusion serve as critical moderators. Ultimately, the findings offer policymakers a vital analytical approach, demonstrating that infrastructure investment serves as a catalyst for regional growth only when accompanied by comprehensive trade facilitation, effective border governance, and robust financial inclusion.
SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE: SELF-AWARENESS, SOCIAL COGNITION, AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT—A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL SYNTHESIS
This systematic review synthesizes two decades of literature (2000–2026) to map the complex influence of social and emotional competencies on student academic achievement. Utilizing a thematic synthesis method, the study reveals how interpersonal foundations—such as self-awareness, social cognition, and empathy—govern classroom interactions, persistence, and institutional adaptation. Notably, the research uncovers a paradox where high social cognition does not guarantee higher GPAs, identifying an "academic distraction penalty" linked to excessive use of unmonitored digital platforms, which varies by student gender and personality. Beyond addressing methodological fragmentation and geographic bias in existing research, the paper calls for long-term, mixed-method studies and advocates for the integration of structured social-emotional skill-building into global educational policy to better support both academic performance and student well-being.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DURATION OF SELF-HELP GROUP PARTICIPATION AND WOMEN’S HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN RURAL INDIA
This community-based, cross-sectional study critically examines the impact of Self-Help Group (SHG) participation on the health-seeking behaviour of women in tribal villages of Maharashtra. By comparing newly enrolled members with long-term participants across dimensions such as healthcare provider choice, decision-making autonomy, and financial burden, the research reveals that prolonged SHG membership alone is insufficient to significantly improve healthcare utilisation or reduce structural barriers. While the study highlights pervasive challenges—including limited autonomy, financial strain, and low enrolment in government health schemes—it demonstrates that socio-demographic disadvantages continue to dictate health outcomes. Ultimately, the findings advocate for stronger institutional linkages and the strategic integration of SHGs with public health systems to move beyond microfinance and translate collective grassroots participation into tangible, meaningful improvements in women’s health.
IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN PERSONALIZATION ON CONSUMER PURCHASE DECISIONS IN E-COMMERCE
This research explores the dual-sided impact of AI-powered personalization on consumer purchasing behaviour within the e-commerce sector, specifically focusing on the final stages of the decision-making process. While intelligent tools such as personalized recommendations, dynamic pricing, and targeted advertising significantly influence buying decisions, the study highlights a critical "tale of two cities" dynamic where excessive personalization can trigger "perceived intrusiveness" and consumer mistrust. By analysing the balance between utility and privacy, the authors demonstrate that firms must move beyond treating AI solely as a tool for increasing sales. Ultimately, the paper suggests that sustainable success in the digital marketplace requires a strategic shift, where companies evolve from simple recommendation engines into trusted shoppers’ assistants capable of building authentic, long-term customer relationships.
STATISTICAL VALIDATION OF MEDIA PREFERENCES: ANOVA AND CHI-SQUARE INSIGHTS INTO TELEVISION AND OTT CONSUMPTION IN HYDERABAD
This study investigates the shifting media landscape in Hyderabad, where traditional television is increasingly being supplanted by Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. Utilizing a robust methodological framework that integrates cross-tabulations, chi-square tests, and ANOVA to analyse data from 1,001 respondents, the research identifies the key demographic and socio-economic determinants of media consumption. The findings reveal a clear generational and socio-economic divide: while younger, higher-income, and more-educated respondents report higher satisfaction with OTT platforms, older and lower-income demographics maintain a stronger attachment to traditional television. By providing statistical validation of these viewing behaviours and demonstrating the universal appeal of OTT platforms across genders, this study offers vital insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to develop more inclusive and sustainable media strategies in an era of rapid digital transformation.