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Unofficial Bilingualism in English-Only Policy Context: A Postmethod Pedagogy for Difficult Circumstances in Rural Government Schools of Tamil Nadu
This chapter introduces and explains the phenomenon of Unofficial Bilingualism in government-run English-medium schools in rural Tamil Nadu, India. It delineates instances of using the mother tongue to navigate language learning challenges in schools with an official English-only policy. It studies three schools in the Salem district of Tamazil Nadu using a qualitative research framework, with classroom observation and telephonic interviews with teachers as primary research methods. Using thematic analysis of recorded classroom observation of three teachers use of L1 in the English classroom and in-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews with rural government schoolteachers across Tamil Nadu, the study grounds the phenomenon of Unofficial Bilingualism within the conceptual framework of Difficult Circumstances in ELT (West, 1960; Smith, 2011; Anderson, 2021) and explains it as a form of Postmethod Pedagogy (Kumaravadivelu, 2001, 2006). It explains the use of L1 in the classroom, despite official policy mandating teachers not to, and provides theoretical justification to legitimise the use of L1. The chapter argues for making Unofficial Bilingualism official and discusses its implications for classroom policy and teacher education, reconciling classroom practice with official policy. The study has implications for medium of instruction, language policy and teacher education. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Uma Pradhan and Mohini Gupta; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Unopened windows: European existentialism and Indian classrooms /
International Journal Of English Language Literature and humanities, Vol.3, Issue 9, pp.434-440, ISSN No: 2321-7065. -
Unpacking Insurance: The Challenges and Innovations in Tying and Bundling Practices in Insurance
The insurers market share mainly depends on the channels of distribution they have adopted to make the business cost-effective. IRDAIs working paper supported the idea that the lengthier the distribution channel, the more conflict of interest there was, and it had a mediating effect. There is a chance of misrepresenting policy information, which is an outcome of that effect. In India, as per IRDAI, the incurred insurance claim ratio, the ratio of claims settlement against the total premiums received in a year, varies yearly. Even though the ratio indicates the financial performance of each sector, it can also be a benchmark for explaining the scope of the product utilization by the insured. During 202223, the ratio ranges between 72 to 86% for the general insurance companies. It also differs for the Fire, Health, motors, and marine sectors. The highest ratio is for the health sector, around 86%. At the same time, the ratio for the domestic travel insurance business is around 19%. Travel insurance is an example of bundling an insurance policy with another product. However, there is no specific information about the scope of bundling of insurance policies and the claims arising out of it. To combat these challenges, innovative solutions must be explored. One such approach is the introduction of modular insurance plans, allowing consumers to customize their coverage based on specific needs without being forced into unnecessary add-ons. AI-driven policy comparison tools can further empower consumers by offering real-time insights into the value of bundled versus standalone options. Regulatory mandates for opt-out provisions in bundled offerings can ensure greater autonomy, allowing policyholders to reject unwanted components. Additionally, the implementation of blockchain-based smart contracts can bring transparency by clearly defining coverage terms and pricing, reducing hidden costs. By adopting these solutions, the insurance sector can enhance consumer trust, encourage informed decision-making, and create a more competitive marketplace, ultimately leading to fairer and more accessible insurance options for all. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Unpacking power dynamics in coaching and leadership: A critical examination
This study examined the critical viewpoints regarding the convergences of coaching and leadership, elucidating the intricate complexities of power relations. Incorporated case studies from the business and nonprofit sectors shed light on the difficulties and achievements in these realms of transformation. The integration of insights gained underscores the profound impact of consciousness, openness, and moral behaviour on change. The obligation to exercise authority with discernment, promote inclusiveness, and empower entities and individuals alike. This study offers significant contributions for professionals, academics, and executives traversing the complex landscape of coaching and leadership. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Unpacking the burden of hypertension and diabetes in Karnataka: implications for policy and practice based on NFHS-5 findings
Objective: To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and healthcare-seeking patterns of hypertension and diabetes in Karnataka, India, and to offer knowledge that might guide public health initiatives intended to lessen the burden of these illnesses. Methods: In order to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and healthcare-seeking behaviour of hypertension and diabetes in Karnataka, India, a cross-sectional study is carried out using the information gathered from 26,574 households on 30,455 women and 4516 men (who were in their reproductive period) from the National Family Health Survey (201920). The information was summarised using descriptive statistics, which included frequencies and percentages. The association between different risk variables and the likelihood of getting diabetes and hypertension was examined using the chi-squared test and a logistic regression model. Data were analysed using STATA software version 16. Results: The study found that age, gender, education level, religion, and BMI are all significantly associated with hypertension and diabetes (p < 0.001). Tobacco use and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with hypertension, but tobacco use was significantly associated with diabetes (p < 0.001). However, alcohol consumption was not found to be significantly associated with diabetes whereas the older age groups, males, underweight, overweight and obese, and tobacco use were all associated with increased odds of diabetes. On the other hand, females, secondary education or higher, and alcohol consumption were associated with decreased odds of diabetes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study found a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in Karnataka, India, and identified several risk factors associated with these diseases. The study also highlighted the need for improved healthcare-seeking behaviour among people with hypertension and diabetes. The findings can inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of these diseases in Karnataka and similar settings. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India 2023. -
Unpacking the Psychology of Investment Intention: The Role of Emotional Intelligence, Personality Traits, and Risk Behaviour
In the dynamic realm of wealth accumulation, investments demand a meticulous evaluation of both financial and non-financial aspects inherent in securities. Prudent decision-making surpasses a fixation on anticipated returns, requiring a nuanced assessment of an investment's potential to actualize desired earnings. This study challenges the presumption of investor rationality in traditional financial theories, emphasizing the profound impact of non-financial determinants on decision-making, including personality traits, emotional intelligence, and risk behavior. With a robust sample size of 396 respondents, the research establishes a statistically significant correlation between emotional intelligence, personality traits, risk behavior, and the intricate domain of investment decisions. For middle-class investors, a pivotal recommendation emerges: fostering a discerning comprehension of one's psychological attributes. Active collaboration with seasoned financial advisers is imperative, serving as a compass through the complexities of the modern financial milieu. This holistic approach, harmonizing financial acumen with nuanced psychological insight, proves indispensable for navigating intricacies and facilitating judicious investment decisions aligned with individual aspirations and risk thresholds. The nuanced integration of financial prudence and psychological acuity fortifies investment portfolios and establishes a resilient foundation for adeptly navigating the dynamic terrain of wealth management. 2024, Iquz Galaxy Publisher. All rights reserved. -
Unpaid care labour in India: a feminist and intersectional analysis of lived experiences
The article offers an expanded feminist analysis of Unpaid Care Labour (UCL) by integrating a personal narrative style grounded in feminist theory, intersectionality, and ecological economics, drawing on qualitative data from five focus group discussions conducted in India. Through participant narratives, the article unpacks themes such as time poverty and the double burden, health implications and emotional well-being , economic dependency and intersectional inequities, cultural policing and social norms, and transformative pathways and policy gaps. While participants articulated the strain of time poverty and the double burden of juggling paid and unpaid work, the intensity and coping mechanisms varied markedly by caste and class context. Lower-caste women faced compounded strain due to limited support and infrastructure; in contrast, upper-caste women experienced emotional stress from societal expectations. The study foregrounds how caste-based hierarchies, economic precarity, and patriarchal norms intersect to shape womens caregiving realities in differentiated yet overlapping ways. It argues that public policy must move beyond tokenistic acknowledgements and instead invest in care infrastructure, legal protections for domestic workers, and campaigns that shift cultural perceptions of care as a shared societal responsibility. Recognizing, redistributing, and reducing UCL is essential to fostering gender justice and inclusive development. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Unpaid Work by Women: A State-level Analysis of Evidence from Time-use Survey
Low and declining female labour force participation in India over the past two decades has turned attention to the high unpaid work time spent by women. The question, however, remains whether women spend more time on unpaid work because there are not enough jobs or whether it is time spent on unpaid work that is holding them back from participation in the labour force. Against this backdrop, the present article explores Indias nationally representative time-use survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to estimate factors that explain variations in time spent by women in unpaid work at the state level. The results show that structural transformation, entailing a reduction in employment in agriculture and an increase in the share of industries in state GDP, does not necessarily entail any reduction in unpaid time spent by women if the technology embodied in industrialisation is not gender-friendly. Worryingly, progress in female literacy recorded by states is no guarantee of a reduction in unpaid work by women. However, a gender-friendly atmosphere does make a difference in the reduction in unpaid work reported by women. Similarly, targeted public policy intervention does relax the constraints that women face at home, with a positive effect on unpaid work time. 2024 Institute for Human Development. -
Unraveling Campus Placement Success Integrating Exploratory Insights with Predictive Machine Learning Models
The dynamics of campus placements have garnered considerable attention in recent years, with educational institutions, students, and employers all keenly invested in understanding the factors that drive successful recruitment. This surge in interest stems from the potential implications for academic curricula, student preparation, and hiring strategies. In this study, we aimed to unravel the myriad factors that influence a student's placement success, drawing from a comprehensive dataset detailing a range of academic and demographic attributes. Our methodology combined thorough exploratory data analysis with advanced predictive modeling. The exploratory phase unveiled notable patterns, particularly highlighting the roles of gender, academic performance analysis, Degree and MBA specialization in placement outcomes. In the predictive modeling phase, the spotlight was on state-of-the-art machine learning models, with a particular emphasis on their capacity to forecast placement success. Notably, algorithms like Logistic Regression and Support Vector Machines not only confirmed the insights from our exploratory analysis but also showcased remarkable predictive prowess, with accuracy scores nearing perfection. These findings not only demonstrate the capabilities of machine learning in the academic and recruitment spheres but also emphasize the enduring importance of core academic achievements in influencing placement outcomes. As a prospective direction, future research might benefit from examining how placement trends evolve over time and integrating qualitative insights to provide a holistic view of the campus recruitment process. 2023 IEEE. -
Unraveling connections with artificial sweeteners and their impact on human health: A comprehensive review
There is a recent trend showing an uptick in the artificial sweetener's usage, particularly the nonnourishing variety. The allure of a low-calorie choice that lets people indulge in their sweet tooths while consuming less calories overall is what motivates this. Children's food products often contain a substantial number of artificial sweeteners due to their properties that aid in moisture retention, act as fillers, and serve as bulking agents. This article provides a comprehensive overview of artificial sweeteners and influences in human wealth. Studies have linked the use of artificial sweeteners to premature birth, highlighting the teratogenic potential of these compounds, particularly in beverages. Pregnant women who incorporate nonnutritive sweeteners into their diet during pregnancy are more likely to have children with birth defects, as indicated by studies on the subject. Artificial sweeteners should not be added to food for children because studies show that eating them while a child's body is still developing might disturb the balance of gut microbiota and cause potential problems like heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. The ingestion of nonnourishing sweeteners has adverse effects on the fertility of both men and women. Studies indicate that exceeding the recommended daily consumption that the FDA has set for artificial sweeteners can result in conditions of infertility for both genders. Additionally, there is a connection between the onset of cancer and the use of artificial sweeteners. Presently, a considerable amount of research relies on animal models rather than human ones, creating a notable gap in research. The limitation of extensive human model studies represents a drawback in validating results. Furthermore, there is a necessity for increased research focused on advancing techniques that can minimize the adverse effects of artificial sweeteners, making them more suitable for addressing issues related to obesity and various types of diabetes. 2024 The Author(s). eFood published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. on behalf of International Association of Dietetic Nutrition and Safety. -
Unraveling the complexity of thyroid cancer prediction: A comparative examination of imputation methods and ML algorithms
Despite being relatively rare, thyroid cancer is being identified more often as a result of improved awareness and detection. Even if it has a high survival rate, it is crucial to comprehend its forms, risk factors, and therapies. Better results and prompt intervention are made possible by the early detection of thyroid cellular alterations made possible by evolving machine learning (ML) techniques. The USA Cancer Data Access System's Thyroid Cancer Factor Data, gathered from patient questionnaires, are used in this study. Missing values and imbalance in the dataset are addressed using resampling techniques (SMOTE, under-sampling) and imputation techniques (Median, KNN). To increase the accuracy of thyroid cancer prediction and improve early identification and prognoses for improved patient care, a comparative analysis of machine learning algorithms (ML) (Logistic Regression, LDA, KNN, Decision Tree, SVM, Naive Bayes) with imputation and resampling techniques is being conducted. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Unraveling the Intangibles: Influence of AI and Employee Valuation on Corporate Sustainability
This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human capital on a firm's sustainability based on the selected thirty companies in the Indian Information Technology (IT) Sector. It also involves an insight into the usage of AI tools for the same. This study takes three independent variables, namelySalaries and wages (SW), Provident Fund (PF), and Gratuity and superannuation (GS), which are dependent on the Return On Capital Employed (ROCE). Furthermore, the study evaluates these variables through multiple regression analysis to establish the link between them and determine how human capital affects a firm's profitability. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Unraveling the Intangibles: Influence of AI and Employee Valuation on Corporate Sustainability
This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human capital on a firm's sustainability based on the selected thirty companies in the Indian Information Technology (IT) Sector. It also involves an insight into the usage of AI tools for the same. This study takes three independent variables, namelySalaries and wages (SW), Provident Fund (PF), and Gratuity and superannuation (GS), which are dependent on the Return On Capital Employed (ROCE). Furthermore, the study evaluates these variables through multiple regression analysis to establish the link between them and determine how human capital affects a firm's profitability. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Unraveling the Intangibles: Influence of AI and Employee Valuation on Corporate Sustainability
This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human capital on a firm's sustainability based on the selected thirty companies in the Indian Information Technology (IT) Sector. It also involves an insight into the usage of AI tools for the same. This study takes three independent variables, namelySalaries and wages (SW), Provident Fund (PF), and Gratuity and superannuation (GS), which are dependent on the Return On Capital Employed (ROCE). Furthermore, the study evaluates these variables through multiple regression analysis to establish the link between them and determine how human capital affects a firm's profitability. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Unraveling the Interplay Between Biodiversity and Heavy Metal Content in Elookkaras Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Background and Objective: There exists a notable correlation between biodiversity and the concentration of heavy metals, particularly concerning their role in bioremediation efforts. This study was about the heavy metal content in the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem of Eloorkkara, located in the Kadungalloor Grama Panchayat of Kerala, India. Materials and Methods: Sampling was systematically carried out across all four seasons in order to capture the fluctuations in seasonal disturbances. Eight samples each of groundwater, river water, aquatic soil and terrestrial soil were randomly collected from the study area. Additionally, three dominant plant species from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats were carefully selected for analysis. Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), the samples underwent thorough analysis to measure the levels of Cr, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Ni and Co concentrations. Results: Indicate significant differences in heavy metal concentrations across various plant species and throughout seasonal changes, emphasizing the complex processes involved in metal accumulation. Terrestrial ecosystems exhibited higher species richness compared to aquatic ecosystems. Areas with high biodiversity tended to have lower metal concentration suggesting a potential mitigating effect of diverse ecosystems and areas with poor diversity had higher heavy metal concentration suggesting the vulnerability of degraded ecosystems. Conclusion: The research highlights the crucial role of biodiversity in influencing the absorption and dispersion of heavy metals within ecosystems. These findings carry significant implications for environmental management and conservation efforts aimed at curbing heavy metal pollution and safeguarding biodiversity in Elookkara and analogous environments. 2024 Chandni Asha Syamlal and D. Sayantan. -
Unraveling the Interplay Between Indian Agricultural Sector, Food Security, and Farms Bill: Key to Sustainable Development Goals
Agriculture, along with its allied sectors, plays a significant role in the economic progress and expansion of any country; despite tremendous economic progress, Indias agriculture sector is in jeopardy for various reasons. Agriculture in rural areas has been the primary source of income for the poor. With the growing susceptibility, policymakers main problems are to design ways to promote sustain-able agriculture to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustain-able Development Goals emphasize the relevance of agriculture and the need to revi-talize agribusiness worldwide by aiding farmers, increasing investments in research, technology, and market infrastructure, and increasing knowledge sharing. It may lead to spur innovation and give farmers more power. One of the essential advantages of urban agriculture is its potential to boost social capital and civic participation in low-income neighborhoods. As a result, the most critical goal in agricultural develop-ment for food security should be to raise productivity and diversify food production. Diversification of crops should be encouraged among farmers. This would aid in the fight against starvation, but it would also assist in preventing biodiversity loss and strengthen farmer resilience. Hence, our Chapter attempts to analyze the poor food security and what strategies will contribute to the SDG goals to reduce hunger in India as well worldwide. It elucidates a variety of obstacles and opportunities for successful, sustainable, and resilient agriculture. It also covers topics such as the recent agricultural bill and its long-term implications for our growth and a few important takeaways that could help us get closer to our objectives, mainly through the application of technology. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. -
Unraveling the Potential of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Blockchain Technology in Environment Management
Blockchain as an emerging technology provides a ray of hope to the most intensive environmental issues facing the planet. Blockchain with its decentralized business model has great relevance not only in the field of finance but also in environmental sustainability. The World Economic Forum has identified blockchain as a repair mechanism to the most challenging global environmental issues. It is a highly promising technology gaining traction in diverse fields. Blockchain through this technology unveils its capabilities as a decentralized ledger of all dealings across peer-to-peer networks, where participants can ratify transactions without any central authority. Blockchain technology is an indestructible electronic ledger of transactions designed to record and store everything of value in addition to financial transactions. Blockchain can ensure a shift to cleaner and more resource conserving decentralized solutions, unravel natural capital and to empower communities. This chapter attempts to study the applicability of blockchain in protecting and sustaining the global environment at various levels including life on land, life below the earth and climate changes. Deployment of blockchain technology is needed in areas like climate change, biodiversity conservation and healthy water bodies to overcome the threats they face. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Unraveling the synergy between oxygen doping and embedding Fe nanoparticles in gC3N4 towards enhanced photocatalytic rates
With graphitic carbon nitride (gC3N4) showing considerable potential for photocatalytic applications, the four significant limitations: surface area, light-harvesting capability, photogenerated charge separation, and charge transfer at the interface, need to be comprehensively addressed. The present work aims to exfoliate the gC3N4 stacking layers and fragment the layers horizontally to form ultra-thin nanosheets (NS) by a facile mixed-acid treatment. The surface area of gC3N4 increased by one order of magnitude (120 m2/g), due to the formation of nanosheets with planar size below ?50 nm. Moreover, incorporating non-metal (oxygen) anion dopants and metal (iron) nanoparticles enhances the overall reactivity of gC3N4 NS under light irradiation. Co-integration of these strategies led to ?17 times improvement in the photocatalytic pollutants degradation rate compared to pristine gC3N4. First-principles calculations and experimental evidence suggest the formation of an intermediate band within the bandgap of gC3N4, caused by the hybridization of N-Fe-O, which assists in harvesting a larger number of photons. Nanosheet morphology provides a shorter distance to photogenerated charges towards the surface, while the incorporation of Fe and O together offers the lowest charge transfer resistance at the interface to efficiently degrade the adsorbed pollutant molecules on the surface. With all these promoting features along with cost-effective and stable elements, Fe-O-gC3N4 NS provides an ideal solution for tuning the intrinsic morphological and electronic structure of gC3N4 for its effective application in various photocatalytic reactions. 2022 -
Unraveling Women's Involvement in the Digital Realm: An Empirical Investigation
A virtual world in which communication is done through the electronic medium using the computer. This world allows the user to gain knowledge in the form of information. Even though it has a lot of advantages, there are enormous issues when an individual exists in cyberspace. At hand are several challenges to be overcome by individuals to protectively survive cyberspace. Such as various attacks, financial risks, online crimes, and more. In cyberspace, the targeted audience is womanhood of all eons. Educating and promoting awareness about the risk in cyberspace for women in society is the need of the hour. Each individual is facing risk while they are in a digital world. Stakeholders are not given alertness of the threat and its consequences. The paper analyzes the risk and consequences of women's society, as most victims are from that environment. In this, different risks faced and the consequences affected by women's civilization, are discussed. Also remedial measures are taken and should be taken are also deliberated. Supporting this, an online survey is taken from various groups of common people to know the status of women's civilization in the current era. 2023 IEEE. -
Unravelling Financial Resilience in India: A Multi-Group Analysis of Socio-Economic Factors
This research investigates the intricate relationship between financial literacy (FL), financial behavior (FB), and financial resilience (FR) across various socio-economic dimensions such as age, gender, income, and education. Building on previous studies, this paper focuses on how these factors may moderate the connection between FL and FR, with FB's role as a mediator. Conducted in Kerala, a region renowned for its high literacy rate, data from 270 participants was collected through an online survey using convenience sampling. The data was then analysed using IBM SPSS AMOS for Structural Equation Modelling, a widely accepted statistical tool. The analysis reveals robust evidence supporting positive relationships between FL-FB, FB-FR, and FL-FR. Additionally, FB partially mediates the FL-FR relationship. Multigroup analysis highlights distinct impacts across subgroups, emphasizing the nuanced interplay between these socioeconomic factors and financial outcomes. The study's conclusions, which highlight the urgent need for focused initiatives to improve financial literacy and promote responsible financial behaviour across a range of demographic groups, provide important new insights into financial dynamics. Such initiatives are essential for bolstering financial resilience and ensuring economic stability amidst varying socio-economic contexts and should be a priority for policymakers and practitioners. 2024, Iquz Galaxy Publisher. All rights reserved.