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Consumers Perspective Toward Fintech Disruption in Financial ServicesA Structural Equation Modeling Approach
For nearly a decade, banks have faced an unprecedented array of challenges, with shrinking revenues and intense pressure from consumers and regulators. Compounding this tough environment is a powerful new force that has emerged to challenge banks, financial technology (FinTech) firms. These innovative start-ups are striving to take a share of financial services customers, products, and revenue. Financial Consumer Demands for Tomorrows Digital Bank, investigated what consumers value from their main financial service provider and how well banks are meeting consumers needs. The study revealed a demand for value-added services that supplement traditional banking products, while also solidifying the importance of seamless, anytime/anywhere, omni-channel service channels. This study is such an attempt to analyze the consumer perspective based on the Fintech Disruption in Financial Services in Pune city among 150 respondents. The tools used for this study are ANOVA, regression analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Hence, this study concludes that financial institutions have a lot on their plate: emerging competitors, shifting demographics, rising customer expectations, and changing regulations. Technology offers solutions, allowing financial institutions to cut costs and become more efficient at what they do. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Stakeholder Engagement Strategies and Sustainable Change: A Study of Indian Companies
Sustainability is the pathway to prosperity for humanity and businesses alike. It offers the best chance to adjust our course.Paul Polman. Sustainable business practices have become crucial for Indian companies aiming to balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility. These practices involve integrating sustainability into core business strategies, ensuring that operations are environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and economically viable. The dynamic business environment in India necessitates robust stakeholder engagement strategies for sustainable organizational success. Indian companies, operating within a complex socio-economic landscape, must prioritize effective stakeholder communication and collaboration to achieve long-term sustainability. This study explores various stakeholder engagement strategies implemented by Indian companies, using an assessment instrument called Management and Organizational Sustainability Tool (MOST), examining their impact on fostering sustainable change. By analyzing case studies and best practices, the study aims to highlight how Indian businesses can integrate stakeholder perspectives into their strategic planning, thereby enhancing resilience, trust, and overall performance in an increasingly interconnected world. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
The Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Objectives Effect on Investment Decisions: Retail Investors Knowledge and Views on Sector-Specific ESG Factors
Following the global financial crisis, Environmental, Social, and Governance discretion in stock market investment decisions has become necessary for sustainable development. Environmental, Social, and Governance consider investing qualities such as accountability, risk minimization, and long-term return. This study investigates how individual stock market investors perceive and are aware of Environmental, Social, and Governance concerns, as well as how the purpose of an investment influences how judgments are made regarding it. The studys sequential mixed research methodology begins with an interview and progresses to a cluster and snowball sampling procedure for a survey of stock market investors. The studys findings show how the Environmental, Social, and Governance factor moderates investment decisions, with implications for managers, investors, and regulators. Investors will be assured a long-term return on investment as well as accountability to the environment, society, and economic equilibrium, which could lead to sustainable development. It is also recommended that future research be performed in various states and countries with diverse causes and conceptions. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Revolutionizing Circular Business Practices with Waste Reduction and Resource Optimization
The concept of the circular economy (CE) offers a transformative solution to pressing global challenges such as resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation. By shifting from the traditional linear take-make-dispose model to a closed-loop system, the CE principles aim to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability. This paper proposes a Waste Reduction and Resource Optimization (WRRO)-oriented circular business model, offering a comprehensive theoretical framework to guide businesses in optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste. Through the exploration of academic literature and a practical case study, the paper illustrates how businesses can effectively transition to circular business models. It also addresses the challenges businesses face during implementation, providing actionable insights for both theory and practice. The papers key contribution lies in integrating circular economy principles with resource efficiency strategies, offering a novel approach that supports both environmental sustainability and economic performance. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Cryptocurrency Conundrum: Understanding the Dynamics of Indian Consumer Intentions using an Extended UTAUT Model
This study aims to identify what drives cryptocurrency usage in Indian consumers. At a time when the whole world is warming up to the idea of cryptocurrencies, India has only recently come on the map after demonetization. This has left Indian cryptocurrency companies groping in the dark regarding truly understanding Indian consumers and their preference for cryptocurrencies. Thus, to achieve the purpose of this study, we administered an online survey and studied only those respondents who were Indian citizens and had ever bought or sold cryptocurrencies before. Then, we performed factor analysis by analyzing responses to the questions of our UTAUT model using SPSS and PLS Smart. The results showed that the best predictor of cryptocurrency was using the construct Access to Knowledge/News, implying that Indian consumers use of cryptocurrencies was directly proportional to the ease and availability of accurate information about cryptocurrencies. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte. Ltd. -
Fintechs Contribution to Supply Chain Finance Value Creation Via Banking and Financial Systems
In every business, finance takes an important role which does give birth to buyer and supplier. The market is growing due to an increase in the use of supply chain financing by SMEs to improve their cash flow operations resulting requirement to manage massive volumes and speeds of data in fintech industries propelling market to move forward. However, the market's expansion is hampered by a lack of global standardisation and government-imposed tight controls on the fintech industry. The potential of Blockchain technology (BCT) has been explored in the field of digital assets and digital currency. BCT provides automation with increased efficiency and speed, greater transparency, and enhanced security and traceability. Every challenge whether faced by the company in supply chain finance or the financial intermediary can be neutralised with the use of technology. Today, technology in finance or fintech is a booming area. Where every domain in business is using technology to improvise, finance is not behind. This emerging and ever-changing field of fintech is providing many opportunities for sophisticated supply chain finance. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte. Ltd. -
Hormone Balancing Through Nutrition:Nutritional Strategies and AI Tools to Balance Hormones Associated with PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes a worldwide disturbance in hormonal equilibrium, leading to a growing need for individualized, non-pharmaceutical therapies. Studies on AI-driven technologies in PCOS have uncovered a groundbreaking approach to regulating hormones through dietary changes. AI algorithms examine individual data, integrating genetics, biomarkers, and dietary habits to provide a distinct metabolic and hormonal profile. Suggested options consist of adaptable meal plans that can adapt to immediate fluctuations in blood sugar and hormones, maximizing nutrition to regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and enhance general well-being. Additionally, these recommendations provide predictive insights to enable proactive alterations to ones diet. The comprehensive evaluation of limitations and moral considerations about AI highlights the necessity for human expertise and safeguarding of data privacy. Concrete instances from reality and current scientific investigation demonstrate the capacity of AI to enhance the capabilities of women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Proposing the integration of AI into evidence-based dietary practices anticipates a future in PCOS care that is tailored, proactive, and data-driven, with the ability to maximize hormonal equilibrium and improve womens well-being. This concise investigation provides significant perspectives for healthcare practitioners engaged in the treatment of PCOS and associated endocrine problems. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Feedstocks for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates: Sugar-and starch-rich waste as fermentation substrates
Effective management of food and agricultural waste faces a crucial challenge in today's world, primarily due to the necessity to sustainably feed the ever-growing global population. A signifcant portion of this waste generated is plant waste, including both sugar-rich and starch-rich materials. These waste materials are often considered as non-product leftovers due to their perceived lack of economic value compared to the costs associated with their collection, storage, and recovery for reuse. However, by employing appropriate technological methods, such wastes can be utilized as feedstocks for the production of value-added products such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHAs are biodegradable polymers with a wide range of applications, offering an environmentally friendly potential substitute to the conventional plastics. Recycling plant wastes holds immense potential for application across various industries, ultimately leading to a reduction in the adverse impacts caused by their accumulation in the environment. This chapter delves into the utilization of plant wastes (sugar-rich and starch-rich wastes including beet molasses, sugarcane molasses, corn steep liquor, and starchy wastewater) for the production of PHAs. It discusses PHA recovery methods and characterization techniques crucial for evaluating the properties of PHA, thereby laying the groundwork for understanding the material quality and suitability for various applications. Additionally, diverse applications of PHAs, ranging from packaging materials to biomedical devices, are explored by highlighting the potential of utilizing plant wastes to contribute to a circular economy. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved. -
Polyhydroxyalkanoates as potential tools for denitrification of wastewater
Denitrification is the main process in water and wastewater treatment which plays the critical role in mitigating nitrate contamination and ensuring environmental and public health safety. Introduction of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in water treatment systems enables widening of its application in denitrification processes. Emphasising the importance of denitrification in water treatment helps to prevent the surge of nitrate concentrations, thereby hindering eutrophication and maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, there is an increasing urgency for the development of sustainable and efficient denitrification techniques to address contemporary challenges in water quality management. PHAs are produced by a variety of microorganisms under limited nutritional conditions and present themselves as promising candidate for denitrification due to their favourable characteristics which include biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to store carbon and energy. The current chapter delves with the mechanisms governing denitrification employing PHA along with the intricate biochemical pathways and metabolic processes involved. PHA serves a dual role as both a carbon source and an electron donor in denitrifying bacteria, aiding in the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas in anaerobic environments. The chapter furthermore addresses various factors such as substrate availability, microbial community composition, and environmental parameters which are affecting the efficiency of PHA-mediated denitrification. Despite the potential advantages, challenges impede the widespread adoption of PHA in denitrification processes. Technical constraints such as substrate availability, yield of PHA and reactor design, coupled with economic factors such as production costs, present significant barriers. Future research endeavours should prioritise optimising processes, surmounting technical and economic hurdles, and comprehending the ecological ramifications for water and wastewater treatment systems using PHA. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved. -
Tobacco Economics, Banks, and Mindful Solutions for Long-Term Sustainability
To sustain the incomes, one must implement multiple cropping systems for farmers who grow their crops in Indias tobacco industry. The inflation in urban/rural areas may signal tax evasion and require regulation. When standards are not met, trade in illicit products appears; it can negatively affect a countrys economic and environmental future. There is hope in reshaping mindfulness practices for tobacco control and public health. As of June 2024, the cigarette market volume in India is US$13,370.0 million. From 2022 to June 2024, Indias cigarette market volume increased to $1.29 billion. As of June 2024, Chinas cigarette market volume is $285,130 million, more than Indias. From 2022 to June 2024, Chinas cigarette market volume has increased by US $10,800 million. Chinas cigarette market volume has increased by US$ 9.51 billion more than Indias. Both Chinas and Indias cigarette consumption has increased. AI and virtual reality may aid addiction recovery. Comprehensive strategies, including establishing de-addiction centres, implementing psychoeducation, developing a new intervention manual, developing new interventions, developing new assessment tools, and policy changes, a need to reduce tobacco consumption and address underlying causes. Incorporating mindful methods, new assessment tools, and proper formulation into an economic approach can help curb tobacco consumption sustainably while improving public health. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Reel Therapy: Taking the Cinematic Route to Suicide Intervention
Suicide has been recognised as a significant public health concern by the United Nations, making effective interventions crucial to prevent loss of life and the ripple effect it has on the family and friends of the individual. Conventional therapeutic approaches tend to focus on talk therapy as a way to provide assistance to the individual in distress but emerging research evidences point towards the impact created by the use of auditory and visual stimuli. Reel therapy also known as movie therapy is one such intervention that aims at using films as a therapeutic tool. Studies suggest that movies can act as a powerful tool for creating insight and reducing stigma associated with seeking help when required. The chapter examines the theoretical foundation of reel therapy, reviewing associated concepts such as catharsis and symbolic representation in films. It explores how films can reduce emotions and provide a platform for the individuals to process their ideations and feelings related to suicide. Reel therapy exhibits potential to become a valuable addition to the ongoing efforts towards prevention of suicide, especially for populations that do not respond to the traditional intervention approaches. Through the chapter the authors attempt at emphasising the value of incorporating the universally loved phenomena of movies into suicide intervention as a complementary therapeutic tool, by bringing forth the unique strengths of reel therapy in facilitating emotional expression and assisting recovery. The chapter aims to contribute to growing literature on novel approaches to suicide intervention. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Reel Therapy: Taking the Cinematic Route to Suicide Intervention
Suicide has been recognised as a significant public health concern by the United Nations, making effective interventions crucial to prevent loss of life and the ripple effect it has on the family and friends of the individual. Conventional therapeutic approaches tend to focus on talk therapy as a way to provide assistance to the individual in distress but emerging research evidences point towards the impact created by the use of auditory and visual stimuli. Reel therapy also known as movie therapy is one such intervention that aims at using films as a therapeutic tool. Studies suggest that movies can act as a powerful tool for creating insight and reducing stigma associated with seeking help when required. The chapter examines the theoretical foundation of reel therapy, reviewing associated concepts such as catharsis and symbolic representation in films. It explores how films can reduce emotions and provide a platform for the individuals to process their ideations and feelings related to suicide. Reel therapy exhibits potential to become a valuable addition to the ongoing efforts towards prevention of suicide, especially for populations that do not respond to the traditional intervention approaches. Through the chapter the authors attempt at emphasising the value of incorporating the universally loved phenomena of movies into suicide intervention as a complementary therapeutic tool, by bringing forth the unique strengths of reel therapy in facilitating emotional expression and assisting recovery. The chapter aims to contribute to growing literature on novel approaches to suicide intervention. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Global SDGs Strategic Policies: Catalyst for Digital Circular Economy
Theworldwide environmentalmovement originated with Rachel Carsons 1962 book Silent Spring, which cautioned the world about the adverse impact of chemical pesticides on ecosystem and sustainability. Thereafter, an unprecedent increase in global warming causing severer and harmful climate changes and environmental instabilities led to the establishment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2015, the United Nations accepted them into its global agenda for eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and promoting peace to all people by 2030. Unsustainable development leads to depletion of natural resources, which is not simply a moral or ecological issue but are pertaining to economics, development, human health, and justice. The interconnected 17 SDGs acknowledge that the decision made in one area will have its repercussions in other areas and insist to strike a balance between environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The digital circular economy (DCE) has been well-known in recent years as a tool that answers some of the most urgent cross-cutting sustainable development challenges facing the globe. This model holds great promise for accelerating the 2030 Agendas implementation with the potential to achieve the various goals of sustainable development like SDGs 6 (energy), 8 (economic progress), 11 (sustainable cities), 12 (sustainable consumption and production), 13 (climate change), 14 (oceans), and 15 (life on land). This requires significant changes in the organization of societies and businesses to progress towards sustainable future. Limitations The study is limited to analyze the global SDGs and related policies that are helpful in catalyzing DCE. Findings This chapter analyzes the global strategic plans and policies aimed at enhancing SDGs affirming the significance of digital economy for synergizing with the SDGs. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies: Stylized Facts of Leading Annex I and Non-Annex I Nations
Climate changeClimate change, driven by human activities, is one of the most critical global challenges that the world is currently facing. Over the last few years, several landmark agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement have reinforced the importance of framing international climate policies to mitigate the impact of climate changeClimate change. These policies and commitments align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGsUnited Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)), particularly SDGSDGs 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate changeClimate change and its impacts. This chapter examines the current trends in climate changeClimate change, focusing on rising global temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. This study compares the impacts and responses of the top ten GDP nations categorized into Annex I (developed) and Non-Annex I (developing) countries, highlighting disparities in the trends, composition, and sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, it explores various mitigationMitigation strategies, including renewable energyRenewable energy adoption, energyEnergy efficiency improvements, carbon capture, and storage technologiesTechnology amid international climate agreements. Understanding these differences can contribute effectively to understanding the climate changeClimate change landscape. This chapter emphasizes the need for coordinated and collaborative global efforts and equitable resource distribution to achieve meaningful climate action. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Beyond the Bottom Line: An Impact of CO2 Emissions and R&D on Corporate Sustainability in India
This paper evaluates the progress of Indian companies in adopting sustainable business practices, specifically focusing on carbon emissionsCarbon emission and research and development (R&D). It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable development Goals (SDGsSDGs), particularly SDG 9SDG 9, which aims to foster innovation, build resilient infrastructureInfrastructure, and promote sustainable industrialization. The study focuses on key targets, including CO2 emissions per unit of value-added, enhanced research and upgraded industrial technologyTechnology, and R&D expenditure. The research aims to assess company policies on carbon emissionsCarbon emission and analyze their investment in research related to this issue. The present research adopted a descriptive research design using secondary data from cement manufacturing companies to analyze the relationship between R&D spending and its impact on carbon emissionsCarbon emission from 2017 to 2022. A convenient sampling method was used to select the sample, and statistical methods such as correlation and regression analysis were applied to assess the relationship between the variables. The study has identified a twofold relationshipqualitative and quantitative between companies R&D spending and carbon emissionsCarbon emission within the framework of Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable development Goal 9. Focusing on cement manufacturing companies from 2017 to 2022, the findings show that increased R&D spending significantly reduces emissions by improving manufacturing processes through advanced technologyTechnology and machinery. However, the study is limited by the lack of detailed data on specific carbon-related R&D investments, making it challenging to gauge the exact impact. The precise proportion of R&D funds dedicated to reducing carbon emissionsCarbon emission remains unclear. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Global Energy Governance: Need for a Paradigm Shift
Talk on energy has been a contentious one in all climate talks. It has been the source of climate challenge and also a key to climate change solution. So far, energy production through fossil fuelscoal, oil and gashas been one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emission contributing to the global climate change. They account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions which have a catastrophic effect on the life on earth. Climate change has cross-border ramifications; it has a deep impact on life system across the globe. Developed and developing countries fight and indulge in politics as to the use of kind of energy, and access to resources. They blame each other as to the nature, cause and impact of climate change. Recognising the requirement of access to resources by all countries, especially developing countries, for the achievement of sustainable social and economic development, and to control greenhouse gas emission the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1992 came with the idea of common but differentiated responsibilities and called for all necessary action among the nations including technology transfer to countries dependent upon fossil fuels. But the desired energy transition has not happened so far putting the future of the planet to risk. Further, the process of globalisation and privatisation has added on to the problem by unregulated promotion of private corporations who flagrantly violate environmental norms with impunity across the globe. In the light of the above, this chapter aims at looking into a shift in the approach towards governance of global energy and orient it towards a common globalised perspective in contrast to the present nation-state perspective. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Regression Analysis for Longitudinal Aging Study in India Data
This paper examines the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) and its role in providing valuable insights into the health, social, psychological, and economic well-being of the older Indian population. The paper examines the use of dependent independent variables in a multiple linear regression model, tests assumptions of linearity, and examines the significance of the overall model and the individual variables. There are 190 variables in the dataset being used. This paper presents the results of comparing the regression models obtained through basic, forward, and stepwise selection methods where the model obtained using the stepwise selection method, when all the linearity assumptions are satisfied, explains 86.51% of the variation in the dependent variable and the Adjusted R-squared of the model is 0.8374. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Between Empires: The Treaty of Lausanne and Its Reflection on Indias Path to Independence
This chapter reconceptualizes the Treaty of Lausanne (1923) as a global inflection point whose significance extended beyond the Near East into debates within the Indian independence movement. Commonly understood as the diplomatic settlement that secured international recognition for the Turkish Republic under Mustafa Kemal Atatk, Lausanne is treated here not as the cause of subsequent religious reforms, but as the formal acknowledgment of a new political order already unfolding through earlier Kemalist measures, including the abolition of the Sultanate (1922) and the proclamation of the Republic (1923). Rather than arguing that Lausanne directly enabled the abolition of the Caliphate or determined the course of Indian nationalism, this chapter suggests that it symbolically reflected a broader reconfiguration of sovereignty in the postwar world. In British India, these developments coincided with the decline of the Khilafat Movement and prompted leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to reassess strategies grounded in transnational religious solidarity. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026. -
Bionanosensors in the Detection of Foodborne Microbial Pathogens
Food safety is of paramount importance especially in this era of extensive use of packaged and processed foods. The reasons for this are manifoldpathogens becoming more resilient and resistant and evolving at higher rates. The conventional ways of detection demands sophisticated instruments, time, trained personnel etc. Hence there is a dire need to devise user-friendly, highly sensitive and low-cost biosensors for foodborne microbial detection be it in fresh unprocessed plant products or processed food items. Nanobiosensors (NBS) owing to their high sensitivity, small size, very high surf to volume ratio which when combined with high accuracy optical imaging offer promising solutions to this global public health concern. The present review gives a glimpse of the latest technologies in the field of NBS in food borne microbial detection which includes graphene nanomaterials, quantum dot nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles and metal organic frameworks, carbon dots etc. The advantages of these NBSs, possible problems which can come up while upscaling the technique and its potential applications are also discussed. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026. -
Bionanosensors in the Detection of Foodborne Microbial Pathogens
Food safety is of paramount importance especially in this era of extensive use of packaged and processed foods. The reasons for this are manifoldpathogens becoming more resilient and resistant and evolving at higher rates. The conventional ways of detection demands sophisticated instruments, time, trained personnel etc. Hence there is a dire need to devise user-friendly, highly sensitive and low-cost biosensors for foodborne microbial detection be it in fresh unprocessed plant products or processed food items. Nanobiosensors (NBS) owing to their high sensitivity, small size, very high surf to volume ratio which when combined with high accuracy optical imaging offer promising solutions to this global public health concern. The present review gives a glimpse of the latest technologies in the field of NBS in food borne microbial detection which includes graphene nanomaterials, quantum dot nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles and metal organic frameworks, carbon dots etc. The advantages of these NBSs, possible problems which can come up while upscaling the technique and its potential applications are also discussed. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.