Volume 10, No. 1.0Scholar : National School of Leadership

Since their inception, cryptocurrencies and their associated markets have been notorious for their volatility, whether in terms of high volatility or illiquidity. Partly for those reasons, governments and regulators all over the world have tried to regulate those markets on a regular basis. In this study, it was evaluated to see if Bitcoin traders think market regulation is advantageous. The study evaluated the impact of regulatory news on Bitcoin taxes on cryptocurrency market returns in India using an event study technique, announced in the Union Budget. The results showed that the news of thirty percent taxation does result in any abnormal returns during the event window. It is clear from the study that the Indian taxation policy on virtual digital assets didn’t influenced the crypto market as well as Bitcoin

Nickel doped zinc ferrite compounds with the formula Ni_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ (ZNFO) were prepared by using co-precipitation method.  The X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the synthesis of single crystalline Ni_xZn_1-xFe₂O₄ ferrite nanoparticles. The lattice parameter decreases whereas crystallite size increases with the increase in nickel ion concentration. The structure of nanoparticles was studied using X-ray diffraction pattern. The band gap energy for normal zinc ferrite is found to be 1.77.  Whereas the bandgap energy decreases to 1.03 eV  and 1.02 for Ni_x Zn_1-xFe₂O₄ with x = 0.03 and 0.07 respectively. FTIR will help to study the functional groups present in the nanoparticles, so this technique is used for qualitative analysis of materials. The microstrain decreases as nickel ion concentration increases. The obtained results revealed that Ni_xZn_{1- x}Fe₂O₄[x = 0.03] nanoparticles obtained by us in a model of actinomycetes exhibit lower cytotoxicity, which was confirmed in cytotoxic assay and with high LC₅₀ value. From safety point of view, a careful cytotoxicity analysis of ZNFO (0.03) nanoparticles with concentration up to 50µg/mL can be used for biomedical applications.

Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. belonging to family Moraceae is commonly known as jackfruit. The leaves, fruit, bark and roots have diverse medicinal properties and are used in the various traditional and folk systems of medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The present work evaluates the phytochemical screening, antioxidant property and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of the leaf petiole of A. heterophyllus.  Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, tannins and cardiac glycosides. Total phenolic content of the extract was estimated using Folin- Ciocalteau spectrometric method as 2.89 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of leaf extract. The free radical scavenging activity was evaluated with DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), nitric oxide radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging. The IC₅₀ values of the ethanol extract of the plant for scavenging DPPH, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide were estimated as 152.2 ± 0.09 µg/ml, 941.17 ± 0.08 µg/ml and 154.1 ± 0.08 µg/ml respectively. The antibacterial activity of A. heterophyllus petiole extract was examined against five bacterial species namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae using agar well diffusion method. The preliminary phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant activities. Therefore, it could be a potential source of natural antioxidant with adverse therapeutic properties. 

In the present study,CuCe_xFe_2-xO₄(x=0.00, 0.03 and 0.05) spinel ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. The structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of the synthesized samples were estimated by powder X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Uv-Vis-NIR Spectroscopy. The anti-cancer properties were analyzed at the in vitro level by MTT (3- [4, 5–dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line shows dose dependent cell viability in the concentration range of 6.25–100 µg/mL. In vitro cytotoxicity studies have shown that higher concentration (>25 µg/mL) of CuCe_xFe_2-xO₄ (x = 0.05) NPs shows reduced cell viability and induced cell membrane damage in cell line of L929 fibroblasts, but were found to be non-toxic at lower concentration suggesting their biocompatibility.

The economic development of any nation is dependent upon the purposeful human activity, that is, entrepreneurial function.  Entrepreneurship has come to be perceived as the engine of economic and social development throughout the world.  Entrepreneurs have become the backbone of industrial development.  Thus, the efforts are undertaken by the respective governments for the development of entrepreneurs which are popularly known as Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs). Entrepreneurship development is an educational process and an endeavour in human resource development.  The relevance of EDPs is that entrepreneurs are not just born but can be developed and trained to undertake ventures and be creative.  The significance of EDPs has been recognised world over, both in developed and developing countries.  The aim of EDPs is to create an entrepreneurial culture and develop a healthy small business sector to facilitate the economic development.  EDPs, if results in the development of an entrepreneurial culture can be a solution for many of the problems confronted by an economy.  EDPs enable prospective entrepreneurs in the setting up of their own units, thus creating employment opportunities.  EDPs also assists in accelerating the pace of industrialisation in the backward areas by setting up small scale units in industrially backward and remote areas thus ensuring a balanced regional development.  Thus, it results in utilisation of local resources, increasing the standard of living and facilitating the overall development.

A novel Schiff base ligand was synthesized by condensation of antipyrine-4-carboxaldehyde with 2-amino-3-carboxyethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene and its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were prepared by microwave assisted solvent free synthesis. The characterization of the ligand and the metal complexes was performed through elemental analyses, molar conductance studies, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV–VIS, IR, FAB mass and ESR spectral analyses wherever possible and applicable. The spectral data revealed that the ligand acted as neutral tridentate coordinating to the metal ion through oxygen of the ester carbonyl group, azomethine nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen of antipyrine moiety. The XRD spectral data indicated the crystalline nature of the ligand and the copper(II) complex and both were indexed to orthorhombic crystal lattice

Insurance has a very crucial role in Indian scenario. And when it comes to the life insurance industry, Life Insurance Corporation of India owns the major market share in the Indian insurance sector. LIC agents play a dominant role in making the insurance products available to the customers. But they confront various stumbling blocks while marketing. Objectives: The main purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the agents are satisfied with the services provided by LIC and to analyse the problems they face during marketing. Methodology: Primary data has been collected from the LIC agents using questionnaire and secondary data sources are LIC reports and websites. Findings: Agents are considerably satisfied with the services provided to them by LIC. They face problems in terms of rigorous regulations, competitions, difficulties in convincing customers, delay of grievance redressal mechanism and lack of increments in commission.

Domestic Noir, a literary subgenre of crime fiction, is a term introduced by the English writer Julia Crouch in 2013 and explains the genre as opposing the traditional idea of home as the safest place for women. Like most crime novels, domestic noir explores dark themes; in particular, crime within romantic relationships and the family home. Placing women as both the victim and the perpetrator, domestic noir shows how women can challenge and break the stereotypical gender roles placing them as a New Woman in front of male supremacy. Placing noir fiction as a cultural commentary on the gendered inequities of domestic life, this new genre tries to place women not only as a victim to domestic violence but as a problem solver also. This paper tries to explain this new trend in domestic sphere giving special focus to the American writer Gilliam Flynn’s work The Gone Girl. Placing a threat to the male dominance in domestic sphere, the heroine - violent yet cunning Amy Dunne in Gilliam Flynn’s The Gone Girl challenges the male dominance in family relations thus underlines a sense of decay and complication in traditional gender roles. The heaven like husband–wife relationship is here questioned and apart from portraying women as mere victims in domestic violence, domestic noir discusses how traditional and stereotypical women is replaced by a New Woman in domestic space who can even trap their male counterpart against the malice he did in marriage and thus proclaimed the emergence of a new woman though in a violent manner.

Infrared transparent ceramics found applications in infrared transparent domes and windows. Sintering of transparent ceramics without any deterioration in the transmittance and mechanical properties is a major challenge in the fabrication of transparent windows.  In the present work a modified combustion synthesis was effectively utilised to synthesise nanostructured Pr_0.1Y_1.9O₃. By conventional heating the sample was sintered to 98.2% of the theoretical density at 1550 ^oC for a soaking duration of two hours without the application of pressure or sintering additives. The sintered sample showed a transmittance of 66% in the mid IR region. The remarkable transmittance property of the sample  can effectively be used in  the fabrication of high quality infrared transparent windows.

Reform is not a static term but indicates a journey of the banking sector. It not only changed the functioning of the banking sector but also improved the efficiency productivity and effectiveness of the banking fraternity in India. In this connection government is also playing a vital role through implementing the various recommendations put forward by various committees contributing towards reforms. Here an attempt had been made to critically analyze the impact of banking reforms (Narasimham Committee II) which took place in 1998 in the Indian banking sector.

To assess the impact on the banking sector, the reform period was classified as pre and post periods.  The year 1998 was considered as the year of banking reforms.  Hence pre- reforms period consist of 15 years from 1983 to 1997 and post reforms period was selected from the year 2001 to 2015 after giving a time gap of two years (1999 and 2000) as by 2001 the reforms measures had exerted their full impact on the performance of the Indian banking sector.Hence this paper is an attempt to explore the performance of the Indian banks for a period of 15 years in the light of banking reforms with the help of slope analysis.

Goods and Service tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied in India on the sale of goods and services. It is a single tax on the supply of goods and services right from the manufacturer to the consumer.  It came in to existence from 1 July 2017, through implementation of one hundred and first amendments by the Government of India. It is the greatest tax reform in India designed to support and enhances the economic growth of a country. The tax replaced existing multiple cascading taxes levied by the central and state governments. The execution of GST in India emerges from the complications of the tax system of the country. The idea behind implementation of GST is to bring uniformity in the goods and service prices across the nation. GST is the only indirect tax that directly connect all the sectors of Indian economy thus enhancing the economic growth of the country by creating a single unified market.

The new tax system had brought a paradigm shift in the existing tax system and business transactions. GST will definitely have a positive impact on the retail sector in terms of business operations, however it is subject to implementation risks due to transition to the new tax system.

Hence, an attempt is made to explore the perception of retailers towards the benefits and challenges faced after implementation of the new tax reform.

The conduct of individual investors is heavily influenced by a variety of biases that have been emphasised in the growing field of behaviour finance. As a result, this research is part of a larger effort to evaluate the impact of behavioural biases on investment decision-making on the National Stock Exchange. A questionnaire is created, and 243 investors' responses are gathered using survey responses. Inferential statistics and descriptive statistics were used in this study. Overconfidence, anchoring, disposition effect, and herding behaviour are the four behavioural biases examined in the current study. Overconfidence and herding bias have a considerable favourable impact on investment decisions, according to the findings. Overall, the findings show that individual investors have little expertise and are more likely to make psychological mistakes. Individual investment decisions are influenced by biases. Financial intermediaries will benefit from this research.

This article is an attempt to evaluate the role of Kerala State Federation of SC ST Development Co-Operatives formulated as the Apex Cooperative Federation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes primary co-operative societies in the State of Kerala. The Federation was constituted and registered under Kerala State Cooperative Societies Act of 1969 on 22^nd July 1981, and commenced their operations on 5^th October 1981. The federation act as implementing agency for several development programmes for the SC/ST sector and also works with both central and state governments to implement plan schemes and plays a key role in the implementation of various socio-economic development initiatives. Federation has entered into a number of commercial initiatives and is constantly working to improve its services for the benefit of the state's end-user community of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

This study examines the influence of the current global financial crisis on the market risk exposure of investments in the Indian stock market. Market risk is quantified using the value-at-risk method (VaR). This risk management metric, which financial organizations commonly use, determines the most significant loss that may occur over a specified trading time with a specified level of confidence. Due to the well-documented time-varying volatility of financial time series, standard techniques of calculating VaR frequently underestimate the magnitude of portfolio losses, particularly during periods of high volatility. We use anEGARCH formulation to enhance the volatility forecasts and hence the VaR estimations. VaR is then calculated many times during the out-of-sample period. The results indicate that this method of calculating VaR is more accurate at capturing the real impact of market risk across a range of volatility situations.

Potential theranostic agents based on metal organic frame works (MOFs) are currently used for the targeted drug delivery at specific disease sites. Their microporous structure, chemical functionality and thermal stability make them an exceptional candidate in the biomedical field. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a prominent bio compatible MOF. The present work reports the in-situ incorporation of novel anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox) in the ZIF-8 structure using a simple solvothermal route. The nanoparticle size was found to be around 100-150 nm as confirmed by XRD and SEM. The inherent red luminescence of Doxorubicin helps in probing the nanoparticles. The amount of Dox in ZIF 8 frame is quantified from the fluorescence intensity measurements. These fluorescent Dox@ZIF-8 nanoparticles can be effectively used for anticancer applications in future.

We've all seen that these days, more and more people are opting for internet shopping for a variety of reasons, including convenience, variety, and smart gadgets. With the convenience of acquiring and selling items or services, as well as the availability and accessibility of cutting-edge technology through the Internet, the eCommerce industry has exploded. Consumers are growing increasingly comfortable utilising different apps like carts, catalogues, comparison, and completing online purchases as their trust in eCommerce platforms grows. Despite the fact that many customers are becoming more accustomed to utilising various electronic devices and ePayment platforms by installing and using a variety of programmes on their smart devices, many consumers still prefer Cash on Delivery. For greater long-term success, it is critical for online firms to understand the payment preferences of ever-changing customers. The study is based on the age, the purpose of use, frequency of use, different problems encountered while using it, and the impact of ePayments on company growth of 100 sample respondents who use ePayments for purchasing things online. The primary components and interpretation are then examined in greater depth in this article, presenting a comprehensive picture of the findings, and a conclusion is formed based on it.

Tourism is a worldwide phenomenon and every country is trying to lure maximum customers to their tourist destinations. However the competition is heavy and under such circumstances new opportunities have to be explored. Accessible tourism is such a new business opportunity which focusing the concept of universal accessibility.

 Freedom of mobility is a basic right and inseparable part of everyone’s life. Every person has the right to travel and explore even the farthest edge of the globe. The present environment however, doesn’t seem conducive enough to realize the potential of the tourist with reduced mobility in the leisure and recreation market. According to WHO (2011) there are approximately 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world which accounts to almost 15% of the world’s population. The tourism industry should recognize that people with disabilities have equal rights to tourism services and opportunities. Therefore it should formulate tourism policies and practices which is accessible to people with disabilities, giving rise to equitable and accessible tourism to all. Above all, we must appreciate the social responsible approach of accessible tourism which not only benefits the people with disabilities or special needs but also each one of us.

Nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds dihydropyrimidinone and its sulphur analogue, diphenylpyrimidine-2-thione, have been reported to possess many pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-HIV, antibacterial, antimalarial, antihypertensive, sedative, hypnotics, anticonvulsant, antithyroid and as antibiotics. 4, 6- diphenylpyrimidin-2-one and 4, 6-diphenylpyramidine-2-thione were synthesised by the reaction of benzalacetophenone (chalcone) with urea and thiourea respectively using ethanol as the solvent. Benzalacetophenone was synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt reaction by condensing acetophenone with benzaldehyde in the presence of an aqueous alkali. The structures of benzalacetophenone (chalcone), 4, 6-diphenylpyrimidin-2-one and 4, 6-diphenylpyrimidine-2-thione were confirmed by NMR (¹H, ¹³C), FTIR & MASS spectral data

Dendrimers have aroused scientific temper since their first hypothesis by Flory and later reported by Fréchet and co – workers. Properties such as pharmacodynamics and bio distribution of these unique polymers are dependent on their size and diffusion rates. Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP – HPLC) and Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) are two unique methods used in the purification and quantification of various types of dendrimers. RP – HPLC is usually the primary method for usual sample analysis, being more rugged in comparison to various other forms of liquid chromatography. Columns for RP – HPLC and UPLC are non – polar, stable and reproducible. Though UP – HPLC offers less run time and increases sensitivity, there are associated problems with reduction in column life due to decreased particle size and high pressure. The present review serves to examine methodologies in the use of both these separation techniques in the analyses of dendrimers.

Composite electrolytes consisting of protonic conducting perovskite oxide Sr(Y_0.08Zr_0.92)O_3-d and Sr(Gd_0.1Ce_0.9)O_3-d (SYZS and SGDC)  and alkaline carbonate (Li₂CO₃:Na₂CO₃, 1:1 molar ratio) were prepared through high energy milling followed by sintering techniques. The chemical and microstructural stability of these perovskite oxides with the mixed carbonates were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after reacting them at 690 °C for 1 h in air. The electrochemical performance of selected composites was evaluated using impedance spectroscopy in air. Among the two compositions, SrGdCeO₃ shows degradation in contact with molten carbonates whereas SrYZrO₃ is more stable. The corresponding composites have ionic conductivities (3.3x10^-1 Scm^-1 at 580 °C, in air) close to those reported for state-of-the-art ceria-based composite electrolytes. SrYZrO₃+Li₂CO₃:Na₂CO₃ composites show chemical stability at operating temperatures in the order of 600 °C, standing as a potential candidate for intermediate temperature applications.

Kerala one of the first Superbrand of India in the tourism area, tag lined ‘God’s own country’ is bestowed with abundance in beauty, moderate climate; friendly, highly educated and resourceful people; lively and dynamic culture; considerable government support in terms of funds; policy decisions favouring tourism and numerable potential resources. All these form a perfect combination for development and diversification of tourism. Kerala is largely a consumer state with its economic status derived from a huge population working abroad. But the recent global economic slowdown has resulted not only in loss of opportunities abroad but also a reverse exodus of people returning home. Hence, it has become imperative for the government ‘to look elsewhere’. Tourism seems to be the answer and the best available option. To tap the full potential of tourism and to lay a solid economic foundation, it becomes necessary to look at possible diversifications, exploring fully untapped areas, combining it with unique possibilities indigenous to Kerala alone.

This paper examines the various factors that contribute to Kerala's strength as a preferred destination for Health, Wellness and Medical tourism. It also examines the diverse challenges that need to be addressed by the stakeholders to realize its potential

The appropriate approaches to propel Health Tourism in the global context are standardiza-tion of quality, proper management, innovative methods for manufacturing and the degree of potency. In recent scenario promotional activities are being made to revitalize the hidden science of healing in Kerala through health and wellness and also medical tourism. The synergistic combination of health, vacation and leisure will help the tourism and hospitality sector to cultivate global competitiveness and have sustainable growth.

Endosulfan is a persistent organic pollutant especially in water bodies and sediments with increased danger of bioaccumulation. Although it was banned worldwide by the Stockholm Convention in 2011, it is still used especially in developing countries. It is extremely harmful to non-target organisms in aquatic bodies especially fishes. In the present study, effect of Aloe vera on some specific bio chemical marker enzymes of endosulfan intoxicated common carp, Cyprinus carpio was investigated. Test animals were exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.05µg/L) of the endosulfan and Aloe vera was given in feed at two different concentrations (10% and 20% w/w). The preventive and curative effect of Aloe vera was determined by studying the level of marker enzymes like acetyl cholinesterase in brain, superoxide dismutase in liver and acid and alkaline phosphatases in muscle. The total protein content in all these samples was also estimated. It was found that Aloe vera has significant preventive effect in combating the toxicity of endosulfan.  The enzyme systems that get disrupted in endosulfan treated groups showed an improvement in their activity in Aloe vera feed given preventive groups. Even though lesser when compared to the preventive effect, Aloe vera also showed a significant curative effect in the endosulfan damaged enzyme systems but only in the higher concentration. All the results obtained were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Kerala's MSME sector, which had been languishing behind the national average in terms of growth, has now improved to a growth rate of 12%. However, as compared to other states, Kerala needs to embrace new techniques in the ease of doing business to make it more investment, industry, and trade friendly. The improvement in digital technologies will help Kerala to engage more in digital marketing. It has become necessary for avoiding economic and social marginalization and it can also offer them growth and diversification opportunities. Digital marketing is often confused with online marketing, Internet marketing E marketing, E business, E commerce etc. As all, these are only one part of the digital marketing. The Internet, mobile phones, wireless communications, and digital television are all examples of digital marketing channels. Kerala's MSME sector could employ digital marketing technologies to develop more effective and transparent marketing strategies, allowing them to reach new heights in commerce and industry. He believes that increased use of digital marketing strategies on social media, web marketing, and mobile marketing is critical for expanding the horizon of global commerce and reaching out to new clientele.

Infrared transparent windows found to have applications in demanding defense and space missions. In this paper we report the synthesis of La_0.3Y_1.7O₃ by a modified auto-igniting combustion technique and the sintering of the pellets made from the ultrafine nanostructured powder using resistive heating. The XRD analysis and  High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopic(HR-TEM) studies reveal that the average crystallite size is ~16nm and the lattice planes are well defined. The pure white La_0.3Y_1.7O₃  powder is uniaxially compacted in to pellets in a 14mm diameter steel die and sintered to 98% theoretical density without any sintering additives or applying pressure at 1560^oC for 2hours  in a conventional furnace which. The transmission spectrum of the sintered pellet in the Uv-Vis region reveals that the material is showing 77% of transmittance in the visible region and 76% in the Mid IR region. The results clearly indicate that the ultra-fine La_0.3Y_1.7O₃ nanopowder synthesized by the modified auto-igniting combustion technique synthesised using single step combustion method followed by resistive heating can be used very effectively for the fabrication of improved infrared transparent windows and domes.

ZnO found applications in solar windows and UV shielding windows. In the present work nanostructured ZnO  is synthesized by the single step auto-igniting combustion technique. Various powder characterization techniques revealed that ZnO powders is phase pure and crystallised in face centred cubic lattice with an average crystallite size of 26  nm. A novel sintering strategy called resistive coupled microwave sintering is developed and optimised during the course of work by effectively coupling resistive heating and microwave heating in definite proportions. By this method ZnO is sintered to 98.3% of the theoretical density at  1050^oC for a soaking duration of 30 minutes. The pellet sintered using resistive coupled microwave heating shows high load independent hardness of 2.37 GPa .   

Dogs as a species have been portrayed in a very inferior light when compared to human beings from time immemorial. They have been branded as dirty, impure, lowbred and bad in various cultures. In spite of their affectionate nature, they have been misinterpreted but as time went by they began to be portrayed in a better light. This paper looks at the characteristics of dogs and the ways in which they are treated by humans belonging to different cultural backgrounds. The positive qualities of dogs, the differing attitude of man towards dogs in Western as well as Indian culture, human-canine relations and the mistreatment of dogs are evaluated and through this try to elevate the position of dogs in society especially with the aid of the dogs depicted in Literature.