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The exponential growth of online food delivery services has significantly transformed consumer behavior, especially with the integration of mobile payment technologies. This study explores the influence of three key factors—Perceived Ease of Use, Privacy and Security, and E-Service Quality—on Customer Satisfaction within the context of mobile payments in online food delivery applications. A structured questionnaire was administered to 350 respondents in urban India, and data were analyzed using SPSS software employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that all three independent variables have a significant and positive relationship with customer satisfaction, with e-service quality emerging as the most influential predictor. The study offers practical implications for mobile app developers, food delivery platforms, and policymakers aiming to enhance consumer satisfaction and digital service delivery in the food tech sector.

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, technological advancements continue to redefine the structure and performance of various global industries. Among these innovations, intelligent systems defined as technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence have begun to influence not only business operations but also the way consumers interact with services. This research investigates the evolving dynamics of one such transformative trend within a specific service-driven sector, focusing on how these advancements are shaping user experiences, efficiency, and operational models. The study centres on the Kozhikode district in Kerala- India, known for its rich heritage and natural appeal, exploring the integration of smart technologies in enhancing tourism-related services. Employing a descriptive research design, data were gathered from 50 tourists visiting key eco-tourism locations within the district. Insights were drawn using both primary data through structured questionnaires and secondary data from scholarly and industry sources. While the findings reveal significant improvements in service delivery, customer engagement, and personalization, they also highlight notable challenges, including financial investment, skill requirements, and ethical dilemmas. The study underscores the need for thoughtful implementation strategies that align technological growth with sustainable and ethical tourism practices. These findings offer practical relevance for tourism professionals, policymakers, and researchers aiming to adapt to the increasingly digital expectations of modern travellers.

Cryptocurrencies represent a significant shift in financial paradigms, presenting a decentralized alternative that disrupts traditional monetary systems and facilitates peer-to-peer transactions. This pilot study examines the awareness and perceptions of cryptocurrency among investors in Telangana, India, with a specific focus on regulatory considerations. Data was gathered from 80 participants through purposive and convenience sampling via a structured questionnaire. The research aims to elucidate sources of awareness, investment behaviors, tax implications, and the confidence levels investors maintain regarding crypto trading. The results indicate that a significant proportion of investors are young males, primarily students, with the internet and social media serving as critical channels for information dissemination. Despite the notable engagement in cryptocurrency investments, many participants exhibit limited awareness regarding regulatory frameworks. Additionally, there exists a prevalent reluctance towards existing taxation policies, alongside uncertainty surrounding directives from governmental bodies and the Reserve Bank of India. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced educational initiatives, clearer regulatory guidelines, and policy adaptations to foster a more informed and inclusive environment for cryptocurrency investing in India. This pilot study serves as a foundational step toward more extensive research aimed at informing policymakers and stakeholders about the emerging dynamics of crypto investment.

This study examines the attitude of investors towards Post Office Saving Schemes with a special focus on the Mavoor Post Office. These schemes, backed by the Government of India, are known for their safety, reliability, and guaranteed returns. The research aimed to assess awareness levels, investment preferences, satisfaction, and challenges faced by investors. Data was collected from 30 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. The findings reveal that most investors choose these schemes for secure returns, with the Public Provident Fund being the most preferred. However, a major challenge identified was the lack of clear information about the schemes. Despite this, customer service satisfaction was generally high. The study highlights the importance of increasing financial awareness and improving communication to make these schemes more inclusive and investor-friendly. These insights can help policymakers strengthen the reach and impact of post office saving schemes, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

This research study investigates tourism marketing strategies in selective places within Karnataka, India, aiming to enhance destination attractiveness and drive tourist inflow. The objectives include examining the effectiveness of digital marketing and heritage branding in shaping tourists’ perceptions and choices, analyzing factors influencing destination loyalty, and assessing the implications for tourism marketing practices. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing an online survey administered to 500 tourists who had visited Mysore, Hampi, Coorg, and Gokarna. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, multiple regression analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Key findings reveal that digital marketing platforms significantly influence destination selection, with search engines and social media having the highest impact. Heritage branding positively affects tourist perception, enhancing cultural experiences and historical interest. The study identifies positive previous experiences and natural beauty as primary factors influencing destination loyalty. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty underscores the importance of delivering exceptional tourist experiences. The research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of effective tourism marketing strategies in Karnataka, offering insights for policymakers, destination management organizations, and tourism stakeholders to develop tailored marketing strategies. These findings have broader implications for enhancing destination competitiveness and driving sustainable tourism growth in regions with similar cultural and tourism profiles.

Religious tourism is a vital contributor to cultural preservation and local economies, offering spiritual, socio-economic, and environmental dimensions. This study explores the drivers of religious tourism and its socio-economic and environmental impacts, with a special focus on Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati. Utilizing a descriptive research design, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires targeting local residents and tourists. Key findings reveal that spiritual connection, peace, and cultural curiosity are primary motivators for visiting religious sites. Despite the large influx of visitors during Ambubachi Mela, environmental impacts were minimal, as pre- and post-event analyses showed no significant differences. Socio-economic benefits were evident, including moderate to significant increases in employment, local business growth, and indirect economic contributions to small and medium enterprises. However, these benefits were unevenly distributed, and long-term infrastructure improvements were limited. Challenges such as poor crowd management and inadequate cleanliness underscore the need for better planning and resource allocation. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers like time constraints and financial limitations while fostering sustainable tourism practices. These insights are crucial for enhancing the religious tourism experience, promoting socio-economic growth, and minimizing environmental impacts for events like Ambubachi Mela.

Ironically, even in the twenty-first century, more than a third of the population in developing countries is still ineligible for financial services. The inclusion of those are financially excluded in banking has been shown in several studies to be individuals and society as a whole. The G-20 countries and the World Bank have been leading the campaign for increased financial inclusion in poor countries since 2010 in order to assist alleviate penury in developing and emerging economies. Today, policy makers and researchers are paying more attention to the importance of digital banking and financial inclusion for eradicating poverty and improving the economy. Small transaction requirements are easily met by mobile technologies and digital currencies. Digital finance and financial inclusion bring to consumers of financial services; providers, governments, and the economy are increased access to finance for the poor, decreased growth in the cost of financial intermediation for banks, Fintech providers and increased aggregate spending for financial services and drawing increased attention. The link between these and the issues they present for financial inclusion have not received much attention in the past. This study examines how digital finance affects both financial inclusion and Finance system continuity.

This study explores the lived experiences of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) teachers in a Philippine state university regarding their compliance with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, six CPA educators were interviewed to understand their motivations, challenges, institutional support, perceived benefits, and recommendations for improving CPD implementation. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: compliance driven by external mandates, financial and institutional barriers, perceived limited relevance of CPD activities, value in staying updated with professional knowledge, and a strong call for policy and structural reforms. Findings indicate that CPD compliance is largely motivated by regulatory requirements such as license renewal and accreditation, rather than intrinsic professional growth. Participants reported challenges including high costs, limited access, and insufficient institutional support. While CPD was found useful for updating content knowledge, its impact on teaching practice was perceived as minimal. The study concludes that current CPD policies are burdensome and misaligned with educators’ professional contexts. It recommends policy reforms that prioritize relevance, accessibility, and institutional backing to enhance CPD’s effectiveness. These insights aim to inform educational leaders, policy makers, and accrediting bodies in designing more responsive and equitable CPD frameworks for accounting educators in higher education.