Cause-related marketing (CRM) is defined as a company pitching to its customers, “if you buy product/service A, then we will donate in cash or kind to charitable cause B.” CRM has a positive impact on firm performance, and this is reflected in its rapid growth. However, the impact of CRM on societal welfare is controversial. This study presents a novel argument rooted in economic theory that CRM reduces societal welfare. CRM is a form of “bundling” of the product sold by the company and a donation to the cause. We present a mathematical model to show that bundling increases firms’ profits but reduces societal welfare. Finally, we recommend how firms and consumers can really help a charitable cause.

Home Science, as a discipline oriented toward the holistic wellbeing of the individual, family, and community, is undergoing a significant transformation under the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. This paper presents a conceptual and descriptive examination of how AI-enabled tools, digital platforms, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications are reshaping teaching–learning processes, skill development, collaboration, and real-world application within Home Science education. Drawing upon secondary literature and an integrative conceptual framework, the study organizes the impact of these technologies into five interrelated dimensions: enhanced learning experience, improved teaching and assessment, skill development and practical learning, collaboration and accessibility, and real-world application and life impact. The paper further identifies key challenges confronting the adoption of AI in Home Science education, including cost, digital divide, teacher preparedness, data privacy, and the risk of over-reliance on technology, and proposes a way-forward framework anchored in infrastructure investment, capacity building, quality digital content, ethical use, and industry–academia partnerships. The paper argues that a judicious, learner-centred integration of AI and digital technologies can make Home Science education more personalized, inclusive, and future-ready while continuing to nurture the discipline's core values of competence, creativity, and compassion.

The increasing adoption of digital payment systems has transformed the way financial transactions are conducted, making digital payments an essential part of daily activities. However, despite this rapid technological advancement, variations exist in consumer experiences, acceptance levels and perceptions regarding government-led Digital Payment Services (GLDPs) facilitated through public and private sector banks. Therefore, this study aims to explore consumer perceptions regarding the adoption of government-led digital payment services and assess how these perceptions differ between customers of public sector banks and private sector banks. The research focuses on analysing dimensions such as awareness, accessibility, usability, trust, security and service-related challenges affecting adoption behaviour. Furthermore, the study compares consumer adoption patterns between Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Private Sector Banks (PrSBs) and examines the challenges faced by users while utilizing government-supported digital payment platforms. A sample size of 390 consumers from SBI and HDFC banks is considered and an interview is conducted using a structured questionnaire. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in the research methodology. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tools, which include factor analysis and SEM, were employed in analysing the data. The analysis on adoption behaviour demonstrated a moderate to high level of adoption of GLDPs among the consumers. Trust & security appear to be the strong drivers underscoring the significance of confidence in sustainable usage of digital platforms.

Financial literacy can be defined as the ability of individuals to effectively understand, manage, and utilize financial resources to achieve better financial outcomes. It plays a significant role in enhancing individual financial well-being as well as contributing to broader economic development. Since individual investors form an important part of the financial ecosystem, this study explores the influence of financial literacy on their investment decision-making behaviour. The study is based on data collected from more than 200 individual investors from Hyderabad and Secunderabad and examines key dimensions of financial literacy, including knowledge of financial products, accessibility to financial services, money management practices, awareness of investment alternatives, and the ability to make informed investment decisions. Additionally, the research investigates various behavioural biases that investors may develop through personal experiences, investment exposure, and social influences. The findings indicate that practical financial skills have the strongest influence on investment behaviour, whereas basic awareness of financial products has comparatively less impact. The study emphasizes that behavioural biases can significantly affect investment choices and may influence the overall performance and returns of investors. Based on these insights, the research provides recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions to promote skill-oriented financial education and strengthen investors’ decision-making capabilities.