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Girl Child Development: A Historical and Thematic Exploration of Literature
G. Madhura, Research Scholar, Al-Ameen Research Foundation, University of Mysore: Dr. S. Chitradevi, Professor and Guide, Al-Ameen Research Foundation, University of Mysore.
Pages: 1-21 | First Published: 05 Oct 2025
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Abstract

            This paper examines the evolution of literature on girl child development from 1914 to 2024, highlighting the thematic shifts that have occurred in response to changing societal norms, cultural contexts, and policy frameworks. Initially focused on broad explorations of female identity, the literature has evolved to encompass complex issues such as education, health, gender identity, psychological well-being, and the impact of violence and socio-economic factors on girl children. Through a comprehensive analysis of significant literature at each stage of this thematic evolution, this study reveals both progress and persistent challenges in addressing the needs of girls worldwide.

            Key findings indicate that while substantial advancements have been made in understanding girl child development, gaps remain in integrating historical insights with contemporary challenges. Cultural biases, structural inequalities, and gender-based violence continue to impede progress, necessitating a deeper investigation into intersectionality and localized solutions.

            This paper underscores the need for further research that tracks the long-term outcomes of girl children, evaluates the effectiveness of policies and programs, and explores the implications of technology on their development. By synthesizing existing literature and identifying future research directions, this study aims to contribute to a more holistic understanding of girl child development, guiding policymakers, educators, and researchers in their efforts to promote gender equality and empower girls in diverse contexts. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a nuanced approach that addresses both immediate challenges and long-term strategies for improving the lives of girl children globally.

Keywords: Girl Child Development, Thematic Evolution, Gender Equality, Cultural Contexts, Gender-Based Violence, Educational Disparities, Intersectionality. 

References

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Agri-Commerce Evolution: Agribazaar’s Transformation of Indian Agriculture Markets
Dr. N Smitha Assistant Professor: R. Malavika Research Scholar, Post Graduate & Research Department of Economics, Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, Chennai.
Pages: 9-19 | First Published: 05 Oct 2025
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Abstract 

Agriculture remains a pillar of India's economy, but farmers continue to confront challenges in market access, price transparency, and delayed payments via traditional mandis. The rise of digital agri-commerce platforms, such as AgriBazaar, has altered agricultural trade by allowing for direct farmer-consumer contacts, realtime price information, and timely payments. This study examines the progression of Indian agri-commerce from traditional mandis to digital platforms and assesses AgriBazaar's influence on farmer income and welfare. The study compares traditional and digital systems based on secondary data from government papers, scholarly journals, and platform publications in terms of market access, price discovery, transaction speed, technology utilization, and policy support. The findings show that AgriBazaar boosts income (+157%) and wellbeing (+183%) while reducing dependency on middlemen. Despite challenges such as digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, financial constraints, and cultural resistance, opportunities for training, connectivity, and government initiatives highlight digital agri-commerce's transformative potential for improving farmer livelihoods and increasing economic efficiency.

Keywords: E-Commerce, Digital Agriculture, Farmer Welfare, Market Access, AgriBazaar

References

1. Shalendra, & Kumar, K. N. R. (2021). Developing Local Food System in India - A Case of Rythu Bazaars in Telangana. Journal of Agricultural Extension Management, 22(1), 81. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/JAEM/article/view/159411. 

2. V. Puranik, Sharmila, A. Ranjan and A. Kumari, "Automation in Agriculture and IoT," 2019 4th International Conference on Internet of Things: Smart Innovation and Usages (IoT-SIU), Ghaziabad, India, 2019, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/IoT-SIU.2019.8777619. 

3. R. Shri pradha, V. P. Suryaswetha, K. M. Senthil, J. Ajayan, J. Jayageetha and A. Karhikeyan, "Agricultural Field Monitoring using IoT," 2019 5th International Conference on Advanced Computing & Communication Systems (ICACCS), Coimbatore, India, 2019, pp. 1- 

4, doi: 10.1109/ICACCS.2019.8728508. 4. Chandra S.R. Nuthalapati, K. Srinivas, Neha Pandey, and Rajeev Sharma, "Startups with Open Innovation: Accelerating Technological Change and Food Value Chain Flows in India," Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, vol. 75, no. 4, October–December 2020. 

5. AgriBazaar's Impact on Indian Agricultural Farm Supply. (2024, July 26). AgriBazaar Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.agribazaar.com/agribazaars-impact-on-indianagricultural-farm-supply-online/ 

6. World Bank. (2018). E-Agriculture and Digital Market Access in India. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications. 

7. Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. (2023). Annual Report on Agricultural Marketing

Women, Work, Web: Social Media’s Influence on Microenterprises
Dr.N.Smitha, Assistant Professor: Ms. A. Catherine, Research Scholar, Post Graduate & Research Department of Economics, Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav college, Arumbakkam, Chennai.
Pages: 62-69 | First Published: 05 Oct 2025
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Abstract 

India’s informal economy has traditionally relied on the invisible and undervalued contribution of women labours. After the rise of Digital India and affordable smartphones, the social media platform started bridging the gaps in mobility, literacy and access to market. This changed home-based activities into successful micro enterprises. The main objective of the study is, to identify and classify the different kinds of micro-enterprises that used by women, and to analyze the ways in which these platforms influence women’s digital identities, selfconfidence and social mobility. The study is based on secondary data, reports from Economic Survey (sX) and government portals. Findings indicate that social media platforms are influenced by their geographic location, digital knowledge, and the nature of their enterprise. In rural and semi-urban women prefer WhatsApp and Facebook for selling directly and customer interaction but in urban and advanced technology adopters prefer Instagram and YouTube for branding and earning income. Social media not only expands market access but also enables women to build their digital identities and interaction with their customers confidently. Among other benefits the level of independence and the role they currently perform in their households has been increased. In order to ensure that social media becomes a useful instrument for women in microentrepreneur’s, economic growth and empowering  women. The study recommends for the focus of skill-building programs and inclusive digital norms to enhance women’s participations and performance in digital platforms. 

Keyword: Women microentrepreneurs, social media, Economic growth, empowering women.

References

  1. Malkani Sanjana and Sitlani CS Manish (2025), “Role of Social Media in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in India: A Retrospection”. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Volume 12, Issue 1, ISSN-2349-5162. 

  2. Pattanshetty Sanjya and Murthy B.V Srinivasa, (2025), “Women Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities in Emerging Economies”. Journal of Engineering & Management, ISSN 2582-0079. https:www.doi.org/10.37314/JJEM. 

  3. Sachdeva, G., Ganjoo, M. & Borah, T. Examining the role of Instagram in empowering women entrepreneurs and addressing gender inequality in startup leadership. Int. j. inf. tecnol. 17, 793–810 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41870-024-02232-y 

  4. Economic survey, *11_ChapterVI_6ecRep_0.pdf. 

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Urban Transport in the Digital Age: How Chennai Metro Supports Commerce 2.0 and Sustainable Mobility
Mr.A.Branish, Research Scholar: Dr.N.Smitha, Assistant Professor, Post Graduate and Research Department of Economics, Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College, Arumbakkam, Chennai.
Pages: 159-163 | First Published: 05 Oct 2025
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Abstract 

Urban transport systems in the twenty-first century are no longer confined to the basic function of providing physical mobility. They have gradually evolved into dynamic infrastructures that influence economic development, digital transformation, and sustainable practices. This study examines the role of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) as a transformative urban mobility initiative that integrates advanced technologies with commerce, contributing to what may be termed as Commerce 2.0. The research relies on a descriptive and analytical methodology, using commuter surveys, official metro data, and secondary literature to evaluate how digital ticketing systems, mobile payment platforms, QR-code ticketing, and station-based commercial hubs are reshaping commuter behavior and urban business opportunities. It highlights how CMRL has succeeded in reducing travel times, improving commuter satisfaction, and attracting retail investments in station premises. The study also emphasizes the sustainability dimension, showing that the metro has substantially reduced dependency on private vehicles, thus lowering urban pollution. With the ongoing Phase II expansion, Chennai Metro is expected to bridge crucial connectivity gaps, strengthen last-mile integration, and develop into a digital-commercial ecosystem by interlinking with e-commerce and mobility service providers. This dual role of CMRL—as a transport facilitator and as a commerce enabler—underscores its potential as a model for other Indian and international urban contexts. The paper concludes with policy recommendations on inclusivity, affordability, and technological innovations that could further amplify the metro’s role in shaping urban commerce and sustainable development. 

Keywords: Urban Transport, Chennai Metro, Commerce 2.0, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Mobility

References

  1. Sharma, R. (2019). Metro Rail and Urban Development in India. Journal of Urban Studies, 12(3), 45-59. 

  2. Kumar, P., & Singh, A. (2020). Digital Transformation in Public Transport: A Study of Indian Metro Systems. International Journal of Transport Economics, 18(2), 101-118. Emperor Journal of Commerce Mayas Publication 143 

  3. Chennai Metro Rail Limited. (2023). Annual Report 2022-23. Government of Tamil Nadu. 

  4. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. (2022). National Urban Transport Policy. Government of India. 

  5. World Bank. (2021). Sustainable Urban Mobility in Developing Economies. World Bank Publications. 

  6. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. (2020). Annual Report. Government of Delhi. 

  7. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation. (2021). Urban Transport and Digital Integration. Government of Karnataka. 

  8. Saxena, M. (2022). The Role of Metro Rail in Smart City Development. Indian Journal of Economics, 19(1), 77-92. 

  9. Mehta, A. (2021). Cashless Transactions in Urban Transport: A Case Study of Indian Cities. Journal of Digital Commerce, 15(4), 215-230. 

  10. Singh, R., & Thomas, J. (2020). Last-Mile Connectivity and Metro Systems: Challenges and Opportunities. Urban Transport Review, 11(2), 99-114.