Partners Universal International Innovation Journal

Navigating the World's Largest Democratic Exercise: India's 2024 General Election

Dr. A. Shaji George — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The general election in India in 2024 will be an enormous democratic challenge, requiring the mobilization of enormous human and material resources nationwide to manage an electorate of around 1 billion people and overcome several logistical obstacles. The 2024 elections are expected to surpass all previous records in terms of voter turnout and expenditure, involving an estimated 673 political parties, 1 million polling stations, over 15 million election officials, 5 million voting machines, and lasting 44 days. From the massive numbers of individuals eligible to vote and the number of political parties involved to the specifics of the voting process, the associated expenses, and the possible consequences, this article covers it all. More than 968 million people are entitled to vote, which is over 150 million more than in the 2019 elections. 543 people will be chosen to serve in the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of parliament. Due to the large number of eligible voters, the voting process takes place in seven stages spread out over 28 states and 8 territories, with some areas having to set up remote booths in inaccessible areas including offshore islands, deserts, mountains, and forests. Electronic voting devices were first used in the 1980s and allow voters to record their preferences. The 15 million election authorities in charge of the election in India must meticulously organize the deployment of this technology across the country's varied landscape. As an example of India's dedication to facilitating democratic engagement, they spend days traversing marshes and thick jungles to establish voting stations for as little as a single voter. Voter turnout in the 2024 election is expected to surpass the 67% peak in 2019, indicating a widespread enthusiasm for the political process. But it costs a pretty penny to organize elections for more than 17% of the world's population; estimates for this election cycle put the price tag somewhere between $10 billion and $15 billion. Present prime minister will become the third longest serving leader in India if his Bharatiya Janata Party wins a third consecutive term in office. Given that around 20% of the world's population is of voting age, the result is highly consequential. This study sheds light on the intricate mechanisms that enable the world's largest electorate to exercise their democracy by exploring the various aspects of India's election, such as the number of voters who are 100 years old or the days it took officials to set up remote polling sites. The 2024 general election in India will be an unprecedentedly large-scale and locally consequential event that, if held and concluded well, will demonstrate the power of democratic principles and citizen engagement.

The Impact of IT/OT Convergence on Digital Transformation in Manufacturing

Dr. A. Shaji George — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Historically, information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) teams in manufacturing worked in siloes. While recent digital transformations have brought them closer together through IT/OT convergence, many companies still hesitate to fully integrate their networks, data, and processes. This research examines how effectively uniting IT and OT is fundamentally crucial for smart manufacturing initiatives. The paper first provides background on the separate worlds of IT and OT. It details their misaligned incentives and lack of collaboration that previously impeded digital progress. The paper then explains how developments in fog computing, wireless networks, cybersecurity, and the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) make integration not just desirable but necessary for competitiveness. A core thesis emerges—that smart factories require fully aligned IT and OT functions to achieve real-time decision making, predictive maintenance, connected technologies, and robust data security. Various case studies reveal the potential, including MT Connect, for improved equipment effectiveness zerodowntime robots that leverage predictive maintenance. Trade publications and expert interviews underscore how once-impractical wireless networks are now optimized for connecting machines and mobile devices on the shop floor. The paper emphasizes the expertise that IT staff contribute on network security and data analytics. Meanwhile, OT personnel provide critical operational knowledge. Their joined forces can implement modern cyber protections suitable for connected equipment and sensitive information flows. Quantitative secondary data affirms the twin goals of digital optimization and risk mitigation rely equally on input from IT and OT. Combined capabilities drive the unprecedented business outcomes that define factory 4.0. As evidence continues to show outdated divisions between the two functions hinder progress, the paper makes an assertive case for integration. It concludes that manufacturing executives underserving either IT or OT squander resources and leave open threats. With clear economic and reputational incentives to transform digitally, manufacturers must empower robust collaboration. The alternative of maintaining outdated divides poses an existential danger. By fully unleashing specialized IT and OT skill sets in tandem, manufacturers can own their digital futures.

The Role of Fog Computing in Enabling Real-Time IoT Applications

Dr. A. Shaji George — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), which interconnects billions of devices and produces enormous quantities of data, has brought to light the deficiencies of existing cloud computing models. Challenges such as latency, security, data integrity, bandwidth expenses, and absence of operation independence hinder the ability to conduct real-time analysis and provide appropriate responses. As an emerging architecture, fog computing addresses the most significant challenges of cloud computing in IoT environments. Through distributed fog nodes, this paper investigates how fog computing extends the cloud to the perimeter of networks. A decentralized computing infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of computing, storage, and networking services between IoT devices and cloud data centers is referred to as fog computing. Fog nodes, as opposed to cloud-only systems, function locally, facilitating access to real-time device data with minimal latency. Fog nodes are accountable for data acquisition, analytics, transient storage, and transmission of filtered data to the cloud. Fog computing offers significant benefits to IoT systems due to the close proximity of fog nodes to endpoint devices. For time-sensitive decisions, latencies can be reduced from seconds to milliseconds through the processing and analysis of data at the periphery. Local processing of data also enhances its security and integrity in comparison to transmission to the cloud via a network. The utilization of fog computing can effectively mitigate the financial burden of data transfer by exclusively transmitting necessary summaries. In conclusion, the decentralized methodology enables autonomous operation in the event of a disconnect from cloud data centers. The desired characteristics and middleware platform for fog nodes that facilitate these benefits are described in this article. how modern fog computing can provide intelligence and realtime responsiveness to applications monitoring civil infrastructure and industrial control. Fog computing, as a result, surmounts intrinsic obstacles when it comes to the implementation of cloud architectures on IoT systems that are susceptible to latency. Through the integration of cloud and fog resources, stakeholders can optimize their operations in terms of security, scalability, and dependability by forming a hybrid ecosystem. Fog computing will dramatically accelerate the adoption of industry wide transformative IoT use cases by virtue of its decreased expenses and accelerated analytics velocity.

Universal Internet Access: A Modern Human Right or a Path to Digital Colonialis

Dr. A. Shaji George — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Access to the Internet has become an absolute necessity and nearly ubiquitous in the contemporary digital age. Statistics place the number of online users at 59% of the world's population, or more than 4.5 billion individuals. In addition to providing access to entertainment, education, and healthcare, the Internet also facilitates business opportunities, social connections, and information. Especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, it facilitated social interaction, commerce, and remote work in the midst of lockdowns. Nevertheless, significant disparities in access continue to exist, with 37% of the global population lacking both Internet connectivity and digital literacy. The majority of this "digital divide" exists between developed and developing countries. In the twenty-first century, economic mobility and participation are severely restricted for those who lack connectivity. Whether Internet access should now be regarded as a fundamental human right as opposed to a luxury has been the subject of discussion. In today's digitized society, proponents contend that Internet accessibility facilitates the realization of established civil rights such as free speech, healthcare, and education. Conversely, there are those who urge against prioritizing the implementation of fundamental necessities such as shelter, food, and water by framing Internet access as an essential right. This has prompted suggestions that Internet access be classified as a "ancillary right" that supports fundamental human rights guarantees without superseding them. Although the Internet offers numerous advantages, apprehensions have been raised regarding the monetization and consolidation of personal data flows by corporations, particularly in developing nations. Critics contend that prominent technology companies such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook function as "digital colonial" forces, as they exploit individuals' data for financial gain without offering adequate privacy safeguards in exchange. Developing nations function as promising emerging markets, in return for obtaining negligible tax revenues from technology companies. Achieving universal Internet access while implementing adequate security measures continues to be a delicate balancing act. Although connectivity has been crucial for promoting economic and social inclusion in the era of information, it is insufficient to address systemic inequalities on its own; guaranteed fundamental rights, effective data governance, and corporate responsibility are also required. In conjunction with a rightsbased framework that addresses fundamental requirements, increased Internet accessibility must be accompanied by regulatory reforms that grant users more protections and tech companies greater obligations across jurisdictions. By effectively managing these priorities, developing nations can circumvent exploitative digital reliance and harness technological advancements for the purpose of sustainable development.

Exploring the Characteristics of an Engineer (Śilpī) in Vāstuśāstra

Prof. (Dr.) Subash Chandra Dash — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research paper delves into the profound realm of Vāstuśāstra, an ancient Indian architectural science, to investigate the essence and characteristics of an engineer, referred to as Śilpī. By analyzing traditional texts and historical narratives, we aim to unravel the fundamental attributes, skills, and societal roles of the Śilpī within the context of Vāstuśāstra. Through this exploration, we seek to offer insights into the timeless wisdom and relevance of Śilpī in contemporary engineering practice and education.

Harnessing the Technical Potential of AI, IT and Data Management For Unlocking India’s Economic Success Story

Kirti Wadhawan, Dimple — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

India is committed to become a $ 5 Trillion economy by the year 2027. Reaching such a pivotal point of economic success, demand adequate utilization of all the major resources of our nation with effective policy making. Our prudence to optimally channelize India’s demographic dividend along with effective harnessing of the potential’s of AI, Information technology as well as data management can help all the economic sectors to contribute in making India, a $ 5 trillion economy and much beyond. We all are living in the digital world of forth Industrial revolution; where technological innovation keeps on changing so drastically, that nation’s all around the world are racing to become tech giant, so as to gain technological advancement and to yield out economic advancement at last. In such a milieu of technology dynamics, it is mandatory for India as well, to harness the potential of AI and Information technology, to sustain our competitive growth. Maintaining digital and technological strength can be a game changer for us to ensure our economic success. Multiple reports had confirmed that AI alone is expected to add $ 400 billion to India’s GDP by 2025. In fact, “National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence #AIFORALL”, a June 2018 report by Niti Aayog also recognizes AI as an opportunity and a precursor of greater good i.e. social development and inclusive growth. This research paper will shed light on all the major aspects that how, AI, IT as well as Data Management would particularly become a factor for India’s economic success story. The research paper would utilize secondary data sources for this purpose. Like minded newspaper articles, magazine stuff, authentic reports, data analysis and research papers are used to get a broader picture of it.

Beautiful Multiplicative Property of Geometric Expectation

Dhritikesh Chakrabarty — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Concepts of geometric expectation and harmonic expectation of random variable were introduced in a recent study with formulating their definitions in the case of discrete random variable. It was thought that geometric expectation might carry some properties. A beautiful multiplicative property of geometric expectation has been derived in this study. The property has been derived in the case of discrete random variable. This article presents derivation of this property of geometric expectation with numerical example.

The Emergence and Impact of Mental Health Leave Policies on Employee Wellbeing and Productivity

Dr. A. Shaji George — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Recently, there has been a growing concern about the state of mental health in workplaces around the globe. There is a concerning pattern emerging from multiple surveys, indicating a rise in employee dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and stress levels across different sectors. According to US statistics, approximately 22% of workers report feeling depressed at work. Furthermore, an alarming 50% of employees report daily attacks of stress. In India, a sizable minority of employees are unsatisfied with their jobs, whereas in China, the majority of workers report feeling exhausted and dissatisfied at work. The numbers reported here reflect a growing global concern about employees' mental health. There are numerous complex elements that contribute to this phenomenon. These include long working hours, high expectations inside firms, and a common culture of being always connected to work as a result of technology, which blurs the border between personal and professional lives. Furthermore, concerns about job stability or lack thereof can contribute to a reduction in employees' mental health. This sensation is frequently caused by having to manage a large workload without adequate control over one's own work, as well as coping with conflicts among colleagues. It can be difficult to traverse these surroundings successfully. It is critical to take into account both organizational and societal challenges. Many people nowadays suffer money anxieties, familial obligations, and concerns about their physical health, which exacerbates their already difficult conditions. With the introduction of COVID-19, things have grown even more convoluted, throwing us off guard and intensifying the already existing burden on our collective wellbeing. The pressure that was already seething beneath the surface has been increased. Finally, it is critical to address the issues that modern enterprises face, particularly in light of the current situation. The best way forward is to prioritize emotional intelligence and to be aware of the psychological climate both inside and outside of the organization. Some businesses are now implementing mental health leave programs in response to these issues. An interesting example is a Chinese retail chain that introduced a policy called "sad leave," enabling employees to take up to ten days off annually to prioritize their mental well-being. The objective is to assist employees in attaining a more favorable work-life equilibrium and giving priority to their overall well-being when required. Additional examples include technology companies such as software tech giant and social media companies like Bumble, which provide their employees with "care leave" or "wellness leave" specifically for mental health purposes. It is becoming increasingly evident that prioritizing employees' mental health is essential for fostering a productive and healthy workforce. The expansion of these regulations is a testament to this growing awareness. The regulations regarding mental health leave are a positive step forward, although their impact and efficacy remain uncertain. We are interested in determining whether employees utilize this leave when it is accessible, whether it has a positive impact on mental health and job outcomes, and whether any issues or complaints arise. It seems that workers are increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing their mental health. In 2021, there was a significant increase in the number of sick days taken by UK government employees specifically for mental health reasons. However, there may still be obstacles to overcome, such as concerns about societal judgment or the potential impact on one's employment. One point to consider is that mental health leave may only provide temporary relief and may not address underlying issues, particularly in cases of toxic work environments or other systemic problems. Nevertheless, the fact that these policies are still in their early stages indicates a growing awareness of the global mental health crisis among the workforces. Further research is crucial in order to fully understand the impact of these factors on employee mental health and identify ways in which society and businesses can improve it.

Management of Internal Efficiency for Improved Educational Outcome in Rural Public Basic Schools in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State

Idenyenmhin, Omoike David — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study explored management of internal efficiency for improved educational outcome in rural public basic schools in Ikwerre Local Government Area (KELGA), Rivers State. Three objectives and its corresponding research questions and hypotheses guided this study. The descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The population of interest in this study was 50 basic school teachers drawn from 7 basic schools in KELGA, Rivers State. The sample size of this study was a 100 percent of the population using total census sampling technique. A self-structured instrument titled managing internal efficiency for improved rural basic education questionnaire was employed for data collection. Face and content validation was ensured by three experts. The instrument yielded reliability coefficients of 0.83 with the use of Cronbach Alpha reliability method. Mean and Standard Deviation were used in answering research questions while z-test was used for the inferential statistics. The findings revealed that both teachers in the lower and upper basic classes indicate that classroom carrying capacity, teacher training and development as well as instructional materials are factors of internal efficiency that can be managed for improved educational outcome in rural public basic schools in KELGA, Rivers State. It was concluded and recommended that with the proper management of classroom carrying capacity, teacher training and development as well as instructional materials by the school administrators and teachers in public basic schools in the rural areas of Rivers State, internal efficiency of the schools can be improved.