The present study aims to explore the relationship between work demand and work–family conflict, and family demand and family–work conflict. This study also tries to find out the moderating effect of family-friendly policies between the proposed relationships. The data for this study were collected from 217 women employees working in steel manufacturing companies of Jharkhand. The results of the study indicate that there is positive correlation between work demand and work–family conflict, and family demand and family–work conflict. Moreover, family-friendly policies are observed to significantly moderate the relationship of work demand and work–family conflict, but they do not significantly moderate the relationship of family demand and family–work conflict. This article gives insights into understanding the role of family-friendly policies to reduce the work–family conflict among women employees. A few measures are suggested, and employers should adopt such policies to minimize the work–family conflict, which can lead to better work–life balance

PurposeThis study focuses on work from home (WFH) issues faced by faculty members of higher education institutes in India during the coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic. The study aims to understand the impact of these issues on faculty productivity. The study also analyzes the moderating effect of information technology (IT) training on the relationship between work- from-home issues and faculty productivity.Design/methodology/approachThis study is quantitative. Data were collected from 215 faculty members working in higher education institutes in India. Correlation and hierarchical regression analysis have been used to analyze the data.FindingsThe analysis revealed that online teaching, lack of technology acceptance, poor working environment and work–life conflict negatively impacts faculty productivity. Thus, IT training work as a moderator plays an important role in reducing the WFH issues mainly Online Teaching, Lack of Technology acceptance & Poor Working Enviornment by increasing faculty productivity. IT training work does not moderate the relationship between work–life conflict and faculty productivity.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to the higher education sector; the research limits the generalization of the higher education sector's finding to other sectors.Practical implicationsThe findings would help policymakers and educational institutes to explore the use of digital technology to break boundaries of workplace and education institutes to disseminate knowledge to a global level. The findings also help to understand how the workplace is essential for the smooth functioning of tasks of the institute.Social implicationsThe study will also help management, institute, organization, society and individuals to change their mindset that education can be imparted through online mode in a better way with the help of digital technology.Originality/valueThere is a scarcity of research work examining WFH issues in conducting mandatory online classes due to COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19's relation to faculty productivity in the higher education sector. This study contributes to the knowledge regarding the impact of COVID-19 on faculty productivity in the education sector.

The Arctic is witnessing major changes due to the melting and thinning of Arctic sea ice. This phenomenon resulted in exposure of hidden natural resources and opening of new navigational routes. The future would witness circumpolar states benefitting from these changes. However, it seems that non-circumpolar states would also be interested in participation and reaping benefits from the development process. Hence, they make their presence felt in the Arctic, through various activities which has geo-political impact. In this light, the article focuses on one of the non – circumpolar countries, India and its perspective stance. The article deliberates on the ramification of melting ice and the present Arctic system through the Arctic Council, the Svalbard treaty and an analysis of the Antarctic treaty system. The article concludes by proposing a perceived Arctic policy for India and a global governance model. The attempt is governance should focus on pan- Arctic issues rather than regional ones. Furthermore, it should encompass interests/rights of vested states, legal entities and other interested parties.