Purpose Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced nationwide lockdown in India. During the period of lockdown usage of eWallet increased by 44%. With the increased usage of digital transactions, cyber-crime attacks also increased as much as by 86%. The socio-economic environment and the peoples’ mindset in the country yet not ready for this kind of rise in digital transactions. The purpose of this study is to capture “security concern” and “comfortability” in regard to using eWallet during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The study further investigated the influence of demographics such as gender and income on “security concern” and “comfortability” in using eWallet. Design/methodology/approach This was an empirical study. The respondents were selected using a purposive sampling method. Only those people who had been using eWallet were included in the survey. The questionnaire was circulated to 100 respondents who agreed to participate in the survey. After scrutiny total of 43 questionnaires were found to be completely filled in all aspects, and thus used for analysis. This study used an innovative multi-method approach for analysis. The hypotheses were tested using two methods: the conventional p-value method and the robust BCa bootstrap method. The effect size was also reported. Findings The findings suggest that female users are more concerned about eWallet security than male users. This study showed that people from the middle-income group are more concerned about the security of digital payments than the people from the lower-income group. Research limitations/implications This study covered the influence of two demographic variables “gender” and “income” on security and comfort in using eWallets. Other demographic variables such as age, education, occupation and area of residence (rural or urban) need to be investigated with the inclusion of rural populations. From the findings of this study, this paper argues that the middle-income group in India is more risk intolerant than the lower-income group while higher and lower-income groups are indifferent. A separate detailed study is recommended for additional support. This study used an innovative multi-method approach of analysis and use of bootstrapping. This may encourage other researchers to adopt such approaches. Practical implications This study showed that irrespective of the forceful adoption; security concerns are prevailing and on the rise. This is an alarm to developers and service providers that, although the use of eWallets increased exponentially during this COVID-19 pandemic, it is a forceful adoption and not willful. They should not get deceived by rise in eWallet users and must endeavor to improve the security of eWallets otherwise, there may be a sharp decline in eWallet users once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Originality/value This study attempted to capture the comfortability and security concerns of eWallet users during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used an innovative multi-method approach of analysis and used bootstrapping in addition to the conventional p-value method to test the significance. This study showed that irrespective of the forceful adoption of eWallets owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, security concerns are prevailing and on the rise. The study confirms that gender has an influence on eWallet security. The findings of this study are in partial conformity with the findings of previous researchers.

PurposeIndividuals generate plenty of waste that is affecting the life while consumption of air and water at the base. The increasing industrialization, population and waste generation without proper measures of waste management are leading to major challenges to environmental sustainability. Considering these challenges, the present study focuses on the types and sources of waste generation and waste reduction by encouraging the reduction, recycling and reuse of waste products. The study aims to provide a well-functioning sustainable waste management system, that incorporates feedback loops, focuses on processes, embodies adaptability and diverts waste from disposal.Design/methodology/approachThe university under study is situated at the central location of Pune City in India. The university has diverse units like academic and admin buildings, canteens and mess, hostels, a clinic, workshops and gardens. To fulfil the objective of this study a qualitative case study approach of research was adopted. A total of thirty-three representatives and waste management personnel from various units of the university were interviewed. The interviews were semi-structured and the duration of it was around 25–55 min. The interview transcripts were coded, and qualitative analysis was conducted.FindingsThis study proposes a strategic sustainable waste management model for environmental sustainability that brings circularity by closing the loops and focusing on sustainable development goals.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research can guide universities to manage the waste generated through various sources and attain sustainable development goals and environmental sustainability at large by closing the loops. The study provides insights into waste management and environmental sustainability. The universities can make their resources more circular by following the strategies of reducing, reusing and recycling (3R). This study recommends customization according to the needs of specific universities and institutions. Researchers can take this study further by testing and customizing it as per requirement. Also, an effort can be extended to implement the model in other related areas.Originality/valueThis research is a unique attempt to advance knowledge of waste management practices for sustainable development by exploring different techniques opted by for individual entities from the university campus to understand the environmental impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the adoption of an e-Learning pedagogy. This forced teachers and students to shift to online learning and thus was compelled to adopt online educational technology. Educational institutes have been facing challenges like insufficient infrastructure and a shortage of quality teachers. Online learning can help to address these challenges as online classes can accommodate more students. However, before implementing e-Learning technology management of institutes wants to be sure whether students will adopt new technology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to unveil which factors are important to adopt new technology if implemented mandatorily. We tested the most popular technology acceptance model the UTAUT to understand students’ intentions to continue using the e-Learning system in a mandatory environment. The study used a quantitative approach of research. The participants for this study were selected from a private university in India. The questionnaire for the study was adapted from previous studies. The survey was conducted by sharing an online link while students were attending classes online during the pandemic. Thus, the study utilized a convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling. The findings revealed that the UTAUT model can partially explain the forceful adoption of technology. The study found ‘Performance expectancy’ and the ‘availability of resources’ as significant indicators of ‘intention for continued usage’. This study recommends educational institutes should ensure students attain academic goals by using e-Learning platforms and ensuring the availability of essential resources to use the e-Learning technology.

Social media is an important part of young generations' digital lives and has become much more than a social connection tool. This research offers comprehensions into usage of social media among Gen Y and Gen Z and investigates the usage of social media's features such as socialization, information, entertainment, education, and shopping. Various previous studies are available which attempted to investigate the usage of social media by Gen Z and Gen Y independently. This study is the first that attempted to compare the usage between Gen Z and Gen Y. This is an empirical study comprising 293 respondents from Gen Y and Gen Z, who were selected purposively. The findings suggest that Gen Z use social media more than Gen Y for education, entertainment, shopping, and socialization whereas social media usage of both the generations for information seeking are equal. This study offers recommendations for companies from India to consider incorporating social media marketing actions to encourage their brands and products to specific age groups.

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