Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the outcomes of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the light of COVID-19 concerning the students of higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India. The COVID-19 has disrupted the normal teaching-learning role across the world and has put everyone in a nightmare. HEIs are now requesting students to take up MOOCs to explore and attain knowledge and the same is even followed by the corporate institutions. MOOCs are one of the crisis management solutions to ensure that education is continuous and not disrupted. Design/methodology/approach The data included in this research has been collected from students of HEIs across India using a convenient sampling method. The collected data was exposed to a factor analysis using a principal component analysis (PCA) technique to reduce multiple dimensions. Findings The various stakeholders such as the government, HEIs and the MOOC providers have to play a crucial role in developing intellectual human assets for the nation’s growth and progression by extending flexible and cost-effective learning facilities. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation. Research limitations/implications From the research, it is well understood that MOOCs are useful to keep oneself updated with the market and industry trends especially when the world is focusing on business analytics, artificial intelligence and other technologically driven topics and concepts. Practical implications The present study contributes to the growing body of evidence that MOOCs play an important role in providing flexibility in learning. In the future, if there are similar crisis, which will disrupt education, then the best alternative will be MOOC through which many stakeholders will benefit. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation. Social implications Education is a service for the society which will have a long-term positive impact on improving the standard of living of the people. Hence, MOOCs can be one of the educational elements to provide learning opportunities to all age groups. Originality/value This study has explored the perception of MOOCs among the students of HEIs in India in the COVID-19 pandemic. The fresh data collected from the students is a reflection of their experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. Indeed, it is quite surprising to know that majority of the respondents have arranged to learn during the pandemic, which shows the thirst and urge to learn. Digital technology and tools are welcomed and accepted by the student community.

Improper waste management continues to be a major challenge in the backwater destinations of South Kerala, India and the local government has been identified as a key player having a strong influence on sustainable tourism development initiatives in the destination. The study examines the major obstacles encountered while implementing sustainable tourism development practices in the backwater destinations of South Kerala, India. Qualitative data collected with the support of semi-structured interviews with top government officials of the Tourism Industry is used for the study. The findings from the study show that improper waste management affects sustainable tourism development in the backwater destinations, and that community involvement and community support are pre-requisites for implementing solid waste management practices in the backwater destinations of the state. The study also enlightens the roles of various stakeholders in waste management so as to develop a strong perspective of sustainable tourism development in the region.

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disease characterized by an urge to move the legs, often caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs. It affects the quality of sleep which in turn affects scholastic performance in children and predisposes them to cardiovascular diseases in the long run. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of RLS, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted between September 2017 and March 2020 in Bengaluru, India, including all consenting PreUniversity College, Degree College, and Higher Secondary school students. After parental consent and assent (if applicable) was obtained, a semi-structured standardized pilot-tested questionnaire consisting of the RLS diagnostic criteria, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth sleepiness scale, and questions on sleep hygiene was administered. The prevalence was expressed as proportions and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Regression analysis was done to determine the predictors. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The overall prevalence (95% CI; frequency) of students with RLS, poor sleep quality, and EDS in our study population was 8.36% (7.54, 9.24; <i>n</i> = 1,544/4,211), 36.67% (35.21, 38.14; <i>n</i> = 1,544/4,211), and 39.87% (38.39, 41.37; <i>n</i> = 1,679/4,211), respectively. PSQI and Epworth score were the significant predictors of RLS. Age, Epworth score, knowledge score, and the number of unacceptable sleep habits were the significant predictors of sleep quality. Female gender, PSQI, RLS, knowledge score, and the number of unacceptable sleep habits were the significant predictors of EDS. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The prevalence of RLS, those with poor sleep quality and EDS among adolescents and young adults was higher when compared to the historical data of general population in the same city.

The Tourism Industry in South Kerala focuses more on Houseboat Tourism and Backwater Tourism. The unique, natural features set this destination apart from nearby places, as backwater destinations are rich in numerous natural resources. The sustainable development of these resources will highly enhance the livelihood of the communities in the backwater regions. They will be able to attract tourists seeking unique backwater experiences. Therefore, this article intends to comprehend the stakeholders’ perceptions on Sustainable Tourism Development in the backwater destinations of South Kerala in India. A total of 277 respondents participated in the research and the study adopted a quantitative research design, while considering the influence of various factors on the Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability. The data gathered from the study illustrated that the perception of stakeholders about Sustainable Tourism Development varied across different groups. Hence, all the stakeholders in the Tourism Industry need to work together, as this coordination will help to strengthen future development plans, in order to minimize the negative impacts of tourism in the backwater destinations of South Kerala. The study has also identified key turning points that will help to reshape the Sustainable Development of backwater tourism destinations of South Kerala.

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