mLAC Journal for Arts, Commerce and Sciences (m-JACS) ISSN: 2584-1920

Editorial Note

2026-03-09T05:57:10+00:00

ISSN: 2584-1920 (Online)

Vol. 4 No.1 (2026): mLAC Journal for Arts, Commerce and Sciences (m-JACS)

Editorial Note March, 2026

Dear Readers, Authors, and Members of the Academic Community,

It is my pleasure to present the March 2026 issue of the mLAC Journal for Arts, Commerce and Sciences (m-JACS), a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed open-access journal published by Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women (Autonomous). The journal continues its commitment to promoting quality research and providing a platform for scholarly exchange across diverse academic disciplines.

As part of our continued development, m-JACS is actively inviting new reviewers and editorial members from various disciplines including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management, Education, and Applied Sciences. Expanding our reviewer and editorial network will strengthen our peer-review process and help maintain high academic standards in the journal.

To further improve the quality of publications, the journal is strengthening its review and editorial processes. All submitted manuscripts are being carefully evaluated to ensure originality, academic relevance, sound methodology, and adherence to ethical publishing practices. Our aim is to maintain a rigorous and transparent peer-review system that supports credible and impactful research.

In addition, beginning with the current issue, all articles published in m-JACS will include a dedicated “Statements and Declarations” section. This section will provide information regarding authorship contributions, conflict of interest disclosures, ethical compliance, funding details, data availability, and the use of artificial intelligence tools where applicable. This step aligns the journal with international academic publishing standards and enhances transparency in research reporting.

The journal continues to welcome high-quality research contributions that advance knowledge across disciplines and address contemporary academic and societal issues.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and institutional supporters whose contributions make the continued progress of the journal possible. We look forward to receiving more valuable research contributions and to strengthening our scholarly community.

Warm regards,

Dr. Sushil Kumar Middha

Editor-in-Chief

m-JACS

March 10, 2026

ADOPTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF AWARENESS AND TRUST

2026-03-10T05:07:43+00:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has deeply influenced financial services and witnessed a transformative change in investment behaviour and decision-making. This study examines the role of AI in shaping investment behaviour by focusing on three constructs: Awareness of AI tools, trust in AI tools and investment behaviour. Structured questionnaire is used to collect date from 150 respondents. Structural Equation Modelling was used to analyse the data using SmartPLS 4 software. Findings of the study revealed that awareness of AI technology enhances trust in AI tools, which positively impacts investment behaviour and trust mediates the relationship significantly. This study highlights increasing reliance on AI tools for trading and investment decisions. By addressing the role of AI awareness in influencing trust and behaviour, this study provides actionable insights for integrating AI tools into investment decision-making.

ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES IN FINTECH: AN ANALYSIS ON CUSTOMER ADOPTION AND EXPERIENCE WITH PARTICULAR TO BENGALURU CITY

2026-03-10T05:07:41+00:00

This Study investigates the impact of technology Development on customer experience in the Fintech sector. It uses qualitative data to analyse various aspects of user satisfaction, such as usability, functionality, security and overall experience with Fintech Applications.
The Study investigates the awareness level, perception and satisfaction level of the fintech user with the advancement of FinTech’s technological. Primary data are collected using a structured questionnaire from 100 respondents. The data is collected based on Qualifications and the Study is focused on Bengaluru. A Convenient Non-Probability sampling distribution is used for data collection.
This research provides valuable insights for Fintech firms, policymakers, and regulators. It highlights the need for a customer-centric approach to technology development, robust security measures and collaborative regulatory frameworks to harness the full potential of Fintech innovations and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Factors affecting consumer satisfaction include ease of use and security features(Kant, 2025). It has been demonstrated that technological advancements like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) enhance the customer experience by ensuring secure transactions and providing customized services. Reduced transaction costs, cost transparency, and other financial advantages contribute to cost-effectiveness(Solarz & Swacha-Lech, 2021).

A STUDY ON INVESTIGATING ETHICAL REASONING AND IPR LITERACY IN DIGITAL ACADEMIC PRACTICES

2026-03-10T05:13:44+00:00

In the evolving digital landscape of higher education, the boundaries between intellectual ownership, digital reuse, and ethical inspiration are increasingly blurred. This study investigates how students perceive digital plagiarism, interpret copyright norms, and distinguish between ethical and unethical academic practices. Leveraging scenario-based ethical dilemmas and quantitative methods, the research explores students' cognitive frameworks surrounding content creation, reuse, and citation in academic settings.

The study analyses generational and disciplinary variances in moral reasoning using non-parametric tests including Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman, revealing nuanced insights into ethical ambiguity within academic ecosystems. The study examines the relationship between students' IPR awareness levels and their ethical reasoning responses across plagiarism scenarios involving AI-generated content. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, we explore variations in scores based on generational identity, academic discipline, and exposure to formal IPR education. The primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 122 academic stakeholders including students, PhD Scholars and Faculties from different disciplines in Bengaluru city. Results highlight gaps in IPR literacy and underscore the influence of institutional policies, peer norms, and pedagogical practices on student behaviour. The findings propose an integrative model to enhance ethical awareness, encouraging a shift from punitive measures to proactive ethics education through immersive and gamified approaches.

This research contributes to the discourse on academic integrity, offering practical implications for curriculum design, copyright sensitization, and the development of equitable assessment frameworks that foster responsible inspiration without penalizing creativity.

DIGITAL AGRI-FINANCE AND SUSTAINABLE TRADE: CONCEPTUALIZING FPO ACCESS TO AGRI-DERIVATIVES AND ORGANIC CERTIFICATION MARKETS

2026-03-10T05:07:42+00:00

The evolving landscape of digital finance presents unprecedented opportunities for transforming agricultural markets, particularly through the empowerment of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). This conceptual study explores the intersection of digital agri-finance, agri-derivatives, and organic certification markets, focusing on enhancing FPO participation in sustainable trade. While FPOs have emerged as pivotal institutions in aggregating farmer produce and improving bargaining power, their access to formal financial systems and high-value markets, such as derivatives trading and certified organic supply chains, remains limited.

The existing literature predominantly addresses digital financial inclusion or sustainable agriculture in isolation, with limited insights into how digital finance can enable FPOs to access structured trading platforms and certification-driven markets. This study fills this gap by proposing a conceptual framework that integrates digital finance tools (e-wallets, agri-fintech platforms, and blockchain-based traceability) with FPO-led participation in price risk management via agri-derivatives and market differentiation through organic certification.

The framework emphasizes the enabling role of digital infrastructure, capacity building, and supportive policies in creating inclusive, traceable, and sustainable agricultural value chain. These findings have significant policy implications, advocating an integrated approach that supports digital literacy, regulatory reform, and targeted investment to strengthen FPO access to green and premium markets. This study contributes to ongoing dialogues on sustainable trade and green economy transitions in emerging agricultural systems.

DEFENSIBLE HUMAN LIFE IN THE CONNECTING VILLAGES OF NAGARAHOLE FOREST: A CASE STUDY OF METIKUPPE

2026-03-10T05:07:40+00:00

Human settlements situated along protected forest boundaries experience complex socio‑ecological interactions. This expanded study examines defensible human life in the Metikuppe village cluster located near the Nagarahole landscape in Karnataka, India. Using qualitative field observation, secondary datasets, and spatial interpretation, the research analyses patterns of human–wildlife interaction, infrastructural vulnerability, and livelihood insecurity. The findings highlight recurring elephant‑driven crop depredation, transportation isolation, and uneven governance response. The paper argues that defensible human life in forest‑fringe regions requires integrated conflict-mitigation systems, participatory governance, and landscape‑scale planning that balance conservation and human safety

AI-POWERED PEDAGOGY: INNOVATIONS IN TEACHING, ASSESSMENT, AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

2026-03-10T05:39:04+00:00

This study examines the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on contemporary teaching practices, focusing particularly on areas like instruction, evaluation, and student involvement. As AI technologies evolve rapidly, educational institutions are increasingly utilizing platforms such as ChatGPT, D-ID, Squirrel AI, and Canva to customize learning experiences, improve teaching efficiency, and encourage active participation among students. The research evaluates how AI is being incorporated into education, emphasizing its ability to support tailored instruction, data-driven decision-making, administrative streamlining, and inclusive learning environments. Recent studies provide evidence of a positive link between the use of AI tools and heightened student engagement, academic success, and enhanced critical thinking skills. However, the paper also recognizes challenges, including issues related to data privacy, algorithmic biases, and the readiness of teachers. The findings highlight the necessity for thoughtful integration and continuous professional development to fully harness AI's capabilities while upholding educational fairness and integrity. This research promotes AI-based teaching methods as a forward-looking strategy to transform education in the 21st century.