Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has played a crucial role in expanding access to higher education in India, particularly for learners who are unable to participate in conventional face-to-face education due to geographical, professional, or socio-economic constraints. With the increasing integration of digital technologies and policy initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ODL institutions are undergoing significant transformation. This study explores the perspectives of teachers regarding the future of ODL in India, with specific reference to the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Himachal Pradesh University. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nineteen faculty members associated with ODL programmes. The responses were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns related to opportunities and challenges shaping the future of ODL. The findings reveal that teachers widely perceive ODL as an increasingly important mode of higher education, particularly in terms of promoting inclusivity and access for diverse learners. However, respondents also highlighted several challenges including digital infrastructure limitations, weak student support systems, regulatory complexities, and increasing competition from online education providers. The study concludes that while ODL has strong potential to expand and evolve in India, its sustainability depends on strategic institutional adaptation, improved digital integration, strengthened learner support mechanisms, and effective policy implementation.

Keywords: Open and Distance Learning, Teacher Perspectives, Digital Education, Higher Education, NEP 2020

A beautiful phase in a woman’s life is motherhood, and a woman, including a pregnant woman, has an unassailable right to prefer whether to or not to reproduce. Procreative rights of women are not limited to the right to have or not to have a child. It also comprises a bunch of freedoms and rights that empower a woman to choose at will on all matters relating to her sexual and reproductive well-being. However, a woman is usually entangled with complex family, community, religion and caste factors, beliefs and notions. These societal notions influenced when a woman wishes to exercise freedom and autonomy over her reproductive rights and health. The decision to undergo abortion or not without influence of a third party is the intrinsic component of reproductive autonomy. The termination of pregnancy in the country is regulated the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. This article reviews the roles of Courts in ensuring reproductive autonomy, particularly of minor victims of sexual assaults. It argues that the Constitutional courts in India have played a significant role in protecting reproductive rights and autonomy of women, especially, minor victims of sexual assault.

Keywords: Abortion, Constitutional Courts, Health, Legal framework, Reproductive autonomy.

Scholastic achievement is an important aspect of school education, as it reflects students' academic progress, understanding of subject matter, and ability to acquire and apply knowledge. The academic performance of students is influenced by several factors, including teaching methods, school environment, availability of learning resources, family background, and individual learning abilities. Since schools differ in their management, educational facilities, and teaching-learning practices, it is important to examine whether students studying in different types of schools demonstrate differences in scholastic achievement. The present study focuses on a comparative examination of the scholastic achievement of students studying in different types of schools in Hanumangarh District of Rajasthan. The district provides a relevant setting for such an investigation because it includes government and privately managed schools serving students from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. The study is intended to contribute to a better understanding of academic performance across different school settings.The significance of scholastic achievement has also been emphasised in various educational policies and curriculum frameworks in India. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights the importance of conceptual understanding, critical thinking, competency-based learning, and the practical application of knowledge. Similarly, initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha aim to improve the quality of school education and promote better learning outcomes. In this context, a comparative study of scholastic achievement may provide useful insights into educational practices and the academic experiences of students. The findings may help teachers, school administrators, and educational planners identify areas requiring attention and consider appropriate measures for improving the quality of school education.

Keywords: Scholastic Achievement, Government Schools, Private Schools, Comparative Study, National Education Policy 2020, NCF, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Pistia stratiotes (Family: Araceae) is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. This review article is a compilation of all the updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities, which were performed by different methods. Studies indicate that P. stratiotes possesses diuretic, antidiabetic, antidermatophytic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. These results are very encouraging and indicate that this plant should be studied more extensively to confirm the reproducibility of these results and also to reveal other potential therapeutic effects, along with some "leads" with possible isolation of active biomoieties and their mechanism of action.

Keywords: Pharmacological activities, Phytochemistry, Pistia stratiotes

In developing nations like India, the digital transformation of libraries is a necessity of the times and represents a positive revolution. While the digitization of libraries poses a significant challenge, it is essential to ensure that every student has access to quality education made convenient through the effective use of technology. In developing nations, the education sector must play a key role in the digitization of libraries. While transforming libraries into digital formats is a significant responsibility of the educational system, it will also present a major opportunity for students in the future. From the perspective of students' interests, it is beneficial for a library to provide new digital tools. For the library, facilitating digital access is important both for students engaged in research and for the institutions themselves.

Key words: Digital library, Transformation, Knowledge, Trends, Challenges, Opportunities, Academic, Technology, Effective etc.