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Title: Best Practices in Microcredit Governance: Lessons from Bangladesh

Abstract: The performance of two prominent microcredit providers—Grameen Bank and BRAC NGO—is examined in this paper, with particular attention paid to their different organizational structures and governance frameworks. As a borrower-owned cooperative, Grameen Bank promotes member involvement in decision-making, which, through group lending, encourages ownership and peer support but may also lead to social pressure. BRAC NGO, on the other hand, employs a centralized governance model and offers a thorough approach to micro credit that is in line with its larger social development initiatives. Although this strategy provides comprehensive assistance, it may not be as flexible to meet the needs of each borrower. Although borrower choices and economic conditions have an impact on their effectiveness, both groups aim to increase loan attachment and reduce poverty. While BRAC depends on a combination of donor money and revenue-generating operations, Grameen Bank places a higher priority on self-sufficiency. The impact and sustainability of microcredit systems might be improved by fusing the advantages of both models—BRAC's integrated approach and Grameen Bank's borrower ownership.

By Tahmina Akhter, Shanzida Hassan
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Electric Mobility Integration in Indian Urban Planning: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications

Abstract: India’s urban transport system is facing unprecedented challenges due to rapid population growth, vehicular congestion, and escalating pollution levels. Against this backdrop, the transition toward electric mobility (e-mobility) offers a promising pathway for sustainable urban development. This study investigates the extent to which electric mobility is being integrated into urban planning in Indian cities. It explores critical challenges such as inadequate charging infrastructure, limited policy coordination, and citizen hesitancy. Drawing upon both primary data collected through surveys in five urban centres—and secondary sources from government and institutional reports, the research applies statistical methods, including factor analysis and regression modelling, to examine the drivers of electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The findings reveal that infrastructure readiness and public policy awareness are strong predictors of urban EV acceptance. The study concludes by offering practical policy recommendations, such as zoning reforms and enhanced fiscal incentives, aimed at creating EV-supportive urban environments aligned with national climate goals.

By Shantam Babbar, Rajesh Kumar Raju, Monika Kumari
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Potential of Rural Earth in 21st Century Socio-Economic Study of Eastern Region of India

Abstract: Eastern Region of India (ERI) is the inclusion of four states namely – Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. It has 171040 villages with a vast quantity of rural population. It also includes several tribes in various areas. ERI also has forest resource with several products namely - fuelwood, fodder, edible nuts, herbs, flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, roots, tubers, lichen, honey etc. It has tradition of non-veg and veg cuisines. It is known for hand woven clothes. Jewellery, furniture, baskets, etc. handicraft products have attraction for people in rest of India. ERI is sea coast rich region. It owns much from marine activities. It has thousands of villages. For the socio-economic development of RURAL ERI, 8 Regional Rural Banks are established. These RRBs are the joint venture of central government, state government and scheduled banks. Main aim of these RRBs is rural development. These RRBs are shaping their aim with commitment. In the ERI, deposits, advances of RRBs are increasing continuously, NPA is lessening. RRBs in ERI are earning profit. ERI-RRBs are trying best to achieve the aim. This fact is certified by balance sheets, annual reports, and documents of RRBs, NABARD, RBI and State Governments. Primary cum secondary data and tools are used. Research provides useful conclusion and suggestions for the insight of policy makers. ERI scenario will change completely if conclusions and suggestions of research are implemented according to spirit.

By Madhusoodan Tripathi, Vinayaka Tripathi
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Study on Investment Pattern of Salaried Class People with Special Reference to Dehradun City

Abstract: Investment patterns among salaried individuals are influenced by various factors, including income levels, financial awareness, risk appetite, and socio-economic conditions. This study aims to analyze the investment preferences of salaried professionals in Dehradun, focusing on their choice of financial instruments such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, stocks, insurance, and real estate. The research examines the factors affecting investment decisions, including risk tolerance, savings behavior, tax benefits, and long-term financial goals. A structured survey was conducted among salaried individuals from diverse professional backgrounds to gather primary data. The findings reveal a preference for low-risk investment options, with a significant inclination toward fixed deposits and insurance, while younger investors show a growing interest in mutual funds and equity markets. The study also highlights the role of financial literacy in shaping investment behavior. The insights from this research can help financial institutions, policymakers, and advisors tailor investment solutions that align with the financial goals of salaried individuals in Dehradun. Additionally, the study underscores the need for enhanced financial education programs to encourage informed investment decisions.

By Pankaj Kumar, Subhash Chandra
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Voluntary Disclosure Practices in Jordan: Exploring the Key Drivers and Implications

Abstract: This study aims to measure the impact of the level of voluntary disclosure transparency on improving the quality of published financial reports in Jordanian business enterprises during the year 2024. The study adopted a combination of the inductive and positive approaches by extrapolating previous research and studies on voluntary disclosure and using the positive approach to analyze the quantity and quality of information disclosed in financial reports. To achieve the study’s objectives, a model for measuring the level of voluntary disclosure was developed based on models previously used in studies conducted in environments similar to the Jordanian context. This model includes 134 elements encompassing strategic, financial, and non-financial information, with the aim of assessing the impact of these components on improving financial report quality. The study defines report quality in terms of the ability of disclosed information to influence the decision-making process of report users within the research population, which consists of publicly listed companies on the Amman Stock Exchange. Additionally, the study sought to analyze the relationship between several variables—board independence, family ownership percentage, audit committees, and international exposure—and the level of voluntary accounting disclosure. The research sample consisted of 20 publicly listed companies on the Amman Stock Exchange, selected based on specific criteria that serve and contribute to achieving the study’s objectives. The results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between board independence, international exposure, audit committees, audit firm size, company size, and company performance and the level of voluntary disclosure transparency. Furthermore, the study found a statistically significant negative correlation between the percentage of family ownership in Jordanian public shareholding companies and the level of voluntary disclosure in financial reports.

By Alaa Mohamad Malo Alain
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: A Study on the Trend Analysis of India’s Trade Relations with SAFTA Nations: A Review

Abstract: Countries participating in a regional trading arrangement (RTA) are typically heterogeneous, as evidenced by their variations in geographic size, population, gross national product (GNP), economic systems—reflected in the various types of commodities and services manufactured when traded — and the policy instruments employed through monetary, financial, and trade-related measures that affect national production and trade activities. The diverse attributes of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) members significantly impact their benefits from a Regional Trade Agreement (RTA). The South Asian nations within the SAFTA distinctly illustrate their intrinsic disparities while also highlighting an unsettling situation about the inequitable distribution of prospective benefits from through regional collaboration initiative. Although the members of SAFTA members have low-income and the nations are developing, among these —Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives, —are classified as least developed countries (LDCs) due to many significant challenges that impede their business expansion and development. Thus, the extent to which these issues may impact the SAFTA agreement and the measures India must implement is a crucial inquiry, which serves as the primary purpose of this article. This research also considers the influence among the SAARC members. Analysis of data from several pertinent sources covering the period from 2016-17 to 2022-23 reveals that commerce among SAFTA members has not expanded as considerably as anticipated. The statistical analysis conducted validates the suspicions of numerous scholars, indicating that the SAFTA countries are not genuine trading partners; instead, they frequently compete by exporting identical product categories. Given that this context renders significant growth in mutual trade improbable, the paper finishes with views on enhancing India's regional commerce.

By Manish Upretya, Pankaj Kumar Shah
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1