Abstract: Rural credit plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural growth and improving the livelihoods of rural households in developing economies, particularly in India. This research paper evaluates the impact of various rural credit mechanisms, including institutional finance, cooperative credit, microfinance, and government-sponsored schemes, on agricultural productivity and livelihood enhancement. Using secondary data from national surveys, published research, and policy documents, the study highlights how access to affordable and timely credit facilitates technological adoption, crop diversification, employment generation, income growth, and poverty reduction. The findings indicate that institutional credit significantly contributes to agricultural productivity and livelihood security. However, challenges such as regional imbalances, procedural complexities, and rising indebtedness remain. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen rural credit delivery systems and ensure sustainable and inclusive rural development.
Abstract: Due to imports of goods and particularly textiles, gems, seafood, and electronics, the United States presents tariff levels that are very high to Indian exports and this presents a great challenge to Indian trade balance and GDP. This paper will examine the economic effects of these tariffs, examine the bilateral trade pattern between India and the U.S., and provide an internal policy action to alleviate the effect. It also analyses strategic potential of the India UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as hedge against U.S trade headwinds. By quantitatively supported thought and sectoral knowledge, the paper draws a plan on how India can be resilient in exports and its economy.
Abstract: Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) play a crucial role in the Indian financial system by complementing banks in providing credit, promoting financial inclusion, and offering specialised financial services. The present study aims to evaluate the performance of selected NBFCs in India using key financial indicators. This research analyses profitability, liquidity, solvency, and efficiency ratios to assess the overall financial health of these organisations. Secondary data has been collected from annual reports and published financial statements of the selected NBFCs for a specific period. The findings reveal performance variations among NBFCs, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This study conducts a comparative performance appraisal of two major Non-Banking Financial Companies operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India: Bajaj Finance Ltd. (Gurgaon) and Tata Capital Financial Services Ltd. (Noida). Using key financial metrics such as Assets Under Management (AUM), profitability ratios (Return on Assets - ROA, Return on Equity - ROE), net interest margin (NIM), asset quality (non-performing assets - NPAs), and capital adequacy, this paper evaluates the financial health, operational efficiency, and performance dynamics of both NBFCs. The findings highlight significant differences arising from their business strategies, asset quality, and scale of operations, providing actionable insights for investors, regulators, and stakeholders.
Abstract: This research report provides an in-depth analysis of the persistent liquidity crisis within Bangladesh's banking sector. Characterized by a severe shortage of available cash to meet obligations, the crisis threatens financial stability and long-term economic growth. The study identifies the multifaceted causes of the crisis, which are predominantly rooted in systemic governance failures rather than external shocks. Key factors include alarming levels of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) driven by poor credit governance and willful defaults, a declining trend in deposit growth, significant capital flight, and foreign currency mismanagement. The report assesses the profound impacts of this crisis, including constrained credit flow to productive sectors, erosion of public trust, and heightened systemic risk. It evaluates recent regulatory interventions by Bangladesh Bank, such as the unification of weak banks and the introduction of the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025. Through analytical review, the report concludes that while these are positive steps, their long-term efficacy depends on rigorous implementation. The study recommends a holistic strategy encompassing stringent governance reforms, aggressive NPL resolution through asset reconstruction companies, monetary and fiscal policy coordination, technological integration for transparency, and confidence-building measures to attract deposits. The findings underscore that a sustainable solution requires unwavering political will to address deep-seated institutional corruption and mismanagement.
Abstract: The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed the global trade landscape, with e-commerce and digital trade emerging as dominant forces reshaping traditional trade architectures. This paper examines the multifaceted impact of digital trade and e-commerce on global trade structures, analyzing key trends, challenges, and policy implications. Through comprehensive analysis of empirical data and theoretical frameworks, we demonstrate how digital platforms have reduced transaction costs, democratized access to international markets, and created new regulatory challenges. Our findings indicate that digital trade now accounts for a significant portion of global GDP, with cross-border e-commerce growing at unprecedented rates. However, this transformation has also highlighted critical issues including digital divides, data governance concerns, and the need for updated international trade frameworks. This research contributes to understanding how digital trade is reconfiguring global value chains and what policy interventions are necessary to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital economy.
Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between national income and tourism expenditure, framed within the context of the Engel curve, for six South Asian nations with significant potential for Halal tourism: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Utilizing a Generalized Least Squares (GLS) model on panel data from 2000 to 2024, we analyze the impact of GDP per capita on outbound tourism expenditure. Our findings indicate a positive and elastic income elasticity of tourism demand (0.989), signifying that tourism is a luxury good and that financial outlay on travel increases more than proportionally with income. The results underscore the critical opportunity for these countries to develop their Halal tourism sectors to capture a share of this elastic expenditure, thereby fostering economic diversification and employment generation. The study concludes with targeted policy recommendations aimed at leveraging this income-elastic demand for sustainable economic development.