Abstract: Digital evolution of payment services has been a crucial and evolving trend that has been witnessed in the Indian financial market. Technological advancement, government support, and a rise in smartphone devices have encouraged people to opt for more digital means of transferring money and changing the structure of financial and money markets. This paper attempts to provide an empirical analysis of how consumer behavior is shaped by the evolving nature of digital payment services, especially in Meerut districts of Meerut, a Tier-2 city that constitutes a mix of both urban and semi-urban class consumer crowd. This paper attempts to provide an empirical analysis of how consumer behavior is shaped through a structured questionnaire covering a sample size of 100 people and employed statistical methods for hypothesis testing and analysis. Findings show that demographic characteristics are not a significant factor in changes in consumer expenditure behavior and shape and are shaped by aspects such as trust, ease of convenience, and perceived usefulness of services. Additionally, it was found that ease of services of digital payment further contributes to an improvement in consumer satisfaction levels.
Abstract: This study investigates the perceived barriers hindering the adoption of green products within the educational ecosystem of Meerut, India, specifically adopting an institutional perspective. Recognizing educational institutions as crucial agents for promoting sustainability, the research aims to identify the structural, procedural, and normative impediments faced by schools, colleges, and universities in transitioning towards environmentally preferable goods and services. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data was gathered from secondary sources, through online mode and focus group discussions with key institutional stakeholders, including administrators, and faculty members in Meerut. The analysis reveals a complex interplay of perceived barriers operating at multiple institutional levels. Key impediments identified include: 1) Economic Constraints: Predominant concerns regarding the higher initial costs, green products and stringent, inflexible budgetary allocations; 2) Structural & Procedural Hurdles: Lack of clear institutional green procurement policies, cumbersome bureaucratic approval processes, and limited access to reliable suppliers/vendors offering certified green alternatives; 3) Behavioral & Awareness Factors: Insufficient institutional commitment and leadership prioritization, resistance to changing established procurement habits, and a lack of awareness or training among institution stakeholders regarding the benefits and availability of green options. The findings emphasize that overcoming these barriers requires targeted intervention sat the institutional level, including the formulation of supportive green procurement policies, dedicated budgetary provisions, streamlined processes, capacity building, and fostering a stronger organizational culture of sustainability.
Abstract: This research explores the impact of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) policy on its trade relations with China, emphasising their role in global supply chains. It analyses changes in trade patterns, import dependency, export results, and sectoral shifts since the policy's 2020 implementation. By combining quantitative data with qualitative evaluations, the study reveals that the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has introduced strategic measures for import substitution, supply chain diversification, and domestic industry support, focusing on enhancing local manufacturing, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. The study highlights India's structural trade imbalances with China, driven by its significant demand for intermediate goods and capital equipment crucial for manufacturing. This dependence poses challenges to India's self-reliance and complicates trade relations in a globalised economy. The paper offers policy recommendations to enhance trade resilience and competitiveness against Chinese imports, including investing in infrastructure, promoting research and development, and forming strategic international partnerships to mitigate trade imbalances and support sustainable growth.
Abstract: This study investigates the perceived barriers hindering the adoption of green products within the educational ecosystem of Meerut, India, specifically adopting an institutional perspective. Recognizing educational institutions as crucial agents for promoting sustainability, the research aims to identify the structural, procedural, and normative impediments faced by schools, colleges, and universities in transitioning towards environmentally preferable goods and services. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data was gathered from secondary sources, through online mode and focus group discussions with key institutional stakeholders, including administrators, and faculty members in Meerut. The analysis reveals a complex interplay of perceived barriers operating at multiple institutional levels. Key impediments identified include: 1) Economic Constraints: Predominant concerns regarding the higher initial costs, green products and stringent, inflexible budgetary allocations; 2) Structural & Procedural Hurdles: Lack of clear institutional green procurement policies, cumbersome bureaucratic approval processes, and limited access to reliable suppliers/vendors offering certified green alternatives; 3) Behavioral & Awareness Factors: Insufficient institutional commitment and leadership prioritization, resistance to changing established procurement habits, and a lack of awareness or training among institution stakeholders regarding the benefits and availability of green options. The findings emphasize that overcoming these barriers requires targeted intervention sat the institutional level, including the formulation of supportive green procurement policies, dedicated budgetary provisions, streamlined processes, capacity building, and fostering a stronger organizational culture of sustainability.
Abstract: Bangladesh's rich textile heritage offers powerful, yet distinct, models for sustainable development. This study conducts a comparative analysis of two premier handloom sectors: the intricate Jamdani weaving of Tangail and the symbolic Khadi fabric of Cumilla. Framed within green economy principles, the research examines their socio-economic viability, environmental footprint, and potential as engines for pollution-free community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach (July-December 2025), the analysis incorporates surveys, environmental impact assessment, and case studies of both a "GI Gold" Jamdani export initiative and a revived Khadi business plan. Key comparative findings reveal: (1) Both sectors possess underutilized Geographical Indication (GI) status, but face different market challenges—Jamdani contends with high-skill imitation, while Khadi battles generic, low-cost substitutes; (2) their production paradigms, though both low-pollution, differ fundamentally, with Jamdani emphasizing artistic virtuosity and Khadi embodying philosophical self-reliance; and (3) their developmental contexts vary, with Tangail's model being craft-cluster centric and Cumilla's requiring synergistic infrastructure (e.g., airport revival) for growth. The study concludes that while both heritage textiles are potent vehicles for sustainable development, tailored, integrated strategies—recognizing their unique cultural, economic, and infrastructural ecosystems—are essential to unlock their full potential for artisan well-being, cultural preservation, and green economic growth in their respective regions.
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.