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: 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: Technology has emerged as a transformative force shaping global development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. From artificial intelligence and digital health systems to renewable energy and smart infrastructure, technological innovation is redefining economies, governance, and human well-being. However, unequal access to digital resources, infrastructural disparities, and ethical challenges continue to widen global inequalities. This chapter explores how technology functions as a catalyst for global change by examining its role in innovation ecosystems, social inclusion, and sustainable development. It critically analyzes digital transformation across sectors such as healthcare, education, industry, and environmental management, while addressing issues of digital divide, data governance, and ethical responsibility. The chapter further aligns technological advancements with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing inclusive innovation and policy-driven transformation. Through conceptual frameworks and global case illustrations, it proposes a balanced pathway that integrates innovation with equity and sustainability. Ultimately, the chapter argues that technology, when guided by ethical governance and inclusive policies, can serve as a powerful instrument for achieving resilient and sustainable global futures.
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 examines the differential approach to risk management strategies concerning Non-Performing Assets (NPA) within India's two foremost banks – the Indian Public Sector Bank, State Bank of India (SBI) and the Indian Private Sector Bank, ICICI Bank. While comparing the two banks, using a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative analysis of trends in financial indicators (Gross and Net NPA ratios, Provision Coverage Ratio and Return on Assets) and a qualitative analysis of credit appraisal and monitoring and recovery frameworks. Data from 2010-2025 were taken from RBI publications, annual reports and credible academic studies, so there was authenticity and reliability of data.
Findings show that SBI's recovery centered reforms such as better provisioning (PCR increase from 70.88% to 75%), restructuring under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and improved post-sanction monitoring have led to a reduction in Gross NPAs by 47% and significant improvement in profitability (ROA increased from 0.48% to 1.1%). On the other hand , ICICI Bank's proactive and technology-driven risk model, with AI-driven early warning systems, digitised credit scoring and stringent underwriting, regularly maintained low NPAs (down from 3.05% to 1.67%) and enhanced profitability (ROA doubling to 2.0%). Correlation study reports we see that there is a very strong inverse relationship between NPAs, provisioning, Net NPA ratio and profitability (r approx –0.9) which means as NPAs and provisioning go up Net NPA ratio and profitability goes down. This is proof that what we put in place for credit assessment, early identification and recovery does in fact directly improve banks’ performance. We found out that what made SBI successful was its recovery and restructurizing which made ICICI’s success was in prevention and technology based monitoring. Also brought to light is the fact that what is key in the Indian banking system is the integration between AI, data analysis and good governance which banks use in risk management and in the end in the maintenance of asset quality in a sustainable way.