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Title: An Analytical Study of Impact of Merger and Acquisition on the Financial Performance of Selected Indian Banks

Abstract: This research paper compares pre-merger financial performance of selected public sector banks with that of post-merger financial performance. The financial performance is measured by nine different variables that are business per employee (BPE), profit per employee (PPE), net interest margin (NIM), return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), CASA ratio, capital adequacy ratio (CAD), gross non-performing asset(GNPA) and earning per share (EPS). The research is purely based on data collected from annual reports of selected banks. This data is analyzed by using paired t-test and the two tailed significance value is taken for hypothesis testing. The study found a negative impact of merger on financial performance of State Bank of India. While the financial performance of Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India and Indian Bank more or less improved post-merger. All the banks except SBI showed a better utilization of human resource as the business per employee is increased significantly. Only Union Bank of India showed improvement in profit per employee variable and return one quity. Net interest margin of four banks namely Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India improved post-merger. It is observed that overall funding cost benefits that are measured by CASA ratio is seen in State bank of India and Indian Bank. The capital adequacy ratio increased in case of Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India. No major benefit of merger is seen on gross NPA except in case of Canara Bank. Earnings per share of all six banks did not show any significant impact of merger.

By Deepak Verma, Manoj Kumar Agarwal
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
Title: A Critical Review on Financial, Developmental and Supervisory Role of NABARD: With Special Reference to Functions of its Management Bodies

Abstract: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) formed in 1982 on 12th July is India's leading agricultural finance and rural development institution. This paper critically examines NABARD's development, financing, and supervisory roles with particular reference to the operations of its organizational hierarchies. NABARD performs as a support system for rural banking organizations' refinancing, financial inclusion, financing infrastructure operations, and promoting capacity-building schemes such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). Its departments such as Financial Inclusion and Development, Infrastructure and Development, and Supervision allow NABARD to support rural credit infrastructure and policy adherence. This paper assesses the performance of NABARD in rural development, climate resilient farming, and inclusive growth. Imbalanced credit flow to regions, over-reliance on government support, weak digital connectivity, and congruence of youth training skills remain issues despite these advancements. Despite these issues, NABARD remains a powerful instrument of sustainable rural development and farm advancement in India. This paper thus concludes the relevance of policy reforms, technology adoption, and greater autonomy to improve NABARD's long-term performance.

By Saumya Rai, Dinesh Kumar Tiwari
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: Artificial Intelligence and Employment Shifts in India’s E-Commerce Sector: A Sectoral Post-Covid Analysis

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption across sectors, rapidly restructuring Indian e-commerce. AI is a critical enabler of operational efficiency-from planning supply chains to automating customer support. The study attempts to understand post-COVID transformations in AI-related employment trends in various e-commerce subsectors in India. While AI threatens entry-level, routine applications, it creates a demand for professional jobs further involving AI development, data science, and digital operations. The study, thus, employs mixed methods, using secondary data sets and qualitative case studies, to comprehend the sectoral landscape of AI impacts on employment. It attempts to understand the potentials and challenges of AI, drawing on assessment of its socio-economic impact so as to arrive at recommendations on reskilling policies and inclusive employment strategies.

By S.K.S. Yadav, Samreen Khan
In Volume: 14,Issue: 1
Title: A SWOT Analysis on Service Quality and Hospitality in Star Hotels from an Indian Market Perspective

Abstract: Previous studies explain lots of insights on hotel management in terms of service quality, challenges, issues, and problems faced in the inns. However, there is a gap in bridging the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of hotels common faces. This study addressed the gap by approaching the customer-centric viewpoint. The study looks to ascertain the strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T) of the hotel management from a customer perspective and to find the connection among the hotel facilities and frequency of customer visits for staying. The results enlighten that there is significance between the hotel amenities, price affordability, and frequency of the visit of customers. Therefore, amenities consistently give guests a comfortable space to remain longer and foster a positive perception of the hotel. The research's results are restricted to the study region; they may vary over time and between regions. From a competitive perspective, service quality contributes to the hotels by increasing their strengths and opportunities and decreasing weaknesses and threats.

By M. Shanthi, R. Ganapathi
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