Current Issue

The current research article examined the impact of vocational training and self-help groups (SHGs) on skills development, job, and socio-economic empowerment of rural tribal women, and narrows down on the rural population. The article will aim to (1) determine the most important positive impacts of vocational training on tribal women in rural areas, (2) determine the challenges posed by the training, and (3) determine how demographics like marital status affect the perception of the participants of effective training. Convenient sample of 200 tribal women are chosen for the study. The questionnaire was conducted to collect data and analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests and independent t-tests. The results indicate that vocational training is effective in promoting such skills as employability, income, self-confidence, entrepreneurship, job opportunities, and community development in participants. The article also reveals that there are numerous challenges such as an insufficient literacy and educational status, socio-cultural issues, inaccessibility of training facilities, poor infrastructure, financial limitations, and post-training job shortages. The independent t-test outcomes show that the marital status is not a significant factor affecting the perception of the participants about the training factors like accessibility, quality, and competence of the trainers, family support, employment opportunities, or the teaching method. The results of these studies show the fundamental importance of vocational training in helping women in rural tribal areas become socio-economically empowered and the necessity to tackle structural, educational, and socio-cultural obstacles. The research offers effective policy insights to policymakers and training agencies and community-based organizations to develop inclusive and accessible vocational services to develop skills, foster entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities among the rural tribal women. Keywords: Vocational training, rural tribal women, Employment generation, Skills development, Self-help groups and Socio-economic empowerment

The emergence of financial technologies, powered by innovations in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and mobile platforms, has transformed the way users interact with digital banking services. Amid growing competition, gamification has become an increasingly popular strategy to boost user engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty by integrating game-like elements such as rewards, challenges, badges, and progress tracking into banking apps. This study explores how demographic characteristics, autonomous motivation, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, competency, and autonomy influence users’ attitudes toward gamified digital banking applications, and how these attitudes shape their behavioural intentions. Drawing insights from relevant literature and user perceptions, the research emphasizes the psychological and design factors that contribute to a meaningful gamified experience. The findings aim to guide banks and fintech companies in developing ethical, inclusive, and user-centric gamification strategies that not only enhance usability but also promote financial literacy, motivation, and long-term customer engagement in the digital banking ecosystem. Keywords: Gamification, Digital Banking, User Engagement, Behavioural Intention, Financial Technology (FinTech)

This study explores the role of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Delhi NCR region, particularly in facilitating cross-border commerce. The research investigates the financial, capacity-building, logistical, and digital support provided by MFIs to enable MSMEs' participation in international trade. Through a survey of MSME owners and managers, the study reveals that MFIs play a crucial role in offering export-focused loans, providing capacity-building programs, and supporting e-commerce adoption. However, despite these contributions, the study identifies gaps in the accessibility of low-interest loans, the comprehensiveness of export training programs, and the digital literacy of MSMEs. The findings show that 35% of respondents strongly agree that MFIs provide adequate export-focused loans, yet concerns over high-interest rates persist. Furthermore, while training programs are generally appreciated, only 40% of respondents believe that export documentation training is sufficiently detailed. The study also highlights the significance of e-commerce platforms in enhancing MSMEs’ global visibility, with 60% of respondents strongly agreeing that these platforms help reach international markets. Nevertheless, digital literacy and access to technology remain barriers for many MSMEs. Logistical support provided by MFIs, such as partnerships with logistics providers, is also deemed beneficial in reducing costs and improving reliability for MSMEs engaged in international trade. The study concludes that while MFIs play an essential role in supporting MSMEs, there is a need for more affordable financial products, comprehensive export training, enhanced digital literacy programs, and stronger logistics partnerships. Policymakers and MFIs must collaborate to develop strategies that address these challenges and empower MSMEs to succeed in global markets. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how MFIs can foster MSME participation in cross-border trade. Keywords: Microfinance, Cross-Border Commerce, MSMEs, E-commerce, Export Strategies, Delhi NCR, Financial Inclusion.

Translating the sustainability commitments into people-oriented practices: the sustainability commitment in hospitals is translated into green recruitment, training, performance appraisal, rewards and employee engagement that contributes to pro-environmental behaviour. The medical industry is crucial to ensuring a sustainable environment, yet hospitals are still struggling to adopt sustainable environmental practices. The article will examine the prevailing trends, issues and future of (GHRM) in hospitals, in the context of moving the awareness to practical integration. Using quantitative data of 150 hospital employees, the research evaluates the significant obstacles which prevent the implementation of the GHRM practices. Descriptive statistical results reveal that fragmentation and responsibilities (Mean = 3.87, SD = 0.950) and cultural and behavioural inertia (Mean = 3.66, SD = 0.858) are the most prominent obstacles, followed by resource and capacity constraints (Mean = 3.25, SD = 1.009) and measurement and attribution problems (Mean = 3.10, SD = 1.023). These findings indicate that while awareness of sustainability has increased among hospital staff, systemic barriers continue to impede its full integration into human resource policies and daily operations. The article underscores the importance of cross-functional cooperation, leadership dedication and alignment policies in entrenching GHRM in hospital management systems. The healthcare facilities can cultivate a culture of environmental mindfulness and can optimize their operations, as well as contribute to the overall objectives of sustainable development. Synthesizing the recent evidence on trends, practical barriers, organisational outcomes and research gaps, this article provides an implementation checklist to hospital managers and suggests a future research and policy agenda to transform awareness to concrete action by hospitals. Keywords: (GHRM), Hospitals, Sustainability, Environmental Practices, Challenges, Barriers and Healthcare Management.

The present study aims to understand the financial literacy and investment decisions of pre – service teachers at Thiagarajar College of Preceptors (TCP), Madurai. The objectives are to find out how much the students know about managing money, to learn about their investment choices, and to see if there is a link between their financial knowledge and the way they invest. A questionnaire was created in Google Forms and shared with 87 first year B.Ed. students, out of which 46 students responded. The questionnaire had five sections: demographic, financial literacy, investment decisions, investment preference, and general awareness. It included 0.5 scale rating questions, yes/no questions, and multiple choice questions to measure the students’ knowledge and practices. The collected responses were used to address the study’s objectives and provide insights into how financial literacy influences investment behavior among pre – service teachers. The study may help in planning simple financial awareness activities for pre – service teachers, so they can handle money and investments more effectively. Keywords: Financial Literacy, Investment Decisions, Pre – service Teachers, Thiagarajar College of Preceptors (TCP), Investment Preferences, Financial Awareness

Green entrepreneurship is an emerging trend in the pursuit of sustainable development due to the increased focus on sustaining a balance between environmental, economic, and social concerns. The purpose of the current study is to examine the main aspects that determine sustainable growth with the help of green entrepreneurship and its effect on export performance. The research in question is specifically aimed at comprehending the role of green entrepreneurial practices including resource efficiency, innovation, and regulation compliance in the process of improving international competitiveness. In order to fulfill the said purpose, a quantitative research design was utilized. The respondent sample of 150 was chosen by means of a convenient sampling, and it represented the participation of the entrepreneurs and business owners, who practice environmentally responsible activity. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the primary data and the Friedman Test was used to examine it and arrive at a conclusion about the relative significance of different factors determining green entrepreneurship and green export performance. The results also showed that there were large variations between the factors with resource efficiency and cost competitiveness being the most significant dimension and then came compliance and market access and value addition and product differentiation. Other factors like innovation, regional development and long-term resilience were also rated lower but also relevant. The research concludes that green entrepreneurship boosts potential export ability mainly due to efficient utilization of resource, compliance with sustainability and eco-friendly product innovations. The study offers good policy implications to sustainable industrial development as well as managerial implications that firms aiming to adopt green strategies in their export systems should consider in an attempt to attain long term competitiveness and relevance in the global markets. Keywords: Resource Efficiency and Cost Competitiveness, Compliance and Market Access, Value Addition and Product Differentiation, Innovation and Upgrading