Journal Press India^®

The first paper by Meghna Malhotra examines both primary and secondary spillover effects from foreign firms to domestic firms using a structured framework. Additionally, it investigates whether there is a convergence in single-factor productivity measured through capital and labour productivity between foreign and domestic firms across 13 manufacturing industries in India during the period 2001–2019. Using firm-level data aggregated at the industry level, the study identifies growth patterns in these productivity measures for both foreign and domestic firms within each industry. The findings support the argument that foreign direct investment is crucial for enhancing productivity in host economy. However, these benefits are conditional and unevenly distributed across industries.

Using a DEA approach the second research paper measures the efficiency of Major Ports in India. Kiran Meena, the author of this paper, has used input variables like number of berths, number of employees and number of vessels handled by the port. The output variables selected in the study are container throughput (TEU) and total traffic handled. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Kamarajar Port Limited, and Paradip Port Trust found to be efficient. The rest of the ports like Chennai, Cochin, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Visakhapatnam, New Mangalore, V.O. Chidambaranar, Mumbai, Mormugao, and Deendayal port trust are found to be inefficient.

Taking a different approach Ranjan Kumar Nayak, has etched out a paper on Gandhian economic thought by studying Orissa State Cooperative Bank. The findings indicate substantial growth in deposits and credit, alongside improved asset quality, with NPAs declining significantly over time. OSCB also demonstrates a strong focus on agricultural finance and support for marginalized groups. However, issues such as governance constraints, uneven institutional performance, and digital gaps persist. The study underscores the continued practical relevance of Gandhian economic thought in promoting inclusive, ethical, and community-oriented banking in contemporary India.

A regional study on Kerala’s women entrepreneurs and their financial literacy by Manju Varghese, Sumathy M. and Smitha P., highlights the paramount need to modify financial education programs to go beyond basic credit access and cultivate practical skills in debt management, risk management, and comprehensive planning, thereby ensuring stable business growth and fortitude in this financially vulnerable sector.

Using Geospatial Techniques Vani N. R. analyses the cropping system in Chikkaballapur District of Karnataka. The author concludes that the results reveal pronounced spatial heterogeneity in cropping intensity and diversification, driven by irrigation availability, topography, and market accessibility. Irrigated taluks exhibit higher cropping intensity and greater adoption of horticultural crops, while rainfed regions show persistent fallow land and lower vegetation vigour.

Determinants of Gross Domestic Saving in India have been modelled using ARDL technique, by Debananda Behera and Swayam Prava Mishra. The study concludes that in the long run, gross capital formation, and tax revenue as percent of GDP have significant and positive impact on saving. But inflation and real interest rate have significant and negative impact on GDS. Similarly, exchange rate and GDP have positive and insignificant impact on saving. Only consumption determines saving negatively which is insignificant.

Tissa Maria Joshy, Priya Mariyat and Mufliha S., have studied influence of financial literacy and financial attitude on financial well-being amongst Millennials and Generation Z in Kerala. The results indicate that financial literacy and financial attitude vitally impact financial well-being, with financial literacy as the strongest predictor. It was also found that there exist generational differences with regard to financial literacy, financial attitude, and financial well-being. Millennials show strong traditional financial literacy, the right financial attitude and perceived financial well-being. In contrast, Generation Z demonstrates stronger digital financial literacy and a strong tendency to take risks but also experiences greater financial stress.

‘An Analytical Study of Level and Patterns of Industrial Development in Himachal Pradesh: A Principal Component Analysis’, by Tek Singh and Atma Ram, uses Principal Component Analysis to develop Composite Indices for Industrial Development. On the basis of composite indices Solan district was at the top go along by Sirmaur, Una, Kangra, and Mandi whereas, districts Chamba was at the bottom over the study period preceded by Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, and Shimla and inter-district disparities have been increased. The findings suggest that targeted policies aimed at enhancing infrastructure and creating industry-specific clusters could play a pivotal role in reducing regional imbalances and fostering inclusive industrial growth.

Finally, a review article by Malathi K., studies Carbon Credits and Indian Agriculture has been included. This study aims to explore the potential of carbon credits in increasing the farmer's income and promoting sustainable development in India. The study concludes that given the rising global attention to the sustainable development, it is crucial that India adopts such practices to its primary sector.

In this issue there are 9 topics chosen. I am sure that during the ensuing vacations it would form good reading.

Editor-in-chief
Prof. K. V. Bhanu Murthy