European Economic Letters (EEL)

Impact of Financial Sector Reforms on Economic Growth in Emerging Economies

Jayashree Badal, Garima Raghuwanshi, Manoj Kumar Mishra — 2026-04-03

This study investigates the relationship between financial sector reforms and economic growth in emerging economies from 2020 to 2025. The research examines five major emerging markets—India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa—to assess how banking sector reforms, financial liberalization, and institutional strengthening influence GDP growth trajectories. Utilizing secondary data from World Bank, IMF, and central bank repositories, this study employs descriptive statistical analysis and comparative assessment methodologies. The hypothesis posits that comprehensive financial sector reforms positively correlate with sustained economic growth in emerging markets. Results from six statistical tables demonstrate significant variations in reform outcomes across countries, with India showing 7.8% GDP growth in Q2 2025 following extensive digital financial reforms. China maintained moderate 4.6-5.0% growth amid structural adjustments, while Indonesia achieved consistent 5.0% expansion. The findings reveal that financial inclusion initiatives, banking sector capitalization, and regulatory frameworks significantly impact economic performance. Discussion highlights the critical role of monetary policy reforms and institutional quality in determining reform effectiveness. The study concludes that well-sequenced financial sector reforms, coupled with macroeconomic stability, constitute essential drivers of sustainable economic growth in emerging economies.

Role of Digital Finance in Strengthening Economic Stability and Inclusion

Garima Raghuwanshi — 2026-04-03

The concept of digital finance has become a revolutionary event in the Indian economic environment, which has radically reformed access to finance and financial stability. In this paper, the authors describe the various aspects of digital finance about enhancing economic stability and financial inclusion in India by conducting holistic analysis of empirical evidence between the period 2021 and 2025. The study utilizes quantitative research design, which involves the use of secondary data of reserve bank of India, national payments corporation of India and ministry of finance databases. The hypothesis is that digital finance interventions improve the economic stability as well as the outcomes of financial inclusions significantly. Findings indicate stunning improvement in the Financial Inclusion Index which increases by 24.3 percent between March 2021 and March 2025 (53.9 to 67.0). UPI transactions were 228.3 billion worth Rs 300 lakh crore and PMJDY accounts increased to 56.16 crore with deposits of Rs 2.67 lakh crore. Statistical results indicate that there are significant positive correlations between the digital payment adoption and GDP growth, the banking penetration and economic stability indicators, and the expansion of the digital infrastructure with the reduction of poverty. It is discussed that digital finance is a key facilitator of inclusive growth by lowering transaction costs, increasing transparency, and better access to formal financial services. The paper concludes that the digital finance ecosystem in India has been effective in enhancing economic stability as well as financial inclusion to make the country a global leader in digital payments and establishing sustainable avenues to economic empowerment.

Role of Inclusive Human Resource Management in Managing Diversity: A Key to Employee Self efficacy

Pooja Talwar — 2026-04-07

Best practices in the human resource department are needed to develop the strategies for recruitment, training, and performance management by making use of inclusive practices, by collaborating and monitoring on a regular basis to overcome various challenges and resistance of the workforce. In an era of technological innovations, digitization, and societal advancement, the inclusive HR practices across the employee life cycle for recruitment, training, motivation, and retention are of utmost importance. This can be done through creating an ecosystem following the principle of inclusive culture in processes and policies to manage the diversities at the workplace.Human Resource Management (HRM) practices are designed and executed for professional efficiency, workforce participation for the development, and seizing the opportunities to create the best. There is a need to embrace a culture of continuous learning and following the principles of equity, cooperation, and collaboration for doing the activities in the organisation.

“Impact of a Workplace-Based Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge of Mental Health Resources and Burnout Prevention among Hospital Nursing Staff: A Quasi-Experimental Study.”

Deepak Suwalka, Rohit Avasthi — 2026-04-07

Background: Nurses face high rates of occupational stress and burnout. Knowledge of available mental health resources and strategies for burnout prevention is critical for well-being and retention. This study evaluated the effect of a workplace-based structured teaching program (STP) on nurses' knowledge of mental health resources and burnout prevention strategies.

Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest study was conducted among 132 nurses at Krishna Super Speciality Hospital, Kanpur. A structured teaching program (STP) of four weekly sessions addressed burnout recognition, mental health resources, self-care, and peer support. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results: Mean knowledge scores increased from 10.8 ± 3.6 (43.2%) at baseline to 18.4 ± 3.1 (73.6%) post-intervention (p < 0.001), with retention at 16.2 ± 3.7 (64.8%) after three months. Confidence in accessing mental health resources improved from 28% to 76%.

Conclusion: The STP significantly enhanced and sustained nurses’ knowledge and confidence regarding mental health resources and burnout prevention. Incorporating such programs into workplace wellbeing initiatives is recommended.

"Knowledge and Skill Enhancement through BLS and ACLS Education among Nursing Officers"

Pawan Kumar, Rohit Avasthi — 2026-04-07

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) are critical emergency care skills that significantly influence patient survival outcomes. Continuous education and training enhance nurses’ competency and confidence in managing cardiac emergencies.

Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was adopted. The study was conducted among 60 nursing officers at RUHS Hospital Jaipur,, Rajasthan. A structured questionnaire (25 items) assessed knowledge and a standardized checklist (20 items) assessed skill performance in simulated emergency settings. The intervention consisted of a two-day educational program including lectures, demonstrations, and return demonstrations.

Results: The mean pretest knowledge score was 12.43 ± 2.75, which increased to 20.18 ± 2.14 post-intervention. The mean skill score improved from 8.96 ± 3.11 to 17.62 ± 2.03 after training. A significant difference was observed between pretest and posttest scores for both knowledge and skill (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between pretest knowledge and demographic variables such as age, gender, or years of experience.

Conclusion: The educational intervention was highly effective in enhancing both knowledge and skill regarding BLS and ACLS among nursing officers. Regular training and periodic refresher courses are recommended to maintain competence and confidence in handling cardiac emergencies.

Effectiveness of Structure Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Varicose Veins Among School Teachers of Selected Schools at Udaipur

Pradeep Purohit, Rohit Avasthi — 2026-04-07

Background: Varicose veins are a common occupational hazard among professionals exposed to prolonged standing. Occupational groups such as nurses, school teachers and traffic police officers etc are at highest risk so preventive education is essential to decrease complications. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Structured teaching programme in improving knowledge regarding prevention of varicose veins among school teachers.
Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was used among 60 participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using paired t-test.

Results: Mean post-test knowledge scores 22.5 (75%) were significantly higher than pre-test scores 8 (26.7%) the ‘t’ value of 28.43 is significantly higher than the tabular value 2.00 at 0.05 level of significance, indicating effectiveness of structured teaching programme.

Conclusion: STP significantly improved knowledge regarding prevention of varicose veins among school teachers

Evaluation Of The Dual Income Tax Regime In India: A Comparative Study Of Taxpayer Preferences

Salma Begum, Meghana — 2026-04-08

This paper aims to examine the impact of India’s dual income tax system on the decision-making behavior of individual taxpayers. The primary aim of the study is to examine the behavior of salaried employees in choosing between the old tax regime and the new tax regime. The factors influencing their behavior would also be identified. This paper is based on a sample size of 200 salaried employees in Bangalore. The research design adopted in this paper is descriptive and analytical in nature. The primary data was collected through structured questionnaires. Relevant information was also collected through secondary sources. Statistical methods such as Chi-square tests, ANOVA tests, and correlation tests were employed to analyze the data.

The results show that the majority of the respondents still prefer the old tax regime because of the availability of deductions and exemptions. The new tax regime is preferred by those who prefer simple and easy tax compliance. The results also show that the level of income is one of the factors that affect the tax regime preference. There is a difference in the tax regime preference at different levels of income. Taxpayer awareness is also one of the factors that affect tax regime preference. Higher levels of tax awareness result in more confident decisions.

The results show that tax regime preference is affected by factors other than financial factors. Behavioral factors such as ease, familiarity, and risk also affect tax regime preference. Taxpayer education should be improved to help taxpayers make informed decisions in the dual tax system in India.

Marketing Strategy in Emerging Economies: Opportunities, Innovations, and Startup Perspectives in Developing Market Environments

G. Suguna Valli, K. Latha, S. Heram — 2026-04-15

The Emerging economies present significant growth potential for businesses due to expanding consumer markets, rapid digital adoption, and increasing entrepreneurial activity. However, firms operating in these environments face persistent constraints, including infrastructure gaps, regulatory uncertainty, price-sensitive consumers, and diverse socio-cultural contexts. This study examines marketing strategies suited to developing market environments, highlighting opportunities, operational challenges, and innovative approaches adopted by businesses to remain competitive. Particular attention is given to startups, which increasingly leverage digital platforms, social commerce, community-based engagement, and localized marketing to overcome resource limitations and build customer trust. The study underscores how innovation in distribution, mobile-first communication, and cost-effective digital promotion enables firms to access underserved markets while adapting to local consumer behavior. The findings contribute to understanding how businesses, especially startups, can design resilient marketing strategies that balance affordability, accessibility, and technological innovation in emerging economies. The research offers insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and scholars seeking to strengthen sustainable business growth in developing market contexts.

Retracted

2026-04-15

Retracted

An Empirical Study on Critical Success Factors Influencing Health Insurance Purchase Decisions

Poonam G. Ingle, Sachin Pachorkar — 2026-04-15

Health insurance has become one of the essential tools of financial protection against health shocks, especially in developing economies with high out-of-pocket medical expenditure. The study aims to investigate the critical success factors of health insurance purchasing decisions by individual consumers. Using primary data obtained through a structured questionnaire, the survey was conducted for 185 respondents. It is carried out for Nashik city. The study evaluates the relationship of the constructs perceived risk (because there are some who perceive further or realized risk in these products, and also the possibility that these products are risk-prone), awareness and knowledge (as several who may be unaware or knowledgeable about these products and are often unknowledgeable the complete scope of these products), premium affordability, trust in insurance provider, quality of service, claim settlement experience and policy benefit on purchase intention and purchase behavior. The study used a quantitative research design and applied statistical tools such as descriptive analysis, reliability test, correlation, and regression analysis to identify the relative impact of each factor. The results show that confidence on insurers', clarity of policy phrase, & efficiency of claim settlement processes are weighed more over purchase intention, pricing of premiums, & value of the coverage perceived. The results provide the valuable insights for the insurance companies, policymakers, and regulators to create focus-based products, offer better transparency, and strengthen outreach plans to increase insurance penetration.

Digital Transformation and the Crisis of News Credibility in India

Tushar Sharma, Ram Sunder Kumar — 2026-04-17

The digital revolution has significantly transformed the structure, working methods, and impact of today's journalism in India. The rapid growth of digital platforms has eroded the traditional dominance of Hindi television news channels, transforming them into a competitive, algorithm-driven, and engagement-focused media ecosystem. While digital transformation has improved instant information, reach, and audience engagement, it has also raised concerns about journalistic credibility, misinformation, sensationalism, ideology, and declining ethical standards.

This study uses a quantitative survey-based research design to examine the impact of digital transformation on the credibility of major Hindi television news channels. The results reveal a significant shift in audience preferences toward digital platforms, particularly social media, for daily news consumption. Furthermore, trust in both television and digital news formats has declined significantly. Key factors contributing to this credibility crisis include algorithmic amplification, speed-oriented reporting practices, commercial pressure, and political polarization.

This study highlights the urgent need for ethical recalibration, editorial accountability, rigorous fact-checking mechanisms, and responsible digital engagement strategies to rebuild public trust. By providing empirical insights into audience behavior and perceptions, this research contributes to the ongoing scholarly debate on media credibility and offers strategic suggestions for maintaining journalistic integrity in an increasingly fragmented digital information environment.

Impact of Freebies on Economic Growth and Social Development

Pritesh Gupta, Ram Sunder Kumar — 2026-04-17

Freebies (free cash and free facilities) has a very long history, but it became a major concern since last decade and specially after 2021. Some people think these are necessary for the poor, but experts warn that this can destroy the economy. This research paper looks at the histoical, constitutional, societal, and economic effects of freebies using new data and court observations. Free cash schemes like Ladli Behna, Ladki Bahin, Maiyan Samman, Subhadra is a new challenge for the society, for the government, for the administration and many more. Every election in India introduces new schemes like this and creates a burden on the treasury. It is not just a financial challenge. Gradually it is also causing social, industrial, developmental, and some other challenges. These schemes are aiming to enhance their social and economic well-being. While such welfare measures offer short-term relief and promote temporary empowerment, they also raise concerns about fiscal sustainability and economic dependency. This study investigates the economic and social implications of freebies through a focused analysis of LBY. Using content analysis of news articles, reports, and editorials from Dainik Bhaskar and Free Press Journal. Heavy fiscal burden along with borrowing pressures, reduced infrastructure investment, and increased the beneficiary dependency. The study concludes that while LBY contributes positively in short term, but it creates long-term fiscal challenges that may affect nation in multiple ways.

Exploring Gender Bias Against Women in STEM: A Qualitative Case Study Analysis

Kyra Anand — 2026-04-17

The increasing amount of artificial intelligence (AI) employed within STEM ecosystem are raising many concerns for businesses using algorithm-based decision-making systems that are shown to embed gender-related biases. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze whether AI methods of recruiting, evaluating, and promoting individuals may re-introduce or increase structural disparities among genders within STEM fields. This research is grounded in socio-technical systems theory; thus, the researcher defines algorithmic bias as being structural in nature and caused by historically biased datasets, proxy variables, and optimization models, placing predictive accuracy over distributional equality. The methodology included qualitative, integrative research techniques that included a structured review of literature, as well as an analytic review of case studies of biased AI implementation in industry. A comparative analysis of fairness-aware design methodologies, debiasing strategies, and governance modalities was used to help assess their effectiveness in reducing bias. While the results indicate that technical fairness interventions produce statistically significant reductions in measurement biases such as statistical parity and corresponding opportunities, the researchers conclude that they are inadequate without implementing corresponding institutional and governance reforms. The analysis determined that the long-term reduction of gender biases existing in AI systems requires a holistic strategy that includes technical redesigning, inclusive data governance practices, and accountability from organizations. Finally, the researcher presents a theoretically integrated conceptual model for creating an equity-based AI design and implementation framework within STEM ecosystem.

Understanding the Consequences of Job Insecurity: Evidence from Indian Software Engineers

Kumkum Singh, Raghavendra Pratap Singh , Yogershi Rajpoot — 2026-04-20

Era marked by rapid technological disruption and heightened workforce volatility, job insecurity has emerged as a salient psychological stressor, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors. This study investigates the correlational relationships between job insecurity and key employee outcomes job satisfaction, turnover intention, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and positive affectivity among 287 software engineers employed across five major IT hubs in India. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design and using validated psychometric instruments, Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess associations. Results reveal a significant negative correlation between job insecurity and job satisfaction (r = - 0.18, p < .01), and significant positive correlations with turnover intention (r = 0.21, p < .01), OCB (r = 0.32, p < .01), and positive affectivity (r = 0.19, p < .01). Notably, the positive relationship between job insecurity and OCB indicates potential compensatory or impression management behaviors under perceived threat. The results provide a subtle and balanced understanding of job insecurity, indicating that it may generate both negative and adaptive reactions, depending on individual characteristics and contextual conditions. This study contributes to the literature by contextualizing the dual-path effects of job insecurity within the Indian IT sector, offering insights for human resource policy and managerial practices in high-uncertainty environments.

AI-Enabled Learning Platforms and Their Impact on Faculty Skill Development and Productivity: Evidence from Arts and Science Colleges in Coimbatore District

Mr. Shanmuga Prabhu J, R Preetha Rajendran — 2026-04-24

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education has transformed teaching and academic practices through the emergence of AI-enabled learning platforms. These platforms support personalized learning, automated assessment, and data-driven academic decision-making, thereby influencing faculty performance. The present study examines the impact of AI-enabled learning platforms on skill enhancement and productivity among faculty members of Arts and Science colleges in Coimbatore District. Primary data were collected from 120 faculty members using a structured questionnaire. The study employs descriptive statistics to assess awareness and usage patterns, Exploratory Factor Analysis to identify underlying dimensions of AI platform usage and skill enhancement, and Structural Equation Modeling to examine the relationships among AI-enabled learning platforms, faculty skill development, and productivity. The findings indicate that effective use of AI-powered learning platforms significantly enhances faculty digital competence, pedagogical effectiveness, and research capability, which in turn positively influences teaching efficiency and academic productivity. The study highlights the importance of institutional support and positive faculty attitudes in promoting successful AI adoption. The results offer valuable insights for higher education institutions in designing policies and training initiatives to improve faculty performance through AI-driven learning technologies.

Readiness Of Indian Accounting Firms for Artificia Intelligence Integration: A Structural Assessment Using a Composite Ai Readiness Index

Kishore Bezawada, Gopi Unnam — 2026-04-25

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly revolutionizing the accounting industry by automating repetitive tasks, facilitating predictive analytics, and enhancing regulatory compliance procedures. Prominent global accounting networks have already incorporated AI-driven auditing, analytics, and advisory platforms into their service offerings. Nevertheless, there has been limited research into the preparedness of accounting firms in emerging markets, especially in India, for AI integration. This study seeks to fill this void by creating an Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index (AIRI) to assess the readiness of Indian accounting firms for AI adoption.

The research is based on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV), which together encompass technological capabilities, organizational resources, and environmental pressures that affect AI readiness. Methodologically, the study develops a composite index utilizing standardized secondary indicators that represent technological infrastructure, organizational competencies, and regulatory–market conditions. These indicators are combined to calculate the AIRI, yielding a quantitative assessment of firm-level readiness.

A regression-based structural analysis is subsequently employed to explore the relationships between readiness dimensions and their influence on competitive capability. The study contributes by offering a replicable framework for assessing AI readiness in professional service firms. By expanding the TOE model and incorporating insights from the RBV, the research enhances the understanding of digital transformation readiness while providing a practical benchmarking tool for firm leaders, regulators, and policymakers.