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This study examines the dual effects of remittances on elderly people in Nepal, highlighting the contrast between improved financial security and worsening mental health. Drawing on cross-sectional survey data (2024) from 270 migrant households stratified by migration duration, the researcher applies Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impacts of short-term migration (< 1 year) versus long-term migration (> 5 years). The findings show that remittances substantially enhance financial well-being, with 71 % of long-term migrant households reporting “Much Better” financial conditions (p < 0.01). At the same time, mental health challenges increase, as isolation affects 38 % of the elderly in short-term migrant families and 22% in long-term cases. Mediation analysis reveals two opposing effects: remittances strengthen financial security (? = 0.18, p < 0.01) but weaken family connections (? = ?0.40, p < 0.001), leading to an overall negative impact on mental health. The research contributes valuable insights by quantifying the balance between economic benefits and social well-being in labor-sending countries.

Keywords: Remittances, Aging, Mental Health, Financial Security, Migration
JEL Codes: J14, O15, I31

This research examines Build Bright University’s (BBU) integration of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and its alignment with the Cambodian Qualifications Framework (CQF). OBE focuses on defining clear learning outcomes to ensure graduates possess necessary competencies. The study evaluated BBU’s implementation across its five faculties, assessing the establishment and mapping of Program, Course, and Lesson Learning Outcomes (PLOs, CLOs, LLOs). While BBU generally adheres to academic standards, particularly in outcome establishment, gaps emerged in CLO-LLO alignment, assessment sample availability, and resource allocation, especially in Law and Social Science, and Engineering and Architecture faculties. The study emphasizes continuous faculty training, enhanced resource provision, and better assessment documentation for improved transparency. Recommendations include strengthening learning outcome alignment, increasing resource access, and fostering faculty collaboration to meet industry requirements and global benchmarks.

Keywords: Outcome-Based Education (OBE), Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs), Cambodian Qualifications Framework (CQF)
JEL Classification: I23

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have a great role in changing the existing traditional agricultural system in developing countries. Through the application of ICTs in agriculture it is possible to; make efficient information dissemination, bring precision agriculture, production decision and increase market access of farmers. Now-a-days, most of farmers of developing countries majority of rural farmers’ have access to ICT tools, however, farmers have not enough awareness of the significance role of ICTs for agricultural production and marketing and its subsequent impact on welfare improvement. In this context, present paper is an attempt to study the attitude of the farmers’ towards knowledge and utilization of ICT in agriculture in the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam. The regression coefficients values of independent variables for knowledge of ICT tools were -.003 for age, .142 for education, -.003 for farming experience, .010 for land holding, 3.45 for income, .534 for mass media participation, -.087 for extension contact, and 0.096 for agricultural enterprise respectively. The regression coefficients values of independent variables for utilization of ICT tools were -.011 for age, .173 for education, -.001 for farming experience, .003 for land holding, -2.08 for income, .371 for mass media participation, -.083for extension contact, and 0.017 for agricultural enterprise respectively.

Keywords: ICT, Agricultural Sector, knowledge, utilization, farmers’ attitude, Brahmaputra Valley Zone.

The present study explores the role of AgriTech startups in optimizing agricultural supply chains and fostering socio-economic transformation in India. An. Attempt has also been made to examine the growth of AgriTech startups and their role in supply chain optimisation, with a particular focus on their broader socio-economic impact. Adopting a systematic literature review and case study approach, the study finds that AgriTech interventions contribute to resource optimisation, waste reduction, and enhanced market access for smallholder farmers. They also foster sustainability and climate resilience by promoting efficient resource use. Beyond efficiency gains, AgriTech-driven supply chain transformation has important social-economic outcomes, including improved food security, increased farmer incomes, better employment opportunities, and enhanced equity in food access. The paper highlights how AgriTech interventions not only streamline logistics and resource use but also empower rural communities, contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth.

Keywords: AgriTech Startups, Supply Chain, innovation, agriculture, resource optimisation.

The relationship between social sector spending and long-term economic growth is well-documented across both advanced and emerging economies. This study empirically investigates the causal nexus between public expenditure on social sectors and economic development in India over the period 1974–75 to 2023–24, utilizing annual time-series data. To ensure robust statistical analysis, the stationarity of the variables is tested using Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) and Phillips–Perron (PP) unit root tests. Causality is examined within a multivariate econometric framework, allowing for the identification of directional relationships among the variables.

The study focuses on disaggregated public expenditure across key social sectors—education, family welfare, housing, urban development, water supply and sanitation, nutrition, social security, welfare, labor and labor laws, and the welfare of scheduled castes and tribes—and explores their linkage with economic growth, represented by GDP per capita. The findings indicate a statistically significant bi-directional causality between GDP per capita and expenditures in all major social sectors, except health. In contrast, health expenditure shows a unidirectional causal relationship from spending to economic growth, positioning it as an exogenous driver of development rather than a sector influenced by growth dynamics.

These results underscore the pivotal role of comprehensive social investments in fostering economic development, reinforcing the argument that human capital formation, welfare improvement, and infrastructure development in social domains generate positive spillover effects on economic performance. The study offers valuable insights for policy-making, emphasizing the need for targeted public expenditure, especially in health and education, to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. This research contributes to the policy debate by illustrating that strategic investments in the social sector not only address equity challenges but also lay the foundation for sustained economic progress in large developing economies such as India.

Keywords: Social Sector Expenditure, Economic Growth, Per Capita GDP, Human Development, Human Capital Formation, Public Sector Investment, Social Welfare, Economic Development, Policy Implications.