Financial Reforms and Technical Efficiency in Indian Commercial Banking: A Generalized Stochastic Frontier Analysis

In this study we estimate technical efficiency of Indian commercial banks from 1989- 2009 using a multiple-output generalized stochastic production frontier, and analyze the effects of financial sector reforms on measured efficiency. This generalized technique estimates technical efficiency in the presence of multiple outputs, filling a gap in the existing literature. Our results show that Indian commercial banks were operating with 64% efficiency on average during the sample period and that efficiency declined in both public and private banks during most parts of the post-reform period. The capital adequacy ratios negatively influenced efficiency while the number of branches had no significant effect on bank efficiency. Financial sector reforms, however, have had mixed results on technical efficiency. The initial phase of reform had positive impact on technical efficiency while the later phases adversely affected technical efficiency of commercial banks. Throughout the sample period, public sector banks show higher efficiency levels compared to private sector and foreign banks.

Scented Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench): A Novel Avenue to Boost the Millet’s Popularity

The current unpredictability of the climate is, directly and indirectly, affecting global food and nutritional security. In this instance, nutritional enrichment major attribute that is eventually necessary to help conventional crops become more resilient to future calamities. Sorghum is a crop widely acknowledged to be sustainable for the future due to its ability to withstand environmental variations and its crucial role in guaranteeing food and nutritional security. However, the primary obstacle to its broad appeal is the difficulty of garnering public approval. Perhaps the possible solution might lie in the scented sorghum which has enhanced flavors and distinct sensory qualities. The global population has responded most affectionately to fragrant cereals, and apparently, the same opportunity can be utilized by scented sorghum cultivars. It unveils an expanded potential for offering enhanced nutrients per portion compared to conventional alternatives, and it is quite probable that customers would choose them as a fragrant substitute based on previously observed choices. This paper briefly discusses the historical background and current advancements in scented sorghum research. Additionally, it examines the genetic makeup and molecular approaches applied to the diverse fragrant crops, potentially paving the way for sorghum to become a future defender of food and nutritional security. It further emphasizes that combining a nutrient-rich cereal like sorghum with enhanced fragrance and flavors has the potential to enhance its appeal and make it more accessible on the consumer\u27s plate

A randomized controlled trial comparing oxytocin administration before and after placental delivery in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in a tertiary care hospital in Bankura district of West Bengal, India

Background: PPH is the prime cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The incidence of PPH can be drastically combatted by application of uterotonic in active management of third stage labour. Timing of its administration is a matter of concern. This study aimed to assess whether timing of administration of oxytocin would have any impact on incidence or mean blood loss of PPH.Methods: It was a single blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bankura Sammilani Medical College for 6 months where 100 antenatal mothers admitted for normal delivery in labour room were allocated randomly in study and control group considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Incidence of PPH and mean blood loss had been identified clinically by following them for 24 hours.Results: Only 9% of study population had experienced PPH. There was no statistically significant difference in incidence of PPH with difference in timing of administration of oxytocin (p >0.05). But there was statistically significant decrease in mean blood loss if oxytocin was administered before the placental delivery. The mean blood loss with oxytocin administered before placental delivery was 296.8 ml (102.45) and after placental delivery was 452.0 (128.87) ml respectively.Conclusions: Policy makers should keep in mind not only the incidence of PPH, but the mean blood loss amount too in a setting where anaemia in pregnancy is quite prevalent