Shanlax International Journal of Economics

Industrial Pollution and Fish Kill Impacts on Pizhala’s Fishing Livelihoods

Anupa Jacob — 2026-06-01

Pizhala, in Kerala’s ecologically sensitive backwaters, faces severe socio-economic and environmental impacts due to recurrent fish kills caused by industrial pollution. This study examines the effects on fishing communities whose livelihoods rely on capture fisheries and aquaculture. This study combines primary data from field surveys with supporting secondary sources. The analysis reveals significant income losses, rising debt, and declining fish demand, with over half of the respondents losing more than ₹20,000 per incident. Adaptive strategies include alternative livelihoods, collective action, and environmental support. However, there are financial and structural constraints that limit their resilience. These findings highlight the urgent need for stringent pollution control, sustainable fishery management, and targeted support to safeguard livelihoods and restore ecological sustainability. Future research should focus on the long-term ecological monitoring of water quality and fish populations in Pizhala. This will help us better understand the frequency and causes of fish-kill events. There is also a need for economic valuation of environmental damage and livelihood losses faced by fishing households.

Transforming Indian Gold and Silver Market in World Geopolitical Tension: An Analytical Study

Macchindra Damaji Vedapathak — 2026-06-01

Over the past half-decade, gold and silver prices have experienced a super bull run. Geopolitical tensions, trade wars, the Middle East crisis, the continuously increasing demand for gold from central banks worldwide, and the increasing demand for silver from the industrial sector are the reasons for increasing gold and silver prices. In addition, during the past decade, many investors have diversified their investments in physical gold and silver to Exchange Traded Funds-ETFs. All these factors have led to unprecedented price levels. The present study analyzes the rising trends of gold and silver prices using secondary data collected from reliable financial sources such as the RBI, Economic Survey of India, World Gold Council, and Silver Institute from 2000 to February 4, 2026. Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel and SPSS, applying Mean, Standard Deviation, CAGR, percentage of change, and Spearman’s rho correlation methods. The results indicate a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between the exchange rate, gold, and silver prices from 2000 to February 4, 2026. The Pearson correlation coefficient between gold and silver is 0.954 at significance (p-value)0.000 level, which indicates a very strong positive correlation between gold and silver prices. In addition, from 2020 to February 4, 2026, the CAGR of gold prices has grown 26.32 percent and silver prices has grown 15.38 percent. During the period, the exchange rate between the U.S. The Dollar and Indian Rupee have reached 74.22 rupees to 90.44 rupees per Dollar. As well as the study explains that some positive and adverse impact on gold and silver market, industry, consumers and investors in India.The study concludes that during the study period gold and silver prices are increased but silver prices are more fluctuate compare to gold prices. However, both precious metals remain important investment assets during periods of economic uncertainty and inflation.

Socio-Economic Viability and Livelihood Impact of Ericulture among Rearers in Baksa District, Assam

Emerson Moshahary — 2026-06-01

Ericulture is deeply in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), integrating traditional practices with sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal rural communities, especially women, over generations since time immemorial. This study aimed to examine the socio-economic characteristics of eri silk rearers, evaluate the economic viability and profitability of eri-culture, and identify factors influencing engagement in this activity in Assam’s Baksa district. Primary data were collected using a multistage sampling method to survey 90 respondents across three subdivisions, six circles, and 12 villages. The data were analysed using the basic percentage method through cross-tabulation and cost-benefit ratio to assess profitability. The findings reveal that ericulture is female-dominated (97%), with the majority of rearers being middle-aged (65.56%) homemakers (86.67%). Ericulture rearing is profitable because of the low investment but high cost-benefit ratio, generating higher returns of 4.11. However, rearers currently face problems such as a lack of proper market linkages, inadequate technological transformations, and a scarcity of host plants for silkworms. Future research should focus on comparative studies across other districts of BTR to understand the full potential of ericulture. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the eri silk supply chain and an investigation of whether socio-cultural, educational, or economic barriers are preventing the adoption of ericulture technologies are needed.