A 13 page paper assessing governance at 2 private and 2 state-owned banks in India. Businesses within the same industry operate by standard means in many respects, but each is different in its management, goals for the future and perspective on the value of customers. The process of assessing governance at four Indian banks reveals immense differences in these factors. The banks examined here are ICICI Bank Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., State Bank of India and Global Trust Bank. The focus is on financial performance for two years prior to and two years after significant capital inflow. In the case of ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank, these points were when they became the first and second Indian banks to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Includes 2 figures and 5 tables. Bibliography lists 14 sources.

This 12 page paper gives an in-depth overview of Islamic banking. The paper looks at the history and development of Islamic banking in recent times, the major characteristics of Islamic banking, gives a description of the different financial products and financial instruments which are utilised, considers the banking regulations, the strategic and competitive issues faced by Islamic banks and finishes with recommendations for an existing or new international Islamic bank. The bibliography cites 12 sources.

Mobile banking is becoming a viable option for many banks. This 22 page paper looks at the potential of mobile banking and considers whether it is a strategy that should be adopted. The paper starts with an introduction, aims and objectives and gives a methodology based on a literature review. The literature defines mobile banking, considers the role of banks and looks at how mobile banking fits in with the traditional role of banks. The paper also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mobile banking from the perspective of customer and the bank before reaching a conclusion. The bibliography cites 18 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at the trade that takes place between India and Asia, considering the trade levels, the increase and influences in trade such as reduction in trade tariffs and considers why India may be an attractive export destination for Australian goods and looks at potential barriers. The last part of the paper considers the viability of exporting beef from Australia to India. The bibliography cites 7 sources.

A 5 page paper discussing the current issue of nuclear testing as it relates to India and Pakistan. It has been many years since any nuclear testing has been conducted in any part of the world and the recent tensions between India and Pakistan have apparently brought out the 'big guns.' On May 11, 1998 -- India tested three nuclear devices 328 feet underground in a remote desert and the tests go on from there. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Ind-paki.wps