Shoaib Economics Class 12 Board Project
Shoaib Economics Class 12 Board Project
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who supported and
guided me throughout this project.
I extend my gratitude to my principal Ms. Daizy Paul for the moral support
extended during the projects tenure
Date…………………. …………………………..
Name of student
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Objectives
By achieving these objectives, this project can provide valuable insights into
the economic challenges faced by India's neighbours and their potential
repercussions for India itself.
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Contents
1.Introduction
2.Sri Lanka
3.Pakistan
4.China
5.India
6.How india can help Sri Lanka
7.How india can help Pakistan
8.How india can help China
9.Bibliography
10. notes
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Introduction
Economic and financial crises are periods of significant disruption in the financial system
and the broader economy. Imagine a domino effect – a seemingly small event triggers a
chain reaction, leading to a widespread loss of confidence, asset value decline, and
economic instability.
Types of crises:
Causes:There's no single cause for an economic crisis.A complex interplay of factors can
contribute, including:
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Sri Lanka(ශ්රී ලංකා
ප්රජාතාන්ත්රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජය)
Why is Sri Lanka facing an economic crisis?
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Impact of the crisis:
Sri Lanka does not have the latest equipments for medical services and is also
importing 85% of many of their medicines including painkillers and now due to the
economic crisis lacks the supply and has not been able to available to all the people
who require it
Power cuts suggest that there is no electricity and if there is no electricity it becomes
next to impossible to work. The work be of any nature be it writing, reading,
studying, washing, cooking etc.
Long lines at fuel stations are a common sight in Sri lanka, as 40% of the country's
fuel is sourced from petroleum and the rest mainly by hydroelectric sources. This
has caused frequent power cuts in most major towns and cities causing sri lanka to
depend on international powers for their essentials.
Due to the government's quick decision to switch to organic farming ,cold turkey,
multiple crop failures as well as rapid increases in malnutrition were documented,
wholly reducing the HDI of the developing country.
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5. Inflation at records of 50%:
There has been a continuous increase in Sri Lanka's inflation percentage which has
led to a scarcity of essentials among the general population. The medical industry
has also taken a hit with surgeons refusing to do surgeries due to lack of resources.
Sri Lankas central bank devalued the currency by 15%, mainly affecting the middle
and lower classes
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Steps taken and that can be taken to alleviate the crisis:
In April of 2022, the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa imposed a curfew as well as a state of
emergency over the country as fears over uprisings rose, allowing the military police to get
involved and arrest protestors, labelling them “uprisers”. Again in may of the same year
after Gotabaya fled to Malé with his wife and two bodyguards, the then vice president
assumed power (Wickremsinghe) reinstating a nationwide curfew as well as state of
emergency, banning all imports of luxury vehicles, fertilisers as well as food items such as
turmeric etc, to prevent foreign currency outflow. The government has also issued requests
to countries such as Russia and Qatar to provide Oil at lower prices to help cope with the
economic crisis while allowing them to produce and regain economic stability.
It is interesting to note that while Sri Lanka has established schemes like the compulsory
contributory pension for migrant workers etc,they have declined the IMF’s bailout as it
would increase their dependency while increasing their inflow of foreign capital.
The government should provide more for their domestic problems rather than focusing on
growth by making more sectors public and open to investment rather than privatisation,
while also liberalising their private sectors through tariff reductions, tax cuts etc. this will
increase Sri Lanks development as a whole after which they can focus more on their
economic prosperity by re-privatising more sectors causing capital inflow and GDP growth.
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Who is helping Sri Lanka?
Indian and Japanese prime ministers, Narendra Modi and Fumo Kishida, have both
decided to help the island nation. On May 24 after the QSD [ Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue] meeting between Australia, India and Japan, theColombo Gazettereported that
the prime ministers of the aforementioned countries have facilitated a 100 million USD
loan between the Japan bank for International Cooperation(JBIC) and Export-Import bank of
India(Exim bank of India) as an outcome of the Quad-Vaccine partnership.
India was already helping Sri Lanka before the existence of this agreement and has assisted
with several billion USD to help Sri Lanka relieve themselves of their debts. This consisted
of shiploads of large quantities of fuel, humanitarian help, cooking gas and also medical
supplies.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed after 2016, hitting negative territory in 2020 due to the
pandemic and heavy debt burden. Despite a brief recovery in 2021, the future remains
uncertain.
High debt repayments and the Russia-Ukraine conflict threaten the tourism and export
industries – key sources of foreign exchange. The conflict also impacts global oil prices,
straining Sri Lanka's resources. The EU's potential withdrawal of trade benefits further
hinders export growth.
Domestically, public anger towards the government's handling of the crisis is rising. This,
coupled with international pressure regarding economic policies, creates significant
hurdles for Sri Lanka. The government might need to seek IMF assistance despite past
resistance.
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Pakistan ( اسالمی جمہ وریہ پاکستان)
Pakistan today is a melting pot of crises. The
events leading up to this year’s elections and
what followed has only increased the
mistrust between the people and the state.
Further, the expansion in the role of the
military in both politics and the economy – through the subversion of the constitution and
suppression of political freedoms – leaves the country ill-prepared to address the many
challenges that it faces.
1. High External Debt: Pakistan has relied heavily on borrowing from abroad for years.
This has created a situation where a large portion of their income goes towards just
paying interest on the loans, limiting funds for other areas.
2. Poor Economic Management: Some argue that economic policies haven't focused on
long-term growth, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of diversification in exports.
3. Political Instability: Frequent changes in government can make it difficult to
implement long-term economic reforms. The current political climate adds to the
uncertainty.
4. Global Factors: The war in Ukraine has driven up global fuel prices, impacting
Pakistan's import costs.
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Impact of the crises:
Pakistan's economic woes have a ripple effect throughout the country, impacting people
and sectors in various ways:
● Increased Poverty and Hunger: Rising food and essential good prices due to inflation
push more people into poverty, struggling to afford basic needs.
● Unemployment and Underemployment: Businesses may struggle to stay afloat,
leading to job cuts and a larger pool of unemployed or underemployed workers.
● Reduced Public Services: The government might cut spending on social programs
like healthcare and education due to limited funds.
● Social Unrest: Frustration over economic hardship can lead to protests and social
unrest, potentially destabilising the situation.
● Security Concerns: A weakened economy can limit Pakistan's ability to address
security threats.
● Debt Default Risk: A high debt burden increases the risk of Pakistan defaulting on
loans, further damaging its creditworthiness.
● Reduced Investment: Foreign investors might be wary of putting money into an
unstable economy.
● High Inflation: The cost of everyday goods has risen sharply, making it difficult for
many Pakistanis to afford basic necessities.
● Currency Depreciation: The Pakistani Rupee has lost value compared to other
currencies, making imports more expensive.
● Balance of Payment Crisis: Pakistan struggles to earn enough foreign currency
through exports to cover the cost of imports.
The situation is serious, and Pakistan is working with international organisations like the
IMF to find solutions.
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Steps taken or could be taken to alleviate the situation:
Controlling Spending:
Austerity Measures: The government has implemented cutbacks, reducing ministerial perks
and discretionary spending to save money [High taxes, cost-cutting formula: How Pakistan
is dealing with economic crisis? | Today News - Mint].
Boosting Revenue:
Tax Reform: There's a push to improve tax collection and potentially broaden the tax base
to generate more government income [Pakistan: Economic recovery, inclusive growth
require bold reforms - World Bank Blogs].
Debt Management:
IMF Bailout: Pakistan is seeking a bailout program from the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) for financial assistance and policy guidance [Pakistan's Economic Crisis: Unveiling the
Causes, Impacts, and Remedies | ORIC - Superior University].
Export Focus: There's an emphasis on developing a stronger export sector to bring in more
foreign currency [Taking Pakistan Out of Economic Crisis: Are We Doing Enough? | The
Friday Economist]. This could involve diversifying exports beyond traditional goods.
Investment Strategy: Attracting foreign direct investment is crucial for economic growth.
Pakistan may need to improve its business environment to entice investors.
Energy Sector Reform: Investing in renewable energy and improving efficiency in power
generation and distribution could reduce reliance on expensive imports and free up
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resources for other areas [Pakistan: Economic recovery, inclusive growth require bold
reforms - World Bank Blogs].
Challenges Remain:
Implementing these measures effectively and navigating political complexities will be key to
success. Austerity measures can be unpopular, and tax reform can be difficult.
Pakistan's economic recovery hinges on its ability to address these challenges and create a
stable and attractive environment for growth.
● International Monetary Fund (IMF): This international organisation provides financial
assistance and policy advice to countries facing economic difficulties. Pakistan is
currently negotiating a bailout program with the IMF, which would offer them
much-needed funds in exchange for implementing specific economic reforms
[Pakistan's Economic Crisis: Unveiling the Causes, Impacts, and Remedies | ORIC -
Superior University].
● Friendly Countries: Pakistan has traditionally received economic aid from some of its
allies, particularly in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
These countries may provide loans or other forms of financial support [Pakistan's
Economic Woes: The Way Forward - The Diplomat].
● China: China is a close political and economic partner of Pakistan, and they have
invested heavily in infrastructure projects there through the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. While the extent of future assistance is unclear,
China may offer some form of debt relief or new loans depending on negotiations
[Can Imran Khan tackle Pakistan's colossal economic woes? – DW].
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Conclusion:
The consequences of this economic turmoil are widespread and deeply concerning. Rising
food and essential good prices due to inflation are pushing more people into poverty,
struggling to afford basic necessities. Businesses grapple to stay afloat, leading to job cuts
and a larger pool of unemployed or underemployed workers. The government may be
forced to cut spending on crucial social programs like healthcare and education, further
straining the social fabric. Frustration over economic hardship can lead to social unrest,
potentially destabilising the situation and impacting Pakistan's international standing. A
high debt burden increases the risk of default, damaging creditworthiness and deterring
foreign investors. The Pakistani Rupee's depreciation makes imports more expensive,
hindering economic activity, and creating a balance of payment crisis.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Pakistan is not alone. International organisations
like the IMF are stepping in to offer financial assistance and policy guidance. Additionally,
friendly countries and partners like China are potential sources of support. To navigate out
of this crisis, several crucial steps need to be taken. Implementing austerity measures and
tax reforms can improve government finances. Negotiating debt relief or restructuring with
creditors can also ease the burden.
The long-term solution lies in fostering a robust and sustainable economy. Enhancing the
export sector by diversifying beyond traditional goods is crucial to bring in more foreign
currency. Creating a business-friendly environment will attract foreign direct investment, a
vital engine for growth. Investing in renewable energy and improving efficiency in power
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generation can reduce reliance on expensive imports and free up resources for other
sectors.
The road ahead for Pakistan's economy is undoubtedly challenging. However, by
acknowledging the root causes of the crisis, implementing sound fiscal policies, and
fostering a more vibrant and diversified economy, Pakistan can overcome these obstacles
and achieve long-term stability and prosperity.
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People’s Republic of China(中华人民共和国)
China's economic situation is complex. While some see a
full-blown crisis, others view it as a period of slower growth
with significant challenges.
The government is taking steps to address these issues, but the path forward is uncertain.
Some analysts believe China can navigate these challenges, while others fear a more
serious downturn.
China, once a story of rapid development and prosperity, is now facing economic
challenges which some call a crisis but most call an economic slump. Here's a deeper dive
into the reasons as to why China might be having this problem.
1. Debt burden: China's rapid economic growth was fuelled by huge credit injections,
leading to unforeseen amounts of debt. The real estate sector which received the
most rapidly took on loans to complete projects while the commoners piled
mortgages on their households. This debt now drags on growth, as businesses
struggle to repay and consumers remain wary
2. Real estate slump: once a pillar of growth, now a source of concern was caused by
rapid oversupply resulting in the decrease of real estate values. This created a
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vicious cycle where owners dont sell because of the low prices and buyers and
banks, not investing due to the volatility of the sector as well as the poor quality of
construction locally known as “tofu dreg” projects.
3. Demographic shift: China's population is shrinking rapidly with a growing number of
elderly and a shrinking workforce mainly caused by the One-Child policy as well as
growing costs. This translates to a smaller consumer base and a potential strain on
social security services.
4. Global headwinds: China’s export oriented economy while strong and large is not
immune to global economic slowdown, but more resilient. Ongoing global tensions
as well as the possibility of a recession can hamper economic prosperity.
5. Policy Balancing Act: The Chinese government is walking a tightrope. They need to
stimulate growth without adding to the already high debt burden. Additionally, strict
COVID-19 lockdowns, while effective in controlling the virus, have disrupted supply
chains and consumer spending.
China's ability to navigate these challenges will determine the severity of the economic
slowdown. The government has tools at its disposal, such as infrastructure spending and
targeted stimulus packages. China is facing a period of economic transition. While a
full-blown crisis may not be inevitable, addressing these challenges will require careful
policy manoeuvring and a shift towards a more sustainable growth model.
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Impact of the crisis:
● Loss of jobs and incomes: Slower growth translates to lower demand for goods and
services. This can lead to factory closures, company downsizing, and ultimately,
unemployment. Reduced employment means lower incomes for households,
impacting their purchasing power and potentially leading to a vicious cycle of
declining demand.
● Reduced consumer spending: Economic uncertainty often leads to increased
frugality. Consumers may postpone purchases of big-ticket items like cars and
homes, further dampening economic activity.
● Investment: Businesses become hesitant to invest in new projects during an
economic slowdown. This can lead to stalled infrastructure development, reduced
innovation, and ultimately, lower long-term growth potential.
● Social stability: Widening income inequality and rising unemployment can
exacerbate social tensions. If a large portion of the population feels left behind by
the economic slowdown, it could lead to social unrest.
● Property Market Woes: A struggling housing market impacts not just developers and
construction workers. Homeowners facing declining property values might struggle
to meet their mortgages, and banks could face bad loans. This can have a domino
effect on the financial system.
● Strained Social Security: China's ageing population relies heavily on social security
programs. A shrinking workforce coupled with a growing number of retirees could
put a strain on these systems, potentially leading to benefit cuts or increased taxes.
● Environmental Issues: China has been grappling with pollution for years. An
economic slowdown could lead to reduced investment in clean energy technologies,
potentially setting back environmental progress.
1. Tax cuts for middle and lower incomes: this will increase their purchasing power and
increase disposable income
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2. Debt restructuring: The government could work with banks and companies to
restructure debt, making repayments more manageable and freeing up resources
for investment.
3. Easing Credit Restrictions: The government could loosen lending restrictions for
first-time homebuyers, potentially boosting demand in the property market.
However, this needs careful consideration to avoid fueling another bubble.
4. Social Safety Net Strengthening: Expanding social security programs could give
consumers more confidence and encourage spending.
5. Reskilling and Upskilling Initiatives: Investing in programs that equip workers with
new skills can help them adapt to changing job markets and prepare for future
economic opportunities.
6. Unemployment Benefits: Implementing or expanding unemployment benefits can
provide a safety net for laid-off workers and help them weather the economic
slowdown.
7. Infrastructure Investment: Investing in infrastructure projects can create jobs in the
short term and stimulate long-term economic growth.
8. Stimulating Innovation: Encouraging research and development can lead to new
industries and products, fostering future economic dynamism.
1. China Itself: The primary responsibility for navigating the slowdown lies with the
Chinese government. They're implementing various measures like targeted
stimulus, infrastructure spending, and potential reforms (mentioned previously).
2. International Financial Institutions: Organizations like the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) can offer advice and recommendations on economic policy. While not
direct financial aid, their expertise can be valuable.
3. Trading Partners: A healthy global economy benefits China, a major exporter. So,
stable economies in the US, Europe, and other trading partners can indirectly help
by creating demand for Chinese goods. However, current trade tensions might
hinder this.
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4. Private Investors: Foreign investment in China can provide a source of capital and
expertise. However, investor confidence in the Chinese market has been shaky due
to the economic slowdown and ongoing policy uncertainties.
The responsibility for China's economic recovery lies primarily with its own government
and its ability to implement effective policies. While the international community can play a
role through advice and maintaining a stable global economy, it's not a straightforward
case of external actors "helping" China.
Conclusion:
China's economic growth has slowed, sparking concerns about a full-blown crisis. While
serious challenges exist, a period of slower but manageable growth seems more likely.
Debt, a real estate slump, demographics, and global headwinds all contribute to the
slowdown.
The government is taking steps like targeted stimulus and infrastructure spending, but
navigating this complex situation requires careful policy maneuvering. Success hinges on
transitioning towards a more sustainable growth model that addresses issues like income
inequality and environmental concerns.
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India
India's economy is a dynamic giant, boasting a rich mix of agriculture, services, and
manufacturing. Once primarily rural and agricultural, India has seen a remarkable
transformation in recent decades. The powerful services sector, particularly IT and
technology, is now a key driver of growth. However, challenges remain, including
widespread poverty and a growing population. Despite its complexities, India's economic
story is one of immense potential and a fascinating example of development in the 21st
century.
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● Reduced Reliance on China:Trade with India can lessen Pakistan's dependence on
China, potentially giving them more bargaining power in economic dealings. This
could benefit India strategically as well.
● Stimulating Business:Indian private sector investment,particularly in energy and
infrastructure, could create jobs and boost economic activity in Pakistan.
● Unlocking Potential:Reviving trade creates a win-winsituation, fostering economic
stability and potentially paving the way for broader cooperation between the two
nations.
While challenges exist, normalizing trade offers a significant opportunity for India to play a
positive role in Pakistan's economic recovery.
● Increased Trade:As India's own economy grows, itsdemand for Chinese imports
could rise, benefiting Chinese exporters. Additionally, India can become a
destination for high-quality Chinese goods seeking new markets.
● Investment Opportunities:A stable and growing Indianeconomy could attract
Chinese investments in areas like infrastructure and technology. This two-way flow
of capital can benefit both nations.
● Regional Stability:A strong and prosperous India contributes to a stable Asian
economic landscape, which indirectly benefits China's export-driven economy.
● Knowledge Sharing:Collaboration in areas like ITand green technology can lead to
mutual learning and innovation, boosting both economies in the long run.
While India can't directly address China's internal issues, fostering a healthy economic
relationship creates a win-win situation for both Asian giants.
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Conclusion:
The economies of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and China, though vastly different in size and
structure, are all facing significant challenges. Sri Lanka grapples with a debt crisis, Pakistan
struggles with high external debt and political instability, while China experiences a
slowdown with concerns about its long-term growth model.
Despite their individual difficulties, these Asian nations are not isolated entities. They are
interconnected through trade, investment, and regional stability. Here's how India, a rising
economic power, can play a role in supporting each:
● Sri Lanka:India can act as a crucial partner by investingin Sri Lanka's
infrastructure, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, facilitating trade,
providing energy assistance, and offering financial support can bolster Sri Lanka's
recovery.
● Pakistan:Normalising trade relations offers immense potential. Increased trade
volumes benefit both nations, while reduced reliance on China for Pakistan
strengthens India's strategic position. Furthermore, Indian private sector investment
in Pakistan's energy and infrastructure can create jobs and stimulate economic
activity.
● China:While directly influencing China's vast economy might be difficult, India's
own economic growth presents opportunities. As India's demand for imports rises,
China's exporters can benefit. Additionally, a stable and growing India can attract
Chinese investments, fostering a two-way flow of capital. Collaboration in areas like
technology can lead to mutual innovation that benefits both economies.
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Bibliography
Byjus
Wikipedia
Britannica
Studdocu
Wallstreet mojo
Economic times
Infographics
BRICS
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