Society for Global Studies and Research

Latest Articles/Papers

Title: Executive Clemency in South Asia: Scope and Limits of Pardoning Power in SAARC Nations

Abstract: Within the nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Constitutional power of pardon, which has historically been defended as a tool of mercy and remedial justice, has become a site of administrative excess and constitutional tension. Despite being universally vested in the head of state, the region's use of this power often deviates from its humanitarian justification and serves as a politically useful instrument that erodes public trust in criminal justice systems, judicial finality, and equality before the law. The legislative framework enabling executive clemency in SAARC member states-India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan is examined critically and comparably in this paper. Through a doctrinal analysis of recent and significant case laws such as A.G. Perarivalan v. State of Tamil Nadu, 2022, Bal Krishna Dhungel (Nepal), 2018 and contentious presidential pardons in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the study reveals recurring patterns of partisan misuse of mercy powers, arbitrariness, and opacity in jurisdictions lacking significant judicial or statutory constraints. The paper argues that constitutional democracies dedicated to upholding the rule of law, the current deference to executive discretion is normatively untenable. It contends that limited but principled judicial review, combined with procedural protections such as reason-giving, victim engagement, and independent clemency advisory procedures, is required to keep clemency from devolving into an instrument of impunity. The study concludes by suggesting a reform-oriented constitutional framework and regionally harmonized norms for recalibrating executive mercy within the parameters of legality, accountability, and democratic legitimacy.

By Faraha, Sadaf Ansari

In Volume: 14,Issue: 2

Title: Comparative Analysis of Risk Management Strategies for Non-Performing Assets: A Case Study of SBI and ICICI Bank in India

Abstract: This study examines the differential approach to risk management strategies concerning Non-Performing Assets (NPA) within India's two foremost banks – the Indian Public Sector Bank, State Bank of India (SBI) and the Indian Private Sector Bank, ICICI Bank. While comparing the two banks, using a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative analysis of trends in financial indicators (Gross and Net NPA ratios, Provision Coverage Ratio and Return on Assets) and a qualitative analysis of credit appraisal and monitoring and recovery frameworks. Data from 2010-2025 were taken from RBI publications, annual reports and credible academic studies, so there was authenticity and reliability of data. Findings show that SBI's recovery centered reforms such as better provisioning (PCR increase from 70.88% to 75%), restructuring under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and improved post-sanction monitoring have led to a reduction in Gross NPAs by 47% and significant improvement in profitability (ROA increased from 0.48% to 1.1%). On the other hand , ICICI Bank's proactive and technology-driven risk model, with AI-driven early warning systems, digitised credit scoring and stringent underwriting, regularly maintained low NPAs (down from 3.05% to 1.67%) and enhanced profitability (ROA doubling to 2.0%). Correlation study reports we see that there is a very strong inverse relationship between NPAs, provisioning, Net NPA ratio and profitability (r approx –0.9) which means as NPAs and provisioning go up Net NPA ratio and profitability goes down. This is proof that what we put in place for credit assessment, early identification and recovery does in fact directly improve banks’ performance. We found out that what made SBI successful was its recovery and restructurizing which made ICICI’s success was in prevention and technology based monitoring. Also brought to light is the fact that what is key in the Indian banking system is the integration between AI, data analysis and good governance which banks use in risk management and in the end in the maintenance of asset quality in a sustainable way.

By Achintya Kumar Gupta, Narendra Pal Singh

In Volume: 14,Issue: 2

Title: Fostering Innovation through Education: India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Mainstreaming of Entrepreneurial Education

Abstract: This paper intends to argue that incorporating entrepreneurial education into school and college curricula is essential for developing a creative and resilient mindset in young people, transforming job seekers into producers and improving initiatives like Startup India. It divides its analysis into four main sections: an introduction that presents entrepreneurship as an essential component of education that aligns with SDG 4's objectives for skill development; a comparison of NEP's visionary reforms towards experiential, multidisciplinary learning with pre-NEP 2020 issues like rote learning, vocational silos, and skills mismatches; an analysis of new teaching methods, emphasising flexible structures like credit banks and interdisciplinary enterprise skills; and A list of crucial actions for implementing NEP 2020, including teacher training and innovation councils, have also been analysed. This paper is a descriptive study, which relies on government reports and documents to study the performance of NEP in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

By Prateek Agrawal, Rajeev Sijariya, Monika Singh, Ajay Pratap Singh

In Volume: 14,Issue: 2

Title: Digital Trade and E-commerce Reshaping Global Trade Architecture in the 21st Century

Abstract: The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed the global trade landscape, with e-commerce and digital trade emerging as dominant forces reshaping traditional trade architectures. This paper examines the multifaceted impact of digital trade and e-commerce on global trade structures, analyzing key trends, challenges, and policy implications. Through comprehensive analysis of empirical data and theoretical frameworks, we demonstrate how digital platforms have reduced transaction costs, democratized access to international markets, and created new regulatory challenges. Our findings indicate that digital trade now accounts for a significant portion of global GDP, with cross-border e-commerce growing at unprecedented rates. However, this transformation has also highlighted critical issues including digital divides, data governance concerns, and the need for updated international trade frameworks. This research contributes to understanding how digital trade is reconfiguring global value chains and what policy interventions are necessary to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the digital economy.

By Pankaj Yadav

In Volume: 14,Issue: 2

Title: An Analytical Study of the Legal Position and Role of Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

Abstract: This paper highlights a long journey towards regulatory enhancement within the SEBI ecosystem through the lens of data analysis. The objective is to clear amalgamate existing SEBI systems with those deemed desirable according to the fundamental principles of regulation. It also provides the whole outcome of the research study based on the analysis. It also suggest various policy implications to the researcher and government for an efficient and transparent regulatory environment in the country. In conclusion, it provides a thorough analysis of the enforcement procedures employed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), elucidating their effectiveness, equity, and efficiency. Through rigorous data analysis and empirical inquiry, we have dissected the regulatory landscape, uncovering insights that transcend mere statistics. Our findings add to the current conversation about how well regulations work, how accountable institutions are, and how safe investors are in India's financial markets. They also aim to make SEBI's regulatory system more open, accountable, and trustworthy.