Abstract: Bangladesh's rich textile heritage offers powerful, yet distinct, models for sustainable development. This study conducts a comparative analysis of two premier handloom sectors: the intricate Jamdani weaving of Tangail and the symbolic Khadi fabric of Cumilla. Framed within green economy principles, the research examines their socio-economic viability, environmental footprint, and potential as engines for pollution-free community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach (July-December 2025), the analysis incorporates surveys, environmental impact assessment, and case studies of both a "GI Gold" Jamdani export initiative and a revived Khadi business plan. Key comparative findings reveal: (1) Both sectors possess underutilized Geographical Indication (GI) status, but face different market challenges—Jamdani contends with high-skill imitation, while Khadi battles generic, low-cost substitutes; (2) their production paradigms, though both low-pollution, differ fundamentally, with Jamdani emphasizing artistic virtuosity and Khadi embodying philosophical self-reliance; and (3) their developmental contexts vary, with Tangail's model being craft-cluster centric and Cumilla's requiring synergistic infrastructure (e.g., airport revival) for growth. The study concludes that while both heritage textiles are potent vehicles for sustainable development, tailored, integrated strategies—recognizing their unique cultural, economic, and infrastructural ecosystems—are essential to unlock their full potential for artisan well-being, cultural preservation, and green economic growth in their respective regions.
Abstract: In the last decades, the Korean Peninsula has remained a region of constant political conflict and worrisome instability. In recent times, the tension between North and South Koreas has gathered momentum following North Korea’s nuclear development programmes and subsequent display of military prowess by both Koreas in a fashion that is characteristic of arms race of the Cold War era. The United States has wielded into the situation in the Peninsula to the effect of ending the catastrophic nuclearization. This has ballooned the historical conflict between the United States and North Korea. The paper examines Military Presence of United States in Korean Peninsula Conflict and Intensification of Nuclear Development Programme by North Korea, in order to ascertain if the continuous military presence of United States in the Korean Peninsula as sustained by Biden’s Presidency contributes to the intensification of catastrophic nuclear weapons development programme by North Korea. The study adopted the ’Realist Theory’ as its anchor blue-print in a pragmatic effort to explain why the engagement between the two states remain largely hostile. The study adopted content analysis for the purpose of analyzing documented materials generated through secondary sources of data collection as well as the qualitative method of data analysis. The findings show the serial and catastrophic worsening of United States and North Korea conflict with the unabated military presence of United States in Korean Peninsula and how it has intensified nuclear development programme by North Korea. Recommendations were proffered along these findings as follows, the need for reduction in the high military presence of the US in Korean Peninsula which the government of North Korea perceived as a threat to the national security of North Korea. The facts shows that North Korea will continue to feel threatened so long as the US heavy military remain in the Korean Peninsula.
Abstract: Purpose: This article examines the role that psychological resilience plays in helping gig workers navigate the uncertainties and pressures of platform-based labour. The primary objective is to identify important elements contributing resilience and propose practical implications for those in HR positions and for policy makers.
Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted in the Scopus database searching from 1,528 studies published between 2015 and 2025. A total of 56 peer-reviewed articles were selected for systematic review after careful examination. The data for study was also visualized to reflect sources, co-authorship relations, and the connections of their keywords.
Findings: The research finds that psychological resilience in gig workers is a function of the right mixture of personal characteristics (such as optimism and good emotional control), how meaningful they find their work, and how strong their social support system is. Conversely, resilience is eroded by the problems of surveillance algorithms, precarious income, and social isolation. Effective answers include transparent control of algorithms, built-in well-being resources in apps, digital peer support groups, and portable benefits. There are still research gaps, especially concerning longitudinal data, representation from the Global South and larger-scale interventions.
Practical Implications
HR professionals and platform managers can enhance resilience by introducing mental health resources, promoting peer support and positively acknowledging gig workers’ contributions. Policymakers should focus on legal status, data rights and social protection to make gig work a viable choice.
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.
Abstract: In the last decades, the Korean Peninsula has remained a region of constant political conflict and worrisome instability. In recent times, the tension between North and South Koreas has gathered momentum following North Korea’s nuclear development programmes and subsequent display of military prowess by both Koreas in a fashion that is characteristic of arms race of the Cold War era. The United States has wielded into the situation in the Peninsula to the effect of ending the catastrophic nuclearization. This has ballooned the historical conflict between the United States and North Korea. The paper examines Military Presence of United States in Korean Peninsula Conflict and Intensification of Nuclear Development Programme by North Korea, in order to ascertain if the continuous military presence of United States in the Korean Peninsula as sustained by Biden’s Presidency contributes to the intensification of catastrophic nuclear weapons development programme by North Korea. The study adopted the ’Realist Theory’ as its anchor blue-print in a pragmatic effort to explain why the engagement between the two states remain largely hostile. The study adopted content analysis for the purpose of analyzing documented materials generated through secondary sources of data collection as well as the qualitative method of data analysis. The findings show the serial and catastrophic worsening of United States and North Korea conflict with the unabated military presence of United States in Korean Peninsula and how it has intensified nuclear development programme by North Korea. Recommendations were proffered along these findings as follows, the need for reduction in the high military presence of the US in Korean Peninsula which the government of North Korea perceived as a threat to the national security of North Korea. The facts shows that North Korea will continue to feel threatened so long as the US heavy military remain in the Korean Peninsula.
Abstract: Rural credit plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural growth and improving the livelihoods of rural households in developing economies, particularly in India. This research paper evaluates the impact of various rural credit mechanisms, including institutional finance, cooperative credit, microfinance, and government-sponsored schemes, on agricultural productivity and livelihood enhancement. Using secondary data from national surveys, published research, and policy documents, the study highlights how access to affordable and timely credit facilitates technological adoption, crop diversification, employment generation, income growth, and poverty reduction. The findings indicate that institutional credit significantly contributes to agricultural productivity and livelihood security. However, challenges such as regional imbalances, procedural complexities, and rising indebtedness remain. The study concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen rural credit delivery systems and ensure sustainable and inclusive rural development.