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: Building Resilience in the Gig Economy: A Systematic Review of Adaptive Strategies and Future Research Agendas

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.

By Aakanksha Bansal, Pankaj Kumar

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: The Inflation-Unemployment Trade-Off in Bangladesh: Empirical Insights for Accelerating Progress towards Zero Poverty (SDG 1)

Abstract: This study empirically investigates the inflation-unemployment trade-off in Bangladesh and assesses its implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) of zero poverty. High inflation erodes the real income of the poor, while unemployment directly limits earning capabilities, making the interplay between these variables a central determinant of poverty reduction. Using annual time-series data from 1990 to 2024, we employ an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to test for the existence and stability of a long-run relationship. Our findings confirm a significant short-run trade-off but reveal that this relationship is unstable and weakens in the long run, suggesting that other structural factors dominate. The results indicate that unanticipated inflationary shocks disproportionately harm the poor, and persistent unemployment remains a formidable barrier to inclusive growth. The study concludes that a singular focus on either price stability or employment generation is insufficient for attaining SDG 1. Instead, Bangladesh requires an integrated policy framework that combines prudent monetary policy to control the inflation rate with targeted fiscal measures, investments in human capital, and productive sector diversification to generate new employment opportunities. This holistic approach is essential to effectively manage the trade-off and accelerate progress towards eliminating poverty.

By Shuvongkor Kumar Datta, S.K.S. Yadav, Jubair Ansary, Ariful Islam

In Volume: 14,Issue: 2

Title: Hydrogen Peroxide: Poverty Implications on Green and Renewable Energy-Related Financial Literacy in Mexico and Bangladesh

Abstract: This comprehensive research examines the intricate and multifaceted relationship between financial literacy in green energy and entrenched poverty in Mexico and Bangladesh. It explores how systemic socioeconomic barriers fundamentally constrain accessibility to renewable energy technologies and associated financial services. Employing a robust mixed-methods strategy—integrating quantitative econometric analysis, qualitative evaluation of national policy frameworks, and advanced time series diagnostics—this study demonstrates that poverty generates multi-dimensional impediments to renewable energy uptake. These impediments include severely restricted access to tailored financial products, a profound lack of comprehension regarding green financing mechanisms, and deficient technical know-how. The findings reveal that both Mexico's ambitious goal of generating 35% of its electricity from clean sources by 2024 and Bangladesh's targets of 10% renewable energy by 2025 and 40% by 2041 are critically hindered within impoverished communities. In these contexts, financial literacy rates exhibit a strong negative correlation with poverty indices. Furthermore, the study employs unit root (ADF, KPSS, PP) and cointegration (Johansen) tests to analyze temporal trends, revealing the non-stationary nature of key variables like energy poverty and identifying long-run equilibrium between financial inclusion and technology adoption. The results provide critical, policy-relevant insights into how socioeconomic determinants shape energy transition dynamics in emerging economies, offering evidence-based recommendations for designing interventions that promote equitable and inclusive access to renewable energy technologies. The application of hydrogen peroxide H2O2 as a clean energy carrier has significant implications for financial literacy related to green and renewable energy, especially in countries like Mexico and Bangladesh. This comparative analysis seeks to explore how the adoption of H2O2 technology can enhance financial understanding and decision-making in impoverished communities.