Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between national income and tourism expenditure, framed within the context of the Engel curve, for six South Asian nations with significant potential for Halal tourism: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Utilizing a Generalized Least Squares (GLS) model on panel data from 2000 to 2024, we analyze the impact of GDP per capita on outbound tourism expenditure. Our findings indicate a positive and elastic income elasticity of tourism demand (0.989), signifying that tourism is a luxury good and that financial outlay on travel increases more than proportionally with income. The results underscore the critical opportunity for these countries to develop their Halal tourism sectors to capture a share of this elastic expenditure, thereby fostering economic diversification and employment generation. The study concludes with targeted policy recommendations aimed at leveraging this income-elastic demand for sustainable economic development.
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: This study investigates the perceived barriers hindering the adoption of green products within the educational ecosystem of Meerut, India, specifically adopting an institutional perspective. Recognizing educational institutions as crucial agents for promoting sustainability, the research aims to identify the structural, procedural, and normative impediments faced by schools, colleges, and universities in transitioning towards environmentally preferable goods and services. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data was gathered from secondary sources, through online mode and focus group discussions with key institutional stakeholders, including administrators, and faculty members in Meerut. The analysis reveals a complex interplay of perceived barriers operating at multiple institutional levels. Key impediments identified include: 1) Economic Constraints: Predominant concerns regarding the higher initial costs, green products and stringent, inflexible budgetary allocations; 2) Structural & Procedural Hurdles: Lack of clear institutional green procurement policies, cumbersome bureaucratic approval processes, and limited access to reliable suppliers/vendors offering certified green alternatives; 3) Behavioral & Awareness Factors: Insufficient institutional commitment and leadership prioritization, resistance to changing established procurement habits, and a lack of awareness or training among institution stakeholders regarding the benefits and availability of green options. The findings emphasize that overcoming these barriers requires targeted intervention sat the institutional level, including the formulation of supportive green procurement policies, dedicated budgetary provisions, streamlined processes, capacity building, and fostering a stronger organizational culture of sustainability.
Abstract: This study examines pawnbroking's impact on social entrepreneurship and its implications for social development. It posits that Pawnbroking aids vulnerable entrepreneurs, often excluded from formal credit, in accessing quick financial resources, thereby enhancing social entrepreneurship. Through a meta-analysis and literature review, including three case studies from Bangladesh, the findings indicate that, despite exploitative practices, pawnshops are vital for providing the impoverished with financial access and supporting social welfare. However, risks such as asset loss, debt cycles, and exploitation of desperate borrowers are also highlighted. The study emphasizes the need for regulatory oversight and more accessible financial systems that protect borrowers while maintaining accessibility. Overall, pawnbroking offers both advantages and challenges for local communities in Bangladesh, necessitating a balance between quick cash access and consumer protections to promote healthier community dynamics.
Abstract: This research explores the impact of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) policy on its trade relations with China, emphasising their role in global supply chains. It analyses changes in trade patterns, import dependency, export results, and sectoral shifts since the policy's 2020 implementation. By combining quantitative data with qualitative evaluations, the study reveals that the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative has introduced strategic measures for import substitution, supply chain diversification, and domestic industry support, focusing on enhancing local manufacturing, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. The study highlights India's structural trade imbalances with China, driven by its significant demand for intermediate goods and capital equipment crucial for manufacturing. This dependence poses challenges to India's self-reliance and complicates trade relations in a globalised economy. The paper offers policy recommendations to enhance trade resilience and competitiveness against Chinese imports, including investing in infrastructure, promoting research and development, and forming strategic international partnerships to mitigate trade imbalances and support sustainable growth.
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.