solar-power-862602_960_720 Courtesy: Pixabay
5 May 2016

Putting India on the SRI map

Two unrelated events in Mumbai highlighted the promise of India being able to attract capital from Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) funds. A combination of supportive regulatory measures and awareness-building among investors could finally put India on the SRI map of the world.

Trmp clinton Courtesy: Gage Skidmore & Hillary for America via flickr
28 April 2016

Expect Trump vs. Clinton

It is beginning to be clear that the 2016 U.S. presidential race will see Donald Trump go head-to-head with Hillary Clinton. As these two contenders near the stage, Trump’s “America First” has started to ring differently, while Hillary’s “traditional” approach must be adjusted to cater to the financial needs of the American people.

A_presidente_Dilma_Rousseff_durante_cerimônia_contra_o_impeachment_em_31_de_março_de_2016 Courtesy: Wikipedia
21 April 2016

Brazil’s hour of reckoning

The recent decision of Brazil's lower house of parliament to impeach President Rousseff has once again brought attention to the country's struggles with corruption. The crisis has already affected Brazil’s economy. Its impact on the region and on Indian businesses in the country is yet to be seen.

fc89f72798eb98bae46ed25c7c44d9ac Courtesy: GeenPeil
21 April 2016

Resolving referendum roadblocks

The recent referendum in the Netherlands on the European Union’s Association Agreement with Ukraine raises important questions about the EU’s ability to reconcile ostensibly popular national opinion with the principles of a multi-nation political union.

Happiness Index Courtesy: Buisness Insider
14 April 2016

Measuring happiness

The World Happiness Report 2016 has listed India at 118th place – the lowest rank among BRICS. While there is a strong case for holistic metrics that map actual well-being, research in happiness needs to be taken with a pinch of scepticism.

ambedkar statue Courtesy:
7 April 2016

Caste: mapping positive changes

In the ruckus raised by a growing number of caste-based groups, not earlier regarded as backward, for reservation quotas in government jobs and educational institutions, what is not being highlighted is the increasing success of how caste based discrimination is being reduced, even eliminated in some contexts. This must be mapped by social science researchers and policy makers, to help change the discourse of grievance.

Indian_Navy_flotilla_of_Western_Fleet_escort_INS_Vikramaditya_(R33)_and_INS_Viraat_(R22)_in_the_Arabian_Sea Courtesy: Wikipedia
7 April 2016

India’s future is sea-facing

India needs a more developed strategic focus on its eastern-western seaboards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the lead, investing considerable diplomatic capital and time in his visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and island nations in the Arabian Sea. In the east, he is progressively engaging with ASEAN, Japan and Australia

Mr_Donald_Trump_New_Hampshire_Town_Hall_on_August_19th,_2015_at_Pinkerton_Academy,_Derry,_NH_by_Michael_Vadon_02 Courtesy: Wikipedia
31 March 2016

Dismantling the geopolitical Bretton Woods

Statements by Donald Trump, the business magnate turned serious contender for the Oval Office, assert that he wants “good” political and economic deals for the U.S. - even if it means dismantling alliances, i.e. the geopolitical equivalents of Bretton Woods that underwrote the U.S .domination in Europe, Asia and Middle East for more than six decades. A new era could dawn.