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Elections in India have long inspired a wide variety of citizens’ initiatives aimed at making the electoral process more free, fair and democratic. These initiatives during the 2014 general elections are giving voters not just a chance to be better informed, but also more deeply engaged with the process
Courtesy: MPPost.com
India’s economic distress has seen political parties promising a revival of the economy in the ongoing general election campaign. Slowly, the political discourse has turned into a choice between economic growth and secularism which is undermining the basic principles of Indian democracy
Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Preoccupied with Pakistan’s internal politics, the media has shown little interest in the Indian elections. Nor has the Pakistani establishment expressed concerns about Modi’s ascendancy. But the relationship between Indian Muslims and the BJP led government – if it comes to power – will be a concern for Pakistan
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In 'Latin America Update' Gateway House lists some of the important events in Latin America over the past month
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Latin America continues to turn to the Left. Michelle Bachelet became president of Chile in March and has promised fiscal reform; Salvador Sanchez Ceren took over as president of El Salvador in June and will tackle inequality; and in Costa Rica too, the centre-left Luis Guillermo Solis assumed power
Courtesy: Alex Jensen
The need to build ‘alternative’ economic systems that can enable people to lead spiritually fulfilling lives was the focus of discussions at the ‘Economics of Happiness' conference held in Bangalore. The answer, many believe, lies in strengthening local, community-based economies
Courtesy: Alex Jensen
At a recent conference on the ‘Economics of Happiness’ in Bangalore, opponents of globalisation outlined a vision of an economic system rooted in community, localisation and fairness. However, convincing everyone to think beyond GDP growth and look at harmonious “intelligent growth” will be a challenge
Courtesy: Tom Maisey/Wikimedia Commons
The new Companies Act makes it mandatory for all listed Indian companies to contribute 2% of their annual net profits towards corporate social responsibility. Robust participation through CSR has the potential for socio-economic change, but innovative ideas are needed to ensure it is effective and widespread
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
In 'India-Latin America Engagements', the Latin America Desk at Gateway House presents a selection of news of India’s engagement with the region during the previous month
Courtesy: Arian Zwegers/Flickr
If the violence in Syria shifts focus to Damascus, the destruction will be incalculable. Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world, a cultural and religious centre. It is a collective heritage. Forces on both sides, led by the U.S. and Russia, must get all parties to declare Damascus a weapons-free zone