Courtesy: Narendramodi.in
Narendra Modi’s landslide victory in India's 2014 general elections, despite his hardline nationalist image, was viewed as a localised phenomenon. But two years later, voters across the world from Europe to Philippines seem to be tilting towards leaders with the same nationalist tag.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Despite the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action having been in effect since January 2016, the promised business opportunities for Iran seem to have eluded them, as U.S. led economic sanctions still hold firm. With Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit in May, there is ample scope to redouble the India-Iran partnership for the strategic interest of both parties.
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Present-day Bangladesh is a severely fractured society. Deepening political polarisation and recent developments questioning the country’s secular credentials have only added to its woes. Should India be concerned?
Courtesy: Wikipedia
With the possibility of the Jamaat-e-Islami being officially banned through a resolution in the Bangladesh parliament, what will happen to its followers and activists? Will it cease to exist as a political and ideological force or, in the absence of a political platform, will its ideological followers strive to find alternate ways to make their existence felt?
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In two years, the Modi government’s Act East Policy has gone well beyond the focus on economic ties of its predecessor, the Look East Policy. It has made progress on many wider fronts, including connectivity and defence collaboration. India must now build on this success and further consolidate relations and trade links with ASEAN and beyond
Courtesy: MEA/Flickr
Are we witnessing a new genre of diplomacy for development? Prime Minister Modi’s clear articulation and vigour have convinced most people that a fast, inclusive, and sustainable socio-economic development of India is the government’s primary goal, and increased cooperation with external partners and effective diplomacy are critical to achieve this mission.
Courtesy: Manjeet Kripalani
The five on-going state elections in India hint at a shift away from old established players who have failed to recognise the dreams of the youth. This is part of a global trend, from the Arab upheavals, to Hong Kong's Umbrella protests, to Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders in the U.S.
Courtesy: Pixabay
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.
Courtesy: Buisness Insider
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.
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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.