What’s wrong with Europe?
The Forum 2000 conference in Prague last week was an occasion to reflect on the challenges facing democracy in an economically globalised, but socially fragmented, West.
Courtesy: Forum 2000
Courtesy: Forum 2000
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GST: adding edge to exports
The GST will not only advance domestic market efficiencies but also add teeth to India’s economic diplomacy by improving the ease of doing business and enhancing competitiveness for exports.
Courtesy: World Social Forum
Reaffirming a different globalisation
Globalization appears to be giving way to a wave of nationalist protectionism. At this juncture, it is vital to focus on alternative visions of globalization anchored in concern for the environment, human rights, and economic democracy. The World Social Forum in Montreal from 9-14 August will gather more than 5000 people from across the world and serve as a window to the diverse endeavours in favour of a pro-local globalization based on trans-national solidarity.
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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.
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A diplomacy of song and dance
The Latin American region already identifies with India through its pop culture, so India needs to capitalise on this goodwill to deepen its diplomatic relations with the region.
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Exploring Calcutta’s multi-ethnicities
At a recent panel discussion on Calcutta hosted by Gateway House-Avid Learning for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, the conversation centred on Calcutta’s cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, and the parallels and non-parallels between Calcutta & Bombay.
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The race for the White House starts in Iowa
The outcome of the Iowa caucus has been stunning for both parties, where Donald Trump’s defeat as well as Hillary Clinton’s near defeat was not foreseen by anyone. All eyes have now turned to the New Hampshire primaries where Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama in 2008, but went on to lose the Democratic nomination.
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A new fault line in Nigeria
A recent confrontation between the Nigerian army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has rekindled the state’s tensions with its Shia citizenry. However, Nigeria should pay heed to its own contemporary history of the armed crackdown on an obscure religion sect that led to the birth of Boko Haram, and exercise caution while dealing with minority groups.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
State of the Union: Obama pats his own back
In his last and final State of the Union address, President Obama reasserted the United States’ global supremacy as a military and political power. He claimed credit for the historic Iran deal while conceding that Congress had maneuvered efforts on many crucial fronts
Courtesy: Day Donaldson/Flickr
Tackling overpopulation: China vs. India
China's decision to relax its “One Child Policy” will have a lesser impact on tackling the country's looming demographics crisis than people expect. In contrast, India has seen its population growth rate adjust naturally, helped by non-coercive family planning policies.