Topics Archive

Defence Budget-Dwindling Share of Pie

Defence Budget 2020-21 with a 9.4% growth, translates into an increase of Rs. 40,367 crores. How would this affect India’s defence preparedness?

One Nation One Ration Card-Digitalising PDS

One Nation One Ration Card (ONRC) is set to digitalise the Public Distribution System (PDS). Can it stem the systematic leakages and corruption?

Global Inequality: Rising Tide

With the world’s richest 1% (worth more than $1 million) owning 45% of the entire wealth, Global Inequality is out of control. Can the Gini Coefficient be bridged?

Huawei- Caught in the Cross Fire

Huawei has reported buoyant sales in 2019 despite US efforts to undermine its global market presence. Will US trade sanctions enervate the Chinese MNC?

President Trump’s Palestine Solution

Is President Trump's much-awaited Palestinian Peace Plan the ‘Deal of the Century’ or merely ‘Clapping with one hand!’

Bodo Accord-Dawn of a New Start

The Tripartite Bodo Agreement endeavors to fulfill political, social and economic aspirations. Will it be the new norm for bringing peace in NE India?

Future of Security-Afghanistan

An unstable Afghanistan is a threat to peace. During Synergia Conclave, Nirupama Rao spoke about India's options in post-US Afghanistan.

The Great Tax Robbery

Is it time to address the increasing gap between the spirit and the letter of the law?

Qassem Soleimani- Predictable Surprises

The targeted assassination of Qassem Soleimani will continue to reverberate from Teheran to Washington. What will be the unintended consequences of this action?

Coronavirus - Epidemic or a Pandemic

A new virus that has gained traction in China has begun a global spread, and the world is now alarmed.

Future of Business-Digital Economies

Technology's promise is not only to automate processes but to open paths to new ways of doing business.

EIU Democracy Index- Falling Ratings

Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Annual Democracy Index provides a snapshot into the state of democracy around the world. This year’s dip in India's ranking has raised questions.

Is India Weaponising Trade ?

India has raised the cost for trading partners who are critical of its internal policies. Is a robust external policy leveraging the growing trade heft of India?

Oman-Dawn of New Epoch

The demise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, father of the 'Omani Renaissance', has left a void in mediation and diplomacy in the Gulf. How will this impact the Middle East?

Internet- A Fundamental Right

In a recent landmark judgment, the Hon'ble Supreme Court declared internet access as a fundamental right. This has implications for citizens' rights in India.

Russian Reforms-Putinism Institutionalised

Putin’s Administrative Reforms have raised questions on their intent and scope. Do they point to an end-state plan or to a roost for post-2024 political influence?

Taiwan Election- Dignity or Freedom

Re-election of President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan has signalled its determination to pursue a free and democratic way of life. Will this lead to more stress in Taiwan Straits?

US Presidential Elections

As on 13 January 2020, there are still 12 candidates in the fray. Which Presidential candidate is best positioned to beat President Donald Trump?

Innocuous Drones and Lethal Standoff Weapons

A panel moderated by Vishnu Som, with two pioneers of drone technology- Group Captain Harsh Vardhan Thakur, and Squadron Leader Sameer Joshi.

CAA- Inclusion vs Exclusion

The recently amended citizenship law dictates who is eligible to be a citizen. In the absence of a domestic refugee law, how does India deal with its asylum seekers?