bhutan1 Courtesy: MEA
18 June 2014

Gross regional happiness

Economic security needs to be defined holistically through an open and democratic discourse. A plurality of perspectives on what constitutes development is essential to democracy across the world. Grass roots protests are driven by a longing for a truly inclusive and fair model of growth.

radu Courtesy: sachchahindustani.com
13 June 2014

Social media beyond voter mobilisation

These elections may have been an inflection point, when big data hit critical mass. From now, it will be used to maximal effect to raise funds, influence people and read the national mood. Not just by political parties, but equally by pollsters and the media.

Cyber_Games Courtesy: Conew/Wikimedia Commons
13 June 2014

Policy Catalyst: India’s Privacy Law

Edward Snowden’s revelations about the U.S.’s PRISM surveillance raised many issues related to espionage, electronic surveillance and privacy. It brought home the lack of strong privacy laws in India. As the country sets up its own domestic surveillance system, it must also quickly enact statutory privacy legislation

zuma2 Courtesy: GovernmentZA/Flickr
20 May 2014

South Africa: new contender emerges

The African National Congress party which has won its fifth consecutive victory in the elections faces a long-term challenge, both on the streets and at the ballot box. The newly formed Economic Freedom Fighters party has cut into the ANC’s base significantly in habitual strongholds like Gauteng, the economic hub

Dilma_e_Lula_210x140 Courtesy: Government of Brazil/Wikimedia Commons
15 May 2014

Brazil: time to be a global power?

Brazil’s advantages – including resources of oil and gas, no historical baggage, an absence of terrorism and military conflicts – and regional leadership, make it a potential global power. But it also has to tackle many challenges in the medium-term, such as poverty, poor infrastructure, healthcare and education

Jacob Zuma Courtesy: GovernmentZA/Flickr
15 May 2014

Polls in South Africa: lack of choices

The African National Congress has swept the polls in South Africa but high unemployment, violent labour strikes and allegations of crony capitalism has seen an erosion of the ANC’s support base among the black middle class voters whose backing the ANC has traditionally enjoyed

Modi with Lat-Am delegation Courtesy: www.narendramodi.in
12 May 2014

Gujarat-Latin America: friends & benefits

The burgeoning trade between the state of Gujarat and Latin America has ensured that Narendra Modi’s campaign is closely followed in Latin America. The new government in India must build on this engagement, which will help address India’s energy, food and investment needs

The battle for Benaras & Bihar
8 May 2014

The battle for Benaras & Bihar

Be it Benaras which is gearing up for the most crucial battle between BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and the Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal, or Bihar and U.P. where people are yearning for the ‘Gujarat model’, this election is focusing on some of the substantive issues that impact India