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: G20 Taskforce, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
After 2008 the G20 framed guidelines for emerging economies to coordinate their financial actions with the developed world. But the US’s backtracking created havoc in many countries. Now, after the recent G20 meeting, it may be time for the RBI to reconsider some financial measures, which India took in good faith
Courtesy: remy steinegger / Flickr
German President Joachim Gauck’s visit to India this week is a reminder of how Germany is addressing inequality, with better wages, benefits for the poorest, and other measures. When the gap between the rich and poor is growing globally, it is time for India’s prime ministerial aspirants to also focus on this issue
Courtesy: DelhiiteRock/Wikimedia Commons
The Aam Aadmi Party's endeavour to carve out an ideological space which is neither strictly Left nor Right is part of a greater global endeavour to frame a value-based political economy. But the attempt must be inclusive, bringing together people from all walks of life
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: mckaysavage/Flickr
The old Indian dream of upward mobility through education and enterprise is being replaced by the new one of leadergiri attained through the pursuit of raw money and muscle power, exercised through politics. It is deflecting young India from the virtuous path.
Courtesy: @Doug88888
Gateway House’s Akshay Mathur recently visited Brazil to attend a BRICS-themed conference, organised by the National Association of Research and Graduate Programs in the Social Sciences. In this blog, he writes about his first impressions of the country and the similarities between India and Brazil that he observed.