Virtual-Currency Courtesy: Medium
4 August 2016

Digital trade: new frontier

A new phase of globalisation has begun, driven by the rise of digital flows. This phase brings about new questions for the WTO and other global economic and trade governance. A multilateral approach must balance protectionist sentiments along with a desires for digital openness.

475937 Courtesy: Flickr/Times Asi
21 July 2016

UNCLOS, undone by China?

China's refusal to accept the ruling of The Hague greatly harms its international reputation and will fuel regional concerns about China's rise. Nationalist sentiments stirred up by a sustained media campaign heighten the risk of a confrontation, but there is also a possibility for the Philippines to use its new leverage to its advantage through new negotiations.

Agriculture_and_rural_farms_of_India Courtesy: Rajarshi Mitra / Wikimedia
8 June 2016

A new era for Indian agriculture

This year’s union budget indicates a seismic shift in Indian Government thinking on agriculture, viewing it as not just as a ‘survival’ industry, but as one that generates income and growth. But to take Indian agriculture out of the time warp it is in currently, the government must entice increased engagement from the private sector.

Regular_strength_enteric_coated_aspirin_tablets Courtesy: Wikipedia
2 June 2016

Please-all IPR policy pleases none

India's new intellectual property rights (IPR) policy attempts to address concerns of developed countries regarding India's patent regime, while also protecting public interest, especially that of generic drug producers. However, through this effort of a balancing act, India might have landed up pleasing neither the USTR or U.S. business and disappointing many in India's domestic industry and civil society.

2c33 Courtesy: ISRO
2 June 2016

Prospects and necessities from RLV-TD

The Indian Space Programme has a mandate to focus on its launch- and earth-oriented capabilities. In the past decade, it has attempted some non-conventional experimental projects under the labels “‘low-cost” and “technology demonstrator”. However the effect of these experimental space projects on India’s techno-economic growth will be realised only if the central government gives the project greater status and funding.

TPP Courtesy: ustr.gov
3 March 2016

A fine line: TPP and India

The Trans-Pacific Partnership has dropped strong Intellectual Property Rights regulations on India’s doorstep. The implications of these regulations could affect India’s own policies, as well as her global aspirations towards the potential Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Hanle_by_Navaneeth_Unnikrishnan Courtesy: Navaneeth Unnikrishnan / Wikipedia
3 March 2016

Is India equipped for big science?

A tectonic shift is occurring in the science landscape, wherein newly-developed nations are audaciously investing in frontier scientific research at par with developed nations. India is game to join this new wave of advancement, but its research-funding mechanisms are deficient. Can Indian philanthropy endow indigenous R&D?