energy transitions Courtesy: MIT News
16 February 2023

Green transition enabler

Energy transition is central to the G20 agenda, and during India’s G20 Presidency, the geopolitics and governance of energy have become immensely challenging. What this means is that new technologies, financing and business models are needed for transitions – new tracks for new trains. Financial centres of G20 countries and their significant business communities, like Mumbai, have a critical role to play in creating this new economy.

indian port Courtesy: Reuters
9 February 2023

Trading more within Asia makes economic sense

The International Monetary Fund’s recent warning of a slowing global trade comes as a sign for South Asia to reassess its regional trade within the continent. India, in its year of G20 Presidency and as South Asia’s largest economy, can use its platform to lead the way via dialogue, capacity building, and regulatory policies to encourage open regionalism in Asia.

frene 1 Courtesy: Anna Zieminski/AFP
2 February 2023

Obituary: Frene Noshir Ginwala (1932-2023)

Frene Noshir Ginwala, best known as the first Speaker of independent South Africa’s democratic parliament, died at age 90, on 12 January, 2023. A contemporary of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, she belonged to a special generation of South Africans who fought hard and long for their country’s freedom.

myanmar military 1 Courtesy: Reuters
2 February 2023

The quest for hope in Myanmar

February 1, 2023 marks the second anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar. The country is now in a dire situation with a deteriorating economy, rising poverty and high unemployment. ASEAN, the UN and India continue to work with the Myanmarese military leadership, which is the only player able to provide solutions to alleviate the distress.

el sisi and mdi Courtesy: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
2 February 2023

India and Egypt: Stepping up the bilateral

Egyptian President El Sisi being the chief guest at India’s Republic Day reflects the importance assigned to it by India. At the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe, Egypt is an essential gateway for trade and investment. Its diplomatic presence in the Arab world and Africa, with the largest standing army in Africa, makes it a pivotal player for India which is increasing its footprint in West Asia and Africa.

NY-Mumabi Courtesy: Gateway House/Google
25 January 2023

Repositioning Nariman Point as education hub

India’s new policy of allowing foreign universities to set up their operations in India offers an unprecedented opportunity for Indian cities to revitalise themselves. In Mumbai, the city and state administration can reposition the central business district of Nariman Point and turn this tip of the Arabian Sea into a vibrant international education hub. The model of Lower Manhattan is applicable.

india olympic pic 2 Courtesy: Deutsche Welle
25 January 2023

Can India host the Olympics?

India has expressed interest in hosting the Olympics in 2036. To be taken seriously in the intervening 13 years, India must upgrade itself at every level and have a clear vision and purpose on why it wants to host the Olympics. The country must also increase its funding in sports.

global south summit Courtesy: Twitter/@DrSJaishankar
19 January 2023

Voice of Global South Summit@G20

The recent Voice of the Global South Summit in New Delhi attracted 125 developing countries, and some tangible outcomes for India to carry to its G20 presidency agenda. It showed India's equity to be intact, despite a perception that in the past decade, India has moved away from NAM and closer to the developed West.

Modi and Fumio Courtesy: AP Photo/Manish Swarup
19 January 2023

Japan and India in the multilateral hotseat

Russia has been at the center of tensions between the G7 and G20. The current G20 and G7 Presidency has put Asia at the center of global problem-solving and collaboration. India and Japan through its existing strong bilateral and converging interests like economic and financial governance, health, climate commitments and energy transition can bridge the rift between the two multilateral groupings in 2023.