An International Day of Yoga

The adoption of June 21 as the International Yoga Day by the United Nations signifies the support that recent diplomatic efforts of the government have received on the world stage. The scientific community now needs to produce data and research on the potential scientific value of yoga


The Lima agreement

The agreement signed at the Climate Change conference at Lima should be a triumph of diplomacy but the reality is quite the opposite. Although the agreement means there is now global unanimity on the need for climate action, the text in the agreement falls short on nearly every indicator


A new energy mix for India

The India-Russia nuclear agreement envisages 12 nuclear reactors to be built in India. These will help India shift its energy mix towards nuclear power, which is cheaper than coal and less polluting


The PSAARC declaration

The People's SAARC (PSAARC) declaration,which called for the governments to address a number of issues from food security to climate justice, established the network as advocates for a progressive humanitarian agenda


The rise of the Uber Empire

Uber’s success allowed it to raise close to $1.2 billion dollars in its last round of investments which means that even as technology changes lives and businesses break new ground, the balance between forging into the future and having an adaptive regulatory environment is the need of the hour


A divided space again

Space exploration may take a hit as terrestrial politics plays spoilsport with the U.S. government spearheading a sanctions programme against Russia. With China pursuing an independent space programme of its own, Russia’s departure from the effort may mark the beginning of a divided space once again after the Cold War


Bhopal tragedy and the future

A tragic ‘anniversary’ this week drew attention to what it would take to ensure that the current excitement about ‘make in India’ becomes a boon and not a curse


People’s SAARC: a valid agenda

Rajni Bakshi, Senior Gandhi Fellow, Gateway House reports from People’s SAARC, a motley gathering of NGO workers and members of the village communities they work with. PSAARC will compile a memorandum – a wish-list of demands and aspirations – on November 24 and present it to the heads of SAARC nations


Rousseff reelection: lower expectations

The reelection of President Dilma Rousseff means continuation of the slow growth of the Brazilian economy and a lower likelihood of much-needed, major political and economic reforms. India should lower its expectations on a global partnership with Brazil


Pune’s Ohel David turns 150

Pune’s most well known landmark, Ohel David (Lal Deval) synagogue turns hundred and fifty. Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C. Vidyasagar Rao, and the direct descendants of the synagogue’s founder, David Sassoon (1792-1864) get together to mark this occasion