Oil_pump_Bashneft Courtesy: Wikimedia
3 March 2016

Saudi-Russia oil production cap – can it work?

Saudi Arabia, Russia and other oil producers are trying to cap oil production to support prices. Such distortions are unlikely to work. India should be more concerned about the long term rise in oil prices due to falling investment in exploration and production – and should protect itself by acquiring oil and gas assets to cover its energy needs.

DSC_0285 Courtesy:
25 February 2016

Exploring Calcutta’s multi-ethnicities

At a recent panel discussion on Calcutta hosted by Gateway House-Avid Learning for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, the conversation centred on Calcutta’s cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, and the parallels and non-parallels between Calcutta & Bombay.

CyberAttacks_Samir Courtesy: Christiaan Colen / Flickr
18 February 2016

Geopolitical rivalries in cyberspace

The recent cyber attack on Ukraine’s power grids is indicative of the cyber space becoming the most useful tool for perpetuating geopolitical rivalries. Many countries are rapidly expanding their offensive cyber capabilities, and it appears the militarisation of cyber space is complete.

1oBqYR16 Courtesy:
6 February 2016

The race for the White House starts in Iowa

The outcome of the Iowa caucus has been stunning for both parties, where Donald Trump’s defeat as well as Hillary Clinton’s near defeat was not foreseen by anyone. All eyes have now turned to the New Hampshire primaries where Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama in 2008, but went on to lose the Democratic nomination.

Petrol_Station Courtesy: Wikipedia
28 January 2016

Petrol prices back to 2003 level?

The common Indian complaint is that, despite a global trend of falling crude oil prices, the price of petrol has not reduced. However, if the dollar price is examined with the price of oil, it becomes clear that Indians are paying less for fuel now than they would have, had the 2003 pricing trend continued.

Soldiers in a Niger army unit stand in formation while a dignitary visits their outpost during Operation Desert Shield.  The men are armed with M-14 rifles. Courtesy:
20 January 2016

A new fault line in Nigeria

A recent confrontation between the Nigerian army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has rekindled the state’s tensions with its Shia citizenry. However, Nigeria should pay heed to its own contemporary history of the armed crackdown on an obscure religion sect that led to the birth of Boko Haram, and exercise caution while dealing with minority groups.

Trafficjamdelhi Courtesy: Wikipedia
5 January 2016

Beyond Odd-Even: a plan for Delhi

The odd-even formula has the advantage of having involved leaders as well as common citizens. The Government must now improve air quality by urgent measures across a wide front in Delhi, and then in the entire NCR.