Commentaries

Traditional agricultural practices in a Satpuran river watershed: Dangarwari and Pahari kheti

Several small streams, channels of flowing water and rivulets drain to constitute one larger and broader mainstem stream in the form of a river. The drainage or catchment of a river becomes a significant area where the dynamic interaction between two vital natural resources that make life possible on earth—soil and water—take place. The interface […]

Decoding the Gender Budget and Its True Gains for ‘Naari Shakti’

Most discussions surrounding ‘Naari Shakti’ (women’s power) have focused on one term: the Gender Budget. Headlines across news channels claim a massive increase in the gender budget—from ₹2.38 lakh crores in 2023-24 to ₹3.27 lakh crores under the 2024-25 Union Budget—an increase of ₹89,000 crores, or 37%. But what do these numbers mean? Compared to […]

Unravelling the Threat: Rising Climate Risks and Landslides in India

The technology to map landslides for India has previously been highly dependent on larger data sources; however, readiness for landslides can prevent a high level of human and ecology loss. India accounts for 8% of the global fatalities due to landslides, yet they are not considered as devastating as floods, storms, and droughts. In the […]

Period Poverty and Public Policy: Challenges and Solutions

500 million women and girls around the world suffer from period poverty, according to World Bank estimates. In India, one can estimate numbers on the basis of different national level datasets which shed light on different aspects of the menstrual management practices of the country’s female population.

Human Rights & Law

Issues with the Current Women’s Representation at the State and National Level

While the representation of women MPs/MLAs across India is already low, standing at 9%, another concerning factor is their representation within the party itself and how it determines their effective influence on decision-making. Rai (2012) notes that narratives from women MPs unmistakably convey a significant frustration with and reliance on political parties. These narratives clearly […]

Governance

The Criminality Conundrum: Navigating Challenges in Indian Electoral Politics

Introduction The landmark case of People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) Vs The Union of India 2003, was the turning point for transparency with regards to elections, as it made it mandatory for contesting candidates to declare their criminal records in their affidavits accessible to the public. Quoted by P.V Reddi in his judgement from […]

Governance

Demystifying the Model Code of Conduct

As we inch closer to the start of one of the most cardinal and exhaustive exercises in Indian democracy, we reflect on one of the major frameworks instituted by the Election Commission of India to determine standards of political behaviour prior to elections. In 1960, it was referred to as the ‘Minimum Code of Conduct’ […]

Governance

Aadhaar in India: Catalyst for Inclusive Public Service Delivery or Challenge to Privacy and Equity

Overview of Aadhaar  Aadhaar has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s identity infrastructure since its inception in 2009, revolutionising the way the residents of India authenticate their identity. Aadhaar was introduced as a means to provide a unique identification number to every resident of India and to provide access to public services and welfare schemes […]

Governance

Contours of Caste Census: The Kerala Quandary

Introduction The state of Bihar published the ‘Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022’ in October 2023, revealing that the combined population of Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitutes almost 63% of the state’s 13-crore population, establishing them as the largest caste group in the state. This revelation sparked the demand for a caste […]

Environment and Energy

India at COP28: Negotiations and Commitments

India has always been strongly positioned in international climate action dialogues. It is considered a big player in investments and advocacy, as well as a central voice for climate financing, especially for what is considered the global south. At the recent COP28 hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, India again advocated for the […]

Environment and Energy

Tackling E-Waste in India’s Electric Vehicle Transition

India’s Steady Embrace of Electric Vehicles India, surging ahead as a major global economy and one of the world’s most populous nations, grapples with a critical challenge: the environmental toll of expanding its road transport infrastructure. While these infrastructures are essential for driving development, their rapid growth has triggered alarming emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, […]

Economy and Society

Inaccessibility of Legal Education in India 

Historically, legal education and the practice of law have been considered one of the most sought-after professions in the world. Legal education and profession have historically remained linked to ensure access to justice for the masses and promote the rule of law. In India’s history with resistance, many notable personalities who shaped the country’s legal […]