In Discussion

Environment and Energy

Mahadayi Water Dispute: A Perplexing Question of Freshwater Needs

Inter-state water disputes pose complex challenges, intertwining the needs of various stakeholders with ecological imperatives. This article delves into the Mahadayi River dispute, highlighting the perspectives of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, while probing the perplexing questions surrounding equitable water allocation and environmental preservation.

Human Rights & Law

Women’s Mobility and Public Transportation: How Gendered is Movement in Urban India?

Introduction  The social and economic emancipation of women cannot be discussed without one of the critical elements which continues to enable this change—mobility. This paper explores the concept of spatial mobility as experienced by women in urban and rural spaces, and draws connections with institutional measures undertaken through gender-based reservations in public transportation in the […]

Economy and Society

Powering Progress of Last-mile Connectivity: E-rickshaws & Mobility in Tier II & III cities in India

Background India’s mobility patterns represent its young demographic across cities. In recent years, with the government’s push for electric vehicles, the proliferation of e-rickshaws has transformed the transportation landscape in Tier II and Tier III cities across India. With growing urban centres emerging, many major Tier II cities are witnessing rapid population surges and, thus, […]

Environment and Energy

Climate Finance in India: Bridging the Gap in International Efforts for Equitable Allocation

Abstract India is currently at a complex standpoint since, as the most populous country, it is continuously exploring new and alternative energy due to its growing energy needs. Yet, it is now also among the largest emitters in the world. Amidst India’s energy transition goals, the country is moving towards expanding its share of renewable […]

Human Rights & Law

Towards Equality and Inclusivity: The Case of Transgender Horizontal Reservation

Abstract This article delves into the need for horizontal reservation for transgender individuals in India, particularly after the recent Madras High Court judgement. It examines the concept, distinguishing it from vertical reservation, explains its rationale for advancing transgender rights, and discusses the limitations of vertical reservation. The paper also provides insights into the current state […]

Human Rights & Law

Contours of Justice: Human Rights and Constitutionality of Capital Punishment in India

Background: Theory of Capital Punishment and Law Commission Reports Capital Punishment involves the legal killing of a person who has committed any crime punishable by death under a legal system, such as terrorism or murder. The practice of capital punishment has existed in all nations across the world. In India, capital punishment remains a highly […]

Economy and Society

Sheltering Dignity: Exploring the Hurdles in PMAY-U Implementation

Abstract As India undergoes rapid urbanisation, the challenge of providing suitable, affordable, and quality housing has become more pronounced. This paper examines the housing challenges in urban India, emphasising issues of dispossession, prolonged resettlement waits, slum redevelopment challenges, and governance issues. The paper focuses on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), arguing for its comprehensive […]

Human Rights & Law

Distress or Growth? Exploring the Recent Trends in Women’s Labour Force Participation

Abstract This discussion paper critically examines the recent surge in female labour force participation in rural India, utilising key labour market metrics such as the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker-Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR). The analysis unveils the complex dynamics behind this increase, drawing from diverse data sources, including the Periodic Labour […]

Governance
Human Rights & Law

Placing Mandatory Digitisation Before Workers’ Rights: Challenges of App-Based Attendance in MGNREGA and the Case of Implementation without Benefit

Abstract A vast section of India’s large population relies on social welfare schemes to supplement their livelihoods and well-being. The MGNREGA scheme is considered one of the largest such social welfare schemes in the world, in terms of beneficiaries covered. Over the last couple of years, the scheme has been updated with digital processes which […]

Environment and Energy

Can Green Hydrogen Fuel India’s Clean Energy Transition?

Abstract Due to the current global warming and climate change trends, there is a need to shift to cleaner forms of energy. Green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable alternative to other forms of hydrogen fuel. With India’s commitments to scale up on green hydrogen production, use, and export, there is a significant opportunity for […]

Environment and Energy

Can Carbon Markets Decarbonise and Revitalise Agriculture?

Abstract Agriculture is a significant employer and contributor to the GDP in India. However, the sector faces a two-fold problem due to climate change and a declining workforce. On the one hand, increased food demand is juxtaposed with a decline in the number of food providers – farmers. On the other hand, agriculture has to […]

Environment and Energy

India’s DISCOMs: Weak Link in the Power Sector

ABSTRACT Power is among the most critical components of infrastructure and serves as a crucial metric for assessing the living standard of a country’s population. Unfortunately, a variety of problems plague India’s power sector. The poor financial health of power distribution companies has often been recognised as a critical issue impacting the power sector’s entire […]