SPRF
ABSTRACT India’s 7,516 kilometres long mainland coastline is home to over 13,000 marine species and is a source of employment for over 20 lakh people. An extensive coastline, though lucrative for a country’s economic development, also makes the country vulnerable to geopolitical and climate change threats. Due to their economic significance, coastal areas have become […]
ABSTRACT This paper critically examines India’s data governance framework and its geopolitical dimension. It does so specifically within the context of standard-setting frameworks of the United States, the European Union, and China. These frameworks conceptualise data as a resource and revenue-generating economic asset. This work argues that while the Indian government has been vocal about […]
Abstract The financial sector is responsible for large-scale investments in the fossil fuel industry. The current global warming and climate change trends demand urgent scrutiny of the sector’s investments. There is a need for the financial sector to invest in projects and companies that adhere to sustainable business practices. In doing so, banking and financial […]
ABSTRACT Interstate police arrest procedures of police are increasingly being discussed in public discourse. Recently, a news anchor made headlines in light of a tussle between the Chhattisgarh police and Uttar Pradesh police for his arrest. In May this year, the Delhi police and Punjab police faced similar public scrutiny over the arrest of a […]
ABSTRACT 2021 saw the largest displacements due to disasters. One of the impacts of climate change has been the increased variability and uncertainty around rainfall patterns which drastically increase the risk of floods. The magnitude of these floods is projected to increase further in the coming years, amplifying the risk of population displacement. Floods […]
ABSTRACT Marital rape refers to the act of sexually assaulting one’s spouse. It is a crime in most countries except thirty nations including India. Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code [IPC] defines and criminalises rape but contains an exception clause for when it happens between a married couple. This exception declares ‘sexual intercourse by […]
ABSTRACT This issue brief critically examines the prospects of the India-Central Asia energy relations and trade. Central Asian countries hold strategic and geoeconomic significance for India, especially for energy cooperation. The existing literature highlights two limitations regarding this trade. First is the limited connectivity to the region, and second is the presence of great powers […]
ABSTRACT When confronted with complex challenges of law and order, governance, or social reform, Indian lawmakers routinely resort to enacting statutory provisions copied verbatim from previous laws. For example, the provision that imposes harsh conditions on bail is the same for the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 [NDPS Act], the Drugs and […]
Abstract The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways for India recently arrived at the Parliament House in a ‘hydrogen-fuelled’ car. This occurred in the backdrop of the Ministry of Power [MoP] announcing the first phase of the ‘Green Hydrogen Policy’ on 17 February 2022. The policy aims to cut down greenhouse emissions and promote […]
Abstract This paper aims to provide an overview of the Green Grids Initiative, focusing on the implementation, benefits, and drawbacks of the initiative in India. It introduces COP26 as a concept and the various agreements in the energy sector, followed by the history and the goals of the initiative, the implementation of the initiative, and […]
ABSTRACT This article seeks to identify the scale at which cyber crimes and cyberattacks are increasing in India by taking women and children as the focus group. India’s cyberspace is expanding faster than ever before, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. People have started using the internet as a source of entertainment, work, […]
Abstract This paper aims to situate dais or traditional midwives at the crossroads of caste-based discrimination and dwindling state support. A lot of traditional midwives or dais hail from a lower caste background which stigmatises their position and work in the society. With time, institutional healthcare facilities came to be associated with upper caste ideas […]
Abstract The new Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021 seeks to reduce the number of schedules in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 from six to four. The Schedules in the act provide varying degrees of protection to animals and plants. The new amendment bill also proposes to remove Schedule V, which gives the Centre […]
Abstract The Election Laws Amendment Bill, passed by the Union Cabinet in 2021, ruled in favour of linking Aadhar IDs to the electoral rolls. This step aimed to curb the menace of fraudulent voting, among other reforms. However, the Bill has been a point of contention. Various opposition leaders and activists voice their concerns over […]