The rural population in India currently stands at 909 million (almost 68.8% of the total population) and has shown a growth rate of about 11%. Large parts of rural areas in the country are parts of clusters of settlements, in relative proximity to one another. These clusters typically demonstrate growth potential, have certain economic drivers, and have the ability to leverage locational and competitive advantages
The Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW), launched under the Ministry of Women and Child Development as part of the ‘Mission Shakti’ scheme, represents a transformative approach to addressing the multi-dimensional needs of women in India. Developed under the Samarthya sub-scheme, HEW serves as a comprehensive, one-stop support system that facilitates inter-sectoral convergence across services, schemes, and programs meant for women. It aims to ensure that women can access information, benefits, and entitlements in a streamlined and efficient manner, thereby fostering their holistic empowerment and participation in society. It reflects the government’s larger commitment to ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development, aligning with international goals like SDG 5: Gender Equality and national visions like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Indian federalism’s real challenge is to design institutions in a way that would encourage participatory democracy in terms of self-rule plus shared rule.
Pakistan based terror groups have been executing the cross-border terrorism against India for nearly four decades as an instrument of Rawalpindi’s designs in particular and their foreign policy in general. World knows and fully understands the source and sustenance of the rabid terrorist groups that have proliferated in our western neighbourhood for decades with the alacrity of misplaced Jihad and the impunity extracted from global majors including its iron clad friends.
Sudden removal of longstanding autocrats has become increasingly common at least since the Arab Spring in 2010 when public furore and street anger and popular frustration — combined and engineered with regime change agendas of regional and global powers, led to Ben Ali, Gaddafi and Mubarak’s unceremonious departure from power. But these very facts brought out the big power play trying to balance once again especially by Russia and Iran which saved the downfall of Syrian strongman and autocratic Bashar Al Assad who survived the regime change agenda for at least a decade when he was dumped by his benefactors for their own compulsions.
Himachal Pradesh has demonstrated that determined efforts can lead to remarkable improvements in living standards. Its Human Development Index (HDI) ranks second in India; behind Kerala. Despite its sparse population, Himachal Pradesh achieved full electrification in the mid-1980s, and successive governments have supported social infrastructure in health, education, and tourism.