Category Insights

Insights, a blog published by IMPRI.

Speed Up India: On Platforms and in Government

Ten years ago, when then-prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi promised India bullet trains, he probably did not bargain for the system's resistance to high speed. The journey from an average speed of 60 kmph to a bullet speed of over 300 kmph would take longer than expected. It required an entirely new state-of-the-art infrastructure and a new mindset. However, that did not dissuade the pragmatic Modi as PM Modi from bringing greater speed to the railways by introducing the Vande Bharat trains that run at 120 kmph.

Increased Diplomacy Challenges: India as SCO Host

On 28 April, New Delhi hosted a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries’ defence ministers conclave to discuss regional peace and security, counterterrorism efforts and effective multilateralism. The conclave, chaired by India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh, saw the in-person participation of his counterparts from Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The special defence advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan joined virtually.

It’s About Time We Change #StopViolenceAgainstWomen

Violence Against Women (VAW) is a global issue recognised as a violation of human rights and a public health problem by the UN and WHO. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse with severe consequences for women's physical, mental, and reproductive health. VAW affects women of different backgrounds and intersections of oppression. It also has significant economic consequences. Men and boys can help prevent VAW by challenging harmful gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality. Survivor-centred prevention and response efforts, international cooperation, and changing societal attitudes are crucial to address VAW comprehensively. 

Sharad Pawar’s ‘Resigning Sonia Act’: Emotional Upsurge for Party Unification

Sharad Pawar has paid the ultimate tribute to Sonia Gandhi, in opposition to whose leadership of the Congress he had left the Grand Old Party — after all, imitation is the highest form of flattery.

In 1999, when Sharad Pawar, PA Sangma, and Tariq Anwar had broken away from the Congress, saying they could not stomach foreigner Sonia being chosen as the president of the party, Sonia Gandhi resigned from her newly elected post. That set off an emotional upheaval at the party. Everyone who had stayed back was forced to join the chorus —  started by some genuine votaries of a Congress led by Gandhi —  asking, beseeching, and pleading with Sonia Gandhi to take back her resignation and take charge of the party. She complied and led a relatively unified party.

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