Category Insights

Insights, a blog published by IMPRI.

Virulent Protests Engulfing China

China witnessed unprecedented protests last month, a first since the massive protests at Tiananmen Square in 1989. The current upsurge — against the excessive intrusion of the party-state in the lives of hundreds of millions of people who are subjected to arbitrary lockdowns, strict border controls, food shortages, unemployment, debilitating quarantine procedures, intensive surveillance, misuse of authority, and enormous hardships — is spontaneous, rapid and inclusive. Stringent Covid policies benefited certain business interests of the pharmaceutical and health industry at the cost of the social sector.

China’s Rapprochement in the Indian Ocean Region

The latest Indian Ocean Forum is another way to challenge Indian influence and presence in the Indian Ocean. This is not China’s first attempt to corner India in its backyard. With the onset of Covid-19, Beijing has shaped multiple initiatives with other South Asian nations, excluding India, and has attempted to institutionalize them. These initiatives have focussed on post-pandemic recovery, enhancing connectivity, emergency supplies reserve, poverty alleviation, and e-commerce cooperation.

China’s Xi Challenge

The Chinese Communist Party would recognize that it would be prudent to revisit the policies but given how much of Xi’s personal prestige is invested in this policy, there won’t be any question of changing track completely, which actually is the need of the hour. Recent protests in China when thousands took to the streets in several cities calling for an end to Covid lockdowns, with some even demanding Xi Jinping’s resignation are remarkable not only for their boldness but also for what they say about the mood of the country’s citizens.

Persons of Integrity in Democracy & Independence of Institutions

The Supreme Court, by raising the issue of the appointment of the Election Commissioner, has also brought into question the integrity of the Prime Minister (‘PM’), who is key to the appointment. Thus, doubt has been raised about the country’s constitutional authorities, including the judiciary. The executive, in any case, does the bidding of the political masters. So, where are the people of integrity in the corridors of power in India?

Evidence-Driven GM Policies Needed to Burst Myths

Scientific policy-making should be solely based on valid evidence and scientific merit and not be driven by a stand either for or against GM crops. Foremost is the task of allaying the fears surrounding GM mustard so that everybody can be part of this revitalized ‘yellow revolution’ without any ambiguity.

Talk to Us