Category Livelihoods, Employment and Well-being

Innovation

India–New Zealand: Agri -Tech Innovation

India–New Zealand Agri-Tech Innovation is emerging as more than a technical exchange; it is a contest over models of innovation and inclusion. At a time when agriculture faces the twin pressures of climate resilience and global market integration. The partnership can be transformational, but only if deliberate adaptation, rights-based data governance, and financing follow the technology. Without these, the result risks being one of two failures: techno-dumping (NZ solutions ill-fitted to India) or stalled scalability (India pilots remaining fragmented). 

far

Strengthening Farmers’ Security: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), 2016 

In India, where over half the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, and more than 70% of farmers are small and marginal, they remain extremely vulnerable to climate variability and crop failures (NITI Aayog, 2019). The growing threat of global warming has intensified the frequency and severity of erratic weather patterns, worsened agricultural risks, and deepened the cycle of income insecurity and indebtedness among farmers. Recognizing this urgent challenge, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in 2016. It is a large-scale crop subsidy insurance scheme that aims to safeguard farmers. This scheme is being administered by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 

Bihar

Palayan Politics in Bihar: Overlooked Economic Realities

Geographically, North Bihar has been a victim of flooding, the flat plains of Central Bihar face water inundation, and South Bihar struggles with water shortage. Historically, people from the Koshi region would migrate to other parts of Bihar and (now) Jharkhand. But slowly, ‘palayan’ (desertion) became a part of the consciousness of Biharis. According to 2011 Census data, over 75 lakh Biharis live outside the state. The actual figure, of course, might be much higher.

cities

The Hollow Reality of ‘Digital Cities’

It is the season of digital spectacle. From Smart Cities to the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM), the Union government never misses an opportunity to announce a grand plan for “transforming urban India.” Glossy dashboards, artificial intelligence claims, and billion-dollar contracts are flaunted as if technology alone can rescue India’s cities.

health

India’s Health Crisis: Beyond Individual Responsibility

India’s wellness industry is booming, with PWC estimating its size at ₹490 billion, growing at a compound growth rate of around 16%. Fitness centres, yoga studios, Zumba dance classes, personal trainers, health food, and athleisure clothing proliferate. A section of the population is really taking their health and fitness into their own earnest hands, even as another section is feasting on newfound prosperity and growing obese.

PHOTO 2025 09 14 12 58 09

Strengthening Social Security: Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), 2015

The Indian population is growing, and the country is demonstrating strong growth potential. In this scenario, a lack of financial inclusion can be one of the major challenges faced by the government.

Talk to Us