Category Public Policies, Programs and Schemes

Preventing Democratic Backsliding Isn’t the Same as Securing Democracy

The INDIA bloc’s ability to rein in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vaulting ambition to godhood does not extend to addressing a vast democracy deficit

In an interim assessment of the election results, I made six points:

One, India’s next government would be a coalition government.

Two, Indian democracy has become stronger with the emergence of a strong Opposition, and a clear verdict that the people do not appreciate the politics of hatred and division, peddled aggressively by Prime Minister Modi.

Three, the Congress has halted its steady decline, which had persuaded several of its aspiring leaders and spokespersons to defect to the BJP.

Revolutionize Cultural Norms and Beliefs to Encourage R&D Investment in Companies

WhatsApp showcases tales of ancient glory, while global reports highlight India's rankings in hunger, press freedom, and sustainable development. India ranks 40th on the GII 2023, above all BRICS nations except China.

WhatsApp is a good place to feel great about ourselves as a nation, with prolific tales of ancient glory. A more prosaic view of where we stand as a nation is available from assorted global reports, for example, on hunger (111th out of 125 countries), press freedom (159th out of 180 countries), and UN's sustainable development ranking (112th among 166 countries). In comparison, India's rank of 40 on the World Intellectual Property Organisation's Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023 isn't so dismal. India ranks above all BRICS nations, except China.
cultural

A Lifeline for Widows: Insights into the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

Like many other countries, India struggles to meet the needs of its vulnerable populations — especially widowed women who often experience social exclusion and financial hardship. In response to this pressing issue, the Government of India introduced the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) in 2009.

A Call for Clarity: Addressing the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not actually say Congress would give the gold of poor women, and the silver of tribal families, to Muslims. He said the Congress would carry out this metallic expropriation for redistribution among “those who have many children”, to those who are “infiltrators”. Who has many children, and who are infiltrators?

We are happy our PM does not do Hindu-Muslim, but what is he accusing Congress of? Wanting to steal 'mangalsutra' from poor women to give to poor men?

Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion: The Lakhpati Didi Scheme, 2023

It is commonly recognised that women's economic empowerment accelerates social advancement and sustainable development. In India, where gender inequality still plagues society, programmes such as the Lakhpati Didi Scheme have become important tools for addressing these inequalities.

Assessing a Decade of the Street Vendors Act, 2014 in India

A decade has passed since the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act came into effect on May 1, 2014, marking a significant milestone after nearly four decades of legal jurisprudence and the tireless efforts of street vendor movements across India.

Understanding Urban Policy Drift in 2024 Election Manifestos

Nearly 50% of Indian population lives in the cities, for they are hub of opportunities and significant in country's development trajectory. Yet, the urban landscape remains a blank spot in our political discourse.

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