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Towards a synergy-based approach to river basin governance
Sustainable Development | Water Aug 27, 2019

Towards a synergy-based approach to river basin governance

The need for integrated water resource management (IWRM) has been explored and articulated by many water professionals over the recent years. Today, such a holistic approach to the management of water systems has become even more imperative in the context of the global crisis in ...

The Bay of Bengal Association for Sustainable Development: A speculative framework for governance
Neighbourhood | Sustainable Development Aug 22, 2019

The Bay of Bengal Association for Sustainable Development: A speculative framework for governance

The task of developing a regional framework for the governance of a shared natural resource is fraught with challenges. It requires political will and stability, consistent funding, and clear goals and indicators. In the Bay of Bengal, institutionalisation efforts are so far defined in the ...

Understanding China’s Afghanistan policy: From calculated indifference to strategic engagement
Neighbourhood | China Foreign Policy Aug 06, 2019

Understanding China’s Afghanistan policy: From calculated indifference to strategic engagement

In recent years, China has been expanding its diplomatic and economic profile in Afghanistan, with its policy evolving from being premised on ‘calculated indifference’, to strategic engagement. Although China’s actions may be predicated on domestic compulsions, Afghanistan could also benefit in the process, especially in ...

Ten Years of RTE Act: Revisiting Achievements and Examining Gaps
Education in India Aug 05, 2019

Ten Years of RTE Act: Revisiting Achievements and Examining Gaps

As India’s landmark Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 completes its decadal anniversary, the country continues to grapple with the problem of poor learning outcomes in schools. This brief argues that the RTE Act must now move beyond “easy to measure” metrics and focus on ...

National digital economy strategies: A survey of Africa
Developing and Emerging Economies | Cyber and Technology Jul 26, 2019

National digital economy strategies: A survey of Africa

Developing national digital strategies has become crucial for all countries, especially for developing nations. African countries, in particular, must find a niche in the global digital economy to accelerate inclusive social and economic development using technology. This brief compares the national digital strategies of 17 ...

Developing a policy framework for emerging crowdfunding ecosystems
Economics and Finance | Financial Markets Jul 12, 2019

Developing a policy framework for emerging crowdfunding ecosystems

Crowdfunding is a concept that refers to an open call for finances, often for innovative or unique projects and campaigns. Crowdfunding platforms act as intermediators between supporter and project, investor and investee, or lender and lendee. The platforms intermediate this process by arranging the payment ...

Harnessing technology for agricultural development in Africa: Lessons from Tanzania
Climate, Food and Environment | Sustainable Development | Agriculture Jul 10, 2019

Harnessing technology for agricultural development in Africa: Lessons from Tanzania

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to “leave no one behind’’ and directed all countries to work together to end poverty and other deprivations. Achieving the SDGs requires collaborative strategies aimed at improving technologies of the Least Developing Countries (LDCs) in the productive sectors ...

Climate change and healthcare in the BIMSTEC countries: Potential for cooperation
Healthcare | Climate Change Jul 02, 2019

Climate change and healthcare in the BIMSTEC countries: Potential for cooperation

The relative prosperity being recorded by the countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)[1] is being confronted by multidimensional challenges brought about by climate change, including in public health. This brief examines the role of regional cooperation in ...