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Warning from Volgograd
Jan 10, 2014

Warning from Volgograd

The bombings in Russia bring into notice the challenges which India also faces in tackling Islamic militancy. In fact, the Chechen insurgency has in the past been compared to the insurgency in Kashmir.

Was India's decision at WTO wise?
Aug 02, 2014

Was India's decision at WTO wise?

If India continues to act rigid, it will result in the failure of the Doha round and bring misfortunes for small countries and tragic outcomes for all the members of WTO. India shouldn't get carried away and link its food security and subsidy issues to the Trade Facilitation deal

Was Peshawar really another 9/11?
Dec 26, 2014

Was Peshawar really another 9/11?

The December 16, 2014 attack on an Army run school in Peshawar by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has caused global outrage. The attacks led to over 148 deaths of mostly children and some school staff.

Washington's Pakistan problem
Apr 08, 2011

Washington's Pakistan problem

The latest White House assessment of the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan submitted to the US Congress has questioned Pakistan's commitment towards degrading and defeating terrorist groups like al Qaeda and Taliban.

Wassenaar Arrangement: The Case of India’s Membership
May 05, 2016

Wassenaar Arrangement: The Case of India’s Membership

India is keen to join the world's export control regimes, all four of them including the Wassenaar Arrangement, as part of its efforts at integrating with the global non-proliferation architecture. While the Wassenaar Arrangement's predecessor, the Coordinating Committee on Multilateral Export Controls, was established to control transfers of advanced dual-use technology in the North-South and East-West context, the Arrangement's objectives have

Water and Sewage Quality in Delhi: Persistent Challenges and Ways Through
Nov 18, 2024

Water and Sewage Quality in Delhi: Persistent Challenges and Ways Through

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. However, empirical studies undertaken in several Indian cities reveal deficiencies in the quality of water and sanitation services provided by city governments. This brief focuses on the state of water and sewage systems in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, which contains India’s capital city, New Delhi. The brief highlights that many qu

Water for Indian cities
Jun 04, 2010

Water for Indian cities

The seminar held in ORF Delhi called for a paradigm shift in understanding the various dimensions of the water crisis facing India

Water Issues in South Asia
May 13, 2011

Water Issues in South Asia

Water security is a growing concern in South Asia today. Growing population, expanding urban centres, widespread pollution and mismanagement are pushing several countries in the region towards a water crisis. Mr. B. G. Verghese, well known journalist, author and expert on water issues, calls for better understanding and cooperation among the countries in South Asia to address the challenge of ensuring adequate and equitable availability of water

Water key to cooperation in South Asia, says B.G. Verghese
Sep 02, 2011

Water key to cooperation in South Asia, says B.G. Verghese

Initiating the discussion on "Water Security in South Asia", eminent water expert and noted writer, Mr. B. G. Verghese felt that while water is the key to cooperation in the region, climate change is the most important issue for all South Asian countries.

Water Valuation and Pricing in India: Imperatives for Sustainable Water Governance
Dec 02, 2023

Water Valuation and Pricing in India: Imperatives for Sustainable Water Governance

This paper highlights the importance of water valuation and pricing for sustainable and efficient water allocation and management in India. An efficient water-pricing mechanism could be a tool to address the impending crisis of water scarcity, which necessitates a robust, objective, and holistic valuation technique. Every unit of water consumed for economic purposes has an ecological footprint, and this opportunity cost or externality factor need

Water wars more about information than water itself
Nov 01, 2019

Water wars more about information than water itself

Information and knowledge gaps are largely responsible for creating an environment of mistrust among riparians and the various stakeholders in the river systems.

Water will unite us again
Jul 25, 2011

Water will unite us again

In a recent interview, former Punjab chief minister and current Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala said India's move to export wheat seeds to Pakistan in 1978 played a considerable role in thawing the relations between the two countries.

Water-Scarce Economies and Scarcity Values: Can Water Futures Trading Combat Water Scarcity?
Jan 03, 2022

Water-Scarce Economies and Scarcity Values: Can Water Futures Trading Combat Water Scarcity?

Water futures trading can be an important tool for water-scarce economies. This paper argues that it can help reduce the scarcity value of water (defined here as the value that can be generated if the limit on water availability is relaxed by one unit), even without a physical market. ‘Scarcity value’ measures the degree of deprivation and creates the basis for disputes. The paper argues that water futures trading reduces the scarcity

Way out of the past
Mar 01, 2013

Way out of the past

The Finance Minister can at best provide an enabling environment through the Union Budget and other policy frameworks that lie in his domain. The political and bureaucratic class need to pull in the same direction over the next few years to reverse some of the structural weaknesses.

Ways of Thinking: Psycholinguistic Reflections on Sino-Indian Relationships and Potentialities
Apr 23, 2010

Ways of Thinking: Psycholinguistic Reflections on Sino-Indian Relationships and Potentialities

Could there exist identifiable ways of thinking that are distinctive to the Indian and Chinese psyches, and if so, what might the implications reveal? Could they throw light on some frequently asked questions like: What explains the Chinese prowess in infrastructure and manufacturing? Will China ever become a democracy? Will China and India be friends? The author ponders on these questions, revealing some fascinating insights that could pave the

We can’t escape the externalities of great power politics
Oct 28, 2022

We can’t escape the externalities of great power politics

As the US and China glare at each other and leave no ambiguity about their rivalrous intent, the rest of the world must watch these shifting dynamics closely for their potential implications

We must not over-interpret China's grand moves of diplomacy on the world stage
Nov 28, 2023

We must not over-interpret China's grand moves of diplomacy on the world stage

Beijing is not doing as well as it would like us to think. Its economic challenges and isolation have meant it is keener than its put-off partners to achieve some normalcy in ties with other countries.

We must prepare for calamity in Afghanistan
Aug 08, 2013

We must prepare for calamity in Afghanistan

The failed attack on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad on August 3, and the conspiracy to attack the Indian ambassador in Afghanistan, reported in Mail Today the day before that, are indications that we need to plan for the worsening scenario in Afghanistan, rather than for an optimistic one.

We need a lean, mean fighting force
Mar 07, 2014

We need a lean, mean fighting force

The Indian military desperately needs to enhance its defence preparedness. However, given the country's fiscal constraints, this must be done by modernising weapons systems, instead of adding more boots on the ground.

We need intelligence upgrades
Dec 11, 2014

We need intelligence upgrades

Granted that the US normally goes for the overkill and in comparison our systems are in kindergarten stuff, there is no denying that we need upgrades. Intelligence and intercepts post-event, as in the recent Uri case, are of academic interest.

Wearing too many hats
Jun 08, 2006

Wearing too many hats

General election in Pakistan is due next year. The terms of the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies expire on November 15, 2007. There are already visible signs of hectic political activity in the drawing rooms and closed-door meetings in Islamabad, Dubai, Washington and London.

Well run, Modi!
May 27, 2015

Well run, Modi!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has run the first leg of the marathon with exceptional skill. But the next 16 km till 2017 is what will make or break his chances for re-election in 2019.

Wen Jiabao Visit: Expectations and Deliverables
Dec 16, 2010

Wen Jiabao Visit: Expectations and Deliverables

China, particularly after the global financial crisis, is on a look-out for markets in Asia, and India offers the largest market. Therefore, China's singular focus on economic issues is understandable, but India should not give into the Chinese demands without a quid pro quo.

Wen Jiabao's Visit - a damage control exercise?
Jan 07, 2011

Wen Jiabao's Visit - a damage control exercise?

India ended 2010 with a flurry of diplomatic activities highlighted by the visits of leaders from all the P-5 countries in the last two months. But, unlike the other four, the visit by the Chinese Premier came in the background of strained relations over a year created by

West Asia crisis spells tough choices for China, Russia
Aug 22, 2024

West Asia crisis spells tough choices for China, Russia

The two powers have a common aim of undermining America’s hold on West Asian security but have also built their circles of influence

West Asia's changing contours
Nov 26, 2013

West Asia's changing contours

The US interest in West Asia is declining as domestic economic and political uncertainties make it look more and more inwards. The shale oil and gas boom is transforming energy markets with the US likely to emerge as the world's biggest combined oil and gas producer this year. These trends are reshaping the regional order in West Asia and New Delhi will have to respond pro-actively to preserve and enhance its own interests in a strategically crit

West Bengal's water stand a challenge to Indian foreign policy
Feb 28, 2012

West Bengal's water stand a challenge to Indian foreign policy

At a time when India is struggling to establish itself as a global power, the position taken by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee on the sharing of waters with Bangladesh will only help strengthen the anti-India rhetoric in the neighbouring country.

West Casts Qaddafi in Saddam Image
Mar 07, 2011

West Casts Qaddafi in Saddam Image

Unlike mere Arab dictators, Qaddafi is a maverick megalomaniac draped in spectacle and pageantry - never obsequious, but consistent and unpredictable. But no Islamic fundamentalist which some of the West's closest allies are.

West Sets Up The War Within Islam
Oct 24, 2011

West Sets Up The War Within Islam

The Libya scene is now set for a first class conflict within Islam (Libya included) stretching from Pakistan right across the Arab world, North Africa embracing large swathes of sub Saharan African. On occasion this conflict within will spill over as terrorism abroad.

West's old enemy is China's new friend
May 07, 2015

West's old enemy is China's new friend

Though China has gained from the Ukraine crisis, the present situation also places China in a diplomatic bind. A strong proponent of the absolute nature of sovereignty, it does not support separatist movements.

Western journalists in Syria and Indians in Maoists area: A comparison
Jun 08, 2012

Western journalists in Syria and Indians in Maoists area: A comparison

Unfortunately countries like ours, generally content with being passive recipients of Western media, do not realize that it is the west which always ends up choosing the enemy (or friend) for us.

What 'World Tamil Conference' means for New Delhi
Jul 03, 2010

What 'World Tamil Conference' means for New Delhi

Chennai and Delhi may have to start building on the World Tamil Conference in Coimbatore. It is not going to be easy, but then, India cannot ignore the politics of the 'Tamil-speaking people' the world over.

What a US-Pakistan nuclear deal could mean for India
Oct 12, 2015

What a US-Pakistan nuclear deal could mean for India

India has seen this movie before and it does not have a happy ending. As the idea of a nuclear deal between the United States and Pakistan gains some traction in Washington, Delhi is unlikely to lose much sleep.

What after KG D6 - Challenges for India's Energy Security
Nov 01, 2011

What after KG D6 - Challenges for India's Energy Security

Studies done in ORF estimate that even with everything in our favour, India will be hard put to exceed a thermal coal based capacity beyond 300 GW. In such a scenario, how do we better harness our oil and gas potential and fulfill the great promise that lies hidden in our vast unexplored acreages.

What after the exit of UN Mission in Nepal?
Jan 21, 2011

What after the exit of UN Mission in Nepal?

The exit of the UN mission has created a security gap in Nepal which may not augur well with the prevalent disunity among different political parties. People want the original stakeholders should undertake the responsibility of completing the tasks left over by the external agencies.

What ails India’s public transport systems? The case of Mumbai
Sep 13, 2019

What ails India’s public transport systems? The case of Mumbai

In January 2019 employees of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) in Mumbai held an eight-day strike to demand, among others, higher wages. The strike affected nearly three million daily commuters in India’s financial capital. It also highlighted the crises that have crippled Mumbai’s municipal public transport service for years: after the cross-subsidies from the electric supply division of BEST to its public transport ar

What an Imran Khan's win in Pakistan will mean for India
Jul 25, 2018

What an Imran Khan's win in Pakistan will mean for India

In any case, given that the elections have become controversial even before a single vote has been cast means that the legitimacy of the next government, especially one led by Imran, will be constantly questioned and challenged.

What are the prospects for regionalism in South Asia?
Jun 19, 2008

What are the prospects for regionalism in South Asia?

Shorenstein APARC, in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation, will hold a conference on regionalism and regional integration in South Asia at Stanford University on June 19 and 20, 2008. The conference papers will be issued as an edited volume

What are we doing even as China tries to fix its economy?
Oct 27, 2015

What are we doing even as China tries to fix its economy?

China's ruling Communist Party, at its plenum, will deliberate on the economic and social agenda for China over the next five years focusing on financial reforms and how to maintain growth of around seven per cent. Contrast this with India where the new administration appears somnolent.