Search: For - PLA

2165 results found

Sauce for the goose but not for the gander
Mar 02, 2010

Sauce for the goose but not for the gander

Showing images of attacks on US soldiers in Iraq is a crime? In what category do we then place the complete destruction of what was once Mesopotamia, one of the world's earliest civilizations?

Saudi Arabia and UAE: Are they strategically distancing themselves from the Afghanistan crisis?
Jul 20, 2021

Saudi Arabia and UAE: Are they strategically distancing themselves from the Afghanistan crisis?

In 2021, things are very different in the Gulf. The missing narratives from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and others in the region on Afghanistan come from c

Saudi Aramco attack shakes up fragile global ecosystem
Sep 18, 2019

Saudi Aramco attack shakes up fragile global ecosystem

Visuals of the strike, reportedly conducted via drones and/or missiles, appear to show the plant on fire and the attack is reported to have led to a 5% drop in global oil production.

Saudi moves impacting West Asian geopolitics
Apr 26, 2023

Saudi moves impacting West Asian geopolitics

By bringing China and Russia into the region and by developing strategic partnerships with important players such as India, Riyadh is signalling its intent to reduce its dependence on the US. Mohammed bin Salman is looking at a policy of multi-alignment that affords greater strategic autonomy.

Scaling-up urban rainwater harvesting
May 02, 2020

Scaling-up urban rainwater harvesting

Most Indian cities experience water supply shortages, particularly during the summer season when the demand for water is phenomenally high. In such si

Science & Technology Challenges for India
Jul 05, 2005

Science & Technology Challenges for India

Recongnising the pivotal role of technology in ensuring India?s emergence as a global player, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), New Delhi, has launched a ?Technology Initiative?. As the first event, a one-day workshop on ?Science & Technology Challenges for India? is being hosted on May 7, 2005. The workshop brings together renowned professionals to evolve collective, cohesive thinking on issues of significance to India?s S&T performance and as

Science Fiction as the Blueprint: Informing Policy in the Age of AI and Emerging Tech
Jan 17, 2024

Science Fiction as the Blueprint: Informing Policy in the Age of AI and Emerging Tech

This issue brief examines the complex interplay between science fiction and technology development in the age of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and brain-computer interfaces. As the line between science and fiction continues to blur, this brief argues for strategically using science fiction narratives to inform and guide technology development and policymaking. Drawing upon historical precedents of scien

SCO 2019: Opportunities and challenges for India
Jun 04, 2019

SCO 2019: Opportunities and challenges for India

SCO is a potential platform to advance India’s Connect Central Asia policy.

Scoring self-goals with Pakistan
Feb 18, 2011

Scoring self-goals with Pakistan

We have decided to resume the so-called composite dialogue with Pakistan, without admitting as much. Why not be frank about the change in our position? Why resort to word play to obfuscate?

SDG 4 (गुणवत्ता शिक्षण): तरुणांना सक्षम करण्यासाठी व्यापक शैक्षणिक सुधारणा आवश्यक
Oct 07, 2023

SDG 4 (गुणवत्ता शिक्षण): तरुणांना सक्षम करण्यासाठी व्यापक शैक्षणिक सुधारणा आवश्यक

आव्हानांवर मात करण्यासाठी SDG 4 लक्ष्यांना आणि तरुणांना सक्षम करण्यासाठी व्यापक शैक्षणिक सुधारणा आवश्यक आहेत. तरुणांना पुढे नेण्यासाठी संधी देण्यासाठी हे प्रयत्न आवश्यक

SDGs and Structural Vulnerabilities: The Case of BIMSTEC Countries
Feb 21, 2022

SDGs and Structural Vulnerabilities: The Case of BIMSTEC Countries

This paper studies the case of the countries of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) to investigate if progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) plays an instrumental role in addressing structural vulnerabilities. It finds that it does. Despite improvements in certain SDGs such as increasing per-capita income levels, improving healthcare, and providing universal

SDGs, Indian Cities and Seismic Sustainability
May 24, 2023

SDGs, Indian Cities and Seismic Sustainability

Goal 11 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” Its targets include the promotion of resilience to disasters such as earthquakes. Many of India’s cities that lie in high-intensity zones—determined by ‘seismic microzonation’—are extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. Such cities, therefore, must move towards developing and adopting policies that pro

Sea drones: Implications of the great underwater wall of China
Aug 02, 2017

Sea drones: Implications of the great underwater wall of China

Several emerging trends like increasing congestion of global commons, especially in the maritime domain and the rapid development of disruptive techno

Seasoned faces who could aid the return of America
Dec 02, 2020

Seasoned faces who could aid the return of America

In line with his agenda of restoring America’s place in the world, Biden is banking on Obama-era liberal internationalists

Securing peace in Afghanistan: A primer on Japan’s role
May 24, 2023

Securing peace in Afghanistan: A primer on Japan’s role

The so-called ‘War on Terror’ launched by the United States following the September 11, 2001 attacks in its soil has had far-reaching implications to the pursuit of peace across many parts of the world. One of the crucial areas where the war is being fought is Afghanistan, which has been both a breeding ground of terrorism and a victim of violent terrorist attacks itself. This brief analyses the role played by Japan, a major ally of the US, i

Securing property rights in India through distributed ledger technology
Jul 24, 2023

Securing property rights in India through distributed ledger technology

India registered rapid economic growth over the past couple of years, with the GDP growing 7.6 percent in 2015-2016. While economic activity remains buoyant, however, the country still has a long way to go. The government must capitalise on the current economic momentum and use it to accelerate its reform agenda. One of the areas requiring regulatory attention is the property market. Despite a push for reform through the Digital India Land Record

Security backsliding for US in Sahel
Aug 02, 2023

Security backsliding for US in Sahel

The recent coup in Niger potentially places the United States in a security muddle

Setting a robust G20 agenda
Jan 24, 2023

Setting a robust G20 agenda

By developing agendas, action-oriented plans, and decisions through collaborative efforts, India could lead the G20 agenda in a unique way

Shackling China’s chip industry with new restrictions
Jul 18, 2023

Shackling China’s chip industry with new restrictions

The bans placed by the US would “not stop China permanently”, they were meant to hobble China to enable the US and its allies to stay ahead

Sharif must strike against ISI fast and hard
May 14, 2013

Sharif must strike against ISI fast and hard

The one thing Nawaz Sharief should do on day one is to issue an order placing the ISI under civilian leadership. This will de-fang the Army of the most potent instrument it uses to distort Pakistani democracy.

Sharif's TTP challenge
Oct 01, 2013

Sharif's TTP challenge

Going by the frequency and nature of the TTP attacks, the militant group seems to be playing a larger game aimed at drawing the armed forces deeper into a protracted conflict in the tribal areas with the US withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in mind. For the Nawaz Sharif government, and the military, the options are fast running out.

Sharing space: Tech and terrorism
Jan 29, 2020

Sharing space: Tech and terrorism

Technology has as much potential to exacerbate as it does to mitigate the risks of terrorism. What takes place in the digital space is merely symptoma

Shifting sands: Navigating the new geopolitical landscape in 2024
Dec 26, 2023

Shifting sands: Navigating the new geopolitical landscape in 2024

The year 2024 is poised to be a period of significant transformation, characterised by extensive changes on both domestic and international fronts

Shifting tides: India’s port dominance in Myanmar
Apr 25, 2024

Shifting tides: India’s port dominance in Myanmar

Effectively managing Sittwe Port in Myanmar will allow India to play a vital role in promoting regional security and stability while also forging valu

Short-sighted submarine saga
Sep 09, 2013

Short-sighted submarine saga

The tragic accident of Sindhurakshak should serve as a clarion call for the Navy and the higher defence establishment for introspection over the institutional inadequacies and the need for re-evaluating policy decisions. A refocused attempt to rectify the growing lack of underwater platforms and warship inventory is the dire need of the hour.

Should India fear China's Navy?
May 19, 2012

Should India fear China's Navy?

If one really wishes to get a better appreciation of how the Indian Navy plans for an upsurge in naval rivalry with Beijing, the best thing to do is to carefully parse the refreshingly sanguine words of India's naval chiefs on the matter.

Signals from Jalalabad attack
Aug 05, 2013

Signals from Jalalabad attack

After the US withdrawal in 2014, the Taliban, with the help of Pakistan, could plan a low-key but protracted military push towards Kabul. Taliban's attacks in Kabul this year are an indication of this strategy which will push the region towards greater instability in the next one year.

Significant changes in India-Nepal diplomacy
Aug 05, 2011

Significant changes in India-Nepal diplomacy

There will soon be two important changes in the Nepal and India diplomacy, which are of significant importance to both the countries. Nepal's ambassador to India, Rukma Shumsher Rana, has been recalled while the Indian envoy to Nepal Rakesh Sood will be replaced by another career diplomat.

Sino-Indian Asaphila Patrolling Face-off
Aug 12, 2003

Sino-Indian Asaphila Patrolling Face-off

The recent face-off between Indian and Chinese patrols in Asaphila area on June 26, 2003 evoked considerable media interest and political debate in the country. It overshadowed and almost neutralised the Prime Minister's visit to China, which took place after a decade long gap and, more significantly,

Skyroot creates a new ‘Prarambh’ for Indian space
Nov 21, 2022

Skyroot creates a new ‘Prarambh’ for Indian space

The launch of Mission Prarambh marks the successful entry of private players into the Indian space sector

Slow steps to India-China border tranquillity
Mar 21, 2023

Slow steps to India-China border tranquillity

Meetings have been taking place, but if China seeks to use the lack of precision of the Line of Actual Control to keep India off balance, little will change

Small Hydro Power Can Fill In Energy Deficit
Jan 07, 2011

Small Hydro Power Can Fill In Energy Deficit

Of all the non-conventional renewable energy sources, small hydro represents highest density resource and stands in the first place in generation of electricity from such sources world-wide. It is also the most cost-effective energy technology to be considered for rural electrification and under the climate change scenarios.

Social Media and Political Leaders: An Exploratory Analysis
Jul 21, 2023

Social Media and Political Leaders: An Exploratory Analysis

Politicians have always used the media to communicate with the electorate. What makes social media unique is the scale, speed, and minimal cost at which leaders can do this task. This paper analyses the relationship between political leaders and the microblogging site, Twitter. It provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the use of Twitter by two contemporary Indian political leaders—Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. It describ

Social media finally has its campaign in the sun
Jan 07, 2014

Social media finally has its campaign in the sun

Irrespective of whether AAP delivers on all its promises or is somehow muscled out of office in a few months, it has proven something to all Indian media watchers. Social media buzz has helped in shaping the agenda for India's largest and most important city, making a newly formed political party into a serious player in just over a year.

Social Protection in the Age of Uber
Dec 05, 2016

Social Protection in the Age of Uber

Global debate on the loss of social protection benefits in a platform economy does not apply in the Indian context and need is for Uber to devise some plan

Somalia: A failed state?
Feb 06, 2017

Somalia: A failed state?

It will not be an exaggeration to say that almost all the countries in Africa face some form of conflict. Yet, most of them have managed to survive, and some—like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo—have even evolved into reasonably successful states. However, Somalia has not. What are the reasons for Somalia’s failure to survive? Did external interventions play a role? Was Islamophobia a contributing factor, and the inter-clan

South Asia South Asia Weekly 12
Mar 30, 2008

South Asia South Asia Weekly 12

On the domestic front, Sri Lanka remained engaged in the forthcoming Provincial Council elections. On the eastern front, various electoral alignments are being worked out. Bargaining is taking place among political parties to woo winnable contenders to their side.

South Asia South Asia Weekly 13
Apr 06, 2008

South Asia South Asia Weekly 13

Two politically significant events took place this week. First was the filing of the nomination papers by People¿s Front of Liberation Tigers (PFLT), the political wing of LTTE set up in 1998. Second was the split in the only Muslim party,

South Asia South Asia Weekly 31
Aug 04, 2008

South Asia South Asia Weekly 31

Tamil Nadu has always played an important role in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. Tamils fighting for their homeland in the island nation has always desired and appreciated the assistance rendered by their Tamil brethren from the neighbouring India,

South Asia South Asia Weekly 53
Jan 05, 2009

South Asia South Asia Weekly 53

Sri Lanka imposed a ban on LTTE following the organisation¿s failure to release 2,50,000 civilians from its hold. The civilians are often caught in the crossfire taking place between LTTE and the Sri Lankan armed forces. Besides, in the absence of basic necessities,

South Asia South Asia Weekly 9
Mar 09, 2008

South Asia South Asia Weekly 9

LTTE's operational capabilities, in different dimensions, were hit hard at several places this week. While the Sri Lanka Air Force jets pounded the LTTE¿s communication base with transmitting tower in the north-east of Oddusudan junction, British parliamentarians came down heavily on the group's credit card frauds to fund its terrorist activities.

South Asia Weekly 100
Nov 30, 2009

South Asia Weekly 100

Former General Sarath Fonseka, who played a major role in decimating the LTTE, has formally announced his presidential candidature for the elections to be held in January 2010. He is all set to take on the current presidential incumbent and his former mentor Mahinda Rajapaksa as a common opposition candidate.

South Asia Weekly 103
Dec 20, 2009

South Asia Weekly 103

Bangladesh is contemplating allowing the entry of Indian container trains up to Ghazipur, close to the capital Dhaka. This will benefit the traders of both the countries as there will be reduction in the transportation cost.

South Asia Weekly 92
Oct 04, 2009

South Asia Weekly 92

Sri Lankan Navy and Indian Navy successfully conclude their joint naval exercises, which started on October 6 and continued till October 8, 2009. The naval training exercise, code-named CADEX 2009, took place on the western seas off Sri Lanka.

South Asia Weekly 98
Nov 15, 2009

South Asia Weekly 98

Sri Lankan Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samrasinghe claimed that 143,672 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been resettled. There were 280,000 IDPs when the fighting ended in May 2009.

South Asia Weekly Report 73
May 25, 2009

South Asia Weekly Report 73

Sri Lanka secured a major diplomatic victory when the United Nations (UN) passed a resolution backing its post-war plans for refugees. The UN resolution, which was passed 29 to 12 with six abstentions, urged support and assistance to Sri Lanka in its efforts to deal with large number of refugees.

South Asia Weekly Report 76
Jun 15, 2009

South Asia Weekly Report 76

Sri Lanka is seeking foreign aid for the resettlement of 280,000 predominantly Tamil refugees, officially known as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), languishing in camps without any access to basic amenities like food, clothing and sanitation.

South Asia Weekly Report 79
Jul 06, 2009

South Asia Weekly Report 79

Foreign aid reserves are at an all-time low in Sri Lanka. The island country requires foreign assistance to resettle millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and reconstruct war-ravaged areas of the northeast.