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The NEST: A pragmatic addition to India’s external affairs ministry
Mar 30, 2020

The NEST: A pragmatic addition to India’s external affairs ministry

The NEST division is a significant development and underscores the importance of emerging technologies to India’s expanding digital landscape and do

Modification of natural landscapes and pandemics
Mar 26, 2020

Modification of natural landscapes and pandemics

Let us resolve to leave the standing forests and other natural landscapes alone and revisit the provisions of forest land diversion under the legal fr

Russia’s media landscape and challenges of the smartphone age
Dec 12, 2019

Russia’s media landscape and challenges of the smartphone age

Ways of creating and consuming information keep on changing rapidly all over the world. Russia is no exception.

The evolution of India’s West Asian policy
Oct 31, 2019

The evolution of India’s West Asian policy

In the past, India has managed a successful balancing act in a tripolar West Asia. Now, the restructuring of West Asia’s geopolitical landscape has

How does the new SANKALP project fit into the evolving Skill India Mission?
Sep 25, 2019

How does the new SANKALP project fit into the evolving Skill India Mission?

If administrative features improve, SANKALP can definitely make a positive difference in the ever-evolving skilling landscape of the country.

India’s national security challenge
Jul 03, 2019

India’s national security challenge

India’s national security landscape, if not irretrievably perilous, is stressed and susceptible to conflict with its neighbouring rivals.

The Congress Crisis: Existential challenge or battle for relevance?
May 29, 2019

The Congress Crisis: Existential challenge or battle for relevance?

The Congress is confronted with an existential crisis that on the one hand threatens to make the country’s oldest party extinct and on the other pro

China’s military rise and the Indian challenge
Apr 19, 2018

China’s military rise and the Indian challenge

Unlike other great powers of the past New Delhi has encountered, China impinges directly on India’s geopolitical landscape in multiple ways. The ris

A post-nuclear deal Iran prepares for elections
May 06, 2017

A post-nuclear deal Iran prepares for elections

The Iranian political landscape is multilayered, with a juxtaposition of conservatives, moderates, liberals, the military, intelligence and others fig

Kenya’s mobile money story and the runaway success of M-Pesa
Sep 03, 2016

Kenya’s mobile money story and the runaway success of M-Pesa

M-Pesa in its current form was launched in Kenya in April 2007, and it revolutionised the financial services landscape.

A landscape analysis of adolescent health in India: The case of Uttar Pradesh
Dec 11, 2019

A landscape analysis of adolescent health in India: The case of Uttar Pradesh

The health of adolescents is crucial to achieving India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Government of India has spotlighted adolescent health in various programmes and policies. However, substantial health challenges continue to affect Indian youth. This paper describes the health profile of adolescents in India and, in particular in Uttar Pradesh, one of the country’s least performing states in the domain of health outcomes.

A redrawn landscape: Anticipated impact, unintended consequences
Aug 06, 2019

A redrawn landscape: Anticipated impact, unintended consequences

If Kashmiri parties boycott polls, they’ll be marginalised; if they participate, it will mean accepting new realities

Challenges and Opportunities for India in the Post-Pandemic Geopolitical Landscape
Jul 07, 2021

Challenges and Opportunities for India in the Post-Pandemic Geopolitical Landscape

During the Cold War, India navigated its external relations guided largely by the doctrine and practice of non-alignment. In these contemporary times, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to inaugurate a period of heightened geopolitical rivalries, with the United States and China as the principal poles. India will be differently positioned in this post-Covid “new normal” than it was in the era of the Cold War and therefore will need differe

Evolving landscape of Sino-Indian ties
Jun 26, 2020

Evolving landscape of Sino-Indian ties

The two Asian giants seem to have clearly reached an inflection point in their relationship

Modi 2.0 confronts a challenging foreign policy landscape
May 27, 2019

Modi 2.0 confronts a challenging foreign policy landscape

After celebrating his win, Modi needs to prepare for much work ahead on the foreign policy front.

Navigating the changing geo-economic landscape
Jan 28, 2016

Navigating the changing geo-economic landscape

This Special Report is based on some of the most important ideas shared amongst participants in ORF's roundtable on Changing Geoeconomic Landscapes, held on 21 December 2015 in New Delhi. The discussion examined current patterns in world economy, initiatives being taken by the Indian leadership to steer domestic economy, and the need for the country to carefully integrate its domestic economic priorities, including those of reforms, with its fore

Significance of the changing space security landscape for India
Jun 18, 2019

Significance of the changing space security landscape for India

India is developing appropriate capabilities to tackle the new and emerging space security challenges in outer space.

The Fintech Landscape in India and Africa: A Primer
Aug 16, 2023

The Fintech Landscape in India and Africa: A Primer

The adoption of digital payments has risen exponentially over the past decade in many countries including India and those in the African continent. In India, the growth has run parallel to rapid mobile penetration, aided by initiatives like Aadhaar, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and IndiaStack, as well as the unintended push factor created by demonetisation in November 2016. This brief discusses the landscape of fintech—‘finan

The Qatari Conundrum: The Changing face of West Asia’s Political Landscape
Aug 02, 2013

The Qatari Conundrum: The Changing face of West Asia’s Political Landscape

Qatar is creating a large footprint for itself in the West Asian Qpolitical landscape. The Gulf state was previously known primarily for its oil and gas reserves, and compliance with US interests in the region. However, Qatar has in the recent past made significant efforts to assert regional pre-eminence through an aggressive foreign policy. Emir Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who recently handed over the reins of power to his son, Tamim bin

Annual Outlook 2023: Warmer Climes Ahead
Jan 23, 2024

Annual Outlook 2023: Warmer Climes Ahead

This report explores the economic and geopolitical impacts of climate change, highlighting the mitigated energy crisis in Europe, inflation trends, and global monetary policies. It discusses investment opportunities in sustainable travel and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, amidst the evolving energy landscape and consumer behaviors post-COVID, in the year 2023.

Art Not For Art’s Sake: China and Hollywood’s Mutual Gains From a Symbiotic Relationship
Apr 24, 2023

Art Not For Art’s Sake: China and Hollywood’s Mutual Gains From a Symbiotic Relationship

The use of America’s movie industry, or Hollywood, to advance an agenda is not new. This paper explores how China has expanded its financial footprint in Hollywood and consequently is able to use films for propaganda. It engages with the importance of propaganda and censorship in China, and how China has historically used mass media and other cultural tools to serve its political interests. It underlines the symbiotic nature of the rela

At Hiroshima, Japan’s moment to reinforce partnerships
May 29, 2023

At Hiroshima, Japan’s moment to reinforce partnerships

For Tokyo, the G-7 Summit was driven by the need to define and devise the means of navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific

Bhutan: Politics without political-divide yet
Jan 18, 2013

Bhutan: Politics without political-divide yet

As Bhutan prepares for its second general elections this year, the political landscape of the nation has yet to undergo significant change from the first one. While being active, democracy in the Himalayan Kingdom is still State-centric,

BIMSTEC: Overcoming inertia to serve as a truly strategic platform
Sep 08, 2017

BIMSTEC: Overcoming inertia to serve as a truly strategic platform

Two decades since its inception, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has yet to truly succeed as an instrument of regional integration. The primary reason for the group’s slow progress is general inertia, or lack of interest amongst its members. There have also been more pressing national and regional issues that have overtaken the group’s development. This is set to change under the im

Change Management in Societal Transformation: The Case of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’
Jul 25, 2022

Change Management in Societal Transformation: The Case of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’

A transformation is sweeping Saudi Arabia, and certain elements of it can be attributed to ‘Vision 2030’, a strategic plan launched in 2016. The vision—framed by a paradigm shift in the country’s economic, social, and cultural landscape—will have implications beyond Saudi Arabia itself, given the country’s position as leader of the Arab and Islamic world. The biggest challenge to such a metamorphosis is adoption among citizens, who wi

China's domestic problems need not make us too happy, cautions Shourie
Sep 23, 2015

China's domestic problems need not make us too happy, cautions Shourie

Mr. Arun Shourie, former Union minister and author, thinks that it was time for the India to develop and project itself in consonance with how it wants to be perceived by the world. He said this while delivering lecture on 'Sino-India Relations: The Changing Landscape' at ORF Kolkata.

Combating corporate corruption in India through Deferred prosecution agreements
Nov 23, 2017

Combating corporate corruption in India through Deferred prosecution agreements

Corruption has plagued India’s political and corporate landscape since Independence. In the United Kingdom (UK), Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs) have proved to be an effective measure in combating corporate corruption. In the context of parallels between British and Indian laws, this report seeks to analyse the feasibility of applying a DPA system in India. It examines DPAs and their potential in India, and highlights the challenges in i

Conceptualising an inclusive future of work in India
Aug 27, 2018

Conceptualising an inclusive future of work in India

The rise of modern technologies may drastically alter the employment landscape in India, potentially displacing large portions of the workforce. India requires an inclusive future of work that retains those currently in work while also creating sufficient new opportunities for the growing labour force. This paper reviews extant literature on technological change, automation, and their impact on the future of work in India and, by extension, educa

Continuity and Change in Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook: Deliberating Post-Election Scenarios
Jan 04, 2024

Continuity and Change in Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook: Deliberating Post-Election Scenarios

Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, released in April 2023, is a projection of its interests in the region, and a testament to its political nonalignment and commitment to economic development. Its focus on upholding the rule of law and maintaining regional stability makes it a conducive partner for neighbouring countries and major powers in the Indo-Pacific. Bangladesh enjoys close ties with China, Japan, and the US, and a special relationship

COVID19 and India’s Gig Economy: The Case of Ride-Hailing Companies
Jul 03, 2020

COVID19 and India’s Gig Economy: The Case of Ride-Hailing Companies

The gig economy is part of a crucial transformation occurring in India’s work landscape, and ride-hailing companies are examples of platforms on which “gigs” can be found. The Indian ride-hailing market was projected to grow by 15.5 percent until 2023; the COVID-19 pandemic, however, has disrupted the trajectory. The drivers of these companies—numbering approximately four million—are considered as “independent contractors” and thus

Creating Pathways for Disaster Risk Financing Post-COVID-19
Mar 25, 2021

Creating Pathways for Disaster Risk Financing Post-COVID-19

As South Asia faces an increasingly complex and expanding disaster risk landscape, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the systemic gaps in risk management. There is a need for a paradigm shift in disaster risk reduction—from a single-hazard, single-sector perspective to a multi-hazard, multi-sectoral, and systemic risk perspective supported by parallel risk financing measures. This brief examines the current gaps in the efficient operatio

Decoding the Biden Administration’s Cyber Security Policy
Jan 15, 2024

Decoding the Biden Administration’s Cyber Security Policy

The Biden administration is seeking to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy as part of its national security. This issue brief analyses the US’s cyber threat landscape and examines the Biden administration’s cybersecurity strategy. It explores the strategy’s ideological, geopolitical, technological, and diplomatic significance in a rapidly shifting domain.

Demystifying DeFi: Digital Money and the Future of Decentralised Finance
Oct 31, 2023

Demystifying DeFi: Digital Money and the Future of Decentralised Finance

The DeFi landscape is complex, encompassing digital assets, blockchain technology, and tokenization. Despite skepticism, it holds potential for financial inclusion, improved taxation, and democratizing investment in private markets.

Digital Dreams, Real Challenges: Key Factors Driving India’s AI Ecosystem
May 08, 2024

Digital Dreams, Real Challenges: Key Factors Driving India’s AI Ecosystem

India, like much of the rest of the world, is faced with the twin but opposing conditions of economic potential and social concerns that need to be negotiated to realise the digital dividends from artificial intelligence (AI) and achieve sustainable and balanced growth. AI systems involve layers of technological dependencies that necessitate and enable social and institutional interdependency between stakeholders, enabling conditions, and resourc

Digital hatred, real violence: Majoritarian radicalisation and social media in India
Aug 28, 2018

Digital hatred, real violence: Majoritarian radicalisation and social media in India

Social media’s impact on mainstream media, and the way people communicate with one another and disseminate information, has become a subject of serious study for journalists, academics and policymakers alike. While it has been a significant equaliser as a vehicle by which the fundamental right to freedom of expression is guaranteed everyone irrespective of class, creed or geography, these very same platforms are also becoming spaces where—in

Environmental security in the Sundarban in the current climate change era: Strengthening India-Bangladesh cooperation
Nov 01, 2019

Environmental security in the Sundarban in the current climate change era: Strengthening India-Bangladesh cooperation

The Sundarban ecoregion, straddling India and Bangladesh, is home to the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world. Parts of the forest are designated as World Heritage Sites in both countries due to their rich biodiversity. The natural areas of the Sundarban are influenced by human use and, in recent years, increasingly by climate change. This paper explores an institutional arrangement that could help identify and implement the options th

Financing India’s renewable energy vision
May 12, 2023

Financing India’s renewable energy vision

India’s target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 might appear ambitious, but it is crucial as it will have a positive impact on the country’s economic growth, energy security and the fight against climate change. Financing is emerging as the key challenge to this vision, slowing down the pace of growth; as of December 2019, over 50 percent of the 2022 target is yet to be achieved. This brief outlines India’s existing

Food sovereignty and local agency: Pathways to urban sustainability
May 30, 2019

Food sovereignty and local agency: Pathways to urban sustainability

The traditional urban narrative does not conceive of the relationship between food and city in direct terms. In this narrative, urbanity can be industrial, technological, cultural and innovative—and by extension, its spaces can host factories, institutions of all kinds, governments and corporations, and entrepreneurs. But urbanity cannot be agricultural—and by extension, its spaces cannot host fields, seed banks, poultries, dairies and anythi

Foreign Fighters in Ukraine: The Indian Position
Aug 14, 2023

Foreign Fighters in Ukraine: The Indian Position

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a full-fledged international armed conflict, and the Ukrainian president has issued a call to people across the world to join the country’s battle through the International Legion of Territorial Defence (ILTD). At the time of writing, 500 Indians have submitted applications to join the ILTD, and one is already in the force. This brief contextualises the rise of Indians fighting ‘foreign’ war

Geopolitics is shifting. India must be prepared
Dec 19, 2019

Geopolitics is shifting. India must be prepared

Continued efforts at looking beyond immediate horizons is required.

Green Bonds: The latest innovation in climate finance
May 12, 2014

Green Bonds: The latest innovation in climate finance

India spends over 2.6 per cent of its GDP to deal with challenges of climate change. Still, resource scarcity and other priorities make it a challenge to find matching financial resources for mitigating climate change. Green Bonds have the potential to significantly change the climate change landscape of India.