Analysis

Explainer: Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
Analysis, Asia, Featured, National

Explainer: Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

The religious minorities, viz., Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Hindus, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, because of persecution or were afraid of being persecuted on account of their faith, the CAA-2019 offers a route to Indian citizenship. The core objective is not to revoke citizenship but to grant it to specific religious minorities facing historical and ongoing persecution in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.The CAA's commitment to upholding principles of religious freedom and equality, within the secular fabric of India, underscores its humanitarian imperative to offer sanctuary to those who have endured persecution based on their religious identity. (This explainer was first published by CIHS, New ...
Hindu killings in Bangladesh – An accelerator for change of population composition
Analysis, Featured, National

Hindu killings in Bangladesh – An accelerator for change of population composition

Formal demographic studies alone may not be able to provide accurate estimates. Contemporary social dynamics and population displacements are two important accelerators that contribute to changes in population composition. The planting of the Quran was an excuse to target, assault, kill and scare Hindus to displace them away from their native place.  It was a plot to get rid of non-Muslims from Bangladesh and to fasten change in its demography. The spread of the riots across districts had a similar pattern. Demographic trends in light of Indian population statistics available from census data between 1950-2010 is a contemporary topic of discussion in the media.  Typically, birth and death rates, and fertility rates are considered while projecting futuristic population co...
Hindus in Pakistan: A Saga of Systematic, Chronic and Shocking violations of religious freedom
Analysis, Asia, Featured

Hindus in Pakistan: A Saga of Systematic, Chronic and Shocking violations of religious freedom

Summary: Human rights and religious freedom conditions continued to deteriorate at an unprecedented rate in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan during 2019-2020. Pakistan’s widespread violation of human rights and its tolerance of human rights violations by non-state actors demonstrate a blatant disregard for its obligations under international human rights norms. As a result, Pakistan remained on the U.S. State Department’s list of Countries of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, for its “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom” against its religious minorities including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and Shia Muslims. (U.S. Department of State, 2018; Pompeo, 2019). But despite rampant human rights violati...
G20 Under Brazil’s Presidency – A Divided House Impaired by Personal Ambitions
Analysis, Featured, South America, World

G20 Under Brazil’s Presidency – A Divided House Impaired by Personal Ambitions

While Brazil positions itself to raise the issues of Global South, President Lula has ambitions that can be considered a red flag for passing any resolution when the main summit convenes. It is crucial for the chair of a prominent international organization, seen by some as an alternative to the United Nations, to avoid extreme positions. The G20, following its progress in Delhi last year, is now facing discontent under a leadership seemingly more focused on personal ambition than recognizing the aspirations of others. Though leaders like Lula aspire to lead the global South, it is India that has taken the lead and continues to be a responsible and reliable player in the challenging geopolitical landscape. Last week, the foreign ministers of the G20 nations met for a discussion whi...
White Paper on Indian Economy – Reflection Of The Path Towards ‘Viksit Bharat’
Analysis, Featured, National

White Paper on Indian Economy – Reflection Of The Path Towards ‘Viksit Bharat’

When the Modi Government took charge in 2014, from the twin balance sheet problem to double-digit inflation, and sporadic development to the foreign exchange crisis, the country had been crippled by the vicious cycle of economic blunders.The white paper shows how decision-making in public policy under the UPA was stuck in the clutches of inordinate delays, slow decision-making and high-profile government scandals, with heightened civil activism becoming a global concern.The document clearly indicates that much of the story of 'Viksit Bharat' is still a ‘work in progress’ and many more transformative changes are in the pipeline. The Vajpayee-led NDA Government demitted office in 2004, laying the foundations for a high growth path and steady economic development. But the prospects of...
#PakistanElections Choosing Between the Devil and the Deep Sea!
Analysis, Asia, Featured, World

#PakistanElections Choosing Between the Devil and the Deep Sea!

In its 75-year history, there is seldom an example of a free and fair election in Pakistan. Even in the previous election, there were multiple reported incidents of booth capturing by the army. The arrest and detention of Imran Khan didn't reduce his popularity or demoralize the cadre as the army had assumed. On the contrary, it just infused his cadres and supporters to fight with much more enthusiasm. With around 220 million people in politically unstable situations, easy availability of weapons and desperate economic situation is a recipe for anarchy. It will be a disaster not only for itself but for the neighbouring countries as well. 2024 is the election year for the whole world. The majority of the democracies enter the pool with India and US being in focus. Nearly 1 billion p...
Understanding Putin’s Perspective: Insights from the Tucker Carlson Interview on the Ukraine Conflict
Analysis, Europe, Featured, North America, World

Understanding Putin’s Perspective: Insights from the Tucker Carlson Interview on the Ukraine Conflict

Putin's decision to engage with Tucker Carlson demonstrates Russia's will to challenge mainstream Western narratives and present its side of the story to a wider audience. Putin's characterisation of the conflict as a "special military operation" underscores Russia's framing of the situation, challenging mainstream Western narratives that often depict it as an invasion. Putin's claims resonate with narratives of Western interference that are prevalent in Russian media and political discourse. The interview with Carlson provides a nuanced understanding of Russia's motivations and grievances in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the crisis. The interview between Tucker Carlson and Russian President Vladimir Putin provides a comprehensi...
Assessing India-France Relations in a World Emerging Out Of American Exceptionalism
Analysis, Europe, Featured, World

Assessing India-France Relations in a World Emerging Out Of American Exceptionalism

In contrast to American Exceptionalism, the benefits of India-France collaboration lie in various realms, including security and trade.The support of France has been comprehensive and pervasive since establishing the India-France Strategic Partnership in 1998 and has supported India's bid for Permanent Seat in the UNSC, MTCR, Defence Tech, Space Exploration and more.The partnership has strengthened India's defence capabilities and opened avenues for sharing advanced technology with other countries, promoting collaboration and mutual benefit. While India and France have refrained from interfering in each other's internal affairs, the US has repeatedly interfered in its internal affairs and tried to arm-twist India to stop buying crude oil from Russia. President Emmanuel Macron becam...
Analyzing India-France Relations In Light of Macron’s Visit
Analysis, Asia, Europe, Featured, World

Analyzing India-France Relations In Light of Macron’s Visit

The Indo-French partnership has reliability, continuity and synergy, resulting in not just strategic cooperation, but also strong socio-cultural ties between the two. The power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific are a matter of grave concern, as both India and France are well aware that it is the increasing presence of the Chinese, which is posing a serious threat to the freedom of navigation in the region. France is concerned about the threat to its EEZ by which its supply chains lead to inevitable Chinese dependency. However, with the Indian assurance of scaling up the scope and efficiency of its indigenous supply chain mechanisms, the Chinese monopoly can collapse over some time. India needs to keep in mind that France, is neither Russia nor the USA, as it has limited strategic influence...
Poor Fiscal Management: Indian States Reel under High Debt, Reckless Expenditure and Revenue Deficit
Analysis, Featured, National

Poor Fiscal Management: Indian States Reel under High Debt, Reckless Expenditure and Revenue Deficit

The current fiscal landscape in several Indian states reflects a pressing need for strategic fiscal management.RBI data underscores the financial challenges faced by states like Punjab, Kerala, Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal, emphasizing the urgency for prudent economic policies. Overreliance of the states on borrowed money for day-to-day operations poses a serious threat to responsible financial management, creating a ripple effect on inflationary pressures. States must prioritize projects that stimulate economic growth and job creation, reducing reliance on borrowed funds along with a meticulous examination of expenditure patterns. Introduction India's different states are dealing with money problems as many find themselves stuck with a lot of debt compared to what they mak...