In the world of science fiction, the cyborg, a hybrid of human and machine, often evokes fascination and fear. However, American scholar Donna Haraway conceptualises cyborg as more than a futuristic body; it is a philosophical lens, a way of thinking about identity, agency, and responsibility in a world where boundaries are increasingly porous. [See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Cyborg_Manife
When we talk about criminal justice in India, most people think about the final verdict — whether someone is found guilty or innocent. But for many ordinary Indians, punishment is not in the verdict, but in the process itself. The waiting, the uncertainty, the endless hearings, and the years spent behind bars before a case even reaches a conclusion. The real punishment often begins long b
Every winter, as air pollution shrouds Indian cities from Delhi to Kolkata, public debate converges on the costs: the crores spent on air purifiers, water sprinklers and stubble management, the outlay for waste treatment plants and new green technology. Environmental clean-up is framed as a fiscal burden, an expense the government endures under pressure, with marginal credit for averted health
The Vedas speak of “Nari tu Narayani” which means woman is divine power incarnate. Bihar’s mandate reflected that wisdom with quiet intensity. Once again, women have proven that they are the real kingmakers of this state. Their overwhelming presence at Nitish Kumar’s rallies, and the even stronger reflection of this in the assembly election results, reaffirm a s
On November 14, the world observes World Diabetes Day, established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of the growing diabetes burden. The IDF’s 2025 theme, “Diabetes and Well-being” and the WHO’s focus, “Diabetes across life stages,” together call for sustained access to care and supportiv
India’s development narrative today is a combined effort of ambition, acceleration and achievement. We are on track in many areas, such as access to drinking water, school connectivity and electricity coverage, which have reached record highs. Yet, according to the government’s Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report 2025, there is a
Although New Delhi has not officially commented on the growing footprint of Pakistan’s Inter-services Intelligence (ISI) in Bangladesh, India`s strategic and security community appears to be highly concerned over last week’s development in Dhaka. During Pakistan’s Joint Chief of Staff Committee Chairperson General Sahir Shamshad Mirza’s visit, Dhaka
When India became the first country in the world to legislate corporate social responsibility (CSR) in 2013, it marked a bold experiment in blending profit with purpose. By law, companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, or a turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or net profit of ₹5 crore or more are required to spend 2% of their average net profits on social development. In a country
The global agri-food system faces critical sustainability challenges linked with land degradation, deforestation, water depletion, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. Agriculture contributes to one-third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, largely driven by food waste, deforestation, changes in land practices and enteric fermentation. Food waste alone contributes 10% o
India’s cricket journey is more than a record of sporting triumphs; it is a live case study in strategy, incentives, and equilibrium: the very foundations of Game Theory. As India prepares for its eight-match white-ball series against Australia, the world’s most-watched rivalry will again unfold. Yet beyond the athletic spectacle; every delivery, field placement, and captain’s
Every year, as Diwali approaches, I begin my annual ritual of cleaning – opening drawers, cupboards, and those mysterious “boxes of everything” we all seem to have. It starts as an act of tidying up, but it always turns into a little journey of rediscovery. Among the old receipts and forgotten keys, I always find a jumble of forgotten gadgets – tangled chargers, obsolete
By the end of this century, global sea levels may rise by more than 1 metre, and the mean sea level rise is expected to increase by 180 mm. Climate change is one of the gravest issues before us and one of the most pressing issues linked to the climate change is the sea level rise. The coastal communities are at a high risk of coastal hazards, with the sea level rising due to rising temperatures
The Human Capacity Development landscape in the social development context has evolved significantly over the years. From the more simplistic term “training,” it has now developed into a much more nuanced concept, “Competency-Based Capacity Building” (CBCB). Yet, one question persists: Why do so many well-intended capacity building efforts end with impressive reports but
Imagine a city where trash isn’t trash, energy isn’t wasted, and economic prosperity isn’t achieved at the cost of human wellbeing. A city where every rupee invested in infrastructure yields returns not just in roads and buildings, but in health, jobs, equality, and dignity. Smart city projects promise exactly that. But all too often, their economic potential remains half-real
Critical minerals, including rare earths, are emerging as the foundation of economic growth, national security, and the global energy transition. The International Energy Agency estimates that demand for critical minerals will rise by 250% by 2030. For countries dependent on imports, this represents a strategic vulnerability, as supply chains increasingly overlap with geopolitical and regulator
There was a time when philanthropy in India meant two things: generosity and immediacy. You saw a problem, wrote a cheque, and a life was eased. That impulse is pure and indispensable. But increasingly, many of us who have been gifted the capacity to give are asking a different question: how can my giving not just help an individual today, but change the conditions that make that need so persis
Anger is not a flaw; it is one of our oldest instincts, deeply embedded in human nature for survival. At its best, it helps us confront threats, assert boundariesand respond to injustice. But when anger is left unchecked or unprocessed, it can escalate into violence. What begins as a natural emotion can, over time, lead to real harm. Anger is a complex emotion shaped by stress, povertyand traum
For decades, international efforts have prioritised emissions reduction, often overshadowing adaptation. Consequently, the vast majority of tracked climate finance goes to mitigation, while only a small share of funds goes to adaptation. The global climate finance has hit ~$1.5 trillion, essentially driven largely by renewable energy and low-carbon technology investment. However, adaptation i
India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 cannot be met by counting hospital beds, cards issued, or apps downloaded alone. The decisive variable is quality of care—what patients actually experience and the outcomes they achieve. Quality is the bridge between entitlement and health; without it, coverage schemes risk becoming promises that do not travel the last mile.
The White House’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions has triggered immediate boardroom conversations across corporate America and far beyond. While the Trump administration frames it as a move to safeguard domestic jobs, the economic implications for firms, global talent flows, and emerging markets are far deeper. The rule clarifies that existing H-1B h
