Ancient Persian and Indian ethics in an age of war

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has once again placed the Middle East at the centre of global anxiety. News cycles focus on missiles, alliances, oil routes, and military calculations. Yet…

Contextualising the role of men’s social support in women’s empowerment frameworks

The concept of women’s empowerment has developed over time, with varying definitions and opinions. Women’s empowerment is the process to enable women to take control of their life, make decisions,…

Greening the humanitarian system

System at the cross road The humanitarian system has been on a transformative journey for many years, anchored in the vital principle of saving lives and the dignity of the…

A Golden Age of Women’s Power

Women’s empowerment is a pressing issue in the 21st century. It’s heartening to note that women’s participation has been increasing in every field in the past few decades, but it…

Uttar Pradesh is quietly rewriting the story of women

For decades, conversations about women in India often began with limitations. Safety concerns, lack of access to resources, and economic dependency were treated as inevitable realities. But in recent years,…

The hidden cost to law and order

Wars create massive challenges for internal security and law and order across the world, even when a country is not directly involved in the fighting. A war anywhere sends shockwaves…

Monetizing the Infinite — Part 2

Does monetising the infinite mean compromising morally and surrendering to selfish priorities—converting everything into measurable personal advantage? Perhaps we may add that when humans lose moral courage on all counts,…

Personal giving for planetary gain

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Give to Gain.’ And who embodies this better than the Jal Sahelis of Bundelkhand, best exemplified by their 530 kilometre -long Aviral…

Overweight yet undernourished …The paradox of women’s health in India

International Women’s Day began over a century ago as a call for equality, for fair work and  dignity, and in recognition of women’s labour. The Day celebrates empowerment. Yet across…

What the 16th Finance Commission means for panchayats

The Union Budget 2026-27 strengthened the local self-government in rural India. Accepting the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, the Government has provided enhanced grants to Rural Local Bodies, amounting…