The Legacy of the Magsaysay Prize The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often described as Asia’s Nobel Prize, was established in 1957 to honor the former Philippine president known for integrity and service. It celebrates individuals and institutions that embody transformative leadership, selflessness, and impact across the continent. Over the decades, the award has recognized humanitarians, reformers, and visionaries whose work has…
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), founded in 2001, began as a platform for regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange among China, Russia, and Central Asian nations. Over the years, it has expanded in scope and influence, bringing India and Pakistan into its fold in 2017. Now representing almost half of the world’s population, the SCO has…
Rising in the National League Odisha has carved a notable place in India’s electric mobility map, ranking fifth nationwide in the adoption of electric buses. According to Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, the state is set to dramatically expand its e-bus fleet, signaling a decisive shift toward cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive urban…
Odisha’s Global Footprint in Seafood and Textiles Over the past two decades, Odisha has carved a distinct space for itself in global trade through two dynamic sectors—marine products and textiles. From the bustling seafood processing hubs along its 480-km coastline to emerging textile clusters across its inland districts, the state has steadily expanded its export presence….
Rail Investment in Odisha: Then and Now Railways have long been a lifeline for Odisha—moving coal, iron ore, steel, and other minerals from its industrial belts to ports and markets across India. Yet for decades, the state lagged behind in terms of rail infrastructure compared to its contribution to freight revenue. According to earlier Railway Budget documents, Odisha…
SCO and India’s Diplomatic Stakes The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), founded in 2001, has steadily evolved into one of the most influential regional blocs in Eurasia, encompassing major powers like China, Russia, India, and Central Asian states. For New Delhi, participation in SCO is more than symbolic—it is an avenue to engage both friends and competitors…
A New Phase in India’s GST Journey Since its launch in 2017, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been hailed as India’s most transformative indirect tax reform, unifying multiple state and central levies into a single national framework. Yet, over the years, its multiple rate slabs and uneven burden across sectors created complexity for…
A Historic Step in Bilateral Trade The signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in July marked a milestone in economic diplomacy, positioning the world’s fifth and sixth largest economies as strategic partners in shaping global commerce. Negotiated over three years, the deal liberalises tariffs on 99% of India’s exports to the UK and…
A Legacy of Friendship and Shared Vision India and Japan share a relationship rooted in trust, mutual respect, and parallel visions of prosperity. From the post-war years, when Japan’s technology and industrial expertise met India’s vast market and skilled workforce, to today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, both nations have consistently expanded their cooperation. Japan has been a…
Historical Ties: From Early Diplomacy to Strategic Cooperation India and Kuwait have shared longstanding and multifaceted relations rooted in history, trade, and cultural exchange. India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Kuwait following its independence in 1961, initially represented through a Commerce Commissioner before opening a full-fledged embassy. Over the decades, the…
