The myth of moderation and media freedom in Afghanistan

The motivations behind the media crackdown in Afghanistan are clear—to control the narrative, silence dissent, and restrict the Afghan people's access to information



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/the-myth-of-moderation-and-media-freedom-in-afghanistan

Quad countries are home to a combined 1.9 billion people—or 24% of the world’s population—and represent 35% of the world’s GDP and 18% of global trade.

Read Observer Research Foundation and East West Centre's joint report titled “Two Decades of the Quad: Diplomacy and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”

Authored by Samir Saran, Harsh V. Pant, Vivek Mishra, Lilah Connell, Amy Namur, Robin McCoy, Aryan D’Rozario, and Satu Limaye

Read here: or-f.org/28645

#QUAD #indopacific #diplomacy #trade

Improving urban freight transport

Given the national economic significance of freight efficiency in cities and the prospects of greater urbanisation, the government should provide financial support to cities.


https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/improving-urban-freight-transport

Private bus operators: Drivers of India’s E-bus adoption

Electrification of private buses is imperative for effective sector-wide decarbonisation.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/private-bus-operators-drivers-of-india-s-e-bus-adoption

Sweeping changes in Nepal-China relations

The current political climate has led to unprecedented cooperation between Nepal and China, bringing them closer than ever. This partnership is likely to strengthen further.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/sweeping-changes-in-nepal-china-relations

International cooperation for assistive technology in conflict zones

International cooperation is critical for developing an overarching policy to ensure equitable access to assistive technology, especially in fragile and conflict-affected situations.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/international-cooperation-for-assistive-technology-in-conflict-zones

Peak emissions in India and China: Promises, progress and prognosis

Ambitious decarbonisation goals challenge the economic growth trajectory of developing countries like India and China.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/peak-emissions-in-india-and-china-promises-progress-and-prognosis

Improving urban freight transport

Given the national economic significance of freight efficiency in cities and the prospects of greater urbanisation, the government should provide financial support to cities.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/improving-urban-freight-transport

China’s massive attack against India: A looming possibility

India might be deceiving itself by believing China will limit itself to "grey-zone operations" along the Sino-Indian border, avoiding all-out war. This assumption, while comforting, could be dangerous.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/china-s-massive-attack-against-india-a-looming-possibility

Sovereign Credit Ratings: A critique

To address the challenges posed by existing credit rating agencies and their biases against the Global South, particularly India, several operational changes need to be implemented.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/sovereign-credit-ratings-a-critique

How does an expanded BRICS benefit India?

The expanded BRICS offers India opportunities to assert its global leadership, but it also poses certain geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/how-does-an-expanded-brics-benefit-india

City gas distribution: The challenge of geography

The claim of CGD network coverage for 98% of the population doesn't guarantee PNG access. It only indicates potential access and is entirely dependent on infrastructure completion and CGD economics.




https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/city-gas-distribution-the-challenge-of-geography

NATO’s pivot to Indo-Pacific: Focus on Japan and South Korea

NATO's pivot to the Indo-Pacific will involve a strategic partnership with Japan and South Korea to bolster deterrence and uphold the rules-based international order in the region.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/nato-s-pivot-to-indo-pacific-focus-on-japan-and-south-korea

Drone warfare in Myanmar: Strategic implications

As the conflict in Myanmar escalates, an increasing use of commercial weaponised drones by non-state actors is observed. This spread of drone warfare carries heavy strategic implications.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/drone-warfare-in-myanmar-strategic-implications

Is it time to recognise electricity as a basic human right?

Access to electricity is more than a connection. Considering the growing importance of electricity in accessing other necessities, stronger measures are needed to ensure a reliable basic supply.



https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/is-it-time-to-recognise-electricity-as-a-basic-human-right