Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are financial entities that provide small loans, savings, insurance, and financial services to low-income individuals excluded from the formal banking system. They primarily serve rural poor, women, and micro-entrepreneurs through models like Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), working under RBI regulations. MFIs are central to India’s financial inclusion…
Donors and institutional stakeholders are key enablers of sustainable development, especially in resource-constrained and developing economies like India. They include a wide range of actors such as international development agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral institutions, corporate entities, and civil society organizations. These stakeholders not only provide financial resources but also contribute technical expertise, policy guidance, and…
External state and non-state actors significantly influence a nation’s internal security landscape. States may pursue their strategic interests by intervening in other countries through military, economic, or diplomatic means, thereby impacting internal stability. Such interventions can either support governance and peace or destabilize regions by backing insurgent groups or applying coercive measures. Non-state actors like…
Extremism refers to radical ideologies and actions that go against societal norms, often using violence to achieve political or ideological goals. It can emerge from various forms, such as religious, political, or social extremism, and is often driven by grievances like poverty, inequality, and marginalization. The connection between development and extremism is significant. While development…
Security is a critical aspect that ensures the safety and stability of a nation. It goes beyond just protecting the physical borders and extends to various aspects like economic well-being, societal peace, and environmental stability. In the modern context, the complexity of security has increased due to the rise of non-traditional threats, such as cyber-attacks,…
Cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are vital grassroots institutions that contribute significantly to participatory governance and socio-economic development in India. Rooted in principles of collective effort, mutual support, and democratic functioning, they empower marginalized sections of society, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. These community-based models foster self-reliance, encourage savings, and improve access to credit,…
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) act as vital intermediaries between the state and citizens in modern democracies. As non-profit, voluntary, and autonomous entities, they supplement state efforts in service delivery, welfare schemes, and policy advocacy. Their presence becomes particularly significant in areas where state machinery is weak, inaccessible, or under-resourced. NGOs and…
India’s path to inclusive and sustainable development is deeply intertwined with industrial growth and effective governance. While development ensures improvement in the quality of life, industry acts as the backbone of economic progress by generating employment, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation. From traditional manufacturing to cutting-edge services, the industrial sector plays a pivotal role in…
India is witnessing a demographic transition marked by a growing population of elderly citizens, alongside a large section of people living with disabilities. These vulnerable groups face multiple challenges—social exclusion, financial insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and infrastructural barriers—which demand targeted welfare measures. Despite constitutional guarantees and policy frameworks, their integration into mainstream development remains…
Children are the foundation of a nation’s future, and ensuring their rights is central to inclusive governance and sustainable development. Child rights encompass survival, protection, development, and participation, which are essential for their holistic growth and well-being. In India, despite progress in education, nutrition, and legal safeguards, children continue to face multiple vulnerabilities—ranging from poverty…