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Articles by Simi Mehta
G20 Summit : From India to the World
India has underscored that no plan for the future of the planet Earth can be successful without the representation and recognition of all voices The theme of the G20 summit under India’s Presidency was "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or “One Earth, One Family, One Future." It is derived from the ancient Sanskrit text, Maha Upanishad.
Realising Safe Cities for Sanitation Workers in India
By Sameer Unhale, Dr Simi Mehta, Dr Arjun Kumar and Kushgara Khatri NEW DELHI (IDN) — World Toilet Day is held every year on November 19. It has been an annual United Nations observance since 2013, which celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 3.6 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. It is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Water and Sanitation for All.
India: Universal Eye Health & Impact of COVID-19
By Arjun Kumar, Anshula Mehta, Simi Mehta and Kuldeep Singh NEW DELHI (IDN) — Vision loss and impairment affects more than how people see; it has implications for inequities in employment, healthcare access, and income. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it has been estimated that 80% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. Yet, many populations do not have access to good-quality, affordable eye care.
What Does The Rohingya Muslims’ Genocide Tell Us About Myanmar’s Future?
The military coup in Myanmar (February 2021), with its many atrocities inflicted on Rohingya Muslims, highlighted the dire situation in our neighbour country. To learn about the current developments, what led to the coup, and the resistance movements that are paving the way forward, a special lecture was organised on “Myanmar’s coup, Rohingya genocide and failed democratisation”.
Does India’s Data Capture The Severity Of The Unemployment Crisis?
The job market scenario in India for the last few years has been quite shaky, to say the least. The pandemic has further complicated that shaky scenario more intensely. Today, the country remains in a critical position, where on the one hand, it is trying to mitigate the risks added by the pandemic in its economy and, on the other hand, trying to bounce back.
Jairam Ramesh’s New Book Puts A Light On The Life Of Buddha And His Teachings
The Light of Asia: The Poem that Defined the Buddha is a compelling and comprehensive account of the epic poem of the same name authored by Sir Edwin Arnold that was first published in 1879. The book goes into intricate details to unearth the nuances present in one of the richest narrative poems ever written. IMPRI Panel. The distinguished panellists included: Author and Speaker Jairam Ramesh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (Karnataka).
India’s Urban Planning Is Geared Towards Aesthetics Rather Than Solving Issues
India’s cities have been inappropriately managed. The worsening air quality, inefficient landscape and urban planning and population influx into cities have all led to degrading smart cities. World Cities Day is celebrated on 31 October. The theme this year was “Adapting Cities for Climate Resilience”. The IMPRI Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies (CHURS) organised a special lecture on The City as Environment on 29 October, 2021.
Deconstructing India’s Negotiating Dexterity
Deconstructing India’s Negotiating Dexterity Does India Negotiate? by Karthik Nachiappan, New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2019; pp 238, `1,295 (hardcover). The question “does India negotiate?” needs to be answered right in the beginning, and the answer is a resounding yes. It does negotiate in the multilateral frameworks.
Impact Of COVID-19 On Women And Girls In Asia And The Pacific
By Simi Mehta, Anshula Mehta, Sakshi Sharda COVID has unleashed an unprecedented crisis. It threatens the process of fully realizing the SDGs and also exacerbates fragilities and inequalities within Nations. In addition, there has been a gendered impact of COVID when women and girls have paid a heavier price for the pandemic.
“Hindutva Forces Adivasi Women To Become ‘Good, Modest Hindu Women'”
Adivasis constitute about 8.6% of the total, Indian population (2011 census); and 12% of the rural population. There are more than 705 Adivasi groups spread across the country. However, they are largely concentrated in the northeastern parts of the country. Different nomenclature is used for them. They are known as indigenous, vanvaasi, aborigines, adam jaati, and many more to name a few.
Climate change and its socio-economic impact
Climate change and poverty are part of a vicious cycle. The inability of the vulnerable sections to effectively mitigate climate change-induced impacts make them worse off In South Asia, India has a huge role to play in the field of climate change, given the enormity of its industrialisation levels.
Land, Labour And Dalits In Post-Independent India
On the occasion of the 130th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, Center for Human Dignity and Development (CHDD) at Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), New Delhi organized #WebPolicyTalk The State of Human Dignity and Development #InclusiveDevelopment on “Land, Labour and Dalits in Post-Independent India“. The esteemed panellists include the speaker of the session, Prof.
Building A Planet-Friendly Economy
We are all living testimonies to the consumption-led paradigm on which the current economic model is thriving. In this process, concepts like community, equity, fairness, and justice find themselves relegated to a marginalized space. All participants in the economy work on the principle of profit maximization and don’t explore options of making it more compassionate.
The MTP Bill is a good move, but miles to go
Due to the exclusion of abortion by choice in the current law, women end up being exposed to unsafe abortions, putting their health and life at risk Abortion is a highly emotional issue and one that excites many opinions. However, equitable access to safe abortion services is first and foremost a human right. In March, the Parliament passed the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Bill, 2021 to amend the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.
Through Safety Apps And Open Platforms, Technology Can Address Gender-Based Violence
Written by: Dr Simi Mehta, Anshula Mehta, IMPRI Information is the new oil of the 21th century. Therefore, digital literacy is very important to understand the basics of internet safety as cybercrime is on the rise. Women are survivors of gender-based violence in every sphere. Subsequently, they must make their voice and concerns heard out loud in public spaces, and technology can be an amplifier in that regard.
What Kind Of Public Policies Do We Need To Address The Mental Health Of India’s Youth?
Written by: Dr Simi Mehta, Anshula Mehta, IMPRI The IMPRI special lecture on the mental health of India’s youth focused on the eminence of the burden of mental health disorders, be it at an individual level or the challenges faced by family and friends. The lecture was delivered by Professor Vikram Patel from the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, USA, who is also the co-founder and member of managing committee of Sangath, an NGO in India.
Law in my kitchen: Notion of privacy in the context of gender, body, desire, sexuality
Home Columnist Law in my kitchen: Notion of privacy in the context of gender, body, desire, sexuality By Simi Mehta, Anshula Mehta. Dated: 3/30/2021 12:08:47 PM “This patriarchy is noticed not just in rituals around marriage or traditions like a woman taking her husband’s name, but, also in the roles that a husband and a wife are expected to play after marriage.
COP26 and India’s NDCs
Asia-Pacific, Climate Change, Economy & Trade, Editors' Choice, Environment, Featured, Global, Headlines, Poverty & SDGs, Sustainability, TerraViva United Nations, Trade & Investment Opinion By Simi Mehta and Ritika Gupta Reprint | | Print | NEW DELHI, India, Mar 16 2021 (IPS) - Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that the world is collectively facing at the moment. It is contended that strengthening the global response is pertinent to combat the threat of climate change.
Flood: An Engineer’s Disaster Or A Historian’s Natural process?
By Dr Simi Mehta and Amita Bhaduri, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) Floods have been a common occurrence in the 21st century South Asian Subcontinent. The repeated events of flooding in Chennai in 2002, 2005 and 2015, the Mumbai floods of 2005, the Pakistan floods of 2010 and the more recent Kerala floods of 2018 are a case in point. These events usher in daunting memories to the minds of people for whom it is a lived memory.
Decentralized Water Resources Management
by Dr Simi Mehta, Amita Bhaduri Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) Role Of Village Communities And Rural Local Governments Decentralization is the transfer of powers and responsibilities from the central government to the elected authorities at the subnational level. In India, as organs of the government closest to the people, the Panchayati Raj system has been effective good governance tools.
Regional Trade And Developmental Challenges In South Asia
By Dr Utpal K De & Dr Simi Mehta COVID-19 has resulted in a disruption of trade as well as market linkage across the globe. The responses of various countries have been observed in the form of a structural shift from participating in global supply chains to looking inwardly. Lockdown of the economies hit global supply chains by halting the process of production and output. The world, for the first time in decades, experienced negative growth of over 7%.
India’s New Agricultural Laws 2020: Looking Beyond Farmers’ Concerns
Agriculture, being at the heart of every civilization, the sector and its primary stakeholders–the farmers–deserve much attention. The importance of the sector has been realized more during the COVID-19 pandemic when almost all the sectors had been closed and the economy had to fall back on this sector as it’s saviour.
Is There a Solution to the India-China Border Standoff?
June 2020 brought a rude shock to India, when the Chinese and Indian soldiers confronted each other in the disputed area on the Galwan River Valley. It was an aberration from decades of mutual understanding between the two countries that they would not use firearms or kill the personnel of the other side. Both sides suffered casualties.
2020 And The Subversion Of Constitution, Democracy, And Citizenship
Amid the contemporary political scenario when there has been a global rise of populist forces, it seems to be the quintessential moment to dwell upon the question raised above. There is a need to engage with this issue through various dimensions ranging from political, constitutional, ethical, and legal to the movements, protests, and struggles taking place at the ground level.
From Jobs To Education, How COVID-19 Affected Women In India
By Dr Simi Mehta and Ritika Gupta, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) As India has crossed 3.4 million coronavirus cases, these extraordinary times have created conspicuous situations both at personal and professional places for women. For example, there has been a rise in the cases of domestic violence and intimate partner violence within households. Also, there has been an increase in the layoffs and loss of jobs for women in professional places.
What Is Common Among States That Have Effectively Handled Covid-19: Panchayati Raj
Written by: Dr Simi Mehta, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) One of the greatest human tragedies of a contemporary era unleashed by the coronavirus has become a wakeup call and provided several lessons in the conduct of all aspects of an individual’s life (personal, professional, societal and institutional) in India and every country of the world. One of the institutions that have been deeply impacted by Covid-19 has been the Panchayati Raj in India.
From The Lens Of A Historian: Revisiting The Vision Of The Indian Nation During The Pandemic
By Dr Arjun Kumar and Dr Simi Mehta, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) India is known for its vast diversity and is one of the largest democratic countries in the world. It is not hidden that the country has a diverse history of rulers and colonialism in India had brought about major changes in the 18th century. The struggle for independence was led by our countrymen and women.
The Way Forward In The India-Nepal Border Dispute
By Dr Simi Mehta, Ritika Gupta and Anshula Mehta, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS), Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), New Delhi, and International Development Institute (IDI), Washington, DC, organised a panel discussion and International Webinar on The Way Forward in the India-Nepal Border Dispute.
Gender-Based Violence In The Context Of COVID-19 Pandemic And Lockdown
There has been a massive increase in gender-based violence across the globe during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The organisations that work on gender issues, policymakers and other stakeholders have been raising their concerns. To discuss this critical issue and suggest solutions the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) in association with GenDev Centre for Research and Innovation organised a Web Policy talk on 15 June, 2020.
What Shape Will The Sino-Indian Border Dispute Take?
Sino-Indian border disputes are not new, and in post-independent India, the two countries have fought a major war and engaged in several skirmishes. Both countries are bound by a mutual agreement to not use firearms in the inhospitable and contested Himalayan region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, India received a jolt when 20 Indian personnel were killed at the hands of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at the Galwan valley.
Addressing Gender-based Violence And Ascertaining Actionable Solutions
By Dr Simi Mehta and Anshula Mehta, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) According to the National Crime Bureau Records Data 2020, there is an over 100% increase in the incidences of gender-based violence from March 2020 to May 2020. Lockdown has restricted the mobility which has made the so-called “safety nests of women” a sphere of fear and anxiety.
India & China Must Shed Their Nationalistic Stand To Resolve The Border Dispute
Amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in India, June 2020 brought a rude shock to India, when the Chinese and Indian soldiers confronted each other in the disputed area on the Galwan River Valley. There were casualties on both sides and an aberration from decades of mutual understanding between the two countries that they would not use firearms or kill the personnel of the other side.
Covid-19 And it’s Impact On Rural Women
One of the greatest human tragedies of the contemporary era unleashed by the coronavirus has become a wakeup call and has provided several lessons in the conduct of all aspects of human personality, professional, societal, and institutional lives in all countries across the world. The rise of populism, authoritarian nationalism and the global crisis of the COVID19 pandemic has had a huge impact on women’s lives, work, livelihoods, and entitlements.
How Has Higher Education Evolved In The Pandemic?
On July 30, the government of India came out with the long-awaited National Education Policy-2020 after a long gap of 34 years. The policy aims to pave the way for transformational reforms in the country’s school and higher education systems. There is a debate that NEP 2020 has ideas to revamp education, teaching, and assessment systems in schools, colleges as well as teacher’s professional-level training. Representational Image NEP has made major changes to education at the school-level.
Addressing Waste Management During COVID-19: Challenges And Way Forward
Waste Management is one of the most important sanitary barriers to prevent dissemination of illnesses and diseases. During the Corona pandemic, waste management becomes the challenge to every member of society. It intensifying impact on the world’s healthcare systems and the economy. Therefore, there is a need for understanding the significance of waste management and ensuring reliable and systematic waste management, in order to protect the health of citizens and restrict the spread of the virus.
Take a bipartisan view
Both India and China must shed their nationalistic stand; else the border dispute would remain unresolved. A lot of confusion was caused by politics after the Galwan incident Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in India, the month of June brought a rude shock for the country when Chinese and Indian soldiers confronted each other in the disputed area on the Galwan river valley.
How Rural Development Policies Contribute To The National Economy In Bangladesh
By Prof Utpal K De and Dr Simi Mehta, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) COVID-19 pandemic has struck a huge blow to the economic growth and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of almost every country in the world. However, we see some resilience in the performance of the Bangladeshi economy. As per the recent report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bangladesh’s GDP would marginally overtake that of India in 2020-21 financial year.
Empowered PRIs fight virus
In times of COVID-19, the trust developed by the Panchayati Raj Institutions has aided the Govt’s efforts to test, trace and treat people and contain the crisis in rural areas The spirit of decentralisation runs deep within the consciousness of India. Local governance had been at the core of functioning of the country’s rural and urban administration even before it was mandated by the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments in 1992.
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat, PM Garib Kalyan Yojna riddled with gender bias’
Home Columnist ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat, PM Garib Kalyan Yojna riddled with gender bias’ By Simi Mehta, Ritika Gupta. Dated: 9/1/2020 12:30:19 PM Prof Vibhuti Patel As India has crossed 3.4 million coronavirus cases, these extraordinary times have created conspicuous situations both at personal and professional places for women. There have been rise in the cases of domestic violence and intimate partner violence within households.
Int’l Youth Day 2020: The Problem Of The Growing Number Of Idle Youth
By Balwant Singh Mehta, Simi Mehta and Arjun Kumar (IMPRI) 12th August each year is celebrated as the International Youth Day (IYD) to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the youth. It was first observed in the year 2000. This day aims to endorse ways to engage them in participating more actively in accomplishing affirmative contributions to their association. The theme of the IYD 2020 is ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’.
India’s Test along the Line of Actual Control
Armed Conflicts, Asia-Pacific, Editors' Choice, Featured, Global Geopolitics, Headlines, IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse, Nuclear Energy - Nuclear Weapons, Peace, TerraViva United Nations Opinion By Simi Mehta Reprint | | Print | Dr Simi Mehta is CEO and Editorial Director, Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi. She can be reached at simi@impriindia.org.
Empowering City Governments Is Key To India’s Fight Against COVID-19
Home > 2020 > Empowering City Governments Is Key To India’s Fight Against COVID-19 by Soumyadip Chattopadhyay, Arjun Kumar, Simi Mehta The impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic have already laid bare the shortcomings of Indian cities in addressing urban densification and inadequate provision of urban basic services including drinking water and sanitation. This pandemic has affected the urban poor more than anyone else.
Checkmate! China’s Coronavirus Connection
Asia-Pacific, Civil Society, Development & Aid, Featured, Global, Headlines, Health, TerraViva United Nations Opinion By Simi Mehta Reprint | | Print | Dr Simi Mehta is the CEO and Editorial Director of Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), New Delhi. She can be reached at simi@impriindia.org. Handover ceremony at UN compound in Beijing for donation of critical medical supplies to the Chinese government.
The Link between Lockdown, COVID-19, And Domestic Violence
In the run-up to the announcement of the nationwide lockdown on March 24th, 2020, the government failed to craft strategies to address possible fallout in several areas. One such area that went unaddressed was domestic violence. The term domestic violence is used in many countries to refer to intimate partner violence, but it also encompasses child and elder abuse, and abuse by any member of a household.
Desperation and deprivation
Amid the prevailing lockdown, the afflictions of migrant labourers are being compounded during their long trek home and some are being beaten up and tortured by police If the pitiful sight of a father walking with his ten-month-old infant on his shoulders, for over 100 km in this heat to reach his hometown, does not shake us, then it raises serious doubts about humanity and its future.
Life in the Times of Corona: Lockdown & Livelihood in the Lurch
Featured, Global, Headlines, Health, Human Rights, TerraViva United Nations Opinion Balwant Singh Mehta is Fellow at Institute for Human Development (IHD) and Co-Founder & Visiting Senior Fellow at Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), New Delhi; Simi Mehta is CEO & Editorial Director, IMPRI; and Arjun Kumar is Director, IMPRI.
A win-win for Modi and Trump
A win-win for Modi and Trump Tuesday, 18 February 2020 | Simi Mehta While India will benefit from stronger defence ties and technology, the US President will gain from his pro-India image in an election year On February 24, US President Donald Trump will inaugurate the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.
US-Iran Confrontation & Implications for India
Featured, Global Governance, Headlines, IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse, Middle East & North Africa, Regional Categories, TerraViva United Nations Opinion By Simi Mehta Reprint | | Print | Simi Mehta holds a PhD in American Studies from School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
The Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy: a way forward
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) escort ship Kurama (L) sails with other ships during a fleet review off Sagami Bay, Kanagawa prefecture, on October 18, 2015. Thirty-six MSDF vessels and navy ships from Australia, India, France, South Korea and the United States participated in the fleet review.
India’s pivot to Southeast Asia
TO commemorate 25 years of dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), India hosted 10 leaders from the member countries as chief guests for its Republic Day celebrations. In his Republic Day editorial that appeared in 27 newspapers and in 10 languages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on the shared values and common destiny between India and Asean, which have moved on from being dialogue partners to strategic partners.
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