Centre for Public Policy Research (original) (raw)

Papers by Centre for Public Policy Research

The recent Abraham Accords signed between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain marked the establishment of... more The recent Abraham Accords signed between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain marked the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the two GCC states. But clandestine relations between Israel and most of the GCC states have been going on since the past three decades and the Accords are merely a formalisation of an ongoing process. The establishment of
diplomatic relations has brought about interesting reactions from the region, especially the different GCC states. Apart from the UAE and Bahrain, two different sets of reactions are visible among the GCC states. The first group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman already has friendly relations with Israel but are not in a position to formally establish diplomatic relations because of various reasons. The second is the lone GCC state of Kuwait which is opposed to the normalisation of ties with Israel unless the Palestinian issue is settled. This paper looks not just at the regional reactions, but India’s concerns with regard to the Abraham Accords, including long-term nuclear proliferation concerns in West Asia in the context of the recent starting of operations at UAE’s Barakah nuclear power station and Israel’s nuclear capability.

The global pandemic has reinstated the importance of having a strong vaccine ecosystem to foster ... more The global pandemic has reinstated the importance of having a strong vaccine ecosystem to foster the development of quick and efficacious vaccines. Globally, India leads in manufacturing processes of vaccines; however, it has a very limited role in the development of complex vaccines. The research and development scenario in the vaccine industry is characterised by high rates of failure which makes investments costly. The R&D capacity of India is focused on creating less complex or follow-on versions of vaccines. It typically operates on a high-volume, low-margin model to take cost advantages and remain competitive in price affordability aspects. Countries like India, where affordability is a strong factor for consumer demand, will have to resort to alternate mechanisms to stimulate R&D for the development of new vaccines. The paper looks at the status of the vaccine Industry in India and how to strengthen the ecosystem through lessons gained from international practices.

What role does Artificial Intelligence (AI) assume in combating an epidemic? The paper looks at h... more What role does Artificial Intelligence (AI) assume in combating an epidemic? The paper looks at how governments, health experts, researchers and social media companies across the world are leveraging AI-based technologies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. While governments across the globe are collaborating with their local authorities and healthcare providers to track, respond and prevent the spread of disease, the health experts are using advanced algorithms and analytics to enhance the efforts to prevent infection. Social media companies are using various AI-based systems to engage citizens to create awareness and educate them on the disease. Can this be seen as a shift from addressing the challenges traditionally to using more advanced systems like AI? Can AI save us from this pandemic?

The urgency to tackle the global crisis at hand has pushed many governments to take extraordinary measures that infringe on individual rights of privacy, which is put on the backburner for now. While data is extremely crucial for AI to maximise its efficiency and effectiveness, the paper raises concerns about data privacy and protection, and stresses the need to bring in new regulations and policies in this regard. It also hints at how the privacy of citizens and the regulation of AI-based technologies could emerge as a serious issue in the months’ to come.

Trade relations have always been a major factor in international relations. Some of the policy ch... more Trade relations have always been a major factor in international relations. Some of the policy changes like trade embargoes, sanctions, etc. have dominated recent headlines, especially the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China. Amidst the “trade war” between the US and China, India also experienced shocks in its bilateral trade with the US. The revocation of GSP benefit was just a starter of India’s trade woes with the US, and with President Trump vehemently targeting India’s “non-reciprocity”, India’s much valuable trade with the US is surely at stake. Moreover, the economic relations of India with the US have seen a gradual deviation owing to difference in policies. This paper would enunciate the status quo of India-US economic relations and its implications on various important sectors, as well as the strategic derivatives of both the nations.

Kerala boasts of its much-touted Model of Development with rapid progress in socio-economic condi... more Kerala boasts of its much-touted Model of Development with rapid progress in socio-economic conditions, yet the fishermen community of the state is not able to make a tantamount progress in social and economic development. The poverty, due to the continuum of debts and exploitation among fishermen, pulled them back from the mainstream society. Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Ltd. known as Matsyafed was established when fishing cooperatives, which were formed to provide financial and technical aid for fishermen, failed to meet their objectives. Matsyafed was expected to bring about a surpassing change in the existing scenario and continues its operation as the apex body of cooperatives, which got revamped under its aegis. But, the extent to which Matsyafed is successful in meeting its objectives is questionable.

Since the later part of 2014, China has replaced developed nations as home to the largest number ... more Since the later part of 2014, China has replaced developed nations as home to the largest number of outbound tourists. Nearly 12.2 crore Chinese tourists visited various foreign destinations and spent US$ 110 billion overseas in 2016. However, only about 2.5 lakh of them opted India as their destination, while only a meagre 6,000 of them chose to visit Kerala. The total number of foreign tourists who visited Kerala in 2016 was about 10 lakh. If Kerala succeeds in attracting at least one percent of the total Chinese travellers, the state’s intake of foreign tourists would have simply doubled. A marked increase in the arrival of foreign tourists to Kerala would have given a much- needed impetus to its economy reeling under the devastating effects of the floods of 2018. This working paper titled, ‘A Chinese Solution to Kerala’s Tourism Sector Woes’ explores at great length the various facets of the travelling Chinese and provides a detailed blueprint on how Kerala can gear up to welcome the Chinese. From increasing air connectivity to providing clean toilets to forging sister state/sister city relationships, the paper covers every aspect that Kerala’s tourism sector needs to make ready before taking the plunge to lure the travelling Chinese.

Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation, otherwise known as Supplyco, is a popular household name... more Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation, otherwise known as Supplyco, is a popular household name across Kerala. Supplyco was formed in 1974 with the primary objective of controlling the rise in prices of essential commodities. However, very few know about this objective of Supplyco since its common perception is as a retail chain selling commodities at lower prices. Due to this, Supplyco is perceived as a welfare organization and consumers believe it to be benefitting them. After 44 years of operations and expanding itself into retailing with a strength of 1406 outlets across Kerala, it is necessary to evaluate whether the Supplyco model of government intervention is capable of transferring maximum benefits to the consumer. The study examines the effectiveness of Supplyco model in achieving the objective of controlling the rise in prices of essential commodities.

The improvements in infrastructure coupled with the growth in population has created tremendous d... more The improvements in infrastructure coupled with the growth in population has created tremendous demand for transportation services. The city buses and other mass transit systems often fall short in meeting this demand, resulting in people relying on alternative modes like autorickshaws, taxis, etc. for their transit needs. These alternate modes serve as intermediate public transport (IPT) or para-transit, providing first and last mile connectivity, while also bridging the gap in the existing public transport systems. This paper looks at the importance of IPTs in the transport sector of India in terms of their role, benefits, issues, present status and legislative provisions. Legalising and integrating IPTs as a part and parcel of the system is integral in meeting urban India’s growing demand for transportation.

Taxi businesses faced a major threat from online taxi aggregator companies in the recent past. Th... more Taxi businesses faced a major threat from online taxi aggregator companies in the recent past. Though different state governments follow varying policies towards taxi aggregators, they largely go by the Indian Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. In some countries, the federal government has given the local government the authority to regulate taxi services-with variations in the chain of command depending on the system of government. The appearance of cutting edge advances and changing economic situations require a reassessment of the state control of taxicabs. This paper particularly looks at the Indian context of taxi regulation and the laws with special reference to Kerala.

The objective of this research paper is to examine the regulatory barriers in taxi services which was until recently availed by the upper middle class and social elites. It studies the reasons for treating taxis as a public good from the perspective of Indian Motor Vehicle Act. The study looks into the various regulatory policies applicable to taxi regulations in India- quantity regulation, quality regulation, price aspect and market conduct regulation.

Centre for Public Policy Reserch, 2018

Kerala tourism has won several national and international recognitions, mainly due to the region’... more Kerala tourism has won several national and international recognitions, mainly due to the region’s picturesque beauty and state’s responsible tourism projects. Based on the tourism policy documents of the central and state governments, the Kerala tourism model is acclaimed as one of the most liberalised tourism models with the private sector leading tourism development and the state acting as a facilitator rather than a regulator. Kerala government’s tourism expenditure is one among the highest in the country. Tourism constitutes 10 per cent of Kerala’s GDP, as per official statistics, and reportedly contributes around 23.5 per cent to the total employment in the state. This study, however, shows that most of the claims made by the government about Kerala tourism are inflated.

Though found to be highly unsuccessful and ineffective, the government has spent a significant amount of money on government-run tourism services. The government plays the role of the lead provider of accommodation facilities and is in complete charge of tourism promotion and marketing. At the same time, the potential of innovative products like home stays and houseboats is not tapped for lack of incentives to the entrepreneurs. This study shows that though the government policies were investor friendly in paper, they were actually harming the investors rather than promoting them. Kerala’s international tourism sustains on visitors from a few countries, while domestic tourism is dependent on tourists from within the state, despite the huge spending on tourism promotion by the government. The claims of the economic advantages of tourism are based on unreliable statistics, along with an all-inclusive definition of tourists, which do not come under the realm of the state’s tourism policy.
The study shows the need for the government to act as a facilitator by providing the basic infrastructure conducive for tourism and allow the private sector to play the lead role in tourism promotion and development. Tourism promotion and marketing should be the responsibility of the private sector, which will help in implementing innovative marketing methods for attracting international tourists from more countries and domestic tourists from other states. This will help in exploiting the natural potential of Kerala tourism rather than placing artificial constraints on tourism development in the state through government interventions. The study demands a reliable procedure for collating the tourist database in the state that distinguishes tourists based on the type of visa and purpose of visit. The economic impacts of tourism should be analysed using this database for getting a reliable picture in this regard.

‘A Vision for Higher Education Reform’ an e-book published by Centre for Public Policy Research i... more ‘A Vision for Higher Education Reform’ an e-book published by Centre for Public Policy Research is a compilation of articles and opinion pieces authored by CPPR research team led by Dr D Dhanuraj. The articles are intended for studying the various challenges affecting the education system – both school and higher education- in India, with a focus on the state of Kerala, and suggesting policy alternatives to tackle them. It probes the real problems of the Indian education system and guides us towards a future model for the system, articulating an ambitious vision for higher education reform.

Kerala has garnered global attention for remarkable achievements in health indicators despite bei... more Kerala has garnered global attention for remarkable
achievements in health indicators despite being
economically backward. Kerala’s success is often
attributed to the high public spending and support given
by the government to improve health standards and
ensure availability of health services thereby undermining
the pivotal role played by the private sector. But
healthcare has always been in great demand in Kerala
and it is cogently clear that small private medical
institutions are still relevant for Kerala to sustain its high
ranking. Small private clinics, nursing homes and
hospitals had an unambiguous role in catering to the
health care needs of the people in Kerala including rural
areas. There has always been a great demand for
healthcare in Kerala and it is cogently clear that the role
of small private medical institutions is still relevant in
the present scenario of Kerala to sustain its high health
status. But stringent regulations can disproportionately
affect small private medical institutions which will
adversely affect the state’s health care system.

Kerala is one of the few states in the country considered to have taken serious efforts in transf... more Kerala is one of the few states in the country considered to have taken serious efforts in transferring powers to Local Self Government (LSG) institutions for strengthening the decentralisation process. The high rate of urbanisation in the state calls for powerful LSG institutions in urban areas. More than 47 per cent of the state’s population live in urban areas. In such a scenario, institutions such as municipalities and corporations have an important role to play, as most of the urban issues can be best handled at the local level.

Even though the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994 entrusts the municipalities and corporations in the state with a list of functions, the institutions are not able to execute them efficiently. The Act, while laying down the provisions, gives the State Government overriding powers over LSG institutions. The operations of para-statal agencies in the domains of work parallel to LSG institutions lead to overlapping of powers, weakening the decentralisation process in the state.

The financial position of the municipalities and corporations in the state is very weak; they are highly reliant on grants from the Central and State Governments. The own revenue has only a meagre share in the total receipts of these institutions. While there is a large scope to increase the own revenue, the provisions in the Kerala Municipality Act giving excessive power to the State Government hinder its growth.

The municipalities and corporations in Kerala are functioning in a restrictive setting. The result is that they are unable to exercise the powers that are transferred to them. The paper aims at analysing the above issues and suggests measures to strengthen the process of decentralisation in Kerala.

This study was conducted by Deepthi Mary Mathew (Research Associate, CPPR) and D Dhanuraj (Chairman, CPPR)

Infopark, the IT hub of Kochi, is a traffic conundrum. The area is outside the ambit of public tr... more Infopark, the IT hub of Kochi, is a traffic conundrum. The area is outside the ambit of public transport and the companies and their clients are at a loss in managing parking spaces. ‘Connecting Dots on Public Transport’, a report prepared by CPPR following a workshop conducted at Infopark in association with World Trade Centre, Kochi, offers some valuable lessons into solving the crisis.

The Indian dispute resolution arena is witnessing significant developments with the Central Gover... more The Indian dispute resolution arena is witnessing significant developments with the Central Government’s steadfast commitment to discouraging litigation and encouraging companies to take up alternate dispute resolution systems. In this context, CPPR with the support of the British Deputy High Commission, Chennai, took up the initiative to assess the dispute resolution scenario in India with specific focus on the three southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The initiative aims to assist the governments and industries in developing right strategies for promoting dispute resolution practices in India. As a leading policy think-tank, CPPR aims to shape policies in this area to develop India as a major destination for investments and dispute resolution. We interviewed 100 respondents, mainly practitioners, entrepreneurs and academicians related to the field to understand the present condition of dispute resolution in India. As part of a long-term commitment to strengthening dispute resolution, CPPR trained more than 50 professionals in commercial dispute resolution. This study evaluates how dispute resolution system works in India and tries to understand the concerns of entrepreneurs given the thrust on Ease of Doing Business.

Per cap Study done by Lekshmi R Nair and D Dhanuraj of CPPR, to evaluate the effect of tariff hik... more Per cap
Study done by Lekshmi R Nair and D Dhanuraj of CPPR, to evaluate the effect of tariff hikes on Indian aluminium industry.

Highlights of the study are:

High tariffs on imported aluminium products, raw materials and aluminium scrap constrain consumption opportunities of aluminium in India
Per capita consumption of aluminium in India is negligible at an average of 1.4 kg as against the global average of 8 kg, while India has the fifth largest bauxite reserves in the world
Aluminium in India is utilised in only 300 applications compared with over 3000 in developed countries, showing the need for leveraging the consumption opportunities of aluminium in the country
The aluminium scrap has an import duty of 2.5 percent in India compared with zero import duty in competing nations.
Three major Indian players are involved in the production of primary aluminium in the smelting phase which is very energy intensive whereas more than 1000 players in the unorganised secondary aluminium sector producing Aluminium from the scrap
High tariffs are privileges granted to the primary aluminium sector to please the powerful primary aluminium producers in the country
High tariffs result in high prices of aluminium, which erode the competitiveness of the downstream and value-added sectors consisting mainly of SMEs that contribute more to the Indian economy than the primary aluminium sector
The cheap stainless steel utensil sector had a market size of Rs 50000 crore in 2014, while that of the aluminium utensil sector was only Rs 3200 crore
The aluminium utensil industry is projected to grow by 15 to 20 per cent in the next few years
Removal of tariffs will increase aluminium availability in the country, leading to quality of life improvement of low- and middle-income consumers

Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi, undertook a study titled ‘Public and Private Healthcare... more Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi, undertook a study titled ‘Public and Private Healthcare Institutions: Preference and Expenditure Pattern’ in an attempt to identify the extent of and reasons for the user preference for the type of healthcare service and its resultant impact on expenditure pattern. The study was conducted among 85 households selected randomly in Panangad and Kaloor, a rural area and an urban centre, respectively.

The study infers that most of the respondents (more than 70 per cent),even those from low-income groups, preferred private healthcare services to public healthcare services.The respondents depended on public healthcare for routine preventive healthcare and utilised the services of private healthcare institutions for acute illness, trauma, injury, poisoning etc. The study did not find any significant relationship between the age group, household income, the mode of expenditure, education etc of the respondents and their preference for private healthcare services.

The study revealed access to advanced medical facilities under a single roof as the main reason for the respondents’ choice of private hospitals in both rural and urban areas. The second major reason for private healthcare preference is proximity of the healthcare facility in the rural area and approachability/friendly conduct of doctors and staff in the urban centre. While reliability is the third major reason in the urban centre,approachability/friendly conductof doctors and staff is the third reason in the rural area. In short, advanced medical facilities, reliability and approachability/friendly conduct of doctors and staffare the major reasons identified for the preference forprivate healthcare institutions. However, proximity is an equally important reason for the user preference for private hospitals in the rural area.

The overall average medical expenditure of a household in Kaloor and Panangad is estimated to be Rs 4207 per month. The medical expenditure of a household on private healthcare services is almost 24 times higher than that on public healthcare services. The medical expenditure on private healthcare in the urban centre is almost 65 per cent higher than that of the rural centre. The combined average expenditure of a household on private and public healthcare services is Rs 4928 per month in Kaloor and Rs 2886 per month in Panangad. This shows that the healthcare expenditure in the urban area is almost 71 per cent higher than that of the rural area.The point to be noted is that the difference in expenditure incurred is not for treating the same type of diseases. It simply shows the expenditure borne by the households under different healthcare systems.

The main source of healthcare expenditure is out-of-pocket expenses, which constitute 84 per cent of the total average expenditure. Governmental support (9 per cent), insurance claims (3 per cent), charity (1 per cent) and others (3 per cent)are the major sources of medical expenditure. The study reveals that low penetration of insurance coverage among the respondents is a cause of concern. Though 23 per cent of the respondents were insured, only 3per cent of the total health expenditure is met by way of insurance. The main obstacles for the high penetration of health insurance are expensive insurance policies, lack of awareness about the policies and complicated procedures.

The first implication of the study is that policy makers should take necessary steps to improve the facilities and offer quality services in public hospitals so that more people would make use of the facility.Second, considering the growing trend of dependence onspecialist doctors, there is a need to redefine the role of Primary Health Centres and Block Primary Health Centres to suit the current context and environment. The scope of improving the healthcare system through efficient intervention of the Local Self Government institutions is tremendous. This can improve the efficiency and effectiveness and revive the long-lost glory of the State-sponsored healthcare system. Third,the government should push for more health insurance schemes,particularly among low-income groups, in order to lessen the financial burden arising out of treating critical illnesses/injuries.

Every year, India wastes about 18 per cent of fruits and vegetables, due to lack of post-harvest ... more Every year, India wastes about 18 per cent of fruits and vegetables, due to lack of post-harvest storage facilities. The cold storage sector has been one of the most undermined sectors in India, devoid of investment, in spite of various government policies and subsidies. The paper analyses what has gone wrong with the policies and what needs to be done to develop a robust cold storage sector in the country.

Centre for Public Policy Reserch, 2018

This study was conducted by Deepthi Mary Mathew (Research Associate, CPPR) and D Dhanuraj (Chairman, CPPR)

Highlights of the study are:

Security and Prosperity in the Bay of Bengal, 2023

India, being the most powerful country regionally and the largest democracy in the world, has a m... more India, being the most powerful country regionally and the largest democracy in the world, has a major role in ensuring security and safety in the BOB. In order to gain a deeper appreciation of the region, the emerging situation, and the way ahead, an International Conference on Security and Prosperity in the Bay of Bengal was organized by CPPR with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), South Asia. It was held from November 29 to December 1, 2022, in Kochi, Kerala. The presentations and discussions at the Conference were insightful and brought out several valuable suggestions and recommendations for the way ahead. This volume is a compilation of papers presented at the conference.

Centre for Public Policy Research

CPPR in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, organised a two-day internation... more CPPR in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, organised a two-day international conference on ‘Indo-U.S. Relations: Change, Continuity and Transformation’ in Kochi on April 19-20, 2022, with a view to advancing the conversations in Indo-U.S. foreign policy cooperation. This is a publication of five research articles from the conference proceedings in five chapters.

Centre for Public Policy Research, 2023

The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, India and Monash University, Melbourne, Aust... more The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, India and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia decided to come together to pool their academic and policy research capacities to build a robust research agenda on the Indo-Pacific. In March 2022, CPPR and Monash University hosted ‘Dialogue on Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Strengthening International Cooperation’ in a hybrid (physical-digital) format. Scholars from ASEAN, Australia, India and Japan were invited to discuss the various pillars of the IPOI and accelerated long-term growth in the Indo-Pacific region. The Dialogue was supported by the Department of Foreign Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia.

The book 'Maritime Security Complexes of the Indo-Pacific Region' seeks to provide a net assessme... more The book 'Maritime Security Complexes of the Indo-Pacific Region' seeks to provide a net assessment of regional challenges and opportunities in this study of the Indo-Pacific region’s security dynamics viewed through the ‘maritime variant’ of the Regional Security Complex Theory. This volume aims to ascertain the regional security dynamics and assess securitization as a driving force. It infers the scope of traditional, non-traditional, and transnational security issues and their regional impact, with a specific focus on the maritime perspectives of regional security dynamics, and also envisages the potential interplay of these factors as they continue to influence and shape future discourse. Dr. Vijay Sakhuja and Prof. (Dr) W. Lawrence S. Prabhakar have sought to provide a net assessment of regional challenges and opportunities in this study of the Indo-Pacific region’s security dynamics viewed through the ‘maritime variant’ of the Regional Security Complex Theory.

The book ‘India and Australia: Strengthening International Cooperation Through The Indo-Pacific O... more The book ‘India and Australia: Strengthening International Cooperation Through The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative’ is a compilation of research papers written by scholars from India, ASEAN countries, and Australia on strengthening international cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The book is published by Centre for Public Policy Research and Monash University. The book is divided into three parts, based on the three key sessions of the Australia-India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership (AIIPOIP) Conference held in Kochi, in April 2022. The three themes of discussion include maritime security, tackling the issue of marine debris and litter in the Bay of Bengal, and the importance of smart ports.

എന്തുകൊണ്ട് സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം- Why Liberty Malayalam Translation, 2022

എന്തുകൊണ്ട് സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം (Why Liberty) is the Malayalam translation of the book “Why Liberty” wh... more എന്തുകൊണ്ട് സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം (Why Liberty) is the Malayalam translation of the book “Why Liberty” which was edited by Dr Tom G Palmer. The ideas presented in this book are about an alternative view of politics: a politics, not of force, but of persuasion, of live-and-let-live, of rejecting both subjugation and domination. Being a libertarian means not only refraining from harming the rights of other people, but also equipping yourself mentally to understand what it means for people to have rights, how rights create the foundation for peaceful social cooperation, and how voluntary societies work. This book is an invitation to think about important problems in new ways.

“സ്വയംനിയന്ത്രണമോ ബാഹ്യ(രാഷ്ട്ര)നിയന്ത്രണമോ നിങ്ങൾക്ക് തീരുമാനിക്കാം” an e-book published by CPPR... more “സ്വയംനിയന്ത്രണമോ ബാഹ്യ(രാഷ്ട്ര)നിയന്ത്രണമോ നിങ്ങൾക്ക് തീരുമാനിക്കാം” an e-book published by CPPR is the Malayalam translation of “Self Control or State Control? You Decide”, edited by Tom G. Palmer

The book “Self Control or State Control? You Decide” is a conglomerate of essays by John Tierney, Lisa Conyers, Jeffrey Miron, and several more that delve into the relationship between freedom and responsibility, their philosophical and scientific underpinnings, and the practical value of self-control. It further tries to provide its readers a sense of understanding of what Self-Control is and how exactly it is connected with one’s freedom. The book is both theoretical and practical, trying to make the readers understand how if one living in a society can follow self-control with utmost dedication can curb the restrictions placed by a state (governing figure) and enjoy one’s freedom to the core.

This e-book is a compilation of the papers presented by the speakers during a two-day Internation... more This e-book is a compilation of the papers presented by the speakers during a two-day International Conference, curated around the theme ‘India and Japan: Growing Partnership and Opportunities for Cooperation’, organised by CPPR – Centre for Strategic Studies, Kochi in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan in Chennai on February 26–27, 2019 at Riviera Suites in Kochi. It consists of eight chapters providing a comprehensive outlook on India-Japan relations.

‘Vipaniyum Chila Swathanthra Aashayangalum’ is a collection of six essays (from the collection ‘T... more ‘Vipaniyum Chila Swathanthra Aashayangalum’ is a collection of six essays (from the collection ‘The Market and A Choice of Free Ideas’ published by Atlas Network in 2014) that mainly deal with concepts like free market, political market and property rights. This is probably the first translation of these brilliant texts into the Malayalam language. It includes writings by prominent economists Claude Frederic Bastiat, Murray N. Rothbard, Armen A. Alchian and Shouvik Chakraborthy. This work is a bid to enrich the language with several ideas of the school of classical liberalism that the ‘Malayalee’ readers may not be familiar with. Besides, ‘Vipaniyum Chila Swathanthra Aashayangalum’ will serve as an introduction to the doctrine of ‘laissez-faire’, which means, in French, ‘allow to do’.

The 2015 UN Climate Change Summit, COP21(21st session of Conference of Parties), held in Paris wa... more The 2015 UN Climate Change Summit, COP21(21st session of Conference of Parties), held in Paris was the most significant conference on climate change since Copenhagen, as the 196 nations that were parties to the agreement had set themselves a deadline of 2015 for coming up with a legally binding deal to help enable the world limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

The two-day International Conference on ‘Climate Change Paradigms’, conceptualised and organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research – Centre for Strategic Studies, Kochi, with the support of the US Consulate General, Chennai, explored and debated upon the various issues and challenges featured at COP21. The conference was conceived with a need to focus on the Indian position in global climate change initiatives.

The conference had key speakers drawn from the Central Government and from the subject areas of strategic studies, think tanks, consultancy firms and academics.

This is a primer about the 2016 U.S Presidential election campaign. It chronicles the major elect... more This is a primer about the 2016 U.S Presidential election campaign. It chronicles the major electioneering trends of the 2016 U.S Presidential election campaign along with the key domestic and foreign policy concerns.