'Indian cities have hidden wealth - they just have to be well-planned.'

Q&A


Andre Dzikus, chief of water and sanitation at the United Nations Habitat Agency, is one of the key coordinators of the UN's 'I am a city changer' campaign, focussing on how to make cities a better place to inhabit. Dzikus spoke with Pratiksha Ramkumar on cities that are 'green' in shade, but not in substance, factors making a city ideal - and how India can still get there: 


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Indian-cities-have-hidden-wealth-they-just-have-to-be-well-planned/articleshow/12189419.cms

-The Times of India, March 9, 2012

Syrians pay the price

"As ferocious fighting continues in Syria, it is imperative that the international community strive for an immediate ceasefire of some kind. President Bashar al-Assad's regime is increasing its use of heavy weapons, while continuing to claim legitimacy."

The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Syrians pay the price: Since the constitutional changes are coming via a questionable referendum at a time when Syria is at war with itself, the promises held out by the new constitution seem utterly farcical.

The failure of the Arab League mission and the absence of consensus and even credibility at the U.N. Security Council mean that international options are fast disappearing. Given the interests propelling U.N.'s most powerful members, its helplessness should not surprise anyone.

A test of India's Big Power aspirations

"With the divided U.N. vote setting the stage for a deadly civil war, India must work to bring the western interventionists and BRICS nations back to the same table."

For the first time since assuming a seat at the U.N. Security Council, India showed it bore the markings of a Great Power. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : A test of India's Big Power aspirations: Faced with a Security Council vote on Syria, India set aside its geopolitical interests, abandoned an old alliance with Bashar al-Assad and acted both on moral and tactical considerations.

Syria is headed towards civil war, thanks to a double veto by Russia and China at the U.N. The resolution's failure has pushed the Syrian crisis away from the horseshoe table, into the hands of a few nations with vested interests.

India's vision forward for Syria comprises three elements: Syrian-led transition, a complete eschewal of both externally and internally induced violence, and close co-operation with the Arab League. To prevent a free-for-all, and to resolve the crisis in an institutional setting will be Indian diplomacy's greatest challenge.

The task of bringing the Syrian brief back on the SC's agenda falls squarely on the shoulders of India and South Africa. And there can be no agreement without the support of both Russia and China. For this reason, a BRICS consensus is essential.

The pursuit of an “independent” foreign policy in yesteryears saw India shying away from pivotal issues. India's decision on Syria is commensurate with her aspirations to Great Powerdom.

When Health Is Security

To truly benefit the needy, the microfinance sector must focus on the issue of health

When Health Is Security

-The Times of India, January 24, 2012

"After all, financial services are not just about money or about giving loans to the poor. They are really about building assets to secure lives and livelihoods."

The Risks Of Conflict

US intervention in Syria would have have too many policy challenges and political pitfalls


The Risks Of Conflict

-The Times of India, January 13, 2012

'Constitutional Lokpal would have been difficult to repeal'

Q&A


with Justice V N Khare, former chief justice of India, on the constitutional dimensions of the anti-corruption legislation

Interview - Q&A

-The Times of India, December 30, 2011