Center for New Economics Studies

In this episode of InterLinked, we delve into the hidden geographies of urban life — the communities, crafts, and labor often overlooked in mainstream narratives of development. Shivali Yadav is in conversation with Namesh Killemsetty, a researcher whose work bridges urban studies, policy analysis, and community-led action. Together, they unpack the ethical and practical questions surrounding the...

In this podcast, hosted by Geetaali Malhotra,we dive into the complex realities of informal labor in a rapidly changing world. Our guest, Ms. Ashika Thomas, Junior Research and Evaluation Officer at NSPCC discusses on how policies, technology, and urban planning shape the lives of those often left out of formal systems ,be it gig workers ,street vendors or unbanked entrepreneurs. As economies reco...

In this series, the team has a discussion with Aatika Singh , a PhD candidate in the Department of Art and History at Stanford, explores the intersection of art, politics, and marginalization. Aatika shares how her journey from studying law to engaging with art and activism shaped her understanding of public spaces and the struggles of Dalit students. Her experiences in Kolkata and Delhi revealed...

In this compelling episode of InterLinked, we explore the intersection of gender, labor, and economic agency in India’s informal sector. Shivali Yadav is joined by Ms. Hima Trisha, a researcher with extensive experience in gender studies, labor sociology, and the preservation of traditional crafts. Through an insightful discussion, we examine the structural inequalities shaping informal work, the...

In this compelling episode of InterLinked, we explore the intersection of climate justice and women’s economic agency, focusing on how policies can move beyond inclusion to foster meaningful leadership. Shivali Yadav is joined by Ms. Mamta Borgoyary, a development sector leader with extensive experience in climate resilience, gender equity, and sustainable livelihoods. Through an insightful discus...

In this episode of Swabhimaan’s podcast, we explore how gender and nationalism intertwine, shaping identities, politics, and societal expectations. From the feminization of nations to the phrase “our women,” we examine how nationalist narratives reinforce patriarchal control, turning women into symbols of honor, purity, and sacrifice. Through historical examples, literature, and global politics, w...

In this episode, hosted by Geetaali Malhotra, we explore the global impact of Trump’s foreign policy. Our guest, Prof. Sanitya Kalika, Assistant Professor of International Law and Global Politics at Jindal Global Law School, brings his expertise in diplomacy and international law to discuss Trump’s "America First" doctrine, U.S. policies on Gaza and the ICC, the evolving U.S.-Russia dynamic amid t...

In this thought-provoking episode, Shivali Yadav engages with Stefan Ziegler, a humanitarian advocate and award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 25 years of experience in international law and diplomacy. Having worked with organizations like UNRWA, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the EU, Ziegler sheds light on the intersection of humanitarianism, advocacy, and film in shap...

In this enriching conversation, Gurnaaz Kaur engages with Ms. Nancy Hollander, an internationally recognised American criminal defence lawyer and human rights activist, best known for representing two detainees from Guantanamo Bay for being allegedly involved in the 9/11 attack. She was portrayed by actress Jodie Foster in the 2021 film The Mauritanian about the case of her client Mohamedou Ould S...

Para-diplomacy, defined as the engagement of sub-national actors in international relations, has gained significant traction in India, reflecting a broader trend towards decentralized foreign policy. This discussion aims to critically analyze the recent developments in para-diplomacy within India, assess their significance, and explore how these changes are reshaping India's foreign policy and glo...

The quadrennial Olympic Games is the most prestigious event in the sporting world. Hosting the games was once considered a national ambition among many governments. However, in recent decades, it seems that the economic repercussions of hosting the Olympics seem to outweigh the benefits. Many countries like Greece, Brazil and Canada went into debt crises after the games and experienced huge protes...

In this Interview, a part of our Samvaad series, we unveil how geopolitical shifts and economic policies impact gendered consumerism, creating disparities that ripple through markets worldwide. Advertising, a powerful cultural mirror, often perpetuates traditional gender roles, yet it also holds the potential to challenge and redefine them. By examining case studies from diverse regions and integr...

In this episode, our research intern, Sonakshi Garg, had an enlightening conversation with Dr Supriya Malik, a renowned Developmental Psychologist, about the psychological and sociological significance of the Disney movie, Inside Out 2. The animated sequel proved to be a powerhouse of interesting psychological theories, motivating coping mechanisms and a microscope into the minds of young adults,...

In this series, we have conversations where we aim to have conversations with the members of other initiatives within the Centre, to understand their broader work and the specific projects they are working on. Our guests for this podcast are Aman and Harshita, team leads at the Azaad Awaaz initiative. Based on research and field interviews, the team has published research on Censorship and the Pre...

Welcome to Umeed – a word meaning 'hope'. We're the official podcast of Swabhimaan, an initiative under the Centre of New Economics Studies. If you've ever wondered how gender and sexuality influence the world around you – from economic policy to grassroot activism – this is the space for you. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and ignited. This year on International Women’s Day, we launched a ne...

Our podcast delves into the captivating world of Arnab Ray's book, "Shaukchani." This evocative title hints at the chilling tale within – the story of a vengeful spirit named Shaukchani, a stark reminder that the horrors of human nature can be far more terrifying than any spectral entity. Ray, a renowned columnist for the Times of India, weaves a poignant narrative in "Shaukchani," detailing the h...

In this edition of Vichaar, we explore the theme of empowering women through reproductive health including menstrual health, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. The interview delves into common concerns, and challenges regarding access to reproductive healthcare in urban and rural settings as well as the broader societal implications. Dr. Smriti Agrawal is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist from L...

The 21st century can be characterized by the rise of technology, and therefore the human race has started the sociological processes of adapting itself  to this variable which has gotten added on to the equation termed as human life. Like every time period which has witnessed momentous political, sociological or economic changes, this era too will, and has already started to create novice laws, ec...

Imagine a courtroom in which every individual, regardless of sexuality or gender feels equally represented, respected and understood. Women courageously seek justice without the weight of societal pressure and expectations looming over them, ensuring that they are not marginalized in the process. This utopian scene is something the newly crafted, Supreme Court’s Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Har...

Welcome to Umeed – a word meaning 'hope'. We're the official podcast of Swabhimaan, an initiative under the Centre of New Economics Studies. If you've ever wondered how gender and sexuality influence the world around you – from economic policy to grassroot activism – this is the space for you. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and ignited. This year on International Women’s Day, we launched a ne...

Welcome to Umeed – a word meaning 'hope'. We're the official podcast of Swabhimaan, an initiative under the Centre of New Economics Studies. If you've ever wondered how gender and sexuality influence the world around, you – from economic policy to grassroot activism – this is the space for you. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and ignited. This year on International Women’s Day, we launch a new...

Welcome to Umeed – a word meaning 'hope'. We're the official podcast of Swabhimaan, an initiative under the Centre of New Economics Studies. If you've ever wondered how gender and sexuality influence the world around, you – from economic policy to grassroot activism – this is the space for you. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and ignited. This year on International Women’s Day, we launch a new...

In this episode of Vichaar, we talked to Mr. Raqib Hameed Naik who is a Kashmiri journalist, his work focuses on censorship of the State and the State's attempt to persecute religious minorities. The discussion in the episode centred on the experiences of journalists and their loved ones due to censorship by the state. We looked at how living experiences of truthful reporting by journalists ha...

In this podcast, we had a wonderful conversation with the author of the book, "How to Love in Sanskrit", Anusha Rao. In this we learned the beauty of Sanskrit literature and the way it demonstrates the emotion, we know as love, an emotion seen and written about in every language of the world. Ms Anusha Rao is a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, and this is her book which details the way...

The Kerala Model of Development is a unique approach to economic and social development that has been successful in the state of Kerala, India. It is characterized by strong social indicators, such as high literacy rates, low infant mortality and birth rates, and a longer average life expectancy, which are comparable to developed countries. The model is based on wealth and resource redistribution...