# Pune International Centre

> Social Innovation


## Posts

- [Startup with Purpose: Legal Due Diligence for Social Impact Ventures](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/startup-with-purpose-legal-due-diligence-for-social-impact-ventures/): Social impact ventures operate in a unique regulatory environment that combines traditional business compliance with specialised requirements for non-profit operations. As these organisations prepare to scale or fund-raise, a thorough legal due diligence process becomes essential for sustainability, transparency, and impact. This article presents a concise checklist for Section 8 companies and trusts in India to ensure comprehensive legal compliance before scaling or fundraising initiatives. I. Entity Structure & Governance Compliance For Section 8 Companies: Essential Documentation: Verify Section 8 license, Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA with charitable objects, and prohibition on dividend payments [4] Board Requirements: Minimum two directors (private) […]
- [Revising Pune’s Parking Policy: Moving Towards Smarter, Fairer Reforms](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/revising-punes-parking-policy-moving-towards-smarter-fairer-reforms/): This month’s blog covers the theme of Urban Mobility. Pune’s outdated parking policy, last revised in 2016, struggles to manage the city’s rapid vehicle growth and urban expansion. Despite increasing population density and vehicles, inconsistent enforcement and lack of smart infrastructure worsen congestion. The blog calls for a modern, equitable, and tech-driven approach to make Pune’s streets smarter and fairer. Read More
- [Local Government: The Missing Stakeholder in Development](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/local-government-the-missing-stakeholder-in-development/): Beyond The Blueprint is the Blog Series by Pune International Centre (PIC) under Centre for Cooperative Federalism and Multilevel Governance. It explores cities beyond policy, using data, field insights and analysis, bringing governance closer to people. Read More
- [Centre for Federalism & Multilevel Governance (CFMG)](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/centre-for-federalism-multilevel-governance-cfmg/): The blog explores how Hinjewadi IT Park, despite being a major tech hub, struggles with waterlogging, traffic, and poor urban planning due to fragmented governance. It highlights the urgent need for a unified civic authority. Only cohesive governance can unlock its full potential. Read More Disclaimer: It is freely accessible, and PIC does not intend to solicit paid subscriptions. If prompted by the website, please select the ‘no pledge’ option.
- [The Silent Crisis in IITs: Addressing Student Suicides and Mental Health](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-silent-crisis-in-iits-addressing-student-suicides-and-mental-health/): THE WEEK. Click here to read the article
- [AI for Digital Public Infrastructure: How to Transform Government Services with Artificial Intelligence, by Karl Mehta](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/ai-for-digital-public-infrastructure-how-to-transform-government-services-with-artificial-intelligence-by-karl-mehta/): AI for Digital Public Infrastructure: How to Transform Government Services with Artificial Intelligence, by Karl N. Mehta, explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing government services through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). With more than 24 years of experience in the field of AI, Mehta brings a deep understanding of how AI can be applied to DPI. Karl Mehta’s AI for Digital Public Infrastructure explores how artificial intelligence can revolutionise government services, making them faster, smarter, and more accessible. Through real-world examples of 9 countries, he shows how AI is already transforming healthcare, social security, and public safety. The book highlights […]
- [The IP Blog: Navigating the Complexities of International Politics](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-ip-blog-international-politics/): The IP Blog: Navigating the Complexities of International Politics Hello and welcome to The IP Blog! If you have an interest in international politics—whether it’s the latest global developments, historical events shaping today’s world, or the intricate dynamics of diplomacy—this is the space for you. This monthly blog will critically examine the evolving landscape of global politics, unpacking key geopolitical shifts, economic trends, technological advancements, and strategic affairs. We’ll also delve into historical moments that, while seemingly disconnected from present realities, help us understand how international politics has evolved. Additionally, this space will feature recent publications by Pune International Centre […]
- [PIC team understanding the Union Budget 2025](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/pic-team-understanding-the-union-budget-2025/): Pune International Centre’s Director, Maj. Gen. Nitin Gadkari has taken session on Union Budget 2025
- [Munir’s Sun shines on Nawaz, so…](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/munirs-sun-shines-on-nawaz-so/): By Amb. Gautam Bambawale, Praneet Shukla and Manasi Pendharkar, 9 February 2024   Click here to read the article  
- [The golden opportunity and a dark cloud in Indo-US ties](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-golden-opportunity-and-a-dark-cloud-in-indo-us-ties/): By Amb. Gautam Bambawale & Koena Lahiri, 19 June 2023   Click here to read the article
- [Can the crisis of credibility facing Pakistan army help India?](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/can-the-crisis-of-credibility-facing-pakistan-army-help-india/): By Amb. Gautam Bambawale & Koena Lahiri, Times of India, 19 May 2023   Click here to read the article
- [Budget 2025: A Mixed Bag](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/budget-2025-a-mixed-bag/): At Pune International Centre, we closely followed today’s budget announcement, with our team keenly participating. The budget was largely on expected lines, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, rural development, exports, and finance. Sharing the comments from our Director, Maj.Gen Nitin Gadkari: “The government has provided funds for combating the growing menace of urbanization, which is a welcome change. Custom duty reliefs in life-saving drugs is a good step. The fiscal deficit continues to hover around 4.8%, which is high. The biggest surprise came in the end when the FM announced total income tax exemption for regular salaried […]
- [Of Think Tanks & More: Humour Out of Uniform](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/of-think-tanks-more-humour-out-of-uniform/): “Hey, Jatin, you played well today. Surprising because I do not see you on the course these days”, asked Pushy. The fourball of Jatin and Pushy had finished a round of golf and were sitting in the 19th hole, also known as the ‘Watering Hole.’ “ I have joined a Think Tank,” Jatin announced loudly, hoping the rest of his group would also hear him. “So, how thick is it?” asked Pushy, looking at himself in the bar mirror without paying much attention to Jatin. “What do you mean, how thick?” asked Jatin. “Meaning, since it’s a water tank, how […]
- [PadCare Labs: The green and easy way to managing menstrual hygiene](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/padcare-labs-the-green-and-easy-way-to-managing-menstrual-hygiene/): PadCare Labs: The green and easy way to manage menstrual hygiene About PadCare The most commonly used menstrual product is a sanitary pad. In India alone, 12 billion of them are generated annually. Sanitary pads take almost 500-800 years to decompose, 98% of this waste ending up in landfills or incinerators. Additionally, sanitation workers often handle these pads manually due to a lack of segregation and face severe health hazards. With 98% of this waste ending up in landfills or incinerators, sanitary pads take 500-800 years to decompose, posing a severe environmental threat. Small-scale incinerators further worsen the problem, releasing […]
- [Rnisarg Foundation: Managing waste, generating jobs, bettering lives](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/rnisarg-foundation-managing-waste-generating-jobs-bettering-lives/): Rnisarg Foundation: Managing waste, generating jobs, bettering lives Rnisarg Foundation, an NGO founded by doctors in 2016, is working in the space of building sustainable cities through citizen participation. In the last decade of our work in providing sustainable solutions for waste management and road safety, we have been able to make some impactful achievements. Our core competency lies in identifying the grassroots-level challenges and involving all the stakeholders in participating to achieve the desired results. Our mission is to build Sustainable Cities and bring the joy of living to every being. Impact  Sakhi—Menstrual health, hygiene, and sustainable menstrual practices: Through our Project […]
- [Target 3 Billion – PURA: Innovative Solutions Towards Sustainable Development, by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/target-3-billion-pura-innovative-solutions-towards-sustainable-development-by-a-p-j-abdul-kalam-and-srijan-pal-singh/): Book summary by Mr. Viraj Rane, Research Associate, EECC Target 3 Billion: PURA – Innovative Solutions towards Sustainable Development, by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Srijan Pal Singh, is a thoughtful and inspiring book that provides a clear vision for addressing rural development challenges around the world, especially in India. The title refers to the nearly 3 billion people who live in rural areas, many of whom face poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited opportunities. The book introduces the concept of PURA, which stands for Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a distinguished Indian […]
- [Let Us Make Some Things Nu-CLEAR!](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/let-us-make-some-things-nu-clear/): Nuclear Energy: A Balanced Perspective Imagine walking down the street and asking random people, “What is nuclear energy?” Most would likely respond, “It’s the energy used to create bombs.” This narrow perception stems from three major historical incidents: Hiroshima-Nagasaki, Chernobyl, and Three Mile Island. The first was a deliberate act of war, while the latter two were catastrophic accidents caused by human error. Despite these events, nuclear energy continues to be unfairly labelled as inherently destructive. However, it is crucial to understand that any form of energy holds the potential for both creation and destruction. A person with harmful intent […]
- [India @ 100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse, by Krishnamurthy Subramanian](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/india-100-envisioning-tomorrows-economic-powerhouse-by-krishnamurthy-subramanian/): Book summary by Ms. Archita Joshi, Research Analyst, PIC SI Lab Krishnamurthy Subramanian’s India @100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse presents a compelling roadmap for India’s transformation into a global economic giant by 2047. An optimistic exploration of India’s potential to become a global economic superpower by its centennial, the book argues that India stands at a unique historical juncture, poised to capitalise on its demographic dividend and leverage its rich cultural heritage to achieve unprecedented economic growth. Krishnamurthy Venkata Subramanian is an Indian economist who served as the 17th Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India. An authority on economic policy, […]
- [Climate Action – Are we planning for an Economic and Environmental Collapse?](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/climate-action-are-we-planning-for-an-economic-and-environmental-collapse/): India’s Election Oversights: The Looming Threat of Climate Change India has just concluded a massive and intense election exercise to decide the future of the nation. However, there was almost no focus on plans and actions for combating the emerging threats of global warming and climate change, which pose prime existential risks to life and property, with looming economic losses for the nation. Climate change impacts such as extreme heat, rapid glacial melting, and unexpected devastating floods are becoming more frequent and severe, leading to increasing economic losses worldwide. Yet, the main cause of excessive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—over 50 […]
- [India and Asian Geopolitics: The Past, Present, by Shivshankar Menon](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/india-and-asian-geopolitics-the-past-present-by-shivshankar-menon/): Book summary by Ms. Koena Lahiri, Policy Research Associate, PIC India and Asian Geopolitics: The Past, Present, by Shivshankar Menon, explores India’s evolving role in Asian geopolitics from before its independence to the present day. Menon, who served as India’s Foreign Secretary from 2006 to 2009 and as the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India from 2010 to 2014, is a visiting professor at Ashoka University and the author of Choices: Inside the Making of India’s Foreign Policy (2016). In the book India and Asian Geopolitics, he challenges the common perception that India was merely a reactive state in the […]
- [Extreme Heat Takes A Toll On Rural India](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/extreme-heat-takes-a-toll-on-rural-india/): Rural communities are disproportionately impacted by the adverse effects of extreme climatic conditions. Recent heat waves across northern India have been a sobering reminder of the impacts of extreme temperatures on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities, and have prompted the need for holistic strategies to build climate resilience. Climate change has made heat waves over the Indian sub-continent more intense and frequent. This summer India witnessed the highest number of heat wave days in over a decade. More specifically, the months of May and June were marked with record-breaking temperatures, with the northern parts of the country experiencing […]
- [The silent crisis in IITs](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-silent-crisis-in-iits/): Seena Mary Thankachan, The Week, July 27, 2024 How to deal with student suicides and mental health: A researcher’s recommendations Click here to read the article.
- [India’s Experiment with Democracy, by S. Y. Quraishi](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/indias-experiment-with-democracy-by-s-y-quraishi/): Book review by Ms. Seena Mary Thankachan, Research Associate, PIC India’s Experiment with Democracy: The Life of a Nation Through Its Elections, by Dr. S Y Quraishi, offers a compelling and insightful examination of India’s electoral system and its evolution. Quraishi, who joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1971 and rose to become the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India, brings a wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge to this comprehensive analysis. During his tenure, he introduced several significant electoral reforms, notably the creation of the Voter Education Division, which aimed to enhance voter awareness and participation. The slogan “Vasudhaiva […]
- [Does Green GDP really account for a country’s Growth Rate?](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/does-green-gdp-really-account-for-a-countrys-growth-rate/): Gross domestic product is a tool adopted by all countries for measuring a country’s growth rate. Does it really measure even the economic growth rate of a country? GDP involves accounting for the monetary value of all the goods and services produced in a particular year. While aiming for increased financial transactions via boosting production and consumption, the world forgot that all of it comes at a cost to the Earth’s environment. It has been long debated that the Gross Domestic Product needs to be replaced with more inclusive real metrics that account for the depletion of Earth resources and […]
- [Sustainable and Climate Resilient Development for India](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/sustainable-and-climate-resilient-development-for-india/): Book Summary by Pradeep Nair, Sr. Editor, PIC The book begins with an illustration of a dystopian world. A father and son are sitting on stacks of currency notes and warming over a fire in the midst of a barren landscape with stubs of felled trees, more stacks of money littered about, and the faint silhouette of a city’s ruins at a distance. The father remarks, “At least we made a lot of money before destroying the environment,” to which the boy asks, “What’s for dinner, dad?” The illustration, while depicting a world that prioritises monetary gains at the expense […]
- [Five Reasons Why Indian Cities Need Climate Budgets](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/five-reasons-why-indian-cities-need-climate-budgets/): Mumbai has recently launched its first “Climate Budget”, bringing the spotlight back on cities’ role in achieving Net Zero targets. Here is everything to know about climate budgeting and how Indian cities can benefit from it.   Introduction: Cities and urban areas are considered as some of the most vibrant ecosystems worldwide. Housing about half of the global population, World Bank suggests that these economic powerhouses generate over 80% of the global GDP. However, they are also some of the largest polluters. Estimates by the UNEP suggest that cities are responsible for 70% of the global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. […]
- [Fossil Free: Reimagining Clean Energy in a Carbon Constrained World](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/fossil-free-reimagining-clean-energy-in-a-carbon-constrained-world-2/): Book Summary by Sanyukta Chougale, Senior Research Intern, EECC Fossil Free: Reimagining Clean Energy in a Carbon Constrained World is a thought-provoking book by Sumant Sinha, Founder Chairman and CEO of ReNew, India’s first Nasdaq-listed renewable energy company offering decarbonisation solutions. A first-generation entrepreneur, the author is an ardent advocate for climate action and sustainable development. He writes and speaks on these topics and is associated with international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and UNFCCC COP, and global universities. In the book, he narrates the story of the global transition towards renewable energy away from fossil fuels, and provides […]
- [Beyond Binaries: The World of India and China](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/beyond-binaries-the-world-of-india-and-china/): Book Summary by Ms. Chaitra Apte, Research Intern, PIC Beyond Binaries explores the various intricacies of India-China relations with respect to their history, geopolitical landscape, economic factors, other external factors, and more. It gives a detailed overview of the situation from both the Indian and the Chinese perspectives. In the Foreword, Shyam Saran, former Foreign Secretary of India, points out that India and China being two of the world’s largest economies, the evolution of their relationship over the coming years is important not only for the two countries but also for the rest of the world. Beyond Binaries is a compilation of […]
- [The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-long-game-how-the-chinese-negotiate-with-india/): Book Summary by Ms. Manasi Pendharkar, Research Intern, PIC The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India, by Vijay Gokhale, offers a nuanced exploration of the complex dynamics shaping Sino-Indian relations and delves into the intricate strategies employed by China in its negotiations with India. The author is former Foreign Secretary of India (2018-2020) and previously served as the Ambassador to China alongside Malaysia and Germany. He is renowned for his expertise in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Chinese politics and diplomacy. He has authored insightful books on China, notably, Tiananmen Square: The Making of a Protest (2021), After Tiananmen: […]
- [Voices from the Grassroots](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/voices-from-the-grassroots/): Book Review by Ms. Seena Mary Thankachan, Policy Research Associate, PIC Voices from the Grassroots by Dr. R Balasubramaniam is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the intricate tapestry of Indian society, woven with threads of economic, societal, and spiritual dimensions. The book’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to capture the pulse of the common people, shedding light on the stark disparities between the so-called “qualified” and the disadvantaged in the remote corners of the Indian subcontinent. A respected development activist, leadership trainer, thinker and writer of the best-selling book i, the citizen, Dr. Balasubramaniam has studied and taught at the […]
- [Power and Progress – Our 1000-year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/power-and-progress-our-1000-year-struggle-over-technology-and-prosperity/): “…To the best of our knowledge, how political and social power shape technological choices, and how institutions and technology choices together determine how much owners of capital, entrepreneurs, and workers of different skill levels benefit from new production methods, are original to this book. Using this framework, we reinterpret the major economic developments of the last thousand years…” (p. 431). “…..our book argues that the main issue is the redirection of technological change away from a singular focus on automation and data collection, toward a more balanced portfolio of new innovations…” (p. 432). Supporting the fundamental approach as illustrated above, […]
- [Mounting debt burden is cause for worry](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/mounting-debt-burden-is-cause-for-worry/): Ajit Ranade, December 27, 2023 The government has firmly rebuffed this warning, saying that India’s debt ratio has actually declined from 88 per cent to 81per cent in the past two years. And the Union government is determined to bring the fiscal deficit down to 4.5 per cent in the next two years. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.
- [The forces reshaping banking](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-forces-reshaping-banking/): Ajay Shah, Business Standard, December 25, 2023 In advanced economies, banking is changing. At first, there was `the fintech revolution’. Now, we have seen the loss of stability of bank liabilities through electronic payments. The third problem is the possibilities for important trusted tech-intensive consumer-facing firms to replace banks. Indian financial system has largely held these elements at bay. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.  
- [Evergreening of loans still remains a bane of banking](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/evergreening-of-loans-still-remains-a-bane-of-banking/): Ajit Ranade, Mint, December 20, 2023 Plug one route and another is found. RBI’s caution on the dealings of lenders with AIFs is justified. The risks of ever more creative devices used for debt renewal demand close regulatory oversight. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.
- [Vast profits for unpleasant people?](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/vast-profits-for-unpleasant-people/): Ajay Shah, Business Standard, December 11, 2023 If you were a bad actor, is it efficient to layer position taking on derivatives markets on top of a military or terrorist surprise? CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.
- [Marginlands: Indian Landscapes on the Brink](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/marginlands-indian-landscapes-on-the-brink/): Marginlands: Indian Landscapes on the Brink, by Arati Kumar-Rao, is a passionate environmentalist’s account of her journeys across India’s diverse landscapes for over a decade, and of the “slow violence” inflicted on the fragile environment and its impact on livelihoods. Combining journalistic reporting and storytelling, the five-part book narrates stories from Rajasthan’s Thar desert, to the Gangetic plains and the Sunderbans, India’s western coastline, and Ladakh in the Himalayas. The book opens with black-and-white sketches of a river system and a shoreline at early dawn with beached catamarans and fisher folk solemnly walking home with their catch. Arati uses many […]
- [The policy questions around airlines](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-policy-questions-around-airlines/): Ajay Shah, Business Standard, November 27, 2023 The airline industry has emerged as an important new feature of the Indian economy. The conceptual machinery of market failure and lowest cost intervention guides us on thinking about policy problems and solutions. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.  
- [Free grains, election promises, market distortions](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/free-grains-election-promises-market-distortions/): Ajit Ranade, Deccan Herald, November 14, 2023 After extending PMGKAY, several times in four phases, the government decided to discontinue the additional component, and now gives only the component guaranteed by the NFSA law. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.
- [The Old Pension Scheme wildfire should be stopped before it is too late](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-old-pension-scheme-wildfire-should-be-stopped-before-it-is-too-late/): Ajit Ranade, Mint, November 8, 2023 India’s ageing is rapid and we will need a fully-funded pension system with wide coverage that ensures social security for all the elderly. For that, the OPS ghost must be banished. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.
- [Missing in Action: Why you should care about public policy](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/missing-in-action-why-you-should-care-about-public-policy/): Title: Missing in Action: Why you should care about public policy Authors: Pranay Kotasthane and Raghu S. Jaitley Pages: 342 Price: Rs. 399 Publishers: Penguin The lives of citizens are governed by State policies and therefore it is extremely important to understand all aspects of policy making. Policies in a democracy are made by the elected representatives of the people and administered by the executive. The success of policies plays a very important role in the success of nations and therefore understanding policy making is especially important for students of political science and those of us associated with think tanks. […]
- [Israel’s Focus On Hamas Won’t Solve The Palestinian Crisis](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/israels-focus-on-hamas-wont-solve-the-palestinian-crisis/): Abhay Vaidya, Free Press Journal, October 29, 2023 The world must stand up against terrorism. However, violence by Hamas is the result of the denial of statehood and dignity to Palestine. Click here to read the article.  
- [Improve nutrition delivery and don’t bristle at low rank](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/improve-nutrition-delivery-and-dont-bristle-at-low-rank/): Ajit Ranade, Mint, October 18, 2023 We should look at the insight that emerges from the hunger index rather than assign motives Click here to read more.
- [Surging global military production](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/surging-global-military-production/): Ajay Shah, Business Standard, October 15, 2023 The expected Israeli actions in Gaza, layered on top of the war in Ukraine, have given an emphasis on military production in the global discourse. Click here to read the article.
- [The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable, by Amitav Ghosh](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-great-derangement-climate-change-and-the-unthinkable-by-amitav-ghosh/): Book Summary by Ms. Sanika Potnis, Research Assistant, PIC-EECC In the aptly titled non-fiction book The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable, Amitav Ghosh raises an alarm about the violence and scale of the climate crisis. The author, best known for his work in fiction, departs from his literary path to address the invisible yet potentially “life-changing threat” of climate change. He explores the profound disconnect between the urgency of climate action and society’s collective inability to grasp its implications. To sound the alarm about the climate crisis, he asks if this era “will come to be known as […]
- [Former PM Manmohan Singh at 91: An inspiring life](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/former-pm-manmohan-singh-at-91-an-inspiring-life/): Ajit Ranade, Mint, 28 September 2023 Singh has been inspirational in various roles as an economist, teacher and bureaucrat, though history will likely focus on India’s 1991 reforms as much as his shift in approach as prime minister. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.  
- [The tumble in India’s savings rate needs to be reversed](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-tumble-in-indias-savings-rate-needs-to-be-reversed/): Ajit Ranade, Mint, 20 September 2023 We need the old formula of fiscal discipline, an inflation vigil, sensible lending and overall macro stability. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE  
- [The Next Big Thing](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-next-big-thing/): Gautam Bambawale, The Times Of India, 11 September 2023 India did well to deliver consensus in the G20 leaders’ declaration. The summit’s organisational success shows the country has the capacity to host prestigious events like the Olympics. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [India’s Strategic Culture: The Making Of National Security Policy, by Shrikant Paranjpe](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/indias-strategic-culture-the-making-of-national-security-policy-by-shrikant-paranjpe/): Book summary by Ms. Koena Lahiri, Policy Research Associate, PIC India’s Strategic Culture: The Making of National Security Policy by Shrikant Paranjpe is a comprehensive exploration of India’s strategic culture and how it has evolved over time. This summary will provide an overview of the key themes and chapters in the book. The book begins by defining national security as the protection of core values through the use of national power. It emphasises that if a nation can safeguard its legitimate national interests without having to sacrifice them to avoid war, and it maintains these interests even if it must […]
- [India founded BRICS. It should not disengage from the key grouping](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/india-founded-brics-it-should-not-disengage-from-the-key-grouping/): by Amb. Gautam Bambawale & Koena Lahiri, Hindustan Times, 29 August 2023   CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [What Is The Message From ISRO For Dalits, Muslims & Rest Of Us?](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/what-is-the-message-from-isro-for-dalits-muslims-rest-of-us/): Abhay Vaidya, Free Press Journal, 28 August 2023 ISRO’s achievement is symbolic of India’s can-do spirit. Now is the time for Hindus, Muslims and others to come together and take education and employment for the masses to the next level CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [Growth and the tier 2 city](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/growth-and-the-tier-2-city/): Ejaz Ghani, Indian Express, 25 August 2023 India’s infrastructure investments have led to lopsided spatial development that has slowed job creation CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [The promise of our goods and services tax is unfulfilled](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-promise-of-our-goods-and-services-tax-is-unfulfilled/): Ajit Ranade, Mint, 23 August 2023 Multiple rates, exemptions and patchy coverage have kept this tax reform from realizing its full potential CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [Govt does not allow farmers to profit](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/govt-does-not-allow-farmers-to-profit/): Ajit Ranade, Deccan Herald, 23 August 2023 Does the Centre’s imposition of 40% export duty and the announcement to procure additional two lakh tonnes of onions smack of interfering with the market mechanism? CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [Rethinking the IIT entrance process](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/rethinking-the-iit-entrance-process/): Nitin Pai and Ajay Shah, Business Standard, 21 August 2023 The IIT JEE is revered as the arbiter of merit. With industrialised coaching classes, it is less clear that the JEE selects the right people to attend IIT CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [Import licence for laptops is regressive policy](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/import-licence-for-laptops-is-regressive-policy/): Ajit Ranade, Deccan Herald, 10 August 2023 By delicensing, the reform took away the power of the bureaucrat to decide who would produce how much and where. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [Import licensing on its own is not an industrial policy](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/import-licensing-on-its-own-is-not-an-industrial-policy/): Ajit Ranade, Mint, 8 August 2023 The use of such licences is hard to justify even if government props for some industries may work out well CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
- [Why gig work matters](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/why-gig-work-matters/): Ajay Shah and Maitreesh Ghatak, Business Standard, 7 August 2023 Gig work is an important new phenomenon in the urban labour market CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE 
- [All Roads Lead North: Nepal's Turn To China ](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/all-roads-lead-north-nepals-turn-to-china/): Book Summary by Arjun Athalye, Research Intern, PIC All Roads Lead North: Nepal’s Turn to China is the first book written by Amish Raj Mulmi from Pokhara, Nepal. He has written about Nepal before, and his writings have been published in Al Jazeera, Roads and Kingdoms, Himal Southasian, India Today, The Kathmandu Post, and The Record. Amish is consulting editor at Writer’s Side Literary Agency. The book is about Nepal’s diplomatic and economic turn towards China recently.  It has been endorsed by Ranjit Rae of Biblio, Shyam Saran of the Business Standard, Srinath Raghavan (author of The Most Dangerous Place: […]
- [The India Way: Strategies For An Uncertain World, by S Jaishankar](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-india-way-strategies-for-an-uncertain-world-by-s-jaishankar/): Book Summary by Krishna Kaushal Shreedharan, Research Intern, PIC The general global geo-strategic matrix has changed due to the rise of Asia, USSR’s breakdown and Russia’s rebirth, Africa’s economic potential and America gradually losing its footing as the world hegemon. The seismic shift in technology and politics has made it so that power must now take into account cyber, digital and physical connectedness as well as technological research and development, in addition to ‘hard’ military and economic capabilities. In this backdrop, S Jaishankar, the author and India’s Minister of External Affairs, provides readers insights into how New Delhi formulates its foreign […]
- [The Climate Solution: India's Climate Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-climate-solution-indias-climate-change-crisis-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/): Book Summary by Pradeep Nair The Climate Solution: India’s Climate Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It “It was a dusty morning in Hyderabad in April 2016,” the author narrates in Chapter 4 of The Climate Solution. On that hot summer day, a construction worker prepares to go to work as usual. The Andhra Pradesh government had issued an advisory asking people to stay indoors. “If we don’t work, we can’t earn our living,” the worker tells a TV channel, and starts his auto to begin the day. Lessthan twelve hours later, he was dead, unable to cope […]
- [Unmasking Indian Secularism: Why We Need A New Hindu-Muslim Deal](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/unmasking-indian-secularism-why-we-need-a-new-hindu-muslim-deal/): Book Review by Abhay Vaidya and Praneet Shukla Seventy-five years after Independence, the need for an efficient, world-class judiciary and a trustworthy law enforcement machinery has acquired paramount importance for a nation like India, far more than ever before. The time has come for us Indians to focus our energies on giving ourselves these institutions in the true spirit of social harmony [sab ka saath, sab ka vikas (together with all, development for all)]. Our efforts in this direction could not only strengthen and uplift the national spirit but also help in employment generation and economic growth. A world-class judiciary, a trustworthy […]
- [India’s Tipping Point: The View From 7 Race Course Road](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/indias-tipping-point-the-view-from-7-race-course-road/): Book Review by Abhay Vaidya “Was the prime minister sleeping when the Babri Masjid was being demolished?” One of the most gripping chapters in the book under discussion begins with this piece of gossip as it goes on to present a graphic account of the then Prime Minister Mr P V Narasimha Rao’s deep engagement in dealing with the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi crisis of 1992. The common perception of the reasons for Mr Rao’s failure to prevent the demolition are, however, far removed from the reality of what actually was going on in the Rao PMO. S Narendra, the author […]
- [India’s Pathways to Success](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/indias-pathways-to-success/): Book Summary By Chandran Iyer This book is a must not only for the policymakers of India but everyone who is keen to see India on a growth trajectory. Where does India stand today economically socially and politically 75 years after Independence? Where should it aspire to go from here in the next 25 years as it touches the milestone of 100 years of Independence in 2047? The book INDIA’S PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS: ‘Winning in the Next Decade’ edited by Ganesh Natarajan and Ejaz Ghani gives a roadmap for India’s growth. This book has well-researched essays from stalwarts such as […]
- [Rising to the China Challenge](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/rising-to-the-china-challenge/): Book Summary By Chandran Iyer It is an open secret that the relationship between India and China is as volatile as high-octane fuel.  The two world powers are facing off against each other along their disputed border in the Himalayan region and sparks keep flying on and off. Though the two countries have fought only one war, in 1962, there have been frequent incursions and attempts to grab the Indian territory. How one controls the fire-breathing dragon is a big issue for India.  A book by Pune International Centre Rising to China Challenge, Winning Through Strategic Patience and Economic Growth […]
- [Partitioned Freedom](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/partitioned-freedom-2/): Book Summary by Abhay Vaidya, Director, PIC The partition of India in 1947 resulting in the horrific communal violence that engulfed the subcontinent is undoubtedly one of the greatest tragedies of human history. An estimated one million people were butchered and millions of lives destroyed in the Hindu-Muslim communal violence across the country in 1946-47 as Pakistan was hastily carved out of India by the British colonial power. While innumerable books have been written on the partition of India, the senior RSS leader Ram Madhav focuses his book on the political events that sharpened the Hindu-Muslim divide in the lasts […]
- [Partitioned Freedom](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/partitioned-freedom/): Book Summary by Abhay Vaidya, Director, PIC The partition of India in 1947 resulting in the horrific communal violence that engulfed the subcontinent is undoubtedly one of the greatest tragedies of human history. An estimated one million people were butchered and millions of lives destroyed in the Hindu-Muslim communal violence across the country in 1946-47 as Pakistan was hastily carved out of India by the British colonial power. While innumerable books have been written on the partition of India, the senior RSS leader Ram Madhav focuses his book on the political events that sharpened the Hindu-Muslim divide in the lasts […]
- [December 2022 Newsletter](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/december-2022-newsletter/)
- [Braving a Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story ](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/braving-a-viral-storm-indias-covid-19-vaccine-story/): Book Summary by Mr. Chandran Iyer Reality is stranger than fiction. This old adage was again proved right when the entire world was in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. What happened, in reality, had a chilling resemblance to what was depicted in the 2011 American medical thriller film Contagion, directed by Steven Soderbergh. The plot of the movie Contagion concerns the spread of a highly contagious virus transmitted by respiratory droplets and fomites, attempts by medical researchers and public health officials to identify and contain the disease, and the loss of social order as the virus turns into a worldwide pandemic. Braving […]
- [Economic Sutra: Ancient Indian Antecedents to Economic Thought](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/economic-sutra-ancient-indian-antecedents-to-economic-thought/): Book Summary by Ms. Aishwarya Nagar, Research intern, PIC Professor at IIM, Ahmedabad and Member, PIC, Prof. Satish Y Deodhar’s Economic Sutra: Ancient Indian Antecedents to Economic Theory offers a thorough view of the aspects of Indian economic thought preceding and following the Arthashastra. The book spans the era from the Saraswati-Sindhu civilisation around 2500 BCE to the early mediaeval period, when the West Asian expedition into India began, in about the 11th century CE. The author says this book was necessary because Arthashastra is recognised as a stand-alone work in most studies of economic thinking. Furthermore, these analyses do not speculate on […]
- [Social Entrepreneurship In India: Quarter Idealism And A Pound of Pragmatism](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/social-entrepreneurship-in-india-quarter-idealism-and-a-pound-of-pragmatism/): Book Summary by Mr. Pradeep Nair, Sr. Editor, PIC Entrepreneurship in the general, commercial sense is defined as the ‘activity of making money by starting or running businesses.’ Social entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is a popular term that has evaded definition. Often misunderstood as not-for-profit ventures, the term gets closest to its definition in Madhukar Shukla’s book, Social Entrepreneurship In India: Quarter Idealism And A Pound Of Pragmatism. With a Master’s in Psychology (Lucknow University), and PhD from IIT, Kanpur, Shukla is Chairperson, Fr Arrupe Centre for Ecology & Sustainability, and Professor, Strategic Management and OB, XLRI Jamshedpur, India. […]
- [SOUTH CHINA SEA: Territorial Claims and Disputes](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/south-china-sea-territorial-claims-and-disputes/): Book Summary by Hitendra Boradey, Research Intern, PIC South China Sea: Territorial Claims and Disputes has chapters authored by 17 scholars from various universities who elaborate on the South China Sea (SCS) region, its importance in terms of economy, trade, energy, and the conflicts in the region, particularly the competing territorial claims involving powerful nations, littoral states, and the many small islands. It is no wonder that with its rich resources, overlapping economic zones and significance as a trade route for movement of goods from the east to the west of the globe, the region has attracted global attention. Nations […]
- [The Third Pillar: How Markets and the State Leave the Community Behind](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-third-pillar-how-markets-and-the-state-leave-the-community-behind/): Book Summary by: Abhinandan Srivastava, Research Intern, PIC, and student, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. Recent years have seen unprecedented economic growth. While nations’ wealth is growing, inequality is rising as well. Why? How can it be fixed? This is where Dr. Raghuram Rajan, the eminent economist and former Governor, Reserve Bank of India,  comes in. He argues that the economy is based not only on two pillars, namely, markets and government, but also on a third pillar, communities. For far too long, this pillar has been neglected, resulting in social issues. Through history, these three pillars have waxed […]
- [The Comrades and the Mullahs: China, Afghanistan and the New Asian](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-comrades-and-the-mullahs-china-afghanistan-and-the-new-asian/): Book summary by Shweta Suryawanshi, Research Analyst, PIC. The question that motivated journalists Ananth Krishnan and Stanly Johny to write this book is, “What will the 21st century rivalry between the US and China mean for Afghanistan?” The book opens with a description of a famous oil on canvas by Elizabeth Butler. It depicts an exhausted William Brydon, the lone survivor of the Anglo-Afghan war (1842) entering Kabul on horseback. In the 19th century, British and Russian forces sought control over Afghanistan. In the next century, Afghanistan was caught between the USA and the former Soviet Union. In 10 chapters, the authors […]
- [Fossil Free: Reimagining Clean Energy in a Carbon Constrained World](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/fossil-free-reimagining-clean-energy-in-a-carbon-constrained-world/): Book summary by Preeti Ahluwalia, Research Intern, EECC Prospects and pitfalls for India’s race to renewables Energy use and economic growth are inextricably linked. The global climate challenge cannot be addressed without moving from “coal” to “clean” energy. Sumant Sinha, founder of India’s biggest renewable energy company, ReNew Power, provides an optimistic yet grounded picture of India’s renewable energy scenario. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities for the Indian renewable energy sector in the future. The first and second Industrial Revolutions are the cause of our collective prosperity as well as today’s climate crisis. This prosperity was achieved by […]
- [Social Entrepreneurs must create a great Customer Experience to succeed](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/social-entrepreneurs-must-create-a-great-customer-experience-to-succeed/): In this blog we will talk about just two aspects of this very vast and important subject of Customer Experience. But first we must start with what is Customer Experience. While there are many definitions, the one which we think is simple and meaningful is: Customer experience (CX) is the “cumulative impact of multiple touchpoints” over the course of a customer’s interaction with a brand and/or an organization. (Forbes) Let’s understand this in more detail. Suppose we take a hypothetical case of a physical product and map out the possible touchpoints. While we have taken the example of a product […]
- [India Misinformed: The True Story by Pratik Sinha, Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh and Arjun Sidharth](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/india-misinformed-the-true-storyby-pratik-sinha-dr-sumaiya-shaikh-and-arjun-sidharth/): Book summarised by Preshit Parihar, Research Assistant, PIC, May 2022 The dynamics of misinformation and fake news and its devastating impact on society have been presented in the book ‘India Misinformed: The True Story.’ The authors Pratik Sinha, Dr. Sumaiya Shaikh, Arjun Sidharth and other contributors are co-founders and writers at Alt News, a fact-checking website “that is committed to debunking misinformation, disinformation and mal-information that we encounter on a daily basis on social media as well as mainstream media.” While Sinha has previously worked as a software engineer in India, US and Vietnam, specializing in embedded systems and wireless technologies, Dr. […]
- [The Cases that India Forgot – By Chintan Chandrachud](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book-review-the-cases-that-india-forgot-by-chintan-chandrachud-by-mr-abhay-vaidya-april-2022/): Book review by Abhay Vaidya, Director, PIC The Judiciary is one of the four pillars of the great Indian Democracy along with the Executive, Legislature and the Press. It is a moot questions whether India can meet her destiny without these four pillars functioning diligently and delivering on their promised roles and responsibilities.Conscientious citizens who   contribute to nation building in their own ways need to understand these four pillars well to safeguard democracy. Understanding the intricacies of the judiciary is not easy for the lay person and it is in this respect that writers like Dr Chintan Chandrachud come to […]
- [A New Cold War: Henry Kissinger and the Rise of China](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/a-new-cold-war-henry-kissinger-and-the-rise-of-china/): Book Summary by Aditya Joshi, Research intern, PIC  Indians associate the year 1971 with the decisive Indo-Pak war which led to the birth of Bangladesh, altering the geo-politics of the subcontinent. However, the landmark, secret visit of the then US National Security Advisor, Dr. Henry Kissinger, to People’s Republic of China (PRC) in July, 1971, was an event of far greater significance in international affairs which not only changed the course of the Cold War, but also resulted in the present-day crisis between Xi’s China and the United States, under President Biden. This book is essentially a compilation of essays […]
- [Fund Raising for Social Entrepreneurs](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/fund-raising-for-social-entrepreneurs/): In this blog article we cover the topic of funding for social entrepreneurs — for-profit or non-profit —  addressing questions social entrepreneurs have, or should have, and point to typical fund raising pitfalls and best practices. Thinking about funding your social enterprise External funding is typically for the growth of the start-up, within their window of opportunity. Sometimes products have long gestation periods before they start generating revenue, for example developing a vaccine. In such cases of deep tech, funding is required much earlier to even build the product. In many cases investors could also benefit the start-up because of […]
- [Book Review for "Travels in Transoxiana-In Lands Over the Hindu-Kush and Across the Amy Daria"](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book-review-for-tata-stories-40-timeless-tales-to-inspire-you-duplicate-1/): Book reviewed by: Mr. Aditya Joshi, Intern, PIC It is no longer fashionable to use the term ‘Transoxiana,’ the ancient name referring to a region and civilization located in lower Central Asia roughly corresponding to modern-day Uzbekistan and parts of Tajikistan.Geographically, it is the region between the rivers Amu Darya to its south and the Syr Darya to its north. This land mass, situated beyond the river Oxus has however, not featured prominently on the tourist circuit and for obvious reasons! A long spell under the Soviet system took a heavy toll of its economy, institutions and the potential of […]
- [Book Review for "Tata Stories: 40 Timeless Tales to Inspire You"](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book-review-for-the-hundred-year-marathon-duplicate-1/): Book reviewed by: Mr C. Ravindranath, Senior Copy Editor, PIC The brand name ‘Tata’ is ubiquitous. It can be seen on trucks and tea-bags, steel and salt. Chronicling a journey of over 150 years, a journey that began with Jamsetji Tata, founder of what has now become a global conglomerate and a name to reckon with in diverse fields of enterprise. This eclectic compilation of 40 stories reflects the foresight, determination and perseverance of the Tata clan but above all, they also present those aspects of the Tatas that have been their hallmark – their altruism, social consciousness, patriotism and […]
- [Book Review for "The Hundred-Year Marathon"](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book-review-for-renaissance-state-the-unwritten-story-of-the-making-of-maharashtra-duplicate-1/): Book Reviewd by Mr Anil Supanekar, Member, PIC Rated as  #1 National Bestseller in 2015  by the Washington Post,  the Hundred-Year Marathon by Michael Pillsbury is a must-read for those who want to gain insights on China’s recent rise and the reasons behind it. In fact, the title says it all. Though the book debuted a few years ago, this subject has become more relevant today.Author Michael Pillsbury is an expert on Sino-American relations with his fluency in Mandarin and various influential positions that granted him access to China. His assignments included Director of the Centre on Chinese Strategy, Hudson […]
- [Book Review for "Renaissance State: The Unwritten Story of the Making Of Maharashtra"](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book-review-for-renaissance-state-the-unwritten-story-of-the-making-of-maharashtra/): Book reviewed by: Mr. Abhay Vaidya, Associate Director, PIC Girish Kuber’s Renaissance State: The Unwritten Story of the Making of Maharashtra begins with a dramatic revelation. The author quotes the eminent socialist leader late Madhu Dandavate and says that Dandavate could well have become the 8th Prime Minister of India instead of Chandra Shekhar who dislodged Prime Minister V.P. Singh. Dandavate told the author that this offer was first made to him by a section of the MPs from his party because of his clean, non-controversial image and his acceptability to all. When asked what went wrong, Dandavate said, ‘I simply refused,’ and […]
- [Book review for "I contain Multitudes : The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life"](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book-review-for-i-contain-multitudes-the-microbes-within-us-and-a-grander-view-of-life/): Book reviewed by: Mr Cherian Matthai, PIC Member The title of this book, taken originally from a poem by the great American poet, Walt Whitman (and also the title of a more recent Bob Dylan song) is a line that calls out the multiple paradoxes of the human condition. It has also become a phrase that has been used on social media recently to explain that there is nothing wrong with a contradictory stand or to be different from the crowd. Ed Yong, who is a London-based science journalist for The Atlantic, uses this phrase in a very different way to emphasize […]
- [What good are BITs? Payouts on account of BITs are like insurance payments that undergird foreign investment](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/what-good-are-bits-payouts-on-account-of-bits-are-like-insurance-payments-that-undergird-foreign-investment/):       Many of us in India are irritated when the country’s state agencies lose cases, and large penalties have to be paid on account of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). But from India’s viewpoint, it is efficient to enter into BITs. As India is at an early stage of development, foreign investors face a certain risk of expropriation, and BITs give them protection when such situations arise. We should view penalties paid on account of BITs as the occasional insurance-like payments that help energise large-scale foreign investment into India. It would be useful for the Indian state to harness lost BIT […]
- [Mentoring to let go](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/mentoring-to-let-go/): The previous two blogs talked about our experience in the areas of on-boarding and mentoring (http://puneinternationalcentre.org/mentoring-social-innovators-towards-sustainability/, http://puneinternationalcentre.org/scale-and-sustain/ ). Mentoring at NCSI is a finite programme. The intense weekly calls during the on-boarding and mentoring phase of six months comes to an end. But a strong relationship continues and the mentee’s journey is not over. It evolves to what we call the post mentoring phase. This article focusses on the post mentoring phase. After an entity that has been mentored into a steady state of being, it has to be supported to be a going concern. In the mentoring stage, the critical success […]
- [Scale and Sustain](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/scale-and-sustain/): In our first blog about Mentoring Social Innovators towards sustainability, we described how we on-board the innovators into the mentoring program and the pre-requisites for successful mentorship. This blog focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of mentoring to scale and sustain. The emphasis is on the mentoring and coaching part of the program and the key metrics that mentors and mentees should track for the success of the program. We also recount our experiences as mentors in working with over 40 social enterprises, what has worked and not worked in the past, so that this knowledge can be of use to others […]
- [The India – China Stand-off: Should India ever trust China?](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/the-india-china-stand-off-should-india-ever-trust-china/): The following are excerpts from the presentation by Lt. Gen. D. B. Shekatkar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (retd.) on The India – China Stand-off: Should India ever trust China? The presentation was delivered under the ‘PIC Adda’ series on the virtual platform on September 19, 2020. PIC Adda is a forum for exchange of ideas.) The current stand-off between India and China was sparked by the clash between Indian and Chinese troops on the banks of Pangong Tso on 5th May 2020. This clash had been preceded by a build-up of Chinese troops, munitions, and positions at various points along the Indo-Chinese border. Despite several rounds of […]
- [Mentoring Social Innovators towards sustainability](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/mentoring-social-innovators-towards-sustainability/): Pune International Centre Pune International Centre (PIC) is a leading think-tank established in 2011.  Its mission is to promote dialogue, conduct research and develop policy on societal matters.  To that end, PIC conducts a number of programs each month which include eminent speakers from the Government, Industry, Academics and Industry in various public domains such as Public Policy, Economics, and Social Development.  PIC also facilitates key initiatives such as Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) and the National Conference on Social Innovation (NCSI). Social Innovation at PIC PIC actively promotes the spirit of social innovation.  NCSI is the flagship event […]

## Pages

- [PALASH](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/palash/)
- [Mr. Hrishikesh Dhande](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/mr-hrishikesh-dhande/): Mr. Hrishikesh Dhande Hrishikesh Dhande is a seasoned technology and education leader with over 22 years of professional experience across global IT services, business leadership, and academia–industry collaboration. A Computer Science Engineer from MIT Pune, he most recently served as Region Head – Academic Alliances Group at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).In this leadership role, Hrishikesh provided strategic direction to large-scaleuniversity partnerships across India, driving initiatives focused on employability,digital skilling, faculty development, and innovation-led learning ecosystems.He played a pivotal role in aligning academic curricula with industry needs, enablingsustainable talent pipelines and long-term institutional partnerships. [expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Collapse”] Earlier in his career, he worked with […]
- [Mr. Dinanath Kholkar](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/mr-dinanath-kholkar/): Mr. Dinanath Kholkar Dinanath Kholkar (Dina) has had an illustrious global career of 34 years at Tata Consultancy Service (TCS), where he was part of the leadership team and managed a diverse set of business units. He was also the MD & CEO of TCS eServe, a subsidiary of TCS, which was recognised as a highly successful acquisition in the IT industry. With years of experience in setting up, growing and transforming IT businesses globally, he continues to mentor and guide CxOs and leaders. Post his corporate career, he has been an independent director and also a strategic advisor to […]
- [Previous Office Bearers](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/previous-office-bearers/): Previous Office Bearers Pune International Centre is led by a dedicated team of eminent individuals who bring their rich experience, strategic vision, and leadership to guide PIC’s mission of nation-building through research, dialogue, and collaboration. Mr. Prashant Girbane General Secretary & Trustee, PIC (Former Director, PIC – 2011-2021) Mr. Abhay Vaidya Former Director of PIC (2022 – 2024) Major General Nitin Gadkari (Retired) – 2025 (Former Director, PIC – 2025)
- [PIC-Home-3](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/pic-home-3/): Pune International CentreAn independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance.Know More Pune International CentreAn independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance.Know More Pune International CentreAn independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance.Know More Our Events Know More About Events At Pune International Centre Recent Events Upcoming Events Past Events 2025 Book Launch “I Am What I Am” & Discussion with Author Sunitha Krishnan March 26, 2025 2025 Hindustani Classical Music Performance by Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar 2025 CLIMATE EMERGENCY CONFERENCE About Pune International Centre Know More About Our Office Bearer Pune International […]
- [Annual Report](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/annual-report/): Download This Policy Paper Share this policy paper on:
- [Book Review](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book_review/): Policy Paper
- [Art & Culture](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/art-culture/): Art & Culture We believe in a space where the arts and culture transcend boundaries – a space that belongs to everyone fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, where art meets science, music with dance and theatre blends with visual arts. We are committed to inclusion and accessibility — welcoming people of all genders, social backgrounds, castes, and political beliefs. This is a space for the community, for public engagement that offers programs, workshops, performances and lecture demonstrations. We open our doors wide to children and schools, nurturing young minds and sparking curiosity through interconnected, thoughtfully designed experiences. Every program we host is […]
- [Science, Technology, and National Innovation Ecosystem](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/centre-for-sustainable-energy-mobility/science-technology-and-national-innovation-ecosystem/): People Working Under the Vertical Dinanath Kholkar, Convenor of Science, Technology, and National Innovation Ecosystem Dinanath (Dina) Kholkar is a Strategic Advisor, Board Member, and Professor of Practice at VJTI and COEP TU, with over 34 years of leadership experience at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). At TCS, he led large-scale digital transformation initiatives and strategic business units including Analytics & Insights (US$5B), Business Process Services (US$2B), and Partner Ecosystems & Alliances. He also served as CEO & MD of TCS eServe, recognized for successful acquisition integration. He is currently Chair of the IT/ITES Committee at MCCIA and leads the Science, […]
- [Terms and Conditions](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/terms-and-conditions/):   Welcome to puneinternationalcentre.org, the official website of Pune International Centre (PIC), located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use this website. 1. Use of the Website This website is intended to provide information about Pune International Centre’s events, publications, research, initiatives, and related activities. You may use this site for lawful and informational purposes only. You agree not to: Use the website for any unlawful purpose or in violation of […]
- [Video Gallery](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/video-gallery/): Featured Videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg_2G-aWkEohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGFNAlPu-sQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ATg1cBN8hR0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKkhPeG01ts&t=123shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfQ85oKGrzM&t=590s Conference on Climate Emergency
- [Major General Nitin Gadkari (Retired)](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/office-bearers/major-general-nitin-gadkari-retired/): Major General Nitin Gadkari (Retired) Director, Pune International Centre Maj Gen Nitin Gadkari has had a distinguished career for 37 years in the army. He retired in June 14 from the Army War College, Mhow. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in June 1977. He was part of the team which got trained on the BOFORS gun in Sweden and got the first gun to India. He was also part of the UN team which went into Iraq & Kuwait after the first Gulf war for enforcing and monitoring ceasefire on their border. He commanded an artillery Regiment […]
- [Mr. Prashant Girbane](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/office-bearers/mr-prashant-girbane/): Mr. Prashant Girbane General Secretary and Trustee, Pune International Centre Mr. Prashant Girbane is General Secretary and Trustee of Pune International Centre. He has 15+ years of experience. He has worked with multilateral agencies like United Nations Organisations, advised Commonwealth Secretariat. He has also worked with TATA Consultancy Services based out of London, UK with global responsibility. He is an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. He is also the Member Secretary of this advisory panel. Know More About Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar FRS; President, PIC Dr. Vijay Kelkar FNAE, Vice President, PIC Dr. Ravi Pandit Treasurer, PIC Mr. Prashant Girbane General […]
- [Dr. Ravi Pandit](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/office-bearers/dr-ravi-pandit/): Dr. Ravi Pandit Treasurer, Pune International Centre The Co-Founder and Chairman of KPIT Technologies Ltd, Mr. Ravi Pandit is a trustee at Pune International Centre. A former president of MCCIA (Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture), he also serves on the board of Finolex Cables Ltd. Mr. Pandit was a member of the Government of India’s Core Group on the Automotive Research Program Committee (CAR) and was on the Department of Technology’s Technology Development Board. [expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Collapse”] He is passionate about the environment, technology and social policy for a more sustainable world. He has co-authored the […]
- [Dr. Vijay Kelkar](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/office-bearers/dr-vijay-kelkar/): Dr. Vijay Kelkar FNAE, Vice President, Pune International Centre Dr. Vijay Kelkar is one of India’s most eminent economists and technocrats and a renowned public policy thought leader. He has served the Government of India in senior positions, including as Chairman, 13th Finance Commission (2007–10); Advisor to the Minister of Finance (2002–04); Finance Secretary (1998–99); and Secretary, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (1985–88). He has had a distinguished international career as Chairman, Forum of Federations, Ottawa (2010–13); Executive Director for IMF India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan (1999–2002); and Director and Coordinator, International Trade Division, UNCTAD (1991–1994). He […]
- [Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/office-bearers/dr-raghunath-a-mashelkar/): Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar FRS; President, Pune International Centre Dr. Raghunath Anant (Ramesh) Mashelkar, former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is a renowned figure in India’s scientific and industrial landscape. Leading the country’s largest research and development organisation from 1995 to 2006, he played a pivotal role in reshaping its focus from import substitution to a culture of patenting and consulting. His illustrious career began in pre- liberalised India, facing challenges that he overcame with his pioneering work in modelling and simulation, earning him the prestigious Bhatnagar prize (1982). Know More About Dr. Raghunath […]
- [PIC-Home-2](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/pic-home-2/): Pune International CentreAn independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance.Know More Pune International CentreAn independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance.Know More Pune International CentreAn independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance.Know More Our Events Know More About Events At Pune International Centre Recent Events Upcoming Events Past Events 2025 Book Launch “I Am What I Am” & Discussion with Author Sunitha Krishnan March 26, 2025 2025 Hindustani Classical Music Performance by Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar 2025 CLIMATE EMERGENCY CONFERENCE Our Verticals Social Innovation Lab Center for Geopolitics and Geo-Economics National Security […]
- [Our Verticals](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/our-verticals/): Social Innovation The Social Innovation Hub at PIC is dedicated to nurturing products and services that address unmet social and developmental needs. By fostering a robust innovation ecosystem, we not only create sustainable solutions but also generate employment opportunities and cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial spirit.We prioritize empowering communities, supporting local talent, and developing scalable solutions that effectively address the unique challenges within our environment.  load more Geopolitics and Geoeconomics The Center for Geopolitics and Geo-Economics Vertical of the Pune International Centre serves as a dynamic platform dedicated to facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and understanding among different stakeholders. load more Comprehensive National Security […]
- [About Us](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/): About Us Quick Links Aims and Objectives MOA Of PIC Facilities Collaborations Office Bearers About PIC Pune International Centre (PIC)A Hub for Thought Leadership and Innovation Pune has long been recognized as a city of learning, scholarship, and progressive thinking. With a rich legacy in art, culture, education, law, science, engineering, politics, trade, commerce, manufacturing, and knowledge-based services, Pune continues to be a hub of intellectual and professional excellence. Despite its wealth of thought leaders across various fields, the city lacked a dedicated platform for enlightened discussions, debates, and idea exchange—a space where great minds could collaborate on shaping the […]
- [Home](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/): Welcome to Pune International CentreAn independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance.Know More Inspiring Innovation, Shaping the FuturePune International Centre fosters thought leadership, policy research, and global collaborations for a better tomorrow.Know More Empowering Ideas, Enriching SocietyCommitted to social innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development through knowledge-sharing and strategic initiatives.Know More About Pune International Centre Know More About Our Office Bearer Pune International Centre (PIC) is an independent, multi-dimensional policy think tank promoting the values of the Indian Constitution and UN Charter. Its focus areas include National Security, Climate Change, Social Innovation, Science and Technology, Economic Reforms, […]
- [Newsletter](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/newsletter/): Newsletter JAN 2025 Read Now Newsletter JAN 2025 Read Now Newsletters October 2025 May 2025 April 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 DECEMBER 2024 NOVEMBER 2024 OCTOBER 2024 SEPTEMBER 2024 AUGUST 2024 JULY 2024 JUNE 2024 MAY 2024 APRIL 2024 MARCH 2024 FEBRUARY 2024 JANUARY 2024 DECEMBER 2023 NOVEMBER 2023 OCTOBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2023 AUGUST 2023 JULY 2023 JUNE 2023 MAY 2023 APRIL 2023 MARCH 2023 FEBRUARY 2023 JANUARY 2023
- [Copyright Policy](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/copyright-policy/)
- [Co-operative Federalism & Multilevel Governance](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/governance-urbanisation-and-economic-reforms-and-science-and-technology/): Know More People Working Under the Vertical Prof. Abhay Pethe Convenor of Federalism & Multilevel Governance In academia for over 40 years, Prof Abhay Pethe is currently Chairman of Academic Council of National Institute of Securities Markets. He is also special advisor to the VC of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) and a Senior Research Fellow at PIC. Previously, he was Senior Resident Fellow at Mumbai School of Economics and Public Policy (MSE-PP), University of Mumbai and Member of the Governing Board of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. He has worked as consultant and […]
- [National Security](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/national-security/): Visit Website Lt. Gen. Vinayak Patankar Convenor, Centre for National Security Studies Lt Gen Vinayak Patankar (Retd), PVSM, UYSM, VSM, is trustee, Pune International Centre, and Convener, Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS). A former General-Officer Commanding, 15 corps, Lt Gen Vinayak Gopal Patankar served the Indian Army for 40 years. During his four decades in the Indian Army, Lt. Gen VG Patankar held many important appointments including those in highly sensitive and active operational areas in the North-East and in J&K. An Army Aviation Pilot, Paratrooper and Gunner, he was Commander of the Vajra Division and has served as […]
- [Centre for Sustainable Energy & Mobility](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/centre-for-sustainable-energy-mobility/): Visit Website People Working Under the Vertical Dr. Ravi Pandit Convenor of Centre for Sustainable Energy & Mobility (CSEM); Treasurer, Pune International Centre The Co-Founder and Chairman of KPIT Technologies Ltd, Mr. Ravi Pandit is a trustee at Pune International Centre. A former president of MCCIA (Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture), he also serves on the board of Finolex Cables Ltd. Mr. Pandit was a member of the Government of India’s Core Group on the Automotive Research Program Committee (CAR) and was on the Department of Technology’s Technology Development Board. [expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Collapse”] He is passionate […]
- [Geopolitics and Geoeconomics](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/centre-for-geopolitics-and-geo-economics/): Visit Website Visit AED Website People Working Under the Vertical Amb. Gautam Bambawale Convenor, Geopolitics Amb. Gautam Bambawale was the former Ambassador of India to Bhutan and China and High Commissioner to Pakistan. He was a member of the Indian Foreign Service from 1984 to 2018. He was India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Pakistan and China. Bambawale was stationed in Washington DC in 2004-07 during the Indo-US nuclear deal, which transformed ties between the two countries. He has been India’s first Consul General in Guangzhou (China) 2007-09. [expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Collapse”] He was Director of the Indian Cultural Centre, Berlin, […]
- [Office Bearers](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/office-bearers/): Office Bearers Pune International Centre is led by a dedicated team of eminent individuals who bring their rich experience, strategic vision, and leadership to guide PIC’s mission of nation-building through research, dialogue, and collaboration. Dr. R. A. Mashelkar FRS; President, PIC Dr. Vijay Kelkar FNAE, Vice President, PIC Dr. Ravi Pandit Treasurer, PIC Mr. Prashant Girbane General Secretary & Trustee, PIC Mr. Dinanath Kholkar Director Know More About Pune International Centre About Us Collaborations Facilities Previous Office Bearers MOA
- [AED 2025 Research Fellowship - September 2024](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/aed-2025-research-fellowship-september-2024/): Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025 Research Fellowship Programme Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025 Research Fellowship Programme Pune International Centre (PIC) invites research scholars to apply for the AED 2025 Research Fellowship Programme. This programme offers an opportunity to work on research papers in the field of Geo-economics with some of the best minds in India. Students who have completed their Master’s or PhD in relevant disciplines are eligible to apply for this Fellowship. The duration of the Pune International Centre Fellowship 2024 is three months (October-December 2024). Applicants can participate in the Fellowship in person or remotely, although in-person attendance […]
- [PIC Publications Style Guide](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/pic-publications-style-guide/): Style Guide for Research/Policy Papers The updated norms are based on the UGC Guidelines [Letter No. – D.O.No.F.1-18/2010 (CPP-II), Dated- 6th August 2018 (www.ugc.ac.in.)]. Below are the details: Use MS Word 12-point Times New Roman font for main text. Headings/Subheadings: Use Bold. Capitalise First Letter of Each Word, except for Articles (a, an, the); short Prepositions (in, on, at…); and Conjunctions (and, for…). Alignment: Justified. Spacing: Space After: 2 | Line Spacing: 1.5 | Margins: 1 inch on top, bottom and both sides. References & In-text Citations: APA style https://apastyle.apa.org/ Avoid unnecessary/excessive formatting. Use Graphs/Tables/Charts/Diagrams containing data in EDITABLE format […]
- [PIC Research Fellowship Programme](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/pic-research-fellowship-programme/): PIC Research Fellowship Programme PIC Research Fellowship Programme Pune International Centre (PIC) wishes to invite bright young research scholars to apply to the PIC Research Fellowship Programme, which offers an opportunity to work on research papers in the field of Humanities with some of the best minds in India. Students who have completed their Master’s or PhD in relevant disciplines may apply for this Fellowship. The duration of the Pune International Centre Fellowship 2024 is three months, with the possibility of an extension of up to six months, as advised by the senior fellow. Applicants can attend the Fellowship in person or remotely, […]
- [Book Summaries](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/book-summaries/): Book Summary All Roads Lead North: Nepal’s Turn To China  Read More → The India Way: Strategies For An Uncertain World, by S Jaishankar Read More → The Climate Solution: India’s Climate Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It Read More → Unmasking Indian Secularism: Why We Need A New Hindu-Muslim Deal Read More → India’s Tipping Point: The View From 7 Race Course Road Read More → India’s Pathways to Success Read More → 1 2 3 4 Next » Brochure Policy Papers Innovating India – Public Policy Agenda Annual Reports Presentations NCSI Reports Books
- [Calendar of events](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/calendar-of-events/): Calendar of Events 2023-24 MONTH TIMING EVENT NAME SPEAKER VENUE JULY 2023 11, Tue. 6:00PM to 7:30PM PIC Lecture on ‘Indo-US Relations: A New Era of Partnership’ Amb. Navtej Sarna, former Indian Ambassador to the US; Mr. Vijay Gokhale, former Foreign Secy, GoI YASHADA (Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration), Baner Road, Pune, Maharashtra state, India 28, Fri. 2:30PM to 6:00PM (Joint Event) DASRA-PIC  Report launch Civil Society Organisation (CSO) @75 – India’s Million Missions Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), Pune AUG 2023 2, Wed. Joint event by Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) & PIC Mr. Montek Singh […]
- [Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Event](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/gen-bipin-rawat-memorial-event/): Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Event Seminar Transformation Imperatives for Indian Armed Forces Thursday, 8th December 2022 Command Hospital, Pune Synopsis On 8th December, HQ Southern Command and Pune International Centre (PIC) hosted the 1st Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Seminar on the topic, ‘Transformation Imperatives for Indian Armed Forces’ at the Charak Auditorium, Command Hospital, Pune Camp. The event was organised in memory of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces. Lt Gen Vinayak Patankar (Retd), Convener of PIC’s PDNS (Pune Dialogue on National Security), played a key role in conceptualising and organising the event. The seminar […]
- [Asia Economic Dialogue 2023​](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/asia-economic-dialogue-2023/): : : : Pune International Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, would like to invite you to register for the forthcoming international geo-economics conference, Asia Economic Dialogue 2023, scheduled on February 23, 24 and 25 (Thu-Fri-Sat). The theme for the conference is ‘Asia and the Emerging World Order’. The conference will discuss themes such as Global Growth Prospects, How the Global South Will Shape the G20 Agenda, the Metaverse: Understanding the Future, and Meeting Climate Targets: The Road Ahead. A number of eminent experts, policy makers and industry leaders from India, Brazil, USA, UK, South Africa, Bhutan, […]
- [7th Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS)](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/7th-pune-dialogue-on-national-security-pdns/): Event Synopsis, Videos and Photos India’s Security In A Changing World Order About The geo-political events over the past few years have influenced our thinking on how they may affect the world order. The outbreak of the pandemic occupied the global centre stage for nearly two years. Thereafter new crises have been developing in rapid succession. For India, the last year was dominated by the re-emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan and China’s aggressive moves at the line of actual control (LAC). This year has been marked by crises such as the Russo-Ukraine war, tension in the Taiwan Straits and, […]
- [NewHome](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/pune-international-centre/): AED 2024Dr. Vijay Kelkar, Amb. Gautam Bambawale, and Amb. Sudhir Devare at the Valedictory Session on ‘India in the Era of Flux’Know MoreAED 2024Amb. Gautam Bambawale, Amb. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Amb. Sewa Lamsal, and Amb. Masud Bin Momen at the Inaugural Session on ‘Promoting Economic Integration in South Asia’Know MoreAED 2024Address by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S JaishankarKnow MoreAED 2024Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar making the opening remarks at AED 2024Know MoreAED 2024About Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2024 Know MoreAED 2024About Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2024 Know MoreAED 2024About Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2024 Know MoreBook Discussion on Enabling Waste-to-Wealth and Circular EconomyClick HereGen Bipin Rawat Memorial Seminar 2023Know MoreGen Bipin […]
- [Symposium The Ukraine Crisis](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/symposium-the-ukraine-crisis/):   Takeaways Symposium The Ukraine Crisis: Challenges to India’s Foreign Policy  Monday, August 1, 2022, Pune Takeaways THE UKRAINE CRISIS : CHALLENGES TO INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY On August 1, 2022, Pune International Centre, Takshashila Institution and XKDR Forum jointly organised a day-long national symposium on The Ukraine Crisis: Challenges to India’s Foreign Policy.  This symposium was addressed by some of India’s best minds in foreign policy, defence, economics, technology and strategic affairs (see below forspeakers, agenda). It closely examined the many dimensions of the Russia-Ukraine war. Immensely tragic for the people directly affected, the war has upset the world order, put enormous stress on […]
- [Books](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/books/): Books Strategic Patience And Flexible Policies: How India Can Rise To The China Challenge” China’s confrontational stance, evidenced by the incidents at Doklam and Ladakh, indicate the necessity to shift from our old framework advocating deep engagement with China, ignoring unresolved border issues. China being significantly ahead of India in many respects, we must find a way to navigate through these troubled waters. Our response should be a well-thought, long-term strategic plan that will seek to harmonise relations without compromising our economic, socio-political and military interests. The authors have laid out a road map towards this end, based on their […]
- [Innovating India – Public Policy Agenda](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/publication/pic-policy-papers/innovating-india-public-policy-agenda/): Innovating India – Public Policy Agenda Brochure Policy Papers Innovating India – Public Policy Agenda Annual Reports Presentations NCSI Reports Books
- [Become a Member](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/become-a-member/): Become a Member of Pune International Centre Pune International Centre (PIC) invites individuals, institutions, and corporations to become part of a prestigious platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and nation-building. Our members are the driving force behind PIC’s mission to foster informed public discourse and actionable research across social, economic, and strategic sectors. Interested in becoming aLife Member of PIC? We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds—including academia, industry, science, governance, and the arts—to apply for Life Membership. Download Life Membership Form View Fee Structure Trustees Honorary Members Founding Members Life Members Institutional Members Corporate Members Become a Member For queries related to […]
- [Sub Committees](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/sub-committees/): Sub Committees File could not be opened. Check the file’s permissions to make sure it’s readable by your server. Membership Commitment Amit Paranjape Anu Aga-Chairperson Mukesh Malhotra Narendra Jadhav Padmini Sundaram Prabhakar Karandikar Phiroz Poonawala Suresh Pingale – Convenor Saif Dhorajiwala S.B.Mujumdar Vijay Bhatkar Finance Committee Vijay Kelkar – Chairperson Arpit Agarwal – Convenor Abhay Firodia Atul Kirloskar Baba Kalyani Naushad Forbes Pratap Pawar Ravi Pandit Satish Mehta Mohan Bhandari Shailesh Mehta Infrastructure Committee Arun Firodia – Chairperson Anil Supanekar – Convenor Ajit Nimbalkar Satish Magar Girish Kelkar Falguni Gokhale H R Gaikwad H R Gaikwad Pramod Chaudhari Mr. Pratap […]
- [Corporate Members](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/corporate-members/): Corporate of Pune International Centre Progressive companies that partner with Pune International Centre to promote innovation, policy research, and sustainable development through active engagement and thought leadership. Trustees Honorary Members Founding Members Life Members Institutional Members Corporate Members Become a Member
- [Institutional Members](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/institutional-members/): Institutional Members of Pune International Centre Leading organizations that support and strengthen Pune International Centre’s mission through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a shared vision for national and global development. Trustees Honorary Members Founding Members Life Members Institutional Members Corporate Members Become a Member
- [Life Members](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/life-members/): Life Members of Pune International Centre Our Life Members form the foundation of Pune International Centre’s vibrant intellectual and policy ecosystem. These distinguished individuals come from diverse sectors such as academia, public service, industry, defense, science, and the arts. United by a shared commitment to nation-building, their lifelong association enables us to pursue non-partisan research, drive impactful policy recommendations, and host thought-provoking public dialogues. Trustees Honorary Members Founding Members Life Members Institutional Members Corporate Members Become a Member
- [Honorary Members](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/honorary-members/): Honorary Members of Pune International Centre Our esteemed members who have made exceptional contributions to society and public life. Their association with Pune International Centre reflects our commitment to thought leadership, innovation, and nation-building. Trustees Honorary Members Founding Members Life Members Institutional Members Corporate Members Become a Member
- [Trustees](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/trustees/): Trustees of Pune International Centre Pune International Centre is guided by a distinguished Board of Trustees comprising thought leaders, policy experts, academicians, diplomats, scientists, and industry pioneers. Their vision and experience help PIC fulfill its mission of nation-building through impactful dialogue and research. Trustees Honorary Members Founding Members Life Members Institutional Members Corporate Members Become a Member
- [Contact Us](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/contact-us/): Contact Us Get in Touch with Pune International Centre (PIC) Office HoursMonday to Saturday : 10 am to 6 pm (IST) Phone 020-6906-1554 Email prog.officer@puneinternationalcentre.org Address S.no. 34/a, Behind Centre For Development Of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) , Mansarovar, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411 008. For inquiries, collaborations, or membership details, reach out to us via phone, email, or by filling out the Contact Form below. Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) Mr. Dinanath Kholkar Director director@puneinternationalcentre.org Mr. Hrishikesh Dhande Deputy Director +917722071001 dy.director@puneinternationalcentre.org Kiran Pardeshi +917722071001 cao@puneinternationalcentre.org National Security 020-6906-1534 prc02@puneinternationalcentre.org Mahesh Deodhar 020-6906-1526 csem@puneinternationalcentre.org Koena Lahiri 020-6906-1528 […]
- [NCSI Reports](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/publication/ncsi-reports/): NCSI Reports NCSI Report 2018 NCSI Report 2017 NCSI Report 2016 NCSI Report 2015 NCSI Report 2014 NCSI Report 2013 Brochure Policy Papers Innovating India – Public Policy Agenda Annual Reports Presentations NCSI Reports Books
- [Presentations](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/publication/presentations/): Presentations Brochure Policy Papers Innovating India – Public Policy Agenda Annual Reports Presentations NCSI Reports Books
- [Annual Reports](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/publication/annual-reports/)
- [PIC Policy Papers](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/publication/pic-policy-papers/): All 2012 2013 2014 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 C-SEM Centre for Federalism & Multilevel Governance Geopolitics Science and Technology SI Hub Geopolitics Unlocking Climate Finance: Overcoming Barriers to Private Investment in South Asia August 11, 2025 Science and Technology Designing Courses on Digital Public Infrastructure July 1, 2025 2025 Silicon Dilemma in High Technology Partnership: Navigating India-US Tech Diplomacy in a Three-Tiered Compute World April 21, 2025 2025 Impact of Modern School Education on ST Students: A Case Study in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in Palghar District, Maharashtra March 31, 2025 2025 India’s AI […]
- [PIC Brochure](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/publication/pic-brochure/): Brochure Brochure Policy Papers Innovating India – Public Policy Agenda Annual Reports Presentations NCSI Reports Books
- [Publications](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/publication/): Book Review Blogs The Silent Crisis in IITs: Addressing Student Suicides and Mental Health Read More AI for Digital Public Infrastructure: How to Transform Government Services with Artificial Intelligence, by Karl Mehta Read More The IP Blog: Navigating the Complexities of International Politics Read More Policy Papers Silicon Dilemma in High Technology Partnership: Navigating India-US Tech Diplomacy in a Three-Tiered Compute World Read More Impact of Modern School Education on ST Students: A Case Study in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in Palghar District, Maharashtra Read More India’s AI Transformation: Powering Development for a Billion+ Read More
- [Collaborations](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/collaborations/): Our Key Collaborators At Pune International Centre (PIC), we believe in fostering meaningful partnerships that drive intellectual growth and innovation. Our collaborations with leading institutions strengthen research, cultural exchange, and knowledge-sharing. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) National Film Archive of India (NFAI) Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co.Ltd.(MAHAVITARAN) Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM) Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co.Ltd.(MAHAVITARAN) Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC), India The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) Science and Technology Park Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration” (YASHADA) Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune Smart City Development Corporation […]
- [Facilities](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/facilities/): Facilities at Pune International Centre Pune International Centre (PIC) envisions a state-of-the-art campus designed to foster intellectual engagement, creativity, and collaboration. The planned infrastructure reflects our commitment to providing a serene and functional environment where ideas thrive and communities connect. Auditorium Amphitheater Conference rooms Library Art Gallery
- [MOA of PIC](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/about-us/moa-of-pic/): Aims and Objectives MOA of PIC Facilities Collaborations
- [Aims and Objectives](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/aims-and-objectives/): Aims and Objectives To create a platform for open discussion and for stimulating debates by mobilizing the intellectual resources with which the City of Pune is so richly endowed. To promote activities and programs with strong emphasis on involvement of youth so as to help build future leadership and to inspire a new generation to create positive social change based on the eternal human values enshrined in the UN Charter and the Indian Constitution. To undertake, organize and facilitate study courses, conferences, seminars, lectures in matters relating to all round socio-economic and cultural development of the city of Pune in […]
- [Home](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/home2/): Pune International Centre An independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance. READ MORE Pune International Centre An independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance. READ MORE Welcome Pune International Centre Pune International Centre Welcome . Our Flagship Programs Asia Economic Dialogue Pune International Centre (PIC) ideated its Seventh Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) conference to the theme, “India’s Security in a Changing World Order”. Pune Dialogue on National Security Pune International Centre (PIC) ideated its Seventh Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) conference to the theme, “India’s Security in a Changing World Order”. […]
- [Founding Members](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/founding-members/): Founding Members of Pune International Centre The Founding Members laid the cornerstone of Pune International Centre, bringing together visionaries dedicated to fostering dialogue, policy, and inclusive development. Trustees Honorary Members Founding Members Life Members Institutional Members Corporate Members Become a Member
- [Blogs](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/blogs/)
- [Social Innovation Hub](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/social-innovation-hub/): Visit SI Hub Website People Working Under the Vertical Mr. Prashant Girbane Convenor of Social Innovation Hub; General Secretary & Trustee, Pune International Centre Mr. Prashant Girbane is General Secretary and Trustee of Pune International Centre. He has 15+ years of experience. He has worked with multilateral agencies like United Nations Organisations, advised Commonwealth Secretariat. He has also worked with TATA Consultancy Services based out of London, UK with global responsibility. He is an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. He is also the Member Secretary of this advisory panel. Neeraj Thakur Head head-silab@puneinternationalcentre.org Swarali Gore Program Coordinator 7722071006 swarali.gore@puneinternationalcentre.org Prasad Walave […]
- [Research](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/research/)
- [Events](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/events/): Events at Pune International Centre All 2012 2013 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Upcoming Event All All 2012 2013 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Upcoming Event Feb05 PALASH – Music | Dialogues | Reflections Know More About Event→ Feb05 Through a Diplomat’s Lens: Capturing Momentous Times Know More About Event→ Feb03 Pune Kabir Festival Know More About Event→ Feb03 14 Jan 1761 – The Third Battle of Panipat Know More About Event→ Jan29 Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Madhav Gadgil (1942–2026) Know More About Event→ Jan14 A conversation on […]
- [Home-4](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/home-4/): Pune International Centre An independent think tank which deliberates on issues of national importance. READ MORE Our Event 2025 Book Launch “I Am What I Am” & Discussion with Author Sunitha Krishnan March 26, 2025 2025 Hindustani Classical Music Performance by Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar 2025 CLIMATE EMERGENCY CONFERENCE 2025 Book Launch “I Am What I Am” & Discussion with Author Sunitha Krishnan 1 2 3 Next » About Pune International Centre Know more about our office bearer Pune International Centre (PIC) is an independent, multi-faceted policy research think tank seeking to foster the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy Last updated: June 02, 2025 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning […]
- [Sample Page](https://puneinternationalcentre.org/sample-page/): This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I’m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin’ caught in the rain.) …or something like this: The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, […]


[comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)