Part 2 – Design of Digital Yuan – A Balance between State Control and Consumer Needs 

Part 2 – Design of Digital Yuan – A Balance between State Control and Consumer Needs 

Part 2 – Design of Digital Yuan – A Balance between State Control and Consumer Needs

By — Omkar Bhole;

As China will be the first major country to launch the CBDC, the design of Digital Yuan implemented by China can be a guide for many countries that are still behind China in terms of CBDC development. Hence, it is important to analyse the rationale behind China’s designing of Digital Yuan in a specific manner which will not only affect China’s domestic economic structure but also influence global economy as China aims to promote internationalisation of its currency through its digital currency in the future.

<strong>India and the Global Divide in Sanctions against Russian Oil </strong>

India and the Global Divide in Sanctions against Russian Oil 

India and the Global Divide in Sanctions against Russian Oil 

By — Ratish Mehta;

The price cap mechanism on Russia’s seaborne crude oil exports that took effect on December 5th 2022 has more or less brought to light the divide in the global north and south’s energy interests. On the one hand, western enforcers of the price cap comprising of the G7 countries and Australia have sought to limit Russian profits of war through a set of sanctions while on the other, countries from the global south see the embargo as detrimental to their vital energy security.

Part 1 – Digital Payments System in China – A Catalyst for Development of Digital Yuan 

Part 1 – Digital Payments System in China – A Catalyst for Development of Digital Yuan 

Part 1 – Digital Payments System in China – A Catalyst for Development of Digital Yuan 

By — Omkar Bhole;

This is the first in a new series on Digital Yuan.

In the past one decade, China has been rapidly transforming into a cashless economy Owing to China’s growing domestic consumption, digital payment systems like mobile payments and card transactions have made payment settlements more convenient for Chinese citizens. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic extensively stimulated digital payments, driven by social distancing policies adopted by governments across the world over the last two years.

India’s Global Role during its G20 Presidency

India’s Global Role during its G20 Presidency

India’s Global Role during its G20 Presidency

By — Ratish Mehta;

The 2022 Grouping of 20 (G20) Summit took place against the backdrop of turbulent global challenges. At the meeting in Bali, Indonesia, the members collectively concluded to confront the global challenges posed to energy and food security, amongst other measures. The Russian-Ukraine war also saw greater emphasis by member nations and found its way into the joint statement made by leaders at the end of the summit.

Xi’s Loyalists: A Breakdown of China’s New Leadership

Xi’s Loyalists: A Breakdown of China’s New Leadership

Xi’s Loyalists: A Breakdown of China’s New Leadership

By Rahul Karan Reddy and Omkar Bhole;

The Communist Party of China (CPC) unveiled its new Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) and Politburo (PB) on October 23rd, ushering in a highly anticipated and consequential leadership transition at the highest levels. Although it came as no surprise that Xi Jinping was reappointed as the General Secretary of the CPC, new appointments to the PSC and PB have confirmed his dominance in China’s elite politics.

Women in Chinese Politics after the 20th Party Congress

Women in Chinese Politics after the 20th Party Congress

Women in Chinese Politics after the 20th Party Congress

By — Ahana Roy;

Breaking away from custom of over two decades, the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) saw no Chinese women promoted to the Politburo. It was widely expected that Vice Premier Sun Chunlan would be replaced by a woman candidate; instead, only men have been promoted to top leadership positions.

China’s ‘New Era’ through the lens of 20th Party Congress Work Report

China’s ‘New Era’ through the lens of 20th Party Congress Work Report

China’s ‘New Era’ through the lens of 20th Party Congress Work Report

By — Rahul Karan Reddy and Omkar Bhole;

            Xi Jinping’s opening speech at the 20th Party Congress highlighted key achievements and challenges during the tenure of the 19th Party Congress. In combination with the detailed work report, Xi also revealed key drivers of China’s behaviour for the next few years. His speech at the 20th Party Congress has struck a different tone from the one he delivered at the 19th Party Congress.

The Role of Buddhist Diplomacy in India’s Soft Power Approach towards Asia’s Regional Connectivity

The Role of Buddhist Diplomacy in India’s Soft Power Approach towards Asia’s Regional Connectivity

The Role of Buddhist Diplomacy in India’s Soft Power Approach towards Asia’s Regional Connectivity

By — Ratish Mehta;

The Asian century, as deemed by many scholars and experts, is a pivotal period that shall define the upcoming years of global cooperative development. At the heart of these emerging times, is the Asian continent that is expected to dominate the arenas of the world through its economic, political and cultural superiority.

Anticipating Constitutional Amendments at the 20th Party Congress

Anticipating Constitutional Amendments at the 20th Party Congress

Anticipating Constitutional Amendments at the 20th Party Congress

By — Ahana Roy; 

All National Party Congresses in the past have brought about changes to the Constitution of the Communist Party of China (CPC). In the same vein, it is expected that the constitution will be revised in the 20th National Party Congress (NPC), in accordance with shifts in Party leadership as well as to further outline the path and goal of the Party.

The Return of Technocracy in CPC’s Elite Politics

The Return of Technocracy in CPC’s Elite Politics

The Return of Technocracy in CPC’s Elite Politics

By — Rahul Karan Reddy;

Technocrats are set to re-emerge as a defining feature of China’s top leadership in Xi Jinping’s third term. As per the (re)emerging trend of  “red and expert” (you hong you zhuan) from the Mao era, Party members with an education in STEM fields or social sciences, work experience in the private sector or State-owned enterprises (SOEs), sufficient provincial or national-level administrative experience, and a record of loyalty to the Party ‘core’ stand a stronger chance of making it to the 20th Central Committee (CC).

20th Party Congress and Women in China’s Elite Politics

20th Party Congress and Women in China’s Elite Politics

20th Party Congress and Women in China’s Elite Politics

By — Ahana Roy; 

Introduction
Women in China do not hold up “half the sky” yet. Since the reform and opening up policy was initiated in China, female participation in the labour force and other avenues of economic life has increased considerably.