Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS)
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2024-05)
Reporting Period: 2024-05
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Constitutional Values and Democratic Institutions
- Governance and Development
- Growth with Employment
- Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability
- India’s Place in the World
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Concerns about India's commitment to democratic principles, including silencing of critics in the media, arrests of dissenters, and allegations of authoritarian tendencies.
- Shrinking space for dissent and the government's sensitivity to international criticism.
- Concerns about misuse of counterterrorism laws, financial regulations, and other legislation to silence journalists, human rights defenders, activists, and government critics.
- Use of laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) to detain and prosecute individuals critical of the government.
- Politically motivated charges of sedition and terrorism against activists and opposition politicians.
- Allegations of India's involvement in the attempted assassination of Sikh secessionists.
Mitigation Strategies
- India has tried to defend its democratic credentials by dismissing allegations as politically motivated or necessary for national security.
- Initiatives to promote health services, educational and cultural exchange, and involve the Indian diaspora to bolster its global standing.
- Trade and investment pacts with countries like EFTA, demonstrating a commitment to labour, gender equality, human rights, environment and sustainable development.