Atmospheric climate of a place or a region is the ‘weather’ averaged over large areas and periods, for (say) 20-30 years. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, cloudiness, winds, and pressure, all within a localised area. The long-term averaging of weather has led to certain climate phenomena being presented as trends,…
Sarojini Nagar is a popular flea market situated in the capital city of Delhi. It began with no more than 100 authorised shops and gradually expanded into the back lanes of the market as it gained popularity. It’s a cherished commercial hub for trendy clothes, handbags, cheap footwear, home decor, jewellery and more among Delhi…
Policy Brief and Report on our recent study on the Role of Panchayats in Climate Resilience in North-eastern India (August 2025) POLICY BRIEF Beyond Blueprints: Strengthening Gram Panchayats for Localised Climate Adaptation in Northeast India Report: Role of Panchayats in Climate Resilience in Northeast India, by Sana Khan
Northeast India, known for its ecological richness, diverse tribal cultures, and fragile terrain, is increasingly being identified as one of India’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Frequent floods, landslides, glacial melt, shifting monsoon patterns, and emerging drought-like conditions pose serious risks to lives and livelihoods. Yet, adaptation strategies in the region continue to be largely top-down, driven…
An inspiring narrative in India’s political discourse is the ascent of women leadership from panchayats – India’s foundational democratic institutions – into state legislatures and even the national parliament. Affirmative action through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act has opened a route for women leaders to rise up the political ladder from gram panchayats to higher…
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India gained constitutional recognition with the enactment of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, which came into effect on June 1, 1993. This reform was the urban counterpart to the 73rd Amendment Act that institutionalized Panchayati Raj in rural India. While April 24 is nationally celebrated as Panchayati Raj Day, marking…
The Seventy Third Constitutional Amendment Act (73rd CAA) of 1992 paved the way for modern Panchayati Raj Institutions in India. According to constitutional directives, each state had to enact their Conformity State Panchayati Raj Act within a year of the 73rd CAA’s enactment. Consequently, by 1994, all states enacted their State Panchayati Raj Acts for…
The Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) is expanding its pool of consultants for upcoming short-term and long-term assignments across India.
We invite applications from motivated junior and mid-level professionals who are passionate about development practice and public systems.
