Vivekananda International Foundation

23/09/2026

Neighbourhood News Digest – 23 September 2026.
https://www.vifindia.org/2026/september/23/vif-neighbourhood-news-digest

23/09/2026

“Since almost every building cannot fail to meet at least one rule, safety inspections become something people fear rather than look forward to.”

Dr Amiya Chandra addresses the systemic causes behind recurring structural collapses in Delhi's urban villages and unauthorised colonies. The framework proposes decoupling safety checks from enforcement, introducing transaction-linked insurance, and establishing an independent safety registry.

23/09/2026

Africa’s critical-minerals opportunity goes beyond extraction. The real challenge is converting vast reserves of cobalt, copper, lithium and other strategic minerals into processing capacity, industrial value, jobs and development.

Dr Shambhavi Anand in latest commentary for , “Africa’s Critical Minerals: Beyond the Mine,” explores this opportunity and the scope for deeper India–Africa cooperation.

Africa is at the centre of a new global race for critical minerals. The transition to clean energy, the expansion of artificial intelligence and the growth of advanced manufacturing are increasing demand for minerals such as cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, graphite, nickel and rare earth element...

23/09/2026

22/09/2026

In the article, Prerna Gandhi argues the upcoming Trump–Xi summit is unlikely to resolve the underlying US–China rivalry, but could determine whether existing mechanisms for managing economic, technological and military competition become operational. Both sides have incentives to reduce escalation while preserving leverage, creating a framework of managed competition rather than reconciliation. For other major powers, particularly India, the challenge will be to preserve policy flexibility while retaining sufficient leverage to shape an environment increasingly influenced by Washington and Beijing.

Much is being discussed and written about China entering the forthcoming summit with the US with a stronger hand. In fact, US President Trump is reportedly expected to receive Chinese President Xi at the airport in an unexpected and highly symbolic gesture.[1] But while it makes for engaging visuals...

22/09/2026

“Today, as India is redefining its cultural consciousness, national identity, and global role, this book assumes special relevance.”

Mr. Nikhil Yadav reviews Nivedita Raghunath Bhide's book exploring the foundational values, continuity, and resilience of Indian civilisation. The piece outlines how addressing complex historical narratives and contemporary challenges equips the nation to fulfil its global responsibilities.

22/09/2026

Neighbourhood News Digest – 22 September 2026.
https://www.vifindia.org/2026/september/22/vif-neighbourhood-news-digest

22/09/2026

“The United Nations faces a striking paradox: it has never been more irrelevant since its founding, yet it has never been more necessary.”

Ms. Aparna Priyadarshini reviews Richard Falk and Hans von Sponeck's crucial work, dissecting the UN's structural paralysis and P5 veto dominance. The piece highlights practical avenues for democratising global governance, empowering the General Assembly, and establishing a humane, ecologically grounded international order.

22/09/2026

“Armed forces structured primarily for large-scale, conventional battles may be misaligned with the true nature of this modern conflict.”

Lt Gen (Dr) Rakesh Sharma (Retd.) reflects on the strategic takeaways from Operation Sindoor and contemporary stand-off warfare. He emphasises that continuous grey-zone competition requires integrating cyber, cognitive, and hybrid capabilities to construct a flexible national defence doctrine.



https://www.vifindia.org/article/2026/september/17/Will-the-Next-War-be-Like-the-Last-One

22/09/2026

“The metric of success is not just 'Made in India,' but 'Owned by India.' We are shifting the focus from Transfer of Technology... to Co-Development and Intellectual Property Ownership.”

Lt Gen (Dr) V K Saxena (Retd) evaluates the ten-year strategic roadmap for defence diplomacy released by the Raksha Mantri. The article highlights the crucial doctrinal shift towards sovereign Intellectual Property ownership, urging robust support for self-funded private domestic R&D to transform India into a global design powerhouse.