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The document challenges the perception of Meghalaya as a peaceful state, identifying deep-seated ethnic tensions between Khasis, Garos, and non-tribal populations. It attributes these conflicts to ethnocentric politics, economic disparity—particularly in the underdeveloped Garo Hills—and disputes over government job quotas. While the government has implemented land transfer laws and development projects, and religious organizations have facilitated negotiations, the brief argues that these measures are often unsustainable or insufficient. It recommends moving away from monetary appeasement toward structural reforms, social auditing, and improved connectivity to the rest of India.

The document details CDKN's efforts in India to integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) with climate change adaptation (CCA), specifically through technical assistance to state governments and research on gender-responsive policies and resilient construction.

The report evaluates five brick-firing technologies: Fixed Chimney Bulls Trench Kiln (FCBTK), Zig-zag Kiln, Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK), Down-Draught Kiln (DDK), and Tunnel Kiln. VSBK is identified as the most energy-efficient and lowest emitting technology, while DDK is the least efficient. Zig-zag kilns are proposed as the most logical replacement for the prevalent FCBTKs due to lower investment costs and better performance. The study highlights significant barriers to modernization in India, including labor shortages, rising fuel costs, and land lease restrictions. It recommends a roadmap including the phase-out of FCBTKs by 2020, promotion of internal fuels through semi-mechanization, and the launch of a national brick development programme to improve profitability and working conditions.

The authors argue that famine mortality is a result of a political support maximization calculus where governments weigh the costs of action against the costs of inaction. While democracies generally have lower famine mortality than autocracies, the study finds that both regime types can experience famine deaths. The research demonstrates that international food aid is most effective at reducing mortality when a large share of the population is affected, and that democratic governments respond more elastically to this combination than autocratic ones, which are more likely to divert aid to a small elite.

The paper contends that genetic modification is an imprecise technology that creates unpredictable biological outcomes and potential health hazards, such as new allergens or toxins. It claims GM crops harm biodiversity, contaminate non-GM and organic farms, and result in lower yields and higher costs for farmers. Furthermore, it criticizes the consolidation of the seed market by a few biotechnology companies and the lack of corporate liability for environmental or health damages.

The India-UK partnership focuses on making Indian cities climate-smart by integrating climate risk data into urban planning and infrastructure. Key initiatives include the 'Future Proofing Indian Cities' programme, which assessed 59 cities for environmental risks, and the 'Disaster Proofing Indian Smart Cities' project, which provides guidance on the resilience of Digital Information Technology (DIT). The partnership has delivered specific action plans and investment strategies for cities such as Mysore, Madurai, Bangalore, Aluva, and Kolkata, while also supporting the development of national Heat Action Plans to combat increasing extreme heat waves.

The document details the India-UK Energy for Growth Partnership, focusing on four main areas of cooperation: capacity building for legislators, off-grid renewable ventures, the development of the offshore wind market, and the scaling of solar initiatives. It highlights the UK's role in providing technical advisory, financial modeling, and policy frameworks to help India reach its target of 175GW of renewable energy by 2022. Key efforts include the creation of the 'Renewable Energy Local Area Development toolkit' for legislators and the formulation of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy in 2016.

The document describes the methodology for the Indian States’ Electricity Transition analysis, which evaluates 16 states representing approximately 90% of India's annual power requirement. The analysis uses 17 parameters across four dimensions: Decarbonisation, Performance of the Power System, Readiness of the Power Ecosystem, and Policies and Political Commitments. Data for financial year 2021-22 was primarily sourced from government entities such as the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and NITI Aayog, then normalised and weighted by sectoral experts to produce state-wise scores.

The report evaluates 16 Indian states on their electricity transition across four dimensions: decarbonisation, power system performance, ecosystem readiness, and policy commitments. Karnataka is identified as the top performer across all dimensions, while states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are urged to ramp up efforts. The analysis highlights that many renewable-rich states have significant untapped potential and recommends improving data transparency, strengthening transmission infrastructure, and expanding green market mechanisms to accelerate the transition.