Foundations for our own Campus

Recognising CUTS contribution to economic policy discourse in India and internationally, particularly in various parts of the developing world, in 2013, the State Government of Rajasthan allocated a 5,000 Sq. Mt. area of land at a concessional rate to CUTS to build its own campus. It is being replenished by small donations by CUTS staff, donors and Friends of CUTS all over the world, and thus, creating a better ownership for the CUTS Campus. This campus will house all head office staff and those of three Programme Centres based in Jaipur. It will also house the CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition.

CUTS@30: Better Governance for Inclusive Growth

To celebrate our 30th birthday CUTS has been organising a series of public lectures, by eminent friends around the world in cities where CUTS is well known. The lectures are contemporary issues related to its work agenda, such as trade, economic integration, consumer protection, competition etc. Lectures have been/will be organised in Kuala Lumpur, Jaipur, New Delhi, Geneva, London, Nairobi, Accra, Washington DC, New York, Islamabad, Kolkata, Canberra and Lusaka respectively. The aim of the lecture series is to address CUTS’ future interventions to promote inclusive growth from the point of view of their impact on consumer welfare in the light of contemporary policy discourse on trade, regulation and governance. CUTS aims to publish the lectures in a volume and produce a video tape of the same, at the mid-2014.

A Credible Southern Voice on the High Level Panel on Defining the Future of Trade

The Panel on ‘Defining the Future of Trade’ constituted by Pascal Lamy, WTO Director General in December 2013, released its Report entitled ‘The Future of Trade: The Challenges of Convergence (www.wto.org/english/)’, which examined and analysed challenges faced by global trading system in 21st century. CUTS, represented by its Secretary General Pradeep S Mehta, was a credible pro-trade, pro-equity Southern NGO voice on this panel that contributed to its richness.

A Indian PAN-African NGO: CUTS@Accra

CUTS inaugurated the Accra Centre on August 26, 2013, under the graceful presence of Hannah Tetteh, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, Ghana. This will be third CUTS centre in Africa after Lusaka and Nairobi and the fifth overseas centre. This inauguration also coincided with CUTS’ 30th Anniversary lecture in Accra, on the topic “Regional Integration as a Tool for Poverty Reduction in West Africa”. Through this new centre, CUTS will continue its efforts towards accomplishing CUTS’ vision of ‘consumer sovereignty in the framework of social justice and economic equality and environmental necessity, within and across borders.

CLIMATE, FOOD, TRADE: Improving Policy Coherence in East Africa

Climate change is affecting the lives of people around the world in an unprecedented manner. Our project entitled, “Promoting Agriculture-Climate-Trade linkages in the EAC” (PACT EAC), supported by SIDA, has strived to help East African stakeholders better understand and address the need for coherent policies at the interplay between climate, food and trade issues. In 2013, an impact evaluation revealed that the project has already influenced a number of policy responses with linkages aspects now being reflected in the draft Kenya Environmental Policy, the new draft Agricultural Policy of Tanzania, and a potential review of the genetically modified organism (GMO) policy at the Vice Presidents’ Office in Tanzania.

Promoting Trade and Standardisation in Southeast Asia

Trade and standards are a hot topic in the global trading system. As a partner organisation specifically for the Southeast Asia region in the SIDA-supported “Trade Promotion through Standardisation in the South and Southeast Asia (SESA) regions” programme, CUTS Hanoi helped to link the main themes of the programme, which are standards and standardisation, to the broader policy levels of trade promotion, consumer protection, regional integration and sustainable development, by engaging stakeholders – which are CUTS core competencies.

Amongst the Top Think-Tanks in Zambia

CUTS International Lusaka was identified by Zambia Economic Advocacy Programme (ZEAP), a Department for International Development (DFID), UK run programme as one of the five top Think-Tanks in Zambia, using evidence-based policy advocacy on trade and economic issues. This has yielded support in the areas of capacity building and research on economic policy for CUTS International Lusaka. Going forward, this will strengthen our ability to conduct evidence-based policy advocacy and facilitate positive changes in Zambia.

Towards an Optimal Business Regulatory Framework of India

The Planning Commission, Government of India, for developing the 12th Plan, formed a Steering Committee on Industry to deliberate upon the ways and means of creating an enabling business ecosystem in the country. As a Knowledge Partner, CUTS convened the Working Group on Business Regulatory Framework, while Pradeep S Mehta headed the Task Force on National Competition Policy. CUTS provided inputs for preparation of the strategy for the 12th Plan to raise contribution of manufacturing in the GDP from a current level of 15 percent to 25 percent by 2025. Furthermore, the Planning Commission accepted the proposal to establish Better Regulatory Commission and also use tools, such as Regulatory Impact Assessment. One hopes that the recommendations will become a game changer and add to the economic growth in India.

Enhancing Knowledge, Strengthening Capacity

The flagship course of CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition in association with National Law University New Delhi (NLUD), diploma and certificate course in ‘Competition Policy & Law’ has been a popular course choice among the students. The first convocation for the said course was held on December 21, 2013 at NLUD Campus. Another pioneering initiative of CIRC was to launch online courses on ‘Competition Act, 2002’and ‘Law and Practice of PPPs in India’ for inter-disciplinary professionals and students. These courses aim to strengthen executive education in the areas of Competition Policy and Law, Regulatory issues with facilitating classroom free, self-paced and interactive learning environment.

Making Jaipur a World Class City

CUTS intervened to improve the services of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation by emphasising the importance of local government and strengthen the roots of local self-governance by taking power to the people in the spirit of 74th Constitutional amendment in partnership with The Asia Foundation. The intervention could achieve several outcomes including enhanced level of awareness and civic sense among citizens, engagement of service providers/elected representatives resulting in to improved services and resolved grievances and vigilant media. The project also built the capacity of local community based organisations and citizen action groups who continued working as a linkage between citizens and service providers. Building on the success of the phase I of the intervention, it had moved to the second phase.

Improved Child Protection in Chittorgarh District of Rajasthan, India

CUTS Centre for Human Development is implementing a project for excluded children and their rights in Chittorgarh block of Rajasthan with the support of Save the Children (India). CHD has been successful in forming and orienting child protection committees (CPCs) at the Gram Panchayat level (288 gram panchayats), Block level (11 blocks) and up to the District level under Integrated Child Protection Scheme of the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Rajasthan. The Centre has been nominated as resource agency to facilitate and provide technical support in the formation, capacity building and monitoring of CPCs. CUTS CHD also published a monograph entitled ‘Stronger Voice to the Excluded Children: Stories we have lived and learned about child rights development’ capturing all these achievements.

Insights into Indian States

Some Indian states in India are able to achieve better public policy outcomes manifested through better concomitant quality of economic growth and governance while others continue to languish. The 12th Five Year Plan only resonates and harps on inter-state synergies to enhance the quality of outcomes. The ‘Insight into Indian States’ (I3S) is an innovative initiative of CUTS aiming to create a user friendly and an interactive web portal presenting comparative and impartial view of successful and not so successful policies and practices across the quasi-federal structure of the country. Comparative analysis of development initiatives in the area of Non-farm Livelihood across Assam, Odisha, Rajasthan and Karnataka marks the onset of the portal. This list of states will expand just as focus on areas like Electricity Regulation, Water Utilities, Road Safety, Public Service Delivery and Public Service Distribution to name just a few.

WCO Certificate of Merit’ Awarded to CUTS

On the occasion of the International Customs Day, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) awarded CUTS International with a ‘Certificate of Merit’ for rendering exceptional service to the international customs community. In 2015, the theme of the International Customs Day was ‘Coordinated Border Management: An inclusive approach for connecting stakeholders’. The Department of Revenue, Government of India recommended CUTS for this award in recognition of its contribution to the promotion of trust-based partnership with the Central Board of Excise and Customs and enhancing India’s foreign trade.

India-Bangladesh Trade Potentiality

One of the components of CUTS past and ongoing work on regional integration in Eastern South Asia has been around the Border Haats (informal markets). CUTS work and advocacy has positively contributed to haats growing in numbers, i.e. from two to four now and many more that have already been approved and upcoming along the India-Bangladesh border. These haats have helped in dealing with security risks and served as a major platform for strengthening the people-to-people connect and trust among the two countries. Official statistics show that trade volumes in these haats have grown substantially over time, which is a good indicator of the possible economic benefits these haats have generated for the people on both sides.

Integrating the Voice of CSOs in Regional Integration Process

Since the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) in Africa was initiated, CUTS Nairobi has been the first to enhance the level of engagement of the ‘voiceless’ in Eastern and Southern Africa and provide a solid engagement framework. Assessments in Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia, representing three different Regional Economic Communities (RECs), revealed that engagement of marginalised groups in regional integration processes has been minimal in existing RECs and absolutely absent in the TFTA process. The project managed to bring apex bodies of the private sector and civil societies together with negotiators and trade policymakers to familiarise the former with TFTA issues. It also presents a proposed engagement framework that considers not only big businesses/urban CSOs but also voiceless stakeholders, such as women cross border traders and small scale farmers for incorporating their concerns in the implementation of the TTFA going forward.

Trade Promotion through Standardisation

CUTS Hanoi has been partnering with the Swedish Standards Institute (SIS) in implementing the SESA programme, successfully building the capacities of National Standards Bodies and other relevant stakeholders in the development and implementation of International Standards, which is expected to ease technical barriers to trade and contribute to sustainable development. In this programme, Hanoi participated in the development of the international standard ISO 13065 Sustainability criteria for bio-energy, published research papers, and distributed newsletters on standardisation and quality.

Inspiring More Coherent Policies on Climate, Food and Trade

Under our landmark project ‘Promoting Agriculture, Climate and Trade Linkages in the EAC’ (PACT EAC), we have made 2015 the year of policy wins in East Africa. Our local partners’ advocacy campaigns successfully influenced several policies towards a more coherent approach to climate change, food security and trade. For instance, the Ugandan government through its new National Trade Sector Development Plan has now undertaken to mainstream climate change into the national trade agenda, while harmonising positions in trade and climate change negotiations. We also successfully lobbied for the consideration of climate change issues in Rwanda’s trade policy agenda, and contributed to a decision by the Tanzanian government to tackle rampant deforestation through stronger regulation of the charcoal trade sector in the revised Forest Policy. A second phase of the project is now starting, with a focus on agro-processing.

Making Competition Reforms Work for People

The CREW Project implemented by CUTS over the last three years has helped to empirically demonstrate the linkage between competition reforms and consumer/producer welfare in key sectors. Such evidence generated from the four project countries has helped initiate certain (pro-competitive) actions to help competition reform work for people in these countries and be better appreciated by policymakers. Some of these actions are as follows: (i) formation of an expert group to advise the Office for Competition in the Philippines on ways to promote competition in three sectors; (ii) establishment of a technical committee in Zambia to develop safety standards that were absent in privately run city buses; and (iii) development of a regulatory framework for Inter-city Bus Transport in the states of Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh (India).

Performance Audits of Telecom Towers

The Government of the Republic of Zambia sought to improve access to information and communication technologies for all especially in rural areas through a multimillion dollar tower installation project. This project was initiated in rural chiefdom areas of the country. Motivated by this fact, CUTS Lusaka initiated performance audits of selected telecom towers and revealed that all towers put up in rural areas do not meet the technical and legal requirements, i.e. these fall short of meeting the 5km macro-coverage radius requirement. The findings raise questions how these installations are being monitored by Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority and saw the involvement of government, parliamentarians, local communities’ consumers and various stakeholders among others, demanding for accountability and rectification.

Knowledge Partner on Competition & Consumer Protection

CUTS has been actively engaging the Ghanaian Ministry of Trade & Industry (MoTI) on competition policy and law issues by regularly involving relevant officials in activities/initiatives undertaken by the organisation. As a result of this sustained engagement, CUTS Accra has been recognised formally as a knowledge partner for the MoTI on the issue of Competition and on Consumer Protection.

Procurement Processes more Transparent and Accountable

CUTS set up a virtual Procurement Observatory with the objective of helping the state government of Rajasthan, India to enhance its Public Procurement practices and outcomes. The Observatory developed a web portal, key performance indicators; analysed policies, Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement (RTPP) Act, 2012, RTPP rules; and measured actual implementation of all these in around eight departments, such as Public Works and Health. As a result, the nodal department is strengthened and working promptly; State Public Procurement Portal has been redesigned; regular trainings are being provided to officials; compliance of the concerned Act has increased; and procurement processes have been more transparent and accountable.

Empowering the Women Electorate

Women’s participation in politics remained quite insignificant in villages even after six decades of self-rule. CUTS Centre for Human Development initiated a campaign for strengthening the political leadership of elected women representatives in local village councils/gram panchayats of Chittorgarh and Bhilwara districts of Rajasthan, India so as to address violence against women through a good governance framework. The campaign resulted in increased participation of women, with greater awareness across communities to their role as responsible citizens and voters during elections. Women contested in larger numbers both in reserved and unreserved categories, when compared to previous years.

Boosting Cooperative Federalism in India

Ever since the new government under Narendra Modi came in 2014 in India, the thrust was on partnership with States rather than the practice of States being subordinate bodies, giving rise to the paradigm of Cooperative Federalism. This spirit existed in the Constitution which provided for an Inter State Council (ISC) but the same hardly met. The same spirit was also captured in the Charter of the NITI Aayog, the government think-tank, which replaced the Planning Commission.

Consequent to our vigorous efforts since last year we were able to resuscitate the ISC, culminating in a conference in January 2017. These efforts were made in partnership with the Forum of Federations, Canada, and the local offices of UNDP and World Bank. The conference witnessed very live conversations between foreign experts from other federal countries, such as Germany, Australia, Switzerland, South Africa and Ethiopia along with Indian experts.

Two key recommendations, among several, which can be game changers, included the need of performance agreements between the Union and State Governments. The other was the need to incorporate factors determining Human Development Index into the fiscal exercise being done by the Finance Commission. We hope that the ISC Secretariat pushes these recommendations sincerely.

TRADE Promoting Agriculture, Climate and Trade Linkages in the EAC

The still infant agro-processing industry in East Africa has been earmarked as having huge potential for poverty reduction. The region’s success in realising this potential will partly depend on its ability to factor in the ever-increasing challenges posed by climate change, and work in synergy with its own trade agenda. The project ‘Promoting Agriculture, Climate and Trade linkages in the EAC (Phase II) brings together, informs, trains and moves to advocacy action hundreds of stakeholders towards more climate-aware, trade-driven and food security-enhancing agro-processing policies in the region. Kenya is already integrating climate and environmental aspects into its revised trade policy.

CUTS and Govt. of Ghana Ink MoU for Cooperation

CUTS has been actively engaging the Ghanaian Ministry of Trade & Industry (MoTI) on competition policy issues by regularly involving relevant officials in activities/initiatives undertaken by the organisation. As a result of this sustained engagement, CUTS Accra has signed a four-year working memorandum of understanding with MoTI to build knowledge, capacity, awareness and partnerships on areas of common interest vis-a-vis trade and development, investment policy, competition and economic regulation, regional integration, consumer protection, and sustainable development in the country.

Striving for Better Connectivity in the BBIN Sub-region of South Asia

As a key component to CUTS’ work on trade and regional integration, our capacity and engagement in trade linkages with sustainable development was enhanced in 2016 through a landmark programme ‘Sustainable Development Investment Portfolio’ (SDIP).

Based on specific findings in SDIP from grassroots and national level stakeholders, CUTS engaged with the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India on the development of inland waterways for trade and transport. The Ministry subsequently acknowledged our efforts on inland waterways, which is directly linked with the Ministry’s 2016 declaration of 106 additional National Waterways.

Furthermore, the action plan included linking with inland waterways between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN).

Enhancing Consumer Voice in Policy Discourse

CUTS Nairobi organised the first Consumer Roundtable on Milk Safety and Loss Reduction in Kenya. The event is a key component under the Voice for Change Programme that looks at enhancing consumer voice in the policy discourse through capacity building and evidence-based advocacy in a bid to address emerging issues of safety and loss reduction in Dairy and Horticulture. The roundtable witnessed participation of national consumer organisations, key government institutions/ministries in finding solutions to emerging safety and loss reduction issues under dairy and horticulture subsectors.

REGULATION Addressing Competition Challenges to Growth of Payments Banks

CUTS Centre for Competition, Investment & Economic Regulation implemented a research project on understanding and addressing regulatory and competition challenges to growth of payments banks in India. The project involved in-depth review of regulatory architecture on payments banks. Multiple rounds of interaction were held with experts, licensees and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Findings and recommendations of the study were appreciated. Several suggestions were accepted by RBI in the Operating Guidelines issued in October 2016, and endorsed by NITI Aayog’s Watal Committee in its Report on Promotion of Digital Payments published in December 2016.

How far should Government Intervention in Maize Marketing go?

Grain marketing boards in Africa have remained major players in maize markets, most notable among various grain marketing boards is a dilemma in food pricing is governments wanting to raise the price of maize for producers and the same time keep it low for consumers. Hence, in an attempt to contribute to discourse on the subject CUTS Lusaka undertook a study on practices of grain marketing boards in Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana and Kenya in pursuit of best practices that could be looked into with the aim of improving the functioning of Food Reserve Agency in Zambia. A final copy of the report was handed over to the then Minister of Agriculture, Given Lubinda, on June 30, 2016.

Promoting Competition and Consumer Protection

Vietnam has been widely hailed as a success story in economic development, international integration and poverty reduction. One of CUTS Hanoi’s flagship projects till 2016 has been the publication of a quarterly newsletter entitled ‘Vietnam Competition and Consumer Protection Dossier’, which identifies, highlights and analyses the impacts of major economic and regulatory milestones, events and policies on market competition, private sector development and consumer welfare in the country. Vietnam is now considering a comprehensive amendment of its Competition Law, to be adopted in 2018.

GOVERNANCE Best Practices in Improving Urban Governance

CUTS Centre for Consumer Action, Research & Training is working in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan to improve the quality of urban service delivery through civic engagement, under a project ‘MyCity’, since 2012. We also initiated ‘Rajasthan City Mayors’ Learning Platform’ which resulted in useful peer-learning and experience sharing among Mayors of Rajasthan. Recognising CUTS contribution in the area of urban governance, the Government of Rajasthan conferred Swachh Rajasthan Award, 2016 on CUTS, which was given by Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan in a state level function held at Udaipur on December 22, 2016.

Disability Is Not Inability!

CUTS Centre for Human Development in Chittorgarh conceptualised the disability project and carried out a campaign under which it identified over 5000 disabled people aimed to bring about a change in the outlook of stakeholders and the community towards the disabled. Under the project, State Award was given to the disabled by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Rajasthan, for their excellent work in disability area; and National Award by the President of India to the District Magistrate for doing outstanding work in creating a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities in Chittorgarh.

Trade Facilitation Innovation Award

CUTS received the Trade Facilitation Innovation Award by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Asian Development Bank in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in September 2017 based on a case study on India’s initiative to set up a Customs Clearance Facilitation Committee jointly with Customs Commissioner, Government of India.

CUTS and COMESA Sign an MoU

CUTS signs an MoU with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat to promote research on trade and development in the region. This is the third such MoU in Africa after similar ones signed with East African Community and African Union. Another such MoU with ECOWAS is in the pipeline.

Promoting Agro-processing Industry in East Africa

CUTS effort to promote agro-processing industry in East Africa as an effective weapon against climate change’s impact on agriculture leading to poverty reduction was captured in Kenya’s new Trade Policy as a policy measure.

Border Haats and their Socio-economic Impact

A study on Border Haats (informal markets) between India and Bangladesh showed positive impact on livelihoods of local communities and cross-border trust building. More slots will now be opened.

Broadband Disclosure Labels Empower Consumers

Our campaigning on consumer broadband labels led to public consultation by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on how data speeds and broadband labels help in information disclosure.

Green Energy Policy to Address Barriers

Kenya’s Bomet County developed a draft Green Energy Policy to address key barriers on the basis of the baseline study done by CUTS Nairobi in February 2017. Other counties likely to follow suit.

Making Roads Safer for Road Users

CUTS intensive interaction with Parliamentarians led to a strengthened Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, 2017 with more effective safety provisions. Awaiting its adoption by the parliament.

Every Child has the Right to be Happy, Healthy and Protected

Bhilwara district administration in southern Rajasthan, India applauded CUTS work on ‘CHILDLINE 1098’ which has reached out to 2728 children and resolved 617 cases in 2017.

Building consensus on cross border trade using small boats

The prospects of allowing mechanised boats (20-50 tonne capacity) to navigate across border between Dhubri (India) and Chilmari (Bangladesh) by identifying the potential cargo as well as the socio economic benefits of cross border trade were highlighted by CUTS, and its recommendations were discussed in the 19th Standing Committee on Protocol, following which both were declared as ‘Ports of Call’ in the respective countries

BBIN Motor Vehicles Pact to be a Game-changer

CUTS and its country partners have been able to reachout to more than 2,100 people in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) and Myanmar sub-region. It has also been able to effectively communicate the livelihood and gender concerns of grassroot stakeholders to policymakers which would help them in making the Motor Vehicles Agreement an inclusive agreement.

Inspired Climate Talks’ Agriculture Roadmap

CUTS Geneva supported East African countries in drafting of a regional submission to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture. It also proposed a roadmap for the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, which the UNFCCC membership reflected in the outcomes of the Bonn Climate Conference in May 2018.

Ensuring Food and Nutrition Security

CUTS Nairobi has been working through the Voice for Change Partnership (V4CP) to engage key players in the dairy industry to turn the situation around. James Kariithi, Coordinator, Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme, Laikipia County opined that CUTS and V4CP’s partnership has added value to their work by increasing awareness that food security is not only about volume but also about nutrition and safety.

Need to Operate Taxis on Clean Fuel

CUTS Centre for Competition, Investment & Economic Regulation prepared a research report covering cost benefit analysis of select provisions and broad recommendations on potential regulatory alternatives. The report was well received by the media as well as policymakers and a presentation was delivered before the NITI Aayog and Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways. The same was also listed as a valuable resource for the MOVE Global Mobility Summit held at New Delhi in September 2018.

Rolling out Digital Economy

CUTS Hanoi advocated for the need of promoting Digital Economy in the country, by showcasing the benefits brought forth by digital technologies. The need for optimal regulations was also stressed upon, based on the challenges faced by the digital economy due to sub-optimal regulations. The primary and secondary research conducted for these, yielded a research report entitled ‘Enabling a Digital Economy for Inclusive Development in Vietnam’ which was released in an international conference in Bangkok in August 2018.

Prioritising Passage of Competition Law

The Ghanaian Trade Minister and Ghana International Trade Commission acknowledged the relentless efforts of CUTS Ghana in ensuring that Ghana has a functional competition policy and law to guide the conduct of the market and enhance enabling business environment for the private sector. Frank Agyekum, Secretary, Ghana International Trade Commission assured that the government will prioritise the passage of the law in 2019.

Revisiting 74th Constitutional Amendment Act

The National Conference on ’25 Years of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act’ organised in association with NITI Aayog not only received appreciation from policymakers but also attracted a lot of attention in leading national and regional dailies. The gaps and challenges in the implementation of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) even after 25 years became a topic of discussion and concern in the policy circles. CUTS urged policymakers/stakeholders to assess the Indian urban scenario as the time has come to revisit the 74th CAA.

Disability Matters – Let’s Make their Votes Count

CUTS Centre for Human Development received appreciation by District Election Commission, Chittorgarh for effective interventions in the area of electoral registration ⎼ meaningful and high voter turnout with greater participation from persons with disability under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Programme launched by the Election Commission of India.

CUTS and Lusaka City Council Sign an MoU

CUTS Lusaka signed an MoU with the Lusaka City Council to cooperate in raising consumer awareness on the need to move away from mono diets. This is important given that Zambia has the highest levels of malnutrition in Africa. Both the institutions would jointly organise discussions on consumer rights and responsibilities on diet-related issues and share information on programmes, activities and projects of mutual interest.

CUTS Completes 10 Years in Geneva

CUTS Geneva celebrated its 10th Anniversary, and leaders from UNCTAD, WTO, ITC, OECD and EIF felicitated the Centre by their presence.

Promoting Cross-border Trade through Gomti

Our recommendation for declaring the Sonamura-Daudkandi waterway stretch as Protocol Route was captured in the Joint Statement released during the visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India.

Facilitating Effective Implementation of BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement

A video documentary ‘1,000 Kilometres of a Truck Driver,’ was showcased to facilitate the effective implementation of the BBIN MVA.

Boosting Cassava Value Chain in Kenya

The Kenyan government has supported the development of the cassava value chain in Kenya, considering the climate change impacts on agriculture based on our research.

Strengthening Policy Discourse on Digital Economy

Our impact assessment study showcasing the adverse impact of restricting cross border data flow on consumer welfare was shared with Shashi Tharoor, MP.

Fostering Indo-US Innovation for Mutual Prosperity

Advancing Indo-US cooperation on innovation to foster mutual prosperity

Contributing towards DigiTech Growth

6th Biennial Conference on Competition, Regulation and Development resulted in the emergence of broad contours of an action agenda for stakeholders in developing countries to deal with the online economy.

Making Roads Safer for All

Our intensive interaction with Parliamentarians led to the passage of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Empowering Women & Securing Children's Future

Maneka Gandhi released a CUTS publication that captures success stories of women empowerment and child protection since its inception.

Towards the Development of a Sustainable Food Policy

Our study on informal food vendors in Zambia showed how a low-priced variety of products contributes towards consumer welfare.

Urging Regulators to Protect Consumers

Regulators in Ghana were sensitised to enhance consumer protection.

Making dairy platforms inclusive in Kenya

The organisation was recognised in the ‘2020 Global Dairy Platform Report’ for sensitising the community on consumer rights, milk quality and safety in Kenya

Triggering positive dialogues on key issues

In October 2020, we launched CUTS Adda, a dynamic, engaging and informative platform that offers space for discussions and deliberations by experts on topical issues and aspires to be the spot for collective thinking and thought-provoking insights on important issues.

Touching lives, the last mile

Our close ties with the community-based organisations in Chittorgarh helped in supporting communities in dealing with health risks, reverse migration, job losses and on top of all awareness about safeguarding oneself from COVID infection.

What Would Happen to a World Without the WTO?

Through a series of global webinars with high-level participation and a global pledge, CUTS was able to raise the ante on the need for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as an essential public good and an imperative to govern and promote the multilateral trading system

Eliminating TFAs from India by 2022

Our Consumer Affairs Centre successfully advocated with the food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for the elimination of Trans Fats from all foods, Fats and Oils by 2022

Keeping pace with trade developments in Geneva

The initiative focussed on supporting delegates to be better-informed participants in WTO discussions on selected issues, including those related to COVID-19 impacts, and for their preparations for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2020.

Connecting people through border haats

A study on Border Haats (informal markets) between India and Bangladesh showed a positive impact on livelihoods of local communities and raised awareness among them on border haats.

Cutting electricity prices in Ghana

Regulators in Ghana were sensitised to review electricity tariffs for all classes of electricity consumers to reflect the current cost of generation in the electricity power mix.

Debt Burden in Zambia

With the formation of the Debt Alliance, the organisation managed to raise awareness on the debt situation and its impacts on the society and people of Zambia.

Making dairy platforms inclusive in Kenya

The organisation was recognised in the ‘2020 Global Dairy Platform Report’ for sensitising the community on consumer rights, milk quality and safety in Kenya.

We Helped Negotiators Keep Pace with WTO Talks in Ministerial Year

This year, our on-demand analysis, dialogues and reporting enabledLDC and Smaller Developing Country WTO delegates to better take advantage of international trade for their development during and after the 12th WTO Ministerial conference. The 'Keeping Pace with Trade Developments' initiative, undertaken with funding support from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continued to support trade negotiators on hot topics such as Agriculture, e-commerce, trade and health etc. We also explored the interface between trade and the environment, including circular economy and climate finance.

U.S.-lndia Defence Partnership for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific

Through our ongoing project, Defense News Conclave: Stories of U.S.- India Defense Partnership, supported by the U.S. State Department (U.S. Consulate, Kolkata) we amplified the message of the need for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. By implementing a series of four virtual workshops and webinars on various pertinent security issues, the potential for flourishing defence relations between the two democracies has been highlighted. This led to a positive narrative being formed among target audiences, Indian journalists in particular. Combined with other deliverables such as news wraps and briefing papers, a network of 120-150 informed stakeholders has been created.

Building Capacity of Private Sectors on AfCFTA Rules Of Origin

Results from a survey done by CUTS Accra revealed that only 13 percent of SMEs had adequate information on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while the rest were unaware. In this context, the Centre, with support from GIZ, held a series of capacity-building workshops for the Malawian, Ethiopian, and Ivorian private sectors on AfCFTA Rules of Origin (ROO). This resulted in improved knowledge of the private sector in Malawi, Ethiopia, and the Ivory Coast of the protocol on the AfCFTA Roo.

Enhancing Locally Led Climate Actions and Financing in Homa Bay County

Through this project, CUTS has engaged various stakeholders, including the county executive, departmental heads, county assembly leadership, civil society, and community-based organisations, in various climate change actions. This has led to the enactment of the County Climate Change Act 2022, paving the way for intense climate action.

India-Australia to Work Together on 6G Technology

Developing and deploying 60 technology may bring unanticipated challenges, in addition to cybersecurity, such as threats to privacy, trust, consumer protection, competition and inclusion. Hence, the development of 60 should be accompanied by the development of an ethical framework that encapsulates these aspects. CUTS, along with the Australian Risk Policy Institute and International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore, is implementing this project with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership to fulfil a common objective.

Created a Momentum for Multimodal Connectivity in BBIN

CUTS has created much-needed momentum for multimodal connectivity in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) sub-region of Eastern South Asia. The revival of negotiations for the implementation of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, the political decision to revive defunct railway links between India and Bangladesh, the exploration of trade and tourism possibilities along the transboundary rivers, and the upgradation of a few Integrated Check Posts on important cross-border road connect to multimodal connectivity nodes are some of the policy outcomes that CUTS has successfully advocated for transforming transport into economic corridors.

Child Labour and how we can contribute to ending it?

CUTS focuses on reducing child labour by bolstering existing formal and informal systems and structures, building the capacity of stakeholders, and measuring child protection, education, and livelihood security with a tribal community in Suhagpura block of Pratapgarh district, Rajasthan. A Child Protection Committee was established to address child-related matters, information on harmful child labour cases was created, 30 youths received vocational training, various developmental issues were brought up through media involvement and relevant departments, and an employment fair for 200 youth was organised.

No Honking in Residential Areas

Pursuant to a case filed by CUTS, the Central Zone of the National Green Tribunal issued a landmark order, directing the Rajasthan government to enforce a 'No Honking' policy in residential areas between 10 pm and 6 am, except in exceptional circumstances. The Central Bench of the NOT, headed by Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, directed the government to seize any noise pollution sources exceeding permissible limits.

Role of Independent Media Forms the Basis ofa Healthy Democracy

The reliability of information has become a perennial issue with severe real-world repercussions. A single piece of information holds tremendous potential to cause real-world impacts. Along these lines, CUTS International successfully organised a two-day media literacy workshop in Kolkata supported by the U.S. Consulate, Kolkata, with women journalists participating from the Indo-Pacific region. Melinda Pavek, Consul General, US Consulate, Kolkata, graced the inaugural session.

CUTS 40th Anniversary Celebration

CUTS International is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a series of global lectures and discussions featuring scholars and dignitaries. Aligned with the G20 theme of inclusive growth during India's presidency, CUTS focuses on interdisciplinary research in rules-based trade, effective regulation, and good governance. The aim is to shape future interventions, fostering conversations that contribute to a singular global future. Event reports will be published, and a video compilation which covers the events is planned from April 2023 to April 2024.

Defense News Conclave: Stories of U.S.-lndia Defence Partnershiæ

The Project Defense News Conclave, backed by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Consulate, Kolkata, successfully enhanced the positive narrative of the U.S.-lndia defense partnership in 2023. Activities included workshops, webinars, and news wraps, resulting in over 40 stories published across India in various languages.

Rural Women Are Scripting Success With Farmer Producer Organisations

CUTS initiated a group of 500 semi-literate women in Chittorgarh, fostering success through Women Farmer Producer Organisations. We established a service centre for affordable agriculture inputs and procured, and sold produce at higher prices. With training in technology and value addition, we plan to set up processing units, fostering overall socio-economic development for the women farmers.

Cyber Security for Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

Backed by the U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata, and in partnership with C-DAC, we conducted workshops in Darjeeling, Shillong, Itanagar, and Agartala to educate MSMEs, particularly women-led enterprises, about cybersecurity threats. The aim was to enhance their understanding and preparedness against rising cybercrimes such as malware and phishing, fostering cyber resilience.

Consumer Friendly 'Front of Package Labelling Regulations' in India

We regularly engaged with Parliamentarians, including Members of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare and its Chairman Shri Bhuvneshwar Kalita, advocating for prompt implementation of Consumer Friendly Tront of Package Labelling Regulations' in India. Following CUTS' submissions, Shri Kalita convened a meeting on July 23, 2023, directing FSSAI and Health Ministry officials to take action. He later raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha on August 8, 2023.

8th CUTS-CIRC Biennial Conference on Competition, Regulation and Development

The CUTS-CIRC Biennial Competition Regulation and Development Conference, held every two years since 2007, recently collaborated with BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, OECD, and EUI for its 8th edition in New Delhi. Focusing on Socially Sensitive Sectors, the conference addressed issues in healthcare, food security, agriculture, employment, and climate change, attracting speakers from 28 countries

Realising Seamless Connectivity in the BBIN Subregion

CUTS CITEE released a comprehensive report 'Multimodal Connectivity for Shared Prosperity: Towards Facilitating Trade In the BBIN Subregion' in a Regional Meeting held in March 2023 in New Delhi. The report presents a political economy analysis of the multimodal connectivity initiatives captured from 55 locations across the subregion.

Homa Bay Unveils Climate Change Budget Tracking Toolkit

In a breakfast meeting held on November 29, 2023 at Sindo forest station organised by CUTS International and attended by the County Director Climate Change, Environment Officers, Kenya Forest Service Officers, the Ward Climate Change Planning Committees representatives and Climate champions all drawn across Homabay county. The Climate change directorate confirmed their commitment to accountability towards successful implementation of climate action programmes and transparency on financial applications towards climate change projects. The county government and implementing agents of climate change committed to availing all the information that will facilitate the climate champions in tracking climate change funds.

CUTS Accra Builds Capacity of Journalists on Road Safety Reporting

Supported by the National Road Safety Authority and Bloomberg Initiatives for Global Road Safety, we organised a workshop in Accra for journalists. The event aimed to enhance journalists' skills in accurate road safety reporting, fostering policy changes, and promoting enforcement of traffic regulations. The workshop also aimed to establish a road safety journalist network in Ghana, with 30 media houses participating in modules covering essential reporting aspects.

CUTS/IISD Joint work TAF2+ Umbrella Grant on New Issues in WTO

In Geneva, negotiators from developing and least developed countries demonstrated adept knowledge in technical topics, articulating positions aligned with national interests during WTO's Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) discussions on Electronic Commerce and Investment Facilitation. They organised scoping meetings, engaged in consultations and coordination with IISD, and contributed to project reporting for Cowater, particularly on privacy and personal data frameworks within the TAF2+ project.

Voices Of Climate Action (VCA)

In collaboration with WWF, we conducted various activities under the VCA project, including developing six policy briefs on climate change and finance in Zambia. The key highlights include a social profiling of climate-affected communities in Mazabuka district, participated in COP28 in Dubai, hosted a panel on "Creating 'Fund of Funds': Paving the way beyond the Loss and Damage Fund" and launched a new project called Climate Resilient Urban Food Systems, supported by HIVOS, engaging youth in addressing local climate change challenges.