All Indians Matter

‘When it comes to hate, people don’t want neutrality; they want an echo chamber’

24 min 58 sec

The politics of hate can be traced back to Partition and even before that but only now has it become so rabid and a matter of pride. Sachin Garg, bestselling author, media columnist and TEDx speaker, has written a book on the postPartition social and political landscape and points out many similarities between then and now in this conversation with All Indians Matter.

Lockdown led to rise in underage marriages

30 min 15 sec

The lockdown imposed in 2020 forced many families into debt and poverty. Unable to care for their children, many considered the weddings of their underage girls as necessary for survival. According to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, from the last week of March up until June 2020 alone, authorities received 5,584 phone calls to prevent underage marriages across India. Child rights activists believe many ceremonies have gone unreported. Reetika Revathy Subramanian, a PhD candidate and Gates Cambridge Trust Scholar at the University of Cambridge Centre for Gender Studies, who is researching the links between early marriage and economic hardship, speaks to All Indians Matter.

What is the Nagaland insurgency all about?

8 min 7 sec

The killing of innocent Naga villagers in a botched special forces operation is only the latest bloody incident in a conflict that has been raging for over six decades. What sparked the troubles in Nagaland, why is it so tough to resolve and what lies ahead Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

India urgently needs to bridge the asymmetry of power with China

45 min 12 sec

While tensions with China continue to simmer, albeit on a lower heat, trade with the Dragon is on fire. So, is China a threat A vital trade partner Or something else altogether Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the IndoPacific Studies Programme and head of China studies research at the Takshashila Institution, speaks to All Indians Matter.

‘There is a clear link between higher education and social justice’

34 min 35 sec

Education, especially higher education, fosters an egalitarian society. However, a large number of students from marginalised communities continue to be excluded from higher education, thus cutting them off from key economic, social, political and cultural opportunities. Prashant Chavan, Cofounder of Eklavya, a grassroots organisation that provides mentorship to firstgeneration learners from underprivileged communities to promote higher education among these students, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Record number of tiger deaths in 2021

6 min 10 sec

126 tigers died in India in 2021, the most since data began being compiled a decade ago. The previous highest number of deaths was in 2016 when 121 died. The maximum number of deaths took place in Madhya Pradesh which recorded 44, followed by 26 in Maharashtra and 14 in Karnataka. Blame it on diverse threats, ranging from poaching to habitat loss and overhunting of the tiger’s prey species. And, yes, the COVID19 pandemic had something to do with the last reason.

Can carbon capture technology help India deal with emissions?

41 min 40 sec

Air pollution in India is so bad that it could be reducing life expectancy of millions by up to nine years. One of the solutions could be carbon capture, utilisation and storage technology as a means to reduce emissions. What is carbon capture Young entrepreneur Ronak Mistry, founder of Greenovate Solutions, which focuses on pollution prevention technology, details it for All Indians Matter.

Where are the jobs? Part 1: Unemployment numbers keep climbing

5 min 49 sec

India simply can’t seem to make a dent in rising unemployment numbers. At 7.91 in December 2021, the rate has soared past 201819 and 201718 levels. The data shows that the rot set in as far back as four years ago, so don’t blame COVID19 alone. All Indians Matter kicks off a special, twopart series on unemployment in India, titled ‘Where are the jobs’. In the first part, we look at the data, the causes of widespread unemployment and what the longterm outlook is.

For ‘aatmanirbharta’, a forest under siege

6 min 35 sec

While the world moves away from coal towards greener energy, India’s affinity for it seems to be growing. As the government, spurred by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘aatmanirbharta’ selfsufficiency, looks to open up Chhattisgarh’s ecolo...

The UAPA sword hanging over our freedoms

6 min 50 sec

The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, or UAPA, is a threat to our most basic freedoms, giving the Indian government the power to designate any person a terrorist without proof and to incarcerate them for 180 days. Dissenters, ranging from a labou...

Why I created All Indians Matter

4 min 22 sec

On World Podcasting Day, I wanted to explain why I launched All Indians Matter. I felt that the media wasn’t doing a great job of telling truth to power, though there are still many brave journalists left who are willing to tell the nation what matte...

We need new economic, political thinking

47 min 12 sec

Rajesh Jain talks about his journey as a political entrepreneur.

India's elders can change their reality - Part 1

23 min 42 sec

Sailesh Mishra is a highly regarded social activist working for the welfare of senior citizens and is part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s working group formulating a national policy for elders.

India's elders can change their reality - Part 2

18 min 42 sec

Sailesh Mishra is a highly regarded social activist working for the welfare of senior citizens and is part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s working group formulating a national policy for elders.

Why Goa is opposing coal - Part 1

39 min 17 sec

Goans say it will destroy forests, fishing, local communities and their way of life.

Agriculture needs innovation, spanning food production to value chains

40 min

Agriculture badly needs transformation. Innovations that stress on solutions for challenges ranging from irrigation to the supply chain are the answer. Kavita Sharma and Ruchika Singh, who are part of the World Resources Institute’s Land Accelerator programme, which aims to make a difference in agriculture, agritech, the circular economy, etc, speak to All Indians Matter.

Another climate summit big on words, small on action

8 min 12 sec

COP26 should have made a greater commitment to climate change mitigation and arrived at a roadmap to a sustainable future but, other than vague statements, not much was achieved. This is unfortunate because there was a lot at stake for India. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

What does the coal crisis mean for you?

5 min 22 sec

India’s unprecedented coal shortage could slow the postCOVID economic recovery, impact alreadystrained household budgets and dim the lights on the festive season. How exactly did we get here and what can we expect next Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Those with cerebral palsy need respect, empathy as much as healthcare, welfare services

6 min 55 sec

The death of Zain, the son of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, has put the focus on cerebral palsy. Zain was born with the condition, which hinders movement and posture, and can cause intellectual disability and seizures. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting 1520 of physically disabled children in India, yet awareness levels about it are low. This is compounded by the poor state of healthcare. What is cerebral palsy What are its causes And how can it be managed and prevented Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

How a falling rupee affects you

6 min 6 sec

Earlier this week, the Indian rupee hit a lifetime low as the Russian invasion of Ukraine raged on, crude oil prices soared and the spectre of higher inflation loomed large. A depreciating rupee has wideranging impact on your life – from higher fuel prices to a rise in the cost of living, shrinking salaries in some sectors and an erosion in the value of your equity holdings. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Election done, winners will now have to deliver

13 min 34 sec

The BJP, the clear winner in the latest round of Assembly elections, was helped in equal parts by its divisive agenda and an Opposition that couldn’t unite or get its act together. What impact this will have on India over the long term isn’t pleasant to think about. In the meantime, the winners will have to deliver on a range of promises, from jobs to connectivity and infrastructure to reviving industry and figuring out what to do with AFSPA. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

COVID changed crowdfunding in India

27 min 18 sec

At a time when the underprivileged are suffering the most because of the economic impact of the pandemic, when credit remains tough to get and when monetary pipelines are squeezed, can crowdfunding fill the vacuum Dhaval Udani, founder of DanaMojo, India’s first payment solutions platform for NGOs, speaks to All Indians Matter.

View water security through a gender lens

6 min 34 sec

According to a National Commission for Women report, rural women walk up to 2.5 km every day to fetch potable water and that costs the country the equivalent of 150 million women days each year. In rupee terms, that’s a staggering Rs 1,000 crore. It leads also to social imbalances such as lower literacy levels and less earnings for women. As groundwater levels plummet and our freshwater sources get more polluted, no one has more at stake in India’s water security than women. They are invested in the issue already, so it’s time to hand over leadership of India’s water efforts to them. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

EPF rate cut underscores need for balanced investment portfolio

22 min 16 sec

The government has lowered the interest rate on Employees Provident Fund Organisation deposits for its 6.4 crore subscribers from 8.5 to 8.1, the lowest since 197778. For crores, the Employees Provident Fund, or EPF, served as a social security substitute and was the principal corpus for retirement or life events like children’s weddings or emergencies. The rate cut has a significant impact on those who subscribe to the EPF. It means less money for retirement and in times of need, but also much more. Namita Patel, CA and leading financial advisor, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Have things changed for the LGBT community?

23 min 23 sec

On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that consensual samesex acts would no longer be a crime. The historic ruling finally read down Section 377, a colonial law that should have been struck down decades ago. But more than two years later, equality and acceptance may still be elusive. Gay rights activist speaks to .Nitin Karani All Indians Matter

7 things the finance minister didn’t tell you about Budget 2021

8 min 44 sec

needed to be a blockbuster and Finance Minister sought to deliver exactly that. If India was to tackle crippling economic and job losses, she needed to step up expenditure in a big way. Union Budget 2021 Nirmala Sitharaman While she claims to have done that, what she didn’t tell you is more critical than what she did.

How private is your data?

33 min 27 sec

The latest update to Whatsapp’s privacy policy has been controversial, to say the least. It’s also brought under the microscope the data collected by the apps and websites you use, how it’s gathered and what it’s used for. The Supreme Court has ruled that privacy is a fundamental right but is your data – gathered by various entities, including the government – truly secure , volunteer legal counsel with the Delhibased Software Freedom Law Center, explains how your sensitive data is collected and often compromised on virtually a daily basis and what you can do about it.Apurva Singh

Free Nodeep Kaur

6 min 47 sec

Why has the arrest of Dalit and labour rights activist Nodeep Kaur during the farmer protests sparked an international outcry What does her arrest signify for you and the state of civil rights in India Please listen to the latest episode of the podcast.All Indians Matter

India takes the plunge with the Deep Ocean Mission

9 min

In less than three years, a threeman crew will descend 6 km into the ocean in a tiny titanium alloy submersible to kick off India’s mission to mine the mineral riches of the sea floor. How will this collaboration between agencies like ISRO and the National Institute of Technology support India’s economic ambitions And what are its implications on the fragile ocean ecology, coastal communities and livelihoods Please listen to the latest episode of .All Indians Matter

Why you should care about the new digital rules

21 min 29 sec

The new rules governing digital content, news platforms and social media will fundamentally alter your internet experience and impact your rights. The key is the shift from regulation to control over digital news platforms, OTT content providers and social media. No wonder there are fears over the rules undermining free speech and privacy.Prasanth Sugathan, legal director of the Software Freedom Law Centre, speaks to All Indians Matter about what the rules imply.

Parenting and feminism

24 min 52 sec

Feminism is about ensuring all people are equal, regardless of gender. It is about women having power over themselves, about getting rid of dominance. In this context, parenting assumes great significance.Kiran Manral – author, TedX speaker, mother to a 17yearold son – speaks to All Indians Matter about the role of parenting in relation to feminism – especially when it comes to raising sons.

Mamata destroys myth of Modi invincibility

6 min 9 sec

Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress steamrolled the Narendra ModiAmit Shahled BJP campaign to win a massive twothirds majority – even more seats than it did the last time. Don’t forget that hers was already a twoterm government, so not only did she battle the BJP cashandelection machine, but antiincumbency too. And she did it in style.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

India’s little-known rural mental health problem

33 min

An estimated 56 million Indians suffer from depression and 38 million from anxiety disorders. Very few, however, seek help. In villages, especially, patients are likely to face stigma and fall prey to quacks and witch doctors in the absence of mental healthcare facilities. Snehal Joshi, director and COO of Healstation, a startup that runs one of India’s largest nongovernment community mental health programmes with tribals in Bihar, speaks to All Indians Matter.

India’s cryptocurrency dilemma

6 min 16 sec

15 million Indians have invested 2 billion in cryptocurrency. Is it a bubble Or an opportunity A lot depends on how the regulatory framework takes shape.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.An estimated 15 million Indians have invested over 2 billion in cryptocurrency. Depending on who you choose to believe, cryptocurrency is a wealth creation opportunity like no other or a bubble that will put the dotcom meltdown to shame. Regulators, naturally, are faced with a tough ask – how do you allow the frothy, exciting fintech sector to flourish while ensuring investor security and checks against misuseCryptocurrency is a digital asset, a form of payment that can be exchanged online for goods and services. Many companies have issued their own currencies, often called tokens, which can be traded for the company’s offerings. Think of them as casino chips – you need to exchange real currency for the cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are based on Blockchain, a decentralized technology spread across many computers that manages and records transactions and is said to be extremely secure. It is what is known as distributedledger technology.At this time, more than 6,700 different cryptocurrencies are traded publicly.Bitcoin, perhaps the bestknown, is considered a hot investment, rallying 400 over the past year. And it’s not just millennials who’re buying it in India – industry estimates say that since January 2021 people above 45 years of age have been showing a keen interest in it.The crypto universe has been in the news for other reasons recently – Bitcoin went into freefall from 65,000 in April to below the 40,000 mark. And the volatility continues. That puts the focus firmly on regulation of cryptocurrencies.So, are cryptocurrencies legal in India And what is the government’s stand on themAfter vacillating for a long time, the government took the first step towards regulation. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs made it mandatory for companies to disclose crypto trading and investments, which experts see as a positive step. It is aimed at curbing illegal trading and the use of cryptos to conceal black money. Such disclosures will also mean better, more transparent corporate governance.So, while you can trade in cryptocurrencies, India is a long way from having a robust regulatory framework.The government had formed an interministerial committee on November 2, 2017, to study virtual currencies. Its report highlighted the positive aspect of distributedledger technology and suggested applications for it in financial services. However, the government wasn’t convinced about cryptocurrencies and proposed a blanket ban on them.Accordingly, in April 2018, the Reserve Bank advised all entities under its jurisdiction to not deal in virtual currencies or provide services to anyone dealing with them. The Finance Ministry too issued a statement saying: “The government does not consider cryptocurrencies as legal tender or coin and will take all measures to eliminate the use of these crypto assets in financing illegitimate activities or as part of the payment system.”In mid2019, a government committee suggested banning all private cryptocurrencies with a jail term of up to 10 years as well as heavy penalties for those dealing in them. However, the Supreme Court in March 2020 overturned the ban and so cryptos are legal.The current thinking within the industry is that a strict set of regulations will be put into place sometime this year. These currencies are already taxable and the regulations are expected to detail a tax regime specifically applicable to them.All of this comes on the back of the rising popularity of Blockchain in areas such as identity management, smart contracts and supply chain. Cryptocurrency is perhaps the best known use case for Blockchain. The global user base increased by 190 between 2018 and 2020 to 200 million, driving the market capital of cryptocurrency to 2 trillion in April 2021.India has been a global driver of the technology ecosystem, so it should be well placed to seize this opportunity.There is no definitive count of how many Indians deal in cryptocurrencies but, judging from the trading levels, industry estimates peg the number at 15 million. Their holdings are estimated at Rs 15,000 crore and monthly trading volumes at Rs 60,000 crore.What worries the government and observers is the volatility and decentralised nature of cryptocurrency. After all, cryptocurrencies are not issued by a governmentcontrolled centralised authority the way, say, the rupee is minted by the Reserve Bank of India.The industry can help by offering solutions to the concerns. A whitepaper with detailed recommendations was submitted to the government by IndiaTech.org, an internet startup association.First of all, it recommended, stop treating cryptos as currencies and look upon them as digital assets. By doing this, you take away the uncertainty around it being a currency competing with the rupee. Register Indian crypto exchanges and have foreign direct investment limits – just like we do with banks – and establish checks and balances, the report added. Among these are mandatory KYC of all cryptocurrency holders, notified accounting standards and disclosures through entities like chartered accountants.There are also recommendations on antimoney laundering checks, taxation, traceability, disclosure, trading limits and source disclosure.With the correct regulation, combined with the fastgrowing digital economy, India can be home to a Blockchain boom – just as we did with information technology and information technology enabled services.

Your take-home salary is about to shrink

3 min 57 sec

If you’re a salaried employee, your takehome salary could reduce from the next financial year. Under the Narendra Modi government’s new compensation rules, which are part of the Code on Wages, 2019, taxable components of your wages will rise and so will the costs on your employer.

The unending trauma of an acid attack

28 min 59 sec

India has the dubious distinction of recording the most number of acid attacks in the world 1,483 victims between 2014 and 2018. Despite stricter laws and harsher punishments, the number of such attacks continues to increase.Daulat Bi Khan, an acid attack survivor herself, launched a foundation to help others like her and is now fighting to ensure they get medical treatment, counselling and education.She speaks to about her battle with pain, trauma and the fight for justice she undertook for herself and other survivors.All Indians Matter

What the return of bird flu means for India

5 min 21 sec

Roughly one and a half years after India declared itself free of bird flu, we are once again in the midst of an outbreak. At least 10 states have reported deaths of thousands of birds caused by the virus. Coming on the back of COVID19, this is a worry because of its economic impact and because it can be transferred to humans in some cases.

Murder of the Mahatma Trailer

1 min 19 sec

On Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, launches a special sixepisode series on his assassination. It’s been 73 years but the details of the conspiracy, who was involved, who benefited, why some people got away, the lapses in the investigation and the limitations of the commission of inquiry are not fully understood by most Indians.Gandhi was not just the father of the nation, he was also its conscience. In this series, Tushar Gandhi, great grandson of the Mahatma and president of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, details the conspiracy, delves into the role of each player and sheds fresh light on what most Indians still don’t know about the killing.This series also marks the launch of – a new format in which we will look at issues or events in great depth, uncovering facets and shedding light on those not well known.

Why fuel prices are soaring and how they affect you

6 min 2 sec

Fuel prices have risen at least 24 times since May 4 and petrol crossed the Rs 100 per litre mark in seven states and union territories. As common Indians reeling from the economic impact of COVID19 looked to the government for help, they came up against a brick wall.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why you should care about Whatsapp’s lawsuit against the government

19 min 13 sec

Whatsapp’s case against the new digital rules is important for India’s internet future. WhatsApp argues that the rules violate privacy rights. This comes on the back of attempts by the government to control the digital narrative about it, including pressurizing social media companies to remove posts critical of it.Kushagra Sinha, the Litigation and Intermediary Liability lead at the Delhibased Software Freedom Law Centre, speaks to All Indians Matter.

What Fr. Stan Swamy’s death says about us

8 min 6 sec

The Indian government would have us believe that an 84yearold with advanced Parkinson’s Disease was a terrorist. Incarcerated, Father Stan Swamy was denied not just bail but something as basic as a sipper that he needed because his trembling hands couldn’t hold a cup. Father Stan died in hospital, a price he paid for fighting for tribals’ rights. What does this say about us and our judicial system, which so often fails those who need justice the most Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Living with cleft lip and palate

20 min 54 sec

July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month. In India, 35,000 children are born with clefts every year. Those untreated face difficulty in eating, breathing, hearing and speaking, greatly affecting their ability to thrive.Dr B Krishnamurthy, Smile Train Project Director at Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Hospital in Bangalore, has performed multiple cleft surgeries over the past two decades.He speaks to All Indians Matter.

Why the BJP is targeting Amnesty International

8 min 23 sec

The BJP had an unusual response to the Pegasus internal surveillance expose: it blamed Amnesty International, among others. The government has had Amnesty in its sights for a while, even freezing its bank accounts last year. Why does it want Amnesty out of IndiaPlease listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

‘Sport should be run as a business’

21 min 9 sec

Despite heroic individual and team performances, India hasn’t performed well at the Olympics overall – winning only 28 medals before Tokyo. Our athletes haven’t had the best infrastructure or support from federations. What does it take to become an Olympian in India And what can India do to become a truly great Olympic nationImtiaz Anees, the only Indian rider to complete an equestrian threeday event at the Olympics, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Why are there so many mega IPOs now?

17 min 45 sec

Zomato’s was the first in a series of mega IPOs lined up for launch. Paytm and LIC are among the ones to watch now. The stock markets, a contrast to the real economy at the moment, have risen substantially over the past 15 months. Why is that so and why are so many listings happening nowAmit Sahita, a veteran of the equity, debt, forex and commodity markets, speaks to All Indians Matter. You can contact him on askinvestindiagmail.com.

Climate change is altering the Indian monsoon

6 min 4 sec

The recent flooding in Maharashtra and other parts of the country was alarming. Climate change is altering the Indian monsoon system, warn studies. The monsoon is likely to get heavier and more dangerous over the long term because of global warming. This has implications on the economy and other national priorities like food security. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why does justice inequality persist in India?

39 min 53 sec

The justice system exists as part of society, not outside it. So, you’re particularly vulnerable if you happen to be poor, part of a minority or a vulnerable group such as Dalits, or of the wrong gender. Can we even have a workable society without justice equality And why should all Indians know about Article 39A of the Constitution Dr Anup Surendranath, Assistant Professor of Law and Executive Director of Project 39A at the National Law University, Delhi, speaks to All Indians Matter.

There is a huge awareness gap when it comes to multiple sclerosis

38 min 51 sec

There are an estimated 1.5 lakh Indians living with multiple sclerosis but the actual number is almost certainly higher. A key reason for this is lack of awareness and data about the disease. Data is important if we are to have an effective plan for it and ensure patients get the public resources they need to cope with the disease. So, what exactly is multiple sclerosis and how can the healthcare system and society help patients Anjali Vyas, National Project Coordinator at the Multiple Sclerosis Society Of India and MS Person Of The Year 2021, speaks to All Indians Matter.

How bringing fuel under GST would lower prices

5 min 8 sec

There is a demand to bring petrol and diesel under the GST’s ambit. How would you benefit from that and why does the Centre need to enforce that despite the states’ opposition Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Reviving Indian arts and handicrafts

46 min 17 sec

India’s 68 lakh artisans and artists account for the country’s second largest unorganised sector. It can contribute much to the economy but it requires work on several fronts – brand creation, efficient fabrication processes and, most importantly, wider markets for stable revenues. Richa Khandelwal Bhat, founder and MD of Narayana’s ArtNirbhar Bharat Foundation, which is creating employment for thousands of artisans and helping them become financially selfreliant, speaks to All Indians Matter.

India’s shrinking academic freedoms

6 min 28 sec

The ‘Academic Freedom Index Update 2023’ has confirmed what we’ve known for a while: academic and cultural freedom, and institutional autonomy, have declined significantly in India since the Narendra Modi government came to power. The areas of concern span the gamut, from freedom to research and teach to campus integrity. Academic freedom is a derivative of freedom of thought and is critical to the evolution of society. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Tech can reduce friction in urban service delivery

49 min 43 sec

India is poised to have more than 60 cities with a population of more than one million each and six megacities with populations of at least 10 million each by 2030. But, our urban centres are hardly well managed. The growing urban population will strain resources like water and energy, infrastructure like roads, services like waste management and healthcare. So, how we manage our resources and plan infrastructure and services will be critical. Increasingly, it is being understood that technology will have a huge role to play. It’s time to address the challenges in implementing technology and datadriven urban governance. Sarayu Natarajan, founder of Aapti Institute, which works on questions at the intersection of technology and society, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Govt wants intellectual hegemony, hence the crackdown on academic freedom

26 min 37 sec

Academic freedom and institutional autonomy have declined significantly in India since the Narendra Modi government came to power. This has been emphasised by independent studies but we don’t need them to see what’s going on. Why is academic freedom important to society and, indeed, individual freedoms Suhas Palshikar, academician and social and political scientist, speaks to All Indians Matter.

IT for legal work will become the next fintech

25 min 52 sec

More than 4.7 crore cases are pending in courts across the country 1.82 lakh for more than 30 years. There is a need to introduce a great deal of efficiency in the way our courts work. India needs to focus on information technology to energise and speed up courts while improving the quality of judgments. Arvind Singhatiya, CEO of LegalKart, who’s working to do just that, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Let’s take a look at India’s festival economy

7 min 42 sec

India’s religious and cultural diversity has huge economic significance. We have at least 51 festivals a year, 17 of which are nationally recognised. These festivals are a vital part of the overall economy, accounting for a large portion of the annual sales of especially consumer goods and have a huge role in keeping consumption and employment going in tough times like these. In the latest episode of All Indians Matter, I take a look at India’s festival economy.

Why is justice so elusive for rape victims?

6 min 59 sec

For a rape survivor, the trauma is repeated time and time and time again. First, there is the assault itself. Then comes the trauma of reporting the assault to apathetic policemen. Then a long drawn out judicial battle. And amid all this, the victim also battles societal taboos and mindsets that blame the victim for the crime. No wonder it’s so difficult for rape victims to get justice in India. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Ravish Kumar’s voice is our voice; we can’t let it fade away

8 min 33 sec

Ravish Kumar’s exit was to be expected after the Adani Group, which is close to the BJP, took over the channel. What does this mean for Ravish’s journalism What did Ravish teach us about a duty that is increasingly under siege And why does his voice matter Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

How will a global slowdown/recession impact India?

10 min 37 sec

As predictions of a recession or slowdown in advanced economies grow louder, India has reason to be concerned. Globally, 2022 witnessed the highest level of inflation in 50 years, the most aggressive monetary tightening in nearly 40 years and the strongest dollar in 20 years. India faces the prospect of costlier energy and commodities, slowing investment, even higher interest rates, and severely stressed MSME and rural sectors. Significantly, jobs will be even tougher to generate. There are positives in the form of domestic demand, encouraging agricultural output and progress on reducing banks’ bad loans. However, as an individual, there’s much you should do to be prepared in the event that things go south. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

‘Elgar Parishad case defies logic, creates perpetual sense of disbelief’

38 min 57 sec

The Elgar Parishad case, in which several activists have been accused of making speeches that led to violence in Bhima Koregaon near Pune in 2018, drags on. Dalit scholar Anand Teltumbde, lawyeractivist Sudha Bhardwaj and poet Varavara Rao have got bail, but only after spending years in prison. But others, such as Vernon Gonsalves, continue to languish behind bars.Eightyfouryearold Jharkhandbased tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy, meanwhile, died in custody on July 5, 2021. What does this case tell us about human rights in India and about the effectiveness – or lack of it – of the judiciarySusan Abraham – a lawyer who’s been at the forefront of the legal battle, human right activist and wife of Vernon Gonsalves – speaks to All Indians Matter.

NREGA budget cut couldn’t have come at a worse time

9 min 2 sec

The flagship rural jobs scheme has provided a lifeline to homes hurting from unemployment and soaring inflation. The slashing of its budget to Rs 60,000 crore has been dubbed an “assault” on people’s right to work. What impact will the lower allocation have on rural families and the overall economy Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Gender parity in Indian cricket still elusive, but Women’s Premier League is a positive step

5 min 36 sec

WPL will not only unlock and expand the commercial value of women’s cricket, it will lead to the development of the women’s game at the grassroots level. For advertisers, it’s likely to deliver a lucrative audience that includes teenage to young women. Maybe the BCCI should have launched the league sooner

What’s wrong with Indian edtech?

6 min 21 sec

Edtech exploded onto the scene as COVID19 shut India down. It was hailed as a shining star in India’s redhot startup economy. But now it’s reeling from an avalanche of bad news: complaints about service quality, misleading marketing, even outright cheating. The latest: edtech firms are laying off staff by the thousands. What can they do to rebuild trust Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

People with mental health issues are creative, wise, can have a full life

36 min 46 sec

More than 60 million Indians suffer from mental disorders, 10 to 20 million of them from severe conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. India has one of the highest prevalences of mental illnesses globally. Daniel Lobo, CEO and Founder of BecauseYOU.in, a mental health social enterprise that supports individuals to thrive irrespective of their emotional distress, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Welcome to shrinkflation

6 min 8 sec

Does that packet of biscuits you just bought seem lighter than it normally does And is your soap lasting for fewer days That packet of noodles you like having seems to be smaller too, doesn’t it You aren’t imagining things – with no sign of raging inflation being tamed, helpless fast moving consumer goods companies, and others, are being forced to reduce the volume or weight of their products instead of raising prices. So, you’re getting less bang for your buck. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

The flight of capital from India

6 min 5 sec

Reserve Bank of India data tells us the amount of capital coming into the country is less than what is going out. Blame it on a variety of reasons – from lack of confidence in the economy to corruption and high government debt to disruptions in the supply chain due to the conflict in Ukraine and the hiking of interest rates. This is worrying and requires urgent corrective action. The flight of capital makes India poorer and it means that there is less for critical spending on things like schools and infrastructure. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

When I read Kasturba’s long-lost diary, it was as if she was speaking to me from 90 years ago

44 min 55 sec

A couple of years ago, members of the Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, found a crumbling, damaged diary at Kasturba Ashram in Indore. It turned out to be a 135page diary written by Kasturba, between January and September 1933. Like Kasturba, the diary lay forgotten and neglected. Tushar Gandhi, peace activist, author and great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba, took it upon himself to translate the diary. The result was a book: ‘The Lost Diary of Kastur, My Ba’. He speaks to All Indians Matter about how the diary was found and what compelled him to translate it.

State is not the property of an individual; it’s an institution

46 min 28 sec

Professor VK Tripathi, a former plasma physicist who’s now a renowned peace activist, is well known for his walks through Delhi distributing pamphlets promoting communal harmony. He’s also become somewhat of a social media phenomenon through his videos. He was inspired to work for interfaith amity after seeing firsthand the carnage of the 1989 Bhagalpur riots. He speaks to All Indians Matter on the rise of sectarian politics, the crumbling of our institutions and what lies ahead for India.

How does India’s external debt affect you?

6 min 48 sec

More than 40 of India’s external debt, or 267 billion of the total 621 billion, is due for repayment in the next 9 months. This is equivalent to 44 of India’s forex reserves. The rupee has been falling consistently, recording new lows every few days, and it could face further pressure as the record external debt comes up for repayment. What does this mean for you Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Crypto investors want regulatory mechanism, lower tax rate

27 min 42 sec

India, with more than 10 crore investors, is the world’s most significant crypto market. But regulations have been confusing, and the government seems to have been caught unawares by the boom. For instance, it imposed a tax on cryptocurrencies but said that it does not mean they have been legalised. Investors are demanding that the government take a clear stand and that cryptocurrencies be legalised and regulated to pave the way for a solid, safe market. Rakesh Singh, a leading Blockchain and crypto lawyer, speaks to All Indians Matter. India’s crypto regulations are confusing. Investors are demanding that the government regulate cryptocurrencies and introduce a rational tax regime to pave the way for a solid, safe market. advocaterakesh9, a leading Blockchain and crypto lawyer, speaks to allindianscount.

Is flying safe in India?

7 min 14 sec

There’s been a series of malfunctions and close shaves involving passenger flights over the past few days, making fliers nervous and raising serious concerns about air safety in India. What’s causing these incidents Blame them on a number of reasons, from cashbleeding airlines cutting corners to a shortage of staff and unauthorised engineers clearing takeoff. How did we get here and what is the DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation doing about it Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Job contracts that stop you from working for competition can’t always be enforced

21 min 23 sec

Nopoaching agreements and clauses that forbid employees from moving to competitors are common. They can artificially depress salaries and suck away competition from the talent market, enabling corporations to get richer at their employees’ expense. Are such clauses legal or ethical How do they affect salaried employees Leading corporate lawyer Shahezad Kazi speaks to All Indians Matter. Contracts that forbid employees from moving to competitors can artificially depress salaries and reduce employment options. Are such clauses legal or ethical How do they affect salaried employees Leading corporate lawyer Shahezad Kazi speaks to allindianscount.

Twitter case verdict will indicate future of free speech in India

9 min 1 sec

The lawsuit filed by Twitter against the government goes well beyond company versus state. It is, in fact, a case about freedom of speech and its future in India. It is part of a broadening global battle against governments that want to limit the power of Google, Facebook and other companies in order to stifle dissent. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

India’s made a start; what should it do now to become a sporting superpower?

10 min 15 sec

Our sporting superheroes have brought the country medals and glory despite the sports system in India. Our performance, especially in major events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, has improved over time. Now, it’s time to build on it. We are a nation of 1.3 billion with more than 300 million youth – roughly the entire population of the US – of Olympic participation age. Yet, even smaller nations, some of them smaller even than some of our states, regularly win more medals. The problem lies not just in the way we nurture our sportspersons but also in our sporting culture. So, what can be done to make India a sporting superpower

Definition of forests changed to show more cover, suit biz lobby

23 min 41 sec

The government claims forest cover has risen by 2,261 sq km, but the figure is hotly contested by experts. They point out that, shockingly, it’s the result of the legal definition of a forest being changed Now, tea estates, coconut plantations and even treelined avenues in cities are being classified as forests. Veteran environmentalist Stalin D, of the NGO Vanashakti, speaks to All Indians Matter.

We are witnessing the decay of the Indian judiciary in real time

1 hr 12 min 3 sec

The steady decline of democracy, institutions and freedoms in India over the past eight years has been a matter of great concern to Indians and governments across the world. Interestingly, many of the trends witnessed here are mirrored in the US too – the rise of an aggressive right wing, aggressive religious nationalism, calls to subvert the democratic process and, perhaps most worrying of all, a dysfunctional judicial system. As we celebrate Independence Day, Rohit Tripathi, Washingtonbased policy advocate who has worked with both the US Congress and the Indian Parliament on a variety of issues, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Nationhood is a journey; concept underscored by justice, dignity

26 min 56 sec

What exactly is nationhood How has it evolved in India and what does it mean in these tough, divisive times, to different groups Priyadarshini Singh – Research Fellow at the State Capacity Initiative at the Center for Policy Research – recently published the study ‘India and its Nationhood: Grassroots Nationhood as Conceptual Frames’. She speaks to All Indians Matter.

Women have to skip meals because Centre hasn’t paid MNREGA dues

42 min 54 sec

The Centre doesn’t seem to be invested in MNREGA, a lifeline for those suffering the worst from rural distress. Allocation for the scheme was slashed by more than 25 in the last Budget and, worse, Delhi owes more than Rs 4,720 crore as MNREGA dues to 13 states and union territories. Meanwhile, the workers often have to go hungry or take on debt. Anuradha Talwar, veteran trade unionist and rural labour activist, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Any uncertainty in a country drives migration out of it

24 min 47 sec

More than 23,000 millionaires have left India since 2014 and, since 2015, nearly 9 lakh Indians – many of them highly qualified – have given up their citizenship. India is witnessing the sharpest rise in people migrating overseas, at nearly one crore between 2000 and 2020, according to the ‘International Migration 2020 Highlights’ report issued by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Why is India losing its best minds and most prosperous citizens And where are they going Migration advisor Saadat Shaikh speaks to All Indians Matter.

Dalit women face the highest risk of sexual assault

7 min 34 sec

At least 10 Dalit women are raped every single day in India and their vulnerability to it has risen 44 over the past decade. This frequency of violence is founded on a bedrock of economic oppression – most Dalits, especially the women, have little economic agency. If Dalit victims of sexual assault are dependent on their survival on their assailants, justice can be very, very distant. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

The duality of the monsoon and how it affects you

7 min 37 sec

India has had above normal rainfall this year, so why are some states witnessing drought conditions and others a drop in farm output It’s because the monsoon had a skewed distribution, resulting in rain deficits in the northern Gangetic plain and a roughly 1 decrease in overall acreage of the kharif crop. This could result in a further rise in food prices and some shortages. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Sex workers’ bodies are viewed as currency, even for medicines

22 min 50 sec

Healthcare is crucial for sex workers, exposed as they are to poverty and sexuallytransmitted diseases. Recent reportage by journalist Shalini Singh, for the People’s Archive of Rural India, revealed that sex workers in Delhi are often denied health services or exploited in return for this access. She speaks to All Indians Matter.Healthcare is crucial for sex workers, exposed as they are to poverty and sexuallytransmitted diseases. Reportage by Shalininess revealed that sex workers in Delhi are often denied health services or exploited in return for this access. She speaks to allindianscount.

‘Stop developmental projects in tiger areas, invest more in lesser-known forests’

31 min 16 sec

126 tigers died in India in 2021, the most since data began being compiled, for reasons ranging from habitat loss to poaching and from habitat fragmentation to hunting of the tiger’s prey species by locals hit badly by the COVID19 lockdown. So what can be done to preserve and augment the progress India has achieved over the decades on tiger conservation Internationally renowned wildlife filmmaker Praveen Singh, whose work has extensively documented India’s tigers and other wildlife, speaks to All Indians Matter.

How does the Russia-Ukraine standoff affect India?

6 min 19 sec

The RussiaUkraine conflict could affect India in various ways – by raising oil and LNG prices, nudging inflation higher, to making stock markets even more volatile. It has implications also for our relationship with China and defence procurement. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

State polls a bellwether for our democracy, semi-final for 2024

27 min 17 sec

This is a crucial election year. Five states are making a choice. It’s almost a semifinal to the 2024 general election, and you can see that in the intensity of the campaigning. How these states vote will give us not only a fair idea of India’s political mood but also perhaps what direction our democracy will take. What are the main electoral issues Who are the main players How does the electoral math stack up and what are the voters saying In an electionspecial episode, All Indians Matter speaks to voters from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa the Manipur overview will follow in a separate episode and analyses what’s at stake.

‘I planned to record a farewell message for my mom in case I die here in Ukraine’

24 min 11 sec

Raj Dhiman 21 is among the Indian students marooned in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. Like the others, he’s desperate to get out but he says Ukrainian soldiers are beating them up and preventing them from crossing into Poland. They would have left earlier but the Indian embassy kept assuring them things were fine. Now, he says, the embassy won’t even answer their calls. Please listen to this emotional and worrying interview on All Indians Matter.

Teaching infrastructure doesn’t begin with tech resources but human resources

27 min 56 sec

It wasn’t just students even teachers struggled as classes moved online during the COVID19 lockdown. Lack of training added to the problem of poor digital infrastructure. How can teachers be readied for a new age of education delivery Siddharth Rajsekar, renowned digital coach and author, discusses the way ahead on this episode of All Indians Matter.

Need to revive the culture of excellence at AMU

1 hr 2 min

Aligarh Muslim University AMU is a proudly Islamic and proudly Indian institution, a living symbol of the composite culture of India. AMU was once central to the progressive Muslim ethos but over the past few years many believe it has lost its once eminent status. What does AMU mean to the India of today and what lies ahead for it Mohammed Wajihuddin, senior journalist and author of ‘Aligarh Muslim University: The Making of the Modern Indian Muslim’, speaks to All Indians Matter.

India faces economic, social turmoil due to climate change

7 min 39 sec

A new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report says India faces great risks from falling farm yields, water scarcity, lower productivity and sealevel rises that could swamp our financial nerve centres. India would be among the worst affected by warming, the report warns. Most worrying of all, these could lead to heightened social turmoil and even armed conflict. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Political culture and change are often linked to food

38 min 39 sec

There are many forces that shape history but few people think of food as a factor. In fact, food and history are closely linked. For instance, it was the quest for spices that drew Vasco da Gama to India. All Indians Matter speaks about the link between food and history in India with Dr Tarana Husain Khan, a writer and food historian.

Censorship monster creeps up on digital content

6 min 42 sec

If the government decides what we can watch, read and say, how long before it can tell us what can and cannot think

The intersection of caste and technology - Part 1

25 min 1 sec

The relationship between communication technologies and lower castes is a complicated one. While communication technology and the mass media are widely thought to shrink social divisions, in many cases they have in fact reinforced castebased exclusion and affected caste narratives., London based researcher and consultant – whose work looks at the disavowal of caste in media and communication studies and digital cultures – sheds light on the issue in this conversation with All Indians Matter. Dr Murali Shanmugavelan

No respite from rising prices

4 min 29 sec

India’s wholesale price index is at a 5month high and retail prices are rising too on the back of supply shortages, high energy costs and a cut in fuel levies that’s come in too late. Prices of food and nonfood items are rising, and it seems they will rise further. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why governments need more meaningful communication with citizens

1 hr 6 min 48 sec

Social platforms offer citizens a direct dialogue with government agencies, which deploy their handles for a variety of functions, from awareness building and information dissemination to troubleshooting and crisis communication. Sunchika Pandey, whose agency runs the fun and popular social media account of the Mumbai police, speaks to All Indians Matter about why governments must adapt to how a rapidly transforming world communicates – not just to engage with citizens but also change how they are perceived.

Why are right wingers so afraid of stand-up comedians?

6 min 20 sec

A string of Munawar Faruqui shows have been cancelled after threats from groups such as the Bajrang Dal. Various judicial bodies, including the Supreme Court, have waxed eloquent about the need to preserve freedom of speech. Yet, standup comedians continue to be targeted, often with the state turning a blind eye to it. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

India is doing terribly on nutrition, anaemia, child wasting

6 min 12 sec

The recent Global Nutrition Report and the National Family Health Survey show India is performing abysmally on anaemia, especially among women, and childhood wasting. There’s more – India is not on course to meet seven of the 13 global nutrition targets, the report warned. These are serious issues that have human, economic and social repercussions. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Union Budget – the juggling act is on

6 min 37 sec

This year’s Budget comes in the wake of soaring COVID19 cases, suppressed private consumption and investment, as well as rural distress and unemployment. But, with major state elections coming up, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be under pressure to focus on them. Will she deliver a Budget that has us all in mind Or is she in election mode Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

‘My name was listed on Bulli Bai; I feel dehumanised'

31 min 32 sec

All Indians Matter speaks to Sadaf Jafar, who was among the Muslim women targeted through the Bulli Bai app she and several others were listed for auction. The posts were clearly meant to harass and terrorise Indian Muslim women and, in fact, Indian Muslims in general. This is in line with a broader trend targeting Muslim women on digital platforms, and is part of the widening harassment of minorities in India over the past few years.

Why India wants to focus on multidisciplinary education

23 min 49 sec

India’s higher education system is at an inflection point. With at least 30 million students, India’s is the third largest higher education system in the world. However, it is characterised by low to average standards. One of the solutions offered in the New Education Policy is multidisciplinary education. What exactly is multidisciplinary education and what are the challenges to its rollout Veteran academician and ViceChancellor of Vidyashilp University, Dr Vijayan Immanuel, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Where are the jobs? Part 2: Unemployment in poll-bound states

6 min 37 sec

Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand will hold their Assembly elections weeks from now. What does unemployment look like in these states Given our large population and the rate at which we’re adding young people to the potential workforce, are these states keeping up Please listen to the concluding part of All Indians Matter’s series ‘Where are the jobs’

If corporations can raise foreign funds, why can’t charitable organisations?

51 min 9 sec

The recent controversy over charitable organisations’ FCRA registration cancellations has sparked a debate on the regulations governing such organisations, especially tax incentives, and how getting them right could transform philanthropy in India. Ingrid Srinath, Director of the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy at Ashoka University, and Priyadarshini Singh, Senior Visiting Fellow at the centre, speak to All Indians Matter.

Budget 2022 doesn’t address the jobs crisis adequately

9 min 18 sec

Budget 2022 was presented in the backdrop of extremely worrisome levels of unemployment. India needs to create 100 million jobs by 2030 with roughly 10 million aspirants entering the employment market every year. Instead, we’ve had rising job losses and increasing public anger. By not tackling this crisis headon, and by even stepping back on crucial employment safety nets, this Budget isn’t great news for job aspirants.

It's under siege, but Urdu can be the medicine for the pandemic of hate

46 min 10 sec

In the current political climate, Urdu is made out to be the language of Muslims only rather than one that cuts across religious and social groups. It is being used as yet another tool to polarise society and its onceeminent position is being eroded. Can Urdu survive Fabeha Syed, journalist and host of the awardwinning podcast Urdunama, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Aryan Khan’s arrest puts NDPS Act under scrutiny

5 min 56 sec

In the latest episode of All Indians Matter, we put under the microscope the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, or the NDPS Act, the law under which Aryan – Shah Rukh Khan’s son – was charged. Did you know that some provisions of it are thought to be more draconian than even the dreaded UAPA What is the NDPS Act all about and why does it desperately need a relook

Part 2.

38 min 53 sec

Weknow NathuramGodse as the man who pulled the trigger but he was only a means to an end. There were several conspirators in Mahatma Gandhi’s killing, each of whom played a part. Who were the people involved and what role did each one play Find out in Episode 2 of the All Indians Matter special series on Gandhi’s assassination.

Part 3.

47 min 57 sec

The police and other agencies had several warnings that Mahatma Gandhi was the target of a planned assassination attempt. But a series of mistakes and a casual approach proved fateful. Could Gandhi have been saved Find out in Episode 3 of the All Indians Matter special series on Gandhi’s assassination.

Can technology change how India votes?

36 min 3 sec

When it comes to elections, the casting of the ballot is only the last piece in a jigsaw that has many interlocking pieces. The others include voter awareness, registration, motivation to vote and so on. As in all other walks of life, technology has played a growing role in each of these aspects. But it’s had its share of controversy too. Can technology revolutionise the way India votes , a veteran of mobile and digital initiatives for transformative civic engagement campaigns, speaks to .Swaraj ShettyAll Indians Matter

The cauldron communal violence is bubbling over

1 hr 2 min

Perhaps never before have majoritarian forces been on the ascendant in this manner. One of the results of this is the systematic expansion and normalisation of communal violence. There is an urgent need to restore positive interfaith relations but is that even possible when the government prides itself as a champion of majoritarian politics Anirban Bhattacharya and Misbah Rashid, research scholars on communal violence and Constitutional values at Centre for Equity Studies, pull no punches when discussing this on the latest episode of .All Indians Matter

Disha Ravi shows us what courage is

7 min 40 sec

“If highlighting farmers’ protests globally is sedition, I am better off in jail.” With this, perhaps the most brave words spoken in India in the past seven years, 22yearold climate activist Disha Ravi showed the country what courage is all about. A Delhi court granted her bail but it came only after she had spent several days behind bars after being charged with sedition for editing a digital document on how to highlight the farmers’ protests. Here’s why her incarceration should worry each one of us.

Why are internet shutdowns so common in India?

23 min 28 sec

We’re barely into 2021 but already, there have been at least eight internet shutdowns in India. The latest round followed the protest by farmers against three new agriculture laws. India shuts down the internet more than any other country – 106 times in 2019 with Venezuela, an authoritarian regime, a distant second with just 12 such instances. Most shutdowns occur during or after incidents of police brutality and protests, and are often used as a tool to stifle dissent. , counsel at the Software Freedom Law Center, explains the impact of the internet kill switch.Radhika Jhalani

Time to throw out the sedition law

7 min 49 sec

In recent times, sedition cases have been filed against climate activists, journalists, social activists, comedians, politicians, student protestors and authors. Often, it’s used to discredit those that oppose the government or to silence dissent. What exactly is sedition and why is the law such a danger Listen to the latest episode of the podcast.All Indians Matter

Slums, the forgotten battlegrounds of COVID-19

27 min 17 sec

Slums, the forgotten battlegrounds of COVID19

India is experiencing labour pains

5 min 40 sec

India’s jobs landscape is tremendously fragile.

The space for dissent and freedoms is shrinking in India

1 hr 12 min 12 sec

The space for dissent, opposition, freedom of speech and other Constitutional rights is shrinking fast in India.

How Delhi’s voters were rendered irrelevant

4 min 47 sec

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Amendment Bill, 2021, shifts the balance of power from a duly elected government to the LieutenantGovernor, a Central Government appointee.This makes the votes of Delhi’s citizens meaningless. It’s an assault on India’s democracy and federal structure.

Why small savings schemes matter

5 min 8 sec

The government slashed interest rates offered by small savings schemes such as the Public Provident Fund and the National Savings Certificate, but hurriedly withdrew after realising it could anger voters in key states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu which were going to the polls. Why are these schemes importantAnd why are they politically sensitive Listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why India must get urban transportation right

52 min 32 sec

India’s urban centres are expanding at breakneck speed, but its creaking transport systems are struggling. Traffic congestion, poor road safety, air pollution and lack of parking space are challenges that must be solved if we are to have sustainable urban growth.Sobia Rafiq and Sukhmani Grover, who are engaging with communities and working with the government to untangle the mess in Bangalore, speak to All Indians Matter about what the rest of India can learn from the Bengaluru Moving initiative.

Rise of the ‘black fungus’

4 min 21 sec

Amid the second wave of COVID19, India is now witnessing cases of mucormycosis – the ‘black fungus’. The rare but potentially fatal infection is being found in COVIDpatients with a number of cases detected in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi. With over 22 million COVID cases and counting, this is another challenge in India’s COVID battle.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

How we’re destroying our coastlines

36 min 53 sec

Unsustainable development and the disappearance of mangroves, wetlands and water bodies is destroying India’s coastlines. The damage has impacted fishing communities, their economies, fish catches and adjoining urban areas. Recurring natural disasters like cyclones and manmade structures like ports pose a serious danger to our coasts.Coastal conservation experts Aarthi Sridhar and Naveen Namboothri speak to All Indians Matter.

Why India must get disability counts right in the census

32 min 54 sec

“Disability is a political issue,” asserts disability rights crusader Arman Ali in a special conversation with All Indians Matter. The 2011 census counted 2.68 crore disabled persons, which is more than the population of Australia.However, activists believe this is a gross undercount. Why is being getting this count right crucial for social justice

Failure after failure on the vaccine front

46 min 10 sec

The world’s largest vaccine manufacturer is facing a deadly shortage of COVID19 doses. From planning to procurement and pricing, everything went wrong. Murali Neelakantan, a former global general counsel for pharma heavyweights who has worked extensively on issues related to the intersection of healthcare and law, dissects the crisis – from IPR to procurement and production to pricing – for All Indians Matter.

India’s COVID orphans

4 min 29 sec

There were roughly 350,000 orphans in institutional care before COVID19. The pandemic has orphaned thousands more, say social workers. The government said at least 577 children were orphaned between April 1 and May 25, 2021, alone. With our low adoption rates and the danger of them falling prey to traffickers, this is a crisis that India must deal with quickly. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

How new laws are destroying workers’ rights

47 min 12 sec

44 labour laws have been condensed into four codes on wages, social security, occupational safety and industrial relations. The government claims this will allow flexibility in hiring and layoffs, and make strikes difficult. Activists say they make workers more vulnerable to exploitation.Chandan Kumar, National Coordinator of the Working People’s Charter, a coalition of over 150 worker collectives organising informal workers across India, speaks to All Indians Matter.Don’t miss the bit about how the codes affect gig workers. Or how, during the pandemic, there has been a transfer of trillions of dollars from workers who need the money the most to the wealthy, who need it the least.

The racism endemic in Indian sports

5 min 41 sec

While the Ollie Robinson episode underscores the racism prevalent in international sport, discrimination based on looks, skin colour, geography and caste have existed forever in Indian sport. It’s time conversations about it got more common so that something can be done about it.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

How the pandemic widened the wealth chasm

5 min 11 sec

While the poor got poorer during the pandemic, India’s 100 billionaires got wealthier by almost Rs 13 lakh crore – enough to give the 138 million poorest Indians Rs 94,045 each. The number of poor rose by 75 million, accounting for 60 of the global increase in poverty and it didn’t even include the second wave.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why vaccine hesitancy persists

33 min 55 sec

While we are seeing COVID19 vaccine shortages on the one hand, we are also seeing stubborn vaccine hesitancy on the other. Experts see it as a threat to the country’s very fragile gains against COVID19. Dr Renu Khosla, Director of the Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence, and Kritica Mahajan, senior campaigner at Purpose, a social impact agency and campaigning organisation that is driving the communication response initiative by the UN Secretary General’s office in India, speak to All Indians Matter.

Why there’s a demand for a caste census

5 min 2 sec

The demand for a caste census is gaining steam. This, essentially, is a count of the OBC population. India has never had such a count since Independence despite the fact that OBCs are thought to account for 52 of the population. What is a caste census and what purpose would it serve Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Across the world, COVID-19 hurt women and children the most

1 hr 17 min 58 sec

The COVID19 pandemic was most devastating for women, children and adolescents, especially in low and middleincome countries. And these experiences were similar across these regions. Poor mental health, disruptions to education, loss of income and violence were just some of the consequences. Civil society groups, under the umbrella of PMNCH, a multiconstituency partnership hosted by the World Health Organization, conducted a study to understand these impacts and inform the response to the pandemic. All Indians Matter spoke to the leading lights of this effort across India, Africa and Latin America: Dr Aparajita Gogoi, Executive Director, Centre for Catalyzing Change Elizabeth Adongo Oloo, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Public Service and Gender, Government of Kenya and 18yearold Chilean activist Julieta Martinez, Founder of the Tremendas Platform.

Govt wants to use AI, data to solve farm woes. Can it succeed?

5 min 8 sec

India has signed agreements with technology giants to crunch data on agriculture in order to modernise the very traditional industry. The agriculture ecosystem certainly needs a transformation and the use of data can be a great accelerator. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Farmers don’t trust the government, and there are concerns over privacy and whether the programme can actually deliver. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

The BJP finds a new ‘anti-national’ – the farmer

4 min 10 sec

Since it assumed power, the BJP has painted every opponent as an enemy of the nation – from Opposition leaders to minorities and even students and journalists covering crime in BJPruled states. Now, it’s the turn of the farmers. It’s a way of deflecting attention from the government’s many failures – rising fuel and food prices, the mismanagement of the COVID19 pandemic, poor economic performance... Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

The forgotten Indians

40 min 41 sec

No one thinks or writes about districts like Gadchiroli and Chandrapur that have large tribal populations. The tribal regions in these districts are mainly underdeveloped, lacking basic facilities like healthcare. There are other issues: lack of roads, medieval menstrual practices, forcible land acquisition, nonpayment of health workers, malnutrition… So, who’s fighting for the tribals in these regions Bodhi Ramteke and Deepak Chatap, of the NGO PATH that uses Constitutional tools like public interest litigations and environment interest litigations to help the tribals, speak to All Indians Matter.

The scourge of female genital mutilation

35 min 3 sec

According to UNICEF data, at least 200 million girls and women across 30 countries have suffered female genital mutilation, also known as female genital cutting or FGC. If they were to form a country, it would be the sixth most populous in the world.This year, the UN estimated that 4.1 million girls around the world are at risk of FGC. In India, it is practised mainly by the Dawoodi Bohra community – mainly by untrained women using rudimentary blades and knives.We are looking at an alarming crime against humanity that needs our urgent attention.

One year of the CAA

6 min 34 sec

It’s been a year since the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, or CAA, was passed, sparking protests across the country. However, even today, its rules have been neither framed nor notified. Without them, the law cannot be implemented and it remains on paper.This gives credence to allegations that the Act was passed merely to polarise the population and to be used during elections.

Battling hunger on our streets

40 min 6 sec

The sudden, poorlymanaged lockdown earlier this year resulted in a massive internal migration as lakhs of workers left cities for home. Hunger was their constant companion as they walked, in many cases, a thousand kilometres with their belongings and families. Among the poor living in cities, lakhs were rendered penniless and without the means to sustain themselves. Enter the movement, which took it upon itself to battle this hunger.Khaana Chahiye

CSR in India - today and the future

33 min 48 sec

CSR spending by corporate India is rising significantly. In 2018, companies spent 47 more compared to the amount in 201415, contributing 1 billion to CSR initiatives. Over the past year, listed companies spent 1.4 billion on programmes ranging from education to skill development, social welfare, healthcare and conservation. , veteran CSR and business leader, speaks to about how corporations can make a difference to society through such programmes and what the future holds.Shravani DangAll Indians Matter

Man-environment conflict in India on the rise

43 min 14 sec

As human populations expand, there is pressure on natural habitats. They are looked upon as sources of natural resources that can fuel economic growth and help national missions like poverty reduction. As natural habitats shrink or prove inadequate, people, animals and forests are increasingly coming into conflict.

What to expect from Budget 2021

7 min 7 sec

Few Budgets would have been as critical as the one Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present on February 1, 2021. India just experienced its first ever technical recession and inflation continues to be well above the tolerance limit. India needs something extraordinary. Can the finance minister pull a rabbit out of a hat

Why urban transformation is important

26 min 3 sec

India’s urban population is increasing exponentially, with more than 33 of India’s 1.3 billion people now living in cities. It’s only a matter of time before a majority of Indians are city dwellers. However, urban infrastructure is not keeping pace. As a result, the quality of life is plummeting. , chief architect of the muchtalkedabout Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment in Mumbai, talks to All Indian Matters about the challenges before urban transformation in India and potential solutions.Qutub Mandviwala

Part 1.

47 min 39 sec

Theconspiracy to murder Mahatma Gandhi was long in the making. The plan had roots deep in religious extremism and anger at the prospect of an inclusive India. In the first part of this special series on Gandhi’s assassination, we look at the conspiracy and how it unfolded.

Prashant Bhushan verdict raises worries for our freedoms

3 min 20 sec

The Supreme Court holding advocate Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt for tweets commenting on an “undeclared emergency” in India and the role of the court is worrying for our democracy. Why can’t Constitutional institutions be criticised Why shoul...

Unemployment pandemic could be worse than COVID-19

5 min 25 sec

As India’s economy shrinks, unemployment expands. Millions of young people enter the workforce every year, but India is losing existing jobs by the millions instead of creating them. This can have farreaching societal implications and can even burge...

How three new farm laws impact you

5 min 47 sec

By removing limits on stockholdings, shrinking the essential commodities list, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the minimum support price for food items and pushing the farm sector into the hands of corporations, India’s new farm laws have a direc...

India’s rape pandemic

9 min 57 sec

How much has changed since the Nirbhaya case of 2012 Nothing at all, as the Hathras gangrapeandmurder shows. Police apathy, the lack of political will, a judicial process designed to traumatise the victim, patriarchy and caste are manifest in Indi...

What happened to the Indian news media?

43 min 59 sec

A fair press that asks probing questions to the government is a pillar of democracy. In India, however, there has been a fall in media standards and in many cases an abandonment of journalism altogether in favour of government propaganda. In the late...

Why India urgently needs police reforms

9 min 30 sec

India needs police reforms now. Unless that happens, your democratic rights and even the economic progress of the country are in peril.

India’s heatwave: how soaring temperatures impact you and society

6 min 17 sec

India experienced a severe heatwave and high temperatures are likely to persist. Heatwaves can raise physiological stress, exacerbate preexisting conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases, and even create public health emergencies. Underprivileged sections are much more at risk than the others. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Key laws affecting citizens’ lives were passed without consulting them

29 min 44 sec

The PreLegislative Consultation Policy says the government should place a draft version of any law it makes before the people for their inputs. This is important for a truly participative democracy. However, at last count, 227 of the 301 bills placed in Parliament after the policy was introduced were presented without prior consultation. The attempt to become not just a representative but a deliberative democracy has failed to take off. Public policy expert Arun PS, who has a special interest in the PreLegislative Consultation Policy, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Startup layoffs in a weak job market are worrying

4 min 29 sec

India’s startups are laying off employees in significant numbers, and it is feared that another 5,000 would be let go of soon in the face of investor pressure to improve profitability, choppy financial markets, slowing growth and inflation. How many more layoffs can we expect and how long will the bloodletting continue Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Financial literacy can be a life-changer for the less privileged

24 min 37 sec

It is estimated that only 27 of Indians are financially literate. Also, India has more than 275 million households and 100 millionof them are set to become savers for the first time. However, lack of financial awareness is a hurdle to their growth. What are the solutions Yusuf Roopawalla, chief information officer at a multinational bank, has handled large transformational projects across inclusive banking, retail banking, regulatory systems, etc. He speaks to All Indians Matter.

Digitisation would lower farm costs by 25%

28 min 2 sec

If India is to maintain a growth rate of 810, agriculture must grow at 4 at least. We need to significantly grow farmers’ incomes too. For this, digitisation is critical – not just in planting and harvesting, but also in allied areas like soil assessment, supply chain management and payments. Sanjay Borkar, agriculture digitisation expert and cofounder of FarmERP, which has developed a technology platform for efficient farm management, speaks to All Indians Matter.

State’s structural violence pushes tribals into Naxals’ arms

28 min 17 sec

The Naxal insurgency is much reduced from its peak but it remains one of our most significant internal threats. Naxals target security forces, government workers and symbols of the Indian state, claiming to fight for tribals’ land and human rights in the face of a sustained assault from the governmentindustry nexus. What is this insurgency all about Most importantly, what are the people right at the centre of it saying All Indians Matter speaks to Ashutosh Bhardwaj, an author and journalist who has travelled extensively across and lived in the Red Corridor, documenting the conditions of tribes caught in the conflict. Govt says Naxals are insurgents. Naxals say they are fighting for tribals being oppressed by the stateindustry nexus. Journalist ashubhan, who has extensively documented the plight of tribes caught in the crossfire, speaks to allindianscount about the unending conflict.

LIC stock shock could set back disinvestment push

6 min 54 sec

The LIC IPO was billed as India’s “Aramco moment”. But, with the stock down nearly 30 since listing, it has wiped out 17billion in market value and is among the biggest wealth destroyers among Asian IPOs. What does this mean for the government’s disinvestment targets Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Food loss has multiple dimensions – economic, social, environmental

32 min 43 sec

There is a gargantuan amount of postharvest food loss – which occurs in the crops’ journey from farm to retailer – in India due to inefficient supply chains. Nearly 40 of the food we produce is wasted even before it reaches the consumer. India has 200 million people who are food insecure and is home to the largest number of hungry people in the world. What can India, and you and I as individuals, do to reduce food loss Shweta Lamba and Shaurabh Anand, experts from the World Resources Institute India, which has put together a working paper titled ‘Food Loss and Waste in India: The Knowns and The Unknowns’, speak to All Indians Matter.

What a US recession would mean for India

6 min 3 sec

Talk of an ‘induced’ recession in the US is gaining ground. If it happens, it’s likely to be mild and shortlived but it will affect India – from slowing growth to hurting sectors like IT, ITeS, textiles, jewellery, etc. It’ll also shake up the stock market and make loans that finance infrastructure and social programmes costlier. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

A job transforms a disabled youth from underdog to asset for family

26 min 35 sec

Officially, there are 2.68 crore disabled persons in India but that’s most likely an undercount. They need employment in order to transform their status with society and their families. A shift in employer mindsets can greatly enhance job opportunities for people with disabilities. How do we ensure this happens Meera Shenoy, founder and CEO of Youth4Jobs and a pioneer in the skilling of youth with disabilities and linking them to jobs at scale, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Why there is opposition to mergers, privatisation of public sector banks

6 min 37 sec

The government wants more mergers of public sector banks mergers, arguing that it will lead to cost savings and consolidation in the banking sector. But opponents of the move point to problems in the merged banks, ranging from clunky process integration to the shutting of branches and the unsatisfactory reduction of bad loans. What would more such mergers mean for the banking sector and depositors like you Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Reservations have created an urban middle class of SCs, STs, OBCs

21 min 16 sec

The rise of the right wing has been accompanied by a demand for the abolition of reservations. Reservations were introduced to correct a centuriesold imbalance in Indian society that made the upper castes extremely powerful and rich while keeping other castes crushingly poor and low in status. VP Singh, as prime minister, implemented the recommendations of the Mandal Commission by providing reservations for the first time for OBCs in government services. All Indians Matter speaks with veteran journalist Debashish Mukerji, who’s also the author of a muchacclaimed biography of Singh, about how reservations shape Indian politics and what lies ahead for them.

How 5G will change your life

9 min 48 sec

Much delayed, but 5G is finally rolling out. Done right, it will aid in unlocking the next phase of India’s economic growth. It has the potential to transform the entire business and social services landscape, from education and healthcare to manufacturing and agriculture. But, it’s not without challenges. Learn more in the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Trolls know if they threaten a woman with physical harm, there will be a mental toll

1 hr 22 min 40 sec

When RJ Sayema was targeted for celebrating India’s win over Pakistan in a cricket match, it was yet another example of the abuse and humiliation women, especially Muslim women and those in the media, face daily on social media. It’s so common now that it’s become normalised. But it can’t be normal for the targets of such attacks. It must be a scary, vulnerable, distressing spot to be in. Sayema speaks to All Indians Matter.This was one of the most moving, thoughtprovoking and fun episodes I’ve done. Don’t miss it.

Poor road safety has significant economic implications too

29 min 30 sec

India needs to reimagine how it builds streets and roads, Madhav Pai, Programme Executive Director at the World Resources Institute India Ross Center, tells All Indians Matter. Why Because India accounts for 11 of the world’s road accident deaths despite having only 1 of the world’s vehicles. That’s 4.5 lakh road crashes every year, which kill 1.5 lakh people – 53 crashes per hour, killing 1 person every 4 minutes. India tops the world in such deaths and injuries and, with the monsoon upon us, road safety should be even more of a priority.

Post-pandemic, the focus for MSMEs is on multi-skilling

34 min 42 sec

Skilling was never a priority for Indian businesses, but COVID19 changed that. With job losses rampant over the past two years, the focus will be on skilling for newage professions shaped by digitisation, reconfigured supply chains and evolving product portfolios. What does this mean for MSMEs Sunil Dahiya, who leads the Wadhwani Opportunity Program in Asia, driving largescale job creation through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Why India wants to be a semiconductor hub and what stands in its way

12 min 8 sec

India wants to become a global semiconductor manufacturing centre, attracting investment, creating jobs and making itself less vulnerable to the kind of shortages witnessed after the COVID19 pandemic. The chips are at the heart of various devices and machines, from cars to laptops and defence equipment to smartphones. The Centre is offering subsidies and incentives, and there is a lot of interest from global majors. However, there are serious challenges too: the industry is capitalintensive, requires vast amounts of ultrapure water and uninterrupted power supply – none of which can be guaranteed in India. Can India trump China, the US and the EU to become the world’s semiconductor assembly line Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

As a Dalit, I was ready to die for RSS, but they wouldn’t even touch food I had cooked

1 hr 34 min 41 sec

This is one of a handful of episodes during the recording of which I wept. Bhanwar Meghwanshi, a Dalit, was fanatically devoted to the RSS, ready to go to war for its cause and even die for it. He joined the RSS as a child, eased into it by his school teacher and indoctrinated through games and music. Bhanwarji was jailed for trying to participate in the kar seva at the Babri Masjid site and he worked hard to spread the Sangh’s ideology. But, over time, he began to be subtly reminded of his Dalitness and was told he couldn’t become a pracharak because he was from a lower caste. The food he prepared for RSS members and priests was thrown away because it would “pollute” them. Exposed to its true face, disillusioned and shattered, he attempted suicide. Bhanwarji left the RSS and spent years trying to find himself. Eventually, there was an epiphany and he has since devoted his life to uniting Indians of all religions, castes and sections. He is also a civil liberties activist and works with Dalits, Adivasis and nomadic tribes. He tells his story to All Indians Matter.

Time to legalise cannabis/marijuana

9 min 21 sec

US President Joe Biden was hailed for pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of possessing marijuana, reenergising the demand to legalise its use. In India, too, there has been a longstanding demand to legalise marijuana for recreational use. Already, crores of Indians use cannabis products, of which marijuana is one, according to a government study. A sensible policy approach and sound regulation would not only reduce the burden on the criminal justice system but also prove to be a huge revenue spinner for the government. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

There’s a cost in the form of emissions to e-commerce deliveries; EVs are part of the answer

56 min 14 sec

India logs 2.6 billion ecommerce deliveries a year and the lastmile emissions per delivery, 285 gCO2, are way higher than the global average of 204 gCO2. Five cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai – emit more CO2 from lastmile deliveries than the lastmile emissions of entire countries such as France and Canada. Gowri Omanakuttan and Atul Gopal, who’re part of the EVmyDelivery campaign to reduce such emissions, talk to All Indians Matter.

Like Iran, if India becomes theocratic, there will be more moral policing of women

1 hr 11 min 56 sec

The protests led by women, demanding the right to not wear the hijab and other freedoms, in Iran are being watched with great interest in India. In India, too, women are leading movements asserting their right to choose. This includes the right to wear the hijab in educational institutions. These might seem like contradictory protests but they’re not. At their core, they’re both about the freedom of choice. Women’s rights activist Kavita Krishnan speaks to All Indians Matter.

No point complaining, industry must work with academia to produce employable engineers

38 min 17 sec

Business leaders have been vocal about colleges producing engineers that are not industryready or employable. Indian engineering education falls short on various parameters, from a syllabus that does not include analytical or critical skill development to colleges being focused solely on their bottomlines. Dr Vijay Wadhai, who’s been principal and professor at reputed engineering colleges and the founder of several RD labs and centres of excellence, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Packaged food is high on carbs because they’re cheaper than protein

24 min 42 sec

It is estimated that 70 of Indians’ calories come from carbohydrates, most of them of poor quality. These include sugar, flourbased products, snacks loaded with starch, loaves of bread and white rice. Shockingly, the average Indian consumes an estimated 15 teaspoons of sugar in the form of juices, sweets, sugary drinks and snacks every day. What’s going wrong with our diet and how do we fix it Senior nutritionist and health food entrepreneur Apoorva Gururaj speaks to All Indians Matter.

Expect more economic pain in 2023

8 min 6 sec

Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan is only the latest to sound a warning about slower economic growth next year. There are various reasons for this but, at a fundamental level, India hasn’t implemented the reforms it should have to support small businesses and manufacturing. With exports, especially, the lack of a stable policy is worrying. Slowing growth has a profound impact on you, from employment insecurity to less money for public services like healthcare and tougher access to credit. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why you should care about corporate governance

7 min 57 sec

The arrest of former ICICI Bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar should make us focus on corporate governance. Don’t be under the false impression that it concerns only listed or large companies. Poor practices, across the corporate spectrum, add up and, in the end, impact you – the small shareholder, the small savings account holder, the corporate employee, the legitimate credit seeker. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

WhatsApp, social commerce will become the digital dukaan for small retailers

48 min 8 sec

From powering immersive experiences to revolutionising the consumer experience, technology is transforming the Indian retail industry. How will technology shape the future for the consumer and the retail industry Pramod Sudhindra, Partner Technology Consulting at EY India, who’s working at the intersection of business, experience and technology, speaks to All Indians Matter.

How should airlines deal with flyers going berserk?

7 min 52 sec

There have been too many incidents of flyers behaving shockingly in recent times – from urinating on women to brawling and making cabin crew cry. Why does such behaviour persist One of the problems is that strong punitive action has been rare in such cases. There is also a theory that mental health issues, including soaring stress levels, entrenched during the COVID19 pandemic haven’t gone away completely and they’re causing many to snap. Whatever the reason, airlines and law enforcement officials need to do better to ensure the safety of all on board. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Migrant sugarcane workers’ kids miss school 6 months a year, are often exploited by labour contractors

43 min 56 sec

Santosh Ram’s short film, ‘Prashna’, is a poignant, emotional piece of storytelling about migrant sugarcane workers and their families, told through the eyes of one mother and her son. Every year, more than six lakh people from Marathwada migrate within Maharashtra or to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to cut sugarcane. They have neither formal contracts nor rights. They live in pitiable conditions and they and their children are often exploited by middlemen. Santosh speaks to All Indians Matter.

The long, dark shadow of Section 153A

8 min 20 sec

Section 153A wasn’t part of the original penal code but was introduced via an amendment. It remains in the IPC because of its use as a tool to suppress free speech and political opponents. Until it goes, it will continue to shrink our fundamental rights. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Monitor air quality better, low-income groups more vulnerable

27 min 13 sec

India’s urban air quality is dismal. Recently, Mumbai was named the second most polluted city in the world in terms of air quality and it is said that the bulk of India’s population breathes air that is at least 10 times more polluted than the World Health Organization’s previous PM 2.5 standards. Bhavay Sharma, Senior Program Manager Air Quality at WRI India, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Time to legalise same-sex marriages

8 min 14 sec

The Supreme Court will soon hear arguments for and against legalising samesex marriages in India. The matter is not just about choice or sexuality, but human rights. If two consenting adults want to enter into a legal union that, for many, is the ultimate step in love, who is the government or anyone else to stand in the way Marriage would mean samesex couples could own property together, have joint bank accounts, have inheritance rights, etc. And these are vital for normal, everyday living. It’s time to make samesex marriage legal in India. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Already, world views India’s climate commitments with some scepticism

26 min 36 sec

India claims steadfast commitment to environmental laws, but its actions belie that claim – think more coal blocks being opened up for mining and forests under siege. Is India serious about environmental laws and their compliance Susan L Ostermann, assistant professor of global affairs and political science at the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, who’s just written the book ‘Capacity Beyond Coercion’ on the concept of regulatory pragmatism to explain variation in strategies used by Nepal and India to secure compliance with conservation, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Assault on history textbooks smacks of ideological insecurity

7 min 16 sec

The removal from textbooks of references to the Mughals, the 2002 Gujarat riots and Gandhi’s opposition to the saffron right wing is an attempt to rewrite history and push the Sangh agenda. At a time when education across the world is broadening to include new and inclusive global realities, education in India is getting constricted. It is a disservice to the nation and is unwarranted. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Gender, caste imbalance in criminal justice system a serious concern

7 min 39 sec

The India Justice Report 2022 points out serious shortfalls in recruitment of women and members of SC, ST and OBCs in the police and judiciary. This is of concern because, without proper representation, these institutions will seem inaccessible to disadvantaged groups and lack credibility. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Ethnic faultlines run deep in Manipur

7 min 29 sec

The ethnic fire in Manipur may be cooling for the moment but discontent continues to simmer underneath. The dominant largely Hindu Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribes status means fewer government jobs and seats in educational institutions for the largely Christian Kuki tribals. The tug and pull over land rights only intensifies the volatility in the northeastern state. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

The weaponisation of Central agencies

8 min 55 sec

The misuse of agencies like the CBI and ED keeps political opponents neutralised and critics in check. But it will ultimately lead to the erosion of democracy, weakening our legal safeguards and laying the foundation of rule by fear. It’s what will, in the end, erase our freedoms. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Indonesia’s palm oil export ban will hurt your home budget

4 min 15 sec

Indonesia’s decision to halt palm oil exports is a tremendous blow to the poor and the salaried class as edible oil prices will rise significantly at a time when inflation is soaring already. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

No, Hindi is NOT our national language

7 min 43 sec

The campaign to make Hindi the national language seeks to strip away the layered reality of India to a single idea. You can’t impose a language at the expense of people’s linguistic and cultural characters. Such an imposition threatens our very cultural identity. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Manipur state poll – AFSPA, insurgency, jobs dominated the campaign

8 min 20 sec

The outcome of the Manipur state election will indicate the mood of the entire NorthEast. AFSPA, insurgency and jobs dominate the electoral conversation in the state which has tumultuous history and deep ethnic divides. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Hijab ban is about eradicating Muslim-ness from public spaces

20 min 18 sec

The hijab ban in Karnataka is only the latest instance of minorities, especially their women, being targeted in India. In this instance, they are being sought to be excluded from education and humiliated for being Muslim. Nidha Parveen, a hijabi, a student activist who led the antiCAA/NRC movement at Delhi University and was targeted on the Bulli Bai auction page, speaks to All Indians Matter. This episode was recorded before the Karnataka High Court upheld the hijab ban.

Public-sector banks’ privatisation may not be such a great idea

7 min 55 sec

The government wants to sell some publicsector banks, arguing that it makes for greater efficiency and a more competitive banking system. However, these banks are public assets, owned by you and I ultimately, and losing them to the mega rich would mean job losses, branch closures, fewer jobs for marginalised groups and rewarding major defaulters. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Death penalty creates only a façade of security

46 min 43 sec

The recent overturning of a capital punishment ruling has again put into focus the death penalty provision in law. The three men were on death row for eight years before they were found to be innocent. In those eight years, their young children had to turn to labour to survive and the wife of one of the men suffered a miscarriage. Are our investigative and judicial systems equipped and oriented towards making fair judgments Should India retain the death penalty Shreya Rastogi, CP Shruthi and Shivani Misra – all part of the National Law University’s Project 39A and who’ve done extensive research and litigation work around the death penalty – speak to All Indians Matter.

How Sri Lanka's economic collapse affects India

7 min 27 sec

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has trade and geopolitical implications for India, and is a danger to its investments in the island nation. For example, Colombo Port is a critical part of India’s global cargo route but it is crippled due to the cash crunch. Meanwhile, Chinese influence is hindering India’s economic opportunities in Sri Lanka. This is the time to rebuild ties with Colombo by offering real partnerships in medicine production, capacity building and agriculture. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Prepare for more, longer power cuts this summer

4 min 58 sec

The early arrival of hot weather has made electricity demand skyrocket – it’s expected to rise the fastest in 38 years. The power grid is experiencing record loads but, with coal stocks running low, electricity firms are unable to cope. With logistical issues further complicating matters, India could experience frequent and severe power cuts this summer. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Facebook allowing hate speech undermines democracy

5 min 45 sec

Recently, the Wall Street Journal exposed how Facebook decided not to apply its own rules on hate speech BJP leaders’ posts. Ankhi Das, its top public policy executive, it turned out, has links through her family to the party. Such assistance for, or...

How soaring government debt, inflation, fuel prices affect you

5 min 25 sec

Government debt in India is set to reach record levels. This has a direct impact on how you’re taxed, the public services you avail of, whether your business gets access to affordable credit or not, and a variety of other things. When this is coupled...

High-stakes, high-altitude standoff

6 min 39 sec

As China attempts to permanently alter the territorial status quo in Ladakh, the Indian government struggles for answers. Earlier, it watched mutely as neighbours like Sri Lanka and Nepal moved closer to China. So, what can India do now The first st...

The agrarian crisis and you

6 min 3 sec

India’s farmer has to deal with the vagaries of the weather, rapacious moneylenders, an indifferent government, political violence and now three new farm laws that have sparked fierce protests across the country. Even the rural nonfarm economy is si...

Why India’s agriculture sector is in perpetual crisis - Part 1

32 min 43 sec

Why has Indian agriculture never achieved its full potential We try to understand with noted policy expert Barun Mitra.

Why India’s agriculture sector is in perpetual crisis - Part 2

21 min 38 sec

What has held back Indias agriculture sector over the decades

Why Goa is opposing coal - Part 2

20 min 26 sec

Goans are up in arms against the government’s plans to turn the state into a coal hub. The infra push may destroy the Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park, damage the state’s waterways, impact fishermen’s livelihoods, and displace several local families.

5 years on, the failures of demonetisation are even more stark

7 min

The government kept changing the justification for demonetisation, but it failed no matter what the objective was. It harmed farmers, labourers, dailywage workers and women disproportionately and did nothing to curb cash in circulation. Half a decade later, it continues to haunt the country. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

‘Absence of a personal data protection law is worrying in Pegasus case context’

31 min 39 sec

The Pegasus case, in which several public personalities were tracked through Israeli spyware on their phones, raises worrying questions about privacy, freedom and data security – even for the common man. Sapni GK, a lawyer researching the intersection of technology, society and law, speaks to All Indians Matter.

What farmers taught us about democracy and inclusiveness

7 min 24 sec

Our farmers have shown how Gandhian satyagraha and social justice movements can protect our democracy and enable it to flourish. Faced with the determination of the farmers and possible setbacks in a series of crucial upcoming Assembly elections, the government withdrew the agriculture laws the farmers were agitating against. What comes next

‘Air pollution affects women more, especially the most poor’

48 min 9 sec

Mortality due to air pollution is a bigger pandemic than COVID, say experts. The Mahila Housing Sewa Trust and Purpose India have conducted a study on the impact of air pollution on Delhi’s women construction workers. The study came up with important actionable insights on how to protect this most vulnerable group. Siraz Hirani, of the trust, and Polash Mukerjee, an expert on air quality and climate resilience, speak to All Indians Matter.

The word “vikas” has caused the greatest damage to Adivasis

44 min 27 sec

As India’s mega businesses push to exploit our forest wealth, Adivasi communities pay the price. They have lost their lands, their homes and their way of life. From the fire of this saga has emerged a rich cache of resistance literature and poetry. Jacinta Kerketta, a young Adivasi poet and independent journalist from the Oraon Adivasi community in West Singbhum district in Jharkhand speaks to All Indians Matter.

Attacks against Christians on the rise in India

6 min 45 sec

There were at least 305 attacks targeting Christians in the first nine months of 2021. Community leaders say such violence is on the rise, especially in BJPruled states. Where is the government Where are our courts And what lies ahead Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

The high cost of banking for the poor

7 min 5 sec

Banking the unbanked is critical to India meeting its financial inclusion targets. However, the unspoken cost of opening a bank account is a deterrent for the poor. Did you know it can cost them as much as a day’s earnings There are other pressures, such as long commutes to a bank branch and dealing with complex documentation. Financial inclusion isn’t just about the economy it has social ramifications and so we must get it right. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Banking the unbanked is critical to India meeting its financial inclusion targets. However, the unspoken cost of opening a bank account is a deterrent for the poor. Did you know it can cost them as much as a day’s earnings Please listen to the latest episode of allindianscount.

‘Wastewater contributes most to climate change, impacts GDP and health greatly’

33 min 8 sec

Increasing demand and rapid urbanisation has resulted in an exponential rise in wastewater generation. Metros generate a staggering 220 litres per capita per day of it, and, 70 of urban wastewater flows untreated into rivers and seas. Pravinjith KP – who has more 29 years’ experience working on more than 350 projects across infrastructure, energy and the environment –is an expert on wastewater. He speaks to All Indians Matter.

‘Consent is key; marital rape exception is against Constitution’

37 min 40 sec

Marital rape is at the centre of a heated debate with those opposing its criminalisation citing “men’s rights”, “potential misuse of the law” and “impact on Indian society”. What is the case all about, and why are we debating in 2022 whether marital rape should get legal protection Shouldn’t a woman’s right over her body or to refuse sex if she doesn’t want it be paramount So what if the person demanding it is her husband Audrey Dmello, director at Majlis, which provides social and legal support to women victims of sexual and domestic violence, speaks to All Indians Matter.

How to improve learning outcomes

38 min 19 sec

India’s demographic dividend can propel it to dizzying heights, but much of it depends on the quality of our school education. India has doubled its investment in education over the past decade but the learning outcomes leave much to be desired. , a social innovator and founder of the Agastya International Foundation explains, how the shift from ‘what to think’ to ‘how to think’, as well as the handson application of learnings, can transform the situation. Agastya is one of the largest handson science and innovation learning programmes in the world.Ramji Raghavan

Can Tesla energise India’s EV market?

7 min 9 sec

Tesla has driven into India to much celebration. The news was a fillip to the government’s efforts to turn India into an electric vehicle country over the long term. But, once the hype winds down, there are serious challenges to be surmounted – from lack of charging stations to financing hurdles and battery manufacturing.

Part 4.

32 min 12 sec

The investigation into the warning signs before Mahatma Gandhi’s murder was bungled badly. Who benefited from Gandhi’s death And who got away Find out in Episode 4 of the All Indians Matter special series on Gandhi’s assassination.

Part 5.

39 min 17 sec

Over the decades a web of myths and unfounded theories has been weaved around Mahatma Gandhi’s murder. Why were these myths propagated Find out in Episode 5 of the All Indians Matter special series on Gandhi’s assassination.

Part 6.

35 min 12 sec

73 years after his murder, Gandhi lives on as India’s conscience. Why does he still matter – especially to the young Find out in Episode 6 of the All Indians Matter special series on Gandhi’s assassination.

What the recent telecom spectrum auction means for you

4 min 36 sec

Expect better network coverage and data speeds

Why the NRC is a threat to the idea of India

49 min 4 sec

With the Assam Assembly elections scheduled for midApril, the NRC is again being used to polarise the electorate

What’s wrong with India’s new abortion law?

6 min 23 sec

The new Medical Termination of Pregnancy law has some valuable provisions but why should women have to also justify their decision to abort a foetus and seek permission from othersIt could also impose extra hardship and costs on women and, ultimately, bury their rights over their own bodies under layers of procedure. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Economist Jean Drèze decodes India’s hunger crisis

42 min 18 sec

India’s abysmal record on hunger has intensified after the COVID19 pandemic after being worsened by demonetisation. A survey showed that 77 of tribal families, 76 of Dalits and 54 of Adivasis said their food consumption decreased in SeptemberOctober 2020 as compared to the prelockdown period. Meanwhile, anaemia among women of reproductive age continues to soar – with 51.4 of those aged 15 to 49 are affected. Why hasn’t India been able to beat chronic hunger Dr Jean Drèze speaks to All Indians Matter on this national crisis.

Why India is struggling with a COVID vaccine shortage

6 min 18 sec

With the second wave of COVID19 here, India’s preparedness is in question. We’re a vaccine manufacturing powerhouse but we suffer from a severe vaccine shortage. This has been compounded by a shortage of Remdesivir, the injectable antiviral repurposed to treat COVID19.It’s a double whammy that has implications not just for public health but for the economy too.

Women informal workers face a double whammy

38 min 19 sec

Informal employment is largely the norm in India. While women make up only 23 of India’s informal employees, up to 91 of women in paid jobs are in the informal sector. This is a huge gender imbalance that also manifests itself in the form of pay gaps and other biases.Awardwinning journalist Shalini Singh, who’s researched a series on what women informal workers are up against every day, speaks to All Indians Matter.

COVID second wave: government checks out, citizens check in

6 min 16 sec

The Union Government has failed us spectacularly with Narendra Modi and Amit Shah focusing on the election campaign in West Bengal rather than the health and economic crisis we are facing. It’s the common citizens who have stepped up to help. From awareness drives to finding hospital beds and oxygen to preparing meals for the afflicted and doing the grocery shopping for the aged, it’s ordinary folks who are saving the day. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Amid under-reporting of cases, India gasps for breath

8 min 5 sec

18 million cases and counting since the COVID19 pandemic began. Experts say the actual number is several times higher – as we can see from reports on the ground. The government, meanwhile, focuses on a crackdown on social media posts criticizing it.Please listen to the latest on All Indians Matter episode.

Opportunities and challenges before Indian philanthropy

29 min 1 sec

India’s wealthy have taken to philanthropy in a big way. Big philanthropy has the power to influence the development agenda of civil society. But how effective it will be in achieving societal goals depends on how well philanthropists understand ground issues and go beyond just giving to ensure longterm impact.Ingrid Srinath, founder director of the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy at Ashoka University speaks to All Indians Matter on how philanthropy can make the difference India needs.

How India messed up its vaccine strategy

7 min 30 sec

How do you open up COVID19 vaccinations for roughly 960 million Indians without procuring anything close to the 1.8 billion doses required It’s a story of bad planning, thoughtless procurement and the less said about pricing the better. It’s ironic that the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer is facing a deadly shortage of vaccines itself.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Linguistic imposition is discrimination

5 min 20 sec

Language is political. So, when nurses in a Delhi hospital were asked to not converse in Malayalam, it was correctly considered discriminatory. Instances of linguistic discrimination, including the first draft of the education policy, abound in India. Linguistic discrimination is social discrimination and its economic and cultural costs are high. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

India’s water bodies need rescuing

28 min 22 sec

It’s estimated that a staggering 70 of surface water in India is too polluted for consumption. Every day, 40 million litres of wastewater enter rivers and other water bodies with only a tiny fraction adequately treated. India’s water bodies are dying.Karishma Asoodani, who represented Asia at the World Water Forum 8 and is involved in the World Water Forum 9 to be held in 2022, is among India’s leading young water warriors. She speaks to All Indians Matter.

‘If govt does not invest in every child, the nation will lose out’

42 min 26 sec

Quality education in early childhood lays the developmental foundation for a lifetime and positively impacts society and the economy. But there is great dichotomy in education delivery in India – it ranges from subpar in government schools to worldclass in private ones. Renowned educationist Dr Swati Popat Vats and her coauthor Nasrin ModakSiddiqi – they’ve just released a book of the father of Kindergarten, Friedrich Froebel – speak to All Indians Matter on why India should focus on highquality early education.

In Kashmir, it’s time for minds and hearts, not guns and handcuffs

4 min 18 sec

Rising terror attacks in Kashmir, especially targeted killings of civilians, lay bare the Central Government’s security failures. So far this year, 28 civilians have been killed. The government has had no answer other than kneejerk reactions that are bound to raise tensions in the Valley. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi is serious about reducing the “dil ki doori” in Kashmir, he needs a different approach. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why India needs accessible, affordable healthcare diagnostics

24 min 40 sec

Diagnostics comprise less than 5 of hospital costs but their findings influence 6070 of healthcare decisionmaking. India has among the lowest spends on diagnostics in the world due to lack of affordability, accessibility and awareness. How can innovations in diagnostics transform healthcare Gautam Wankhede, Director of Medical Affairs at leading biotech firm Mylab, speaks to All Indians Matter.

'People told my parents to give me away because I'm transgender'

26 min 16 sec

June 2021 is Pride Month, so it was fitting that a few days ago the Madras High Court suggested measures to sensitize society and the state to remove prejudices against the LGBTQIA community. It also ordered strict action against those found to be attempting to “cure” or change sexual orientation.Khushi Shaikh, one of India’s first transgender models and a leading content creator, speaks about the community’s journey since the reading down of Article 377 and what lies next.

Twitter vs the Indian government

6 min 39 sec

The battle between the Indian government and Twitter is blowing up. The cases and clashes are part of an everexpanding struggle between the world’s leading microblogging platform and the Narendra Modi government over the latter’s attempt to control the digital narrative about it amid growing criticism of its performance.Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why women entrepreneur networks matter

20 min 58 sec

In a societal and business landscape loaded against women, strong networks are vital for women entrepreneurs to support each other and grow their businesses. Such networks help not just by presenting opportunities, but also through advice specific to the unique challenges women face.Neha Kadakia is the founder of Hastaksharr Self Made Diva – a networking forum specifically for women entrepreneurs, especially micro entrepreneurs. It has more than 19,000 members, ranging from entrepreneurs and wellness coaches to food bloggers and teachers. She speaks to All Indians Matter about how such networks can change women’s lives.

How your consumption choices can help save the planet

32 min 13 sec

While consumption drives the economy, it has a destructive impact on the environment. India’s aggressive economic focus over the past few decades has been accompanied by alarming ecological destruction. How does what you consume impact the planet And can altering individual consumption habits change that Akshata Bhadranna, one half of an ecopreneur couple, tells All Indians Matter how reducing waste and raising awareness can change the world.

Explained: The bloody clashes between Assam and Mizoram

7 min 1 sec

Believe it or not, the boundary dispute between Assam and Mizoram goes back nearly a century and a half. What is this standoff all about and which are the other interstate boundary disputes simmering in India Listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Why women-led movements are on the rise

50 min 6 sec

Since the resistance against the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens began, women have led at least 426 protests across India. Navsharan Singh, a women’s rights and human rights scholar and activist, decodes why women are playing not just a crucial role in raising a voice about issues but increasingly taking the lead.

Supreme Court should walk the talk on police torture

7 min 34 sec

Chief Justice NV Ramana lamented that torture in police custody continues in India. Between 2017 and 2019, according to official figures, 1,189 were tortured in police custody but this is most likely an underestimate. The Supreme Court, the most powerful legal body in the land, needs to do more than talk about it to effect real change. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Lakshadweep: From idyllic archipelago to eco flashpoint.

33 min 48 sec

The government’s plans to convert Lakshadweep into a tourism powerhouse has enraged locals and environmentalists, who point to the ecological hazards posed by the projects and the “attacks on identity, culture, religion and land”. Rohan Arthur, a marine biologist who has been working in the Indian Ocean on coral reefs, seagrass meadows and other coastal ecosystems over the past two decades, speaks to All Indians Matter

As journalists take flight in Afghanistan, so does hope

8 min 7 sec

This episode is a walk down memory lane. In 2011, I was appointed as lead trainer for firstgeneration journalists in Kabul. The time I spent there gave me a firsthand look at how Taliban rule had devastated the country and how its brave journalists were standing up to tremendous pressure and risk. They viewed their work as a vital building block in the rebuilding of their country and as a safeguard of the freedom that Afghanistan had paid countless lives for. What are they up against today And what will happen of them in the days to come Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter

Educational marginalisation of Muslims starts early

23 min 26 sec

A study has found that Muslim children face systematic exclusion at the preprimary level in Delhi’s private schools – less than 3 of those who applied to private unaided schools at the nursery level were admitted. Jannat Fatima Farooqui, coauthor of the study, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Episode 100 of All Indians Matter: What’s on India’s mind? (Teaser)

2 min 23 sec

What’s on the minds of common Indians What do they really want and what do they fear Episode 100 of All Indians Matter is a very special conversation with people like us – senior journalist Aarefa Johari, development sector professional and education equity worker Malvika Agarwal, and financial markets veteran Himanshu Vyas.

Episode 100: ‘India’s resilience stands out’

46 min 48 sec

As the country goes through profound political and social changes, what are common Indians thinking What do they want from the next decade and what keeps them up at night Episode 100 of All Indians Matter is a very special conversation with people like us – senior journalist Aarefa Johari, development sector professional and education equity worker Malvika Agarwal, and financial markets veteran Himanshu Vyas. Thanks to all who have supported this podcast and truly made it what it set out to become – a series of conversations with and about India on issues that matter.

Riding roughshod over India's history

6 min 3 sec

Why is the government obsessed with turning monuments into theme parks Even as protests against the Jalianwala Bagh makeover rage on, the plan to transform Sabarmati Ashram into tourist hub has run into a controversy. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

India is drowning in solid waste

39 min 7 sec

India’s burgeoning urban population has resulted in a stark increase in the quantity of solid waste generated – 65 million tons a year – but only 7580 of it gets collected and only 2228 is treated. Sangeeta Venkatesh, an expert on solid waste management, speaks to All Indians Matter on potential solutions and the gap between programmes like Swachh Bharat and their execution.

Millions are graduating, but where are the jobs?

5 min 34 sec

Urban 20 to 24yearolds have one of the highest unemployment rates in India – 37.9. Among them, graduates report a much higher unemployment rate of over 60. And it’s worse when it comes to women – almost one in four urban women with bachelor’s degrees and one in five with postgraduate education are unemployed. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Underperforming and underinvested, India’s infrastructure needs transformation

6 min 50 sec

The collapse of the bridge in Morbi that killed at least 135 people is indicative of the quality of India’s infrastructure. There’s been a lot of emphasis on creating infrastructure, but it also fail frequently. That can result in tragedy and also be a drag on economic growth, business, investment and even social progress. Our creaking infrastructure desperately needs an overhaul. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Many reasons for the Great Resignation, from self-exploration to boredom and FOMO

45 min 18 sec

The ‘Great Resignation’ is well and truly on. Several people are quitting their jobs, choosing to prioritise themselves, their passions or simply dump the traditional definition of achievement for whatever counts as happiness for them. A recent study said 86 of employees plan to resign this year with 61 willing to accept a lower salary or forgo a promotion for overall wellbeing and happiness. This trend is likely to continue across industries, seniority and age groups. What does this mean for industry and what are the mindset changes we’re seeing in talent S Venkatesh, a human resources veteran and President – Group HR for RPG Enterprises, speaks to All Indians Matter.

India will have 5 crore internal climate refugees by 2050

8 min 56 sec

Nowhere is the impact of climate change more stark than in the plight of India’s internal climate refugees – those displaced and forced to migrate within the country due to extreme weather events, such as floods, landslides, droughts and forest fires. India is highly vulnerable to climate change with 80 of the population living in districts at risk of extreme hydromet disasters. It is estimated that India will have 5 crore climate refugees by 2050 and close to 50 lakh Indians were displaced in 2021 alone due to climate change and natural disasters. Is India cognisant of its internal climate refugees and what is it doing for themPlease listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Social justice is entwined with the climate conversation

27 min 38 sec

The climate crisis is also a justice crisis. Across India, in the name of development, the government refuses to listen to communities most affected by climate impacts – tribals driven out of their forest homes for mining projects, rural populations who have seen their farm yields dwindle, riverine populations who’ve seen their rivers change colour and die due to industrial pollution. We won’t solve the climate problem without understanding the justice problem. Camellia Biswas, a senior doctoral fellow at the humanities and social science discipline of IITGandhinagar who works on the political ecology of climate disaster, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Shraddha Walkar died again at the hands of media and on social platforms

8 min 37 sec

From the sensationalism in the coverage of the Shraddha Walkar murder to the shockingly insensitive memes and the brazen Islamophobia, we have failed to give her dignity in death and exposed our malfunctioning social compass. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Cops, judiciary not always aware of laws to prevent cruelty to animals

31 min 3 sec

There are an estimated 7 crore stay dogs and cats in India, and several other homeless animals. They face unimaginable cruelty – from maiming to sexual abuse – on a daily basis. In addition, India’s urban areas are not animalfriendly at all. What can we do to make life better for our animals Animal rescue and rehabilitation veteran Aditi Nair, of the Mypalclub Foundation, speaks to All Indians Matter.

What does bail for Teltumbde after 2.5 years say about the judiciary and democracy in India?

12 min 43 sec

Two and a half years after his arrest, Elgar Parishad case accused Anand Teltumbde has finally got bail. But it’s been much delayed and a huge price has been paid for it. Activists and lawyers say the message from the government is clear: dissent will not be tolerated and the Dalit movement must be crushed. What does this say about the state of the nation Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

On federalism, for the BJP, unity is often a synonym for uniformity

51 min 17 sec

The Centre is displaying a disturbing tendency to undermine federalism. For instance, increasing the monetary share of states in centrally sponsored schemes, imposition of demonetisation, outsourcing statutory functions of the Smart Cities Mission, delays in transfer of GST compensation, Government of National Capital Territory Amendment Act, etc. There is a concerted move to weaken states’ autonomy, which is dangerous for the country. KK Kailash, who’s with the Department of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad and whose research focuses on political parties and elections, coalition politics and processes and issues of federalism in contemporary India, speaks to All Indians Matter.

India’s hunger for coal is alarming

9 min 3 sec

India has made several international commitments to shift to cleaner sources of energy. Yet, it continues to burn coal in ever increasing volumes and open up more mines. The domestic coal requirement is expected to rise to 1,018.2 million tons by 203132 from 678 million tons in 20212022 – an increase of 40. India justifies this by pointing out that other fossil fuels are expensive and it needs cheaper power to fuel its growth. Meanwhile, emissions continue to rise.

India’s creator economy is an opportunity for small businesses too

40 min 9 sec

India’s creator economy is on fire, fuelled by easy content creation and consumption devices as well as cheap data access. But most of the revenues go to a small pool of creators, while the others struggle. What lies ahead for India’s creator economy Will it continue to boom or will there be a reckoning What about sustainable revenues And how will its evolution as a marketing tool play out Meghna Mittal and Gaurav Dagaonkar, cofounders of GSharp Media, speak to All Indians Matter.

Predictive data models can help farmers manage weather impacts

29 min 42 sec

Climate change and unusual weather events are hurting Indian agriculture. At particular risk are small farmers, who account for 85 of the farming population. All farmers urgently need to derisk themselves from climate change because it has implications on issues that impact our lives, from food security to economic growth. How can weatherpredictive technology provide a coordinated methodology to tackle this crisis Anuj Kumbhat – who is developing risk management solutions for farmers by leveraging data, technology and financial innovation – speaks to All Indians Matter.

Given the state of the media, fact checkers have become extremely important

49 min 9 sec

The Indian news media are facing a credibility crisis. Naked bias, toxicity in presentation, fake reporting – these are just some of the ills plaguing the media as they do a poor job of asking questions of and speaking truth to power. This has coincided with a shrinking space for dissent. What can the news media do to restore their credibility Are they even interested Vasundhara Sirnate, political scientist and journalist, former Chief Coordinator of Research at The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy and a nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC, speaks to All Indians Matter.

East Pakistan’s Partition migrants’ silence is a scream coming from their trauma

1 hr 9 min 19 sec

What is ‘home’ What does it mean to belong to a place Being forced to leave what you consider home can leave emotional scars that are handed down the generations. That is why the migration forced by Partition continues to evoke such strong reactions. India hasn’t treated all migrations equally. While the exodus on our western borders has been detailed and found expression in popular culture, the migration on our eastern border – to and from what was then East Pakistan and is today Bangladesh – is not as well understood. Let’s talk about that today. Rituparna Rana, a PhD scholar in migration studies and who’s curating the ‘The SouthAsian Migrant Identity: Narratives, Spaces and Constructs’ exhibition, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Joshimath sinks under the weight of ‘vikas’ and apathy

8 min 2 sec

Did you know that warnings about the likely fate of the pilgrim town in Uttarakhand were issued in 1976, 2001 and 2006 But little was done as the town struggled under the weight of power and road projects, a pilgrim and tourist influx and unplanned construction. Today, it’s had to undergo an emergency evacuation as homes and roads crack and crumble. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Carbon tax or rise in general tax rates for citizens possible to bridge climate finance gap

23 min 24 sec

India’s compliance with climate action hinges on funding – roughly 2.5 trillion by 2030, much of it from developed nations. This represents significant climate finance opportunities as well as challenges. What is India up against and what can it do to overcome it Suranjali Tandon, who leads the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy’s work on sustainable finance and taxation, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Why the BBC documentary really angers Modi

7 min 6 sec

The BBC documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ angers Narendra Modi because it strikes at the heart of what he’s obsessed with: his international image. He hungers to be seen as someone who matters not only because he happens to be the prime minister of India but who is respected globally in his own right. It’s why he spends so much time on foreign tours, goes the extra mile to get pictures shot with world leaders. The documentary shows him as the opposite of someone who should be respected on the world stage, as someone you’re forced to engage with only because he is India’s prime minister. What this documentary portrays is that he’s an authoritarian, not a moral, leader and that he’s anything but a vishwaguru. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Layoff pandemic grips tech industry

6 min 42 sec

Reports say that Indian technology firms will lay off 80,000 to 1.2 lakh employees over the next two quarters. No wonder Indian workers, caught between rising inflation and job insecurity, are on edge. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter

Regional rural banks are critical to financial inclusion

37 min 4 sec

Did you know that regional rural banks, or RRBs, have 28.3 crore depositors and 2.6 crore borrowers They were created to provide rural areas with basic banking services, and they also disburse pensions and NREGA wages. With the government infusing Rs 10,890 crore to recapitalise RRBs, greenlighting their listing on stock exchanges and pushing operational reforms, can they become booster rockets for financial inclusion And why are RRBs so critical to the rural and overall national economy Davinder Sandhu, who has more than 35 years of experience in policy formulation and is cofounder and chairman of advisory firm Primus Partners, speaks to All Indians Matter. Davinder has also been Sector Director for Transport and Disaster Management at the PMO, Country Representative at the Executive Board of the World Bank Group and Head of Network Operations at the Indian Railways.

First past the post system is not ideal; electoral reforms needed

55 min 32 sec

The mere existence of elections does not mean we have a truly representative democracy. They need to be free and fair. We need electoral reforms to fix problems ranging from the use of money and divisive campaigns to mandates being twisted and cast aside through the splitting of parties. Most important of all, electoral reforms are needed to preserve citizens’ trust in democracy. What are these reforms Dr Yugank Goyal, who teaches public policy and is the coauthor of the book ‘Who Moved My Vote’, speaks to All Indians Matter.

India producing enough food; urban hunger is a problem of inequity, distribution

36 min 33 sec

India ranks an abysmal 101 among 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index. Rural hunger has received a lot of attention – justifiably so – but what does hunger in urban India look like With three decades of growth, the urban economy is thought to have done better than the rural one. In reality, large sections of our urban population face serious food insecurity. Growing unemployment and rising food prices all add to urban food insecurity. Vikas Parchhanda, CEO of Akshaya Chaitanya, an initiative in Mumbai that aims to eradicate hunger in a sustainable and scalable manner, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Authoritarians want to capture institutions because they don’t want any division of power

45 min

Among the various worries about, and threats to, Indian democracy is the capture of institutions, hobbling their independence and posing a threat to liberties and the democratic process. How does this happen and what does it mean for you Christophe Jaffrelot, renowned political scientist and Indologist, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Celebs’ silence on injustice is a betrayal of their followers

7 min 9 sec

When our icons stay silent, they make a choice to condone oppression and abuse of the democratic process. To the people, it says it’s OK to not speak up. If you have a platform, you ought to take a stand. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Who is Amritpal Singh and what sentiment is he tapping into?

7 min 18 sec

The manhunt for Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh brings into focus not just the danger he poses but also the underlying socioeconomic tensions in Punjab – from agriculture in decline to drugs and high unemployment. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Heatwaves here to stay; impact on health, GDP significant

5 min 50 sec

A brutal heatwave is sweeping across India – a result of severe disruption in heat dissipation, with ecosystems like ponds, wetlands and jungles under attack, coupled with rising carbon emissions. This has serious economic and health implications and it requires a coordinated national plan. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Microinvesting driven by the young, digital transaction revolution

24 min 45 sec

81 lakh investor accounts were added in 202021 in India, an indicator of people’s willingness to invest. A key trend is microinvesting – putting very small amounts into financial instruments so that users don’t have to alter their lifestyles much. It’s catching on fast among the young. How does microinvesting work And how can you make the most of it Satyajeet Kunjeer, founder of microinvesting platform Deciml, speaks to All Indians Matter.

Why did BJP stay silent on wrestlers’ protest against federation chief?

6 min 42 sec

Brij Bhushan Singh is somewhat of a star in the BJP – a bahubali who was part of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and sixtime MP with clout within the Rajput community. The party calculated that he was too important and that the wrestlers’ protest would have no electoral fallout, and so it chose to brazen it out. What message does this send to our elite athletes and to women across the country Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Govt must have sensed SC would review or throw out sedition law

29 min 39 sec

Dr Kumar Askand Pandey, Associate Professor of Law at Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University in Lucknow, points out that sedition cases rose sharply after 2014, gravely threatening civil liberties. Though the sedition law has been paused by the Supreme Court, we still have a long way to go to secure our fundamental freedoms, he tells All Indians Matter. Tune in

Why the Arab backlash against Prophet comments rattled Modi

6 min 24 sec

When BJP spokespersons insulted the Prophet and made antiIslamic comments, the Modi government wouldn’t have anticipated the eruption of anger from the Middle East. Now it’s scrambling to rescue key economic relationships that range from crude supply to foreign direct investment and markets for Indian goods. In 202122, trade with 7 Gulf states stood at 189 billion and accounted for 18.3 of India’s combined value of imports and exports. India, the world’s thirdlargest importer of oil, gets 65 of its crude from the Middle East. There’s a lot at stake in our ties with Arab states. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

7 ways you can beat inflation

6 min 36 sec

Of all the bad news coming out of India, at this moment, soaring inflation is the worst. What can you, the average Indian, do to stay on top of inflation Here are seven tips to reduce the stress on your finances by spending smartly, consuming efficiently and investing intelligently. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Single-use plastic ban is good, but can it work?

7 min 57 sec

India has banned singleuse plastic but environmentalists are not convinced it will work, and the industry is up in arms over job losses and the tiny transition period. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Hate content on FB so toxic, it was like PTSD hit us when we saw it

54 min 11 sec

Recently, Facebook’s parent company, Meta, released its first annual human rights report that covers the use of its platform for hate speech – especially in India – and the action taken to curb it. However, many observers termed the report a whitewash, claiming that Meta was not doing enough to curb hate speech and was using the report to absolve itself of negligence. A recent study by the Europebased human rights organisation, Foundation The London Story, or FoundationTLS, found hate content thriving on Facebook fan pages of public figures, especially around calls for violence and genocidal statements made by these public figures. Dr Ritumbra Manuvie, Lecturer of Law at the University of Groningen and Executive Director of FoundationTLS, speaks to All Indians Matter.See the Facebook human rights report here: https://about.fb.com/news/2022/07/firstannualhumanrightsreport/

World’s largest democracy is among the worst for journalists

7 min 22 sec

Press freedom, never a given in India, has suffered repeated assaults – never more sustained than now. Siddique Kappan’s case is emblematic of it. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 2021 was one of the deadliest years of the past decade for Indian journalists. No wonder India is ranked 150th among 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.Mehnaz Kappan’s speech: https://twitter.com/AzeefaFathima/status/1559110055194394624s20tR0lJfmo1K0wtANJxPRi7iwIndia’s World Press Freedom Index ranking: https://www.hindustantimes.com/indianews/indiafalls8positionsto150thrankinrsf2022worldpressfreedomindex101651622367861.htmlCommittee Against Assault on Journalists report: https://www.caajindia.org/2022/02/media20ki20gherabandi20caaj20report20uttar20pradesh.html

Cigarette butts are the most littered form of plastic in India

7 min 10 sec

Did you know that, every year, 100 billion cigarette butts get dumped in the landfills of India, accounting for 26,454 tons of waste Cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a plastic that takes almost 10 years to completely decompose. In fact, such filters are probably the world’s most littered form of plastic with close to 4.5 trillion butts polluting the environment every year. This litter finds its way to our oceans and the microplastics go deep into the ground, posing a serious danger to land and sea life and contaminating our food and water. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.Environmental challenges posed by cigarette butts: https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/theenvironmentalchallengeposedbycigarettebuttlitter101610204964038.htmlWhat the WHO says about cigarette butts: https://www.thehindu.com/society/buttrushisaninitiativetocollectharmfulcigarettebuttsandsendthemforrecycling/article65213841.ece::textIn20truth2C20cigarette20butts2C20the,contains20over2072C00020toxic20chemicals.EU ban on microplastics stubs out cigarette butt pollution: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/30052022eubanonmicroplasticsstubsoutcigarettebuttpollutionUN partnership aims to combat microplastics in cigarettes: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1111072

Ukraine-returned medical students face another nightmare

6 min 39 sec

Indian medical students who fled Ukraine after the Russian invasion have not yet been accommodated in Indian colleges despite a government committee’s recommendation that they be given admission to corresponding courses in India. The only option left for the students is to return to Ukraine, which is potentially life threatening and there is no guarantee their courses will be completed either. Their hopes now rest on the Supreme Court. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Cyrus Mistry’s death turns the spotlight on India’s killer roads

7 min 45 sec

Cyrus Mistry’s death in a road crash has sparked a debate on how to make India’s roads safer. India tops the world in road fatalities with 1.55 lakh dying in accidents in 2021, up from 1.33 lakh in 2020. We need a whole new approach that encompasses varied focus areas, from better road design to signages and stricter law enforcement to safety awareness. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Can the Bharat Jodo Yatra revive the Congress and Brand Rahul?

8 min 52 sec

Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra is an effort to energise the Congress and to keep it relevant at a time of unending electoral losses. It’s an ambitious political move staged in the backdrop of a sharply divided society, rampant hate and stunning economic decline. It’s good political theatre, it’s good politics and will mean millions of citizen engagements and infuse a sense of mission among the party workers. But, can the Congress keep itself from imploding Can the positivity convert into votes It’s early days, but there’s no denying the yatra’s relevance. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

Tharoor is not elitist, has middle-class background; he’s not in the race to lose

43 min 49 sec

Shashi Tharoor’s campaign to be Congress president has earned him affection, support and opposition in equal measure. What sets him apart Is he too elitist, as some people believe, or is he the answer the Congress needs after years of stagnation He’s labelled himself the candidate of change, so what’s the change on his agenda Most importantly, can he win Economist, political commentator, Congressman and prominent Tharoor backer Salman Anees Soz, and policy advocate Rohit Tripathi speak to All Indians Matter.