Explore every episode of the podcast All Indians Matter

Not too long ago, US President Donald Trump warned BRICS countries against replacing the dollar as a reserve currency. He threatened 100% tariffs if they did so. Why is the US dollar the world’s reserve currency? What does it mean for the global economy? And what would happen if it lost that position? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’, launched in 1780, was India’s first printed newspaper, the country has had sophisticated and widespread information and news systems for centuries. The evolution of Indian media, therefore, has its roots farther back in time than most believe. Recently, two journalists launched Reality Scribes, a podcast that tells the story of Indian journalism. All Indians Matter is thrilled to speak to Vasundhara Sirnate and Sumit Chaturvedi. It was a fascinating conversation. Don’t miss it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Study after study points to a “generational shift” in cancer cases. In other words, there is a rising incidence of cancer among Millennials and Gen Z. These findings bring into sharp perspective the challenges of modern lifestyles and diseases. Researchers say dietary choices, sedentary lifestyles and exposure to environmental pollutants are among the major reasons for the rise. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recent suspension of nearly 150 Opposition MPs is only the latest assault on Indian democracy. Since 2014, we’ve had draconian laws being used against peaceful activists, a crackdown on NGOs and the media, and the suppression of data harmful to the government’s image. Where and when does this backslide end? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The social sector has played a significant role in India’s growth and development over the decades. It has had an impact across health, education, poverty alleviation, sanitation, housing and other areas. All Indians Matter speaks to Pritha Venkatachalam, partner and co-head for Asia and Africa at The Bridgespan Group, to understand the social sector’s journey and what lies ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been a spate of films that glorify sexism and misogyny, and reinforce gender stereotypes. The problem is that popular cinema often defines what’s cool, so stalking, harassment and even violence against women are seen as permissible or even macho. Gender activists have pointed to the link between such cinematic portrayals and real-life crimes. While popular cinema may be a reflection of existing social norms, filmmakers must get more responsible about gender portrayals. And audiences must get more discerning. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent data shows a 4% rise in crimes against women but experts estimate that most of them go unreported. The situation on the ground is a lot worse than the numbers indicate, so it’s time to work on it in crisis mode. Fast-track courts and police sensitisation are only part of the solution; accessible free legal aid and a societal shift away from patriarchy are critically needed too. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new, more aware generation of philanthropists is moving fast to support causes it believes in and it’s changing giving in the process. This passion is making the development sector prepare for philanthropists looking for real, measurable outcomes. Amitabh Jaipuria, CEO of Accelerate Indian Philanthropy, speaks to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The sedition law is a relic of an oppressive colonial past that is best confined to the dustbin of history. While new Bills claim to do away with sedition as an offence, many legal experts believe that they include sedition clauses using different language. Several former colonies have repealed such laws and it’s time for India to ensure no one is ever tried for sedition again. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The World Cup wasn’t just a celebration of cricket, it had a massive positive impact on the Indian economy. A range of industries, from consumer electronics to hospitality and airlines, benefited from it. What’s more, it coincided with the festive season – historically the period with the highest consumer spends of the year. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While climate change is the definitive issue of our time, few know that it has always shaped history. From natural disasters to the fall of empires, the rise of pandemics, mass migrations, the ebb and flow of trade, social upheaval and even war, climate has always played a role. The father-son duo of Sangeeth and Zac Varghese, who’ve co-authored the book ‘Hidden Links – How Random Historical Events Shaped Our World’, speak to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air pollution is costing Indian businesses an estimated $95 billion a year through absenteeism, falling productivity, shutdowns, lower investment, etc. investment, etc. We need not just green infrastructure and monitoring mechanisms but enforcement of existing laws and court orders. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. just green infrastructure and monitoring mechanisms but enforcement of existing laws and court orders. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us never think about it but quality data is critical to governance. It affects our daily lives. So, what do we make of a government that tries to hide critical data about consumption, poverty, jobs, etc? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Censor board officials, while reviewing a movie on legendary Dalit poet-activist Namdeo Dhasal, asked who he was, stunning the filmmaker and sparking political and social outrage. Dhasal gave voice to not just the Dalit experience but also that of those forced to the fringes of society. His was the voice of all the oppressed. Dhasal’s words transformed into action which, in turn, transformed into inspiration. That inspiration lives on for millions. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Infosys’ co-founder NR Narayana Murthy says the youth should work 70 hours a week. The need of the hour, however, is to find the right balance between work and everything else that comprises life. This is a critical need in this age. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Menstrual health is closely linked to overall socioeconomic development and is crucial to empowerment. This is a challenge everywhere but especially in rural India, where women there face several menstrual challenges, ranging from lack of access to sanitary products to inadequate hygiene practices and lack of proper nutrition. Snehal Pawar, Project Manager at Ujaas, a menstrual health initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, speaks to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Construction accounts for 40% of carbon emissions in India. On the one hand, India needs to build cities, infrastructure and homes but it also needs to safeguard the environment. How can India insitutionalise sustainable construction to ensure its ambitions balance its responsibility towards the climate? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From tomato prices to that of other essential commodities and even the cost of industrial raw materials, inflation has been the top global concern over the past 18 months. In the long run, high inflation can skew the value of your savings, constrict exports, lower credit availability for businesses and put pressure on balance sheets. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adoption can be a complicated, tedious and frustrating process with complex legal procedures and numerous technicalities. It can also be emotionally taxing. No wonder then that there is a great mismatch between the number of children eligible for adoption and those actually adopted. In fact, the number of adoptions is falling in India. Why is adoption such a tangled process and how can it be made easier? Adoption crusader Bharati Dasgupta and adoptive parent Vidyadhar Prabhudesai, who spearhead the Adopt India movement, speak to All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caste prejudice has led to several student suicides on Indian campuses. The abuse starts early and students and faculty alike are the perpetrators. Often, lower caste students are unfairly marked on their work and hurdles are placed at every step of their journey. With education being their only path to upward social mobility, many lower caste students have chosen to end their lives instead of put up with the harassment. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the Women’s Reservation Bill represents hope and is an important step, political empowerment is not the same as smashing the patriarchy entrenched in Indian society. Until all the factors that hold back women from achieving their true potential are dealt with, the battle must continue. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the world, women with disabilities are establishing their identity despite challenging social conditions. However, that journey is very different in developing countries such as India. Women with disabilities face multiple challenges which add to the very complex gender issues all women battle every day. These range from social discrimination and stigma to violence. What can be done to change that reality? Disability rights and gender justice crusader Nidhi Goyal speaks to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, on an inter-city train, after I asked for a non-vegetarian meal, two women sitting next to me shifted to other seats. They explained that they could not sit next to someone who was eating meat. That made me want to find out what percentage of Indians are meat eaters and whether the projection of this country as mainly vegetarian is true. Turns out the vast majority of Indians – 70% of women and 78% of men – eat meat, according to government data. What’s more, it’s been the case historically that most Indians consumed some form of meat. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A recent report on India’s bird numbers says 178 species are in need of urgent conservation measures and others are in danger of serious decline too. Blame it on change of land use, urbanisation, ecosystem degradation, monocultures, infrastructure development, pollution and climate change. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO could weaken the world’s ability to respond to modern health challenges. More than ever, this is a time to collaborate on disease prevention and management. The milestones WHO has achieved while working with India are a great example of what can be achieved, although a tremendous amount is left to be done. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Education Policy, while offering the promise of better schooling, also brings into focus the failures of education reform in India. While there have been improvements in infrastructure and enrollment, equity, learning levels and uptake of public schools are lagging. Priyadarshini Singh, research fellow at the State Capacity Initiative, Center for Policy Research, has written a paper tracing the evolution of education reform. She speaks to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

September 15 marked a decade and a half of the 2008 global financial crisis precipitated by the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Here’s looking back at what happened, how India was impacted and the learnings from that time to keep in mind today. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 was a moment of pride. It intensified the focus on India’s space technology. A report said India has the potential to create a $40-$100 billion space industry by 2040. What are the areas it could focus on and what kind of investments does it need? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is growing awareness about inclusive policy making, but very few in India have talked about how to link foreign policy to gender. At the international level, several countries are gender-mainstreaming their foreign policy, beginning with Sweden’s adoption of a Feminist Foreign Policy, or FFP, in 2014. Priyanka Bhide, co-founder of the Kubernein Initiative, which has drafted the ‘Understanding the Feminist Foreign Policy: A View From India’ paper, speaks to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By refusing to stand by Sabyasachi Das, a faculty member whose research found indications of manipulation in the 2019 general election, Ashoka University showed a lack of spine. Which raises the question, is Ashoka merely an institution that likes to talk about things like academic freedom but won’t really walk the talk? If there is disagreement about a paper’s observations, you counter it with data and logical arguments. That’s not what Ashoka did. It merely succumbed. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China’s GDP growth could slow to 5% on the back of a real estate crisis, changing demographics and government debt. With investment seeking a new home, this could well be India’s moment. But first, it has a lot to do: build quality infrastructure fast, enlarge the skilled workforce, raise literacy rates and much more. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is an effort to simplify the KYC process to make it more ‘risk-based’, instead of one-size-fits-all, and amenable to digital needs. KYC has faced challenges over the years, but it’s needed to safeguard financial institutions and their customers. Ganesh Ram, MD and CEO of MF Utilities, tells All Indians Matter how India can deal with the challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The government claims that the replacement of the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code with new laws is the transformation the criminal justice system needs. But there is a sense of disquiet with what is being proposed. Experts and activists have issued warnings about several aspects, from provisions in the new bills being vague to the government granting itself more draconian powers to some laws not changing much except for the semantics. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like lithium, uranium is seen as the key to India’s green energy push. However, it’s mining is not hazard-free and can impact the health of local communities; pollute land, water and the air; and ultimately harm the very environment green energy is supposed to protect. India’s uranium push must be accompanied by sufficient social and environmental safeguards. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UPI payments accounted for 52% of the 8,840 crore digital transactions with a value of Rs 126 lakh crore in FY2021-22. In FY2018-19, UPI accounted for only 17% of India’s 3,100 crore digital transactions. Rohit Taneja, founder of Decentro, an API platform for banking integrations, talks to All Indians Matter about how UPI has changed financial transactions and, by extension, the larger economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corporate loan write-offs are justified as necessary to improve banks’ financial situation and to stimulate economic activity. However, they increase the fiscal deficit and government debt, reducing the money available for social welfare and development programmes. The burden is borne by taxpayers and we now also have to make do with fewer public services. Large loan waivers also distort the market by handing corporate houses an unfair advantage – they not only access cheap credit, but avoid accountability. Smaller businesses, meanwhile, get no such relaxations and have to pay higher interest rates to make up for the loss caused by the write-offs. It’s a process that reeks of corruption and has no moral root. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

India is throwing open lithium mining to the private sector. While lithium is critical for the green energy and net-zero push, the new policy must factor in the very real and serious pollution and socioeconomic concerns about the mining process. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 gram panchayats in Kaagal taluka of Kolhapur district have passed a unanimous resolution demanding a merger with Karnataka. This brings into focus yet again the boundary dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka. Both states have refused to budge and the matter has been in the Supreme Court since 2004. Meanwhile, how is this playing out on the ground? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A chance conversation with an academician at a leading public university got me thinking. He mentioned that political pressure on the institution and interference in its working have affected it deeply, impacting everything – from who gets to speak there to what students can research and speak openly about. This is a sentiment echoed across India’s institutions of higher learning. In effect, the government is trying to control and direct how students and professors think. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The HDFC Bank-HDFC Ltd merger has created a financial services behemoth, among the largest in the world, with an estimated market capitalisation of Rs 14.37 lakh crore. While the benefits are evident for the merged entities, from a wider offering and distribution reach to lower cost of funds, for customers it would mean a greater choice of financial products and services at more competitive rates. For the wider economy, it could mean more effective underwriting of large-ticket infrastructure loans and greater credit flow. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The July 11, 2006, train bombs remain etched in Mumbai’s memory. The blasts were followed by a massive police operation in which roughly 350 people were detained. In the end, in September 2015, 12 persons were convicted with five of them sentenced to death. But there was one man, Abdul Wahid Shaikh, who was declared innocent. The ordeal however destroyed his life. He recalls the trauma, torture and stigma that simply won’t wash off to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Ajit Pawar switched loyalties, many suggested that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had influenced the decision. The ED was set up in 1956 to focus on foreign exchange-related offences but in recent times has focused on money laundering, often training its guns on the Opposition. What makes it such a potent political weapon in the hands of the government? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ESG is becoming quite the buzzword in India. It’s widely accepted now that, if companies are to be considered corporate citizens, then environmental, social and governance considerations are the key. However, the evolution of ESG regulations in India is at a nascent stage. What lies next for it? Yashika Singh – a veteran of public policy, corporate affairs, economic analysis and corporate strategy and EVP at Pernod Ricard India – speaks to All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The multi-train crash in Balasore that claimed 288 lives should awaken us to the need to focus on rail safety, not just speed and comfort. The government argues that it is focusing on elevating the rail experience to a world-class standard. Perhaps safety should be considered a critical part of that experience. Especially when, in 2021, more than 16,000 people were killed in nearly 18,000 rail accidents. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is estimated that India spends Rs 9 lakh crore on welfare delivered through thousands of schemes. These schemes are difficult to implement, have leakages and often don’t even reach the intended beneficiaries. They are costly and, despite all our efforts, we still have more impoverished Indians than the entire population of the US. Could a universal basic income be a better way of ensuring social welfare and justice? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Indian girl child is born to tremendous disadvantages. For instance, India is the only large country where more baby girls die than baby boys. The gender differential in child survival, according to UNICEF, is 11%. Girls log fewer hospital admissions, an indicator that parents give less attention to them. It’s a society ridden with structural inequalities for the girl child. Destitute girls lie at the bottom of this very disadvantaged list. Who stands up for them? Anuradha Bhosale, a former child labourer and now a renowned grassroots women’s rights and anti-child labour activist, speaks to All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like with so many industries, artificial intelligence is transforming personal investing. It offers analysis and services like portfolio management at speeds and depth that were only dreamt of earlier. However, along with these benefits, there is also the spectre of data breaches and errors that can prove very costly to the small investor. Portfolio management expert Rohit Jha, co-founder of the ArthAlpha investment platform, speaks to All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While India rightly celebrates entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs face massive challenges – from financing problems to societal and family pressures. Studies show that their business drive matches the global average and the businesses they helm deliver great results despite having fewer resources. While there are several government programmes that they can benefit from, lack of awareness and implementation issues are serious obstacles. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

India continues its free fall on the World Press Freedom Index. The latest edition has India at 161 out of 180 countries, a drop of 11 ranks. Even Afghanistan fares better! If the press is not free but beholden to that power, as we’re seeing today, it becomes an extension of that power. Those who refuse to become that extension are threatened and prosecuted. If the media is in peril, then so is our democracy. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 A spate of deaths has given fresh life to the criticism levelled against the way cheetahs were introduced into Kuno in Madhya Pradesh. Not only has the Supreme Court expressed grave concerns at the implementation of the project, even several leading global experts say it is being handled badly. Concerns range from inadequate space to the focus being on publicity rather than conservation. What can India do to get Project Cheetah back on track? Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices