Name: The India Story | Decoding India's G20 Presidency with Amitabh Kant
Uploaded: 2023-01-05T00:01:58.000+05:30
Duration: T25M50S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Decoding India's G20 Presidency with Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa.

The Qatar World Cup has been embroiled in controversy since it was announced. Is it an example of 'sportswashing'? 

Decoded: FIFA World Cup in Qatar kicks off amid 'sportswashing' allegations

The Qatar World Cup has been embroiled in controversy since it was announced. Is it an example of 'sportswashing'?&nbsp;

Held once every four years, the FIFA World Cup is supposed to be a celebration of the beautiful game. The world&rsquo;s best players, representing their nations, and competing for the top prize - there&rsquo;s a certain air of romance to the whole thing.
Countries from all over the world descend on one location to essentially play a lot of football - it&rsquo;s a real melting pot of cultures and camaraderie and sporting spirit. World Cups are supposed to be above concerns like geopolitics, and political rivalries, and even wars. But that&rsquo;s a bit of a lofty ideal.
In reality, football&rsquo;s biggest competition is as susceptible to corruption and political pressure as any large event. Never has this been more evident than the last decade.
The process for the bidding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups began around March 2009. On December 2, 2010, it was announced that Russia and Qatar respectively would host the tournaments. The decisions were immediately controversial.
The Qatar World Cup, in particular, has been embroiled in controversy since it was announced. Qatar is a small country on the northeastern coast of the middle east - it&rsquo;s pretty small in size, around one fifth of the state of Uttarakhand, is home to less than 3 million people. It&rsquo;s also a hereditary monarchy, with Islam as an official state religion.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/decoded-india-s-big-diplomatic-moment-at-g20-amid-us-china-relations-ukraine-russia-war-1668781228289">Decoded: India's big diplomatic moment at G20 amid US - China relations &amp; Ukraine - Russia war</a>
Right away, critics saw a disconnect between the tournament and the assigned host. Qatar has no real history or legacy of footballing culture, it had never qualified for a World Cup before it hosted one, and it follows religious law guidelines, which often stand at odds with the fan culture of most major footballing nations.
This was quite evident over the issue of alcohol, for example. Drinking is a big part of European fan culture, alcohol is abundantly sold in stadiums, and flows quite freely. In Qatar, alcohol is legal in some specific areas for non-residents, but is not allowed for the Muslim population.
During the bidding process, Qatari officials had indicated that alcohol would be sold in special &lsquo;fan zones&rsquo; in and around stadiums. On November 18, two days before the games were to begin, Qatar announced that alcohol would not be permitted in stadiums.
There are also larger human rights concerns. For one, the Qatar World Cup required the building of many entirely new stadiums, which were built by migrant labour brought in from South Asia. A 2013 investigation by The Guardian found that many workers were denied food and water, had their identity papers taken away from them, were compelled to forced labor, and were either not paid on time or at all, making some of them effectively slaves. Another report by the newspaper said that between the years of 2010 and 2020, 6,500 migrant workers - all from South Asia - had died in Qatar.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/decoded-world-leaders-converge-at-cop27-as-time-runs-out-to-save-the-world-1668176177660">Decoded: World leaders converge at COP27 as time runs out to save the world</a>
Then, of course, was the issue of LGBTQ+ rights. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, and is punishable by fines and up to seven years imprisonment. Despite this, the country had announced that rainbow flags will be allowed in stadiums. However, many reports have said that fans wearing the rainbow have been barred from entering World Cup stadiums, and confronted by security and members of the public to remove the emblem.
So, if there are so many issues with human rights and the cultural fit of this tournament, why was it awarded to Qatar in the first place?
Allegations of corruption and vote buying have been levelled at the Qatar World Cup since it was first announced. A FIFA internal investigation has cleared Qatar of any wrongdoing, but has since been decried by its own author, who said that the final report was incomplete and erroneous. In May 2015, Swiss federal prosecutors opened an investigation into the bid, and former FIFA President Sepp Blatter - who was himself forced to resign amid corruption allegations - has suggested that Qatar cheated to win the hosting rights.
It has never been definitely proven that Qatar cheated in the bid process. But over time, 11 of the 22 FIFA Executive Committee members that voted for Qatar to host the World Cup have been fined, suspended, banned for life, or even prosecuted for corruption.
But why did Qatar, a nation with no particular history of football, want to host the World Cup to begin with?
The term &lsquo;sportswashing&rsquo; has come to describe the practice of countries or organisations trying to improve their reputations that have been tarnished through some wrongdoing. Critics have applied it to the Qatar World Cup. The claim, then, goes that Qatar is using the goodwill generated by the usually joyous atmosphere of the FIFA World Cup to cover up its human rights abuses and shady arms deals.
If that was indeed Qatar&rsquo;s aim, it is unclear how much it has worked. Conversation around these issues is at its peak as the World Cup has begun. The BBC chose to ignore the opening ceremony, with global stars like Morgan Freeman and Jungkook from BTS, and covered the controversies around the tournament instead.
But, as the tournament goes on, upsets and 7-goal routs dominate headlines, and sporting talking points overwhelm political ones, the football must be played. The show must go on. The conversations that arise after the World Cup has ended, will decide how successful the sportswashing has been.

As the world's leaders converge on Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt to iron out the path forward for humanity, the stakes have never been higher. Is there still time to save the world? 

Decoded: World leaders converge at COP27 as time runs out to save the world

As the world's leaders converge on Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt to iron out the path forward for humanity, the stakes have never been higher. Is there still time to save the world?&nbsp;

Have we crossed the point of no return? Is it, indeed, too late to save the world? This seemed to be the question on everyone&rsquo;s mind at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP27, hosted this year at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt. On a sombre and alarming note, Alok Sharma, the President of last year&rsquo;s conference, began with a wake up call for world leaders, reminding everyone of the havoc that climate change has wrought in the past year.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also did not mince his words.
This rhetoric is not new. In October, the UN had said that current plans submitted by governments would lead to a temperature rise of about 2.5 degrees celsius, condemning the world to a catastrophic climate breakdown.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/decoded-elon-musk-takes-over-twitter-and-chaos-reigns-1667569594458">Decoded: Elon Musk takes over Twitter, and chaos reigns</a>
At COP26 in Glasgow, countries agreed to limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold set out in the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which would avoid the worst ravages of climate change. Even a fraction of a degree more can lead to many more lives lost. China, the United States, Europe and India have all failed to reduce their emissions enough to meet their Paris Agreement goals.
The inequality that led to and is propagated by climate change was at the forefront of COP27. Poorer nations, which have historically contributed the least to climate change, but bear the brunt of its most devastating consequences today, are seeking more reparations from rich countries, many of which have grown their economies and amassed wealth by burning fossil fuels.
The Indian contingent at COP27 was led by Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, who also campaigned for a new fund for addressing loss and damage. India has launched the LiFE - Lifestyle for Environment movement, which encourages people the world over to live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/decoded-can-rishi-sunak-unite-a-divided-united-kingdom-1666964907896">Decoded: Can Rishi Sunak unite a divided United Kingdom?</a>
Climate cooperation has also been harmed by the Ukraine-Russia war, which has thrown global markets in turmoil in addition to causing widespread damage and loss of life in Ukraine. It has led to a global energy crisis and driven up the price of food, fuel and fertilisers.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the gathering virtually, stressing that there can be no global climate policy without peace.
The message from Climate scientists and experts is clear - time is running out, and fast. The goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5C, in order to avoid large scale damage, may already be unreachable. At COP27, most agreed that if humanity is to save itself, drastic action is required, and required immediately.&nbsp;

In this episode of 'The Footnote' we sit down with Aditya Arya, home to over 2000 unique photographic equipment - today it is the largest not-for-profit crowd funded Centre for Photographic Arts in South East Asia.

India's biggest camera museum Ft. Aditya Arya | The Footnote 

Nestled within the high rises of Gurugram, is 18,000 sq. ft. of space dedicated to the art of Photography. Home to over 2000 cameras from across History, Museo Camera is an archive of the most important archiving tool. What started as a basement collection of one man’s passion, has now become a cultural and historical hub. Today we speak with Aditya Arya, the man behind Museo.

In this episode of 'The Footnote' we sit down with Aditya Arya, home to over 2000 unique photographic equipment - today it is the largest not-for-profit crowd funded Centre for Photographic Arts in South East Asia.

Nestled within the high rises of Gurugram, is 18,000 sq. ft. of space dedicated to the art of Photography. Home to over 2000 cameras from across History, Museo Camera is an archive of the most important archiving tool. What started as a basement collection of one man&rsquo;s passion, has now become a cultural and historical hub. Today we speak with Aditya Arya, the man behind Museo.
Nishtha Shanti - Can you tell us a little bit about your journey with collecting cameras? What prompted you to take this on?
Aditya Arya - My journey started as an advertising photographer. Before that, I was a student of history. History always fascinated me. And history of not only politics, but places, objects, the story, the underlying stories, which were how did things evolve? How were they invented? So, photography being my profession, it led to a kind of a passion to study the cameras, the evolution, the story. I ended up collecting many thousands of cameras. My first camera was also which was given to me at the age of 17 was a Zeiss Ikon, which my father had picked up in fifties. So, the collection started with my own cameras and few other cameras from kabadi markets. And, you know, it kept evolving. I used to read and I constantly read. Today everything is easily accessible on Google. But there was no there was a time when I had to go to the library set to flip through books. Knowledge was accessed and sourced differently.
Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-footnote-revisiting-india-s-first-pride-parade-with-pawan-dhall-1656689032958">Revisiting India's first Pride Parade with Pawan Dhall&nbsp;</a> NS - This camera collection is vast and really does capture some very pivotal moments in history. What are your most prized cameras and how did you acquire them? 
AA- Camera Lucida. It's an object said device which led to the invention and discovery of the idea of making negatives and positives by a man called Talbot in England. It's a copying device. And I had only seen the images and once I was in London, and I saw this little box lying in one corner of one of these dealers. And I saw and I said, my God, this is probably from 1810, 1820. He said, 'Yes, this is an original piece'. A lot of Kabadis keep in touch with me. One day I got a series of WhatsApp messages. I said it's all trash. The dealer said 'No, sir. Look at it, it says aerial camera'. It took me around 4 hours to find that place. And I reached there and I found these cameras and boxes.
And meanwhile I started doing a lot of research on what kind of cameras were used in World War. These were the cameras which were actually made in 1445 during the World War to capture the aerial reconnaissance, bombardment and postwar destruction. And it turned out to be that Kharagpur was one of the places where a lot of photographers were trained during the World War, the American photographers. So, you know, I ended up buying all of them and bringing them to the museum. And then I started to locate more cameras. Could never find more cameras. 15,000 were made. We have 13 of them.&nbsp;
 NS - With the age of digitisation, how has the process of taking a photograph changed? 
AA - These are the devices. Which created the histories, the visual histories. But what is very interesting is when you see an old picture, there are so many layers which are lying buried under the top layer. That top layer is what you see and you react to and say, 'Wow, this is amazing' For me, there is another story which a lot of people forget or ignore or choose not to talk about. That is the story of how was this image taken? What was the process? How long did it take? What kind of chemicals were used? That is an interesting part of the story for me. And this is what this museum is about. Various stories. How were the studios operated? What kind of negatives? The story of photography is how the silver grains turn into the pixels of today. &nbsp;People from analog generation pre-visualized a photo. A born digital generation thinks differently. They know there they have hundreds of possibilities which are at their fingertips today. The iPhone is a great camera and mobile allows you to do anything and everything. And there are apps to do processing and but you still have to have an eye.
 Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-story-of-india-s-first-suicide-prevention-helpline-with-krishan-kalsi-the-footnote-1662725256771">Sumaitri: one of India's first suicide prevention helplines with Krishan Kalsi</a> NS - In times of great calamity and tragedy, what role do you think a photographer plays?
AA - Photographer has another role, which is to share what he's seeing with his audience or public at large. So how far he wants to push himself is purely his prerogative. There has to be some kind of ethics involved in it. It's very complicated. Some people may say 'he should have saved that person, but he was taking pictures' So was there empathy involved or was there no empathy involved? It's very difficult to answer that question.
NS - You have an enviable career that has spanned over four decades, what is your favourite work?
AA - In 1980s, I was in Mumbai. I used to do still photography for film industry. I shot a film called 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron', a little bit of work for 'Chashme Baddoor' and Syed Mirza's 'Mohan Joshi Haazir Ho'. And there I met a lady called Neena Gupta, and I shot some pictures of her, which she considers one of her best portrait ever done. And I fell in love with that portrait.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/world-photography-day-what-are-the-most-liked-photos-on-instagram-1629379047677">Also watch - World Photography Day: What are the most liked photos on Instagram&nbsp;</a>

Can #ElonMusk guide Twitter to a new dawn of democracy and free speech?
Will anyone pay $8 for verification?
Or is the ill-fated project doomed to fail?

The India Story | Chaos or order: What will Twitter look like under Elon Musk?

<div class="x_ContentPasted0">Can #ElonMusk guide Twitter to a new dawn of democracy and free speech?</div>
<div class="x_ContentPasted0">Will anyone pay $8 for verification?</div>
<div class="x_ContentPasted0">Or is the ill-fated project doomed to fail?</div>

The world&rsquo;s wealthiest man, Elon Musk, has finally taken over the social media website Twitter. Chaos has ensued in the first days of Musk&rsquo;s reign, with around half the workforce laid off, verification potentially being tied to an $8 subscription, and concerns surrounding content moderation policies under the new regime.
Can Elon Musk, who has claimed he bought Twitter to &lsquo;help humanity&rsquo;, guide Twitter to a new dawn of democracy and freedom of speech? Or is the project ill-fated and doomed to fail? On this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra ponders the fate of Twitter, and discusses the issue with Prateek Waghre, Policy Director at the Internet Freedom Foundation.
The India Story | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-india-story/the-india-story-how-will-pm-rishi-sunak-affect-india-uk-relations-1666966484271">How will PM Rishi Sunak affect India-UK relations?</a>
We also take a look at the toxic air enveloping the Delhi NCR region, and why, year-on-year, nobody seems to have any answers for Delhi&rsquo;s air pollution problem.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8PM.
The India Story | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-india-story/the-india-story-rising-dragon-how-will-india-deal-with-a-resurgent-china-1666365118971">&lsquo;Rising Dragon&rsquo;: How will India deal with a resurgent China?</a>

Will 'Chief Twit' Elon Musk be able to make Twitter possible while retaining its influential nature - or is his acquisition doomed to kill the social network?

Decoded: Elon Musk takes over Twitter, and chaos reigns

Will 'Chief Twit' Elon Musk be able to make Twitter possible while retaining its influential nature - or is his acquisition doomed to kill the social network?

On October 27, Elon Musk completed his buyout of Twitter for $44 billion. The self-proclaimed &lsquo;Chief Twit&rsquo; waltzed into Twitter&rsquo;s headquarters and immediately fired CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal and Vijaya Gadde, Twitter's head of legal policy, trust and safety. Musk had already been meeting with Twitter employees earlier in the week, ahead of the impending move, and had walked into the office carrying a sink, in order to make a &lsquo;let that sink in&rsquo; pun.
Musk&rsquo;s first few days in charge of Twitter have been wrought with chaos. A spate of senior employees have left, and wide-spread changes to content moderation policies and the verification process are being considered. Musk seems to be working out these details in real time, apparently suggesting a $20 fee for verification, before bringing it back to $8, and tying with Twitter Blue, the company&rsquo;s subscriptions service which was still in trial. Musk has vehemently defended this decision, through signature irreverent memes and snarky replies to public figures, and a public negotiation with horror author Stephen King, in which he stressed that Twitter &lsquo;has to pay the bills somehow&rsquo;.
In an earlier tweet, Elon Musk had said that he bought Twitter in order to &lsquo;help humanity&rsquo;, whom he loves, and not to make money. Yet, as he prepares to take Twitter private, the money has to come in.
Twitter is in a peculiar place as a social media website. In terms of numbers, it is relatively small - it has around 396 million monthly active users according to estimates, compared to 2 billion for Instagram and 2.91 billion on Facebook. And yet, Twitter commands outsize influence because of the clientele that uses it frequently - from journalists and public activists to CEOs and heads of state. Tweets can change the course of public life, put governments in crisis, and act as a platform for civil resistance.
Twitter influences public discourse. What Twitter does not do is make money. Twitter has failed to return profits in eight out of the last 10 years - and right now, Elon Musk needs profits. In order to acquire Twitter, Musk has loaded the company with $13 billion in debt. With this, the firm will have to pay around $1 billion a year in interest payments to banks. Last year, Twitter&rsquo;s cash flow was about $630 million, meaning that they really need to make more money.
Around 90% of Twitter&rsquo;s current revenue comes from digital advertising. And while the ad revenues have been falling across all social media companies, Elon Musk&rsquo;s freewheeling, and irreverent nature, and his ideas for what he wants Twitter to be, do not exactly inspire faith in advertisers.
Musk describes himself as a &lsquo;free speech absolutist&rsquo;, amd has repeatedly called for less content moderation. On October 28, when he took over the site, racist and other hateful tweets began to appear across the site at much higher levels than usual, as reported by NPR. &nbsp;
Advertisers have not taken the risk of being seen next to hateful content lightly. Car maker General Motors has already suspended ads on the website, in order to evaluate &lsquo;the direction of the platform&rsquo; under new leadership. Advertising giant IPG, which handles companies like Nintendo and Unilever, has advised its clients to pause ads on Twitter, and await clarity on the social network&rsquo;s plans for trust and safety.
Last week, Musk wrote that Twitter would be &ldquo;forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints&rdquo; and said that &ldquo;no major content decisions or account reinstatements&rdquo; would occur before the council convenes.
A general sense of chaos pervades Twitter since the transfer of ownership. Elon Musk proposes and negotiates policy decisions live on the website, interacting with users as he goes. Around half the workforce is in line to be laid off, while the other half faces long crunch hours and fast deadlines.
As of now, nobody knows what exactly will become of the world&rsquo;s most influential social network - including, seemingly, its owner Elon Musk.
&nbsp;

Rishi Sunak inherits a staggering economy and a shell-shocked and divided party. Will the UK's first British Asian Prime Minister be able to stabilise the country and chart the path forward?

Decoded: Can Rishi Sunak unite a divided United Kingdom?

Rishi Sunak inherits a staggering economy and a shell-shocked and divided party. Will the UK's first British Asian Prime Minister be able to stabilise the country and chart the path forward?

On October 26, Rishi Sunak took over as Prime Minister of the UK, and leader of the Conservative Party. As the first person of colour to hold the post of PM, and the youngest &nbsp;in over 200 years, his rise to the top is noteworthy. It comes on the back of a rocky period of unprecedented tumult in UK politics, as the island nation is reeling from the death of its longest-serving monarch, and the 45-day long Prime Ministership of Liz Truss.
Rishi Sunak inherits a staggering economy and a shell-shocked and divided party, and he now faces the huge task of stabilising both party and country in a time of economic and political turbulence.
Born in 1980 in Southampton to parents of Punjabi descent, Rishi Sunak&rsquo;s rise to the top of British politics has been lightning quick. He became MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire in 2015 and joined Boris Johnson&rsquo;s Cabinet in 2019, as chief treasury to the secretary, working with chancellor Sajid Javid. In 2020, he was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, Britain&rsquo;s equivalent of a Finance Minister, and was plunged into pandemic crisis planning and budgeting.
For many, Sunak&rsquo;s performance as chancellor during the pandemic was steady and reassuring, and his personal poll ratings shot up as he unveiled support worth &pound;350 billion.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pm-modi-s-phone-call-with-new-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-watch-what-was-discussed-1666882536372">PM Modi's phone call with new UK PM Rishi Sunak: watch what was discussed</a>
In July this year, Sunak resigned from his post, citing incompatibility with the economic policies of Boris Johnson. His resignation, among others, was crucial in ousting Johnson as PM. A few months later, Sunak has ascended to the post himself.
To many, Sunak&rsquo;s rise to the top as a British Indian person, and a practising Hindu, celebrates the diversity of modern-day Britain. However, others are not as exuberant, pointing to his massive personal wealth, and upper-class upbringing, as major benefactors in his journey.
Rishi Sunak was educated at Winchester College, an exclusive private school, after which he went on to attend Oxford and Stanford Universities. Before entering politics, Sunak worked for the investment bank Goldman Sachs, and then worked for two multibillion dollar hedge funds.
Sunak is married to Akshata Murthy, daughter of billionaire Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy. Together, he and his wife have an estimated worth of more than &pound;700m, a sum which eclipses the personal wealth of the monarch of the UK, King Charles III.
In April, their finances came under intense scrutiny as reports emerged that Akshata Murty potentially avoided paying up to &pound;20m in UK taxes, by declaring non-domicile status. She owns 0.9% of Infosys, which declared a &pound;11.6bn profit in 2021. After the scandal broke out, she announced that she would start paying UK tax on this income.
The reaction to Sunak&rsquo;s appointment in India has been varied. While many are ecstatic at the prospect of an Indian-origin leader of the UK, others have pointed out that Sunak is a British citizen whose parents, although of Indian descent, hail from Africa.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-s-response-on-email-scandal-haunting-minister-suella-braverman-1666805015550">UK PM Rishi Sunak's response on email scandal haunting minister Suella Braverman</a>
One of the Sunak government&rsquo;s first priorities in the diplomatic arena will be ongoing talks over a free-trade agreement with India, initiated by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The two countries began negotiations in January, with eyes at a Diwali deadline, which has been missed. The deal is reportedly in advanced stages, with the majority of sections completed, but has been held back in part by the ever-changing political landscape of the UK.
It was also not helped by remarks made by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who said that Indians are the largest visa overstayers in the UK. Along with reducing or eliminating tariffs, India is also reportedly looking for easier movement of skilled workers in the deal.
A few days after she made the comments, Braverman was forced to resign over a security breach, as she sent an official document from a personal email ID, a move that furthered the instability of the doomed Liz Truss government.
In his new cabinet, Sunak has re-appointed Braverman as Home Secretary, a move which has been widely criticised in the UK as well as India. Many party colleagues have expressed concerns about the appointment, believing it undermines Sunak&rsquo;s promise to restore integrity and professionalism to the government.
The task before Rishi Sunak is enormous. In his first speech as Prime Minister, he called for unity with his words. His actions will chart the path of the United Kingdom in days to come.
&nbsp;

Pollution while bad for all living in the city, affects people of different age, gender and social strata very differently. Numerous studies have found the exacerbated effect that pollution has on those coming from a marginalised background. 

Air pollution: equally bad for all? | The Issue 

Air pollution can shorten lives by almost 10 years in the Indian capital, Delhi, the world's most polluted city, says a report by a US research group.  The air pollution in the city is choking its residents, particularly the marginalized. And understanding the severity of the problem is the need of the hour.  

The smog-filled air, which usually covers Indian cities during the winter months, contains dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter called PM2.5 - tiny particles that can clog lungs and cause a host of diseases.  

Delhi has been ranked the most polluted city in the world as per a global analysis of air quality as recently as 2022. The report analyses pollution and global health effects for more than 7,000 cities around the world, focusing on two of the most harmful pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide.  

Air pollution is among the leading causes of premature mortality worldwide and leads to lung and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other illnesses. This risk gets so much more exacerbated when it comes to children. Children are more prone to breathing toxic air, and that's because they breathe more rapidly. And so even lower levels of exposure could mean that they’re breathing more pollutants than adults around them.  

Also watch - Childhood air pollution exposure can prohibit cognitive prowess later in life

Pollution also leads to lower memory and IQ, with infants being most affected in the first 1000 days of their birth, which is when most brain development happens. According to a study conducted in 2017, every 3 minutes, a child died India due to air pollution.  In 2019, close to 160,000 infants in India died within the first month of being born due to air pollution. Over half of the infant deaths were caused by PM 2.5 in the air, while the rest were attributed to household aggravation caused by the use of solid fumes for cooking. 

Like everything else, even the issue of clean air is influenced by many factors. The deadly impact of pollution on children in middle and low-income countries like India was highlighted by a report by the WHO in 2018. In these countries, 98% of all children under five are exposed to PM 2.5 levels above WHO’s air quality guidelines. In comparison, among high income countries, 52% of children under age five are exposed to levels above W.H.O. air quality guidelines.  

Also watch - India's poorest 9 times more likely to die of air pollution than the rich: study 

This isn’t just about global inequality but a matter of class divide within India too. A study has found that poorer households in India bear disproportional impact from pollution caused by others.  Experts say that this pollution hits the poor and marginalized more because they often tend to live and work near industrial sites and tend to burn things like wood, corn, dung or kerosene inside their homes. 

It is also important to remember that things like N95 masks or air purifiers, or even the ability to leave the city for a few weeks when the pollution is at its peak is a privilege that not everybody has can afford. 

Higher income groups indirectly contribute to pollution through the manufacturing of the products they consume as well as their use of transportation and electricity. But wealthier households are shielded from the effects because of access to air conditioning, better health care, and more efficient buildings and clean-energy stoves. 

Also watch - From childhood to old-age: The long-term effects of pollution on brainpower

By virtue of having to carry the domestic burden of cooking within the homes, women after often more susceptible to indoor air pollution, which has direct impact on their reproductive health. Numerous studies done in the past have shown that air pollution increases the risk of premature birth and complications during pregnancy like preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension. Inhaling particulate matter is increasing the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age.  

The problem of air pollution clearly affects people belonging to diverse backgrounds differently, and therefore solutions to the matter must also be proposed keeping these inequalities in mind. Delhi’s AQI for years now has now surpassed all warnings by the WHO – a good time to take action was years ago, and steps must be taken as swiftly as possible.  

Pollution while bad for all living in the city, affects people of different age, gender and social strata very differently. Numerous studies have found the exacerbated effect that pollution has on those coming from a marginalised background.&nbsp;

Air pollution can shorten lives by almost 10 years in the Indian capital, Delhi, the world's most polluted city, says a report by a US research group. &nbsp;The air pollution in the city is choking its residents, particularly the marginalized. And understanding the severity of the problem is the need of the hour. &nbsp; The smog-filled air, which usually covers Indian cities during the winter months, contains dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter called PM2.5 - tiny particles that can clog lungs and cause a host of diseases. &nbsp; Delhi has been ranked the most polluted city in the world as per a global analysis of air quality as recently as 2022. The report analyses pollution and global health effects for more than 7,000 cities around the world, focusing on two of the most harmful pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide. &nbsp; Air pollution is among the leading causes of premature mortality worldwide and leads to lung and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other illnesses. This risk gets so much more exacerbated when it comes to children. Children are more prone to breathing toxic air, and that's because they breathe more rapidly. And so even lower levels of exposure could mean that they&rsquo;re breathing more pollutants than adults around them. &nbsp; Also watch -<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/childhood-air-pollution-exposure-can-prohibit-cognitive-prowess-later-in-life-1612458280826"> Childhood air pollution exposure can prohibit cognitive prowess later in life</a> Pollution also leads to lower memory and IQ, with infants being most affected in the first 1000 days of their birth, which is when most brain development happens. According to a study conducted in 2017, every 3 minutes, a child died India due to air pollution. &nbsp;In 2019, close to 160,000 infants in India died within the first month of being born due to air pollution. Over half of the infant deaths were caused by PM 2.5 in the air, while the rest were attributed to household aggravation caused by the use of solid fumes for cooking.&nbsp; Like everything else, even the issue of clean air is influenced by many factors. The deadly impact of pollution on children in middle and low-income countries like India was highlighted by a report by the WHO in 2018. In these countries, 98% of all children under five are exposed to PM 2.5 levels above WHO&rsquo;s air quality guidelines. In comparison, among high income countries, 52% of children under age five are exposed to levels above W.H.O. air quality guidelines. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/india-s-poorest-9-times-more-likely-to-die-of-air-pollution-than-the-rich-study-1627967488923">India's poorest 9 times more likely to die of air pollution than the rich: study&nbsp;</a> This isn&rsquo;t just about global inequality but a matter of class divide within India too. A study has found that poorer households in India bear disproportional impact from pollution caused by others. &nbsp;Experts say that this pollution hits the poor and marginalized more because they often tend to live and work near industrial sites and tend to burn things like wood, corn, dung or kerosene inside their homes.&nbsp; It is also important to remember that things like N95 masks or air purifiers, or even the ability to leave the city for a few weeks when the pollution is at its peak is a privilege that not everybody has can afford.&nbsp; Higher income groups indirectly contribute to pollution through the manufacturing of the products they consume as well as their use of transportation and electricity. But wealthier households are shielded from the effects because of access to air conditioning, better health care, and more efficient buildings and clean-energy stoves.&nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/from-childhood-to-old-age-the-long-term-effects-of-pollution-on-brainpower-1637487108895">From childhood to old-age: The long-term effects of pollution on brainpower</a> By virtue of having to carry the domestic burden of cooking within the homes, women after often more susceptible to indoor air pollution, which has direct impact on their reproductive health. Numerous studies done in the past have shown that air pollution increases the risk of premature birth and complications during pregnancy like preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension. Inhaling particulate matter is increasing the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age. &nbsp; The problem of air pollution clearly affects people belonging to diverse backgrounds differently, and therefore solutions to the matter must also be proposed keeping these inequalities in mind. Delhi&rsquo;s AQI for years now has now surpassed all warnings by the WHO &ndash; a good time to take action was years ago, and steps must be taken as swiftly as possible. &nbsp;

Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It’s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with. 

Air pollution: Delhi's unique conundrum | The Issue 

There’s few cliches left to describe Delhi pollution that have not been used before – something about smoking 50 cigarettes a day, Delhi resembling a post-apocalyptic wasteland, not being able to see even 5 feet away. The descriptors we use don’t change, because the pollution menace unfortunately, also does not change.  

Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It’s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with. And all of these reasons collectively add to the problem of pollution in the capital around a 2-month window of toxic AQI.  

Also watch - Some useful steps you can take to minimise the effects of air pollution
 
One of the foremost reasons touted to be behind Delhi’s pollution woes is stubble burning – a problem that may have been exacerbated in attempts to curb another climate adversity.   
Punjab and Haryana, surrounding Delhi, are key agricultural states. Farmers here grow rice, and the cultivation of rice requires large amounts of water. This can lead to severe depletion of ground water. In order to curb this problem, in 2009 the government passed The Preservation of Subsoil Water Act. This act bans paddy planting before mid-June at which point rains will replenish the ground water levels.  

Because paddy can’t be planted till mid-June, harvesting of crops is pushed to late in the year, leaving farmers with less time to prepare their fields for the next winter cycle of crops. Lesser time means that farmers have to rely on the quickest and cheapest method of clearing their fields – which unfortunately is stubble burning.  

Also watch - 23.5 lakh premature deaths in India due to pollution in 2019: Lancet

What’s concerning for this year especially is that with a prolonged spell of rains delaying paddy harvesting in some regions of Punjab, farmers are more likely to burn stubble to make up for the lost time and quickly prepare their fields for the next crop, experts say.  

In 2021, Punjab had reported 71,304 farm fires between September 15 and November 30 and 83,002 farm fires in the corresponding period in 2020.  

Smoke clouds from Punjab and Haryana travel to Delhi – and the topography of the region does not help combat the problem. With the Himalayas forming a huge barrier to the north, the smog follows a path through the plains to the bottom of the mountain range. The air begins to accumulate in the region and is unable to escape.  

Since hot air rises and cool air settles, owing to the high mountain range and cooler winter air, the smog is unable to rise, keeping it trapped within the plains – forming a dome over the city of which the first layer is hot lowland air, the second is cold mountain air, and the third is stubble burning smoke mixed with urban pollution.  

Also watch - Delhi: don't have a pollution certificate for your car, your RC could be cancelled


India’s capital is already the most populated city in the world and some estimates say Delhi could be the world’s most populous city by 2028. More people mean more vehicles on the streets, more household pollution and more construction activities. The main pollutant in Delhi’s air right now is PM 2.5, and sources of PM 2.5 can be both internal and external.  

According to a recent study conducted by Centre for Science and Environment, vehicular emissions contribute the highest share to Delhi’s PM 2.5 levels at nearly 50%. The contribution of household pollution has been 12.5%-13.5%, industry has been 9.9%- 13.7%, construction at 6.7%-7.9%, that of waste burning has stood between 4.6%-4.9%, and the contribution of road dust has been 3.6%-4.1%. 

Also watch - Explained: Delhi govt's action plan to curb winter pollution woes 

One cannot talk about pollution in Delhi without mentioning the elephant in the room – crackers at Diwali. With the firecracker ban going up in smoke every year, quite literally: the National capital chokes on a cocktail of noxious chemicals after the festival of lights every year.  

It’s not like the air in Delhi is good all year round and sees just one very brief period of pollution. Between 2016 and 2021 – Delhi saw only 17 good air days and it tops every list for the most polluted cities in the world.  

Several factors that are tough to balance may contribute to the brief, hazardous toxic spike every year – but with clean air elusive for the millions living in Delhi, coming up with a solution to this problem becomes more critical with every passing minute.  

Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It&rsquo;s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with.&nbsp;

There&rsquo;s few cliches left to describe Delhi pollution that have not been used before &ndash; something about smoking 50 cigarettes a day, Delhi resembling a post-apocalyptic wasteland, not being able to see even 5 feet away. The descriptors we use don&rsquo;t change, because the pollution menace unfortunately, also does not change. &nbsp; Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It&rsquo;s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with. And all of these reasons collectively add to the problem of pollution in the capital around a 2-month window of toxic AQI. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/some-useful-steps-you-can-take-to-minimise-the-effects-of-air-pollution-1666500349674">Some useful steps you can take to minimise the effects of air pollution</a> &nbsp; One of the foremost reasons touted to be behind Delhi&rsquo;s pollution woes is stubble burning &ndash; a problem that may have been exacerbated in attempts to curb another climate adversity. &nbsp;&nbsp; Punjab and Haryana, surrounding Delhi, are key agricultural states. Farmers here grow rice, and the cultivation of rice requires large amounts of water. This can lead to severe depletion of ground water. In order to curb this problem, in 2009 the government passed The Preservation of Subsoil Water Act. This act bans paddy planting before mid-June at which point rains will replenish the ground water levels. &nbsp; Because paddy can&rsquo;t be planted till mid-June, harvesting of crops is pushed to late in the year, leaving farmers with less time to prepare their fields for the next winter cycle of crops. Lesser time means that farmers have to rely on the quickest and cheapest method of clearing their fields &ndash; which unfortunately is stubble burning. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/23-5-lakh-premature-deaths-in-india-due-to-pollution-in-2019-lancet-1652867972139">23.5 lakh premature deaths in India due to pollution in 2019: Lancet</a> What&rsquo;s concerning for this year especially is that with a prolonged spell of rains delaying paddy harvesting in some regions of Punjab, farmers are more likely to burn stubble to make up for the lost time and quickly prepare their fields for the next crop, experts say. &nbsp; In 2021, Punjab had reported 71,304 farm fires between September 15 and November 30 and 83,002 farm fires in the corresponding period in 2020. &nbsp; Smoke clouds from Punjab and Haryana travel to Delhi &ndash; and the topography of the region does not help combat the problem. With the Himalayas forming a huge barrier to the north, the smog follows a path through the plains to the bottom of the mountain range. The air begins to accumulate in the region and is unable to escape. &nbsp; Since hot air rises and cool air settles, owing to the high mountain range and cooler winter air, the smog is unable to rise, keeping it trapped within the plains &ndash; forming a dome over the city of which the first layer is hot lowland air, the second is cold mountain air, and the third is stubble burning smoke mixed with urban pollution. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-don-t-have-a-pollution-certificate-for-your-car-your-rc-could-be-cancelled-1664936346491">Delhi: don't have a pollution certificate for your car, your RC could be cancelled</a> 
India&rsquo;s capital is already the most populated city in the world and some estimates say Delhi could be the world&rsquo;s most populous city by 2028. More people mean more vehicles on the streets, more household pollution and more construction activities. The main pollutant in Delhi&rsquo;s air right now is PM 2.5, and sources of PM 2.5 can be both internal and external. &nbsp; According to a recent study conducted by Centre for Science and Environment, vehicular emissions contribute the highest share to Delhi&rsquo;s PM 2.5 levels at nearly 50%. The contribution of household pollution has been 12.5%-13.5%, industry has been 9.9%- 13.7%, construction at 6.7%-7.9%, that of waste burning has stood between 4.6%-4.9%, and the contribution of road dust has been 3.6%-4.1%.&nbsp;
Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/explained-delhi-govt-s-action-plan-to-curb-winter-pollution-woes-1664556687285">Explained: Delhi govt's action plan to curb winter pollution woes</a><a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/explained-delhi-govt-s-action-plan-to-curb-winter-pollution-woes-1664556687285">&nbsp;</a> One cannot talk about pollution in Delhi without mentioning the elephant in the room &ndash; crackers at Diwali. With the firecracker ban going up in smoke every year, quite literally: the National capital chokes on a cocktail of noxious chemicals after the festival of lights every year. &nbsp; It&rsquo;s not like the air in Delhi is good all year round and sees just one very brief period of pollution. Between 2016 and 2021 &ndash; Delhi saw only 17 good air days and it tops every list for the most polluted cities in the world. &nbsp; Several factors that are tough to balance may contribute to the brief, hazardous toxic spike every year &ndash; but with clean air elusive for the millions living in Delhi, coming up with a solution to this problem becomes more critical with every passing minute. &nbsp;

As Xi Jinping has virtually secured an unprecedented 3rd term as China’s President, how can India deal with a rising, belligerent, and uncompromising neighbour?

The India Story | ‘Rising Dragon’: How will India deal with a resurgent China?

As Xi Jinping has virtually secured an unprecedented 3rd term as China&rsquo;s President, how can India deal with a rising, belligerent, and uncompromising neighbour?

As Xi Jinping looks set for an unprecedented third term as President of China, the country is poised to make a &lsquo;superpower&rsquo; bid. China&rsquo;s fast-growing economy, strengthening military, and growing belligerence is noted by many in the world. Under Xi, China has grown more authoritarian over time. It has tightened its grip on Hong Kong, and vowed to &lsquo;reunite&rsquo; with Taiwan, using force if necessary.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-india-story/the-india-story-in-controversial-times-can-india-accept-multiple-truths-author-amish-answers-1665758161795">The India Story | In controversial times, can India accept multiple truths? Author Amish answers</a>
How does India deal with an aggressive and uncompromising China in its backyard? On this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra discusses with experts Prof Happymon Jacob, Associate Professor, Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament, JNU, and Prof Hemant Adlakha, Associate Professor, Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies, JNU.
 Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8PM.

How does Amish avoid controversy while writing about religious texts? Are Indians predisposed to accepting multiple truths? He tells Vikram Chandra in this week’s episode of The India Story.

The India Story | In controversial times, can India accept multiple truths? Author Amish answers

How does Amish avoid controversy while writing about religious texts? Are Indians predisposed to accepting multiple truths? He tells Vikram Chandra in this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story.

In today&rsquo;s controversial times, how does one get away with reinventing the Ramayana? Are Indians predisposed to accepting multiple truths? How does one stay respectful while writing about religious texts? Author Amish Tripathi answers these and other questions in an interview with Vikram Chandra in this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-india-story/the-india-story-sc-s-landmark-abortion-ruling-a-step-in-the-right-direction-1665151757201">The India Story | SC&rsquo;s landmark abortion ruling: a step in the right direction?</a>
We also take a look at escalation in the Ukraine-Russia war, and how India may be shifting from a position of balance to shifting away its support from old friend Russia.

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Covid Variant 'BF.7'

Year ender 2022

December 2022 Holidays

Decoding India's G20 Presidency with Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa.

The India Story | Decoding India's G20 Presidency with Amitabh Kant

<div>Decoding India's G20 Presidency with Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa.</div>

On this week's episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to India's G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, on India's Presidency of the premier international forum. While India's Presidency comes in divided times, as war rages in Ukraine and financial crisis threatens to overtake the world, there is an opportunity to steer the globe in these trying times, and focus on the agenda of inclusive development. India's theme for G20 is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - One World, One Future, One Family.
 We also speak to Yash Agarwal, Former Twitter Employee, on his viral exit from the social media company.

China is seeing an unprecedented Covid wave, which has seen hospitals and morgues overwhelmed, and an alleged caseload of 1 million per day. How likely is India to be affected? And how should we prepare?

The India Story | China’s Covid wave: How should India prepare?

China is seeing an unprecedented Covid wave, which has seen hospitals and morgues overwhelmed, and an alleged caseload of 1 million per day. How likely is India to be affected? And how should we prepare?

After China abruptly ended its &lsquo;zero Covid&rsquo; policies amid nationwide protests, the country has been caught unprepared. Although data coming from China remains unclear, reports indicate that the country is seeing around 1 million cases and 5,000 deaths per day. By March, it could see more than 4 million cases per day.
The BF.7 Omicron variant has been blamed for this sudden wave of cases. The variant has also led to case surges in countries like the UK, US, France, and Denmark. However, while India remains prepared and vigilant, experts say that there is no reason to panic.&nbsp;
On this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks with Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, Chairman, Medanta Liver Transplant Institute, on how likely it is for India to see a surge due to BF.7, and how citizens can keep themselves vigilant.&nbsp;
We also speak to Dr. Li-Meng Yan, Independent Coronavirus Expert, on the possible origins of the current Covid wave in China.

With the ambit of content opening owing to global streaming platforms, and access to international content becoming easier - how relevant are the guidelines of CBFC and do they make sense in a digital world?

Is the censor board relevant in a digital world? | The Issue 

It’s an iconic scene from the cult classic – Thakur is stopped from pummelling Gabbar to death so law can take its course. But did you know, that’s not how Sholay was to end? Gabbar was supposed to be killed but an Emergency Era censor board developed cold feet at the thought of a cop taking law into his own hands, and the movie ended on a different note.  

Much like other laws in our country, the censor board can also be called a colonial inheritance. Under the British rule, in 1920 censor boards were set up in erstwhile Bombay, Madras, Calcutta and Rangoon. The boards were set up to judge the appropriateness of films and laid out 43 objectionable subjects. These included scenes that made light of the British Empire, gruesome murders and strangulation scenes, unnecessary exhibition of feminine underclothing etc. At the time, the main preoccupation of the censors was content bolstered Anti-British, nationalist sentiments.  

Also watch - 'Will lose its charm': Manoj Bajpayee against censoring OTT content 

The ouster of the British from India led to significant changes in the censorship landscape. After decades of going back and forth on it – certification of films was brought under one governing body: the CBFC. This was also the decade that saw the disappearance of the kiss from Indian cinema— not because of change in censor rules, but because of a societal shift towards moral caution and “Indian" values.   

The 1952 Cinematograph Act sets out the structure of censorship as it stands today: the chairperson at the top, then the board members, then the advisory panels. Everyone, from the chairperson down to the advisory panel members, is a government appointee.  And governments have for decades been accused of using this body to their own benefit.  

Perhaps one of the most intriguing stories in this regard would be that of Sanjay Gandhi and indie film Kissa Kursi Ka. The film was a political satire on the government of Indira Gandhi, made at the height of the Emergency. Not only was the film banned from release, Sanjay Gandhi and his aides burnt every single copy of the film. When the Shah commission was investigating cases of atrocities during the Emergency, Gandhi was jailed for a month, for this crime. Of everything Gandhi was accused of – it’s very interesting to note that this was the crime that sent him behind bars.  

Also - 15 Indian OTT players choose self-regulation to avoid censorship


Critics of the censor board have said time and time again that the main problem with the body is the vague wording of the guidelines that give the board unrestrained powers. Some of the guidelines include human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity, the security of the State is not jeopardized, or endangered, public order is not endangered. The board in its objective also says that films must remain responsible and sensitive to the values and standards of society. But in a society as pluralistic as ours, where social change takes place at the speed of light owing to digital media and faster modes of communication – it does become difficult to pinpoint exactly what the ‘values and standards of society’ are.  

It cannot be denied that films in India make big bucks – the longer the cues for tickets, the happier film producers will be when cashing in their cheques. The CBFC in such a situation becomes important from a commercial aspect – and therefore even filmmakers and the industry should ideally have an appellate body that they can air their grievances against. And India did have this body – the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. However, claiming that the tribunal was not functioning well, the Centre in April 2021 abolished the FCAT: much to the disappointment of many filmmakers.  

Also watch - Amitabh Bachchan talks about freedom of speech and moral policing
 
India makes close to 1600 films every year, and apart from the CBFC makers also have to content with mob censoring. Physical protests have been to some degree replaced by calls for boycott on Twitter and taking stock of public sentiment is becoming tougher with every passing day. With the ambit of content opening owing to global streaming platforms, and access to international content becoming easier – Indians are slowly becoming more aware and in control of what they can watch.

With polarised viewpoints dominating mainstream narratives – how relevant are the guidelines of CBFC and do they make sense in a digital world? This is a question that requires some thought from all stakeholders involved.  

With the ambit of content&nbsp;opening owing to global streaming platforms, and access to international content becoming easier - how relevant are the guidelines of CBFC and do they make sense in a digital world?

It&rsquo;s an iconic scene from the cult classic 'Sholay'&ndash; Thakur is stopped from pummelling Gabbar to death so law can take its course. But did you know, that&rsquo;s not how one of the most popular Bollywood films was to end? Gabbar was supposed to be killed but an Emergency-era censor board developed cold feet at the thought of a former police officer taking law into his own hands, and the Ramesh Sippy movie ended on a different note. &nbsp;
Much like other laws in our country, the censor board too has a colonial inheritance. Under the British rule, in 1920 censor boards were set up in erstwhile Bombay, Madras, Calcutta and Rangoon. The boards were set up to judge the appropriateness of films and laid out 43 objectionable subjects. These included scenes that made light of the British Empire, gruesome murders and strangulation scenes, unnecessary exhibition of feminine underclothing etc. At the time, the main preoccupation of the censor boards was content bolstered anti-British, nationalist sentiments. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/will-lose-its-charm-manoj-bajpayee-against-censoring-ott-content-1613454760782" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Also watch - 'Will lose its charm': Manoj Bajpayee against censoring OTT content&nbsp;</a>
The ouster of the British from India led to significant changes in the censorship landscape. After decades of going back and forth on it &ndash; certification of films was brought under one governing body: the Central Board of Film Certification. This was also the decade that saw the disappearance of the kiss from Indian cinema&mdash; not because of change in censor rules, but because of a societal shift towards moral caution and &ldquo;Indian" values. &nbsp;&nbsp;
The 1952 Cinematograph Act sets out the structure of censorship as it stands today: the chairperson at the top, then the board members, then the advisory panels. Everyone, from the chairperson down to the advisory panel members, is a government appointee. &nbsp;And governments have for decades been accused of using this body to their own benefit. &nbsp;
Perhaps one of the most intriguing stories in this regard would be that of Sanjay Gandhi and indie film Kissa Kursi Ka. The film was a political satire on the government of Indira Gandhi, made at the height of the Emergency. Not only was the film banned from release, Sanjay Gandhi and his aides burnt every single copy of the film. When the Shah commission was investigating cases of atrocities during the Emergency, Gandhi was jailed for a month, for this crime. Of everything Gandhi was accused of &ndash; it&rsquo;s very interesting to note that this was the crime that sent him behind bars. &nbsp; <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/15-indian-ott-players-choose-self-regulation-to-avoid-censorship-1599473474001" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Also - 15 Indian OTT players choose self-regulation to avoid censorship</a>
Critics of the censor board have said time and time again that the main problem with the body is the vague wording of the guidelines that give the board unrestrained powers. Some of the guidelines include human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity, the security of the State is not jeopardized, or endangered, public order is not endangered. The board in its objective also says that films must remain responsible and sensitive to the values and standards of society. But in a society as pluralistic as ours, where social change takes place at the speed of light owing to digital media and faster modes of communication &ndash; it does become difficult to pinpoint exactly what the &lsquo;values and standards of society&rsquo; are. &nbsp;
It cannot be denied that films in India make big bucks &ndash; the longer the cues for tickets, the happier film producers will be when cashing in their cheques. The CBFC in such a situation becomes important from a commercial aspect &ndash; and therefore even filmmakers and the industry should ideally have an appellate body that they can air their grievances against. And India did have this body &ndash; the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. However, claiming that the tribunal was not functioning well, the Centre in April 2021 abolished the FCAT: much to the disappointment of many filmmakers. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/watch-amitabh-bachchan-talks-about-freedom-of-speech-and-moral-policing-1671120745749" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Also watch - Amitabh Bachchan talks about freedom of speech and moral policing</a> &nbsp; India makes close to 1600 films every year, and apart from the CBFC makers also have to content with mob censoring. Physical protests have been to some degree replaced by calls for boycott on social media and taking stock of public sentiment is becoming tougher with every passing day. With the ambit of content opening owing to global streaming platforms, and access to international content becoming easier &ndash; Indians are slowly becoming more aware and in control of what they can watch.
With polarised viewpoints dominating mainstream narratives &ndash; how relevant are the guidelines of CBFC and do they make sense in a digital world? This is a question that requires some thought from all stakeholders involved. &nbsp;

As ChatGPT takes over the internet, will the chatbot change the world forever? Is the future of business, creativity and computing AI-based?

The India Story | OpenAI’s ChatGPT: A landmark moment for AI?

As ChatGPT takes over the internet, will the chatbot change the world forever? Is the future of business, creativity and computing AI-based?

In today's episode of The India Story, we're taking a closer look at ChatGPT, the new chatbot developed by OpenAI. This state-of-the-art AI system has been generating a lot of buzz in the tech community, with many experts calling it a major breakthrough in the field of natural language processing.
But what makes ChatGPT so special, and does it represent an inflection point in the general adoption of AI technology? Vikram Chandra discusses the capabilities of ChatGPT, including its potential applications and limitations, and examines its role in the development of general artificial intelligence.
We'll also be speaking with Dr Pushpak Bhattacharyya, Professor at IIT Bombay, and getting his insights into the technology and its potential impact on the world. And we'll be hearing from Manish Singhal, Founder of pi Ventures, on his thoughts about ChatGPT&rsquo;s significance on industry in the broader context of AI development.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8PM.&nbsp;

A look at the impact of decriminalising marijuana in India, using the case study of the Sikkim Anti Drugs Act 

Should cannabis be decriminalised in India? | The Issue 

A long-standing debate concerning narcotic drugs is whether the problem is the use of drugs or the user themselves. Should drug users be viewed as criminals is a question that law enforcement struggles with till today.  

Cannabis in India is illegal. But there is also a state that looks at the use of drugs not from a criminalisation perspective, but a rehabilitative one. This is the case of Sikkim, where using cannabis is decriminalised.  

Also watch - UN removes cannabis from 'Most Dangerous Drugs' category 

In an attempt to combat the drug problem the state was going through, Sikkim in 2006 enacted the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act. In 2017, the SADA was amended to recognise the difference between ‘peddlers’ and ‘consumers’. This did mainly two things – 1) healthcare within the state could be channelised to help the most vulnerable drug users and 2) the scheme of punishment and rehabilitation was changed, to look at users and sellers/manufacturers differently.  

In 2018, SADA went a step ahead and decriminalised illicit drug use. It also laid down elaborate provisions for detoxification and rehabilitation. Sustained advocacy by the members of civil society, doctors and de-addiction centers made a huge impact on the writing of the law, and in turn that impacted how people perceived drug use and addiction in the state.  

One of the biggest things that this amendment did was removal of the stigma. The police instead of registering cases and arresting the drug users, ascertained the need for de-addiction, facilitated rehabilitation, and focused their energies on large scale peddlers.  

Interviews conducted by the Vidhi Center for Legal Policy with the police and prison authorities revealed that undertrials in the Sikkim Central Jail had fallen from over two hundred to a mere sixty-six after the 2018 amendment.

This case study begs a larger question – how is criminalising marijuana impacting India?  

The foremost way is economically. India currently contributes only 0.001% to the world market for hemp products, which is pegged to be $4.7 billion USD today. Over three crore people in India consume cannabis. A study found that in 2018, New Delhi and Mumbai consumed 38.26 metric tonnes and 32.38 metric tonnes of cannabis respectively. It estimated that around Rs 725 crore could be raised in Delhi if cannabis is taxed. This number was pegged at Rs. 641 crore for Mumbai.  

Also watch - Ratan Tata-backed cannabis startup Bombay Hemp raises $2 million

Criminalization of cannabis use increases the strain on the criminal justice system. It is particularly felt by an already overburdened and understaffed police force. A study has also argued that this criminalisation affects the marginalised more. Research from Mumbai shows that almost every person arrested and convicted for cannabis consumption was either a daily wage worker or a slum dweller. This marginalisation is apparent through the world. Even in America, African Americans are arrested for violating marijuana possession laws at nearly four times the rates of whites, yet both ethnicities consume marijuana at roughly the same rates.

It is often argued that the reason cannabis usage can never be decriminalised in India is because of the adverse effects the substance has on our health. However, it is also true that cannabis usage continues to be ubiquitous in our country, and the method of consumption may be far more dangerous for our health.  

The stigma associated with criminalization results in social exclusion and isolation, and it makes access to healthcare and harm reduction services a lot lesser. Lack of regulation also drives users to both unsafe practices as well as contaminated material, making them prone to disease and overdose.

Also watch - Here's a deeper look at Bollywood's history with drugs

Commonly held belief suggests that India’s crackdown on cannabis started with USA’s anti-drug push in the sixties and President Joe Biden’s recent statement is a clear indication that they have moved away from this belief. Announcing a pardon of all prior Federal offenses, he said no one should be in jail for simple posession of marijuana. Many countries world over are also slowly pushing towards decriminalising marijuana and allowing for it’s use in a controlled environment.  
Now the question, should India also be looking at its relationship with marijuana from a changed perspective? Tell us what you think in the comments below!  

Watch Part I: The history of cannabis in India | The Issue 

A look at the impact of decriminalising marijuana in India, using the case study of the Sikkim Anti Drugs Act&nbsp;

A long-standing debate concerning narcotic drugs is whether the problem is the use of drugs or the user themselves. Should drug users be viewed as criminals is a question that law enforcement struggles with till today. &nbsp;
Cannabis in India is illegal. But there is also a state that looks at the use of drugs not from a criminalisation perspective, but a rehabilitative one. This is the case of Sikkim, where using cannabis is decriminalised. &nbsp;
Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/un-removes-cannabis-from-most-dangerous-drugs-category-1606999043143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">UN removes cannabis from 'Most Dangerous Drugs' category&nbsp;</a>
In an attempt to combat the drug problem the state was going through, Sikkim in 2006 enacted the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act. In 2017, the SADA was amended to recognise the difference between &lsquo;peddlers&rsquo; and &lsquo;consumers&rsquo;. This did mainly two things &ndash; 1) healthcare within the state could be channelised to help the most vulnerable drug users and 2) the scheme of punishment and rehabilitation was changed, to look at users and sellers/manufacturers differently. &nbsp;
In 2018, SADA went a step ahead and decriminalised illicit drug use. It also laid down elaborate provisions for detoxification and rehabilitation. Sustained advocacy by the members of civil society, doctors and de-addiction centers made a huge impact on the writing of the law, and in turn that impacted how people perceived drug use and addiction in the state. &nbsp;
One of the biggest things that this amendment did was removal of the stigma. The police instead of registering cases and arresting the drug users, ascertained the need for de-addiction, facilitated rehabilitation, and focused their energies on large scale peddlers. &nbsp;
Interviews conducted by the Vidhi Center for Legal Policy with the police and prison authorities revealed that undertrials in the Sikkim Central Jail had fallen from over two hundred to a mere sixty-six after the 2018 amendment.
This case study begs a larger question &ndash; how is criminalising marijuana impacting India? &nbsp;
The foremost way is economically. India currently contributes only 0.001% to the world market for hemp products, which is pegged to be $4.7 billion USD today. Over three crore people in India consume cannabis. A study found that in 2018, New Delhi and Mumbai consumed 38.26 metric tonnes and 32.38 metric tonnes of cannabis respectively. It estimated that around Rs 725 crore could be raised in Delhi if cannabis is taxed. This number was pegged at Rs. 641 crore for Mumbai. &nbsp;
Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/ratan-tata-backed-cannabis-startup-bombay-hemp-raises-2-million-1637031748452" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ratan Tata-backed cannabis startup Bombay Hemp raises $2 million</a>
Criminalization of cannabis use increases the strain on the criminal justice system. It is particularly felt by an already overburdened and understaffed police force. A study has also argued that this criminalisation affects the marginalised more. Research from Mumbai shows that almost every person arrested and convicted for cannabis consumption was either a daily wage worker or a slum dweller. This marginalisation is apparent through the world. Even in America, African Americans are arrested for violating marijuana possession laws at nearly four times the rates of whites, yet both ethnicities consume marijuana at roughly the same rates.
It is often argued that the reason cannabis usage can never be decriminalised in India is because of the adverse effects the substance has on our health. However, it is also true that cannabis usage continues to be ubiquitous in our country, and the method of consumption may be far more dangerous for our health. &nbsp;
The stigma associated with criminalization results in social exclusion and isolation, and it makes access to healthcare and harm reduction services a lot lesser. Lack of regulation also drives users to both unsafe practices as well as contaminated material, making them prone to disease and overdose.
Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/in-depth-bollywood-s-drug-tales-1633277865847" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Here's a deeper look at Bollywood's history with drugs</a> Commonly held belief suggests that India&rsquo;s crackdown on cannabis started with USA&rsquo;s anti-drug push in the sixties and President Joe Biden&rsquo;s recent statement is a clear indication that they have moved away from this belief. Announcing a pardon of all prior Federal offenses, he said no one should be in jail for simple posession of marijuana. Many countries world over are also slowly pushing towards decriminalising marijuana and allowing for it&rsquo;s use in a controlled environment. &nbsp; Now the question, should India also be looking at its relationship with marijuana from a changed perspective? Tell us what you think in the comments below! &nbsp;
Watch Part I: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-history-of-cannabis-in-india-the-issue-1669383016209" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The history of cannabis in India | The Issue&nbsp;</a>

The issue of cannabis is a universal one. But unlike other universal issues – like murder or theft, where a somewhat black and white moral stands exist, it’s not so simple as far as cannabis is concerned. Where does India stand on this debate? 

The history of cannabis in India | The Issue 

The cultivation and use of cannabis is historically rooted in the Indian subcontinent and this rich heritage of cannabis use dates back at least two thousand years. Under Ayurveda, cannabis was used for a host of purposes which included treating the nervous system and even gastrointestinal issues.  

The Vedas have also talked about cannabis and included it in its list of five sacred plants, calling it a ‘liberator’ and a ‘joy giver’. The use of this drug was so prevalent in colonial India that in 1893 the British even appointed a commission to investigate the cultivation of the plant, and the effects of its consumption. The commission in its report said that moderate use of cannabis did not have any serious detrimental effect on physical, mental or moral health. Over the years, cannabis was regulated through multiple excise legislations, but it’s use was not criminalised.  

A lot of this changed with America’s prohibitionist approach to drug use, which many believe to have had racist roots.  Over decades, US pushed this form of prohibition and worked with the UN to forge a similar regime across the globe. UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 created international obligations to curb traffic, cultivation and use of narcotic drugs, including marijuana.  

In the face of mounting pressure, in 1985, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was enacted to fulfil India’s obligations under this Convention. Thus, the use of cannabis, which was legally and socially sanctioned for thousands of years, was criminalized in one swoop.  

So, what is the real status of cannabis in our country?  

This too is complicated! Like we said before, marijuana has been part of our culture for a while, and the prime example of its usage is through the fan favourite drink ‘bhaang’  

Bhaang, is made using the leaves of the cannabis plant, and leaves are not part of the formal definition of cannabis. 

If you’re caught with a small quantity of cannabis for personal consumption you could be in prison for up to 6 months with a fine. For commercial purposes, you could face imprisonment of 6 months for a small quantity, up to 10 years for a moderate quantity and up to 20 years for a large quantity.

It’s a strict law. But apart from the NDPS Act, states have the power to draft their own laws on cannabis. For example, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to allow commercial cultivation of hemp in 2018. And the Centre in 2022 told the Delhi High Court that cannabis was not fully banned in the country, as its medical and scientific use is allowed under the law.

As per a survey by the Ministry of Social Justice, 2.8% of Indians between the ages of 10 and 75 are users of cannabis. This adds up to 3.1 crore individuals. Amongst psychoactive substances, cannabis is the second most consumed in India after alcohol. According to a study by the German data firm ABCD, Delhi consumes more weed than LA : where it’s actually legal!  

So while laws are strict, how much are they actually stopping the use of this substance and more importantly – at what cost? What do you think? Tell us in the comments below!  

The issue of cannabis is a universal one. But unlike other universal issues &ndash; like murder or theft, where a somewhat black and white moral stands exist, it&rsquo;s not so simple as far as cannabis is concerned. Where does India stand on this debate?&nbsp;

The cultivation and use of cannabis is historically rooted in the Indian subcontinent and this rich heritage of cannabis use dates back at least two thousand years. Under Ayurveda, cannabis was used for a host of purposes which included treating the nervous system and even gastrointestinal issues. &nbsp;
The Vedas have also talked about cannabis and included it in its list of five sacred plants, calling it a &lsquo;liberator&rsquo; and a &lsquo;joy giver&rsquo;. The use of this drug was so prevalent in colonial India that in 1893 the British even appointed a commission to investigate the cultivation of the plant, and the effects of its consumption. The commission in its report said that moderate use of cannabis did not have any serious detrimental effect on physical, mental or moral health. Over the years, cannabis was regulated through multiple excise legislations, but it&rsquo;s use was not criminalised. &nbsp;
A lot of this changed with America&rsquo;s prohibitionist approach to drug use, which many believe to have had racist roots. &nbsp;Over decades, US pushed this form of prohibition and worked with the UN to forge a similar regime across the globe. UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 created international obligations to curb traffic, cultivation and use of narcotic drugs, including marijuana. &nbsp;
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/cannabis-use-on-the-rise-post-legalisation-covid-19-lockdowns-un-report-1656331794727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> Cannabis use on the rise post legalisation &amp; Covid-19 lockdowns: UN report&nbsp;</a>
In the face of mounting pressure, in 1985, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was enacted to fulfil India&rsquo;s obligations under this Convention. Thus, the use of cannabis, which was legally and socially sanctioned for thousands of years, was criminalized in one swoop. &nbsp;
So, what is the real status of cannabis in our country? &nbsp;
This too is complicated! Like we said before, marijuana has been part of our culture for a while, and the prime example of its usage is through the fan favourite drink &lsquo;bhaang&rsquo; &nbsp;
Bhaang, is made using the leaves of the cannabis plant, and leaves are not part of the formal definition of cannabis.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re caught with a small quantity of cannabis for personal consumption you could be in prison for up to 6 months with a fine. For commercial purposes, you could face imprisonment of 6 months for a small quantity, up to 10 years for a moderate quantity and up to 20 years for a large quantity. Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/indian-ayurveda-and-the-traditional-use-of-cannabis-1635146932652" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Indian Ayurveda and the traditional use of Cannabis&nbsp;</a>
It&rsquo;s a strict law. But apart from the NDPS Act, states have the power to draft their own laws on cannabis. For example, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to allow commercial cultivation of hemp in 2018. And the Centre in 2022 told the Delhi High Court that cannabis was not fully banned in the country, as its medical and scientific use is allowed under the law.
As per a survey by the Ministry of Social Justice, 2.8% of Indians between the ages of 10 and 75 are users of cannabis. This adds up to 3.1 crore individuals. Amongst psychoactive substances, cannabis is the second most consumed in India after alcohol. According to a study by the German data firm ABCD, Delhi consumes more weed than LA : where it&rsquo;s actually legal! Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/what-is-cbd-let-s-talk-about-the-lesser-known-child-of-cannabis-1633689084285" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">What is CBD? Let's talk about the lesser-known child of cannabis&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;
So while laws are strict, how much are they actually stopping the use of this substance and more importantly &ndash; at what cost? What do you think? Tell us in the comments below! &nbsp;
Watch Part II: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/should-cannabis-be-decriminalised-in-india-the-issue-1669383307279" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Should cannabis be decriminalised in India? | The Issue&nbsp;</a>

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