All Indians Matter

The data shows that India’s roads are among the most unsafe in the world. In 2022, more than 4.6 lakh accidents were reported in which 1.68 lakh people lost their lives and nearly 4 lakh were injured. The impact of accidents is felt well beyond the tragedy itself – the economic loss alone is equivalent to 3.18% of the GDP, or Rs 8.17 lakh crore in 2022-23. Such incidents strain the healthcare system and result in a loss of productivity. Often, it’s families’ breadwinners who perish. So, road safety is not just about saving lives but also protecting families, better healthcare and boosting the economy. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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 It is estimated that India’s digital lending market will grow to an astounding $515 billion by 2030. While there are serious challenges such as data privacy and predatory practices, the RBI has stepped in to protect consumers. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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 An estimated 12,000 Indians die every day due to blood shortage. What’s more, access to safe blood is not a given in the country. As we observe Blood Donor Day on June 14, India has a great gap to bridge when it comes to blood safety and supply. Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, Member Secretary of the Thalassemia Patient Advocacy Group and a respected voice on blood safety, speaks to All Indians Matter.

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 A new survey shows that India tops the world in workplace burnout, with 59% of respondents reporting symptoms. While a range of factors – from the competitive job market to urban stress – can be blamed, burnout can have worrying physical and emotional impacts. The social stigma around mental health doesn’t help either. Focusing on work-life balance, as well as physical and emotional wellness, is vital. And it’s not just up to the individual; the organisation must do its bit too. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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India rose eight places to 127 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2023. But it’s still worse off than even Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan at 103. Among the many factors pulling India down, from educational attainment to political empowerment, is the gender pay gap. Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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Generic drugs are a great way of making healthcare more affordable to those who really need it. They are becoming increasingly popular and seem to have strong government backing. However, doctors claim that they being arm-twisted into prescribing them even when there are questions about their quality endangering patient safety.

Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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I came across a musical Daastangoi performance, ‘Jo Dooba So Paar’, by chance. And it showed me how the arts can bring people together. It’s much needed, especially in these times of great social fissures. The show embodied the message of harmony that the intertwined lives of Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrau delivered and reminded us that communities across the world are in need of something to bring them together as a unified society.

All Indians Matter speaks to Ajitesh Gupta, lead and co-director of the show. The conversation crackled; don’t miss it.

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The recent gangrape of a Brazilian tourist in Jharkhand underscores why India suffers from a serious perception problem. Several foreign governments have issued advisories to women tourists asking them to be careful while travelling in India. Tourism industry leaders have also demanded greater safety measures.

As women travellers leave scathing reviews and horrifying news reports of sexual assaults appear with alarming regularity, tourism numbers are not reviving in India.

The UN World Tourism Organisation reported a 90% recovery for international tourism in 2023 compared to pre-COVID 2019. For India, it’s under 75%, according to the Bureau of Immigration figures.

Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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India is a late starter in the quest for lithium as it transitions towards new-age energy. It has picked up five lithium blocks for mining in Argentina and is looking for more across the world.

If it has to reduce its dependence on China for lithium and to catch up with it, India will need to pick up pace not just in mining but also processing of the ore. But it’s not easy, takes a long time and there are serious environmental concerns.

Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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The top 1% of Indians earns 22.6% of the national income and holds 40.1% of the wealth. This inequality is among the worst in the world, finds a recent study.

This ‘Billionaire Raj’ has been pronounced since Narendra Modi came to power, the report said, and is founded on “an authoritarian government with centralisation of decision-making power, coupled with a growing nexus between big business and government”. There is an urgent need to redistribute wealth through a reform of the tax code, a ‘super tax’ on the richest Indians and massive social investments.

Please listen to the latest episode of All Indians Matter.

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