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India is the second largest producer and one of the largest consumers of silk in the world. Its silk textile traditions are ancient and extremely diverse. Yet, the $8 billion Indian silk industry has been caught in a rut. Chinese and Vietnamese yarns have become more popular among domestic weavers for their better quality. In this episode of Field Notes, TR Vivek is in conversation with Mayank Tiwari, the CEO and founder of Reshamandi, a Bangalore based startup that's trying to revitalise the country's sericulture supply chain from the mulberry farms to the loom using modern technology. 

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The Maharashtra government announced its new electric vehicle policy on Tuesday unveiling its benefits. 

There are 3 major parts of the policy.

Listen to learn more.

The situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated since the US started to pull out its troops. The nation has witnessed a series of terror attacks by the Taliban and the security forces are struggling to stop the organisation from regaining control of large swaths of land. The number of civilian casualties has risen steadily --29 per cent during the first quarter of this year compared to 2020. Another 2,70,000 Afghans have been displaced since January this year due to the violence.

While speaking at the SCO meet, EAM Dr Jaishankar has outlined India's stand on the various issues in Afghanistan. He said, "Peace negotiations in earnest is the only answer. The future of Afghanistan cannot be its past. A whole new generation has different expectations. We should not let them down."

Why is this statement significant? Listen in.

On Sunday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled a plan to stabilise the population, bringing down the gross fertility rate among women, reduce maternal and infant deaths, improve nutrition and access to family planning programmes, abortions and contraceptives. He said that the increasing population was a hurdle in development.

The many members of the BJP have appreciated the initiative, while the Opposition is saying that this is a purely political move. What is the Uttar Pradesh Population Policy 2021-2030 all about? Here’s all you need to know.

mRNA-based treatment had begun in the mid-90's. But it was restricted due to its low stability and quick trigger of an immune reaction. Then again, recent reports have said that researchers have overcome these limitations and the mRNA-based treatment has proved to be more beneficial than traditional vaccines.

But what are mRNA vaccines?

Listen to the podcast.

Kitex garment Ltd in recent weeks is into a stand-off with the Kerala government due to raids done by the government agencies at one of its factories.

The group which was founded in the 1970's,manufactures a range of products from garments to aluminium to curry powders, has alleged harassment by government agencies by rushing into the factory for raids. Sabu Jacob, chairman of Kitex said that “We have faced a lot of hostility in Kerala. My conscience does not permit me to invest even a single rupee in Kerala ever again”.

Then again, was it only the hostility that prompted the company to take an extreme stance?

Listen to the podcast.

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Despite having a low unemployment rate and a strong workforce participation, Iceland’s GDP per person ($46,981) is higher than most OECD countries and other Nordic countries, but their GDP per hour worked ($55.4) is lower than most OECD countries and Nordic countries, even though Icelanders worked more than their European counterparts.

Trade unions, civil society organisations and workers suggested that a reduction in working hours could counter the low productivity levels and improve work-life balance.

Recently, two recent trials have backed this claim. The studies show that a four-day work week reduces the stress of employees, but not their productivity. Given that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced millions to work from home and are working longer hours, do you think that companies in India should make a shift to this system? Let us know in the comments below

With increasing focus on climate change, good governance and the sense of social responsibility, companies the world over have are looking to engage the society in which they function in, invest in clean technology and practise good governance model.

CRISIL has been tracking these developments across various industries and sectors, and has recently published a report, named CRISIL ESG India Compendium, highlighting how companies and investors look at the environment, social and governance aspects of conducting a business.

In this podcast, we talk to Rahul Prithiani, Director, CRISIL Research, understand why 'ESG' is gaining importance and why investors -- both institutional and retail -- must invest in the companies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi overhauled his cabinet on Wednesday, inducted 43 youthful, professionally qualified members, largely with OBC/SC/ST backgrounds. This reshuffle was also significant as some senior ministers were dropped. BusinessLine's Poornima Joshi explains the developments that lead to the change.

India barely processes 3% of the nearly 600 million tonnes of grains and fruits and vegetables it produces. The lack of processing creates seasonal price shocks for consumers and massive losses for farmers when prices crash. The ability to process food, and make value additions, especially closer to the farmgate, can increase rural incomes. TR Vivek speaks to Vaibhav Tidke, CEO of S4S Technologies, an innovative startup that uses a patented, low-cost, solar-powered technology to help rural women become food processing entrepreneurs, and add value to India's food chain.

Produced by: Siddharth Mathew Cherian

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