Farmers in India are protesting amid a standoff with the government over new farm laws. Tens of thousands of farmers have laid siege to the capital Delhi, choking entry points, even as the coronavirus pandemic rages in the country. They are demanding that the government scrap the new laws, which they say, are against their interests.

The government has said that the reforms, which allow private players a greater role in the farming sector, will boost farmers’ incomes but the farmers are fear exploitation at the hands of big corporates, and are worried the government is planning to do away with the minimum assured price guarantee for their produce, which they say is a lifeline for them.

So, would the controversial reforms give much-needed relief to India’s ailing farming sector, or do they threaten farmers’ incomes and livelihoods by bringing in an unregulated free market?

Presenter: Devina Gupta

Photo: Indian farmers and supporters protest against new agricultural laws in New Delhi, India Credit: EPA

Bollywood dominates the music business in India. There is a lot of colour, drama, big sets and complex choreography. But a growing number of independent music artistes are now marking their own place, and providing a welcome alternative to the high-end, dress-to-impress film scores.

But can they make money and achieve success? And how can they challenge the bias in India that to be a successful musician, you need to have music titles in Hindi movies?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how to make it big in India’s music industry.

With more than 55 million cases and a million deaths worldwide, many hopes are pinned on a vaccine to end the coronavirus pandemic. There is now optimism that more than one vaccine will be available soon.

Not surprisingly, India is gearing up to roll out a massive vaccination drive to protect its billion plus people. It’s already an immunization powerhouse, making 60% of the world’s vaccines and is home to half a dozen manufacturers. The country plans to receive and utilize some 500 million doses of vaccines against the virus by July next year. But how daunting a challenge is it to vaccinate more than a billion people?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss India’s vaccination drive against Covid-19.

Since the beginning of this year, Covid-19 has upended everyone’s lives. While lockdowns brought the whole world to a stop, hundreds of millions of people abruptly moved to working remotely, while many people lost their jobs.

But as companies and employees begin to consider their best ways forward, what are the greatest unknowns we face? How will we work, live and thrive in a post-pandemic future? Is Covid reshaping our workspace – potentially forever? Will a hybrid and virtual way of working redefine how we search and apply for jobs? And what types of new skills and roles will gain significance?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we look at the future of work.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is an important time for retailers in India to do brisk business. As the pandemic year drags on, the country has been grappling with Covid-19 cases while enduring one of the longest and strictest lockdowns, so brands are now placing their bets on Diwali.

The five-day festival is considered an auspicious time to make purchases to appease the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth, Lakshmi. But is that convincing shoppers to return to the stores amid a health scare?

And how has digital added the new spark to Diwali shopping? Recent studies estimate online sales to grow more than 34% to $6.5bn in India this Diwali. Is the auspicious season-to-spend witnessing a virtual avatar?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how digital is the new shining light for India’s Diwali this year.

As the world’s biggest Twenty20 cricket tournament being held in a pandemic year draws to a close, a lot has changed in the way the game is played, viewed and celebrated. The tournament, known for its carnival Bollywood atmosphere, has been a quiet affair without raucous fans filling the stadiums.

But there has been plenty for the viewers to look forward to - in fact, the sporting league has recorded over 25% more viewership than the previous season, with more women tuning in than ever before.

So, how is this shaping the new normal in cricket? Are virtual watch parties and online fantasy cricket here to stay? And how are big brands and startups responding to the needs of the digital audiences?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the larger viewership trends and how fans are adjusting to the new normal in their favourite sport.

Presenter: Devina Gupta

In the backdrop of an India where religious polarization is rising, are businesses beginning to face the heat?

Recent instances in the country have highlighted sharp contrasts in the way brands have reacted to a changing social atmosphere. A popular jewellery brand pulled its advertisement featuring an interfaith couple after a right-wing backlash on social media, while some other big businesses announced that they won’t advertise anymore on news channels that, according to them, spread toxic content.

But is all this hurting business sentiment, and India’s image on an international platform as an investor-friendly market?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how intolerance is affecting India’s business community.

Presenter: Devina Gupta

"Alright, you got away with it so far, but your truth will be out soon." "I should just leave it for the people who are real experts." "Well done? Oh no, they’ve got it all wrong about me."

Are these the nasty little voices in your head you must always deal with? Is there a ‘fraud police’ in your mind that you feel can come knocking anytime you achieve something significant, and announce to the whole world how you do not deserve any accolades?

This is what psychologists call ‘imposter syndrome’, a prolonged feeling of self-doubt, inadequacy, and low self-worth. It is estimated to affect nearly 70% of people at some point in their lives.

So, what can we do about it? Is there a better way to condition the workplace culture? And can we figure out a way to overcome the underlying fear of being fake? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how to cope with imposter syndrome at our work and in our lives.

Food and family are often said to be two of India’s biggest obsessions. For many Indians, sharing a meal with family is one of the most important parts of the day, and no celebration is considered complete without a proper dining sentiment attached to it.

But months of lockdown have harshly affected the country’s food & beverages industry. Recent reports estimate more than two million job losses, and also indicate that one in four restaurants may never open again.

So, how are palates and platters changing? Is cloud kitchen the new normal of dining out? And how will eateries ensure hygiene and safety as customers trickle back to fine dining?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how the pandemic is affecting the future of dining out in India.

The recent death of a young Dalit (formerly untouchable) woman, who was allegedly gang-raped and assaulted in northern India, has led to shock, outrage and protests across the country.

The case has also raised an inevitable question – how safe is India for women?

As newer generations of girls and young women go out to study and work in larger numbers than ever before, is there any sign of fewer crimes against them? Official data shows that a rape is committed every 16 minutes in the country: that’s 87 every day.

So, what can be done to check sexual violence against women? Should there be stricter law enforcement and speedier justice? Or is there a need to first tackle the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset? Can new age solutions such as online data mapping, real-time alerts or anti-rape technology offer much help?

In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we introspect and ask, what can India do to protect its women?

Presenter: Devina Gupta