WorklifeIndia

The fatal Delhi gang rape in 2012, also known as the Nirbhaya case, is seen as a watershed moment in India's efforts to tackle sexual violence against women. The case had sparked massive protests and led to tougher anti-rape laws. Conversations around rape, often regarded as taboo or a matter of shame, also became more open in the Indian society. But 10 years since, signs of sexual crimes abating in India are not very encouraging. Recent government data points to a steady increase in the last few years. And justice still remains out of reach for many. So have reforms really worked? Are societal attitudes changing to counter the deep-rooted cult of masculinity that the Indian patriarchal society harbours? And is there consensus on the severity of punishment for the culprits? Joining the discussion are Neha Singh, campaigner, founder of Why Loiter Initiative; Manjula Pradeep, director of campaigns at Dalit Human Rights Defenders Network; Anita Abraham, criminal and civil lawyer Presenter: Divya Arya

India is a cricket-loving nation, with the sport played all over the country - from grassroots gully (street) cricket to domestic, national and international leagues. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is the world's richest cricket governing body, with a net worth of around $2 billion. But women's cricket in the country has struggled to enjoy the same level of recognition and funding as men's cricket. The recent announcement by the BCCI to pay equal match fees to both men and women players has been widely welcomed. But will it change the patriarchal mindset that women players face right from the start of their cricket journey? Will it help attract more brands and sponsors to women's cricket? And how about the annual retainership fee that still has a huge gap between men and women cricketers? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether gender pay parity will change the way the sport is played in India. Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: Khyati Gulani, former cricketer, coach at Delhi & District Cricket Association; Ramakrishnan R, co-founder and director, Baseline Ventures; Ridhima Pathak, sports anchor

As mass layoffs at Meta and Twitter hit the global tech industry, many more companies have either already downsized or are expected to come out with similar announcements soon. Employees who've got the pink slip have all the more reason to worry as questions about an impending recession gain ground. So what should be the immediate steps to safeguard one's financial future? Do companies provide enough resources to plan the next career move? Are they even mindful of employees who have been laid off? Losing a job can be devastating, and layoffs are always a gruelling ordeal. How does one endure the trauma and mental stress that layoffs often bring? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the best strategies and resources available to deal with layoffs. Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: John Victor, clinical psychologist, founder of Reevin Mental Health; Prashant Pandey, business leader at Manpower Group; Deba Prasad Dhar, media professional, experienced layoff

In 2018, India's Supreme Court decriminalised gay sex in a landmark ruling which was seen as a big victory for the country's LGBTQ+ community. But activists say attitudes on the ground have been slow to change. Members of the community still face discrimination and harassment in daily life. While activists have called for specific laws to help fight these prejudices, several LGBTQ+ couples have also filed petitions seeking to legalise same-sex marriages. But will the struggle for the right to marry divert attention from the fight for equal rights and acceptance? And will the country evolve with changing times? Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: Saurabh Kirpal, senior advocate, identifies as gay; Debolina Dey, assistant professor, identifies as lesbian and queer; Sharif D Ranganekar, author, workplace culture consultant, identifies as gay

India's festive season has prompted a surge in hiring of women for temporary jobs. But women still represent a small proportion of India's workforce. Experts say corporate India is paying more attention to diversity in the workplace, opening many opportunities for women employees, but numbers still remain worryingly low. India's overall joblessness is worrying: the country's unemployment rate has exceeded that of most emerging economies in recent years. Women also face enormous discrimination in the job market, and earn less than men even when they have the same qualifications and experience. How can Indian women get better, more equitable opportunities? And is it possible to have a more diverse employee pool in both formal and informal sectors? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how can India add more women to its workforce. Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: Amitabh Behar, CEO, Oxfam India; Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder and executive director, TeamLease Services; Sabina Dewan, president and executive director, JustJobs Network

In a recent ruling, India's Supreme Court made significant additions to abortion rights, saying every woman – married or unmarried – should be able to make reproductive choices without interference from the State. The verdict has made headlines in a country known for its patriarchal society, where women have little sexual autonomy. Pre-marital sex is taboo, while marital rape is not recognised as a crime. Moreover, an alarmingly large number of women in India go through unsafe abortions. Does a landmark ruling translate into effective implementation on the ground? Will this help change the mindset towards women's reproductive rights? Can abortions be made acceptable across the country's largely rural landscape? Presenter: Divya Arya Contributors: Sakshi Bhatt, media professional; Dr Jahnvi Andharia, director and research fellow, Institute of Social Studies Trust; Dr Anjali Kumar, senior consultant gynaecologist and founder of Maitri Woman's Health

Antibiotics are the mainstay of modern medicine and play a critical role in treating bacterial infections, and saving lives. But what happens when you take them in excess? According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics has become one of the biggest global public health threats. As many as 10 million people could die each year as a result of antimicrobial resistance by 2050, experts say. And for India, this is an urgent problem. The country is among the world's largest antibiotic consumers in absolute volume, but doesn't have a comprehensive surveillance system to monitor use. And resistance to drugs has become so widespread that sometimes even some of the common infections are difficult to treat. Is this happening due to self-medication, as drugs are easily accessible over-the-counter? Or is it because of over-prescription by doctors? Do patients have enough awareness about antibiotics? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how to tackle India's antibiotics overuse. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Dinesh Madan, Chairman of retail distribution chemist alliance; Dr Rachna Kucheria, founder of DocGenie Telemedicine and family physician; Dr Suneela Garg, professor of excellence for community medicine, chair of programme advisory committee at National Institute of Health and Family Welfare

Millions of Indian households rely on microfinance – small loans available to the poor as an alternative to traditional banking credit. For many, it is a lifeline, and often the only way to begin a business. But despite the industry recording a 10% growth in its loan book this year, there is also a huge increase in borrowers defaulting on payments. After the pandemic, the cash crunch is even bigger, experts say. What is at the root of the crisis? Is it the exorbitant rates of interest charged by microfinance companies, or the easy availability of multiple loans to borrowers? What can be done to tackle the endless cycle of debt that micro loans create? Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Amit Arora, senior sector specialist, Rural and Development Finance; Devesh Sachdev, founder and CEO, Fusion Microfinance; Swati Sinha, CEO, Microfinance.ai

Do you feel motivated at work, or does going to the office make you feel stressed? The idea of slowly withdrawing yourself from overwork has recently gained intense media attention. It is about “quiet quitting” - that is, clocking in and out of work, doing the bare minimum, and disengaging from all other aspects of the workplace. But is this a new trend? Experts say the concept has been around for decades, but in the wake of the pandemic, employees feel particularly undervalued - and overworked. But is this also about broader cultural attitudes and toxicity at work that is seeping into our productivity and our careers in the longer term? How can discontentment be turned into ownership? Or is this trend here to stay, with the younger generation of employees preferring a better work-life balance? Can companies do something to avoid workers quietly quitting? Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Suhel Goel, executive vice president, SandMartin Consultants; Astha Chandra, leadership coach and trainer; Shikha Verma, HR consultant, learning & development expert

India's roads are regarded as being among the most dangerous in the world. In 2021, road accidents claimed more than 150,000 lives - an average of 18 per hour, according to government data. There is rarely any conversation around road safety in the country - but the recent death of Indian billionaire Cyrus Mistry in a car crash has changed that. Many are now calling for a mindset shift among Indians, who are used to traveling in overcrowded vehicles without proper safety measures, so that more people can travel at the same time. Traffic rules don't count for much here, but many also say that faulty road engineering plays a key role in many road accidents. What can be done to improve the design of Indian roads? How can vehicles introduce better safety measures and how can road users be made to follow traffic rules? Should the government bring in stricter enforcement of law? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how to make India's roads safer. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Piyush Tewari, founder and CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation; Prof Sewa Ram, head of transport planning, School of Planning & Architecture; Anand Sharma, co-founder and director, Studio34

One in every four Indians to die by suicide in 2021 was a daily wage earner. In 2020, daily wage earners accounted for more than 35,000 of the nearly 150,000 recorded suicides in the country. More than 90% of India's workforce is engaged in the informal sector. That's a huge number in a country with 1.4 billion people. A large number of them survive on whatever they are paid after a hard day's work, and they lead very difficult lives. Finding work is a daily struggle. Then there is social discrimination and exploitation. Many get sucked into the debt trap. Are welfare schemes run by the government not adequate? What can be done to make their lives easier? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss what's causing the increase in suicides among India's daily wagers. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Nikhil Dey, founder, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan; Nida Ansari, labour rights activist, co-founder of Mazdoor Kitchen; Palle Ajay Swaero, IT consultant at LibTech India, son of daily wage worker

India's startup ecosystem is among the largest in the world, and it has grown exponentially in the last six years. Government data puts the number of recognised startups in the country at more than 70,000 this year – from less than 500 in 2016. But now funding is drying up, and investors are becoming increasingly picky when parting with their money. Experts say there are several reasons why the startup ecosystem is running into headwinds. A lot of startups are on a high cash burn model, and layoffs have been huge this year. Most startups are also unprofitable. So is this a temporary pause to conserve cash and focus on building a strong foundation, or have global macroeconomic factors such as rising inflation and supply chain disruptions derailed growth? What can be done to sail through the downturns? Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Nikunj Parashar, founder and CEO, Sagar Defence Engineering; Sanchita Mukherji, senior finance professional, managing partner, TalkTheWalk LLP; Divanshu Kumar, co-founder and CEO, Solinas Integrity

Political parties in India, the largest democracy in the world, often try to win over voters by offering them free gifts such as television sets, mixers and grinders, electricity, and food rations. The list is long, and the trend not new, but a fierce debate over freebies is now raging in the country, especially after the issue reached the Supreme Court. It's a complex debate in a country where hundreds of millions of people still live below the poverty line. Can India really draw the line between welfare schemes, subsidies and freebies? Many experts point out that irrational freebies are doled out from public funds and put state finances under tremendous financial stress. Others say many of these schemes are life-changing interventions for the poor. What is the way forward, and what can be done to ensure political parties are more mindful when making these promises? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether India can afford a freebie culture. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Yamini Aiyar, president and chief executive, Centre for Policy Research; NR Bhanumurthy, vice chancellor, Dr BR Ambedkar School of Economics University; Mitali Nikore, development economist, founder, Nikore Associates

The cheetah, declared extinct in India in 1952, is set to make a comeback in the country this year. The world's fastest land animal is being translocated from South Africa and Namibia, home to the world's largest populations of the wild cat. This is the first time a large carnivore is being moved across continents, but can the ambitious project succeed? Many Indian conservationists are sceptical of the idea, and call it a cosmetic project. Some also question the priority being given to the cheetah, which isn't a part of the national wildlife action plan. Will the African cheetahs really roam free in India's forest reserves soon? Will their numbers grow? And will they readily adapt to the different ecosystem that the country offers? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in bringing the cheetah back to India. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Vivek Menon, founder and executive director, Wildlife Trust of India; Professor Adrian Tordiffe, vet wildlife specialist, University of Pretoria; Dr Ravi Chellam, CEO, Metastring Foundation and coordinator, Biodiversity Collaborative

In August 1947, India won its independence from British rule and split into two new states – India and Pakistan. The turmoil and trauma that followed marred the birth of the two newly independent nations. Hundreds of thousands were killed, and an estimated 15 million were displaced, as Muslims migrated to Pakistan and Hindus crossed the border into India. It's often cited as one of the biggest movements of people in history. The issue continues to be debated with a sharp clash of narratives, but it is the individuals and families on both sides of the border who still carry painful memories of the displacement. In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we revisit and relive some of those memories of pain, nostalgia, anguish and hope, and talk to those who are helping to preserve these stories for future generations. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Lady Kishwar Desai, author, chairperson, Partition Museum; Aanchal Malhotra, writer, oral historian; Saadia Gardezi, co-founder and Pakistan lead, Project Dastaan

Last year, nearly 160,000 Indians gave up their citizenship. In 2020, India was ranked highest by the United Nations among countries with the largest diaspora populations, with over 18 million Indians living outside the country. What's shaping these trends in India? According to experts, it is mostly the prospect of better education or employment. But many say that in recent years, growing concern over pollution and corruption have emerged as the strongest factors to move out. Some even point to the changing social environment of increased polarisation within the country. So is this trend here to stay? What about the smaller but definitive group of Indians returning to the homeland? What's their story of reverse migration? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss why are so many Indians moving abroad. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Akshay Saxena, co-founder, Avanti Fellows; Ajay Sharma, founder and president, Abhinav Immigration Services; Maninder Singh, founder and coach, N-Kor Tennis Academy; Gaurav Kyal, country manager, UK-based tech firm

Traditionally, the luxury industry in India has used exclusivity as a way to maintain its mystique and desirability. But younger generations of luxury consumers are bringing in new trends. Attitudes are changing about what quality really means. Is it sustainable? Does it belong to an ethical brand? Is it a wholesome experience rather than just an expensive label to adorn? In a market that is projected to cross $200 billion by 2030, what is the new meaning of luxury? Is it more inclusive of the rural artisans that form one end of the supply chain? And is it expanding to newer luxury shoppers through affordable retail options available through online stores? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how luxury fashion is changing in India. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Anita Dongre, founder, House of Anita Dongre; Ritu Beri, founder, Ritu Beri Designs and The Luxury League; Rahul Mishra, fashion designer

Egg freezing is a relatively new concept in India. Despite a lot of social stigma associated with it, the procedure is gaining attention and emerging as a growing trend in urban areas. A lot of women are now opting to freeze their eggs for social reasons, such as pursuing their dream careers, or waiting to marry at a later age. But does egg freezing guarantee motherhood when you are finally ready for it, and how costly does it get? What are the wins and the pitfalls associated with the procedure, both mental and physical? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the growing trend of egg freezing in India. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Diana Hayden, actress, former Miss World; Dr Hrishikesh Pai, IVF specialist, founder, Bloom IVF; Gitanjali Banerjee, founder, Fertility Dost

The practice of tipping is widespread across the world. But when to tip, how much and to whom are questions that often stump people. For example, in the US, it is customary to tip a restaurant server anywhere between 15-25%. In Japan, however, tipping is considered rude. But should restaurants be collecting a mandatory service charge, irrespective of whether you are happy with the service you have received? This has become the core of an unsavoury debate in India, after a government order banned restaurants from levying a default service charge on food bills. The restaurant association is challenging this ban, saying it isn't illegal and that the amount is important for staff welfare. Many also argue that Indians are not always “generous tippers”. So, should diners have the discretion to accept or reject charges beyond their food bill? And will removing a service charge hurt an industry already suffering from the ill-effects of the pandemic? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether a service charge should be mandatory when eating out. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Pradeep Shetty, joint honorary secretary, FHRAI; Nikita Varma, food influencer; Rekha Agarwal, lawyer, consumer rights activist

Do you want to find out how much your colleagues earn? Pay is a major factor in deciding whether one takes up a job, or even applies for it in the first place, yet the moment one is on a company's payroll, all talk about remuneration is shrouded in secrecy. But that is now changing in many organisations around the world. Pay transparency has its advantages, but does it also lead to jealousy among co-workers, sapping them of motivation? Would everyone be receptive to this level of openness at the workplace? And what impact does it have on gender pay gaps within organisations? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether companies should follow an open salary policy. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Rajneesh Singh, founder, SimplyHR; Sunder Malyandi, co-founder, Sahaj Software; Prerna Seth, senior researcher at women's work project, CPR

A recent survey by the Indian government shows that Indians are getting fatter. Obesity increased by more than 4% in both men and women in India in the last five years. More alarmingly, it also became more prevalent in children under the age of five years. Experts say too much body fat increases the risk of serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart problems, and lung conditions. In 2021, obesity accounted for 2.8 million deaths globally. So what's going on? Is a sedentary lifestyle responsible for obesity, or readily available fast-food options? Are Indians genetically inclined to put on too much fat? And what can be done to lose weight effectively while maintaining a healthy daily routine? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the reasons behind India's obesity problem and ways to counter it. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Komal Khulbe, fashion blogger, founder, KOQAL; Dr Atul Peters, director of bariatric surgery, Max Hospital; Asad Hussain, founder, Odds Fitness

Every year, the month of June now comes associated with the colours of the rainbow. It's celebrated as Pride Month to commemorate the struggle for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, companies big and small have used the occasion to release creative campaigns focused on LGBTQ+ people. While the recognition is a welcome step forward, many from the LGBTQ+ community wonder if there is any real acceptance. So, do these companies simply cash in on moment marketing? Are they guilty of rainbow washing, or are they really making meaningful change? Should brands avoid the rainbow onslaught and come up with strategies throughout the year? And what about looking inwards to see if their policies are inclusive or discriminatory? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how brands can avoid rainbow washing. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Harish Iyer, equal rights activist; Sunny Sharma, beauty and makeup YouTuber, Mua Sunny; Neeraj Bassi, strategic advisor, Branding and Marketing

In India, reports of rising Islamophobia and hyper-nationalism are posing serious concerns. The past few weeks have been particularly tense. Several Islamic countries have confronted India over offensive comments against Prophet Muhammad by a spokesperson of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. The Indian government has been trying to limit the damage from the controversy. But critics say the situation has worsened because of a studied silence by the country's top leadership over increasing cases of Islamophobia and hate speech in the country. Is this polarisation now affecting India's interests on the global stage? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether India's global image is taking a hit over rising Islamophobia. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Hamid Ansari, former vice president, India; Seema Chishti, journalist and author; Ashok Sajjanhar, former ambassador

Acid attacks remain a big issue in India. In most cases, the perpetrators are men, who throw acid on women for rejecting their advances. According to official statistics, there were nearly 200 cases in 2020 - but campaigners say the actual number of attacks is much higher. There are tough laws in place, but implementation has been inadequate, and conviction rates are abysmally low. So what happens to someone who has survived an acid attack? What does it take to recover from the shock, the trauma and the hatred associated with such a crime? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the resilience of India's acid attack survivors. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Tania Singh, CEO and co-founder, Make Love Not Scars; Anshu Rajput, acid attack survivor; Sneha Mukherjee, lawyer, Human Rights Law Network

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues with no end in sight, countries across the world are imposing new restrictions on food exports. Many countries have banned essential items such as edible oils, poultry and grains. Now experts fear this protectionist move by governments could lead to the worst food crisis the world has seen in decades. India too, recently announced curbs on its wheat and sugar exports. The decision came after an unseasonal heatwave in the country affected crops and drove domestic prices to a record high. But critics say it could lead to further food inflation and price fluctuations. Is India prepared to face the consequences of export bans from other countries as well? Will this move trigger further disruptions in the food supply chain? And do export bans have a larger geopolitical impact? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the cost of India's food nationalism. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Dr Avinash Kishore, research fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute; Devinder Sharma, food trade and policy analyst; Anu Meena, founder and CEO, Agrowave

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the richest leagues in the world. It's also among the most-followed sporting events. Over the last few years, the tournament has been known to shatter viewing records. But this year, television viewership dipped by more than 30% in the first few weeks of the season. What led to this fall? Experts point out many reasons, from cricket overdose, to post-Covid lifestyle, to a variety of viewing platforms. But companies are worried about the fall in viewership, as it curtails the reach of their advertisements. Is IPL cricket losing its sheen and crowd-pulling power? Does the game need to overhaul its format? Or is it just a phase until the next season begins? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether the IPL needs to reinvent itself. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Rammohan Sundaram, country head - Integrated Media, DDB Mudra Group; Shradha Agarwal, CEO and co-founder, Grapes; Arani Basu, sports journalist, Times of India

India is the world's third-largest producer of electricity, and three-quarters of this electricity comes from coal-based thermal power plants. But despite having one of the world's largest coal reserves, the country is often teetering on the brink of a power crisis. Last year, it was an unexpected surge in demand as the economy picked up after a deadly Covid wave; this year, it's been an earlier-than-expected intense heatwave coupled with the war in Ukraine that is making coal imports costly and unaffordable. In fact, the power crisis rose to such a level that over 100 passenger trains had to be cancelled to make way for coal carriages. So, does India's coal shortage stem from a lack of proper risk allocation, inefficient coal production, or a failure to anticipate a surge in demand? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss what's behind India's power crisis. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Partha Bhattacharya, former chairman & managing director, Coal India; Manmohan Gaind, vice-president, Manesar Industries Welfare Association; Karthik Ganesan, fellow and director, research coordination, CEEW

Streaming is now the main growth driver for music revenues worldwide. In India, music streaming is estimated to cross $870m by 2025. According to a recent study, Indians also listen to more music than the rest of the world - over 19 hours a week, compared to 18 hours globally. And nearly 67% of this music is consumed through social media sites or apps. With those kinds of figures - what kind of effect is this having on young artists, who are often told, told, “It's the future of music” or, “It's here to stay, so learn to work with it.” How does this affect their creativity, and how do they deal with the pressure to gain more followers on social media? We discuss the perils and pitfalls of social media for aspiring artistes. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Nikhil Chinapa, DJ, anchor, music festival curator; Chintan Kalra, producer, musician, co-founder - Indie Band Parikrama; Lekha Raman, fashion model, disc jockey Photo: Watching a concert on a mobile phone Credit: Getty Images

Encouraging a quick transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is at the heart of India's efforts to overhaul its transportation industry. It's also because transport accounts for more than 140 million tonnes of carbon emissions - making it the third-largest emitter of CO2 in India. Sales of EVs have been going up consistently in the last few years, leading to suggestions that the industry is about to hit a turning point, but a recent spate of fire incidents in electric two-wheelers has raised severe safety concerns and experts say it's time for the government to bring in proper regulation and safety standards in the EV industry. How hard has consumer confidence been hit? Would incentives to buy EVs fuel its adoption, or would people rather wait for the technology to become more reliable and opt for ICE (a conventional vehicle, powered by the internal combution engine) vehicles instead? Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Rajiv Kumar, economist, former vice chairman, Niti Aayog; Sulajja Motwani, founder and CEO - Kinetic Green Energy, vice chairperson - Kinetic Group; Kedar Soman, chief technology officer, eBikeGo Photo: A worker on an Electric Bike assembly line Credit: Getty Images

We live in a world with constantly mounting standards of beauty and fitness. For many, it turns into a rollercoaster of feeling anxious and getting reassurance from other people that they look good. Often, it turns into negative self-image; if left unchecked, it can become a serious disorder. But is there just one way to be fit, or one ideal look? How important is it to be neutral about the diverse range of body shapes and appearances around us? And what can be the different ways to tackle body image concerns and disorders? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss ways of dealing with body shaming. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Nimrat Kaur, Bollywood actress; Khushi Jain, founder, DefEating Disorders; Neha Parulkar, plus-size model, body positivity influencer; Diksha Chhabra, nutritionist, fitness expert

Often referred to as the next big thing in the digital space, the metaverse has caught the fancy of big tech firms around the world. The belief is that soon we will all be hanging out in different digital worlds to work, play, attend concerts, watch movies, or catch up with a friend over coffee. The concept is now also finding firm ground in India, where many companies have begun exploring the space. Some have launched retail stores inside a metaverse shopping mall, while some have opened up office complexes. Some have even organised weddings. But does it all sound much like a souped-up version of virtual reality? Does India have the right technology and bandwidth to develop the metaverse, or is it just a fad that is likely to pass after some time? Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Rajesh Dhuddu, VP and practice leader - Blockchain, Tech Mahindra; Manish Maheshwari, founder and CEO, Invact Metaversity; Sai Srinivas, CEO and co-founder, Mobile Premier League

A bizarre controversy over food has grabbed the spotlight in India recently. Calls for a meat ban by right-wing politicians during a Hindu religious festival sparked a fierce debate about unwanted interference in people's food choices. Many see this as an assault on secularism - one of the key principles on which independent India was founded. Experts also point out that despite common beliefs about India being a largely vegetarian country, research has shown that only about 20% of Indians are actually vegetarian. Hindus, who make up 80% of the country's population, are major meat-eaters. While the Hindu nationalist government has reasserted its commitment to secularism, there is rising fear that the call for a meat ban is just another part of the process, which aims to gradually undermine the freedom of choice that minority communities have so far enjoyed. And what about the Constitutional rights to food and livelihood? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether the state should be policing people's food choices. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Zainab Sikander, writer, columnist; Dr Manoshi Bhattacharya, clinical nutritionist, food historian; Rahul Easwar, author, right-wing activist Image: A view of a meat shop, at INA market on April 6, 2022 in New Delhi, India (Credit: Raj K Raj/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Over the last few decades, India has seen a consistent rise in heatwave conditions, and this March was the hottest India has seen in over 120 years. Weather experts say the situation can only get worse as global warming heats up the planet. There are serious long term consequences but for many, living through India's frequent heatwaves itself is a question of survival. A majority of India's workforce from the low-income community works outdoors or lives without proper shelter from the heat. What can be done to save lives and prevent heat-related illnesses? Is this an irreversible change, or can appropriate policies and measures make a difference? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the solutions to deal with India's heatwave challenge. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Ulka Kelkar, director - Climate, World Resources Institute India; Anshu Sharma, co-founder, SEEDS; Sachii Tripathii, founder, Terracotta by Sachii; Deepa Subramaniam, co-founder, Woody Grass Photo: A worker in Delhi, India, takes rest during a sweltering summer's day Credit: Getty Images

Five weeks into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, India has been walking a diplomatic tightrope, trying to balance its ties with Moscow and the West. Many say it's because of India's dependence on Russian military hardware, and its old friendship with the Kremlin. Add to that around $10 billion in bilateral trade - but critics point out that India's bilateral trade with the US exceeds $100bn. What is driving India's policy on the international stage? Is “strategic autonomy” becoming an outdated concept in the changing world order, or can India leverage its neutral stand to build stronger ties with all nations, and play the role of a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss the choices India has made and their likely impact on its relationship with the West. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Shyam Saran, former foreign secretary of India; JN Misra, former Indian diplomat, distinguished fellow, OP Jindal University; Vivek Mishra, fellow, Observer Research Foundation Photo: A peace campaigner holds portraits of Russian President, Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky in Bhopal, India Credit: Getty Images

The global semiconductor industry is at a crunch point. Millions of products, including cars, smartphones, and network routers, rely on chips, also known as semiconductors. But the Covid pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine – both major suppliers of raw materials needed to make semiconductors – have hugely affected this industry. The shortage of chips has resulted in huge disruptions for several industries. India, which imports most of its semiconductors, is also feeling the brunt. According to industry experts, consumer products using chips are likely to get more expensive, while cars relying on modern chips will have longer waiting queues. So what can be done to deal with this? Should manufacturers curtail production? Or can the government's new schemes to make semiconductors locally really help? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss how can India deal with this global chip crisis. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Parag Naik, CEO, co-founder, Saankhya Labs; Shruti Saboo, associate director, India Ratings and Research; Ganesh Ramamoorthy, managing VP, emerging technologies and trends, Gartner

More than three million people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February this year. A large part of the country's population is still caught in the middle of war. They have witnessed horrific bombings, experienced loss of lives around them, and watched their homes and cities destroyed. How scarred will they remain by what they have experienced? And what about those trained to fight or report in a conflict? According to mental health experts, distressing events during a war can lead to post-traumatic stress disorders.These could even be experienced by those not directly involved, but who consume information through online or offline media. So what are the tips to stay safe, and warning signs to watch out for? How can therapy and counselling help? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss ways to deal with the trauma of war. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Nitin A Gokhale, defence and security analyst; Dr Parul Tank, psychiatrist, EMDR Association; Lt Col Samir Rawat (Retd), military psychologist, war veteran; Shourya Royal, MBBS student, Kharkiv Medical University, Ukraine

In the last two years, the world has become accustomed to remote working. The Covid pandemic changed the way we work, with many people rarely, if ever, going into the office. But as the world returns to normality, corporates are now facing an interesting question: Should they let the workers stay at home, bring everyone back to the office, or find a solution in between? And what about the employees? Do they want to return and what are their concerns? What are the difficulties companies are facing in bringing them back to the office space? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss what companies are doing to bring employees back to the office. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Sandeep Rao, CEO, One Source Group; Devita Saraf, chairman and CEO, Vu Group; Zubin Palia, chief group HR & IR, Tata Steel; Krish Shankar; EVP & group head, HR, Infosys

There is a growing clamour for criminalising forced sex in a marriage. Campaigners have demanded this for a long time, but there are many in India's strongly patriarchal society who are outraged. They believe the law will be misused and lead to false cases against men. But is that a good enough reason not to make forced sex illegal when women outside of marriage have strong legal protection? And how can India provide justice to victims fighting a lonely battle in a society that, more often than not, blames them for maligning the institution of marriage? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether it is time for India to criminalise marital rape. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Colin Gonsalves, senior advocate, Supreme Court of India; Tara Krishnaswamy, co-founder, Political Shakti; Wasif Ali, co-founder, Men Welfare Trust

More and more women are taking up professional sports across the world, becoming more visible, assertive and active in the sporting arena. But these hard-won victories are not the norm, and they invariably have amazing back stories of struggles off the field. Women starting out in any sport often have an uphill battle to wage due to limited opportunities, support and money. In India, family obligations and a patriarchal mindset are often the biggest roadblocks. But as the BBC announces this year's awards to honour India's finest sportswomen, we look at their personal journeys to understand the sweat, grit and struggle that goes into every win. Is there a better way to formulate policies to encourage more women and para athletes to take up sport? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we look at India's ace women athletes and what goes into the making of a champion. With contributions from Dr Deepa Malik, president, Paralympic Committee of India; Manu Bhaker, Olympian shooter; Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO, GoSports Foundation. Presenter: Devina Gupta (Photo: The India team celebrate the final of the women's 4*400m athletics event on day 12 of the Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia. Credit: Fred Lee/Getty Images)

An escalating row over the hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women, has highlighted India's sharpening religious divide in recent weeks. After a government-run college barred six Muslim girls from attending classes for wearing the hijab, a debate over uniform dress code erupted across the country. The girls say the hijab is an essential part of their religious identity, which is protected by the Constitution. Protests both in favour of and against the Muslim girls' demands have been organised in several parts of India. Some have turned violent. An Indian court has now asked students to abstain from wearing religious clothing in educational institutions till final orders are issued, but the larger issue remains. Is it restrictive to ask students to stick to a uniform dress code at college level? Should they be forced to choose between education and religious practices? Will it have a wider impact on the education of girl students in the country? How feasible is it to impose such rules in a nation known for its diverse cultural identity? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss whether India's colleges should have a dress code. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Afreen Fatima, student activist; Sabika Abbas Naqvi, community and advocacy manager, Fearless Collective; Professor Geeta Bhatt, University of Delhi; Priyanka Chaturvedi, MP, spokesperson - Shiv Sena; Kavita Krishnan, secretary, All India Progressive Women's Association

India's unemployment rate was at almost 8% last month, a recent study has reported, significantly higher than that seen in the last many years. The situation is so bad that two Indian states saw violent protests last week, with some job seekers setting railway carriages on fire. There is also a huge mismatch in available jobs and people with the right skills for them. The government has announced plans to create millions of new jobs by promoting local manufacturing and big spending on infrastructure. But the gap in demand and supply is huge. Can India create enough jobs to meet the needs of its hundreds of millions of poorly employed people, especially the youth? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss ways to tackle India's jobs crisis. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Mahesh Vyas, MD and CEO, CMIE; Pawan Goyal, chief business officer, Naukri.com; Mehar Sindhu Batra, career coach, influencer; Prafull Billore, founder, MBA Chai Wala

India's online space has seen an alarming rise in misogyny and harassment of women during the pandemic. In a recent incident, more than 100 prominent Muslim women were put up for sale in a mock online auction. Critics say cyber bullying and trolling of Muslim women in particular has worsened in recent years in India's polarised climate. So, what are the right doors to knock on, if facing online hate? Do women, particularly those who are vocal and influential in India's patriarchal society, know their basic cyber rights? How does it impact their mental wellbeing? And what's causing this environment of online hate to spread wider? In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we discuss what's prompting online misogyny and the ways to deal with it. Presenter: Devina Gupta Contributors: Sayema Rahman, radio presenter; Sadaf Vidha, founder, Guftagu Therapy; Dr Pavan Duggal, cyber law expert, advocate