‘You got a fast car, I got a ticket to anywhere…' said Tracy Chapman, many years ago. The lines capture (and perhaps somewhat reflect) the allure and excitement of the car business even today.&nbsp;

Just recently Maruti rolled out a monthly subscription programme for a range of cars. The scheme allows people like you and me to drive out of the showroom with a new car without owning it, by paying an all-inclusive monthly fee. The amount covers maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance, and other boring details that usually make car buying a cumbersome process.&nbsp;

The slowdown due to the pandemic is clearly pushing the industry to think innovatively. Not that leasing of cars is new. Globally leasing programmes can be quite popular, especially in recent years. In India, the car rental and leasing market was only about 4% of the market in 2019, but it is expected to grow.&nbsp;

Especially since after COVID-19, many are hesitant about ordering a taxi, car-pooling and using shared mobility services. The potential is vast.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
‘To buy or not to buy a car’ has huge implications for the country.&nbsp;

Last year Nirmala Sitharaman blamed the millennials and their preference for ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola, for the decline in the automobile industry.&nbsp;

Her worry stems from the fact that the auto sector is one of the most important drivers of growth. It accounts for 7% of our GDP, employs millions and is closely integrated across global value chains.&nbsp;

When over 400 million millennials are involved, buying decisions can be critical. Which is why policymakers all over the world are struggling to understand our choices.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
A lot has been said about the reasons why millennials are not buying cars. Perhaps their unencumbered lifestyle does not allow for a heavy-duty purchase. The traditional measure of success - a big house and a big car is out of date. Ordering a cab through an app is just so much more convenient, why bother with the stress of decision making, and the hassle of maintenance that follows it.&nbsp;

However, it may not always be an esoteric lifestyle choice, their decision could also be centred around more mundane financial reasons like an economy in slo-mo, lack of job security and financial stability in a gig economy and so on. We may never fully understand why, but it is important to continue to find ways around it.

The auto industry must adapt to survive. So much is changing and so fast.&nbsp;

The sector has been in a state of flux for the past few years. &nbsp;Electric cars are just starting to take off in India because of the falling prices of batteries and government support. Shared mobility services offered by the likes of Uber and Ola have changed the way we commute, especially in urban areas.&nbsp;

Connected cars will soon be a reality, driven by the penetration of smartphones and low data costs. And enough has been said about autonomous cars. The possibility of a driverless car once seemed to be limited to a scene of a sci-fi movie but is now already on the roads.&nbsp;

All this is just a few years. Who knows what lies ahead.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Global trends are causing disruptions again and again. But these jolts are also an opportunity to reinvent the business and survive. Carmakers have to consider the integrated impact of social, economic and tech trends that will shape their future. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
From simply taking us from one place to another, the car is evolving into a giant device that will allow us to communicate, read, work, access multimedia services and connect to home, all during the journey itself.&nbsp;

Schemes like this might not shake things up in a big way, but they are an important offering in an evolving marketplace. It is not just the product, features and technology that must upgrade, services need to keep up too, for ‘fast cars’ keep rolling in.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

‘You got a fast car, I got a ticket to anywhere…' said Tracy Chapman, many years ago. The lines capture (and perhaps somewhat reflect) the allure and excitement of the car business even today.

‘You got a fast car, I got a ticket to anywhere…' said Tracy Chapman, many years ago. The lines capture (and perhaps somewhat reflect) the allure and excitement of the car business even today. Just recently Maruti rolled out a monthly subscription programme for a range of cars. The scheme allows people like you and me to drive out of the showroom with a new car without owning it, by paying an all-inclusive monthly fee. The amount covers maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance, and other boring details that usually make car buying a cumbersome process. The slowdown due to the pandemic is clearly pushing the industry to think innovatively. Not that leasing of cars is new. Globally leasing programmes can be quite popular, especially in recent years. In India, the car rental and leasing market was only about 4% of the market in 2019, but it is expected to grow. Especially since after COVID-19, many are hesitant about ordering a taxi, car-pooling and using shared mobility services. The potential is vast. ‘To buy or not to buy a car’ has huge implications for the country. Last year Nirmala Sitharaman blamed the millennials and their preference for ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola, for the decline in the automobile industry. Her worry stems from the fact that the auto sector is one of the most important drivers of growth. It accounts for 7% of our GDP, employs millions and is closely integrated across global value chains. When over 400 million millennials are involved, buying decisions can be critical. Which is why policymakers all over the world are struggling to understand our choices. A lot has been said about the reasons why millennials are not buying cars. Perhaps their unencumbered lifestyle does not allow for a heavy-duty purchase. The traditional measure of success - a big house and a big car is out of date. Ordering a cab through an app is just so much more convenient, why bother with the stress of decision making, and the hassle of maintenance that follows it. However, it may not always be an esoteric lifestyle choice, their decision could also be centred around more mundane financial reasons like an economy in slo-mo, lack of job security and financial stability in a gig economy and so on. We may never fully understand why, but it is important to continue to find ways around it. The auto industry must adapt to survive. So much is changing and so fast. The sector has been in a state of flux for the past few years. Electric cars are just starting to take off in India because of the falling prices of batteries and government support. Shared mobility services offered by the likes of Uber and Ola have changed the way we commute, especially in urban areas. Connected cars will soon be a reality, driven by the penetration of smartphones and low data costs. And enough has been said about autonomous cars. The possibility of a driverless car once seemed to be limited to a scene of a sci-fi movie but is now already on the roads. All this is just a few years. Who knows what lies ahead. Global trends are causing disruptions again and again. But these jolts are also an opportunity to reinvent the business and survive. Carmakers have to consider the integrated impact of social, economic and tech trends that will shape their future. From simply taking us from one place to another, the car is evolving into a giant device that will allow us to communicate, read, work, access multimedia services and connect to home, all during the journey itself. Schemes like this might not shake things up in a big way, but they are an important offering in an evolving marketplace. It is not just the product, features and technology that must upgrade, services need to keep up too, for ‘fast cars’ keep rolling in. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Change your mind and your car

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work.

A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us.&nbsp;

World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us.&nbsp;

Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs.&nbsp;

Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change.

But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher.&nbsp;

Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are.

Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells.

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work. A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us. World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us. Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs. Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change. But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher. Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are. Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Local markets are a way of life

You probably saw the huge number of people congregated outside liquor stores. The excitement was around the fact that alcohol would now be available - ‘finally’ was how a friend put it.&nbsp;

We saw long, patient, winding queues outside the liquor stores, some of them stretching out to over a kilometre. We also saw unruly excitable crowds, clamouring over each other for a bottle. Police used batons in Kolkata, shops had to be shut in Delhi, aartis and pujas were performed, and people clapped as customers walked out with their cartons - a wide range of reactions that tell us, a drink was missed.&nbsp;

Alcohol and the human race go back a long way. We officially started brewing liquor around 9000 years ago. The Chinese used rice, honey and fruit to make wine, Babylonians worshipped a wine goddess, grapes were one of the first fruits to be domesticated, and Indian gods themselves drank ‘som ras’. The love of alcohol is universal. It was adopted across continents (except perhaps Antarctica) with great enthusiasm. Every plant with sugar or starch was fermented - apples, grapes, rice, berries, corn, cacti, palms, potatoes. In harsh terrains like Central Asia, where there was no grain or fruit, the nomads used fermented horse milk - there was always a way. There are theories that suggest even as primates, our ancestors figured that overripe, rotting, fermented fruit, lying on the forest floor, had benefits.

It was no surprise that the demand for liquor was one of the topmost requests all through the lockdown, and not just from us. The state governments have also been urging the centre to allow them to open up. The ban on liquor stores was costing the government close to 700 crore rupees a day. For many states, it is a hefty 15-25&nbsp;&nbsp;per cent their tax revenue (except Bihar and Gujarat of course). An RBI report shows that all states and UT’s had budgeted Rs.1,75,501.42 crore from state excise duty on liquor. However, the planned flow of money dried up with the lockdown.

We guzzled 5.4 billion litres in 2016 and were expected to go up to about 6.5 billion litres by the end of 2020.&nbsp;

Alcohol has the power to alter our minds, foster creativity and importantly, releases chemicals that make us feel good, happier, less anxious. However, there exists another side. The intoxicating power of ethanol has always been a matter of concern. Greek literature is full of warnings, Mahabharata has a moral story, and in the present day, we have all the alarming statistics.

Consumption of alcohol is the worlds third-largest risk factor for disease and disability. The impact is not limited to the individual but often extends to family, friends and the extended community. It has a deep impact on a socio-economic level, where a huge percentage of meagre salaries are spent on intoxicants. It often leads to domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. It impacts productivity and increases absenteeism in the workplace. There are millions around the world who are suffering alcoholics, a huge number of people die in accidents due to drunk driving, this list could go on.

Obviously there is much to worry about the increasing acceptability and accessibility of alcohol. The world is drinking much more - a 70 per cent increase between 1990 and 2017. The fear is - it could get worse during a lockdown. There have been studies that indicate a direct correlation between consumption and higher levels of anxiety and stress.

After rice, potatoes and dal, we are now seeing panic buying of liquor. When you’re buying extra, the chances are you will be drinking more than normal too. Stress can be an excuse, or perhaps boredom, making up for lost time, a well-stocked bar at home, there are many reasons to reach out.&nbsp;

We are vulnerable right now.&nbsp;A glass of wine or a tumbler of whiskey can bring a feeling of relief and a sense of celebration, but it can go the other way too. We have to be careful.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

You probably saw the huge number of people congregated outside liquor stores. The excitement was around the fact that alcohol would now be available - ‘finally’ was how a friend put it.

You probably saw the huge number of people congregated outside liquor stores. The excitement was around the fact that alcohol would now be available - ‘finally’ was how a friend put it. We saw long, patient, winding queues outside the liquor stores, some of them stretching out to over a kilometre. We also saw unruly excitable crowds, clamouring over each other for a bottle. Police used batons in Kolkata, shops had to be shut in Delhi, aartis and pujas were performed, and people clapped as customers walked out with their cartons - a wide range of reactions that tell us, a drink was missed. Alcohol and the human race go back a long way. We officially started brewing liquor around 9000 years ago. The Chinese used rice, honey and fruit to make wine, Babylonians worshipped a wine goddess, grapes were one of the first fruits to be domesticated, and Indian gods themselves drank ‘som ras’. The love of alcohol is universal. It was adopted across continents (except perhaps Antarctica) with great enthusiasm. Every plant with sugar or starch was fermented - apples, grapes, rice, berries, corn, cacti, palms, potatoes. In harsh terrains like Central Asia, where there was no grain or fruit, the nomads used fermented horse milk - there was always a way. There are theories that suggest even as primates, our ancestors figured that overripe, rotting, fermented fruit, lying on the forest floor, had benefits. It was no surprise that the demand for liquor was one of the topmost requests all through the lockdown, and not just from us. The state governments have also been urging the centre to allow them to open up. The ban on liquor stores was costing the government close to 700 crore rupees a day. For many states, it is a hefty 15-25 per cent their tax revenue (except Bihar and Gujarat of course). An RBI report shows that all states and UT’s had budgeted Rs.1,75,501.42 crore from state excise duty on liquor. However, the planned flow of money dried up with the lockdown. We guzzled 5.4 billion litres in 2016 and were expected to go up to about 6.5 billion litres by the end of 2020. Alcohol has the power to alter our minds, foster creativity and importantly, releases chemicals that make us feel good, happier, less anxious. However, there exists another side. The intoxicating power of ethanol has always been a matter of concern. Greek literature is full of warnings, Mahabharata has a moral story, and in the present day, we have all the alarming statistics. Consumption of alcohol is the worlds third-largest risk factor for disease and disability. The impact is not limited to the individual but often extends to family, friends and the extended community. It has a deep impact on a socio-economic level, where a huge percentage of meagre salaries are spent on intoxicants. It often leads to domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. It impacts productivity and increases absenteeism in the workplace. There are millions around the world who are suffering alcoholics, a huge number of people die in accidents due to drunk driving, this list could go on. Obviously there is much to worry about the increasing acceptability and accessibility of alcohol. The world is drinking much more - a 70 per cent increase between 1990 and 2017. The fear is - it could get worse during a lockdown. There have been studies that indicate a direct correlation between consumption and higher levels of anxiety and stress. After rice, potatoes and dal, we are now seeing panic buying of liquor. When you’re buying extra, the chances are you will be drinking more than normal too. Stress can be an excuse, or perhaps boredom, making up for lost time, a well-stocked bar at home, there are many reasons to reach out. We are vulnerable right now. A glass of wine or a tumbler of whiskey can bring a feeling of relief and a sense of celebration, but it can go the other way too. We have to be careful. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Liquor shops open: Do we have self-restraint - in queue and at home?

Everyone loves a bargain. I’m not talking about the Diwali sales, or the insane discounts online. Sometimes it happens on a much larger scale, involving countries and corporations, where the stakes are much higher.&nbsp;

The government recently announced stringent changes to the rules governing FDI in Indian companies, making government approval compulsory in case of investments from our neighbours (importantly, China). We are not the only ones worried.&nbsp;

The world has always been wary of Chinese money flowing into strategic sectors. But now the fear is palpable. The pandemic has unleashed an economic crisis. Stock markets across the globe have crashed, losing almost 35 per cent, and wiping off trillions of dollars. Companies, big and small, are struggling to cope with the COVID 19 crisis. The future of millions of business is uncertain. Valuations have dropped, and cash-rich opportunistic investors, are on the prowl looking for ‘deals’.&nbsp;

There is growing unease about predatory investments, and hostile takeovers of domestic companies by foreign agencies at a vulnerable time like this. Governments are clamping down - Australia, Germany, Spain, America, Italy and now India, are all introducing stricter rules to defend their domestic industry.&nbsp;

There was a time when concerns around China were limited to ‘key technology’ areas or ‘sensitive infrastructure’. But not anymore. Even small and medium-sized enterprises which are strong in their niche segments can be attractive acquisition targets.

China’s overseas investment policy has traditionally been politically driven, with nationalistic objectives - eg. ensuring the supply of natural resources, creating world-class companies through acquisitions, securing strategic assets in technology and national priority industries and so on. We’ve seen the row over Huawei, and numerous other examples dotting Europe and America, as well as closer home, in India.

It is a politically polarising issue. China has deep pockets, the state and its subsidiaries have lent about $1.5 trillion dollars in direct loans and trade credits to over 150 countries. 18 of the 30 unicorns in India are funded by the Chinese.&nbsp;

There are lessons from the past as well. Policymakers across continents are conscious of Chinese state-owned companies buying dozens of assets after the 2008 financial crisis, and also in Europe (Greece and Portugal) when their economies were hit by the European debt crisis. Most are afraid of their local economies being exploited again at an unprecedented time like this.&nbsp;

The Chinese origins of the pandemic make things even more difficult. It has led to a rise in anti-china sentiment, making a compelling narrative against the Asian superpower. It is fuelling public outrage and therefore also inviting political intervention.

Rules are being changed across the world. Calls for protectionism and self-reliance and growing stronger. Globalisation, the buzzword for the past twenty years or more, has started to unravel. There is no pretence anymore of higher moral principles or adherence to international standards of acceptable behaviour. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-why-chinese-firms-are-exploring-investment-opportunities-in-india-292449">Also read: Why Chinese firms are exploring investment opportunities in India</a>

Globalisation was built on trust, by creating bonds of mutual dependency. But we are seeing a resurgence of economic nationalism. Solidarity is giving way to self-interest.&nbsp;

Countries are moving away from multilateralism and putting themselves first. They are fighting to protect their own people and their own economies. The government are announcing stimulus packages and measures to save jobs and livelihoods. They are now also stepping up to change the rules of the game, and play watch guards to industry.&nbsp;

The mood at present is grim and suspicious. The months ahead are going to be volatile and dynamic. There will be economic and political consequences of the decisions taken today. We seem to be moving inwards, but the fact is that we are an interdependent world. Trust and transparency is the key to building a stable future. But how is the question.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Everyone loves a bargain. I’m not talking about the Diwali sales, or the insane discounts online. Sometimes it happens on a much larger scale, involving countries and corporations, where the stakes are much higher.

Everyone loves a bargain. I’m not talking about the Diwali sales, or the insane discounts online. Sometimes it happens on a much larger scale, involving countries and corporations, where the stakes are much higher. The government recently announced stringent changes to the rules governing FDI in Indian companies, making government approval compulsory in case of investments from our neighbours (importantly, China). We are not the only ones worried. The world has always been wary of Chinese money flowing into strategic sectors. But now the fear is palpable. The pandemic has unleashed an economic crisis. Stock markets across the globe have crashed, losing almost 35 per cent, and wiping off trillions of dollars. Companies, big and small, are struggling to cope with the COVID 19 crisis. The future of millions of business is uncertain. Valuations have dropped, and cash-rich opportunistic investors, are on the prowl looking for ‘deals’. There is growing unease about predatory investments, and hostile takeovers of domestic companies by foreign agencies at a vulnerable time like this. Governments are clamping down - Australia, Germany, Spain, America, Italy and now India, are all introducing stricter rules to defend their domestic industry. There was a time when concerns around China were limited to ‘key technology’ areas or ‘sensitive infrastructure’. But not anymore. Even small and medium-sized enterprises which are strong in their niche segments can be attractive acquisition targets. China’s overseas investment policy has traditionally been politically driven, with nationalistic objectives - eg. ensuring the supply of natural resources, creating world-class companies through acquisitions, securing strategic assets in technology and national priority industries and so on. We’ve seen the row over Huawei, and numerous other examples dotting Europe and America, as well as closer home, in India. It is a politically polarising issue. China has deep pockets, the state and its subsidiaries have lent about $1.5 trillion dollars in direct loans and trade credits to over 150 countries. 18 of the 30 unicorns in India are funded by the Chinese. There are lessons from the past as well. Policymakers across continents are conscious of Chinese state-owned companies buying dozens of assets after the 2008 financial crisis, and also in Europe (Greece and Portugal) when their economies were hit by the European debt crisis. Most are afraid of their local economies being exploited again at an unprecedented time like this. The Chinese origins of the pandemic make things even more difficult. It has led to a rise in anti-china sentiment, making a compelling narrative against the Asian superpower. It is fuelling public outrage and therefore also inviting political intervention. Rules are being changed across the world. Calls for protectionism and self-reliance and growing stronger. Globalisation, the buzzword for the past twenty years or more, has started to unravel. There is no pretence anymore of higher moral principles or adherence to international standards of acceptable behaviour. Also read: Why Chinese firms are exploring investment opportunities in India Globalisation was built on trust, by creating bonds of mutual dependency. But we are seeing a resurgence of economic nationalism. Solidarity is giving way to self-interest. Countries are moving away from multilateralism and putting themselves first. They are fighting to protect their own people and their own economies. The government are announcing stimulus packages and measures to save jobs and livelihoods. They are now also stepping up to change the rules of the game, and play watch guards to industry. The mood at present is grim and suspicious. The months ahead are going to be volatile and dynamic. There will be economic and political consequences of the decisions taken today. We seem to be moving inwards, but the fact is that we are an interdependent world. Trust and transparency is the key to building a stable future. But how is the question. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Firewall for China: Calls for self-reliance grow stronger

A tiny bird flew in to make her nest on my verandah yesterday. She started with a few scraps of leaves and bits of straw, that magically grew to be her home over the course of the day. I don’t remember the last time I saw something like that.

Just a few weeks ago, we were all busy. Jobs demanded time, goals were high, we were dropping kids to school, meeting deadlines, wooing clients, picking up kids, braving traffic, and coordinating with pest control and the plumber. Weekends too had a predictable pattern - entertainment was chalked out - meet friends, have a party, video call parents, clean the house, stock the fridge, watch movies, eat ice-cream and the like. We spun around on our little axis with a plethora of stars, whizzing around us to make it all happen. Cooks, drivers, helpers, teachers, yoga instructors, hairdressers, everyone chipped in to build a life as we know it. And now, suddenly there is no one. Newspapers have disappeared from our doorsteps, cars are slowly collecting dust, and in most houses, there is no outside assistance to help with daily tasks. India is in a lockdown mode, and life is on hold.

It’s an unfamiliar state of affairs, especially in a country like ours. If you go by conversations on social media, it sounds like a period of trial and hardship, that is not necessarily only because of the threat from the virus.&nbsp;

WhatsApp groups are buzzing with suggestions on easy recipes, home fitness routines, curated list of ‘must-see’ films, how to keep our children busy and how to keep ourselves positive. It is as though we are desperately reaching out to each other, reminding ourselves on how to survive.&nbsp;

But why do we need reminding for something as basic as looking after our own selves and our families? It should be a natural state of being. Like all the other beasts in the world, we should take the onus for feeding and grooming ourselves.&nbsp;

Our bodies need to be heard, by us. No pilates or Zumba instructor should be passionately pushing us for 'one more’. Our grandmothers talked about cooking with love for our families, but we have comfortably given the task to an outsider who chops vegetables and makes rotis, with an eye on the clock. Our prayers have been outsourced to a priest or a modern age guru, who tells us how to ‘connect’ with our own inner selves. We raise our little ones, by herding them from school to maths tuitions, to music teachers, to football coaches, to ballet, robotics and the like. We stretch out for a pedicure, instead of bending over and scrubbing our toes on our own. But not anymore.&nbsp;

Millions of us are confined to our homes. The doors are closed. Our backs hurt from the swabbing and mopping. Cooking is not much fun if it is to be done every day. And try doing an official conference on Zoom with a toddler howling in the next room. Of course, it's not easy. Life has changed.

We are creatures of habit. Finding comfort in day to day routines, familiar food, friends and so on. Change is hard, and more so when it is not by choice. It is natural to want to complain about the present and be concerned about the future. These are difficult times. &nbsp;We keep telling each other that this is temporary. Perhaps we should remind ourselves that, it is also an opportunity.&nbsp;

In the modern world, we are defined by our careers, and what we do. How busy we are is a big part of our perceived identity. Days have accelerated. We are so used to streamlining objectives, being productive, paying back loans, mastering yoga poses, chasing our dreams and constantly competing to beat the odds. Now is the time to slow down.&nbsp;

This brief interlude in our lives gives us a chance to live in a simple way, the way we are meant to. If health is not an issue, then laziness cannot be an excuse. So look after yourself and your loved ones. Be in tune with your body and mind. Hear music, find time to talk, make love, listen to children, and if you are&nbsp;lucky, perhaps you will&nbsp;get to hear the birds as well.

A tiny bird flew in to make her nest on my verandah yesterday. She started with a few scraps of leaves and bits of straw, that magically grew to be her home over the course of the day.

A tiny bird flew in to make her nest on my verandah yesterday. She started with a few scraps of leaves and bits of straw, that magically grew to be her home over the course of the day. I don’t remember the last time I saw something like that. Just a few weeks ago, we were all busy. Jobs demanded time, goals were high, we were dropping kids to school, meeting deadlines, wooing clients, picking up kids, braving traffic, and coordinating with pest control and the plumber. Weekends too had a predictable pattern - entertainment was chalked out - meet friends, have a party, video call parents, clean the house, stock the fridge, watch movies, eat ice-cream and the like. We spun around on our little axis with a plethora of stars, whizzing around us to make it all happen. Cooks, drivers, helpers, teachers, yoga instructors, hairdressers, everyone chipped in to build a life as we know it. And now, suddenly there is no one. Newspapers have disappeared from our doorsteps, cars are slowly collecting dust, and in most houses, there is no outside assistance to help with daily tasks. India is in a lockdown mode, and life is on hold. It’s an unfamiliar state of affairs, especially in a country like ours. If you go by conversations on social media, it sounds like a period of trial and hardship, that is not necessarily only because of the threat from the virus. WhatsApp groups are buzzing with suggestions on easy recipes, home fitness routines, curated list of ‘must-see’ films, how to keep our children busy and how to keep ourselves positive. It is as though we are desperately reaching out to each other, reminding ourselves on how to survive. But why do we need reminding for something as basic as looking after our own selves and our families? It should be a natural state of being. Like all the other beasts in the world, we should take the onus for feeding and grooming ourselves. Our bodies need to be heard, by us. No pilates or Zumba instructor should be passionately pushing us for 'one more’. Our grandmothers talked about cooking with love for our families, but we have comfortably given the task to an outsider who chops vegetables and makes rotis, with an eye on the clock. Our prayers have been outsourced to a priest or a modern age guru, who tells us how to ‘connect’ with our own inner selves. We raise our little ones, by herding them from school to maths tuitions, to music teachers, to football coaches, to ballet, robotics and the like. We stretch out for a pedicure, instead of bending over and scrubbing our toes on our own. But not anymore. Millions of us are confined to our homes. The doors are closed. Our backs hurt from the swabbing and mopping. Cooking is not much fun if it is to be done every day. And try doing an official conference on Zoom with a toddler howling in the next room. Of course, it's not easy. Life has changed. We are creatures of habit. Finding comfort in day to day routines, familiar food, friends and so on. Change is hard, and more so when it is not by choice. It is natural to want to complain about the present and be concerned about the future. These are difficult times. We keep telling each other that this is temporary. Perhaps we should remind ourselves that, it is also an opportunity. In the modern world, we are defined by our careers, and what we do. How busy we are is a big part of our perceived identity. Days have accelerated. We are so used to streamlining objectives, being productive, paying back loans, mastering yoga poses, chasing our dreams and constantly competing to beat the odds. Now is the time to slow down. This brief interlude in our lives gives us a chance to live in a simple way, the way we are meant to. If health is not an issue, then laziness cannot be an excuse. So look after yourself and your loved ones. Be in tune with your body and mind. Hear music, find time to talk, make love, listen to children, and if you are lucky, perhaps you will get to hear the birds as well.

Blog: Coronavirus impact - now is the time to slow down

They walked to the gallows knowing millions across the country were baying for their blood, waiting impatiently for news of their death. Nirbhaya’s killers were executed at 5:30 am this morning at the ‘phansi kotha’ in Tihar Jail. What went through their minds minutes before the end - shame, repentance, denial, fear - we can never really know what they thought or felt, but just outside the gate, there was a visible sense of relief. A huge crowd waving flags and placards had been waiting all night to celebrate.&nbsp;

Nirbhaya’s death led to an unprecedented, collective outpouring of anger and grief. She did not deserve to die like that. The crime was brutal and the details horrifying. The country was outraged.&nbsp;

There were demonstrations, candlelight vigils and passionate conversations on digital forums. It became a movement, symbolic of women's resistance to rape. It brought forward all that was wrong with civilised society. We protested against insufficient security, misuse of juvenile laws, an insensitive police force, an inadequate transport system, red tape, bureaucracy, plight of women and most of all we protested against the six men - the faces from hell.

Their depravity shocked us. They were cruel, capable of the most dehumanising acts of torture and rape. They were merciless, men with no souls and no heart. They represented all that was evil and wrong with society. They committed acts that were ruthless and savage. ‘Justice has been done’ her mother had said, when the court issued a death warrant order against the accused, most of India felt the same.

Despite frantic petitions and last-minute appeals, we woke up to the news that the four men, Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were finally hung for their crime today. Activists have hailed the move, her parents are relieved, sections of civil society are triumphant, political leaders have reacted, and the nation, in a celebratory mood. Despite seven long years since the horrific incident, we did not forget her.

However, in the seven years since, thousands of women in our country have continued to suffer. They have been molested, beaten, raped and murdered. In India, every 20 minutes a woman is raped (NCRB). 30 per cent of women in India (15-49 years) have experienced physical violence as per The National Family Health Survey since the age of 15. The long term devastating impact on the lives of women, their families, communities and society is well documented.&nbsp;

Gender-based violence is one of the most common human right violations that continue to persist around the world and in India. It is mostly unreported and unrecognised because of a culture of silence, stigma and shame that surrounds it. There are cases, every now and then, like the young veterinarian student in Telangana, or the girl in Unnao, that grab public attention, but most others are buried and forgotten.

Nirbhaya’s death had sparked off amendments in the law, redefining rape and calling for stricter punishment. But the Supreme Court itself conceded that despite the changes, “Desired results could not be achieved”. The stark reality is that one in three girls or women still face physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (UN report). Can this shocking number ever change?

Violence against women is rooted in centuries of male domination. We cannot wish it away. It took decades of hard work, mobilising support and raising awareness for gender-based violence to now feature on national and international agendas. It will take many more for the numbers to actually change. Nirbhaya’s killers are dead, the problem is not.&nbsp;

 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

They walked to the gallows knowing millions across the country were baying for their blood, waiting impatiently for news of their death. Nirbhaya’s killers were executed at 5:30 am this morning at the ‘phansi kotha’ in Tihar Jail.

They walked to the gallows knowing millions across the country were baying for their blood, waiting impatiently for news of their death. Nirbhaya’s killers were executed at 5:30 am this morning at the ‘phansi kotha’ in Tihar Jail. What went through their minds minutes before the end - shame, repentance, denial, fear - we can never really know what they thought or felt, but just outside the gate, there was a visible sense of relief. A huge crowd waving flags and placards had been waiting all night to celebrate. Nirbhaya’s death led to an unprecedented, collective outpouring of anger and grief. She did not deserve to die like that. The crime was brutal and the details horrifying. The country was outraged. There were demonstrations, candlelight vigils and passionate conversations on digital forums. It became a movement, symbolic of women's resistance to rape. It brought forward all that was wrong with civilised society. We protested against insufficient security, misuse of juvenile laws, an insensitive police force, an inadequate transport system, red tape, bureaucracy, plight of women and most of all we protested against the six men - the faces from hell. Their depravity shocked us. They were cruel, capable of the most dehumanising acts of torture and rape. They were merciless, men with no souls and no heart. They represented all that was evil and wrong with society. They committed acts that were ruthless and savage. ‘Justice has been done’ her mother had said, when the court issued a death warrant order against the accused, most of India felt the same. Despite frantic petitions and last-minute appeals, we woke up to the news that the four men, Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma were finally hung for their crime today. Activists have hailed the move, her parents are relieved, sections of civil society are triumphant, political leaders have reacted, and the nation, in a celebratory mood. Despite seven long years since the horrific incident, we did not forget her. However, in the seven years since, thousands of women in our country have continued to suffer. They have been molested, beaten, raped and murdered. In India, every 20 minutes a woman is raped (NCRB). 30 per cent of women in India (15-49 years) have experienced physical violence as per The National Family Health Survey since the age of 15. The long term devastating impact on the lives of women, their families, communities and society is well documented. Gender-based violence is one of the most common human right violations that continue to persist around the world and in India. It is mostly unreported and unrecognised because of a culture of silence, stigma and shame that surrounds it. There are cases, every now and then, like the young veterinarian student in Telangana, or the girl in Unnao, that grab public attention, but most others are buried and forgotten. Nirbhaya’s death had sparked off amendments in the law, redefining rape and calling for stricter punishment. But the Supreme Court itself conceded that despite the changes, “Desired results could not be achieved”. The stark reality is that one in three girls or women still face physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (UN report). Can this shocking number ever change? Violence against women is rooted in centuries of male domination. We cannot wish it away. It took decades of hard work, mobilising support and raising awareness for gender-based violence to now feature on national and international agendas. It will take many more for the numbers to actually change. Nirbhaya’s killers are dead, the problem is not. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Nirbhaya case: The problem of sexual violence has to be dealt with fiercely

Are you looking for love? Hoping to find someone to hold, to share, laugh and love forever. Or did you have it once, a long time ago, but now it has magically turned into an unfamiliar beast that snarls, snaps, and then perhaps kisses you at night? Are you alone and happy, or together and sad? Are these philosophical questions, or just conversation we make on Valentines Day. Either way, there is no escaping love.&nbsp;

Millions of years ago, the journey to love began with sex (true sometimes today as well). That was one of the first things we figured out to do, and then as our brains slowly evolved, our hearts began to lead the way. As apes, we developed the ability to become emotionally attached to each other. The reason was not romantic at all - it just helped us survive. It is this emotional bonding within families and communities has enabled the human species to dominate the planet, spawning billions of us over the rest of the animal kingdom.&nbsp;

Scientists have tried very hard to pin down why and how we fall in love. We now know that chemistry is important, and not just for sparks to fly. Love triggers biochemical changes in our bodies. When we are attracted to each other, we begin to secrete a blend of feel-good chemicals adrenaline, dopamine and reduce serotonin, the hormone that regulates our mood and appetite. Lust is driven by estrogen and testosterone, and with time, as things begin to get steady (and boring), we continue our long term attachment with oxytocin and vasopressin. Interestingly, Oxytocin, the ‘cuddle hormone’ that encourages us to bond was secreted when our mothers held us too - not very romantic, but that’s how it is.&nbsp;

Science has broken love down to various secretions and smells. Psychologists have mapped our behaviour. Dating apps are using computer codes and AI. We have a lot of help at hand. And thus enabled with science and technology, and a long list of what we want, we heartlessly swipe right and left. Almost perfect men and women smile at us hoping to get lucky, and perhaps some do.&nbsp;

When we find love, marriage tends to follow

The institution of marriage is a fairly recent phenomenon, given our long history on the planet. It started off as an alliance to pool in resources, to stay within the tribe, to bring up the kids and so on. Now perhaps it is a psychological one. Marriage is a culturally recognised union between two parties, usually man and woman, promising each other a lifetime of togetherness. We hope for happiness, while slowly seeing it slide under the burden of expectations. We dream of love, but it constantly disappoints us.&nbsp;

Why?

Darwin had a theory. Yes, the famous one that says we descended from apes and that we still behave like them. He brings a certain pessimism to relationships, which are perhaps doomed to fail. As primates, we are inclined to ditch our mates for another, on the basis of nothing more than their breeding potential - the size of her hips and strength of his thigh. What hope for never-ending love then.

Plato warned us many years ago. The greek philosopher argued that the highest form of love was non-sexual, non-romantic, brotherly love. Platonic love is infinitely safer than giving in to ridiculous passions. Desire can be dangerous. Poets would argue otherwise, but skeptics say that Romeo and Juliet is not a story celebrating love, but one that warns us of the potential consequences of love. The fool is afraid of love, or is he afraid of being alone.

In the modern context, we tend to idealise romantic love based on individual choice, as some kind of culmination towards an ideal. There is an inherent struggle through intimacy and commitment. Love can be unpleasant and painful. It needs discipline and restraint. It’s not sexy when it means doing the laundry. We can’t just swipe right into happiness. And yet we try.&nbsp;

People all over the world keep falling in love. Hearts get broken, partners keep changing, poems get written and forgotten, and then we find love again.

What is love - an emotion, a feeling, basic human drive, neurons on fire or psychological dependency? The question has plagued us for thousands of years. It emerges from our subconscious mind, to take us through an experience we cannot control. Can it last? We’ve been struggling with answers to that too. Does it have a purpose? Perhaps only to survive. And so we continue.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Are you looking for love? Hoping to find someone to hold, to share, laugh and love forever. Or did you have it once, a long time ago, but now it has magically turned into an unfamiliar beast that snarls, snaps, and then perhaps kisses you at night?

Are you looking for love? Hoping to find someone to hold, to share, laugh and love forever. Or did you have it once, a long time ago, but now it has magically turned into an unfamiliar beast that snarls, snaps, and then perhaps kisses you at night? Are you alone and happy, or together and sad? Are these philosophical questions, or just conversation we make on Valentines Day. Either way, there is no escaping love. Millions of years ago, the journey to love began with sex (true sometimes today as well). That was one of the first things we figured out to do, and then as our brains slowly evolved, our hearts began to lead the way. As apes, we developed the ability to become emotionally attached to each other. The reason was not romantic at all - it just helped us survive. It is this emotional bonding within families and communities has enabled the human species to dominate the planet, spawning billions of us over the rest of the animal kingdom. Scientists have tried very hard to pin down why and how we fall in love. We now know that chemistry is important, and not just for sparks to fly. Love triggers biochemical changes in our bodies. When we are attracted to each other, we begin to secrete a blend of feel-good chemicals adrenaline, dopamine and reduce serotonin, the hormone that regulates our mood and appetite. Lust is driven by estrogen and testosterone, and with time, as things begin to get steady (and boring), we continue our long term attachment with oxytocin and vasopressin. Interestingly, Oxytocin, the ‘cuddle hormone’ that encourages us to bond was secreted when our mothers held us too - not very romantic, but that’s how it is. Science has broken love down to various secretions and smells. Psychologists have mapped our behaviour. Dating apps are using computer codes and AI. We have a lot of help at hand. And thus enabled with science and technology, and a long list of what we want, we heartlessly swipe right and left. Almost perfect men and women smile at us hoping to get lucky, and perhaps some do. When we find love, marriage tends to follow The institution of marriage is a fairly recent phenomenon, given our long history on the planet. It started off as an alliance to pool in resources, to stay within the tribe, to bring up the kids and so on. Now perhaps it is a psychological one. Marriage is a culturally recognised union between two parties, usually man and woman, promising each other a lifetime of togetherness. We hope for happiness, while slowly seeing it slide under the burden of expectations. We dream of love, but it constantly disappoints us. Why? Darwin had a theory. Yes, the famous one that says we descended from apes and that we still behave like them. He brings a certain pessimism to relationships, which are perhaps doomed to fail. As primates, we are inclined to ditch our mates for another, on the basis of nothing more than their breeding potential - the size of her hips and strength of his thigh. What hope for never-ending love then. Plato warned us many years ago. The greek philosopher argued that the highest form of love was non-sexual, non-romantic, brotherly love. Platonic love is infinitely safer than giving in to ridiculous passions. Desire can be dangerous. Poets would argue otherwise, but skeptics say that Romeo and Juliet is not a story celebrating love, but one that warns us of the potential consequences of love. The fool is afraid of love, or is he afraid of being alone. In the modern context, we tend to idealise romantic love based on individual choice, as some kind of culmination towards an ideal. There is an inherent struggle through intimacy and commitment. Love can be unpleasant and painful. It needs discipline and restraint. It’s not sexy when it means doing the laundry. We can’t just swipe right into happiness. And yet we try. People all over the world keep falling in love. Hearts get broken, partners keep changing, poems get written and forgotten, and then we find love again. What is love - an emotion, a feeling, basic human drive, neurons on fire or psychological dependency? The question has plagued us for thousands of years. It emerges from our subconscious mind, to take us through an experience we cannot control. Can it last? We’ve been struggling with answers to that too. Does it have a purpose? Perhaps only to survive. And so we continue. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Valentines Day: Love, a four-letter word

An inverted, red equilateral triangle - a plain, straight-forward design, is the symbol for family planning. But underlying the simplicity of the symbol is a far more complex problem. As per a UN report, India’s burgeoning population is likely to topple China, to take the first place as the world’s most populous country in less than ten years. Should we be worried? Is 1.4+ billion a blessing or a curse? The answer has been changing over time. 
&nbsp; 
Our efforts to curtail our numbers began quite early. We were the first country in the world to launch a national programme for family planning, way back in 1952. And since then there have been many attempts to discourage enthusiastic Indians from procreating. In those days the Post &amp; Telegraph Department released envelopes, that advised us to get in touch with the Family Welfare Centre for a ‘happy married life’.&nbsp;

In the 60’s the government said - ‘ek, do teen…bus’. We will never really know the number of men who were sterilised during the emergency in 1975. And I guess many of us still remember the famous slogan, ‘hum do humare do’, innocuously placed next to a ‘Horn Ok Please’. There have been many schemes, nudging us and sometimes bullying us, to bring down fertility rates. Historically our population has always been a cause for worry. But things changed a few years ago. What was once a problem, became a boon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The term ‘demographic dividend’, coined by a Harvard demographer called David Bloom, has been used extensively in the recent past to describe our advantageous position vis-a-vis the rest of the world. Half of India is under the age of 25 - young and eager to harness opportunities. Most of the developed nations are facing the fiscal and social challenges of ageing. On the other hand, for us, the youth is our most valuable asset. The expectation is that an abundant labour pool and a dynamic consuming class will keep our economy on a solid growth path, and propel us to great heights.&nbsp; 
 
And just when we were getting lulled into complacency, comfortable with our humungous size, comes a statement by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Modi expressed concern over ‘reckless population explosion’ and spoke of the need for control. "Our population, if unchecked, can pose huge challenges for us and our future generations," he said.&nbsp;His statement is significant. Clearly, population is back on the government’s agenda.&nbsp;

As per Bloom, ‘demographic dividend' lasts for about 50 years. We are in a sweet spot right now. There is a lot of optimistic, feel-good talk about the potential of youth, but we need to also be aware of our rapidly increasing numbers. It is time to begin planning for our future.

The present logically demands that we harness the demographic dividend we’ve been gifted. We need to focus on education and opportunity. About 4.75 million people are added to the labour force every year. They need to be trained. We have to invest in our human capital to be able to utilise its potential. What is the point of having all these enthusiastic, young people, eager to work if there are no jobs. Failure to create an enabling environment will be a missed opportunity for India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The present demands our immediate attention, but we cannot afford to lose sight of the future. Our demographics will change, its only a matter of time. By the second half of the century, the proportion of older persons will increase. We must begin preparing for that now.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The impact of an ageing population is felt across the political, social and economic spectrum. It will come with its own set of pressures. We do not have adequate pension and health insurance schemes. There is no concept of a strong social security net. There will be fiscal and social challenges. There will be mental health issues, cultural challenges of integration, and conflict between generations if the demographic transition is not managed smoothly. It's not going to be easy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On the other hand, a growing population will put a strain on our limited resources. The problem is not limited to India. There are going to be around 11 billion of us on planet earth by the end of the century as per the United Nations. All of us scrambling for food, dealing with scarcity of water, grappling with climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, social instability and disease. How are we going to manage.&nbsp;

The significance of Modi’s speech is not lost. The timing is right. Now is the time to be aware of what is coming. Our population is our strength at this moment, but it won’t last forever. Our youth brings us hope for the present. But we need to also start planning for the future.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An inverted, red equilateral triangle - a plain, straight-forward design, is the symbol for family planning. But underlying the simplicity of the symbol is a far more complex problem.

An inverted, red equilateral triangle - a plain, straight-forward design, is the symbol for family planning. But underlying the simplicity of the symbol is a far more complex problem. As per a UN report, India’s burgeoning population is likely to topple China, to take the first place as the world’s most populous country in less than ten years. Should we be worried? Is 1.4+ billion a blessing or a curse? The answer has been changing over time. Our efforts to curtail our numbers began quite early. We were the first country in the world to launch a national programme for family planning, way back in 1952. And since then there have been many attempts to discourage enthusiastic Indians from procreating. In those days the Post & Telegraph Department released envelopes, that advised us to get in touch with the Family Welfare Centre for a ‘happy married life’. In the 60’s the government said - ‘ek, do teen…bus’. We will never really know the number of men who were sterilised during the emergency in 1975. And I guess many of us still remember the famous slogan, ‘hum do humare do’, innocuously placed next to a ‘Horn Ok Please’. There have been many schemes, nudging us and sometimes bullying us, to bring down fertility rates. Historically our population has always been a cause for worry. But things changed a few years ago. What was once a problem, became a boon. The term ‘demographic dividend’, coined by a Harvard demographer called David Bloom, has been used extensively in the recent past to describe our advantageous position vis-a-vis the rest of the world. Half of India is under the age of 25 - young and eager to harness opportunities. Most of the developed nations are facing the fiscal and social challenges of ageing. On the other hand, for us, the youth is our most valuable asset. The expectation is that an abundant labour pool and a dynamic consuming class will keep our economy on a solid growth path, and propel us to great heights. And just when we were getting lulled into complacency, comfortable with our humungous size, comes a statement by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Modi expressed concern over ‘reckless population explosion’ and spoke of the need for control. "Our population, if unchecked, can pose huge challenges for us and our future generations," he said. His statement is significant. Clearly, population is back on the government’s agenda. As per Bloom, ‘demographic dividend' lasts for about 50 years. We are in a sweet spot right now. There is a lot of optimistic, feel-good talk about the potential of youth, but we need to also be aware of our rapidly increasing numbers. It is time to begin planning for our future. The present logically demands that we harness the demographic dividend we’ve been gifted. We need to focus on education and opportunity. About 4.75 million people are added to the labour force every year. They need to be trained. We have to invest in our human capital to be able to utilise its potential. What is the point of having all these enthusiastic, young people, eager to work if there are no jobs. Failure to create an enabling environment will be a missed opportunity for India. The present demands our immediate attention, but we cannot afford to lose sight of the future. Our demographics will change, its only a matter of time. By the second half of the century, the proportion of older persons will increase. We must begin preparing for that now. The impact of an ageing population is felt across the political, social and economic spectrum. It will come with its own set of pressures. We do not have adequate pension and health insurance schemes. There is no concept of a strong social security net. There will be fiscal and social challenges. There will be mental health issues, cultural challenges of integration, and conflict between generations if the demographic transition is not managed smoothly. It's not going to be easy. On the other hand, a growing population will put a strain on our limited resources. The problem is not limited to India. There are going to be around 11 billion of us on planet earth by the end of the century as per the United Nations. All of us scrambling for food, dealing with scarcity of water, grappling with climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, social instability and disease. How are we going to manage. The significance of Modi’s speech is not lost. The timing is right. Now is the time to be aware of what is coming. Our population is our strength at this moment, but it won’t last forever. Our youth brings us hope for the present. But we need to also start planning for the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Riding the ups and downs of the population curve

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Ekta Kumar

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