Parley by The Hindu

On October 2, the Bihar government released the data of its caste survey. The data showed that the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) together account for about 84% of the population. This has reopened the debate on whether the 50% legal ceiling on caste-based reservation should be removed. Here we discuss this question. Guests: Kalaiyarasan A., Assistant Professor at the Madras Institute of Development Studies and Research Affiliate at the South Asia Institute, Harvard University; Alok Prasanna Kumar, Co-Founder and Lead, Vidhi KarnatakaHost: Pon Vasanth B

Nearly a year after the Union government decided to cut the number of prizes annually awarded by its science-affiliated Ministries, it has instituted the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) — 56 prizes to felicitate scientists, technologists and innovators. However, like the Padma awards, these awards will no longer have a cash component. Here we discuss whether removing money reduce the prestige of awards.Guests: Shekhar Mande, former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research; Dinesh Sharma, a science journalist and authorHost: Jacob Koshy

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like the proverbial genie out of the bottle. In less than a year, chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard, Claude, and Pi have shown what gen AI-powered applications can do. These tools have also revealed their vulnerabilities, which has pushed policymakers and scientists to think deeply about these new systems. Should generative AI be regulated? We discuss the question here.Guests: Arul George Scaria, an Associate Professor of Law at the National Law School of India; Trisha Ray, a resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech CentreHost: John Xavier

The podcast discusses the Opposition's decision to boycott certain news anchors and the implications for politics and the media. It explores the challenges of holding the media accountable and compares censorship by the opposition and the government. The loss of trust in television news, the impact of sponsorships, and the need for alternative revenue models are also highlighted. The importance of dialogue, pressuring news organizations, and restoring journalistic integrity are emphasized.

Discussion on recent corruption cases in Andhra Pradesh, questioning the motives behind them. Investigation into ruling parties using agencies for political gain and the lack of independence and challenges faced by enforcement agencies. The importance of administrative reforms and the absence of political will to implement recommendations. The trend of filing corruption cases for political manipulation and the danger of agencies losing their independence.

Discussion on how political promises and subsidies overshadow the issue of unemployment in India. Exploring the challenges of jobless growth and the need for structural changes. Emphasizing the significance of human development-led growth and tension between economists and politicians.

Exploring the causes and impacts of recent heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including the role of anthropogenic warming, El Nino, and landslides in the Himalayan region. Exploring the connection between extreme rainfall events and floods and their relationship to natural variability and anthropogenic climate change, highlighting the increasing trend caused by climate warming. Examining the impact of urbanization and climate change on landscapes, emphasizing the need for effective regulation in urban planning and the integration of natural systems to mitigate disaster risks. Discussing the problems caused by urbanization and unsustainable development, including increased population density, reliance on fossil fuels, and the resulting effects on climate change. Exploring how money can accelerate decision-making and implementation of solutions for sustainable development and climate change. Focusing on the role of humans in natural disasters and climate change, highlighting the contribution of anthropogenic forces in increasing hazards and risks.

On August 10, the Union government introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha that proposed that the selection panel for appointing the Election Commission, comprising the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs), will consist of the Prime Minister as the chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition as a member, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as another member. In March, the Supreme Court had ruled that the selection panel should comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The Opposition has been arguing that the replacement of the CJI with a Cabinet Minister in the Bill indicates that the government is trying to make the poll body a puppet. Should the CJI be part of the committee nominating the CEC? We discuss this issue here.

On August 11, 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three Bills in the Lok Sabha; the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The proposal raises questions on whether the existing laws were being misused for them to be changed, and what are the amendments made in the new Bills. Here we discuss whether the existing laws need to go.Guests: Prakash Singh, a former IPS officer; Shahrukh Alam, an advocate at the Supreme CourtHost: Sonam Saigal

India has 1.2 billion mobile phone users and over 600 million smartphone users. That figure is expected to cross a billion by 2026, according to a Deloitte study, indicating that a future world will be dependent on these small devices. However, one place where smartphone usage has become controversial is the classroom. Last month, UNESCO recommended a universal ban on the usage of smartphones in schools, saying that it was needed to tackle classroom disruption, improve learning, and help protect children from cyberbullying. In an advisory dated August 10, titled “Restrictions on the use of mobile phones in school premises under rule 43 of DSER 1973”, the Directorate of Education, Private School Branch, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, has highligted the need for all stakeholders connected with school education such as students, parents, teachers and heads of schools “to arrive at a consensus on the minimum use of mobile phones in the school environment so that a more meaningful learning atmosphere could be maintained in the classroom”. Here we discuss whether a complete ban on smartphones in schools is necessary.