Latest Stories from Sahil
Floridaβs heat protection ban sparks fierce worker safety debate
In a contentious move, state governor Ron DeSantis approved a law banning local heat protection mandates for outdoor workers. Affecting over two million Floridians, the decision has raised concerns about safety, employer accountability, and climate change. Florida is renowned for its scorching summers and humid climate. In spite of this, state governor Ron DeSantis recently stripped back worker protection rights, in a surprising move thatβs been met with intense backlash. Backed by...
Explaining India Incβs fear of Modiβs iron fist
The countryβs corporate stalwarts are walking on eggshells as the Prime Ministerβs government continues to intimidate and scrutinise those voicing dissent or critiquing its policies. Vocal corporate leaders who have expressed concerns about economic issues in India or criticised the governmentβs actions are facing backlash ranging from regulatory crackdowns to veiled threats. This pattern is fostering an atmosphere of self-censorship within the countryβs business community, which is increasingly walking...
Queer inclusivity remains hugely tokenistic in India
The Indian state's paradoxical stance on queer rights β oscillating between tokenistic reforms and harsh crackdowns β underscores the profound disconnect between political rhetoric and lived realities for the LGBTQ+ community. The recent ban imposed by the Pune Police, prohibiting transgender individuals from βcongregating at traffic junctions and forcibly demanding money from commuters,β has ignited outrage within the community. The draconian measure, enforced under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure...
BJP’s escalating influence over electoral narratives
As India gears up for elections, BJP is using the media and AI to amplify its messaging and sway public opinion, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. In a bold move, the BJP has embraced political satire, crafting viral video campaigns that mock and caricature its opponents. The viral "Dulha Kaun Hai?" (Who's the Groom) ad, created by political consultancy firm Varahe Analytics, took a humorous jab at...
Understanding the sand mining crisis in India’s rivers
India's rivers are facing an alarming crisis due to rampant and often illegal sand mining, which is threatening the survival of endangered species and disrupting the delicate ecological balance of these vital waterways. Sand has become a precious commodity in India due to the burgeoning construction industry's insatiable demand. This has led to an alarming rise in sandmining operations, both legal and illegal, across India's rivers, particularly in the Gangetic plains....
How India is tackling its hunger and malnutrition crisis
India's fight against hunger and malnutrition remains an uphill battle, with staggering statistics that paint a grim picture of the nation's invisible crisis affecting millions, especially among the most vulnerable communities. India's dismal ranking of 111 out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, with a 'serious' hunger level score of 28.7, is a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The crisis is particularly acute for...
Unpredictable weather decimates Indiaβs salt production
India's salt production, concentrated in Gujarat's salt pans, is facing a grim future due to erratic weather patterns, putting the nation's self-sufficiency in salt at risk. For centuries, the Agariya community in Gujarat's Kachchh district has relied on the region's arid climate and vast salt marshes to produce salt, a practice deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. However, the once-predictable weather patterns that facilitated their livelihood have taken an uncertain...
India’s gig workers grapple with climate change
India's rapidly growing gig economy conceals a harsh reality: its workers, particularly delivery agents, face the brunt of rising temperatures and heatwaves exacerbated by climate change, putting their health and livelihoods at risk. The scorching reality of India's climate crisis is evident in recent projections: by 2050, the country is expected to surpass survivable temperature limits. Heatwaves are predicted to become 30 times more frequent, lasting 92 to 200 times longer...
Survey highlights mental health struggles in the US for LGBTQ+ youth
A harrowing new survey by The Trevor Project paints a grim picture of the mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for action. The mental health crisis facing LGBTQ+ youth in America is reaching alarming proportions, according to a new survey by The Trevor Project. The study reveals a disturbing reality where a significant portion of this community is grappling with barriers to...
Understanding the sugar scandal in NestlΓ©βs baby food
NestlΓ© has found itself embroiled in a controversy surrounding the sugar content in its baby food products sold in lower and lower-middle income countries, including India. A recent investigation has uncovered a disturbing practice of adding sugar to infant cereals and milk, while keeping the products sugar-free in NestlΓ©'s primary markets in Europe and the UK. The investigation, conducted by the Swiss organization Public Eye and the International Baby Food...
