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Rakesh Kalshian

New Delhi, India
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About Rakesh
Rakesh Kalshian is an independent journalist based in New Delhi, India, with over two decades of experience in the field. His work critically examines the complex interplay between science, politics, nature, culture, and religion. Kalshian has covered a wide range of topics, including the socio-economic challenges facing India's youth, the ethical concerns surrounding Big Data and digital privacy, and the triumphs and tribulations of athletes like Santhi Soundarajan. His investigative pieces have shed light on the shady politics of climate change, the plight of workers at the world's largest ship-breaking yard in Gujarat, and the repression of indigenous people in India's extractive industries.

Kalshian's journalism also critiques the neoliberal economic model, highlighting its impact on society and the environment. He has delved into the nexus between nation-states, corporations, and global institutions, including media, academia, and NGOs, particularly in the context of environmental geopolitics. His reviews of literary works, such as 'Alternative futures: India Unshackled', reflect his interest in urban development, environmental activism, and socio-economic reforms, as well as his engagement with utopian ideals and the potential of anthologies to inspire societal change.

A recipient of prestigious fellowships, Kalshian was a British Chevening fellow at Westminster University in 1998 and a Nieman fellow at Harvard University in 1999-2000. He has been a member of the Washington DC-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) since 2001. Kalshian has also edited books on the seamy side of India's mining industry and the politics of energy in South Asia, further establishing his reputation as a journalist committed to uncovering the intricate and often obscured realities of the modern world.
Languages
English Hindi Punjabi
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Services
Feature Stories Content Writing Research
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Skills
Politics Current Affairs Technology
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Portfolio

The Precarious Generation

11 Jul 2020  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article discusses the plight of the youth in India and around the world, facing high unemployment rates and an uncertain future. It cites the OECD's statistic that over 30% of India's youth are neither employed nor in education or training. The article critiques the Indian government's failure to create enough jobs and the poor state of higher education. It also touches on the global phenomenon of the 'youth bulge' and the potential risks it poses, such as social unrest and susceptibility to extremist ideologies. The author suggests that the neoliberal economic model is failing the youth and calls for a radical rethinking of economic and social policies to address the issues of precarity and disenfranchisement among the young population.

A new anthology touches upon most facets of Indian society

11 Jul 2020  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article reviews the anthology 'Alternative futures: India Unshackled', edited by Ashish Kothari and K J Joy, which compiles various visions for India's future from different activists and thinkers. The book covers a wide range of topics, including urban development, environmental activism, and socio-economic issues, with a focus on justice and ecological integrity. The review discusses the protests against tree cutting in New Delhi, the symposium on the 'Political Economy of Redevelopment', and the ideas of Italian architect Paolo Soleri. It also highlights the diverse dreams for India's future, such as conservation efforts that integrate human and wildlife habitats, Adivasi rights, legal system reforms, and sustainable village communities. The review points out the absence of climate change and science in the book's discourse, and it reflects on the role of utopias in society, suggesting that while they may not offer a single solution, they can inspire change and action.

Santhi Soundarajan and the Flawed Science of Sex

15 Jun 2020  |  caravanmagazine.in
The article recounts the performance of Santhi Soundarajan, an Indian middle-distance runner, at the 2006 Asiad in Doha. It describes her anticipation for the 800m race, her strategy during the race, and her final sprint to the finish line, which earned her a silver medal. The article vividly portrays her physical exhaustion after the race and the subsequent joy of winning a medal. It also mentions the celebration that followed, including media attention, a cash prize from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and job offers from public sector organisations.

Good or bad? When it comes to food, it’s not that simple

28 Feb 2020  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
For decades, fat and cholesterol were considered harmful to health, leading to dietary guidelines that discouraged their consumption. However, recent research by US scientists has found no significant relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol. This shift in understanding highlights the limitations of epidemiology, which can only show correlations, not causations. The new guidelines, based on randomized controlled trials, suggest that replacing fat with carbohydrates does not necessarily prevent heart disease. Despite these findings, the article advises a balanced approach to diet, emphasizing moderation.

All alien invasive species are guilty until proven innocent

01 Aug 2018  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article discusses the controversial nature of invasive alien species, focusing on the vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora) in Delhi. Initially introduced by the British for its resilience, the plant has since been both praised for its utility and criticized for its ecological impact. The text explores the broader debate on whether alien species should be eradicated to restore native ecosystems or if they can play a beneficial role in the Anthropocene epoch. It highlights the shifting perspectives on ecological balance and the role of human intervention in shaping natural landscapes.

What India should look like in 2100

30 Jun 2018  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article discusses the vision for India's future, focusing on urban development, environmental conservation, and social justice. It highlights the controversy over tree cutting in New Delhi for redevelopment, sparking debates on class, power, and sustainability. The article references the book 'Alternative futures: India Unshackled,' which imagines various utopian futures for India, emphasizing justice and ecological integrity. It explores different perspectives on ideal cities, conservation, Adivasi rights, legal systems, and social structures, advocating for a comprehensive transformation to achieve greater justice, equality, and sustainability.

Is brain science romanticised?

16 Jun 2018  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article critiques the romanticized view of brain science, often referred to as the 'cerebral mystique,' which deifies the brain as the sole repository of intelligence and creativity. Alan Jasanoff's book 'The Biological Mind' challenges this notion, arguing that the brain is deeply interconnected with the body and environment. The article discusses the historical and cultural roots of this mystique and its implications for fields like criminal justice and mental health. Despite significant funding, projects like the European Union's Human Brain Project have failed to deliver on their ambitious promises, highlighting the pitfalls of this overly simplistic view of the brain.

Binary blunders

15 Jan 2018  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
India's transgender community is protesting against the Union government's rejection of amendments to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, which critics argue restricts the right to self-identify. The bill's definition of 'transgender' and the authority given to a District Screening Committee are points of contention. The article explores the complex interplay between sex and gender, highlighting scientific research that challenges traditional binaries and advocating for the abolition of gender as a concept. It also discusses the cultural and historical perspectives on gender and sex, emphasizing the need for societal acceptance and legal recognition of diverse gender identities.

Cautionary tales

15 Dec 2017  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article reviews Jean Dreze's book 'Sense and Solidarity: Jholawala Economics for Everyone,' highlighting his critical perspective on India's economic and social policies. Dreze critiques the disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished, the inefficacy of food subsidies, and the flawed poverty thresholds set by the Tendulkar Committee. He advocates for policies like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to alleviate poverty and empower marginalized communities. The review underscores the importance of public-spiritedness and ethical considerations in creating a just society.

The Faustian temptations of big data

01 Nov 2017  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article discusses the implications of Big Data on privacy and freedom, in light of the Supreme Court of India declaring privacy a fundamental right. It explores the potential of Big Data to be used by governments and corporations for surveillance and control, as evidenced by the Aadhaar project in India and the NSA's PRISM program in the US. The article also touches on the ethical concerns of predictive analytics, as used by Palantir, and the risks of dehumanization and loss of individual autonomy. It questions the balance between the benefits of Big Data in governance and the invasion of personal privacy, highlighting the need for robust data protection laws. The article concludes by reflecting on the challenges of resisting the corporate-state surveillance nexus and the importance of maintaining individual privacy rights.

Breaking the mould

01 Aug 2017  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
Humanity's extensive use of antibiotics, initially hailed as wonder drugs, has led to a critical crisis of antibiotic resistance. This resistance threatens to render common medical procedures and treatments ineffective, posing a severe public health risk. The article highlights the misuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and agriculture, particularly in countries like India, China, and the US. It also discusses the historical context of antibiotic development and the ongoing struggle to manage microbial resistance. Despite some efforts by governments and researchers, the scale of the problem suggests that more comprehensive and immediate actions are necessary to mitigate the impending health crisis.

Beyond DNA

30 Jun 2017  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
The article discusses the controversy surrounding a booklet issued by the Union Ministry of AYUSH advising pregnant women on lifestyle choices, which sparked criticism for promoting unscientific and antiquated ideas. It delves into the emerging science of epigenetics, which explores how life experiences and environmental factors can influence genetic traits. The article reviews Maurizio Meloni's book 'Political Biology,' which traces the history of human heredity from Darwin to modern epigenetics, highlighting the interplay between science and political ideologies. Meloni's work is praised for its comprehensive analysis, though it is noted to be dense for lay readers. The article underscores the importance of skepticism towards scientific theories that may carry political implications, especially in the context of rising reactionary forces.

What if the Lazarus returns

15 Apr 2017  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
Scientists have recently discovered the highland wild dog in New Guinea, a species not seen in the wild for over 50 years. This discovery, along with potential sightings of the Tasmanian tiger, has sparked discussions on de-extinction, the process of reviving extinct species through genetic engineering. While some scientists are optimistic about the potential of de-extinction, others raise ethical and practical concerns. The article explores various de-extinction projects, including efforts to clone the woolly mammoth and other extinct species. Critics argue that de-extinction could divert attention from conserving existing species and habitats. The debate highlights the complex interplay between science, ethics, and conservation in the Anthropocene era.

Legal gimmick

15 Apr 2017  |  www.downtoearth.org.in
A recent judgment by the Uttarakhand High Court granted the Ganga river and its tributaries the status of legal persons, invoking the faith of millions of Hindus. The decision aligns with a global trend of recognizing the rights of nature, as seen in Ecuador, Bolivia, and New Zealand. Critics argue that the judgment lacks practical clarity and that existing legal frameworks could suffice to protect the environment. The article questions the selective application of this status to the Ganga and criticizes the current Indian government's environmental policies.

What on earth is “ayurgenomics” anyway?

12 Apr 2014  |  The Caravan
The BJP's 2014 election manifesto included a commitment to integrate ayurveda with modern science through 'ayurgenomics,' a term coined by Mitali Mukerji and her team at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology. Mukerji's research aims to link ayurvedic classifications of individuals with genetic markers, suggesting potential for personalized medicine. Despite limited peer debate and some criticism, Mukerji remains optimistic, supported by a substantial CSIR grant and potential Western collaborations. The article highlights the political and scientific dimensions of promoting ayurveda in India.
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