The Public Newsense

Consumers are all too familiar with the frequent power cuts - both from personal experience and from the many newspaper reports on this.

More than a decade ago, I was living in the nation’s capital. Navigating New Delhi’s traffic, dredging up my high school Hindi and coping with work and managing my own place was quite a juggling feat. In the middle of this, I got a call from my landlord gently chiding me for not paying the previous month’s rent. But I distinctly remembered writing the cheque and depositing it and so couldn’t fathom what had gone wrong. Anyhow, I promised him I would look into it and if needed pay double with the next cheque. My landlord, being a lovely person, was content with that promise. 

In the previous edition of this article, we explored the concept of greenwashing, looking at  consumer impact in particular. This will  explore some of the tangible steps like formulating frameworks to protect consumers from greenwashing strategies, and how countries can tackle  this issue at a global level. We will also look at how Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) is evolving to meet these new found challenges. 

Recently, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) announced they were in the process of introducing several technological upgrades, including the installation of cameras with ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) and speed detection systems. Such automated systems are common across the world but have just started coming into the picture in India. 

The importance of food safety cannot be overstated, especially with  accessibility and convenience taking priority over health and nutrition in our modern lives. Questions around food safety become more crucial as e-com portals enter the space. Food shopping on e-com portals adds a layer of anonymity to the foods we purchase and consume.  Traditionally, food shopping would have taken several trips to the grocery store or fresh foods market, with much deliberating, sniffing, handling and haggling before the purchase was made.

Bicycles were associated with wealthy young men in the early part of the 20th century, particularly being favoured by the sahibs and the Indian elite. In a few years, as bicycles became more common and popular, the prestige waned. By the 1920s it was not seemly for a senior official of the Raj to gallivant about on a cycle. A horse or carriage was seen as a better way to maintain distance and underline class distinctions. It was also not deemed acceptable to turn up to work or elsewhere looking hot and bothered due to cycling in the tropical weather.

Climate change is uprooting lives and communities in India, leaving behind a trail of destruction that is hard to ignore. The lush terrain that once sustained millions is now turning into barren wastelands, as climate change continues to ravage the country. The scorching heat waves, erratic rainfall patterns, and devastating floods are leaving no stone unturned in upending the lives of millions of people, particularly those in rural areas.

A recent survey  found that 66% of  consumers  prefer to purchase eco-friendly products. Consumers are now more environmentally conscious and their preferences have shifted to reflect this.