The episode of the "Three Things" show discusses several topics including the issue of doping in athletics, the debate over focusing on improving the GDP or solving the unemployment crisis in India, and the impact of recent rainfall on Indian farmers.
In the athletics segment, the program highlights the issue of doping in sports, particularly at the state level. The episode discusses how many athletes are avoiding competitions due to the presence of anti-doping officials, and how some athletes are using performance-enhancing drugs to avail benefits of government schemes. The show also notes the prevalence of EPO syringes, a drug used to increase oxygen levels in the blood, in athletic venues.
The discussion on the GDP and unemployment crisis in India is based on a report by the Azim Premji University, which found that for every one percent increase in GDP, the degree of employment created was far less than one percent. This suggests that focusing solely on GDP growth may not necessarily lead to job creation.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of September rains on Indian farmers, particularly in the context of the extended dry spell of August. The rains have been described as a "pleasant surprise" and have alleviated concerns about food inflation. However, the show also notes that challenges remain, particularly for rice and pulses production.
1. The Delhi State Athletics Championship had a low turnout of athletes due to the presence of anti-doping officials.
2. Many athletes did not show up to the championship, and those who did were often chased by anti-doping officials.
3. A video of syringes in the boys' washroom at the championship went viral and reached higher-ups in the ministry.
4. The video led to a special push for doping tests at the championship.
5. The azim premji university released a report called "The State of Working India" that looked at the relationship between GDP and employment in India.
6. According to the report, for every 1% increase in GDP, the degree of employment created was far less than 1%.
7. The employment elasticity in India has been falling since 1983.
8. The report found that the jobs generated by an increasing GDP are not distributed equally in the economy.
9. The Indian government has been trying to increase its GDP to become the world's biggest economy.
10. A dry spell in August was the driest since 1901, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
11. The dry spell was devastating for farmers, who typically expect to receive the highest levels of rainfall in July and August.
12. The overall rainfall deficit in the country was 36.2% in August.
13. Farmers struggled to keep their crops alive, and those who succeeded had to depend on dams managed by the irrigation department or tap into underground water reserves.
14. September brought 17% surplus rain, which was a pleasant surprise for farmers.
15. The recent rains alleviated concerns about food inflation, but challenges still remain.