UNCLE SAM REMAINS THE MOST UNIQUE TALENT MAGNET

 

The United States of America is a country like no other. It remains the 'go to' destination for all those who aspire to live the American dream anywhere in the world! For the aspirational middle class of India it is like a magnet and students flock in massive numbers to study in American universities and then work in the Silicon Valley, hospitals and other industries in America. As many as 211,930 Indian students were recorded in the United States as of 2022, and Indian students pumped USD 7.6 billion into the US economy during the 2019-20 period.

 

The country-cap on Green Cards has been slammed as 'discriminatory' by Indian-American advocacy groups, particularly because its leaves qualified Indian professionals in the US waiting for decades to obtain permanent residency. Permanent residency is an important factor for many Indian students, and this is reflected in comparative admission rate trends in the US and Canada. US lawmakers have expressed their disapproval of the US immigration system that has driven international students, particularly those from India, north to Canada. This is particularly because Indian investment in the United States totaled $12.7 billion, supporting over 70,000 American jobs and Indian immigrants contribute more than $ 2 trillion annually to the U.S economy!

 

Indian Americans are the second-largest immigrant group in the United States. As the number of Indian-origin residents in the United States has swelled north of 4 million, so too has their economic, political, and social influence. But how Indian Americans choose to deploy this influence remains an open question. Their economic, academic, social and political influence is palpable and as a group they punch far above their weight. If you are interested in looking at how Indians are faring in the US then just click on this Wikipedia hyperlink: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_Americans

 

Four Indian Americans have received the Nobel Prize – Dr. Hargobing Khorana (1968), Subramanyan Chandrashekar (1983), Venkataraman Ramakrishnan (2009) and Abhijit Banerjee (2019). At least 50 Deans and Presidents of educational and research institutions, more than 20 CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and innumerable number of high end performers in the field of Medicine & Healthcare, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, Art & Entertainment, Media, Business and Literature all people of Indian origin today call America their home!    

 

So, what makes the US such a talent magnet that attracts so many middle class Indians. Why are Indian parents taking big bank loans, mortgaging their properties, to buy education in American universities and ultimately a successful, fruitful and comfortable American life for their children? Honestly, I don’t know the answer. The rise in disposable income has led to a large number of middle class families aspiring for a better quality of life and their children gaining exposure to global education. Compared to the past, parents now have greater flexibility when it comes to sending their children overseas. They have access to various methods of funding their child’s education and hence reduce the burden of financial hurdles and paperwork. A global education opportunity goes a long way in enhancing their children’s chances of securing a better quality of life, career prospects and in acquiring skills required to ace the international job market. It also allows students to gain an edge over the talent pool in their home country.

But, the question remains, why America? As a visitor my impression of this country is…..mixed. It is neither the most beautiful, nor the most peaceful and nowhere close to home. From having the world's largest economy to the largest national debt, the largest energy consumer and food waster, this country, the U.S.A, is one of its kind. Take a look at these eye-opening numbers:

 

1. The population had exceeded 321 million people by the end of the year 2015. Some 62.6% of the US population is white, whereas a further 17% of the population is Hispanic or Latin American. African Americans account for 13.2% of the population. The remaining percentage of the total consists of Asian Americans, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as those that have at least two races in their ethnic makeup. 

 

2. During the 2015 tax year, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assessed a total income tax of $1.454 trillion on Americans from a total of 150.6 million tax returns. This showed that the average American owed $9,655 in income tax at the time the statistics were collected. Seeing as the average gross income for Americans was calculated at $71,258 in 2015, this equates to an effective federal income tax rate of 13.5%.

 

3. The US national debt has increased by a factor of more than 68 since 1960. During that year, the figure stood at a relatively reasonable $286 billion, however it is soon set to break through the $20 TRILLION barrier by the end of this year. This figure means that the US national debt is now in excess of 105% of its gross domestic product. In other words, the country is in more debt than the total value of goods it produces and services it provides over the course of a year. 

 

4. Covering some 665,384 square miles, Alaska is by far the largest US state. In fact, it’s well over twice the size of Texas, which covers 268,596 square miles. On the other hand, at just 1,544 square miles, Rhode Island is almost 1,000 square miles smaller than the next smallest state – Delaware. This means that Rhode Island can fit into Alaska no less than 429 times.

 

5. Residents of the United States are among the most resource-intensive people on earth, with the average American using 35 times more resources than the average person in India. Sadly, Americans have become a “disposable” culture as a result. The most shocking statistic in this regard is food wastage, with at least one-third of all food in the United States being thrown away without being eaten. Each day, Americans throw away a mind-blowing 1.4 billion tons of waste.  

 

6. Despite the US population accounting for just 4.4% of the global total, the country uses 18% of the world’s entire energy supply. In contrast, China accounts for some 19.6% of the global population, however it only overtook the US as the world’s largest energy consumer in 2011.

 

7. Americans believe in a lot of spiritual or supernatural things, as well as conspiracy theories. Some 42% of them believe that ghosts are real, with the percentage rising to 77% for those that believe in angels. A particularly telling figure is the 7% of the population that believes the moon landings were faked, as is the 40% figure for Americans who believe that global warming has nothing to do with human activity.

 

8. There are almost 256 million vehicles in the United States shared between over 321 million people, meaning that the country has the highest number of vehicles per capita in the entire world (barring the microstate of San Marino and the principality of Monaco). For every 1,000 US inhabitants, there are 797 cars. 

 

9. Sometimes, the American dream remains well out of reach for people, even after they’ve been to college and (inevitably) piled on a mountain of debt to pay for it. The United States is home to 115,000 janitors that hold college degrees, which is a reflection of the so-called “higher education bubble”, which has seen more than 50% of recent college graduates facing underemployment or unemployment. There are also 83,000 bartenders, 80,000 truck drivers and 323,000 waiters and waitresses that hold college degrees in the United States.

 

10. According to the worldwide consulting company, Gallup, the United States is the second most generous country in the world after Myanmar (formerly Burma). While Myanmarese generosity is driven by the Buddhist belief in a good deed serving individuals well when they come to be reincarnated, US generosity is driven by a sense of civic duty – to the point where, in 2014, Americans gave away over $258 billion to non-profit organizations. Needless to say, generosity and politics go hand in hand, but there is no denying that U.S aid is always amongst the first to reach in an hour of crisis anywhere in the world.

 

The most important magnet that draws immigrants to the U.S is its economy. Over the last five decades it has held 24 to 25% of the share of Global GDP. It outlasted one potential economic competitor Japan, whose GDP rose to 70% of the U.S GDP in mid 90s and it outmaneuvered one military competitor, the erstwhile USSR. In fact, the U.S spends more on military than the next 10 powers combined and so can call the shots in all the continents. China threatened to overtake it after three decades of stellar growth but is now stalling and sliding back. A strong economy, a vibrant democracy, a multi cultural, multi ethnic and multi-religious society and innumerable opportunities all form a heady cocktail for immigrant talents.

The United States has a long tradition of welcoming people from all backgrounds and cultures as is a great place for people that are looking to live outside of their home country. Education, health, career opportunities, economy are all favourably stacked for immigrants. Science and technology is at its cutting edge and that takes care of the FOMO (fear of missing out) factor among the competitive lot. Living space is affordable and culinary culture is diverse to suit every palate. Travel and transportation is easy and it can be a paradise for nature lovers. All this when they come together favourably, what you get is living ‘the great American dream!’

 

DEEPFAKE CLEVERLY REBRANDED AS GENERATIVE AI

 

Only a few weeks ago I wrote a blog on the possible misadventures of Artificial Intelligence (AI). I told you how celebrities like movie stars, sportspersons and politicians, who have iconic attributes like looks, style, voice, singing abilities and mannerisms are at risk of being both misused and monetized by AI.  To read it you can click: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2023/10/now-no-more-fake-jhakkaas-and-dhai-kilo.html

Generative AI's power lies in its ability to create content including text, images, code etc, as well as offering services as seamless translation. The algorithms are trained on massive data to help them decode patterns, which they deploy to create content. So, a text prompt can an image of say 'purple parrot eating yellow chilies while driving a Ferrari.'

This can look fantastic, but it also has multiple dangers. Generative AI can be used for scams by creating realistic fake video and cloning voices. Now imagine Joe Biden or Donald Trump giving the speech of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in their original but cloned voice where they are criticizing Israel and the U.S and promising free Palestine 'from river to the sea!' What do you think will be the effect of this video on the next Presidential election? This is the power of Deepfakes and it will be impossible to separate them from genuine particularly by the electorally charged common masses. And all this mischief can be done from a nondescript AI platform in Xinjiang!

Deepfakes are not new, they have been around since 2016. Though initially it was just a joke, the technology has improved tremendously, and is doing so almost every week. It started with photoshopped face swaps but now we have lip sync deepfakes. Snapchat, FaceApp, and similar apps have popularized face-swapping, which is the basis for deepfake technology. The very term ‘deepfake’ comes from a Reddit user, who in early days of this technology, created porn. Whoever changed this name to Generative AI not only successfully rebranded it but gave it the respectability it never had.

Deepfakes are manipulated images or videos created using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to replace someone’s face or voice with another person’s, creating a new identity. Basically, deepfake technology utilizes deep learning algorithms that can learn how to solve problems by analyzing large amounts of data to make alterations. The algorithms enable the creation of synthetic media that can mimic a person’s appearance and voice with remarkable accuracy.

Thus, an audio can be created by synthesizing the voice of Donald Trump and then the mouth of Donald, standing on the podium or sitting behind his desk can be changed and you have a lip synced image of Donald saying whatever rubbish you want him to say! Ok, I agree it was not the best example, because Donald has uttered the craziest possible things in the past, but you certainly would be surprised if instead of ‘America first’ he is made to say ‘China first’ or ‘Palestine first’!

 

Detecting Deepfakes

Detecting deepfakes is getting more difficult as the technology that creates deepfakes is getting more sophisticated. In 2018, researchers in the United States demonstrated that deepfake faces didn’t blink like humans do, which was considered a great way to detect if images and videos were fake or not. However, as soon as the study was published, deepfake creators started fixing this, making it even more difficult to detect deepfakes. Oftentimes, the research that is designed to help detect deepfakes just ends up helping make deepfake technology better. Just like every anti-virus programme for computers is outsmarted by a new set of viruses, same is the situation with deepfakes.

However, not all deepfakes are products of sophisticated technology. Poor-quality material is usually easier to detect, as the lip syncs may not match well or the skin tone may seem odd. Additionally, details like hair strands are often harder for deepfake technicians to create. Studies have also shown that jewelry, teeth and skin that create erratic reflections can also reveal deepfakes. Here are some of the top methods to identify a deepfake:

1. Look for inconsistencies: Deepfakes often have inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, and reflections that are not present in real media.
2. Analyze the audio: Pay attention to the audio in the video. Deepfakes may have unnatural or inconsistent audio quality, such as variations in background noise or voice pitch.
3. Check for unnatural movements: Deepfakes may have artificial movements that are not typical of real people. Look for glitches or distortions in the video that do not match natural movement patterns.
4. Compare with known sources: Deepfakes are often created by merging two or more existing videos or images. By comparing the deepfake with known sources, you can identify discrepancies.
5. Use deepfake detection tools: Several tools have been developed to help identify deepfakes. These tools analyze various aspects of the media, such as facial expressions, eye movements, and skin textures, to detect if the media is manipulated. Microsoft’s Video Authenticator detects blending boundaries and grayscale elements invisible to the human eye, while Facebook’s Reverse Engineering detects fingerprints left by an AI model. 

 

Why are celebrities and politicians the usual targets?

To produce a convincing deepfake video, two machine learning models are utilized: one generates fake videos from a dataset of sample videos, and the other identifies whether the video is real or fake.  Deepfakes are often enhanced by Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), another type of machine learning. The GAN technique trains these two models to compete against each other until the second model can no longer distinguish between real and fake videos. The outcome is a deepfake that appears realistic to human viewers. Now, GAN is most effective in generating realistic deepfakes when a vast dataset is accessible for it to learn from. This is why celebrities and politicians are popular targets for deepfakes. They have a significant public presence and provide abundant material for AI to capitalize on. No wonder Barak Obama, Rashmika Mandhans, Katrina Kaif and Kajol are the recent targets!

 

Generative AI and Copyright

Generative AI pays no heed to copyright while creating content and there are well founded rumors that ChatGPT could soon be entangled in copyright lawsuits. There is a genuine concern about the data used for training in Generative AI and writers have sued it for copyright violation alleging that their training is on pirated text. The U.S Federal Trade Commission is also investigating if OpenAI violated consumer protection laws by scraping public data and publishing false information. Generative AI can in fact state false information and cite fake citations as fact, which in their lingo is called 'hallucinations'.

 

Primary concerns surrounding deepfakes

These include:

• Political implications,
• Social implications and gendered use
• Economic implications.

1. Political Implications of Deepfakes

The potential of deepfakes in a political context could harm democratic processes or otherwise disrupt government policy and sow discord among citizens. This is particularly true in a multi cultural, multi religious and multi ethnic democracy like India and the U.S. The ability to create convincing fake videos of political leaders can lead to confusion, disinformation, and a loss of trust in public institutions. In addition, such forms of disinformation could manipulate and distort the complicated media ecosystem. Deepfakes can potentially sway public opinion and change voting habits, but so can online misinformation. However, all agree that deepfakes contribute to the “liar’s dividend” problem and sow uncertainty, reducing trust in online news. Deepfakes can also cause short-term and long-term social harm and accelerate the already declining trust in traditional media. Such erosion can contribute to a culture of factual relativism, fraying the increasingly strained civil society fabric.

An ongoing war or agitation becomes a fertile field for deepfakes. We have seen this in Ukraine war and more so in the Palestine conflict. Twelve months apart we can see the technology used in the latter is twice as good, twice as fast, double the uptick and half the price! Indian social media has been bombarded by deepfakes during the Farmer’s agitation and the CAA and NRC agitations demonizing the government.

While legislation to ban political deepfakes would be challenged in the courts by our champions of freedom of expression, social media platforms can still limit or prohibit their use if the government compels them to do so. It will still be necessary to remain vigilant about verifying the authenticity of online media. Technology companies such as Facebook and Google are combating the spread of deepfakes by detecting and removing manipulated content using advanced technology. 

 

2. Social Implications and gendered use of Deepfakes

Social media platforms’ domination of our online lives has created an ever-present danger of deepfake content spreading unchecked. Cybercriminals use deepfakes to commit identity theft and online fraud, while individuals fall victim to deepfake-enabled scams.

Women often fall prey to deepfakes. We live in a misogynistic society and the tech sector is usually comprising of young men – white, brown and black. They are weaponising this technology against women to satiate their fantasies and every female photograph on the web can be their object of fantasy.  Historically, the first case of malicious use of deepfake was detected in pornography. According to a sensity.ai, 96% of deepfakes are pornographic videos, with over 135 million views on pornographic websites alone. Deepfake pornography exclusively targets women. Pornographic deepfakes can threaten, intimidate, and inflict psychological harm. It reduces women to sexual objects causing emotional distress, and in some cases, lead to financial loss, loss of reputation, and collateral consequences like job loss.

 

3. Economic Implications of Deepfakes

In today’s information-based economy, deepfakes can cause severe damage to businesses and economies. One of the most significant economic impacts is the potential for market manipulation. Deepfakes can create false or misleading information about a company, leading to changes in stock prices and decisions that benefit the creators of the deepfakes. They can also manipulate financial data, making incorrect predictions and investment decisions. This can ripple effect throughout the economy, as inaccurate financial data can lead to wrong assessments of market trends and risks.

Additionally, deepfakes can harm the reputation of businesses and individuals, resulting in lost revenue and opportunities. The spread of deepfake videos and images can cause negative publicity, mistrust, and loss of credibility, which can be challenging to recover from. The allegations concerning related-party transactions and MPS norms were key to the January 24 Hindenburg report that wiped billions of dollars from the market capitalization of Adani Group's listed companies. This may very well turn out to be the next deepfake!

 

Benefits of Deepfake Technology

Generative AI or Deepfake technology, despite its controversial nature, has various benefits for businesses. This technology is now being used to reshape various industries, from marketing to education and entertainment. Here are some of the positive applications of deepfakes technology:

1. Low-Cost Video Campaigns

With deepfake technology, marketers can create video campaigns without needing an in-person actor. Instead, they can purchase an actor’s identity license and use previous digital recordings of the actor to create a new video. This can save time and money and also allow for easy edits to be made without the need for reshooting. 

2. Hyper-Personalization

Deepfake technology allows brands to provide customers with more personalized messaging and experiences based on their preferences. For instance, a brand can alter a model’s skin tone in their marketing to better suit a customer’s ethnicity or skin color, thus increasing inclusivity and reaching a broader market with their campaigns.

3. Bringing the Deceased Back to Life

Deepfake technology has also created interactive images of deceased artists and celebrities, enabling audiences to engage with them long after passing. Examples include the Florida Dali Museum’s collaboration with advertising company Goodby, Silverstein & Partners to recreate a digital reanimation of Salvador Dali and Snoop Dogg’s music video featuring Tupac.

4. Saving Time and Labor in the Film Industry

Deepfake technology has the potential to save time and labor in the film industry by automating the face-swapping process currently done manually by VFX artists. This allows for more efficient and cost-effective production of films and other media. 

5. Educating People in a More Interactive Way

Deepfake technology also makes online learning more interactive by generating lecture videos from text-based content or audio narration. Additionally, it can be used to construct artificial voices from historical figures, allowing them to tell their stories/speeches with their own voice. 

6. Engaging with Viewers or Customers

Deepfake technology can also engage viewers or customers by providing personalized recommendations and offers to meet their needs. Fashion companies are using virtual fitting rooms where customers can deepfake their faces onto virtual models to see how clothes would look on them.

 

 

From personal reputation to international relations all can be threatened by deepfakes.  Typically, deepfakes are used to purposefully spread false information or they may have a malicious intent behind their use. They can be designed to harass, intimidate, demean and undermine people. Deepfakes can also create misinformation and confusion about important issues.

REMEMBERING MY TEACHER AND MY FATHER

 

During my teenage years in high school, I was given an assignment by my teacher in Colvin, Mr. R.R. Uppadhayya, as a punishment for being talkative in class. The task was to interview a man over the age of 40 and gather enough information about his life to write a brief biography. The purpose was also to discover the man's essential advice for the younger generation. He advised me to interview my father, who incidentally was his friend, and so someone he was very familiar with. These types of punishments were very typical of Colvin of the bygone era.

 

True to his inquisitive nature he asked me what the questions I will ask him are. These should not be things I already know about him being his son. “Then you will be wasting the assignment and giving your own opinion” he said. He then took me to the staff room and suggested some questions. Another senior teacher, Mr. M.G. Rao also got interested and he too suggested a few, and together we decided on eleven questions.

 

I duly completed the assignment but after that completely forgot about it until I stumbled upon an old notebook many years later while cleaning our attic. Inside the notebook were my father's answers to my questions, and it simply amazed me. At the time of the interview, I didn't give much importance to these tips. But now, with hindsight and experience on my side, I realize how accurate and meaningful they were. Today, as a successful Plastic Surgeon, with more than three decades of experience and after bringing up two sons with great satisfaction these answers which my father gave me then, have acquired a whole new meaning. So I wish to share these timeless tips with you - advice that originated from conversations with my father five decades ago.

 

Here are some key insights gleaned from those conversations:

Q: How does it feel to be old?

A: I don’t know; I am only 42. Your experience of your 30s and 40s won't feel like you think they will Adults are basically just bigger versions of children. Despite the passing years and the aging process, we don't feel as old as we may have anticipated. The feeling remains relatively consistent regardless of age, with the only notable difference being that we become wiser and more self-assured if we have made our way successfully, and more bitter and afraid if we have not. The lessons of these ages, if learned, make sure we have already established ourselves in the world and discovered what truly matters to us. Therefore, there is no need to fear growing older; instead, it should be embraced - it can be a wonderful thing!  Add experience to life and not just years.

 

Q: How can I change this world?

A: By changing yourself for sure. Anyone can make a change in the world. Even if you only manage to bring a smile to one person's face, you have succeeded in changing their world for the better. It may not be on a global scale, but it still holds significant value within their personal sphere. By engaging in small acts of kindness and empowerment - such as being fully present in each moment or offering genuine compliments - you can initiate meaningful change both in others' lives and your own. Ultimately, all your good deeds will come back around to benefit you greatly.

 

Q: How can I improve my performance?

A:  Achieving good results requires focused effort. Focus your efforts on smaller tasks rather than trying to tackle numerous areas or pursue grand endeavors. Specialize in a specific area instead. If you spread yourself too thin across a wide range of pursuits, your impact will be minimal. By concentrating on a narrow field, your efforts will have a much greater effect. It may take time for this effect to become apparent, but by consistently directing your energy towards the right place, you will eventually see results.  

 

Q: How do I know I am improving if I don’t compare with others?

A: You cannot be a better version of someone else, then he will always be better, You can only be a better ‘you’. You cannot become the ultimate you without loving yourself. We all want to become a better "me". To reach the best version of yourself, prioritize self-love and personal growth. This is something often put aside in earlier ages in favor of having external fun. While that's great, strive to become who you aspire to be by nurturing both your body and your mind. Never stop seeking knowledge and remain open to different perspectives, even from those who hold contrasting views. Embrace curiosity by asking questions and actively listening to others' ideas. Continually develop yourself and be willing to give back to others as well.

 

Q: Have you ever failed? How did you handle failure?

A: Be prepared to try and try again. Failure is just a stage you will go through to achieve success. It cannot be anything more serious than that. You may well ask "If I attempt something and don't succeed, what will I lose and what will I gain?" My response will be "I'll lose the time that was invested, but in return, I'll gain valuable lessons that will aid me in improving for future attempts." Very few individuals achieve immediate success on their initial try. In reality, it's those who persevere and continue trying who ultimately succeed. Nearly everyone experiences failure initially, so make sure you're not one of those individuals who give up after just one setback. The Wright brothers must have tried a hundred times before their plane took off.

 

Q: You are busy in office and then at home. How do you manage time?

Be smart about your time. The older you get, the more you will realize this. It seems so plentiful in the beginning, and yet so precious later in life. We cannot get it back. So, it's incredibly important to regularly evaluate our responsibilities and adapt accordingly as changes arise. Additionally, it is essential to uphold the virtues of honesty, commitment, and kindness towards our loved ones. Sometimes, we may need to temporarily set aside certain tasks in order to prioritize others that hold greater importance. This should not be seen as a negative thing - it is impossible for us to accomplish everything at once, and there's no need for us to attempt such feat either. The key lies in investing our time wisely in what truly matters. Priorities in life are important and right now the education of my children is my first priority.

 

Q: How do you plan your expenses?

A: Money is a facilitator, one of the means to achieve comfort in life, nothing more.  Be smart about your money. Money is only a means to an end, it is what money represents that makes it important. It gives freedom; freedom from certain worries, freedom to move and change your life and be flexible. Not to mention, we spend a lot of our precious time making it! So avoid the many temptations to throw away your money. The world is full of traps for you and your hard-earned cash. Avoid those who promise you quick gains and have patience. Those who wait and invest in the long-run are usually those who can retire without care. But time is much more precious than money.

 

Q: You perform puja twice every day, but I don’t; am I missing something

A: We all are performing puja every day when we try to make this a better world for all the creations of God, humans, animals, plants and our mother earth. You don’t have to recite shlokas, sing hyms or offer namaz to please God. He is most pleased when you help His children, protect His creations, and preserve this nature for generations to come. If you can bring a smile in even a single face every day then you can bring happiness in the lives of 365 people and their families every year. Now imagine how many lives you can change for the better in your lifetime! This is true puja.

 

Q: Do you have dreams?

A: Dreams will forever stay dreams unless you act. Dreams will remain mere fantasies if we fail to take action towards their realization. Merely wishing or dreaming without proactive steps will not lead anywhere of significant or tangible progress. There are many fears that keep us from fulfilling our dreams. Most of these are even valid, but dreams are dreams because they are not that easy to achieve, and many require either sacrifice or a large gamble. If you really want your dream, if it is a big part of who you are - make a bold move. You only live once, and living with "What ifs" is often worse than mere failure.  Trying and failing is better than not trying and regretting.

 

Q: How can I achieve my dreams?

A: If you really want something, you must be ready to sacrifice for it. Sacrifice is a part of being alive. So many of us only dream the dream, but never think of the sacrifices one must make to get that dream realized. Swami Vivekananda, Gandhi ji, Lata Mangeshkar, Vinoo Mankad, Satyajit Ray did not become famous and successful because they dreamt big, they burnt the midnight oil and made huge sacrifices to achieve their dreams. One must be able to sacrifice, because the perfect opportunity doesn't appear for most people. You must take what is offered to you by life, even if it means you must make concessions and sacrifices. So, instead of solely pondering what you want - whether dreams or goals - inquire within yourself: "What am I willing to relinquish in order to attain my desires?" or "What am I prepared to invest in order to achieve what I yearn for?"

 

Q: Are you afraid of death?

A: Life is limiting, and there is beauty in that fact. Time, our most precious resource, is a finite thing for us humans. We don't have the time to read every book ever written, watch every movie, or visit every city. In this game of life, we are often faced with limitations. The most important thing is not to bemoan this fact but use it to shape yourself. How will you respond to these circumstances life has thrown upon you? You can either focus on what you lack or focus on what you have and what you will use to get where you want to go. Death is inevitable but by practicing good habits untimely death is avoidable. Leo Tolstoy has said that “painless death is the greatest satisfaction of life” but then that is not in our hands so why worry? 

 

URBAN AIR POLLUTION – IS THERE A WAY OUT?

Urban air pollution refers to the air pollution in and around cities. Denser populations experience more urban air pollution. Urbanization and rapid industrialization have benefited mankind and made the life of humans easier and comfortable. However, both urbanization and industrialization also pose harm to mankind, the top of which is air pollution. According to World Health Organization (WHO) 4.2 million deaths every year occur as a result of exposure to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. Although there are some natural sources of urban air pollution, most of the sources are anthropogenic and largely depend on the activities of people.

 

Urban air pollution is caused by burning fossil fuels, industrialization, power generation, combustion and agriculture. Nature has a relatively smaller contribution in the form of volcanic eruptions, thunders, dust from the earth’s surface and naturally occurring particulate matter. The quality of urban air is indicated by the quantity of certain pollutants in the air, like Ozone (O₃), Particulate Matter (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅), Sulfur Oxides, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon monoxide (CO) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

 

Sources of Urban Air Pollution

Transportation

The use of private vehicles (particularly older, diesel models) is the major source of urban air pollution. The Government of India (GOI) has cancelled the registration of all private vehicles that are more than 15 years old. Bharat Stage or BS Emission Standards are government-instituted emission standards that all motor vehicles have to comply with if they are to be sold and driven in India. Currently, all new vehicles sold and registered in India should be compliant with the BS-VI iteration of emission standards. About one-quarter of particulate matter in the air is due to vehicles.

Domestic use of fossil fuels

Half of the world population still relies on solid fuels for cooking and heating. These fuels, including wood, charcoal and coal, are burned in inefficient stoves that release large quantities of health-damaging particulate matter and climate warming pollutants into the nearby environment. In addition, it is estimated that 1.2 billion people light their home with kerosene lamps additionally contributing to air pollution and increasing risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. GOI’s Ujjwala Yojna by which cooking gas cylinders are being provided to poor households to wean them out of firewood cooking is a small step in that direction.

Industrialization

Industrialization is also a major contributor to urban air pollution as the area having industries particularly show poor air quality. Factories release many toxic gases due to the burning of fossil fuels and the use of chemicals. These gases react with each other and with other atmospheric constituents. It is estimated that around 80 different toxins can be found in the air emitted by factories, from asbestos and dioxin to lead and chromium. For developing countries like India development is non-negotiable but by making a purposeful thrust towards clean energy – solar, wind and hydro, the GOI hopes to achieve its bit of the main goal of the Paris Climate Accord which is to limit global warming to well below 2° Celsius and preferably limit it to 1.5° Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

Power generation

With increased population, there is an increased energy demand. To fulfill that demand, fossil fuels are tremendously being used to generate energy as they are cheap and readily. The coal powered power plants are a major source of urban air pollution. Continuing urbanization and development means more power requirement but the challenge is to get this additional power from clean sources like the sun, wind and water, and safe nuclear energy instead of fossil fuel.

Combustion and agriculture

Combustion of material is an activity that releases toxic gases in the atmosphere and contributes to urban air pollution. Combustion releases CO2 and incomplete combustion releases CO. Both of these gases lead to urban air pollution. Agriculture activities also release other gases in the atmosphere such as Nitrous Oxide and Methane. In North India this is a yearly menace which raises its ugly head as the winter approaches. The farmers indulge in stubble burning. This is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc. It is usually required in areas that use the combined harvesting method which leaves crop residue behind.

The major reason behind the stubble burning is the short time available between rice harvesting and sowing of wheat as delay in sowing wheat affects the wheat crop. This is the cheapest method to prepare the field for the next crop but it does incalculable harm to the soli, to the environment and to our health. Stubble burning emits toxic pollutants in the atmosphere containing harmful gases like Carbon Monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOC). These pollutants disperse in the surroundings and eventually affect air quality and people's health by forming a thick blanket of smog. Respiratory infections and asthma take a yearly toll as does the quality of urban life. The soil fertility too suffers. Soil becomes less fertile and its nutrients are destroyed when the husk is burned. Stubble burning generates heat that penetrates into the soil, causing an increase in erosion, loss of useful microbes and moisture.

Social Customs

Fire is associated with all Hindu customs right from birth to death. A survey by the United Nations shows that 400-500 kg of wood is required to cremate one body, and according to a report in CNN, 50 to 60 million trees are burned during cremations every year in India. More than seven million Hindus die each year. New Delhi has about 400 traditional cremation grounds, while Mumbai has around 300 so you can imagine the amount of pollution this custom contributes to. GOI has set up electric crematoriums in all cities but the traditional Hindu still stays away from them.

Beauty Products

A recent study suggests that the use of beauty products also contributes to urban air pollution. Most of the cosmetics and perfumes contain VOCs, which are released during their use and contribute to urban air pollution. With more population, the use of these beauty products is increasing and so the pollution.

 

How to address this problem?

As the causes of urban air pollution are multi-factorial, this battle has to be fought at multiple fronts. The answer does not lie exclusively in legal actions as the society has to understand the problem and bring about some behavioral changes and a conscious change in certain customs. The governments too will have to boldly go for what is the safer and unchartered road and leave the easy and the harmful path.

 

Encourage Sustainable / Public Transportation

In urban cities due to importance of time people choose to travel from their personal vehicle than public transport. Encouraging the use of sustainable transportation options can significantly reduce pollution levels. Melbourne and Vienna, the two most livable cities of the world have trams plying the roads as the common man’s transport! Investing in public transportation systems, promoting cycling infrastructure, and incentivizing the use of electric vehicles can all play a important role in reducing air pollution. Carpooling and ride-sharing initiatives can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, leading to improved air quality.

Enhance Industrial Emission Controls

Implementing stricter emission control regulations and standards for industrial activities can help mitigate the impact of their emissions. Encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies, regular environmental monitoring and enforcement of emission standards are vital to ensure compliance and protect air quality in urban areas.

Promote Sustainable Construction Practices

Encourage sustainable construction practices that minimize dust and emissions during building projects. Implement measures to control construction dust, such as using water sprays, covering construction sites, and properly managing construction waste.

Promote Energy Efficiency

Energy production and consumption are major contributors to air pollution. Promoting energy efficiency measures can help reduce emissions from power plants and residential buildings. Encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances, promoting renewable energy sources, and implementing building codes that prioritize energy efficiency can all contribute to reducing air pollution in cities. By adopting sustainable energy practices, we can not only improve air quality but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Implement Green Spaces and Urban Planning

Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, play a vital role in mitigating air pollution in cities. Trees and plants act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Incorporating green spaces into urban planning initiatives can help create a healthier urban environment. We have discussed the importance of the Third Place in one of our previous blogs: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-third-places.html

Urban planners can also prioritize the development of pedestrian-friendly zones and promote mixed-use developments, reducing the need for extensive vehicular transportation and improving air quality in city centres. I have, in one of my previous blogs discussed the importance of  Pedestrian friendly zones: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-pleasure-of-walking.html

Improve Vehicle Efficiency

Implement stricter emission standards for vehicles and support the adoption of cleaner technologies. Incentivize the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, and promote the development of charging infrastructure. Encourage regular vehicle maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reduced emissions.

France has Crit’Air stickers on cars. The stickers identify a vehicle’s emissions levels and, in some cases, restrict access in the quest for less polluted cities. France’s zones à faibles émissions mobilite (ZFE-m), its clean air scheme for vehicles. All of Paris is now a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Only vehicles with a Crit’Air 3, 2 or 1 sticker are allowed to enter. Similarly in 2023, more than 70 German cities have Umweltzones, low-emission zones where vehicles need an Umweltplakette emissions sticker to enter. Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent in Belgium have low emission zones. Registration is required for foreign-registered vehicles entering Brussels’ LEZ. Vehicles entering the Brussels LEZ without registering in advance are liable for a fine of €150. Several Italian cities now have LEZs, including Rome, Naples, Milan, Bolzano, Bologna, Florence, Modena, Parma and Ravenna. Between Monday and Saturday, only petrol vehicles that meet the Euro 3 standard and diesel powered vehicles that comply with Euro 4 are allowed to enter the city. All major cities in Spain now operate LEZs. Windscreen stickers are mandatory to drive a vehicle in a controlled zone, with fines for non-compliance.

Raise Awareness and Educate

Public awareness and education are key elements in the fight against air pollution. Informing citizens about the health risks associated with air pollution and the actions they can take to reduce it can drive positive change. This should start from school level. Educational campaigns, workshops, and community engagement programs can help raise awareness about sustainable living practices and encourage individuals to make environmentally conscious choices. By empowering citizens with knowledge, we can foster a collective responsibility towards reducing air pollution.

Strengthen Waste Management Practices

Improper waste management contributes to air pollution through the release of toxic gases and the burning of waste. Implementing effective waste management systems, including recycling programs, waste segregation, and controlled waste disposal facilities, can help minimize pollution from solid waste. Encouraging composting and reducing single-use plastics can also contribute to reducing waste and, subsequently, air pollution.

Collaborate and Advocate for Change

Addressing air pollution requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, organizations, businesses, and citizens. Advocacy groups can play a crucial role in driving policy changes and promoting sustainable practices. By working together, sharing knowledge and resources, and advocating for stricter regulations, we can create a collective impact in reducing air pollution in cities.

Implement Air Quality Monitoring

Develop comprehensive air quality monitoring networks to track pollution levels in real-time. Install monitoring stations throughout the city to gather data on various pollutants. This information can guide decision-making, help identify pollution hotspots, and evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control measures.

 

Reducing air pollution in cities is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing sustainable transportation options, enhancing industrial emission controls, promoting energy efficiency, integrating green spaces, raising awareness, strengthening waste management practices, and fostering collaboration, cities can make significant strides in improving air quality. 

It is our collective responsibility to prioritize the health and well-being of urban populations by taking action against air pollution and creating cleaner, more livable cities for generations to come.