What is positive discipline, and is it just permissiveness?

No — the distinguishing feature is that limits are firm while the relationship stays warm, which is different from both authoritarian control and permissiveness. In practice: consistent boundaries that are explained, consequences that connect logically to the behaviour rather than arbitrary punishment, and repair after conflict. It is more demanding of the parent than shouting, because it requires regulating yourself first. Evidence consistently favours this approach over physical punishment, which is associated with worse behavioural outcomes and remains common in Indian households. Children raised this way generally have more self-control, not less.