Global Indian Times Podcast

(Photo: Manoj Badale, part owner of the Rajasthan Royals cricket team. Courtesy British Asian Trust.)By Cherian SamuelMost Indian cricket pundits predict valuations of Indian league teams will keep rising, with some forecasting they will exceed $5 billion by 2035. In contrast, a report from D&P Advisory, a valuation consultancy based in Bengaluru, says the Indian men’s league is “grappling with maturity and recalibration.” This is in part because the consolidation of TV platforms in India “has transformed the media rights ecosystem, altering the balance of competition and value creation.”Is there any significance, for the future valuation of Indian league cricket teams, when an investor like Manoj Badale, with a good track record, is selling his stake in the Rajasthan Royals?Cherian Samuel, a writer based in Washington DC, retired from the World Bank. He earned a PhD in Economics from the University of Maryland. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: Protest in Washington DC demanding release of all Jeffrey Epstein files. Courtesy: Creative Commons.)May 1, 2026Chopra is mentioned 3,354 times in the Epstein files, according to the public database of millions of files released by the Justice Department. In a post on X/Twitter, Chopra states some of his email exchanges with Epstein “reflect poor judgement in tone…Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity.” One reader responded on X/Twitter, “Mr Chopra fails to mention that his emails are dated after Mr Epstein had been tried and found guilty of inappropriate sexual conduct with minors.”Among the victims of Epstein was Rina Oh, an Indian student who lived briefly in Epstein’s mansion in Florida. “I was trapped, with no transportation, no money, and threats of physical harm. That fear kept me silent for decades,” Oh told India Today. She told NDTV, “it was very easy to manipulate me. I was already very damaged. Jeffrey (Epstein) saw that, and he took advantage of me.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: Sanju Samson with the World Cup, 2026. Courtesy ICC.)This podcast discusses Sanju Samson’s success at the 2026 Cricket World Cup. It was due to his learning from the masters, persistence, and luck.By Cherian SamuelMarch 29, 2026Speaking to a crowd of thousands, assembled at the stadium in Thiruvananthapuram this month, following India’s Cricket World Cup victory, Samson said, “We all have dreams. Our dreams should be big, the biggest dreams. I dreamed about being part of the Indian cricket team and also winning a World Cup. As we pursue our dreams there will be naysayers. There will be obstacles and opposition. We must move forward. We must respond not with words but through our actions.”(Sanju Samson and wife Charulatha Remesh holding the World Cup, 2026. Courtesy Sanju Samson social media.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: Mira Nair, courtesy Wikipedia.)Mira Nair needs to answer several questions to clarify her ties with Ghislaine Maxwell and, if she cares, to explain her relationship to the victims of the convicted sex offender. They include: Why did Nair agree to Maxwell hosting a party for her film when it was known, especially in New York’s cultural world, that Maxwell was the girlfriend of convicted sex offender Epstein? Did Nair have any financial or other ties to Maxwell and Epstein? How long did Nair remain in contact with Maxwell? Till Maxwell’s conviction in 2022? Did Nair offer Maxwell anything in return for hosting the Amelia party? Was Nair also a client of Peggy Siegel, Epstein and Maxwell’s publicist? If so, for long? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: a simulated training session at the Government College of Nursing, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; courtesy college.)Kerala’s nursing heritage dates back a century with the first nursing school, the Ernakulam Government School of Nursing, established in 1924 at the Ernakulam General Hospital. The school was founded by the Italian Sisters of Charity, following a request from the Maharaja of Cochin. The graduates of the school have played a major role in building the reputation of Keralite nurses around the World. Admissions to the school, which annually graduates about 40 students, is likely the most competitive among nursing colleges in India.The high social status of women nurses in Kerala is evident from their being much sought after brides, as also seen in matrimonial advertisements. In fact, there is a specific Malayalam word, kondupokum, used by parents in the matrimonial ads they place for their daughters who are nurses. The word literally means “will carry away.” In the matrimonial ads, it implies, “Our daughter has a prestigious, high-paying job abroad, and we need a groom who is willing to go with her and support that life.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Image: Indian Oil Corp Logo. Courtesy Wikipedia.)February 27, 2026In about a decade or so, as crude oil prices begin a sustained decline, India faces an economic hit even though it ought to benefit as an importer of the commodity. Will the Government of India abandon plans to become a major exporter of refined products, where the country has no economic advantage?Story updated February 28, 2026 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

By Sunil ManiSunil Mani is a visiting professor, Centre for Development Studies, and Ahmedabad University, both in India. The views expressed are personal.February 21, 2026The achievements of Edavaleth Kakkat Janaki Ammal, Anna Modayil Mani, Thayyoor K. Radha, and Tessy Thomas are inspiring young women in Kerala, as well as India, to pursue careers in science and technology.During World War II, Janaki Ammal lived in London when it was being bombed by German aircraft. In a 1940 letter to a friend at the University of Michigan, she writes, “Meanwhile we live in great danger - air raids day & night - There goes the siren- I must seek shelter. You cannot imagine the time London is having, but we are all cheerful and getting used to bombs of every description.” Ammal added, “Life isn’t worth it without a sense of danger.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: Vinod Jose, courtesy Wayanad Literary Festival.)February 7, 2026Part of the mission of St. Thomas College is “To empower the students with deep knowledge and awareness of current developments in their chosen subject of study.” Also, given accomplished alumni and past speakers, the college management’s decision to cancel Vinod Jose’s lecture, which was presumably backed by officials of the Catholic Church, will hurt the college’s reputation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

For the past fifty years, Indian laborers in the Persian Gulf, notably from Kerala, have contributed more than a trillion dollars to India’s economy. This has been a major factor in reducing India’s current account deficit and foreign debt as well as fueling Kerala’s economic growth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

January 18, 2026The recruitment strategies of US and UK universities cover a wide range from paying consultants in India to offering teaser scholarships.Students, considering a foreign degree, should focus on one simple measure to protect themselves and their families: pursue an advanced STEM degree, even from a major US and UK university, only if it can be funded with a loan which can be repaid within ten years, based on a salary earned in India. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

The recruitment strategies of US and UK universities cover a wide range from paying consultants in India to offering teaser scholarships.Applicants should focus on one simple measure to protect themselves and their families: pursue an advanced STEM degree, even from a major US and UK university, only if it can be funded with a loan which can be repaid within ten years, based on a salary earned in India.January 18, 2026 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

A Global Indian Times Interview by Cherian Samuel and Ignatius ChithelenJanuary 2, 2026In this Global India Times interview, P.K. Michael Tharakan chats about Kerala: why the state has a high literacy rate, the role of Christian farmers and missionaries, his academic mentor Professor K.N. Raj, his family of farmers and academics, and how he ended up living on Kakkathuruthu, an island near Kochi, Kerala. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

EXTRACT:Since 2009, Beri has been Executive Director, Business Development, at FieldKing, which sells ploughs, harvesters, sprayers, and other farm equipment, through 1,500 dealers in 106 countries. In 2016, Beri founded BetterLYF, an online mental health therapy service, based in Delhi.For weekly Global Indian Times stories kindly subscribe. Easiest way is to email us stating Subscribe at: [email protected] LISTEN TO PODCASTS ON YOUTUBE OF SOME PAST GLOBAL INDIAN TIMES STORIES: CLICK ON THIS LINK. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: Srinivas Bommidala, right, with Christos Dimas, Greece’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. © Global Indian Times.)December 11, 2025EXTRACT:Besides its beaches with pink sand, Crete is known for its archaeological sites, including the Palace of Knossos, of the Minoan civilization period, and historic cities including Chania and Reythmno. The expectation is that direct flights from India to Greece, including to the new Crete airport, and the cultural and historic sites will attract more Indian tourists to Greece. For weekly Global Indian Times stories kindly subscribe. Easiest way is to email us stating Subscribe at: [email protected] LISTEN TO PODCASTS ON YOUTUBE OF SOME PAST GLOBAL INDIAN TIMES STORIES: CLICK ON THIS LINK. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

EXTRACT:MIT’s Iceberg Index is a sandbox, or tool, which states in the US can use to study and prepare for AI’s impact on their workforce. “Project Iceberg enables policymakers and business leaders to identify exposure hotspots, prioritize training and infrastructure investments, and test interventions before committing billions to implementation,” states the MIT study. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

December 6, 2025By Sunil Mani*EXTRACT:Today, at Akbar’s Church, the Roman Catholic Cemetery, and the Red Taj in Agra, visitors see evidence of the long history of religious tolerance and cultural exchange which once played a major role in India.I left Agra with a greater admiration for Emperor Akbar who said: “I do not want my subjects to follow my faith; I desire only that they be faithful to their own religion and live in peace.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

Npvember 27, 2025This podcast discusses the friendly meeting last week between President Donald Trump and New York City mayoral-elect Zohran Mamdani.Trump’s helping Mamdani, with much needed federal government funding, may depend on whether the president can secure political and other advantages.If Mamdani struggles to overcome major financial hurdles or the federal government’s financial problems worsen, will Trump abandon Mamdani and blame him for New York City’s problems?LISTEN TO PODCASTS OF SOME PAST GLOBAL INDIAN TIMES STORIES. CLICK ON THIS LINK. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

Npvember 24, 2025This podcast discusses the friendly meeting last week between President Donald Trump and New York City mayoral-elect Zohran Mamdani.Trump’s helping Mamdani, with much needed federal government funding, may depend on whether the president can secure political and other advantages.If Mamdani struggles to overcome major financial hurdles or the federal government’s financial problems worsen, will Trump abandon Mamdani and blame him for New York City’s problems?LISTEN TO PODCASTS OF SOME PAST GLOBAL INDIAN TIMES STORIES: CLICK ON THIS LINK. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

November 10, 2025Rajika Puri and late husband Tino Puri donate $15 million to fund dance performances at New York’s Joyce Theater.LISTEN TO PODCASTS OF SOME PAST GLOBAL INDIAN TIMES STORIES: CLICK ON THIS LINK. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: Baba Amte, second from left with founders of Samaj Pragati Sahayog; Mihir Shah at left. © Mihir Shah.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: White-leg shrimp. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

October 6, 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

September 28, 2025By Ignatius Chithelen. Author of Six Degrees of Education and founder of Silley Circuits, a New York business network.(Image: Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

September 24, 2025(Photo: Sanjay Beri, founder and CEO Netskope.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Image: courtesy Wikimedia Commons.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

September 19, 2025By Atmanirbharananda Bharati. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: Anil Kashyap, Booth Business School, University of Chicago)September 11, 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

(Photo: United Sikhs gather outside Florida jail.) September 7, 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

((Photo: A nutmeg tree, Kerala. Courtesy Creative Commons.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This podcast covers Kasim Saiyyad’s work at a food delivery service in India for two months, as part of his PhD research at Cornell University This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com

This podcast version of an article by Ravi Rao*, in the Global Indian Times, was generated by Google NotebookLM. *Ravi Rao is a professor in Computer Science at Fairleigh Dickinson University, U.S., 2015 to present. Earlier he worked at IBM, 1990-2015. He earned a PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan, 1989, and a B. Tech, Electrical Engineering, from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 1984. He plays the sitar in addition to the tabla. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.globalindiantimes.com