Let Me Explain

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Many of you would have read about 20-month-old Arshith who died in Kerala. Doctors documented around 100 injuries on his tiny body. His step father has been arrested for the crime.But could Arshith have been saved?TNM has accessed a shocking 16-minute audio of Arshith’s grandmother pleading with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) —weeks before his death. Watch this week’s Let Me Explain Special.Like Pooja's LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionRead more about this on our story: https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/audio-reveals-grandmother-warned-child-protection-office-before-kerala-toddler-arshiths-death Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Tamil Nadu politics is going through a major shift.For decades, the DMK and AIADMK dominated the state’s political landscape. But Vijay’s entry through TVK is beginning to disrupt that balance.As AIADMK MLAs resign and move toward TVK, conversations around “horse trading” have entered Tamil Nadu politics in a big way. But what exactly is horse trading? How do political defections work in India? And why does every party desperately want MLAs?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the history of political defections in India, the Anti-Defection Law, Karnataka’s Operation Kamala and why Tamil Nadu may be entering a completely new political phase. Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionFollow LME WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1W Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CBSE’s digital evaluation rollout was supposed to modernise India’s examination system. Now serious questions are being raised about accountability. Why did CBSE roll out the system without proper regional trials? Why are ethical hackers alleging vulnerabilities in the platform? And what role did Coempt Edu Teck, the company linked by many to the on-screen marking system, play in this rollout? In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna examines the controversy.Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionFollow LME WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1W Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, India’s economy was projected as one of the world’s fastest-growing success stories. But long before the Iran-Israel-US war pushed oil prices higher, warning signs had already begun to appear - falling wages, weak demand, slowing exports, struggling MSMEs, and a weakening rupee.So did the war trigger India’s economic stress? Or did it simply expose deeper problems that were already building beneath the surface?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down why economists are worried about India’s economy, what the falling rupee and rising fuel prices really mean, and whether India’s growth story is becoming increasingly fragile.Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionFollow LME WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1W Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu wants people to have more children. The AP government is now offering Rs 30,000 for a third child and Rs 40,000 for a fourth.At first, this may sound like just another political headline. But behind it lies a real anxiety shared by many southern states — falling fertility rates, ageing populations, shrinking workforces, and fears of losing political representation in the future.But can governments really solve these problems by simply asking people to have more babies?From Andhra’s demographic fears and delimitation politics to women’s unpaid labour and collapsing public infrastructure, this episode of Let Me Explain looks at the bigger questions behind Naidu’s population push.Watch LME on delimitation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26rwMdF_Y2U&t=275sLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription👉🏽Follow Let Me Explain WhatsApp channel:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WProduced by Megha Mukundan, script by Lakshmi Priya, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET, Camera by Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BJP leader Bandi Sanjay’s son Bandi Bhagirath was booked for allegedly sexually harassing a minor. But the case has raised several disturbing questions. Why was there a delay in action? Why did a counter FIR appear first? Did the police follow procedure? And why did sections of the media and social media begin targeting the minor?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the timeline, the police response, the political pressure, and the dangerous media narrative surrounding the case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerala’s 2026 Assembly results may look like a return to its familiar pattern of alternating power between the LDF and UDF. But look closer, and this isn’t just a routine correction.The LDF fell from 99 seats to 35. The CPI(M) dropped to 26, its lowest in years. 13 ministers lost. Strongholds flipped. Even Dharmadam saw unusual vulnerability.But this wasn’t just anger or anti-incumbency. It also looked like a targeted correction, with CPI(M) rebels winning, questions around internal democracy, leadership style, and a sense that the party had moved away from what it stood for.From debates on ideology and voter shifts to gaps between governance claims and lived experience, multiple factors fed into this verdict.So what really changed in Kerala’s 2026 election?Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The DMK’s defeat in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections was not a simple one. This was not just a change of government. 15 ministers lost their seats. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin lost from Kolathur, a constituency he had held since 2011. After more than three decades, he will not be in the Assembly.But this result cannot be explained as straightforward anti-incumbency. There was no single dominant issue or wave of anger strong enough to produce this outcome.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what really happened, from the DMK’s campaign strategy and its approach to Vijay, to the rise of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and how perception, communication, and digital campaigning may have reshaped voter behaviour.Why did governance not translate into votes? How did narrative outweigh performance? And what does this verdict say about the changing nature of elections in Tamil Nadu?Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven MPs leave the Aam Aadmi Party. The BJP moves closer to a majority in the Rajya Sabha. And a law meant to stop defections appears to have enabled one.When Raghav Chadha and six other MPs switched sides, the Rajya Sabha Chairman accepted it as a “merger” under the anti-defection law. But was it really a merger — or a coordinated defection?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what the Tenth Schedule actually says, how the two-thirds rule works, and why legal experts are divided. Does this case expose a loophole in the law? And is the anti-defection law still serving its purpose? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu says there is “no threat” to southern states from delimitation. He has backed assurances that all states will see a proportional increase in seats.But these assurances are not part of any law.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down Naidu’s current stand, how it differs from his earlier concerns about population-based representation, and what the Constitution actually says about seat allocation. What happens as the freeze on redistribution ends? And can political assurances replace legal safeguards?Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a Prime Minister use a national address during elections to attack the opposition? And what happens when that speech is broadcast on state-funded platforms?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the controversy around Narendra Modi’s April 18 address about the Women Reservation bill, during the Model Code of Conduct period. From repeated references to opposition parties to the use of public broadcasters, we look at what the rules say and what the Election Commission of India could have done.Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionFor suggestions and feedback, write to [email protected] by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Assembly election is shaping up to be more complex than a simple DMK vs AIADMK contest. With new entrants like Vijay’s TVK, the BJP pushing for space, and shifting alliances, multiple factors are influencing the outcome.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna and Azeefa Fathima break down the key factors shaping this election, from alliances and anti-incumbency to welfare politics, federalism, and identity debates.Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Camera by Megha Mukundan, Nithiesh Kumar M, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is delimitation and why is it suddenly at the centre of political debate?With a proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats to 850, the key issue is not just expansion, but redistribution. If population becomes the basis, do states that controlled population growth lose political weight?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna explains how delimitation works, the concerns raised by southern states, and what it means for India’s federal balance and Parliament itself.Like Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeContribute to NL-TNM election fund: https://rzp.io/rzp/zTQadhQFFTLike our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Pooja Prasanna, Research by Jahnavi, Camera by Nithiesh Kumar M, Edit by Dharini Prabaharan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Sengol controversy and PM Narendra Modi’s Chola outreach to the politics around Keezhadi and Tamil identity, history is no longer just about the past in Tamil Nadu, it has become part of the political battlefield.In this episode of Let Me Explain, PoojaPrasanna breaks down how BJP and DMK are using history, archaeology, religion, and cultural symbols to shape political narratives, and why the battle over Tamil Nadu’s past has become central to its politics.Contribute to NL-TNM election fund: https://rzp.io/rzp/zTQadhQFFTLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From delayed cylinders to shut kitchens, slowing factories, and rising black markets, the LPG shortage is affecting both daily life and the economy.What looks like a supply issue is actually linked to a global conflict, import dependence, and gaps in India’s energy planning.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what caused the LPG crisis, how the government responded, and what this reveals about India’s energy system.Contribute to NL-TNM election fund: https://rzp.io/rzp/zTQadhQFFTLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerala election 2026: For decades, power has alternated every five years in Kerala. But in 2021, that cycle broke when CPI(M)’s Pinarayi Vijayan came to power for the second time. Now, in 2026, he is seeking a third consecutive term.Is there anti-incumbency after a decade in power? Can the Congress convert its recent momentum into votes? Will the BJP’s targeted strategy pay off? How are voter expectations shifting from welfare to jobs?In this episode of #LetMeExplain, Pooja Prasanna and Lakshmi Priya travel across Kerala to unpack the 5 big questions that could decide the 2026 verdict.Contribute to NL-TNM election fund: https://rzp.io/rzp/zTQadhQFFT Like our journalism? Become a subscriber: https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, script by Lakshmi Priya, Camera by Megha Mukundan, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every election in India looks like a scoreboard—vote share, turnout, seat count. But there’s one number you rarely see: the real cost of fighting elections. While the official spending cap is Rs 40 lakh per candidate, ground reports suggest that serious candidates often spend up to Rs 20–30 crore per constituency.So where does this money come from? And how is it actually used?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the hidden economy of Indian elections, from cash distribution and booth operations to funding networks and voter targeting.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] to NL-TNM election fund: https://rzp.io/rzp/zTQadhQFFT ‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A BJP candidate’s speech in Kerala’s Guruvayur has sparked controversy after he asked why the constituency does not have a Hindu MLA and invoked the temple deity in his campaign.Kerala BJP vice president and Guruvayur candidate B Gopalakrishnan framed the election around religious identity, raising concerns about whether such appeals violate India’s Model Code of Conduct.Critics argue that elections are meant to focus on governance and policy — not religious representation. They also point out that constituencies across India, from Ajmer to Velankanni, have long elected representatives from different faiths without controversy.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what was said, why it may violate election rules, and how religion is being brought into campaign politics.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] 2026 reset: Assam to Puducherry Election Fund: https://rzp.io/rzp/zTQadhQFFT‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Bhuvan Malik, Script by Dhanya Rajendran, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Shekhar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyricist Vairamuthu has been chosen for the Jnanpith Award, India’s most prestigious literary honour. But the announcement has triggered intense debate. Several women accused Vairamuthu of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement, allegations he has denied. While many political leaders and film stars have congratulated him, critics say honouring someone facing such accusations sends a troubling message to women in the arts and media industries. Writers and musicians have also questioned whether his work merits the award. In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the allegations, the reactions, and why the Jnanpith decision is controversial.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Dharini Prabaharan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two key constitutional offices in India are facing political scrutiny. Opposition parties moved a motion to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of partisan conduct, citing suspensions of over 120 MPs and limiting debates. The motion was defeated, but the controversy continues. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are preparing a move against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over voter roll revisions and transparency in the Election Commission of India. Why are these institutions under scrutiny, and how difficult is it to remove officials holding these positions? Pooja Prasanna explains. For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya & Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Dharini Prabharan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Narendra Modi government has paused the weekly TRP rankings for television news channels for four weeks, citing concerns that coverage of the Iran–US–Israel conflict has become too sensational.But what exactly are TRPs? How do television ratings work in India? And why do these numbers matter so much to news channels?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the business model behind prime-time television news — from dramatic war graphics and studio “war rooms” to the advertising money that fuels the race for ratings.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET, Dharini Prabharan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In December 2007, 17-year-old Ayesha Meera was found murdered in a hostel bathroom near Vijayawada. The brutal crime shocked Andhra Pradesh.Police arrested Pidathala Satyam Babu, who was later convicted and sentenced to life. But years later, the Andhra Pradesh High Court criticised the investigation, acquitted him, and ordered a reinvestigation.The case was handed to the CBI in 2018. Investigators revisited evidence and even exhumed Ayesha’s body more than a decade after her death.But in 2026, the court accepted the CBI’s closure report, saying there was no evidence to prosecute anyone. Nearly two decades later, the case has no accused.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down how a case that once had a life sentence ended with no one to prosecute.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Someone had to watch The Kerala Story 2. We did.From ominous background scores during namaz scenes to “rate cards” straight out of old conspiracy forwards, The Kerala Story 2 doubles down on fear, spectacle and panic. Three states. Three women. One sweeping thesis about love, conversion, progressive parenting and who the “real” villains are. In this special episode of #LetMeExplain, @PoojaPrasanna4 breaks down the propaganda patterns, the symbolism, the beef controversy, the bulldozer hero entry and why this sequel may be more polished, and more dangerous. If you were planning to spend 2 hours and 15 minutes on this film, consider this your alternative.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Megha Mukundan, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A beef-feeding scene in the trailer of The Kerala Story 2 has triggered outrage. Once again, Kerala has been pushed to the centre of a national culture war. But this episode is not about a single trailer moment.We examine the ecosystem behind The Kerala Story films. This includes public statements by an RSS-linked cultural organisation that says it supported the ideation of such movies as part of “nation-building.” We also look at the production house’s CSR donation to a trust run by a figure associated with anti-conversion campaigns. And we explore the wider network that frames interfaith relationships as a threat.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Dhanya Rajendran, Inputs by Nandini Chandrashekar, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET, Graphics by Dharini Prabharan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Telugu YouTube channel recently accused Muslim vendors of selling “poisoned” food at a tribal festival in Telangana, without medical evidence, official complaints, or verification from authorities. Instead of investigation, the videos relied on confrontation, repeated use of conspiracy phrases like “food jihad,” and public shaming of small traders.But this is not just about one festival or one channel.Across India, a growing number of YouTube platforms are using a similar format: provoke in public, frame suspicion as reporting, upload quickly, and monetise outrage. From Telangana to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu to Kerala, isolated incidents are increasingly communalised online — often without evidence.In this week’s Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna examines how hate is produced, amplified, defended, and normalised on YouTube, and why the consequences don’t stay online.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Inputs by Anjana Meenakshi, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years ago, the death of 17-year-old Lavanya in Thanjavur was turned into a forced conversion controversy by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and others.But the Central Bureau of Investigation has now concluded that there is no evidence she was pressured to convert. Multiple videos recorded at her hospital bed show she spoke about abuse and academic stress not conversion. Only one later video mentioned conversion, and that clip was amplified, triggering protests and communal outrage.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Epstein files – millions of pages of documents, emails, and records – detail how Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, operated and how power protected him for years.The Epstein files also offer a look into how he stayed connected to powerful people long after his crimes were known.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna explains why Indian names appear in these documents and what the records actually show about figures like Anil Ambani, Hardeep Singh Puri, Ravi Mantha, and Deepak Chopra. None of them are accused of crimes in the files, but the material reveals how Epstein continued to function as a fixer and broker of access.We also look at how misinformation and AI-generated images are distorting public understanding, and why the real story keeps getting lost: the survivors who were abused, ignored, and failed by institutions for decades.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected]‎Follow the Let Me Explain channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDIedz2phHLQZTyNj1WLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Camera by Ajay R, Graphics by Dharini Prabharan, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For months, claims that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddus dominated headlines, political debates, and primetime TV, triggering outrage across the country.One year later, the SIT chargesheet and government lab reports tell a very different story.Two premier institutions, ICAR National Dairy Research Institute and NDDB CALF, found no animal fat in the ghee samples tested. No lard. No beef tallow. No fish oil. Instead, the reports point to vegetable oil adulteration using palm oil and related fats, along with chemical additives to mimic real ghee.So how did a case of food adulteration turn into a nationwide religious controversy?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what the chargesheet reveals.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R, Graphics by Dharini Prabharan, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Kerala’s Malappuram district, an ancient gathering from the past is being revived, but in a very different form.Mamankam, a gathering in Kerala that once centred on power, trade and multiple communities is now being projected as a “Kerala’s Kumbh Mela.”Mamankam was not a Hindu pilgrimage. It was a secular, political and ritual assembly where kingship was contested and Muslims were part of its structure.So what does it mean when Mamankam is rebranded as Kumbh?In this episode of Let Me Explain, we hit the ground to bring you the real story and unpack how a plural past is being reshaped into a singular religious narrative.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProducer: by Megha Mukundan, Script: Pooja Prasanna, Megha Mukundan, Reporting: Haritha Manav, Megha Mukundan, Camera: Ajay R, Megha Mukundan, Edit: Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two journalists were arrested after a prime-time broadcast on NTV sparked a political storm in Telangana. The story had no documents, no named sources, and no evidence.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what really happened behind the NTV controversy, why allegations of business and political rivalries entered the newsroom, and what this episode reveals about media ownership in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.This isn’t just about one channel or one broadcast. It’s about what happens when media houses are owned by powerful business interests, when editorial lines shift with political power, and when journalism turns into leverage instead of public service.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, script by Dhanya Rajendran, camera by Ajay R, edited by Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A.R. Rahman is one of India’s most celebrated and globally recognised artists. And yet this week, he found himself having to publicly reaffirm his love for his own country.In a BBC interview, Rahman cautiously used the word “communal” while speaking about why his work in Hindi cinema has reduced in recent years. He did not make an accusation or draw a conclusion. But the reaction to that single word was swift.Very quickly, the conversation stopped being about music or the industry and became about Rahman’s identity and patriotism.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what Rahman actually said, how his words were turned around, and why the reaction ended up proving his point. This episode is not just about A.R. Rahman. It is about how easily a conversation about work becomes a test of belonging in India today.Produced by Bhuvan Malik, Edit by Jaseem Ali, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For over a century, the RSS has operated not just as an ideological movement, but as a vast organisational network embedded in everyday life. From schools, hostels, labour unions, media houses, charities, and cultural forums, its reach extends into education, work, and communities.A six-year research project led by Dr. Felix Pal from the University of Western Australia mapped over 2,500 organisations linked to the Sangh across India and the world. The Caravan magazine fact-checked the data and published it as an interactive map, revealing how the RSS builds influence quietly through social infrastructure rather than just politics.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down how the Sangh operates through schools, hostels, unions, media, and diaspora organisations, shaping communities and narratives both at home and abroad.Watch to understand how the RSS wields power through everyday institutions and a global network of affiliated organisations.Produced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ETFor suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court says prolonged detention violates liberty. Yet Umar Khalid has spent five years in prison without a trial. Another Supreme Court bench recently denied him bail. In September 2020, Umar Khalid was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for an alleged conspiracy behind the Delhi riots. Five years later, the trial has still not begun. There is no conviction, no verdict, and no finding of guilt. Yet he continues to remain in jail.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna unpacks how the UAPA makes bail harder than conviction, how delay turns into punishment, and how protest and political speech are treated as conspiracy.Produced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ETFor suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Congress leader Praveen Chakravarthy’s tweet, one economic comparison has gone viral: that Tamil Nadu’s total debt is now higher than Uttar Pradesh’s.The claim is being used to suggest a simple story: fiscal failure in one state, discipline in the other.But is that really how numbers are read?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna puts the debt figures in context. Because debt, by itself, tells us very little. What matters is how large an economy is, how fast it is growing, how much revenue it raises, and what that borrowing is used for.Produced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET, Graphics by Dharini PrabharanFor suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscription Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2024–25, the BJP received over ₹6,000 crore in political donations - that’s about 85% of all donations. Much of this money came from large corporate donors, many operating in sectors heavily dependent on government contracts, approvals, subsidies, or regulation. This includes major business groups such as L&T, Tata Group, Megha Engineering (MEIL), and Mahindra Group.Many donors were also the companies under regulatory scrutiny, or recipients of major government contracts.What does it say about quid pro quo? What does this level of financial dominance mean for electoral competition and democratic accountability? Pooja Prasanna explains in this week’s Let Me Explain. For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionTNM-NL holiday offer: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_RvQ2dc74qlv1se/viewProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Camera by Ajay R, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET, Graphics by Jaseem Ali Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MGNREGA allowed rural workers to ask the government for work and be paid if work was not provided. That basic promise shaped how the programme worked on the ground. Now, the Union government plans to replace MGNREGA with a new law called VB G RAM G, 2025. The new framework changes how jobs are approved, funded, and delivered. In this special episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna walks through what is changing and what it could mean for workers and states.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionTo support our team, contribute to our reporting fund: https://pages.razorpay.com/reporting-fundProduced by Bhuvan Malik, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Edited by Dharini Prabaharan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2017 actor assault verdict has split Kerala. While six men were convicted for abducting and sexually assaulting an actor, Dileep, the alleged mastermind was acquitted of conspiracy charges. Protests followed, and the survivor issued a public statement saying justice felt incomplete. In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down what the court accepted, what it rejected, and why proving criminal conspiracy is so difficult under Indian law. ➡️ Read our coverage of the case here: https://www.thenewsminute.com/topic/tnm-special-stories-kerala-actor-assault-caseFor suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionTo support our team, contribute to our reporting fund: https://pages.razorpay.com/reporting-fundProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Edited by Nikhil Sekhar ET, Camera by Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unrest in Thiruparankundram during this year’s Karthigai Deepam festival did not emerge overnight. What unfolded on December 3 and 4 was the result of coordinated mobilisation, a controversial court order, and the reopening of a long-sensitive dispute on a shared sacred hill.TNM’s reporter was on the ground documenting how activists from BJP, RSS, Hindu Munnani and other right-wing groups mobilised from across Tamil Nadu. How did this mobilisation happen? What is the controversial court order? Pooja Prasanna explains in this week’s Let Me Explain.Read our ground reports here: https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/ground-report-the-organised-sangh-mobilisation-behind-the-thirupurakundram-unresthttps://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/ayodhya-of-the-south-a-timeline-of-time-immemorialhttps://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/ayodhya-of-the-south-the-sanghs-southern-rehearsalFor suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Research by Azeefa Fathima, Reporting by Abhishek Vijayan, Camera by Ajay R, Satish, Edit by Nikhil Sekhar ET, Dharini Prabharan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why has the BJP struggled to translate its long presence in Kerala into political power? In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna looks at the Sangh Parivar’s decades-long organisational work in the state, the slow rise in BJP’s vote share, and why electoral success has remained limited. From Kerala’s lived secularism and dense social geography to literacy, political culture, and strong rival fronts, we break down what makes Kerala different and why the BJP’s familiar playbook has not worked here.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRContribute to our reporting fund on shady business of stolen footage: https://pages.razorpay.com/hiddenProducer: Megha MukundanScript: Lakshmi PriyaResearch inputs: Pooja PrasannaCamera: Ajay REditor: Nikhil Sekhar ETGFX: Dharini Prabharan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly half of India’s women factory workers are employed in one state: Tamil Nadu. In this week’s Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna travels to factory floors in the state to understand how women came to power Tamil Nadu’s industrial economy. From electronics and garments to auto components, women form the backbone of manufacturing. This success is shaped by decades of industrial policy, welfare schemes, and investments in education.This episode looks closely at both sides of the story: the opportunities that factory work has created for women, and the deep inequalities that continue to structure their labour. Through ground reports and conversations with workers, union organisers, and economists, we unpack what Tamil Nadu’s model has achieved and what still remains unresolved.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] journalism needs your support. Subscribe to The News Minute today. Avail our 26% discount offer: https://pages.razorpay.com/GcaZzOyR26Support our series on shady business of stolen footage: https://pages.razorpay.com/hiddenLike LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRProducer: Megha MukundanScript: Lakshmi PriyaCamera: Ajay R, Nithesh Kumar MEditor: Nikhil Sekhar  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did the RSS hire US lobbyists? Official disclosures in the US list the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as a client of one of America’s biggest lobbying firms. But the RSS denies any involvement. In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the filings, the controversy, the firms involved, and what this means for India’s democracy and for India–US relations.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] journalism needs your support. Subscribe to The News Minute today. Avail our 26% discount offer: https://pages.razorpay.com/GcaZzOyR26Support our series on shady business of stolen footage: https://pages.razorpay.com/hiddenLike LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRProducer: Megha MukundanScript: Lakshmi PriyaResearch: Lakshmi Priya, Maria Teresa RajuCamera: Ajay REditor: Nikhil Sekhar ET Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a government designs welfare with women at the centre?In Karnataka, the five guarantee schemes — Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyoti, Anna Bhagya and Yuva Nidhi — have reshaped how women move, work, spend and decide. Two major studies now give us the clearest picture of what changed on the ground. A 151% rise in women’s bus travel. Better spending on food and healthcare. Reduced household stress. New access to work and education.In the 100th episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna travels across Karnataka to understand how intentional welfare has shifted women’s lives and what it means for public policy.Let Me Explain just turned 100! A hundred attempts to cut through noise. A hundred times we asked the questions that needed asking.Stay tuned & support us: https://pages.razorpay.com/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRFor suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Lakshmi Priya, Camera by Ajay R, Graphics by Dharini Prabharan, Edited by Nikhil Sekhar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

India has just won its first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup — a victory decades in the making.From travelling in unreserved train coaches to lifting the trophy before packed stands, this is a story of grit, resilience, and history rewritten.But behind the celebrations lies another story, of unequal pay, limited matches, and a cricketing system that still treats women as an afterthought.In this week’s Let Me Explain, Dhanya Rajendran looks beyond the trophy to trace the long, uneven journey of women’s cricket in India — from the forgotten years of the WCAI to the billion-rupee WPL — and asks whether this World Cup win will finally bring the change Indian cricket has long owed its women.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] our series on shady business of stolen footage: https://pages.razorpay.com/hiddenLike LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, Karnataka’s old Mysuru belt remained out of the BJP’s reach, shaped instead by Vokkaliga-led caste equations and JD(S) dominance. But that’s changing fast. From Maddur’s clashes to the propaganda of fictitious characters Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda, Hindutva politics is entering Karnataka’s heartland.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down how the BJP–JD(S) alliance is transforming old Mysuru into a new political and communal battleground, and what it means for Karnataka politics.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRProduced by Megha Mukundan, Script by Pooja Prasanna, Edited by Nikhil Sekhar ET, graphics by Vignesh Manickam, Camera by Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VC Sajjanar, the IPS officer who led the 2019 “Disha encounter,” is now Hyderabad’s new Police Commissioner. In this episode of Let Me Explain, @PoojaPrasanna68 looks at what his rise says about India’s dangerous glorification of encounter killings — and how cinema, media, and public adulation have helped turn cops who kill into heroes.From the Warangal acid attack case in 2008 to the Disha case in 2019, Sajjanar has come to symbolise “instant justice.” But when a man accused of extra-judicial killings is rewarded, what does that say about our justice system?This is not just one man’s story. It’s about a country that celebrates vengeance as justice, and the growing impunity of those in uniform.For suggestions and feedbacks write to [email protected]’s Deepavali offer - https://pages.razorpay.com/deepavali25Produced by Megha Mukundan, edited by Nikhil Sekhar ET, script by Lakshmi Priya, research by Anjana Meenakshi, camera by Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suresh Gopi — the angry cop on screen, the fiery journalist, the man whose monologues once shook theatres. Now, he’s Kerala’s first BJP MP.In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna unpacks how Suresh Gopi took his mass-hero energy from the movie set to Parliament. From his image as a generous philanthropist who built homes and funded surgeries, to his temper with journalists and theatrics in political life — this is the story of an actor who never really left the screen.Why did Kerala, a state known for its strong secular politics, vote for the BJP? How did Suresh Gopi’s emotional connect and celebrity appeal achieve what decades of political strategy couldn’t? And what happens when the line between reel and real starts to blur?For suggestions and feedbacks write to [email protected]’s Deepavali offer - https://pages.razorpay.com/deepavali25Produced by Megha Mukundan, edited by Nikhil Sekhar ET, script & research by Lakshmi Priya, camera by Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At least 23 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have died after consuming cough syrup contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical used in brake fluid. In Madhya Pradesh, doctors raised warnings weeks before tests confirmed contamination in the drug ‘Coldrif’, but state and central regulators cleared the drug as safe. Tamil Nadu’s lab later found nearly 50% DEG. This isn’t India’s first such tragedy — similar cough syrup deaths have occurred since 1972. In this week’s Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna explains how repeated negligence, weak regulation, and political influence continue to let poisonous medicines reach patients. For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeBecome a TNM subscriber- https://www.thenewsminute.com/subscriptionIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wRProduced by Megha Mukundan, research by Maria Teresa Raju, script by Lakshmi Priya, Edited by Nikhil Sekhar ET, graphics by Vignesh Manickam, camera by Ajay R Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was supposed to be a show of strength at Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur turned into chaos, panic, and death. Fans waited for hours, permissions were ignored, and a preventable tragedy unfolded.But Karur is not an isolated accident. From RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru to Pushpa 2 promotions in Hyderabad, to temple festivals to the Mahakumbh Mela—India’s obsession with massive crowds keeps ending in stampedes.Why do organisers and leaders chase head-counts while neglecting safety? Why are guidelines ignored despite decades of repeated disasters? And why does accountability vanish the moment lives are lost?In this episode of Let Me Explain, Pooja Prasanna breaks down the anatomy of a stampede: What went wrong at Vijay’s rally, how India repeatedly fails at crowd safety, and what it will take to prevent the next disaster.For suggestions and feedbacks, write to [email protected] fund: The shady business of stolen footage: https://pages.razorpay.com/hiddenLike Pooja’s LME? Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/support-lmeIf you are watching from abroad, click this link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o01q9md0OPdtm8wR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.