Episodes
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Can China weaponise Brahmaputra waters against India?
Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, India took the unilateral decision to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan takes decisive action against cross border terror. A senior Chinese policy adviser has now shot a veiled threat to India over possible manipulation of...
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Covid-19 surge: Should we be worried?
Two years after the World Health Organisation officially announced the Covid 19 pandemic was over, India is now witnessing a resurgence of Covid-19 cases. The number of infections has risen 15-fold in 10 days. The current spike is being attributed to more transmissible Omicron sub-variants like...
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The Breakup: Trump-Musk bromance ends with latter’s DOGE exit?
Elon Musk’s premature departure from DOGE or the department of government efficiency has set off speculation about a potential fallout between the billionaire buddies – the SpaceX, Tesla owner and US President Donald Trump. What prompted Musk’s exit at this point and what implications do Trump’s...
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4th largest economy - How did India get here, and what will it take to become no.1?
India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy and is expected to climb to rank 3 by 2028, overtaking Germany. How does India’s position on the global economic pecking order translate to ground reality? What are we doing right? Where do the challenges lie in order for…
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Trump vs Harvard: How it impacts Indian students in the crossfire
US President Donald Trump has revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll foreign students, striking a blow to thousands of foreign nationals admitted there, including at least 788 Indians. As the elite institution grapples with a funding freeze and stands to lose tuition payments as well, it...
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Diplomacy or display? Tharoor, terror, and the politics of national unity
Why would a government known for centralised foreign policy messaging empower a Congress MP to lead a diplomatic delegation abroad? And why now? This episode unpacks the Modi government's surprising move to send a multi-party parliamentary team to engage on issues of terrorism and democratic...
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Influencer, vlogger, spy? The curious case of Jyoti Malhotra
Why has an Indian influencer been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan? From YouTube videos and diplomatic dinners to cross-border tensions and intelligence leads, we unpack the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra, and what it reveals about the murky intersection of content, politics, and national...
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Calling the bluff: How India is exposing Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail
With India raising the red flag over Pakistan’s nukes, old fears are back in focus. Why is Pakistan’s vague nuclear posture drawing international concern? What makes sites like Kirana Hills suddenly crucial? And has Islamabad’s long-used deterrence strategy started to lose its edge? This episode...
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Drones, diplomacy, and a diplomatic u-turn: India-Turkey ties on the edge
Turkey’s alleged supply of kamikaze drones to Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, has pushed New Delhi to reassess its bilateral ties with Ankara. This explainer breaks down the evidence, Pakistan’s tactics, India’s possible responses, and the wider implications for regional security and global...
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Why did the IMF release $2.4 billion to Pakistan despite India’s objections?
This explainer breaks down what the bailout package includes, why India abstained, and how IMF rules left little room for protest, all in the middle of rising regional tensions.
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Operation Sindoor: The 25 minutes that shook Pakistan
A 25-minute precision strike at 1:05 AM on May 7. Nine terror camps hit. India’s Operation Sindoor has shaken Pakistan. We break down what really happened, debunk fighter jet rumours, assess border tensions, the shelling situation, global reactions, and whether war is on the horizon. Tune in.
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Justice for Pahalgam: When will India strike back at Pakistan? Why is it taking time?
In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India’s response is shifting gears, from instant retaliation to calibrated strategy. This explainer breaks down the government’s multi-pronged approach: the visible defence posture, diplomatic manoeuvres, internal…
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Counting caste: Why India's next census could change everything
After over seven decades, India is preparing to bring caste back into the national census. What does this seismic shift mean for social justice, political power, and affirmative action? We decode the history, the politics, and the road ahead, from the Mandal moment to Bihar’s bold survey and the...
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Why India’s water strike has Pakistan rattled
After the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a move that’s rattled Pakistan into issuing nuclear threats. Could this water war spiral into a full-blown conflict? We break it down.
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Kashmir terror attack: How will Indian govt serve justice in the valley?
"Terrorists only need to be lucky once, while security forces must be unlucky just once." This is what occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where a deadly terror attack on April 22 resulted in the deaths of at least 28 tourists. In this explainer, we discuss what happened, who is responsible, and what...
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Pope Francis, his Legacy, and what comes next
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and to lead the Catholic Church, has died at 88. As the world mourns, we revisit his life, legacy, and controversies. What happens now? Who might succeed him? We unpack the days ahead.
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What JD Vance’s visit means for India
As US Vice-President JD Vance visits India with his family, behind the warm optics lies a high-stakes trade negotiation. With tariff-pause deadlines looming, can India and the US strike a deal in time? We discuss.
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AI for the soul: Is India’s growing reliance on digital companions safe?
With rising emotional fatigue and loneliness, many Indians are turning to AI companions like Bezu for comfort, empathy, and connection. But what drives this shift: Convenience, cost, or a deeper need to feel heard without judgment? This episode explores the emotional, ethical, and societal...
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Trump tariffs: How India can survive the new global trade war
President Trump’s sweeping tariffs have put India in a tight spot. A 90-day pause offers temporary relief, but what comes next? In this episode, we unpack the ripple effects: which sectors are worst hit, how rare earth tensions with China could derail India’s tech ambitions, and why the services...
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From Ghibli avatars to fake IDs: Is AI getting out of hand?
It started with dreamy Ghibli-style avatars. Now it’s fake Aadhaar cards and court appearances by AI avatars. In this episode, we dive into the wild rise of AI-generated images — the hype, the harm, and the urgent need for guardrails. Tune in.
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Justice has a long memory: What's next for Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Rana, one of the key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has finally been extradited from the US to India—nearly 17 years after the deadly terror strike that shook the nation. Home Minister Amit Shah has called it a diplomatic win and a message to those who harm India: justice may be...
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Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 explained
We explore the origin of Waqf, the provisions of the new Waqf Amendment Bill, the controversies surrounding it, and more. Tune in.
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The fall of 'Yeshu Yeshu' prophet Bajinder Singh
Once hailed as a 'Yeshu Yeshu Prophet,' preacher Bajinder Singh has been sentenced to life in a 2018 rape case. In this episode, we unpack how he built his image, his list of abuse allegations, and the dangerous misuse of religious influence in the digital age. Tune in.
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Kunal Kamra: Comedy, copyright & controversy
Kunal Kamra's 'Naya Bharat' special has ignited a legal and political storm—copyright claims, vandalism, and a police case. We break down the legal battle, the state of political satire in India, whether comedy venues are becoming high-risk spaces and more.
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Signal failure: A White House chat gone wrong
A classified military chat, a surprise guest, and a security lapse. We decode the White House's encrypted messaging fiasco.
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Who's behind Karnataka's honey-trap scandal?
Minister KN Rajanna’s shocking claims spark a political storm in Karnataka. In this episode, we explore the history of honey-traps, political blackmail, and the deeper battle for power in India, as well as who might be behind the latest controversy. Tune in!
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Who will be BJP's next President?
The BJP is about to pick its next national president, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will the leadership baton go South to expand BJP’s reach? Could we witness history with the party’s first female president? Or will loyalty and past electoral wins seal the deal? We discuss.
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The rupee row: DMK’s latest plot twist in the language war
After sparring with the Centre over NEP and the proposed delimitation, Tamil Nadu has now opened a new front—ditching the rupee symbol for a Tamil letter in its 2025-26 state budget logo. Tune in for the full story.
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Syria's future under HTS: Ceasefire, Kurdish forces, and global reactions
Syria's interim government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has reached an agreement with the Kurdish-led authority in the northeast. The deal includes a ceasefire and the integration of U.S.-backed Kurdish forces into the Syrian army. But what does this mean for Syria's future, its…
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Canada's new PM, Mark Carney
As Mark Carney steps in as Canada's new Prime Minister, he faces a turbulent landscape—strained U.S. relations, China's sanctions, and domestic political shifts. Will he stabilize Canada's global standing? Abhijit Majumder breaks it down.
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Trump’s Ukraine aid pause: What it means for the war and Kyiv’s future
US President Donald Trump has paused military assistance to Ukraine, shaking up Kyiv's war strategy at a critical moment. We decode how it impacts Kyiv's military readiness, diplomatic maneuvering, and more.
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Tamil Nadu vs Hindi: The NEP 2020 flashpoint
Tamil Nadu has long resisted the imposition of Hindi, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has reignited the battle. Is the NEP a backdoor push for Hindi, or are these fears misplaced? With the Centre linking education funds to policy compliance, is this a fight over language or…
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Rohit Sharma, fat-shaming and the politics of cricket
A remark on Rohit Sharma’s weight by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has ignited a political storm. But is this just about fitness, or is there a deeper pattern of body shaming, media scrutiny, and political narratives in Indian cricket? We break down the controversy, past precedents, and…
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Trump’s Gold Card Visa: What it means for wealthy Indians
Trump’s 'Gold Card Visa' offers US permanent residency for a $5 million investment, replacing the EB-5 program. But will it benefit wealthy Indians? Are there restrictions? And does it favor the ultra-rich over skilled professionals? Economist Gaurav Choudhury breaks it down.
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Is Trump's criticism of Zelenskyy a sign of waning US support for Ukraine?
As Trump calls Zelenskyy a “dictator,” could U.S. aid to Ukraine be at risk? Why did the U.S. and Russia hold talks without Kyiv? Is Ukraine’s mineral wealth influencing aid deals? And with Russia launching its biggest drone attack yet, what’s next for the war? We break down the details in this...
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Delhi's new leadership decoded
On 20th Feb, Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi's CM along with other cabinet ministers. This episode explores the new government's key players, priorities, and the potential for effective governance with power alignment between the Centre and state.
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Why Delhi Felt a big jolt from a 4.2 magnitude earthquake
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake shook Delhi-NCR on February 17, but why did it feel so intense? We break down the science behind shallow quakes, what caused this tremor, and whether Delhi is prepared for bigger ones.
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Decoding the Modi-Trump talks and big announcements
From trade and defence to energy and tech, PM Modi’s US visit has made headlines, but what are the particulars? How will these announcements impact India? We discuss.
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Regulate or tolerate? The India's Got Latent controversy
Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent started as a raw, unpredictable talent show built on humor and roasts. But its unfiltered content has sparked backlash. Has the show pushed the limits too far? Should digital platforms impose stricter content guidelines, or would that be a slippery slope toward...
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Why Trump is deporting Indians
President Trump has deported over 100 Indians, keeping them shackled throughout a 40-hour flight. We break down why Indians are being deported, what Trump’s policies mean for migrants, and how this could shape US-India relations. Tune in.
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What led to BJP's victory in Delhi?
BJP’s big win in Delhi marks a turning point in the capital’s political landscape. What changed this time? How will governance unfold under the new leadership? And does this signal a larger shift in urban politics? We break it all down in this post-election deep dive.
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Trump's tariff war: What's at stake for India?
Trump has initiated a trade war, slapping tariffs on products from China, Canada, and Mexico. Although he has paused the tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month, the threat still looms large. In this explainer, we break down what this means for the U.S. economy, global trade, and India.
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Budget 2025: Taxes, Bihar, and big moves
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025 hikes income tax exemptions, prioritizes Bihar’s development, and unveils sector-specific reforms. Tune in as we unpack the key announcements and their implications.
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How deeply is DeepSeek disturbing
What is DeepSeek, and how is it different from other AI models? In what ways will DeepSeek disrupt the AI industry? We break it all down in this explainer.
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Mahakumbh, once in a lifetime experience
The Maha Kumbh Mela began on January 13, 2025, and will continue until February 26. The event is expected to attract 400 to 450 million pilgrims. But why is this year's Mela particularly significant? How is it contributing to the Indian economy? How is the Uttar Pradesh government managing the...
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Trump overhauls America on Day 1
Since Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, he has issued several executive orders. His decisions—including ending birthright citizenship, reviving the Mexico border emergency, and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO)—have garnered significant...
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Expectations from Budget 2025
Union Budget 2025 Income Tax Anticipations Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for 2025-26 on February 1, 2025. Economist Gaurav Choudhury anticipates a focus on job creation, consumption boost, new tax framework, support for women and farmers, industry...
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Will Gaza be peaceful finally?
A ceasefire in Gaza began on 19th January, following a truce mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, ending 15 months of conflict. While there are still some issues with identifying hostages for release, this marks a positive development. Tune in for more details.
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Why did Hindenberg Research shut down?
Hindenberg Research, the American short-selling firm has shut down. Why did founder Nate Anderson close the firm despite its high-profile investigations? What will happen to the pending allegations against Adani and SEBI? Tune in for an in-depth analysis.
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Delhi elections 2025: Can AAP weather the storm or is change coming?
Delhi gears up for a high-stakes election on February 5, 2025. With infrastructure failures, rising pollution, and political drama, will the Aam Aadmi Party maintain its grip on power, or is Delhi ready for change? We break it down in this explainer.
About this show
An audio series where we make complex issues easy, explain events and concepts in politics, economy and a lot more.
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