In a captivating discussion, Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, and Mathieu Favas, a finance correspondent, dive into the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, spotlighting its implications for Prime Minister Modi's Hindu-national agenda ahead of the 2024 elections. They also unravel the complexities of fossil fuel divestment in light of climate activism and investor pressures, highlighting the paradox of oil companies selling off polluting assets. Finally, they analyze shifting global democracy trends, revealing both alarming declines and unexpected resilience in various regions.