John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, shares insights into Jacob Zuma's contempt conviction, marking a pivotal moment for South Africa's judiciary amid ongoing corruption issues. Katrine Bragg, the environment editor, discusses the alarming rise of heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere, underscoring their severe impacts on health and vulnerable communities. They also touch on the politicization of biryani in India, exploring its historical roots and current controversies, revealing how food can become a powerful political symbol.
South Africa’s embattled former leader will be imprisoned for failing to show up to trial—a sign that, for all the rot in South Africa, its Constitutional Court still has teeth. Our environment editor discusses the scope of heatwaves sweeping the northern hemisphere and cheap ways to lower their death tolls. And how a centuries-old rice dish has become politicised in India.