Avantika Chilcotty

Avantika Chilcotty, an international correspondent for The Economist, dives into the chaos of global vaccine passports and the pressing need for standardization to facilitate international travel. Joanna Lillis, covering Uzbekistan, shares insights on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's political maneuvers and economic reforms since 2016, amidst lingering democratic challenges. The conversation also touches on the exciting entry of The Economist into the NFT space, exploring the complexities of this digital frontier and its implications for the art world.

Arkady Ostrovsky, The Economist's Russia editor, provides sharp insights on the recent elections, revealing how United Russia's proclaimed victory was tainted by fraud and opposition resilience. Avantika Chilcotty discusses the Gates Foundation's evolving role post-divorce, assessing its significant contributions to global health amidst questions about efficiency. The conversation also touches on innovative approaches to improving tea flavor through microbiomes, blending politics and philanthropy with a touch of science.