Chris Lockwood, Europe editor for The Economist, dives into Russia's alarming third wave of COVID-19, highlighting mixed messaging and public mistrust surrounding the Sputnik V vaccine. Anne Rowe, Obituaries editor, reflects on Kenneth Kaunda's influential legacy in African liberation, noting both his achievements and challenges. Meanwhile, Hamish Beryl, public policy correspondent, discusses the global interest in creating agencies like DARPA to foster innovation, pointing out the complexities of governmental support for ambitious projects in tech.

Vijay Vaitheeswaran, The Economist's Global Energy and Climate Innovation Editor, and Hamish Beryl, the public policy correspondent, discuss the transformative impact of activist investors on major oil companies. They highlight shareholder victories pushing ExxonMobil and Chevron towards greener practices and a Dutch court ruling mandating Shell to cut emissions. The conversation also delves into Scotland's escalating drug crisis and the leadership's proactive response, while touching on a Peruvian pop star revitalizing the Quechua language through music.