Harish Damodaran

In this conversation, Harish Damodaran, the National Rural Affairs and Agriculture Editor at The Indian Express, tackles the thorny negotiations over the India–US trade deal, spotlighting agricultural tensions. He reveals the complexities surrounding tariffs and essential crops like maize. The discussion also takes a turn to Rajasthan's ambitious tunnel project, outlining its geological challenges and environmental concerns. Finally, the troubling electoral roll revisions in Bihar raise critical issues about voter disenfranchisement just before the elections.

This episode features Sweety Kumari, a reporter for The Indian Express who sheds light on the Supreme Court's decision leading to over 25,000 teachers losing their jobs in West Bengal. The discussion covers the emotional and systemic fallout for affected educators. Harish Damodaran, the Rural Affairs Editor, reveals the crisis plaguing India's cotton economy, with production at a 16-year low due to pests. Finally, they analyze how U.S. tariffs have caused a significant market downturn, prompting urgent calls for economic strategies.

In this conversation, Harish Damodaran, National Rural Affairs and Agriculture Editor at The Indian Express, discusses the contentious trade negotiations between India and the US, centering on dairy imports. He explains India’s hesitance to import US agricultural products due to cultural factors and local labor dynamics. The dialogue also touches on India's humanitarian alert to Pakistan about flooding despite strained relations and the recent imposition of high tariffs by the US on Indian imports, highlighting the intricate interplay of agriculture and geopolitics.