Harish Damodaran

Vineet Bhalla, a staff reporter for The Indian Express, dives into the ongoing struggle of Jodhpura residents against UltraTech Cement, highlighting their fight for health and environmental justice amid mining disruptions. Harish Damodaran, the Rural Affairs editor, explains the U.S. tariff threats on Indian rice, clarifying that Indian basmati does not qualify as 'dumping' due to its premium pricing. The discussion also touches on the tragic Goa nightclub fire, revealing new arrests and legal complexities surrounding the case.

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.