Max Rodenbeck, South Asia bureau chief for The Economist, reveals the precarious position of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan amid a looming no-confidence vote. He discusses military influence and the political turbulence faced by Khan. Mathieu Favas, finance correspondent, delves into the worldwide implications of sanctions on Russian oil, as India and China capitalize on market shifts. They also touch on changing ecosystems and their impact on animal populations, emphasizing the complex interrelationships within nature.

Join Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief, as they dive into pressing global issues. They discuss the fragile ceasefire in Yemen, painting a picture of a complex political landscape fraught with skepticism and humanitarian concerns. The conversation shifts to 'The Kashmir Files,' exploring its controversial portrayal of history and its political ramifications. Plus, hear about the surprising rise of cricket in Brazil, especially among women, showcasing the sport's evolving landscape.

In a captivating discussion, Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, and Mathieu Favas, a finance correspondent, dive into the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh, spotlighting its implications for Prime Minister Modi's Hindu-national agenda ahead of the 2024 elections. They also unravel the complexities of fossil fuel divestment in light of climate activism and investor pressures, highlighting the paradox of oil companies selling off polluting assets. Finally, they analyze shifting global democracy trends, revealing both alarming declines and unexpected resilience in various regions.

Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief, and Sue Lin Wong, a correspondent for The Economist, dive deep into the rising tide of religious bigotry in India, particularly concerning the Hindu nationalist movement. They explore how government complicity worsens violence against religious minorities and impacts India's secular identity. The discussion also shifts to China's evolving propaganda film industry, notably its successful cinematic endeavors that mix entertainment with nationalism, shedding light on cultural trends and their implications.

Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia bureau chief in Delhi, discusses India's dire Omicron wave, with hospitals facing oxygen shortages yet signs of optimism emerging as vaccination efforts ramp up. Sarah Berg, bureau chief for Mexico and Central America, dives into the president's controversial energy reforms that may increase costs and environmental risks. They also touch on historical railway dynamics, highlighting the complexities of reviving essential trade routes in the Middle East amidst ongoing conflicts.

Anne McElvoy, a Senior editor at The Economist renowned for her insights on British politics, joins Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief based in Delhi. They discuss the ongoing scandals plaguing Boris Johnson's government, scrutinizing his leadership during crises. Shifting gears, they delve into a remarkable archaeological discovery in Tamil Nadu, challenging narratives about early civilization and emphasizing Tamil identity. The podcast also whimsically touches on a British birdwatcher's documentation of Beijing's avian diversity, blending culture with nature.

Max Rodenbeck, The Economist's South Asia Bureau Chief, discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan post-Taliban takeover, highlighting the urgent need for international aid as winter approaches. He delves into the moral dilemmas faced by global donors in supporting a regime criticized for its human rights violations. The conversation also shifts to India’s digitization efforts, revealing the gaps in accessibility for its vast population. Additionally, Rodenbeck touches on the innovative rise of Rent the Runway, exploring its sustainability amidst the changing landscape of fashion and consumerism.

Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief for The Economist, and Tom Wainwright, Media editor for The Economist, discuss Pakistan’s critical role in Afghanistan's future. They delve into the diplomatic challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan, shaped by its ties to the Taliban. The conversation shifts to the evolving responsibilities of financial firms like Mastercard in regulating online content, and the implications of popular culture phenomena like 'Squid Game' on global societal issues and South Korean media's surge. An insightful exploration of geopolitics and cultural influence.

Sarah Burke, the Economist's bureau chief for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, sheds light on Haiti's current crises, detailing the devastating aftermath of a recent earthquake and the compounding challenges of gang violence and unstable governance. Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief, dives into the lasting repercussions of the India-Pakistan partition, showcasing how historical tensions still affect politics and society today. The discussion also briefly touches on Indonesia's passion for badminton, highlighting its importance as a source of national pride.

Max Rodenbeck, the South Asia bureau chief based in Delhi, sheds light on India’s alarming surge in COVID-19 cases, revealing how government inaction and healthcare inadequacies have fueled the crisis. He discusses tragic incidents like patient deaths due to oxygen shortages and critiques the flawed vaccine rollout amid mass gatherings. Additionally, the conversation touches on the political fallout from Chad's president's recent assassination and the broader implications for regional security.