South Central

The News Minute
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Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 8min

Karnataka Socio-Educational Survey Explained | Producers, Access and the Movie Ticket Cap Debate | South Central 45

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the controversy in Karnataka over the socio-educational survey, wrongly called the caste census. The hosts are joined by guests Anisha Sheth, TNM’s Karnataka Bureau Chief, and Shivasundar, writer and activist. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss whether the price of movie tickets should be capped to make them affordable for common people. They are joined by film producer, writer, and director G Dhananjayan.Reporting Fund: The Shady Business of Stolen FootageOnce a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:01:24 - Reporting Fund 00:03:30 - Headlines 00:17:26 - Socio-Education Survey 00:44:29- Cap on Movie tickets01:04:31 - RecommendationsCheck out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali and written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 19min

Anti-Immigrant Protests: Are Indians Safe Abroad? | Press Freedom & Court Orders | South Central 44

Joyojeet Pal, an academic at the University of Michigan, discusses the alarming rise of anti-immigrant sentiment affecting Indians abroad, alongside Bharathy Singaravel, a Chennai-based journalist covering right-wing movements. They dive into the dynamics of nativism, exploring how class and profession influence Indian experiences. Investigative journalist Saurav Das examines troubling court orders impacting press freedom, specifically focusing on corporate litigation that threatens journalistic integrity. Tune in for insights on safety, media challenges, and more.
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13 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 26min

Umar Khalid’s UAPA Bail Rejection & Southern Leaders' Secularism Dilemma | South Central 43

In this insightful discussion, Shahrukh Alam, a seasoned Supreme Court lawyer, Poorna Ravishankar, a constitutional expert and advocate for marginalized rights, and Meera Velayudhan, a feminist scholar, delve into the troubling case of Umar Khalid and others imprisoned without trial under UAPA. They explore the systemic judicial challenges in high-profile bail rejections while critiquing the intersection of politics and justice. Their conversation shifts to the delicate balance Southern leaders navigate between secularism and community identity amidst a politically charged climate.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 12min

Kavitha’s Exit from BRS: Patriarchy in Politics? States Push Back on GST | South Central 42

C Vanaja, a seasoned journalist and founder of Mahua Media, dives into the political turbulence surrounding K Kavitha's resignation from the BRS. They discuss the interplay of patriarchy and family dynamics in politics, revealing how these factors influence women's roles in leadership. The conversation also shifts to the new GST regime, touching on its implications for federalism, state revenues, and the complexities confronting marginalized communities. Vanaja's insights shine a light on the often-overlooked struggles women face in the political arena.
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Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 18min

Questions over Ambani’s Vantara & the farce of Rahul Mamkootathil as MLA

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss Anant Ambani’s Vantara project and how, under the guise of animal rescue, it may be hiding something far more sinister. They are joined by investigative journalist M Rajshekhar, who has looked into Vantara’s formation, investigating deep into the problems in law, compliance, and more. In the second part of the discussion, the panel weighs in on the allegations of sexual misconduct against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The hosts are joined by journalists KK Shahina and Sukanya Shaji.Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introductions00:01:27 - Support TNM 00:02:52 - Headlines 00:08:05 - Dharmasthala Case00:13:25 - Vantara 00:41:53- Rahul Mamkootathil allegations01:11:25 - Recommendations Read Nidhi Suresh's Story: Against God’s men: A nun, a bishop, and the trial of India’s Catholic Church Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 26min

South Central 40 | Election Commission's Credibility Crisis & The Nun Who Took Bishop Franco to Court

Supriya Sharma, Executive Editor of Scroll and investigative journalist, discusses the Election Commission's credibility crisis, detailing allegations of mishandled voter registration and public trust erosion. Nidhi Suresh, a journalist known for her sensitive storytelling, shares insights into the emotional trial of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the first of its kind in India, focusing on the nun who bravely accused him. Together, they explore pressing electoral issues and the fight for justice within the church, shedding light on broader societal impacts.
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Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 17min

South Central 39 | How Prajwal Revanna Was Convicted, National award row

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran, Pooja Prasanna, and Leena Reghunath first discuss the conviction of former Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prajwal Revanna in the first of four cases of rape against him. The panel, joined by TNM Karnataka bureau chief Anisha Sheth, weighs in on why the judgement is a milestone for survivors of sexual assault. In the second part of the discussion, the panel discusses the controversy surrounding the 71st National Film Awards and whether the awards are being excessively politicised to suit a Hindu majoritarian agenda. Former journalist and film producer Miriam Joseph joins the hosts to weigh in on whether the Awards have lost their credibility.Audio Timecodes  00:00:00- Introductions00:01:46: Support TNM 00:06:35 - Headlines 00:13:44 - Prajwal Revanna Conviction00:35:15 - National Awards01:10:43 - Recommendations Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well.You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.Become a subscriber - Click here.Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click hereProduced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 2, 2025 • 1h 31min

Kerala Nuns Arrest In Chhattisgarh, TCS IT Layoffs | South Central 38 |

In this discussion, Colin Gonsalves, a prominent human rights advocate and founder of the Human Rights Law Network, addresses the alarming rise in attacks on Christians, framing it within broader societal tensions in India. Sriram Rajagopal, an expert in human resources and technology, reflects on the recent layoffs at TCS, questioning the role of AI in shaping job security. The conversation weaves through the implications for IT employees and highlights the urgent need for reskilling in a rapidly evolving job market.
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Jul 26, 2025 • 1h 37min

VS Achuthanandan’s Legacy and Gag Orders in the Dharmasthala Case

Sreejan Balakrishnan, a senior journalist, shares his insights on the profound legacy of V.S. Achuthanandan, highlighting his relentless fight for social justice and environmental causes in Kerala. Environmentalist Sridhar Radhakrishnan discusses VS's influence on grassroots movements and his role in key legislation like the PANI Wetland Protection Act. Meanwhile, Anisha Sheth explores the controversial gag orders surrounding the Dharmasthala case, revealing the dark history of unexplained deaths in the region and how it affects media coverage.
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44 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 29min

South Central 36 | Vijay in TN politics, pilots question Air India crash cockpit report

Sam Thomas, President of the Airlines Pilot Associations of India, and Amit Singh, aviation safety expert, delve into the controversial details of the Air India crash report, questioning pilot communication during the incident. Meanwhile, Shabbir Ahamed and Kavitha Muralidharan examine actor Vijay's political debut in Tamil Nadu, exploring whether his film fanbase can translate into electoral success. They discuss the complexities of his political strategy amidst a changing landscape, raising critical questions about engagement and voter sentiment.

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