

South Central
The News Minute
Welcome to South Central, a podcast from The News Minute dedicated to bringing the south of India to the forefront. Each episode dives into the stories, challenges, and perspectives that shape the region and often go unheard in national conversations. South Central is led by TNM's Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran and co-hosted by TNM's Reporting Head, Pooja Prasanna. Together, they bring sharp insights, on-the-ground expertise, and a commitment to exploring the issues that truly matter in the south. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 29min
Why Dashwanth Was Acquitted | RSS Marches, Lathis and Secular Space
In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Dashwanth, convicted and sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a minor girl in Tamil Nadu. They are joined by Azeefa Fathima, TNM’s head of Breaking News. In the second part of the session, the hosts discuss the RSS’s centenary year and the outfit’s presence in the southern states. They are joined by historian and author V Geetha, and TNM’s Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal.Celebrate Deepavali with us with this special offer: https://pages.razorpay.com/deepavali25 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. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:01:35: Diwali Offer00:02:48 - Headlines 00:12:18 - Dashwanth Case 00:43:38- RSS in south India01:24:05- Recommendations 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 and written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 15, 2025 • 49sec
Trailer: South Central
Putting south India at the centre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
Right-wing attack against CJI Gavai | The power of cults in Indian politics
In this discussion, Ajoy Ashirwad, Political Affairs Editor at The Wire, and K Venkataramanan, a veteran journalist, tackle the recent attack on Chief Justice BR Gavai, exploring its caste implications and the disturbing online vilification leading to it. They analyze how the attack aims to intimidate the judiciary in religious debates and highlight inconsistent law enforcement. The conversation shifts to the influence of celebrity culture in politics, examining how star power shapes political futures and the risks posed by star-driven parties devoid of organizational strength.

23 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 38min
Hafta x South Central feat. Josy Joseph: A crossover episode on the future of media
Josy Joseph, an award-winning investigative journalist and author, joins a dynamic panel to discuss the shifting landscape of media. He highlights the alarming decline of newspapers and TV due to outdated business models. Dhanya Rajendran tackles the challenges of funding environmental journalism, while Manisha Pande argues for journalism's role in fostering critical thinking amid sensationalism. The conversation dives into the need for innovative, subscription-based journalism and the impact of technology on storytelling, revealing the urgent need for support in independent media.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.