South Central

Joining the discussion is Rathin Roy, an economist and former advisor known for his insights on fiscal federalism and economic policy. He delves into the implications of the missing census and delayed delimitation on federal dynamics. The conversation also covers the recent MNREGA revamp, exploring its impact on poverty versus federalism. Rathin emphasizes the need for states to negotiate better tax shares and highlights the economic divide between the prosperous South and the less affluent North, urging coordinated efforts to enhance development.

Join investigative powerhouses Josy Joseph, founder of Confluence Media; Rema Nagarajan, senior editor at Times of India; and independent journalist Nikita Saxena as they delve into the future of investigative journalism in India. They explore the resilience of independent investigations amid governmental pressures and the risks reporters face. The trio discusses the influence of corporate ownership on media integrity, the importance of collaborative reporting, and the urgency for funding and training to sustain impactful journalism in a rapidly changing landscape.

The discussion navigates India's secularism and the gap between Constitutional values and political realities. Guests highlight the impact of post-2015 laws on minority rights and critique media practices that have normalized majoritarian narratives. There’s an exploration of the role of women's agency in policy rhetoric and how Christians face unique challenges. Plus, the panel weighs in on youth political engagement in the age of information overload and projects potential trends heading into 2026.

Join Sukanya Shaji, a lawyer-turned-journalist, Azeefa Fathima, Breaking News Head, and Shabbir Ahmed, Tamil Nadu Bureau Chief, as they dissect the high-profile Kerala actor assault case involving Dileep. The guests explore the intricacies of the case, including alleged conspiracies and forensic controversies. They then shift focus to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Tamil Nadu, revealing the chaos on the ground, pressures faced by officials, and potential risks to voter inclusion—all set against a backdrop of political maneuvering.

Join Dr. PV Ramesh, a former IAS officer and expert in health policy, and Dr. Sylvia Karpagam, a seasoned public health activist, as they tackle pressing issues in vaccination and health privatization. They dissect billionaire Sridhar Vembu's controversial anti-vaccine claims and the dangers of misinformation. The conversation shifts to the implications of PPPs in healthcare, revealing how privatization can affect medical education and community access. They also discuss the critical need for public trust in medicine and the ethical challenges in clinical trials.

In this discussion, T.V. Anupama, an IAS officer, shares Kerala's unique strategies for eradicating extreme poverty, detailing their localized identification process and tailored micro-plans for intervention. Freddy Thomas, a law professor, highlights the sustainability of these welfare approaches amidst fiscal challenges. The conversation shifts to Prajwal Bhatt, a journalist who provides insights into Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory in NYC, emphasizing youth engagement and the dynamics of Indian American support in a politically charged environment.

Yogendra Yadav, a renowned psephologist and activist, critiques the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR), highlighting flaws and risks of disenfranchising voters through faulty processes. He argues for better methods like house-to-house checks. Sukanya Shaji, a former lawyer and journalist, discusses recent High Court rulings on sexual harassment, revealing how these decisions often undermine justice by quashing complaints at early stages. They emphasize the complexities of consent and the need for a deeper understanding of power dynamics in such cases.

Shahina KK, a senior journalist with deep insights into Kerala's communal politics, and Indulekha Aravind, a business journalist specializing in economic issues, share their expertise. They dive into the hijab controversy, framing it as a battle between faith and education rights, while exploring its historical and political roots. The discussion shifts to the debate over Andhra Pradesh's new Google data centre, examining state rivalry and the implications of investment incentives. Both guests highlight critical local dynamics affecting these hot-button issues.

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.

Putting south India at the centre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.