After battling insurgency for 13 years, the Bashar al Assad regime has collapsed in Syria. Assad and his family have fled to Russia where they have been given asylum. An Al Qaida affiliate that today goes by the name of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has taken control of the Syrian capital Damascus. The immediate future of Syria now depends on the leader of the HTS, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, a man who was handpicked by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to establish a branch in Syria.What were factors behind the sudden overthrow of the Assad regime, which not many had foreseen? What are the implications of this for Russia and Iran, Assad’s biggest backers? What are the implications for the various minorities such as Shias, Christians and the Syrian Kurds? And what does this mean for Palestinians in Gaza and for Lebanon? Guest: Iftikhar Gilani, a senior journalist who has reported for three decades from South Asia and the Middle East and is currently based in Ankara. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu.Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.

Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, a prominent cardiologist and public health expert, delves into the alarming connection between air pollution and heart disease in India. He reveals that outdoor air pollution accounts for millions of deaths annually, with a significant percentage linked to heart issues, particularly among the youth. Discussing the impact of PM2.5 on cardiovascular health, he stresses the urgent need for improved air quality awareness. Reddy also highlights the vulnerabilities of different age groups, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures.

In this insightful discussion, Ziya Us Salam, Associate Editor at The Hindu, delves into the tragic events surrounding the Sambhal violence that claimed five lives. He explores the contentious survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid and its legal implications, questioned by many as a conspiracy against communal harmony. The conversation highlights the tensions over mosque ownership claims, police conduct, and the repercussions of the Places of Worship Act. Salam emphasizes the critical need for dialogue and equitable representation to navigate India's complex religious landscape.

Satyarupa Shekhar, a public policy advocate specializing in plastics pollution and urban governance, discusses the recent UN negotiations on plastic pollution that failed to result in a treaty despite rising global plastic waste. She explores the stark divide between countries pushing for production caps versus oil-producing nations favoring waste management. The conversation highlights India's complex role in these discussions and critiques the fossil fuel industry's impact on climate and plastic policy, urging stronger commitments and responsibility shifts towards producers.

S. Chokalingam, the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, sheds light on the recent election results controversies. He addresses concerns around Electronic Voting Machines and voter turnout spikes, clarifying how the voting process works. The discussion unpacks allegations of electoral malpractices and the importance of protocols like VVPAT for transparency. By explaining EVM mechanics and the verification process, Chokalingam reassures listeners about electoral integrity. His insights offer a deeper understanding of maintaining a fair democracy.

Vinaya Deshpande, Maharashtra Chief of Bureau at The Hindu, breaks down the dramatic electoral shift in Maharashtra from June to November 2024. He explores how the Maha Yuti coalition's hyper-local strategies and financial promises influenced the landslide victory over the Maha Vikas Agadi. The analysis dives into voter perception, Narendra Modi's impact, and internal discord within the MVA. Deshpande also highlights concerns about the electoral process, voter turnout discrepancies, and the implications for future governance in the state.

Dr. Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, a neuropsychiatrist and founder of Buddhi Clinic in Chennai, explores the fascinating gut-brain connection. He illuminates how gut health can predict neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, with symptoms sometimes appearing decades earlier. The discussion highlights the role of diet in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, emphasizing its impact on mental health and emotional wellness. He also touches on how stress can affect gut flora, underscoring the importance of dietary diversity for cognitive and emotional well-being.

Nagraj Adve, a founder member of Teachers Against the Climate Crisis, shares insights on the recent COP29 conference. He highlights the disappointment expressed by developing nations over inadequate climate finance commitments from developed countries, deeming them an 'insult.' The podcast dives into the complexities of new carbon market agreements and the ethical dilemmas they pose for indigenous communities. Adve also discusses the significance of the new methane reduction declaration and the critical need for fair funding solutions in the face of urgent climate challenges.

Kallol Bhattacharjee, a journalist from The Hindu’s New Delhi Bureau, delves into the complex extradition controversy surrounding Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Bangladeshi leader. He discusses the implications of political activities she continues from India, alongside Bangladesh's attempts to involve Interpol. Bhattacharjee explores the extradition treaty’s exemption clauses, the historical context of India-Bangladesh relations, and the current political turbulence in Bangladesh under Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. The dialogue captures the intersection of law, politics, and national security.

The National People’s Power (NPP), the ruling alliance led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has secured a historic mandate in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections. By winning 159 seats in the 225-member Parliament, it has secured two-thirds majority, a feat never achieved before in Sri Lanka’s proportionate representation system. This victory, coming two months after his election as President, leaves Dissanayake supremely well-placed to fulfil the expectations of a people exhausted by economic travails. But then, he will also be under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stick with the program of permanent austerity. Can he navigate these contradictory pulls on his government? If so, how? And will he use his two-thirds majority to establish a new political culture, say, by abolishing the executive presidency? Guest: Dr Ahilan Kadirgamar from the University of Jaffna. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu.Edited by Sharmada venkatasubramanian.