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Kerala's government is unveiling a massive welfare package worth Rs 10,000 crore, aiming to bolster support ahead of the upcoming polls. A hike in pensions and ASHA workers' honorarium has sparked both celebrations and protests. CM Pinarayi Vijayan emphasizes development strides and poverty reduction. Additionally, new initiatives for women's security and youth scholarships signal a focus on social advancement. Meanwhile, opposition parties criticize these moves as election tactics. Exciting times lie ahead for Kerala!

The podcast delves into K.A. Sengottaiyan's surprising shift to align with rebel leaders OPS and TTV Dhinakaran. They passionately vow to revive the legacies of iconic leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa while voicing criticism against EPS. Sengottaiyan's earlier call for unity saw him facing backlash, being ousted from party positions for his stance. Meanwhile, EPS labels the rebel gathering as a betrayal, intensifying the internal strife within the party. Tensions rise as former allies confront each other in a battle for control.

Rhea Chakraborty's life was shattered by media frenzy and public scrutiny following Sushant Singh Rajput's death. A recent CBI report absolved her, revealing no evidence against her. The podcast discusses how sensationalist journalism and social media mobs turned her into a scapegoat during a time of national turmoil. It critiques society's complicity in this spectacle and argues for accountability and reflection. Ultimately, it questions what India owes Chakraborty for the trauma she endured and the damage done to her life and career.

Kerala's controversial halt of the PM-SHRI schools scheme sparks intense debate. Political infighting within the LDF leads to the formation of a subcommittee amid allegations of central pressure. The scheme, aimed at upgrading 14,500 schools, raises concerns about ideological influences from the NEP. CPI leaders express fears of curriculum changes and reduced state control over education. Will this decision impact the future of state-run smart schools? Stay tuned as the state's educational landscape faces a pivotal moment.

Denis Alipov, Russia's Ambassador to India, discusses the evolving dynamics between Russia and India, emphasizing their extensive partnership that goes beyond oil. He critiques US sanctions, claiming they are ineffective and may backfire. Alipov highlights Russia's support for India's UN Security Council bid and the significance of BRICS. He shares insights into the Ukraine conflict, framing it as a response to NATO expansion, and warns that continued support for Ukraine could lead to Russian territorial gains. Alipov also explores potential trade agreements and defense negotiations.

https://theprint.in/environment/delhi-govt-claims-cloud-seeding-trial-a-success-but-dont-expect-rain-just-yet-its-not-like-magic/2772199/

As Bihar poll campaign gathers momentum, the Mahagathbandhan has released a joint manifesto. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta takes you back to 2010 when #WritingsOnTheWall described how Bihar's traditional political equations were changing. The two-part series from November 2010 also predicted Nitish's win in the Assembly elections & read the message of socio-economic change on Bihar's walls.----more----Read the two-part #WritingsOnTheWall from 2010 here: https://theprint.in/sg-writings-on-the-wall/a-mandate-for-nitish-hope-kumar/544132/----more----https://theprint.in/sg-writings-on-the-wall/when-lonely-lalu-misses-gentleman-sonia-and-a-muslim-calls-nitish-sher-ka-bachcha/544130/

ThePrintAM: Who is Lakhwinder Singh, Lawrence Bishnoi aide deported from US?

More than 20 years after its commissioning, the Lower Subansiri Project has begun its test run. The first of 8 units is now being wet trialled. By April-May next year, all units are expected to be commissioned, which will mean this project -- on the Arunachal-Assam border -- will produce 2000 MW of hydroelectric power, making it India's largest such project.----more----Read Moushumi Das Gupta report here: https://theprint.in/india/while-china-builds-its-mega-dam-on-brahmaputra-indias-long-delayed-subansiri-marks-key-milestone/2771548/----more----Read Ministry of environment and forest 2015 report here: https://moef.gov.in/uploads/2018/04/Volume-I.pdf----more----Watch full episode of CutTheClutter here: https://youtu.be/qSVgSN1WFJ4

What did PM Modi say about India-ASEAN ties in his virtual address at the ongoing ASEAN Summit?