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Tiger safaris in Karnataka's Bandipur and Nagarhole reserves have been halted due to fatal attacks, including the recent death of a farmer. Local authorities point to seasonal mating movements and habitat encroachment as key factors. Conservation experts argue that the real issue lies in policy failures and a lack of political will. Meanwhile, retaliatory violence against forest staff has surged following the incidents. Amidst all this, a recent visit from the Prime Minister highlights the ongoing tension between wildlife conservation and community safety.

Bihar, now voting to elect its 18th state assembly, says with pride that democracy was born here. That’s why Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India is the mother of democracy. Democracy, the idea of a republic where each individual has a voice and a choice, is Bihar’s greatest contribution to India, and India’s to the world. Which raises the question: How good has democracy been for Bihar? Where is its people’s democracy dividend? — Watch this week's #NationalInterest with ThePrint’s Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read this week's National Interest here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/bihar-voters-democracy-mahatma-gandhi-jayaprakash-narayan-karpoori-thakur/2779496/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watch CutTheClutter episode 1753 here - https://youtu.be/mw1m-sXtSC8   National Interest Oct 7 2023: https://theprint.in/national-interest/caste-census-politics-what-bihar-thinks-today-bihar-used-to-think-day-before-yesterday/1793470/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://theprint.in/india/ed-attaches-rs-11-cr-worth-of-assets-of-suresh-raina-shikhar-dhawan-in-pmla-probe-into-betting-app/2778482/

DK Singh, a political editor known for his expertise in Bihar’s complex dynamics, joins Sanya Dhingra, a ground reporter uncovering voter sentiment. Together, they explore the pivotal themes in Bihar’s elections, such as the power of social identity over ideology and the impact of welfare promises on voter expectations. They discuss persistent unemployment, the role of entrenched caste coalitions, and the influence of local strongmen in politics. Sanya shares vivid insights from Siwan, shedding light on how local dynamics shape electoral choices.

Zohran Mamdani's landmark win as New York City's first South Asian Muslim mayor is celebrated as a historic moment. His victory speech, infused with Bollywood flair and a challenge to Donald Trump, resonated with a populist message of working-class empowerment. Mamdani's ambitious policy proposals aim for rent freezes, universal childcare, and community safety. He centers his identity as a young, Muslim, socialist leader, emphasizing immigrant contributions and unity in the face of division. The podcast captures the hope and directness of his vision for the city.

Dive into the fascinating world of Bihar's politics with a focus on Nitish Kumar’s remarkable journey. Discover how he mastered the art of endurance in the political game, forming coalitions that prioritize women and marginalized groups. His innovative welfare programs, like direct cash transfers, have created lasting trust among citizens. As challenges arise from a new generation of leaders, questions about his longevity and adaptability emerge. This exploration highlights the complexities of governance in a fragmented political landscape.

Explore the political artistry of Nitish Kumar, who has navigated the tumultuous landscape of Bihar with enduring success. Dive into his strategies for building a welfare-focused coalition, revitalizing bureaucracy, and adapting to shifting alliances. Contrast his understated managerial style with the more flamboyant approaches of other politicians. The discussion delves into the risks of future exhaustion due to age and opposition. Kumar's saga is a compelling study of resilience, reform, and the delicate balance between ideology and administration.

In this engaging discussion, Bhargavi Zaveri-Shah, a legal researcher focusing on dispute resolution in India, dives deep into the Commercial Courts Act, ten years after its enactment. She highlights that over 60% of suits remain unresolved after two years, questioning the Act's effectiveness. Bhargavi analyzes court data from the Bombay High Court, revealing that disposal times for commercial suits have not improved. She discusses the litigation culture, incentives for delays, and the need for dedicated benches, emphasizing that mere legislation isn't enough for real progress.

The recent rate cut by the US Federal Reserve amidst a government shutdown raises interesting global implications. Without fresh data, the Fed made a cautious move that impacts investor behavior and costs of capital. This development creates opportunities for India, allowing it to attract investments and fund major infrastructure projects. However, there's caution as a weakened US economy could hurt Indian exports. India is presented with a unique chance to deepen trade ties and promote financial independence during these turbulent times.