ThePrint

Civic negligence in Bengaluru has led to a staggering 20 deaths in 2023 alone. The discussion highlights a tragic case of a student killed while dodging a pothole. Deputy CM Shivakumar assures relentless efforts to address the city's deteriorating infrastructure, which has suffered from years of neglect and corruption. A new governance structure aims to tackle these issues, but public frustration remains high over chronic delays and poor planning. Memes about potholes reignite community discourse, showcasing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Dive into the intriguing tale of Tauqeer Khan, a controversial figure at the center of unrest sparked by the 'I Love Muhammad' procession. Discover the roots of recent protests in Bareilly and the complex web of legal challenges he has faced over decades. The discussion also explores his political connections and the implications of his arrest, as well as his family's influential lineage within the Aliah Hajar sect. This captivating narrative reveals the tangled interplay of religion and politics in contemporary India.

The Maharashtra Police's recent order for US-made Barrett MRAD sniper rifles raises eyebrows, creating tension with the Ministry of Home Affairs' Make in India initiative. Assembling imported parts in India is claimed, yet concerns about local manufacturing linger. Force One, formed post-2008 attacks, showcases its elite training and specifications. With a high-profile user list, the rifles promise performance. This procurement decision follows a competitive loss to an Indian rifle, prompting discussions on modernization and compliance in police practices.

The podcast dives deep into the Ladakh crisis, highlighting how local grievances have united the Buddhist-majority Leh and Shia-majority Kargil. It critiques the Modi government for deflecting blame and discusses the shift of power to an unelected lieutenant governor. Protesters are demanding statehood and protections under the Sixth Schedule, raising concerns about unemployment and potential outsider influx. The conversation argues for devolving power to empower locals while balancing security needs amid ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan.

A tragic stampede in Karur claimed 41 lives, prompting TVK Chief Vijay to break his silence with a heartfelt video message. He hints at political vendetta, daring CM Stalin to act against him while expressing deep pain for the victims. Emphasizing public safety, Vijay discusses his team's planning and insists on the truth emerging about the incident. He also addresses arrests of TVK officials and social media users for misinformation and outlines FIR claims of mismanagement, vowing that TVK will grow stronger despite the turmoil.

The podcast dives into the complex political landscape of Assam following the death of singer Zubeen Garg. His controversial comments on caste and politics sparked significant public reaction. Politicians from various parties raced to associate themselves with his legacy. Assam CM Himanta Sarma links Garg's passing to BJP's poor performance in recent elections, while the BPF's surprising victory raises questions about future alliances. The discussion also highlights Congress's struggles and how Zubeen's death might shift voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 elections.

Discover why Kerala's Assembly unanimously opposed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. The resolution raises concerns about potential citizenship implications and parallels with Bihar's voter omissions that led to a Supreme Court intervention. Explore the logistical challenges facing upcoming elections and the rights issues raised by requiring parental documentation for younger voters. Dive into the deeper implications of SIR on citizenship, including its ties to religion-based categorization.

Bismee Taskin, a principal correspondent at ThePrint with a focus on organized crime, joins to dissect the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which Canada recently designated a 'terrorist entity.' They explore Bishnoi's rise from a small-town upbringing to orchestrating operations from prison. Taskin explains the gang's intricate alliances and rivalries across India and its notorious connections to high-profile assassinations, including Sidhu Moosewala. The discussion also highlights the cultural influence of gang-related music and social media, illustrating the far-reaching impact of Bishnoi's network.

Dive into the intriguing insights from the Daksh report on India's commercial tribunal system. Discover the staggering backlog of 3.56 lakh pending cases, equating to 7.48% of GDP. Justice Singh emphasizes the need for specialized judges and reforms to improve accountability. Learn about the structural barriers and procedural deficiencies hindering progress, as well as the unsettling trend of tribunals becoming parking spots for retired bureaucrats. Concrete steps toward enhancing tribunal independence and addressing judge workload also take center stage.

The discussion delves into the significance of a pivotal Oval Office photo featuring Trump with Pakistani leaders, revealing deeper geopolitical implications for India. Insights highlight a powerful military influence in Pakistan and the delicate balance of US-Pakistan relations. The conversation revisits the complexities of civilian versus military control in Pakistan, offering lessons on the persistent challenges of peace-making efforts. Additionally, the host reveals how Munir's strategies may align with Pakistan's broader anti-India agenda.