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PulspectiveIndia and Russian crude oil deal: Too little so far, and no reason to be bulliedWorld oil markets have been on the boil since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. Much has been said and written about India buying Russian oil, and some western commentators trying to shame India for the same. What is India’s crude oil import scenario and how much of Russian oil are we buying, we take a brief look in this episode.
2022-03-2906 minPulspectiveBirbhum brutality: who is going to end the wave of violence in BengalHuts burnt to ashes, women and children whose ashes and not bodies were collected in the aftermath, shocking visuals and alleged story of retaliatory violence in West Bengal – what happened so far and will the wave of violence end?
2022-03-2405 minPulspectiveTN keeps up the anti-Centre rhetoric, main plank of state’s politicsTamil Nadu politics and its opposition to Central schemes and decades of anti-Hindi and the so called pro-Federal approach has baffled many in other states. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam which came back to power in the state last summer has been aggressive and has not missed an opportunity to harp on its old rhetoric. We take a look at what has been happening in this episode.
2022-03-2207 minPulspectiveRight to prescribe uniform upheld by Karnataka HC, “Hijab not an essential religious practice”The Karnataka hijab row that saw multiple petitions challenging a ban and also a right to prescribe uniforms as come to an end at least legally with the High Court judgement on Tuesday. However, it is likely to remain a controversial subject and head to the Supreme Court. What did the Karnataka High Court verdict say, let us find out in this episode.
2022-03-1606 minPulspectivePaytm Payments Bank, RBI action and doubts of data leak to ChinaOn Monday Paytm shares crashed which has already been down from the high IPO price and what spooked investors were a report. A report that said a restrictive action against the Paytm Payments Bank by the Reserve Bank of India was over data sharing with entities in China. What exactly happened, how are Paytm and Paytm Bank related, we will find out in this episode.
2022-03-1506 minPulspectiveThe Kashmir Files – correcting the false narrativeToday’s episode is slightly different from our regular policy, politics and current affairs. We are going to talk about a movie that has created quite a buzz this weekend. Yes, it is about Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’.
2022-03-1406 minPulspectiveWelfare, work and promises kept: BJP’s convincing come back in 4-statesIt was a resounding victory for Bharatiya Janata Party which managed to retain all the four states it had ruled. It increased its vote share in four of the five states though the total number of seats reduced in some. Aam Aadmi Party made history capturing power in Punjab, a second state where it would rule. We take a bird’s eye view of the election results in today’s episode.
2022-03-1108 minPulspectiveCrude oil price soars on Russia-Ukraine and US sanctions, to dent economies across the globeUnited States on late Tuesday as per Indian time banned all fossil fuel imports from Russia as a further punitive measure after string of sanctions. What impact would it have on global oil prices and how would it impact India, let us take a look in this episode.
2022-03-0906 minPulspectiveWhat does the exit poll say?Polling has come to a close in all the five states for the state elections. Though it is just two days to go before the counting it is difficult to resist exit poll predictions. We take a glance at what various exit polls suggest for each of the states in today’s episode.
2022-03-0806 minPulspectiveProposal to free Karnataka temples from govt control should happen soonLast week Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the Hindu temples that are under government control in the state would be given autonomy by bringing in necessary legislation. Why is this an important issue, we take a brief look at it in this episode.
2022-03-0706 minPulspectiveNCP’s Nawab Malik in ED custody over alleged money laundering links with D-companyNawab Malik, Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra was accused of having links with the underworld by former Maharashtra Chief Minister and opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis in November. Since then the probe agencies have been on the trail of many linked to the underworld and finally on Wednesday the Enforcement Directorate took Malik into custody.
2022-02-2405 minPulspectiveRussia ups the ante, nations hurry up with a response to halt its military manoeuvres against UkraineAfter showing signs of not advancing troops into Ukraine, Russia gave hopes of reducing tension over the war that was predicted to break out anytime. But Russia turned around to surprise the world recognizing two breakaway territories as independent. Countries around the world rushed to find ways to bring Russia to halt any possible military action. A brief look at the Russian action and the counter so far in this episode.
2022-02-2306 minPulspectiveAnger over Hindu activist’s murder in Karnataka and the colour of commentaryThe Hijab/Burqa controversy in coastal Karnataka turned into a national controversy leading to closure of schools and colleges for some days in the state. The matter is now in the High Court. In that tense atmosphere came the news of the murder of a young activist in Shivamogga this weekend. Were the two linked? We decode the incident and the reporting of the attack in today’s episode.
2022-02-2206 minPulspective5 Semiconductor & Display Fabs with $20.5 bn investment proposals in Phase IIn December the government announced a Rs 76,000 crore incentive scheme to push for semiconductor design, components manufacturing and display fabrication units in India. Since then, there has been a lot of buzz, and several plans announced. We take a brief look at what the plans are and how promising they look in this episode.
2022-02-2105 minPulspectiveFirst step towards National Hydrogen MissionFirst part of the National Hydrogen Mission policy on green hydrogen and green ammonia was announced by the Ministry of Power on Thursday. This is the first major policy announcement after the launch of National Hydrogen Mission by the Prime Minister on 15th August last year. What is this policy about, and how important is that in achieving the renewable energy and climate change targets? We will decode it in this episode.
2022-02-1805 minPulspectiveLoan default, diversion of funds & fraud: ABG Shipyard caseCBI has registered a case of fraud against ABG Shipyard, a bankrupt shipbuilding company that owes a consortium of banks close to Rs 23,000 crore and look out notices issued against the CMD and other directors. We decode details of the case in this episode.
2022-02-1606 minPulspectiveCryptocurrency: RBI persists with its call for ban, no change in govt view on crypto taxDeputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Rabi Sankar yesterday said banning cryptocurrency is perhaps the most advisable choice open to India. As anything around cryptos, the speech has also created quite a buzz. We decode the speech and also put in context what the Finance Minister and the RBI governor had said yesterday, and earlier on the subject.
2022-02-1506 minPulspectiveDecoding the SEBI Order of imposing fines on former MD & CEO of NSE and Key Issues it raisesOn Friday the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India had passed an order in connection with irregularities in appointment of a top official, imposing fines on the then MD & CEO of NSE, the exchange and others. We try to decode the order and some key issues it raises.
2022-02-1407 minPulspectiveKey Takeaways from PM Modi's interview to media on the eve of UP ElectionsPrime Minister led a frontal attack on Congress in the Parliament this week. Why did he do that, we get some answers for that from an interview he gave to ANI on Wednesday. Let us see what he had to say in the interview.
2022-02-1005 minPulspectiveChanni’s nephew caught in mining scam: Poll prospects unaffected?Congress party announced its Chief Ministerial candidate in Punjab, changing its earlier strategy of putting up a combined fight without a CM face during the election process and campaigning. Charanji Singh Channi who replaced Captain Amarinder Singh last September would be the Chief Minister if the party won the upcoming elections, Rahul Gandhi announced a couple of days ago. In the battle between Navjot Singh Siddhu and Channi, the popular verdict seemed to favour Channi.
2022-02-0905 minPulspective#BoycottHyundai: Citizens angry over Hyundai Pakistan’s political messaging over J&KSunday evening saw a major controversy erupt over a Hyundai tweet on Kashmir. What is the controversy and why should it be dealt with seriously, let us find out in this episode.
2022-02-0704 minPulspectiveIndia’s diplomatic boycott of Winter Olympics provoked by aggressive Chinese actOn Thursday India announced that it would diplomatically boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics that starts on Friday and would end on 20th February. What provoked India to take such a decision, let us find out in this edition.
2022-02-0405 minPulspectiveGovernment Vs giant tech companies, in the combat over fake newsReports are flowing in of the government’s latest altercation with Big Tech. Indian officials have held heated discussions with Google, Twitter and Facebook for not proactively removing what they described as fake news on their platforms. This episode explores the issue
2022-02-0306 minPulspectiveEconomic Survey 2022Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting the Union Budget for financial year 2022-23 on Tuesday. Coming on the back of a continued pandemic led disruptions to businesses, life and livelihood, there are lot of expectations that the budget would support growth. Before we get there let us take a look at the picture the Economic Survey presented on Monday presents.
2022-02-0106 minPulspectiveCanadian PM goes into hiding as truckers march in protest over Covid-19 vaccine mandateIt is strange as well as intriguing – that there is a speculation over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s isolation. He tweeted he has tested negative, yet going in for isolation. By weekend, truckers protest and Trudeau’s isolation were linked – and the speculation over the timing, and if the isolation is hiding from the trucking convoy protest. Trudeau moved out of his Ottawa home on Saturday along with his family members to a secret location and there has been no official word on the move. News reports suggest that it was fears over security after truckers’ protest gathered steam and...
2022-01-3105 minPulspectiveImminent Russia – Ukraine military conflict threatens global peace & economyRussia's massive troop build-up close to the border with east of Ukraine has triggered fears of an imminent attack. 100,000 troops and an attitude of not backing down on any of its demands has kept the world worried. Vaijayanthi in this episode of Pulspective explores the Russia-Ukraine border issue.
2022-01-2705 minPulspectiveTN student death and the issue of conversionA 17-year old girls student’s death in Tamil Nadu has become a point of debate and political protests. A 12th standard student studying in a boarding school died on 19th January at Thanjavur, a suspected case of suicide. Victim was a student of Sacred Heart School, Thirukattupalli staying at the boarding facility St Michael’s Girl’s Home. The girl is alleged to have consumed pesticide at the boarding facility – the school treated her in a nearby facility for vomiting and later informed parents of “illness”.
2022-01-2506 minPulspectiveChanging landscape: March towards the century of independenceOn the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the hologram of Netaji’s statue under the grand canopy at India Gate. From Netaji’s statue to shifting of Amar Jawan jyoti, there is a political storm about rewriting history. Let us take a look at what historical changes Lutyens Delhi is witnessing.
2022-01-2406 minPulspective5G rollout in the US disrupts flight services: Issue and solutionsAir India announced on Wednesday that it has curtailed fights to the USA over technical issues related to 5G communications use. USA is grappling with largescale flight cancellations and disruptions over the deployment of 5G by the telecom companies. A short look at what is at the root of the disruptions.
2022-01-2004 minPulspectiveArmed with SC judgement, FM calls out of the Antrix-Devas fraudA deal and a fraudulent deal that went out of the public memory – the Antarix -Devas deal is in the public glare again. A significant judgement from the Supreme Court of India on Monday has put the issue back under the spotlight. SC judgement on the deal is scathing. It is only a judgement reaffirming the winding up of Devas after the deal between ISRO arm Antarix and the private entity Devas Multimedia was cancelled in 2011. So why is the SC verdict important?
2022-01-1905 minPulspectivePM’s call for synchronized global action on cryptocurrenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the World Economic Forum’s annual Davos conference virtually. We look at the key points concerning economy from that speech in this episode.
2022-01-1805 minPulspectiveStart-up goals for 2022India’s start-ups are beginning 2022 on an extremely positive note as 2021 ended with some record deals and valuations. We decode the phenomenon on the backdrop of just concluded Start-up India Innovation Week.
2022-01-1706 minPulspectiveVodafone, Tata Tele opt for equity conversion of interest on deferred paymentAs part of the telecom reforms announced in September, the government gave an option to telecom companies to convert interest due on deferred payment of AGR and spectrum dues to equity. Two telecom firms announced their intention to do so on Tuesday. Let us decode the decision in this episode.
2022-01-1205 minPulspectiveUP Assembly Elections 2022: BJP in the driver’s seatThe State Assembly election schedule for five states have been announced.
In today’s episode, we take a brief overview of the field in Uttar Pradesh.
2022-01-1106 minPulspectiveSC allows NEET-2021 admission process to go on with OBC & EWS quotaThe much awaited and also much delayed NEET-PG 2021 counselling process can begin now since the Supreme Court has given an interim order paving way for that. What was the order about, and what stalled the NEET based admission process this year? Let us find out in today’s episode.
2022-01-0805 minPulspectivePunjab and near Pak border: A serious threat to PM’s securityThere was an unprecedented security breach on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy on Wednesday in Punjab. What exactly happened and who is to blame?
2022-01-0605 minPulspectiveNew Year begins with another round of Chinese propagandaIt is one official statement over a barrage of state sponsored psychological operations by a belligerent neighbour. That was what the Chinese new year video that went viral was all about. It didn’t take much time for the myth of Chinese soldiers celebrating New Year at Galwan, on Indian territory with Chinese flag that apparently had flown over Tiananmen Square in Beijing as having been shot inside Chinese territory.
But there were enough takers for that in India who immediately started a commentary over it. Accusing the government of not challenging the Chinese.
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2022-01-0505 minPulspectiveNext stage of Covid-19 vaccine campaign, a brisk startVaccination for children in the 15-18 age began on Monday, in the next stage of India’s vaccination programme against Covid-19. Yet again a controversy came up just as this programme was about to begin. We decode it in this episode.
2022-01-0405 minPulspectiveMukesh Ambani talks of succession: time to take noteWe begin the new year looking at the top Indian company, Reliance Industries, and what its Chairman told members of the company on the Reliance Family Day, at the birth anniversary of Dhirubhai Ambani last week.
2022-01-0305 minPulspectiveWhy opening up of J&K Real-Estate stirred up the local politics?A recent real estate conference in Jammu and Kashmir some of the local politicians express their displeasure in no uncertain terms. Let us find out what got them so annoyed.
2021-12-3005 minPulspective2022: Dawn of 5GThe next generation, that is 5G services in telecom is set to be a reality in 2022. What is happening on the ground, and what would 5G rollout mean for the customers and digital India. Let us find out in this episode.
2021-12-2905 minPulspectiveUnverified info lead to uproar over Missionaries of Charity’s FCRA applicationA single tweet by the West Bengal Chief Minister on Monday created a storm on social media, and mainstream media was quick to pick them up and amplify it. Mamata Banerjee tweeted that she was shocked to hear that on Christmas, Union Ministry froze all bank accounts of Mother’s Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity (MoC) in India. Emphasizing the information by putting out “frozen all bank accounts” in all caps. “Their 22,000 patients and employees have been left without food and medicines. While the law is paramount, humanitarian efforts must not be compromised, Banerjee’s tweet said.
2021-12-2806 minPulspectiveCommittee to look in to withdrawal of AFSPA in NagalandThe Home Ministry on Sunday announced setting up of a committee to look into the possibility of withdrawing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland. Let us take a look at what led to this review and the pros and cons.
2021-12-2705 minPulspectiveCaution, curbs & speeding up vaccine coverage: Facing Omicron challengeEven as there have been conflicting views and reports on the severity of Omicron variant of Covid-19, Centre has taken a stance of caution, speeding up vaccine coverage, and help states and areas where the health infrastructure or preparedness is lacking. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting and many States are also reviewing preparedness and also restrictions on mass gatherings even as we near Christmas weekend and the New Year.
2021-12-2405 minPulspectiveKarnataka’s Anti-Conversion Bill seeks to end conversion by coercion, fraudThe Karnataka government on Tuesday tabled the anti-conversion bill in the State Assembly. Predictably, it has been met with strong opposition by the Congress, and the Janata Dal (Secular) said it won’t support the Bill. What makes the Bill controversial, let us take a look in this episode.
2021-12-2206 minPulspectiveLok Sabha passes amendment allowing Aadhar authentication for voter cardsLok Sabha on Monday passed the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill which once enacted would allow electoral registration officers to seek Aadhar number of people who want to register as voters. Opposition cried breach of privacy, and the government defended that it is within its rights. We explore what the amendment means and why the disapproval in this episode.
2021-12-2106 minPulspectivePunjab’s blasphemy killings, a serious case of concernThe weekend has had some distressing news from Punjab on men beaten to death on suspicions of sacrilege. We will present what we know so far on this issue, in this episode.
2021-12-2004 minPulspectiveJaitapur nuclear project: Inching close to realityIn a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday Union Minister of State for Science and Technology said the government has given in principle approval for the site at Jaitapur for setting up nuclear power plant. A project that has been in planning for long, is it going to start anytime soon? We try to look for answers and provide background on the proposed plant in this episode.
2021-12-1806 minPulspectiveAmbitious march towards semiconductor manufacturingIn a big push to make India a hub for semiconductor design, components manufacturing and display fabrication units the government on Wednesday announced a Rs 76,000 crore incentive scheme. It has been one of the most awaited announcements, and we analyse the details and the impact of it in this episode.
2021-12-1604 minPulspectiveCredit delivery and cost of loans, twin targets of co-lendingIn this episode we take a look at the decision of the Reserve Bank of India that paved way for what is called co-lending by banks and non-banking finance companies.
2021-12-1505 minPulspectiveCreating history, remembering the past: PM’s Kashi speechThe much awaited, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. How historic an event is that in history, let us explore in this episode.
2021-12-1406 minPulspectiveRBI maintains status quo on rates, flags sticky inflationWe have the latest monetary policy announcement from the Reserve Bank of India, and it has continued its stance, maintaining status quo on interest rates. In this episode we take a look at the policy statement beyond the announcement on rates.
2021-12-0904 minPulspectivePutin’s short trip to India reinforces Indo-Russia partnershipRussian President Vladimir Putin paid a short and what was called a “working visit to New Delhi” on Monday. We discuss the extremely significant visit in the pandemic-post-pandemic world in this episode.
2021-12-0705 minPulspectiveKashi Vishwanath Dham, a Renaissance ProjectNext Monday, that is 13th of December Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. The project so far has received praise as well as criticism. What awaits pilgrims, let us see in this episode.
2021-12-0605 minPulspectiveWhat to make of Q2 GDP dataThe second quarter GDP data was released on Tuesday, and we take a look at what the numbers say about Indian economy in today’s episode.
2021-12-0104 minPulspectiveRBI tight lipped on banking licenses to industrial housesLast week the Reserve Bank of India announced change in norms relating to ownership of private banks. It was based upon the recommendations of an internal expert committee that had submitted its report a year ago. It was a keenly awaited decision and we take you through some of the key decisions here in this episode.
2021-11-3005 minPulspectiveCovid-19’s Omicron scare and Indian responseAmidst increasing number of Covid cases in the United States and Europe is the news of a detection of a new variant by South Africa. It has led to panic globally pushing countries to reimpose restrictions. We take a look at what we know so far about this variant and Indian response to it.
2021-11-2905 minPulspectivePrivatisation of banks – need for capitalA total of 26 bills are likely to be tabled in the upcoming Winter session of the Parliament. One among them, is a landmark Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill. We give a brief overview of what it hopes to achieve in this episode.
2021-11-2504 minPulspectivePerpetuating freebie culture for political gainsDelhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is campaigning across Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand the poll bound states. The main thread in all is the offer of freebies. We discuss freebies as poll promise in this episode.
2021-11-2404 minPulspectiveIf the protests continue, it is not in the interest of farmersMonday’s Mahapanchayat at Lucknow by the farmers reinforces their sinister campaign is not just about helping poor farmers, but carrying on with a political agenda. They are not returning home as promised even after the laws are being withdrawn. We explore the manoeuvres of the protestors.
2021-11-2305 minPulspectiveSpecial Episode: Getting a broad view on the subject of cryptocurrencies and regulations in IndiaCrypto currencies, non-fungible tokens (NFT), their success stories, crashes, they have become a part of our daily news routine. Their advertisements are everywhere and there has been a lot of discussion here in India on the advertisements, the trading platforms and also a lot of curiosity as to how the Government and Reserve Bank of India are going to deal with them from the policy perspective, and regulations. To get a broad overview on the subject M.C. Vaijayanthi spoke to financial sector and derivatives expert, consultant, teacher, writer and vlogger Gopalan Ramachandran. Listen in as to what he...
2021-11-2043 minPulspectiveLet’s clear the airLast week we talked about pollution and River Yamuna. Since then the National Capital Region has been battling the poor air quality and the issue is being discussed in detail during the Supreme Court hearing. We bring an update on the issue and discussions.
2021-11-1805 minPulspectiveUP’s expressways to prosperityUttar Pradesh would witness inauguration of India's longest (till now) six-lane expressway. Why is a 300-km plus stretch of an expressway creating so much of a debate and excitement. We would decode that in this episode.
2021-11-1604 minPulspectiveLate echoes in Maharashtra, from “alleged” violence in TripuraProtests over alleged incidents of violence, destruction of places of worship in Tripura brought unrest in Amaravati, and other towns in Maharashtra. Bandh calls, rallies and counter calls bandh and rallies led to tension, violence and arson. We decode the series of incidents in this episode.
2021-11-1504 minPulspectiveThe Bull Run: IPOs and Indian UnicornsIt has been a year stellar performance for the Indian stock markets – not just the secondary market but also the initial public offers. This week marked two major IPOs and we take stock of what has all the excitement been about in the IPO market.
2021-11-1205 minPulspectiveOnce in a year spotlight on River YamunaAround Deepawali every year two issues hog the national limelight, and both from the Capital. One is air pollution and the other, pollution of river Yamuna. What news of Yamuna this year, we will see in this episode.
2021-11-1104 minPulspectiveNCP’s Malik accused of dubious land deal with terror convictsA Cabinet Minister in Maharashtra, Nawab Malik has been accused of links with the underworld by former Maharashtra Chief Minister and opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis. We look at the continuing saga of allegations, counter allegations.
2021-11-1004 minPulspectiveMonday blues for Indusind stock on the allegations of “evergreening”Private sector Indusind Bank shares tanked 12 per cent Monday morning on an earlier newspaper report of irregularities in loans disbursed by its microfinance arm. Later the management clarified that it was a technical issue. What exactly was the technical glitch, we try to explore in this episode.
2021-11-0904 minPulspectiveRemoving the lowest cost hurdle: Reforms in project tendering and managementThere have been reforms big and small in the last couple of months, and in that series has been a quiet announcement more than a week ago that went almost unnoticed. We take a look at the guidelines for reforms in the Public Procurement and Project Management released by the Ministry of Finance.
2021-11-0805 minPulspectiveAyodhya: Remaking of the invincible cityWishing all the readers, listeners and viewers a very happy Deepavali and Samvat 2078. As we celebrate Deepavali in our myriad ways across the country, today we would like to take a look at how Ayodhya is celebrating it, and the transformation of Ayodhya.
2021-11-0405 minPulspectiveA daring commitment for Net-Zero emissions by 2070Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a daring commitment to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2070. What has he promised, what is the road to achieve that, and what implications - let us take a look in this episode.
2021-11-0205 minPulspectiveCovid vaccines to climate deal: PM Modi’s Italy, UK tourPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday night concluded his three day visit to Rome, Italy for the G-20 summit and headed to Glasgow, UK for the Cop 26 Climate Summit. A quick peek into the highlights of the trip.
2021-11-0105 minPulspectiveWaiting for the verdict: 125-year old Mullaperiyar Dam issue reaches SC once againA decades long issue has come up before the apex court once again. The dispute over the Mullaperiyar Dam between Kerala and Tamil Nadu is in Supreme Court and we would like to decode the issue that keeps rearing its head every monsoon.
2021-10-2906 minPulspectiveCovid-19 worries resurface with detection of new variant AY.4.2News reports of a new variant of Covid-19 virus is making some nervous. What do we know about it so far, and how serious is that. We will take a look at the information that has emerged so far in this episode.
2021-10-2805 minPulspectiveAdding the essential health infra across the spectrum In today’s episode we will take a look at the recently launched Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
2021-10-2705 minPulspectiveTwists and Turns of NCB Drug Racket BustThe drug bust and arrests by the Narcotics Control Bureau couple of weeks ago in Mumbai has taken several twists, and allegations are flying fast. We delve into it to get a clarity on the issue as it stood on Monday.
2021-10-2605 minPulspectiveDeepavali by any other name doesn’t carry the same sparkleLast week there was a major debate over an ad, accentuated by the cover status it got in a fashion magazine. Social media amplified it leading to boycott of brand, brands. What was the issue. We stand apart from that noise to analyse it a bit more deeply.
2021-10-2505 minPulspectiveIndia’s quest for oil price bargainCrude oil prices have been soaring, and it has doubled in a year to $85 a barrel it could put spokes in the post-Covid surge in economic activity. India as a large crude oil importer, and one dependent on imported crude would be one of the economies that is struggling to limit the impact of high global oil prices. As an importer we have limited option, yet there are efforts underway to negotiate a better deal, and also to find alternatives like bio fuel mix and increasing use of gas in the energy mix.
2021-10-2205 minPulspectiveTowards a 100 crore mark – the progress of Covid vaccinationWith just a week to go for one of our grandest festivals Diwali, there is some good news. Of course there is still need for caution, but the progress achieved on Covid vaccination front gives confidence and a reason to celebrate. The latest numbers and some background on India’s vaccination drive in this episode.
2021-10-2005 minPulspectiveNews and narratives in 'toolkit' timesFact checkers abound in times of social media explosion. But, are there any who read into the way news breaks are reported, media campaigns are created and political and civil society group reactions. Not exactly. Do you want to know why it matters, listen to this episode.
2021-10-1905 minPulspectiveAllegations of blasphemy unleashes violence against Hindus in BangladeshIt has been a traumatic week for Bangladeshi Hindus. Violence over an alleged act of blasphemy brought Durga Puja pandals down, destroyed consecrated Murtis and left half a dozen dead. We look at what happened and probable reasons for it in this episode.
2021-10-1805 minPulspectiveFor History’s SakeIndian history and history writing have been a controversial subject for long. Except for some brief interventions now and then, it has remained the preserve of a few. What happens when that seeming quiet of the Left academic life is disturbed. Listen on.
2021-10-1505 minPulspectiveTamil Nadu Temple gold monetization scheme meets many questions from devoteesA misinformation or a misreporting on Tamil Nadu government’s submission on temple gold created a stir on Tuesday. Though the clarification about the real numbers came out on Wednesday the issue remains contentious. What is the controversy about, let us take a look.
2021-10-1406 minPulspectiveMaharashtra bandh and the curious case of law and orderMaharashtra had a government enforced bandh on Monday. All the coalition partners of Maha Vikas Agadi were in support of the bandh. What was the bandh call for, and what is happening in Maharashtra, a brief glimpse in this episode.
2021-10-1305 minPulspectiveGatishakti, tech co-ordination route to speed up infra projectsAn ambitious infrastructure masterplan billed at over Rs 110 lakh crore was announced last year under National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). The idea now is to not just pick a project here and there, but taking a giant leap to create an integrated effort, a coordinated effort to implement infrastructure, connectivity projects and get them completed in a timebound manner using a new technological interface. Gatishakti as a master plan that will provide the framework for NIP that will be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13.
2021-10-1106 minPulspectiveAir India returns to TatasA giant task accomplished. Government has at last sold loss making public carrier Air India, and the winning bidder is Tata Group. We decode details of the deal in this episode.
2021-10-0905 minPulspectiveKashmir civilian killings, targeted terror attacks to spread fearCold blooded killing of civilians in Kashmir over the past few days has been extremely disturbing and there are worries if terror groups are trying to repeat the tyranny of ‘90s. Here is a brief look at what has been happening.
2021-10-0805 minPulspectiveCoal inventories dip as power demand shoots upThere have been alarming headlines over the past few days over coal shortage in the country. What is the situation, would it affect electricity supplies? We try to find answers in this episode.
2021-10-0705 minPulspectiveConsistency of work and ideas, PM Modi’s two decades in public officeToday marks the completion of twenty years of uninterrupted position in public office for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Much has been written about his career path, achievements. Yet, we would like to highlight a few hallmarks of his personality as head of a state and later the country in this special episode.
2021-10-0605 minPulspectiveFarm laws, violence and politicsProtests over farm laws continues and disturbingly turned it violent on Sunday. We take a look at the unfortunate incident and the politicization of protests in today’s episode
2021-10-0505 minPulspectiveOverhaul of Electricity Transmission Rules for Greater Access, Flexibility and InvestmentsOn Sunday the Power Ministry announced Electricity (Transmission System Planning, Development and Recovery of Inter-State Transmission Charges) Rules 2021. The latest announcement would facilitate overhauling of transmission system planning. What does these set of regulations mean and would it indicate more reforms in the Electricity sector as a whole in the coming weeks or months? A brief exploration in this episode.
2021-10-0405 minPulspectivePunjab’s political drama is not just about CongressWith just a few months to go before the assembly elections, Punjab has been hit by political turmoil. Sudden and sweeping changes enforced by the central Congress leadership on the state has left everyone wondering what is the strategy
This has left the crucial border state open to political uncertainties. Uncertainties leading up to elections are fine, but a potential split in the ruling party, unclear political alliances casts a shadow on the poll outcome. The question is could such an important state be allowed to have unstable electoral outcome.
2021-10-0105 minPulspectiveCulture Combat – Bringing Back the Lost AntiquitiesToday we look back at an important piece of news on the cultural and heritage side from last weekend. It is not that culture and antiquities make it to the headlines often. Listen on as we try to explore it in this episode.
2021-09-3006 minPulspectiveCar Shed Shadow over Mumbai Metro ProjectA city whose lifeline is the suburban train network, has been struggling to put in place an underground metro rail system – a network that would add new routes, decongest an unbelievably cramped suburban trains and provide relief to endless traffic snarls on the highways. Unfortunately, a project of significance to the city of Mumbai has been facing tremendous uncertainty and continues to do so. This episode brings you a spotlight on the Mumbai Underground Metro project and reports of uncertainty over it.
2021-09-2905 minPulspectiveAyushman Bharat Digital Mission is a Giant Leap Forward in HealthcareThe National Digital Health Mission or Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission was officially launched on Monday. There has been a lot of buzz ever since the Prime Minister announced it from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the Independence Day last year. Here is a quick glance on what the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is all about.
2021-09-2804 minPulspectivePM Modi's US trip – Covering a Wide SpectrumPrime Minister Narendra Modi completed a hectic trip to the United States and returned this weekend. How significant was the trip? We bring you some highlights in today’s edition.
2021-09-2704 minPulspectiveCoWin certification should become the Vaccine PassportWe have had several vaccine related debates since the rollout started in March. The latest is the bias some countries have shown in accepting Indian vaccination or the vaccination certificates. Let us take a look at where we stand.
2021-09-2405 minPulspectiveThe mysterious death of Mahant Narendra GiriDeath of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad head Mahant Narendra Giri has shocked devotees and created an unfortunate trail of conspiracies and doubts. We try to trace the news and events as it unfolded since Monday.
2021-09-2304 min
PulspectiveBad Banks ExplainedMust be hearing about the word ‘Bad Bank’. With the announcement of setting up of a bad bank last week, India takes a final step in fixing the big problem of accumulated bad loans. Details in this episode.
2021-09-2206 min
PulspectiveBig Bang Reforms for the Telecom SectorUnion Cabinet approved a crucial set of telecom sector reforms. We will take a look at the impact and then finer details of it.
2021-09-1604 min