The India Briefing – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, our hosts Mukulika Banerjee and Pragya Tiwari discuss the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi, particularly during the winter months. They explore the various causes of pollution, including stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution, as well as the health impacts on the population.

We also cover government responses, the political dynamics surrounding pollution policy, and the broader implications of climate change, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions and the importance of keeping the conversation alive beyond the immediate crisis.

Produced by Oijo Media Pvt Ltd | www.oijo.in

In today’s episode, we look at the complex web of India-Canada relations in light of the allegations surrounding India's involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. We also speak with Foreign Affairs expert Suhasini Haider who has been monitoring the situation closely.

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In the first major state elections after India's parliamentary elections earlier this year, the strife torn Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the state of Haryana went to polls in October 2024. Political anthropologist, Mukulika Banerjee and writer, Pragya Tiwari, discuss the significance of the polls, give you a lowdown of the electoral battle and outcomes, and analyse what the results mean for the states, the country and its major political parties. 

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India is the world’s most populous country, with a median age of 28 and an emerging economic powerhouse. Whatever happens here is bound to have an impact on the future of business, climate change, jobs, geopolitics and much more around the world. And yet there is no singular reliable source where you can go to make sense of the country. 

The India Briefing aims to fill this gap. Through crisp conversations and, sometimes debates, we will give a round up of everything you need to know to understand the politics, economy and culture in India - whether you are studying the country, investing in it, working there, or are just ‘India curious’. 

Hosted by Mukulika Banerjee, political anthropologist at the LSE and writer of multiple books on Indian democracy and elections, and Pragya Tiwari, senior journalist and editor, with two decades of experience in Indian politics and policy, the podcast will marry academic rigor with journalistic precision.

Produced by Oijo Media Pvt Ltd | www.oijo.in

In this episode of The India Briefing, hosts Mukulika Banerjee and Pragya Tiwari discuss the growing trend of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) targeted at women voters, especially in the context of electoral politics. Women in India have historically been viewed as a bloc tied to their family, caste, or community, but in recent years, political parties have increasingly targeted them as an independent voting group.

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Further Reading -

http://www.jstor.org/stable/23391448

http://www.jstor.org/stable/23017228

http://www.jstor.org/stable/43202584

 http://www.jstor.org/stable/41419797

 http://www.jstor.org/stable/23017224. 

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2021/04/29/Is-There-a-One-Size-Fits-All-Approach-to-Inclusive-Growth-A-Case-Study-Analysis-50279#:~:text=The%20paper%20finds%20that%20there,the%20better%20the%20overall%20outcome. 

https://www.ceew.in/publications/lessons-worlds-largest-subsidy-benefit-transfer-scheme 

https://www.epw.in/journal/2024/48/general-elections-2024/technology-votes.html 

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/how-women-voters-became-front-and-centre-of-the-electoral-outreach-by-political-parties-10331681.html 

https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/women-voting-patterns-india-2024-lok-sabha-election/article68266079.ece 

https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/big-gains-karnataka-seats-congress-women-votes-8609547/ 

https://www.thehindu.com/elections/himachal-pradesh-assembly/did-women-voters-tip-the-scales-in-favour-of-the-congress-in-himachal-pradesh/article66247886.ece 

https://theprint.in/opinion/mamatas-lakshmir-bhandar-was-a-secret-weapon-bengal-tmc-is-now-reaping-electoral-fruits/2099238/ 

https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/csds-lokniti-post-poll-survey-in-chhattisgarh-women-voters-give-a-push-to-bjp/article68266734.ece 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cash-is-king-direct-benifit-transfers-crowns-the-winner-in-maharashtra-jharkhand-election-results/articleshow/115609645.cms 

https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/polls-and-freebies-who-doesn-t-love-cash-transfers-but-are-these-really-the-answer-handouts-elections-finances-11732686156261.html 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/cash-transfers-help-bengal-women-take-financial-decisions-says-study/article67669112.ece 

https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/vivek-kaul-cash-transfer-politics-has-an-impact-not-just-on-ballots-but-also-budgets-freebies-elections-populism-states-11733066312582.html 

https://www.business-standard.com/markets/news/nine-states-go-all-in-betting-18-billion-on-women-s-empowerment-124120100466_1.html 

https://thesecretariat.in/article/a-rise-in-education-and-health-budget-allocation-is-needed-to-achieve-the-10-trillion-gdp-dream 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/study-on-cash-transfers-shows-poor-spending-on-schooling-health/articleshow/20441455.cms 

https://www.ifpri.org/blog/india-moves-replace-food-aid-cash-more-evidence-needed-nutritional-impacts/ 

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/madhya-pradeshs-new-scheme-for-women-ladli-bahna-yojana-runs-into-trouble-4147839 

https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/patriarchal-political-order/9262E786791FBF6090313B50520F6A31 

https://www.rediff.com/news/interview/direct-transfer-of-money-is-bribing-voters/20241126.htm 

In this episode, our hosts Mukulika Banerjee and Pragya Tiwari delve into the indictment of Gautam Adani and others, exploring the serious charges of securities fraud and bribery under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The conversation looks at the impact on the company's market value, investor sentiment, and the Indian government's response. The discussion highlights the volatility of Adani's stock, the political implications of the allegations, and the broader context of India's infrastructure development and regulatory environment.

Produced by Oijo Media Pvt Ltd | www.oijo.in

In this episode, our hosts Mukulika Banerjee and Pragya Tiwari delve into the indictment of Gautam Adani and others, exploring the serious charges of securities fraud and bribery under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and also speak to Jerry Roth and Avi Singh for their perspective.

The discussion highlights the implications of US laws extending beyond its borders, the complexities of transnational litigation, and the geopolitical dimensions surrounding the case. The Adani Group's response to the allegations and the potential future of the indictment are also examined, emphasizing the intricate legal landscape that multinational corporations navigate.

Produced by Oijo Media Pvt Ltd | www.oijo.in

In this episode of The India Briefing, hosts Mukulika Banerjee and Pragya Tiwari delve into the enduring legacy of the sari with author and publisher Malvika Singh. Her latest book, Saris of Memory, intertwines her personal life story with India’s post-independence journey, using the sari as a central motif.

The discussion explores the sari's role as a modern garment, its functionality, cultural identity, and potential for empowerment, while also addressing the challenges faced by artisans and the need for institutional support to preserve India's rich textile heritage.

Produced by Oijo Media Pvt Ltd | www.oijo.in

Show Notes -

Saris of Memory by Malvika Singh

https://www.yali.store/products/saris-of-memory?srsltid=AfmBOorvoCB_7bhNe0WmiOGQ8XCwcDdXZ4CjuhjEB2wYU_3fegVXdT9X 

The Sari by Mukulika Banerjee and Daniel Miller

https://www.amazon.in/Sari-Mukulika-Banerjee/dp/1859737323 

Pupul Jayakar 

https://mapacademy.io/article/pupul-jayakar/ 

Martand Singh

https://mapacademy.io/article/martand-singh/ 

Rajiv Sethi

https://khojstudios.org/supporter/rajiv-sethi-scenographers/ 

Ahalya Matthan

https://www.theregistryofsarees.com/ 

Rehwa Society 

https://rehwasociety.org/ 

Sally Holkar

https://mapacademy.io/article/sally-holkar/ 

Laila Tyabji

https://mapacademy.io/article/laila-tyabji/ 

Dastakar

https://www.dastkar.org/about-us/ 

Uzramma

https://www.india-seminar.com/2003/523/523%20uzramma.htm 

Khadi and Village Industries Corporation

https://www.kvic.gov.in/kvicres/index.php 

Crafts Council of India

https://www.craftscouncilofindia.in/ 

Shama Pawar

https://baromarket.in/collections/shama-pawar 

Jaya Jaitly

https://mapacademy.io/article/jaya-jaitly/ 

Dolly Jain (Instagram)

https://www.instagram.com/dolly.jain/?hl=en 

In this episode of the India Briefing, we speak with Milan Vaishnav, host of The Grand Tamasha and Amit Varma, host of The Seen and the Unseen on the lessons, the critical ideas and observations that they have encountered through conversations across the years and how they have helped shape their understanding of India.

Produced by Oijo Media Pvt Ltd | www.oijo.in

Episode Notes: 

The Seen and the Unseen with Amit Varma

Everything and Everything with Amit Varma and Ajay Shah

The Grand Tamasha Podcast with Milan Vaishnav

Re-examining America’s bet on India - Milan Vaishnav and Ashley Tellis

Ashley J. Tellis on India’s China conundrum 

The Incredible Curiosities of Mukulika Banerjee

Sowmya Dhanaraj Is Making a Difference

Amitava Kumar Finds His Gulmohar Tree

The Life and Times of Mrinal Pande

The Life and Times of Ira Pande

Swapna Liddle and the Many Shades of Delhi

Rakhshanda Jalil Watches the Changing World

The Life and Times of Shanta Gokhale

The Life and Times of Jerry Pinto

The Gentle Wisdom of Pratap Bhanu Mehta

What Have We Done With Our Independence? - Pratap Bhanu Mehta joins Amit Varma

Ram Guha Writes a Letter to a Friend 

Kashmir and Article 370 - Srinath Raghavan joins Amit Varma

The Citizenship Battles - Srinath Raghavan joins Amit Varma

The Loneliness of the Indian Woman - Shrayana Bhattacharya joins Amit Varma

The Loneliness of the Indian Man - Nikhil Taneja joins Amit Varma

The Forces that Shaped Hinduism - Manu Pillai joins Amit Varma

Ranjit Hoskote is Dancing in Chains

Populism, South Asian Style

Taking On India’s Patriarchal Political Order

Dalits in the New Millennium 

Cultivating Democracy: Politics and Citizenship in Agrarian India by Mukulika Banerjee

Is India a Flailing State?: Detours on the Four Lane Highway to Modernization by Lant Pritchet

The Indian Supreme Court in the Modi Era

Decoding the 2024 Indian General Elections

The Gita Press and Hindu Nationalism - Akshaya Mukul joins Amit Varma

Vinayak Calling Vinayak

Hindutva and Violence: V.D. Savarkar and the Politics of History by Vinayak Chaturvedi

Savarkar by Vaibhav Purandare

The Ferment of our Founders - Shruti Kapila joins Amit Varma

The Life and Times of Indian Economy - Rajeswari Sengupta joins Amit Varma

Chandrahas Choudhury’s Country of Literature
Migrants and Machine Politics: How India's Urban Poor Seek Representation and Responsiveness by Adam Michael Auerbach, Tariq Thachil 
H-Pop : The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars by Kunal Purohit
When Crime Pays: Money and Muscle in Indian Politics by Milan Vaishnav 
Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva by Janaki Bakhle
Private Truths, Public Lies – The Social Consequences of Preference Falsification by TImur Kuran 
Accelerating India's Development: A State-Led Roadmap for Effective Governance by Kartik Murlidharan
In Service of the Republic: The Art and: The Art and Science of Economic Policy by Ajay Shah, Vijay Kelkar

In this episode of The India Briefing, hosts Mukulika Banerjee and Pragya Tiwari look back and discuss the headlines of 2024 in politics, art, culture, cinema, the changing nature of public good in politics, reflections on the future of democracy in India and lots more.

Produced by Oijo Media Pvt Ltd | www.oijo.in