ThePrint

The high-stakes Maharashtra civic polls will be held on 15 January. 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai (BMC), Thane, Nashik, Pune, Nagpur will go to polls. #CutTheClutter episode 1783 looks at the significance, key players & politics of these elections where alliance equations have changed- allies are competing and rivals have united. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also highlights India's urban governance problems and the 4 'brand destroyers' of India. Deputy Editor Manasi Phadke joins in, from Mumbai.----more----Raed.Shekhar Gupta's Writings On The Wall here: https://theprint.in/sg-writings-on-the-wall/writings-on-the-wall-navi-calcutta/543997/

In a city without elected corporators since 2022, all competing parties have attempted to solidify their core bases through their manifestos, with infra promises & unmistakable signals.  

Aheda Khatun is currently in Bangladesh. She is among those whom the authorities have termed 'foreigner' & deported. She is now challenging the claim before the top court.  

Iran is witnessing widespread protests as citizens rise against the Ayatollah regime amid a deepening economic crisis, political repression, and systemic marginalisation of ethnic minorities. Protesters insist Iran's hardships are not caused by sanctions but by the regime's misplaced priorities—diverting resources to arm groups like Hezbollah instead of supporting its own people. Unlike earlier movements seeking reform, this uprising demands complete regime change and a new political system. With nationwide communication blackouts and growing anger, questions remain about international response and possible US intervention. Consulting editor Dr. Swasti Rao is in conversation with Iranian activist Golaleh Sharafkandi on the roots and implications of the unrest.

https://theprint.in/india/education/why-ncerts-teacher-training-manual-on-gender-has-sparked-a-controversy/2826119/

Iran has witnessed widespread protests since 28 December, triggered by economic crisis, plunging currency & unemployment. #CutTheClutter episode 1782 looks at how these protests differ from what the country has witnessed earlier. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains how Iran's economy has taken a hit since 7 October 2023, why the country stands isolated, & the Trump factor. ----more----Watch #CutTheClutter Episode 1684 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRpCRxRfFy4----more----Read the report by Karim Sadjadpour & Jack A. Goldstone in TheAtlantic here: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/2026/01/iran-revolution-protests-collapse/685578/----more----Read Karim Sadjadpour's essay in Foreign Affairs here:https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/autumn-ayatollahs----more----Read David Remnick's essay in The New Yorker here: https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/the-bloody-lesson-the-ayatollah-took-from-the-shah----more----Read the essay by Jamsheed K. Choksy and Carol E. B. Choksy in Foreign Affairs here: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/iran/iranian-regime-could-fall

ThePrintPOD: After ThePrint report on 9-yr-old paraplegic boy's court battle for dad's transfer, ray of hope from HC

ThePrintPOD: Why Ajit Pawar's battle in Pune brings up flashbacks of 2017 BJP-Shiv Sena fight in Mumbai

ThePrintPOD: $20 mn gold heist: Canada submits extradition request for Mohali man, another held at Pearson Airport

Mustafizur Rahman was not representing Bangladesh; he was representing Kolkata. Singling him out simply because of his nationality shows a selective and convenient moral logic. Watch Amana Begam Ansari explain why Mustafizur's removal from KKR isn't the same as boycotting match with Pakistan in this week's column for #ThePrint:

Thirty-six years after he was arrested and convicted, the most successful double-agent to ever work inside the Central Intelligence Agency died this week at the Federal Correctional Institution at Cumberland, Maryland. From 1985, when he began selling secrets to the Soviet Union, Aldrich Hazen Ames compromised over 100 CIA operations, enabled the execution of ten high-level sources, and helped plant disinformation which made its way to three United States presidents. An official investigation concluded he “caused more damage to the national security of the United States than any spy in the history of the CIA.” watch @praveenswami explains in @theprintindia #Explorer the most important lesson of the Ames case—which is how easy it was for him to get away with it. Like all bureaucracies, intelligence services—even the best ones—tend to be mired in process and procedure.

ThePrintAM: WHY DID ISRO's FIRST MISSION OF 2026 FAIL? https://theprint.in/science/isro-2026-mission-pslv-failure/2824748/

Sergio Gor formally takes charge as US Ambassador to India today. Watch Episode 1730 of #CutTheClutter where ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta explained why Trump picked him for India, Gor's political journey, & his views on India.

The United States, on 3 January, executed an unprecedented international intervention by conducting a military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. Subsequently, he was extradited to the United States to face federal criminal charges, including allegations of drug trafficking. In the ensuing chaos, Delcy Rodríguez was appointed as interim president, as the nation grappled with deep political uncertainty and persistent economic challenges. Diplomatic relations with the United States have undergone a significant transformation, with Washington indicating its intention to indefinitely oversee Venezuelan oil sales, including the management of revenue allocation to benefit the populace.

This week's #NationalInterest looks at Trump's tariffs, his trade deal antics and how these have pushed reforms in India . ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta argues that if not for Trump, India would not have rediscovered the magic of trade deals. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read Here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/india-economic-reforms-trump-tariffs/2823373/

https://theprint.in/judiciary/friday-blockbuster-nail-biter-that-played-out-in-madras-hc-over-vijays-movie-jana-nayagan/2823046/

Allies Saudi Arabia and Yemen have turned rivals in Yemen. From 2 December, 2025 when UAE-backed STC forces started taking over key provinces to now- Saudi-led coalition regaining control, Yemen has witnessed key developments. In Episode 1781 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta explains why Yemen has become a battleground for Saudi Arabia & UAE, the areas controlled by different forces in Yemen including Houthis, and how this rivalry is linked to the race for influence in Africa.

The Madras High Court cleared the release of actor-politician Vijay's film Jana Nayagan on Friday morning, holding that the CBFC acted without jurisdiction in ordering a fresh review after granting approval. However, within hours, a division bench stayed that order on the Centre's appeal. Here's a breakdown of what happened in court, the legal dispute over CBFC's powers, and why the film's release remains uncertain.   Read: https://theprint.in/judiciary/friday-blockbuster-nail-biter-that-played-out-in-madras-hc-over-vijays-movie-jana-nayagan/2823046/

Every time India's delivery workers surface in the news — whether for earning Rs 762 after a 15-hour shift and 28 deliveries, or for being forced to walk nearly a kilometre into an apartment complex because security won't let their bike through — we're invited to examine our consciences. In this familiar run-around, we look on with appropriate distress, urge each other to tip generously, and make the effort to walk down to the gate. Watch ThePrint columnist Karanjeet Kaur explains 'How platforms that manufactured a culture of 10-minute delivery have now made consumers an equal party to the exploitation of workers.'.

The new year had barely begun when the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, an event that immediately drew global attention. In China, the operation quickly became a hotly debated topic, where commentators are widely interpreting it as a furthering of a “Trump 2.0” agenda and the revival of a “New Monroe/Donroe Doctrine”, reflecting Washington's intent to assert strict control over the Western Hemisphere.   https://theprint.in/opinion/eye-on-china/chinese-us-invasion-venezuela/2820380/?amp

What lies ahead for Venezuela—and could Cuba be next? In this episode of Worldview with Swasti, Consulting Editor Swasti Rao speaks with Latin America expert professor Vasabjit Banerjee from Univeristy of Tenesse to unpack the strategic, political and economic implications of the Trump administration's Venezuela policy. The discussion explores the revival of the Monroe Doctrine, shifting power dynamics in Latin America, and how these developments could impact global geopolitics. Crucially, the conversation also highlights a potential economic and strategic opening for India in the region. What should New Delhi be watching—and preparing for—in the weeks ahead?

ThePrintAM: Why did demolition drive in Delhi turn violent?

Rape and murder convict Ram Rahim's time spent out of jail is set to cross the 400-day mark. ThePrint's Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta breaks down the cases against the self-proclaimed spiritual leader, what the courts said while convicting him & details of the hearing scheduled this week. #CutTheClutter 1780 also looks at the long rope given to Gurmeet Ram Rahim, his political clout & the amendment in parole law by Haryana govt.

https://theprint.in/politics/slogans-against-modi-shah-full-blown-bjp-versus-opposition-slugfest-over-jnu-campus-protest/2819879/

Despite multiple agencies being involved, the US could maintain a clear chain of command. This is something India should consider too, as it defines the theatre command structures.----more----https://theprint.in/opinion/two-hour-op-precise-extradition-maduro-capture-modern-us-military/2819945/

ThePrintAM: Why did SC deny bail to Umar Khalid & Sharjeel Imam?

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro during his first appearance at a New York court plead not guilty to drug trafficking and others and said that he is still the President. Maduro was captured by US forces two days back. #CutTheClutter Episode 1779 looks at Trump's Donroe doctrine and US strategy behind these significant moves in the Western Hemisphere. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the many interventions in Latin America by US over the years.

The joint communique came after the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, held in Beijing between Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi.----more----https://theprint.in/diplomacy/hegemonism-bullying-small-circles-china-pakistan-take-veiled-swipe-at-india-quad/2818897/

Employers and customers need to understand that gig workers are as much workers as factory workers or farm labourers, and that they are not miscreants.----more----https://theprint.in/opinion/labour-codes-harsh-reality-gig-work/2818744/

The news magazine India Today just turned 50. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta wrote on the decade of 1985-95 across which he worked there. Watch #FirstPersonSecondDraft, where Shekhar Gupta chronicles India's most consequential decade & explains how 1985-1995 have the most stories that dominate our democracy & debates today.

After months of strikes on Venezuelan docks, Trump Saturday morning declared that he had “captured” the Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Debdutta Chakraborty brings details on who he is.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the upcoming elections in the state will be a fight to protect the nation (Swadesh) & own community (Swajati). He has also repeatedly vowed to 'push back illegal immigrants from Bangladesh'. These comments have been made by the Chief Minister ahead of Assembly Elections in the state. Watch 2016 #NationalInterest, where ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta argued how RSS changed Assam's political fault line from anti-outsider to anti-migrant to anti-Muslim infiltrator, and simply borrowed leadership from other parties. Read the text version here: https://theprint.in/sg-national-interest/assams-35-year-saffronisation-2/544431/

West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Puducherry will go to polls in 2026. What's at stake for Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam, will BJP be able to counter Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, and why Tamil Nadu will be a test for DMK & Congress - #CutTheClutter with Shekhar Gupta looks at the significance of the 5 elections in the coming year. Political Editor DK Singh joins in to analyse the likely implications for BJP, Congress, DMK & the Left. Episode 1778.

https://theprint.in/world/begum-khaleda-zia-was-once-hasinas-friend-her-death-ends-bangladeshs-most-enduring-power-duel/2814930/

India's Op Sindoor in response to Pahalgam attack was the biggest headline in 2025. As the year ends, watch #NationalInterest from 16 August 2025 on the war of IAF, PAF doctrines. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta argued that while Pakistan obsesses over numbers of aircraft downings, India embraces risk and wins.

Existential crisis for the Left,  BJP's Southern ambitions,  test of Hindutva politics—  ThePrint Political Editor DK Singh  analyses the challenges and opportunities for parties in 2026  in this episode of #PoliticallyCorrect   https://theprint.in/opinion/2026-elections-redefinebjp-and-opposition/2814193/

In a special year-end episode of #WorldviewWithSwasti , Consulting Editor Dr. Swasti Rao is joined by renowned strategic thinker Prof. C. Raja Mohan to reflect on the defining geopolitical upheavals of 2025. The conversation examines how shifts in global power, regional conflicts, and evolving alliances have reshaped the international landscape. Drawing on decades of strategic insight, Prof. Raja Mohan places these developments in perspective and outlines what they mean for India's role in a rapidly changing world. He also proposes a forward-looking and constructive framework for advancing India's national interest amid uncertainty and transition.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said the nation's military performance during Op Sindoor was a 'strong message' to the world, given that India claimed to be South Asia's primary security provider, a narrative that had been accepted by 'big powers'. In #CutTheClutter Episode 1713, Shekhar Gupta explained the complete chronology, claims and facts of the frenetic 87-hour Op Sindoor with a blow-by-blow account of what transpired between May 7 & May 10. Originally Published on 15 August 2025.

The Supreme Court Monday stayed the Delhi High Court order passed last week suspending the life sentence awarded to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar for raping a minor in Unnao in 2017. Concurring with the arguments of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the CJI observed that it was concerned with the HC's interpretation of the law on who qualifies to be a public servant under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.

SC has halted the operation of its November 20 ruling which accepted a ‘uniform definition' of the Aravalli hills based on an 100 metre-elevation criterion – a threshold that environmentalists said spelled a death knell for the ancient ranges.

https://theprint.in/national-interest/a-year-end-mea-culpa-in-national-interest-the-army-islam-combo-doesnt-kill-democracy/2813160/

ThePrintAM: Why is Government considering insurance scheme for lawyers? https://theprint.in/judiciary/government-considering-insurance-scheme-for-lawyers-says-law-minister-arjun-ram-meghwal/2813139/

https://theprint.in/diplomacy/bnps-tarique-rahman-returns-to-bangladesh-amid-upheaval-after-17-yrs-stage-set-for-high-stakes-polls/2812453/