ThePrint

Rating democracies is a tricky business.  Something makes the Indian Subcontinent different. All of its nations, from the Maldives through Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan have regular elections. Of course the quality of democracy varies, let's say from Pakistan at the lowest rung to India. Peaceful power transfers followed uprisings in India's neighbourhood— from Bangladesh, Nepal to Sri Lanka. Watch this week's #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta   

एलपीजी की कमी, ईरान के खिलाफ छेड़ा गया युद्ध और ईरान के परमाणु कार्यक्रम से लेकर भारत-बांग्लादेश संबंधों तक-- दिप्रिंट के शो #ShekharSeSawaal में दिप्रिंट के एडिटर-इन-चीफ शेखर गुप्ता दे रहे हैं आपके सवालों का जवाब अपूर्वा मंधानी के साथ.

Iran war & the closure of Strait of Hormuz has affected global oil supply and resulted in LPG ‘crisis' in India. In episode 1809 of Cut The Clutter, Shekhar Gupta, Editor-In-Chief, ThePrint looks at India's imports of LPG & LNG, how much do we consume & measures undertaken by Modi govt to address the concerns. Udit Bubna joins in.

Two weeks on and the US-Israel and Iran war has only escalated. And what we have been seeing is aerial warfare. Israel & US have been launching attacks from airborne assets whereas Iran is targeting US missile defences with missiles & drones, launched from the ground. In Cut The Clutter Episode 1808, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at the big picture emerging from the war, and what air power can & cannot achieve by itself. He also looks at lessons from the Iraq war & US air-campaign then.

ThePrintAM: Why did SC allow passive euthanasia in Harish Rana case?

Three commercial ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate in the US-Israel Vs Iran war. Nearly one-fifth of global oil supply passes through the narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman, making it a critical chokepoint for global energy. But the story of Hormuz is not just about geopolitics. In Cut The Clutter Episode 1807, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at its strategic importance, geography & geology. --------------------------------------------

The IMD Tuesday announced that Delhi is undergoing a spell of dense fog, but what are the underlying reasons? What is the reason behind Delhi's AQI rising sharply from 172 on Friday to 265 on Tuesday? Watch #ThePrintVideo with Akanksha Mishra to find out.

Five members of Iran's women's national football team have been granted humanitarian visas in Australia after refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem during a match with South Korea at the AFC Women's Asian Cup. The decision allows them to remain in Australia amid concerns that they could face punishment if they returned to Iran. Samah Qundeel explains.

https://theprint.in/india/ping-pong-witness-satsang-that-never-was-gaps-in-cbi-probe-that-led-to-hc-acquittal-for-ram-rahim/2874087/

#cuttheclutter The sinking of Iranian warship IRIS Dena in international waters off the Sri Lankan coast in Indian Ocean has raised questions over the 'legality' of American action at sea. After the US attack,Sri Lanka allowed another Iranian ship to dock. Meanwhile External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar today told the Parliament that India had granted docking permission to an Iranian naval vessel (IRIS Lavan) on 'humanitarian grounds'. #CutTheClutter Episode 1806 looks at the international law of naval warfare and what it says about the legality of the US sinking of an Iranian ship. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains why in the many laws of war, two Iranian ships found refuge from India & Sri Lanka, while one was sunk by US. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Watch CutTheClutter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnZ574bLX50 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To visit ThePrint Store: https://store.theprint.in/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced By: Mahira Khan

  #nationalinterest Trump has ushered in the age of humiliation. His method is to push around America's friends rudely and publicly. How do India and Modi respond to this? ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta argues that Modi's stoicism abroad needs much humility at home. Watch this week's #NationalInterest -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read this week's National Interest: https://theprint.in/national-interest/trump-brings-the-age-of-humiliation-for-friends-modi-needs-stoicism-abroad-humility-at-home/2871925/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To visit ThePrint Store: https://store.theprint.in/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced by: Mahira Khan

Salahuddin Sumon and Nilay Kumar Biswas were the two Bangladeshis on a recent trip to Antarctica. Ice caps and penguins weren't the only highlight. The duo witnessed breathtaking natural beauty, rare animals in their natural habitat, the debilitating effects of climate change on ice caps, and something they had not expected from their fellow travellers: in-your-face racism. Watch Author & ThePrint Columnist Deep Halder explain: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read column: https://theprint.in/feature/bangladesh-youtuber-antarctica-racism-salahuddin-sumon/2865424/

CutTheClutter: China sets lowest growth target since 1991,moves priorities & what US gets wrong about Indian growth

'India is not alone in encountering this dynamic, but its high oil import dependence and increasing energy demand render its exposure particularly significant.' Watch Bidisha Bhattacharya, Associate Fellow, Chintan Research Foundation, explain in #ThePrintEconomix

Colombo mounts rescue op for IRIS Bushehr, whose engine malfunctioned near its Exclusive Economic Zone, while upholding neutrality after US torpedoing of IRIS Dena off Lankan coast.  

Chinese discourse places particular emphasis on the role of the US, evaluating both the strategic feasibility of deeper American involvement and the broader geopolitical consequences. Watch Sana Hashmi explain why China views India as as an emerging variable in the US - China AI equation, on this week's #EyeOnChina --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read Column: https://theprint.in/opinion/eye-on-china/how-china-sees-irans-post-khamenei-trajectory-it-depends-on-four-factors/2870248/

Did you expect Dubai to become a target in the current Iran conflict? I certainly did not. And neither, I suspect, did the residents of Dubai themselves. When I heard about the explosions in the city, my first reaction was that these were caused by the interception of missiles that were overflying Dubai on their way to US bases in the region. Never did it occur to me that Iran would send drones to attack civilian targets in Dubai, specifically selecting those with the greatest chance of hurting foreign tourists and visitors.

https://theprint.in/politics/who-is-christopher-tilak-congresss-unusual-choice-for-rajya-sabha-seat-in-tamil-nadu/2870418/

CutTheClutter: Iranian warship torpedoed by US submarine:Questions,political blamegame in India & Tehran's 2 navies

What compelled Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to pave the way for the likely installation of a BJP CM? What does it mean to the BJP, the JD(U) and the Opposition RJD? ThePrint Political Editor DK Singh answers these and more questions in this episode of #PoliticallyCorrect

CutTheClutter: US-Israel war on Iran: Why Trump-Netanyahu regime change goal is perilous, learnings from ME

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel has not only dominated domestic headlines but also gained sharp attention in international circles. The timing is significant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently urged the formation of a new regional bloc, describing the Middle East as divided between “radical Sunni and Shia axes”.' Watch this week's column for ThePrint by Amana Begam Ansari.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/modi-israel-indian-muslims-faith-foreign-policy/2864952/

Carney is 1st Canadian PM in 8 years to have a bilateral India visit. Ties nosedived almost 3 years ago after Canada's allegations that New Delhi was of 'interfering' in Ottawa's affairs.

On 27 February, a Delhi trial court dismissed the CBI case against the 23 accused in the Delhi liquor policy case, slamming the CBI for procedural lapses & reliance on hearsay evidence.

China has been quieter since the Gen-Z Movement in Nepal, considering Beijing has its own red lines, especially after Tiananmen Square Protests in 1989—a pro-democracy uprising.

ThePrintPOD: What closure of Strait of Hormuz means for India's oil & gas supply

A semi-war has broken out on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border involving jets, drones & artillery. A 2011 National Interest headlined “Leave Af to Pak” had predicted it. India, isn't the only country in the subcontinent that has to worry about a two-front threat. The Pakistani strategic posture and military planning, however, were never designed for a two-front situation, least of all for the mess in which they've landed themselves now. Watch this week's #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta.  Read the 2011 National Interest here: Why India should get out and leave Af to Pak Read 2022 National Interest here: Why Buddha would be frowning at Ukraine today, and why India got it right with Pokhran 1 and 2  

CutTheClutter: Political & legal implications as Kejriwal,Sisodia,21 others get a clean chit in Delhi liquor 'scam'

In affidavit filed before HC, state flags statutory limitations its forest officers face in conducting effective probe of organised wildlife crime, adding it has taken matter to Centre.  

Police say Ranjit Singh shot at them while trying to escape and was subsequently killed in a shootout. The family says CIA killed their son in custody and then staged an encounter.  

What unsettles me is how quickly everything is being filtered through loyalty tests. As if Indian Muslims must think one way, Indian Hindus another. Where does this end?  

ThePrintAM: WHY DID COURT STAY RELEASE OF 'THE KERALA STORY 2'?

CutTheClutter: PM Modi speaks in Israel, conflicts, complexities & alliances in Abrahamic Middle East

Separate opinion in Ghooskhor Pandat case to candid speech on discrimination & district judiciary, Bhuyan has placed constitutional morality at centre of his judicial & public voice.  

Himachal Police had intercepted Delhi Police convoy after 3 were arrested in Rohru without prior notice, also filing an FIR against unidentified officers on charges of kidnapping.  

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's Hindu-Muslim polarisation is clearly done to maximise the odds of winning. But an important legal question is: does it expose him to legal liability? The Supreme Court has refused to hear the case against the Assam Chief Minister. But the top court has also said that the petitioners should go to the High Court, keeping the possibility of a legal intervention open. Watch this week's column for ThePrint by Ashutosh Varshney

ThePrintAM: WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF BMC BUDGET?

As PM Modi begins his two-day Israel visit & addresses the Knesset, #CutTheClutter looks at the country's ties with India over the years. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also looks at Netanyahu's ‘Hexagon of alliances' vision, and the bigger geopolitical churn. Watch Episode 1800

The drive will cover all 1.15 crore girls who turn 14 each year and will run as a special programme, separate from India's Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).  

ThePrintAM: What does name change of Kerala to 'Keralam' signify? https://theprint.in/india/kerala-to-keralam-what-the-name-change-signifies/2862650/

Russia–Ukraine war has entered its 5th year. The grinding conflict has reshaped battlefields, borders, and the global balance of power. From the initial invasion to major military offensives, diplomatic flashpoints, and shifting alliances, this video breaks down the key turning points that defined the war's trajectory. Crucially, key events from each year—2022 to 2026—are broken down, giving you a real-time feel of how complex and evolving this war has been. Watch ThePrintConsulting Editor (International & Strategic Affairs) Dr. Swasti Rao unpack the evolving dynamics between Russia and Ukraine, the shifting global order—and what to expect next.

'Muslim' reservation isn't a religious issue. It must be rooted in measurable backwardness. If reservation is about correcting structural injustice, then it should be extended within Muslim and other religious communities on the basis of caste hierarchy and measurable backwardness—not religious identity as a whole. Religion, by itself, is not the marker of deprivation. Social location is. Watch this week's column for ThePrint by Amana Begam Ansari. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read Column: https://theprint.in/opinion/why-affirmative-action-for-pasmanda-muslims-shouldnt-be-labelled-muslim-reservation/2858935/

https://theprint.in/diplomacy/post-elections-bangladesh-army-shuffles-top-military-intel-posts-defence-adviser-in-india-recalled/2861547/

#cuttheclutter How have Kargil war with Pakistan, Galwan standoff with China & Op Sindoor shaped India's defence budget & expenditure? ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta traces India's defence capital budget since 1999, how much of it was actually spent and the three phases that define the real story. Consulting Editor (Economics) Bidisha Bhattacharya and Editor (Defence & Diplomacy) Snehesh Alex Philip join in. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To visit ThePrint Store: https://store.theprint.in/

In interview to Bangla paper, Shahabuddin slams previous Yunus administration, including student leaders who led July Uprising, alleges ‘conspiracies' to remove him, thanks BNP & army.----more----https://theprint.in/world/multiple-plots-to-overthrow-me-bangladesh-president-says-yunus-govt-created-constitutional-vacuum/2861302/

In what could be a major collaboration in the aviation sector, India is exploring the possibility of teaming up with France for co-development and co-manufacture of a futuristic sixth-generation fighter under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. ThePrint's Editor – Defence and Diplomacy Snehesh Alex Philip explains in #DefenceScope.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/defence/india-eyes-6th-generation-fcas-looks-at-tying-up-with-france-for-possible-collaboration/2861054/

Scuffle broke out amid protest called by JNUSU over V-C remarks in a podcast. Administration says action to be taken after protesters 'reportedly intimidated unwilling students to join protest'.----more----https://theprint.in/india/abvp-left-groups-trade-charges-after-midnight-scuffle-at-jnu-campus-tense-no-complaint-filed-yet/2861251/

Tarique Rahman's swearing-in as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, ending Sheikh Hasina's 17-year rule, marks a new chapter. India aims to reset bilateral ties. India and Bangladesh should remain alert and remember that Turkey's increasing role in Dhaka's defence capabilities goes against India's security and strategic interests. Watch Seshadri Chari, former editor of ‘Organiser,' explain.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/good-old-days-of-bonhomie-between-new-delhi-and-dhaka-wont-be-easy/2859217/