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In a controversy that seems to have divided the art world in India, Mumbai-based poet-activist Aamir Aziz has accused well known artist Anita Dube of using his poem without his consent, and profiting from it without giving him credit or compensation. The poem in question is ‘Sab Yaad Rakha Jayega', which became an anthem of the anti-CAA protests and later a global phenomenon after English rock musician Roger Waters read it out at an event in London. While Dube has admitted to an “ethical lapse” and reportedly offered some remuneration to Aziz, the dispute has acquired a legal dimension, with Aziz sending her a legal notice. What does the copyright law say in a case like this – where an artist may feel she has the right to ‘fair use' of a text, but another artist feels that his copyright has been violated? Guest: Shantanu Sood, a lawyer who specialises in intellectual property-related issues. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Recorded by Aniket Singh Chauhan Edited by Shivaraj S Produced by Jude Francis Weston
For the first time since 2018, the United States and Iran are holding high level negotiations. What Iran wants is clear: an end to US sanctions, and resumption of economic engagement. But the US has been speaking in different voices, ranging from a maximalist position of complete dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, to a more moderate goal of capping the weaponistion of it. President Donald Trump has also given a two-month deadline to Iran to make a deal. If it doesn't, he has threatened military strikes. So, what can we realistically expect from these talks? How real are American threats to bomb Iran if it doesn't agree to a deal in two months? And is Iran negotiating from a weaker position than it was in, say, 2015 when the previous deal was signed? Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Edited by Sharmada Venkatsubramanian
As CEO of Verizon's consumer division, Sowmyanarayan Sampath oversees the biggest part of the company, which does business with roughly a third of the entire country. He's a longtime Verge reader, so we talked very directly about whether the huge 5G investment had actually paid off, and whether – whether the “race” we were supposedly in with China was actually worth it, and what kinds of new apps and services actually come to light. And while Verizon fought tooth and nail against regulations like net neutrality, the current Trump administration isn't nearly as hands-off when it comes to things like holding up deals because of DEI policies — something that's happening to Verizon right now. So I had to ask Sampath if he was going to push back on that kind of government overreach as hard as Verizon has in the past. Links: The US government makes a $42 million bet on OpenRAN | The Verge FCC scrutinizes Verizon's $9.6 billion Frontier deal over DEI | USA Today Verizon offers a three-year price lock — but there's a catch | The Verge T-Mobile updates its DEI policy to get Lumos deal approved | Fierce Network We don't need net neutrality; we need competition (2014) | Ars Technica Wireless and cable industries sue to kill net neutrality (2015) | The Verge Everything Verizon says in this terrible video against net neutrality (2017) | The Verge Report: Most Americans have no real choice in internet providers | ILSR T-Mobile's merger promises couldn't make a carrier out of Dish | The Verge Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Ursa Wright. The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Income Tax Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha recently. It seeks to modernise and simplify the Income Tax Act, 1961. While the Bill is indeed shorter in length than the original Act it seeks to replace, there is one major concern: privacy experts believe it institutes a regime of tax surveillance, in complete violation of the Supreme Court judgement in the landmark Justice Puttasamy case where it ruled that privacy is a fundamental right. Tax experts hold that under the provisions of this Bill, the state can claim complete access to the entirety of a person's “virtual digital space” merely on suspicion that she may be hiding income and evading tax. Critics have also said that the Bill does not rationalise monetary thresholds for various compliances and deductions, nor does it provide meaningful revisions in the penalty and prosecution changes. Guest: Deepak Joshi, Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court and a qualified Chartered Accountant. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
A new report by the NGO Common Cause and Lokniti- Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) has surveyed the attitudes towards torture by policemen across India. ‘The Status of Policing in India Report 2025: Police Torture and (Un) Accountability' has, for the first time, produced empirical data on the justifications for torture that permeates the Indian police. Uniquely, this report approaches torture not from the perspective of human rights activists, but from the standpoint of the most common perpetrator – the police. Among other things, the survey broadly confirms that the police rely on a culture of fear through the use of “tough methods”, justify torture in all kinds of cases, including minor offences, and that support for torture is high in the highest echelons of the police, the IPS officers. Yet the Indian constitution prohibits torture in police custody. What explains this anomaly, and what is the roadmap to get the custodians of the law to respect the law when it comes to torture? Guest: Prakash Singh, former police chief and a leading figure in the advocacy for police reforms in India. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Recorded by Aniket Singh Chauhan and Jude Weston Edited by Shivaraj S Produced by Jude Weston
The internet has been flooded with AI-generated images in the style of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio founded by the famous Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. What made Studio Ghibli's work so special was not only its distinctive style but also the fact that the images were all hand-drawn. The contrast between the high skill and hard labour of the original Studio Ghibli images and the Ghibli-style pictures churned out by ChatGPT-4o couldn't be starker. The easy proliferation of Studio Ghibli images through Gen AI has once again put the spotlight on questions about what generative AI means for the working classes, and for the value of their intellectual labour. Is Gen AI another chapter in the history of automation and deskilling? Is it a means to enhance worker surveillance? And what does it mean for the future of the ‘creator-economy'? Guest: Jason Resnikoff, Assistant Professor of Contemporary History at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in the Netherlands. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Edited by Jude Weston
The Right to Information Act was a historic piece of legislation that gave ordinary citizens a legally enforceable means to seek information about the government's functioning – a small step towards accountability. But over the years, governments have progressively diluted the provisions of this law. The latest blow to the RTI is in the form of Section 44 (3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. This law will come into force once the Rules under it are notified, which is expected to happen this month. law's Rules are notified, and that is expected to happen any time now. How does Section 44 (3) of the DPDP Act weaken the Right to Information Act? Why is the Opposition demanding that it be repealed? And what are the consequences for citizens if this Section stays? Guest: Anjali Bhardwaj, founder of the Satark Nagarik Sangathan and co-convenor of the National Campaign for the People's Right to Information (NCPRI). Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Edited by Shiva Raj Recorded and Produced by Jude Francis Weston
On March 18, 2025, the Election Commission of India announced that its officials will hold talks with UIDAI experts for linking the Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with Aadhaar. This linking is supposed to be voluntary, but there is some confusion as to whether the voter will really have any choice in the matter. There are also concerns that linking EPIC with Aadhaar could lead to voter profiling, selective disenfranchisement, targeted campaigns, data privacy violations, and possibly undermine the autonomy of the Election Commission. Are these concerns valid or are they overblown? Guest: Usha Ramanathan, human rights activist who has worked extensively on Aadhaar-related exclusions and rights violations. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
India is up in arms again, over the words of a stand-up comedian known for political jokes. Kunal Kamra's remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were not liked by the latter's supporters, who responded with violence – vandalising the venue where Kamra had performed, with the police not intervening to protect private property. Kamra has been inundated with threat calls. The Maharashtra government has also threatened to freeze Kamra's bank accounts, and has demanded an apology. But Kamra has said will not apologise, and that he is not afraid of “the mob.” Guest: Punit Pania, Mumbai-based stand-up comedian, also known for political humour. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) and 22 players have filed a class action lawsuit against the sport's governing bodies in a US court. The case has been filed against the ATP, the WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The lawsuit alleges that professional tennis players are being exploited and abused by the unfair business practices of the sport's governing bodies. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that the ATP, WTA and others are running the sport in violation of the US's anti-trust laws. Among other things, it also calls for a more equitable distribution of the revenue generated by the sport, a less gruelling calendar, and more transparency in the anti-doping and anti-corruption investigative processes followed by the ITIA. What are the likely implications of this lawsuit and will it help bring about reform in the way the sport is organised? Guest: Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the PTPA. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Ukraine and the US have jointly proposed a 30-day ceasefire deal to Russia. They reached an agreement following a meeting between Ukrainian and American officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the ceasefire proposal with caution. He has said that he agrees with it in principle but any ceasefire offer must address the root causes of the ‘crisis'. So, what does the ceasefire deal offer Russia and Ukraine? Will Russia agree to this ceasefire proposal in the coming days? And what are the likely key sticking points that could come in the way of a deal? Guest: Stanly Johny, The Hindu's International Affairs Editor. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
The Trump administration's trans-Atlantic policy has made a sharp break from that of the Biden administration, and in fact, from the entire post-World War II paradigm where the US was the prime guarantor of European security. Three quick, successive developments have underscored this departure. First came US Vice President J.D. Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference in mid-February, where he said that the biggest threat to Europe's security is “from within”. Second, the very public spat between Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, after which President Donald Trump announced that the US was pausing military and intelligence aid to Ukraine. Finally, Zelenskyy buckling under the pressure, and agreeing to a US-sponsored offer of a 30-day ceasefire deal with Russia. All these developments have made it clear that Europe will need to completely rethink its security-related assumptions that governed its relationship with the US under a capacious NATO umbrella. Is the trans-Atlantic alliance due for a comprehensive reset? Can Europe continue to outsource its security needs to the US, or does it need to mobilise more actively to achieve self-reliance? What adjustments does Europe need to make, and what kind of a security architecture does Europe need to work towards? Guest: Marta Mucznik, Senior EU Analyst, Advocacy & Research, International Crisis Group, Brussels. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Edited by Jude Francis Weston
Join us for the grand finale of Mindful Conversation with Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., Entrepreneur and Author, as we dive into the power of values, mindfulness, and personal growth. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sampath Ph.D., shares insights on leading with purpose, balancing work and life, embracing change, and unlocking true potential. Don't miss this enriching conversation hosted by Sandy, a perfect blend of wisdom, reflection, and action for a more mindful life. Tune in to TALRadio English on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcast!Host : SandyExpert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.DFor more such insights, followInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathasYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas#TALRadioEnglish #MindfulConversation #UnlockPotential #LeadershipValues #PersonalGrowth #MindfulnessJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #SelfDiscovery #WorkLifeBalance #EmbraceChange #FutureOfWork #InspireLeadGrow #FinalEpisode #TouchALife #TALRadio
The United States is India's biggest trading partner. In 2023, the U.S.-India bilateral trade in goods and services stood at $190.08 billion -- $123.89 billion in goods and $66.19 billion in services trade. 17.7% of India's exports are to the US. In 2024, India enjoyed a goods trade surplus to the tune of $45.7 billion. American exports into India also face a higher rate of tariffs than India's exports to the US. Now President Donald Trump has said that the US will mirror Indian tariffs from April 2. This means tariffs on Indian goods will increase substantially. If this does happen, how will it affect Indian industry? Should India get into a trade war or pre-emptively lower its tariffs on US goods? More critically, what are the implications of reciprocal tariffs for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) – is the US getting out of WTO? Guest: economist Neeraj Kaushal, Professor at the School of Social Work, Columbia University. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Women are shaping the future of enterprise with confidence and vision! In this Women's Day Special Interview, we dive into the power of an enterprise mindset and how young women can break barriers in leadership. Join Dr. Kalpana Sampath, Ph.D., as she shares insights on confidence, resilience, and success. Hosted by young lady champs Hasini, Sowmya, and Munazzah Khan. Tune in to TALRadio English on Spotify & Apple Podcast for this inspiring conversation.Hosts : Munazzah Khan & HasiniGuest : Dr.Kalpana Sampath PhD#TALRadioEnglish #WomenInLeadership #EnterpriseMindset #BreakingBarriers #WomenEmpowerment #LeadWithConfidence #YoungWomenLeaders #SuccessMindset #WomenEntrepreneurs #InspiringWomen #FutureOfLeadership #EmpowerHer #WomensDay2025 #TouchALife #TALRadio
Letting go is the first step to true growth. In this Mindful Conversation, we explore how releasing fears, past limitations, and self-doubt leads to transformation. Join Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., Entrepreneur & Author, as he shares insights on embracing change and unlocking personal freedom. Hosted by Sandy, this episode will inspire you to rise and reach your full potential. Tune in to TALRadio English on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Host : SandyExpert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.DFor more such insights, followInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathasYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas#TALRadioEnglish #LetGo #EmbraceChange #PersonalGrowth #MindfulLiving #SelfDiscovery #InnerFreedom #UnlockPotential #TransformYourLife #Empowerment #GrowthMindset #RiseAbove #MindfulnessMatters #TouchALife #TALRadio
Self-reflection is the key to personal and professional growth. On Mindful Conversation Episode 13, join Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., a distinguished entrepreneur and author, as he delves into the transformative impact of meditation, introspection, and daily mindful practices. In this enlightening discussion with host Sandy, discover practical strategies to deepen self-awareness, enhance clarity, and cultivate mindfulness in everyday life. Tune in to TALRadio English on Apple Podcast, Spotify & Youtube!Host : SandyExpert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.DFor more such insights, followInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathasYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas#TALRadioEnglish #Mindfulness #Introspection #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #MeditationMatters #DailyPractices #DrSampath #MindfulLiving #UnlockInnerClarity #InnerPeace #MentalWellness #TouchALife #TALRadio
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. In the three years since, the US and Europe rallied around Ukraine, supplying it with military and financial support to take on the Russians. Russia was also placed under severe economic sanctions. Russia, when it began its ‘special military operation', may have hoped for a quick resolution by forcing Ukraine to the negotiating table. But the conflict dragged on, and as of today, Russia holds 20% of Ukrainian territory, and for the first time, the US has turned ‘neutral' in the conflict. President Donald Trump has also made it clear to Ukraine that joining NATO is no longer on the table. At the same time, he has also said that the war could end in a matter of weeks. What does the present conjuncture mean for Ukraine – which has paid the highest cost, in terms of lives lost, economic losses, and loss of territory? Can the US and Russia sit together and negotiate the end of the conflict, without Ukraine and Europe having a say? What lessons does this conflict hold for smaller countries caught in a proxy conflict between super-powers? Guest: Stanly Johny, The Hindu's International Affairs Editor. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Verizon is the biggest wireless-service provider in the US, with its business largely centered on the consumer segment. Wireless is a high-touch business, which has prompted the company and peers to deploy AI across its customer-care operations to drive greater efficiencies and higher cross-selling. In this episode of the Tech Disruptors podcast, Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon's Consumer Group, speaks with Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Mandeep Singh and John Butler about the company's current deployment of AI and plans to further improve its operations with the technology. Sampath discusses AI's use in customer care and provides some thoughts on what the future holds for its broader deployment in network operations, software development and the radio-access network. He also offers insight on the AI ecosystem today, where it's headed and how AI models are quickly commoditizing.
In today's episode of The Indian Business Podcast, we're joined by Suhasini Sampath, the visionary founder of Yoga Bar, a brand that is transforming the healthy snacking industry in India. Yoga Bar's mission is to provide nutritious, clean-label snacks that are both tasty and wholesome, making healthier eating accessible to all.In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Yoga Bar, from its humble beginnings to becoming a ₹500 crore brand, the challenges of building a health-focused startup, and how ITC's investment is shaping the company's future. We also discuss the changing landscape of the food industry, consumer preferences, and the entrepreneurial lessons that can inspire future founders.
How can we adapt to the evolving workforce and educational landscape? Join Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., an entrepreneur and author, on Mindful Conversation Episode 12 as we discuss the future of work, education reforms, and the skills needed to stay ahead. Hosted by Sandy, this insightful conversation will help you navigate the changing world of work and learning. Don't miss this episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!Host : SandyExpert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.DFor more such insights, followInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathasYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas#TALRadioEnglish #FutureOfWork #EducationMatters #WorkforceTransformation #CareerDevelopment #SkillBuilding #LifelongLearning #Leadership #MindfulConversation #Innovation #SuccessStrategies #CareerGrowth #EdTech #TouchALife #TALRadio
The doping controversy over world no. 1 Jannik Sinner has divided the tennis world. In March 2024, Sinner tested positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. As per the rules of the International Tennis Integrity Agency and the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), this would result in an automatic provisional suspension pending an appeal. Sinner, however, appealed the provisional suspension, and an independent hearing convened by the ITIA found that he bore “no fault or negligence” for the positive tests. Subsequently, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed this ruling. WADA's appeal was supposed to have come up for hearing at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on April 16-17, 2025. But now the WADA appeal will not be heard because Sinner and WADA have reached a case resolution agreement. Under this settlement, instead of the one to two-year ban that WADA had wanted, Sinner will serve out a three-month ban, from February 9 to May 4. This means he will not miss any Grand Slams, despite committing a doping offence that, in the case of other players, has caused them to serve out a ban of one to several years. Is tennis's anti-doping process “broken” as the likes of Stan Wawrinka and Nick Kyrgios have said? Are there double standards in this process - with top players benefiting while the lower ranked players don't get the same treatment or benefit of doubt? How transparent is a process where a player can negotiate a “settlement” for a doping offence? Guest: N Sudarshan from The Hindu's Sports Bureau. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) made a spectacular entry into Delhi politics in 2013. It rode the wave of an anti-corruption movement, and connected with Delhi's middle classes by positioning itself as an anti-political force. It cashed in on a general disgust with self-serving career politicians. Once in power, it built a formidable support base on the back of welfare initiatives in school education, health, electricity, water supply, and free bus rides for women. Now, after nearly a decade in power, it has been voted out. The BJP is back in power at the assembly level in Delhi after a gap of 26 years. It won 48 seats while AAP's seat share plummeted from 62 to 22 seats. Analysts have blamed anti-incumbency and the AAP's governance failure for its loss. They have also blamed the corruption allegations against Kejriwal, his excessive spending on the Chief Minister's official residence, the alleged liquor scam, and so on. But some basic questions remain: Did the AAP lose because the BJP out-promised it on the welfare front? On the corruption aspect: did it lose because it was perceived as more corrupt than its rivals, or because it is held to a higher stand of probity given its provenance in anti-corruption movement? Does the AAP really need an ideological core if it needs to survive, as some are arguing? And what does this outcome mean for the ‘alternative politics' that the AAP had promised? Guest: Professor KK Kailash from the Department of Political Science, University of Hyderabad. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Technology profoundly shapes human behavior, influencing our decisions, interactions, and ethics. In Episode 11 of Mindful Conversation, we dive into this complex relationship with Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., Entrepreneur & Author. Join host Sandy as we explore the ethical considerations and societal impact of technology on human nature. How can we strike the right balance? Tune in to TALRadio English on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for valuable insights!Host : SandyExpert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.DFor more such insights, followInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathasYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas#TALRadioEnglish #TechAndBehavior #MindfulConversation #DigitalEthics #HumanNature #TechImpact #EthicalTech #AIandSociety #FutureOfTechnology #InnovationAndEthics #TechAwareness #TouchALife #TALRadio
Four days after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister of Manipur, President's rule has been imposed in the state. Singh's resignation is seen as a belated one by many. Since May 2023 when violence flared up, more than 250 people have been killed and 60,000 have been displaced and unable to return to their homes. There has also been a huge proliferation of armed groups running amok. Given Singh's abject failure in the past 21 months to quell the violence, what took him so long to resign? Will President's rule bring back normalcy in the state? And what options can the government explore to restore trust among the divided communities and bring back normalcy? Guest: Pradip Phanjoubam, editor with the Imphal Review of Arts and Politics. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Analysts Don Kellogg and Roger Entner are joined by CEO of Verizon Consumer Group, Sampath, to discuss the newly-released Consumer Connections Report and the various insights it provides.00:24 Consumer Connection Report overview 02:06 Parental controls with Verizon Smart Family and Wi-Fi importance 06:28 Verizon Home app improves in-home control 07:20 Leveraging broadband experience into FWA 09:51 Retail is not dead! 12:04 Verizon's future focus 13:03 episode wrap-up 2024 Verizon Consumer Connections Report:https://verizon.turtl.co/story/2024-consumer-connections-report/page/1 Tags: telecom, telecommunications, wireless,prepaid, postpaid, cellular phone, Don Kellogg, Roger Entner, Sampath, Verizon, Consumer Connections Report, Smart Family, parental controls, Wi-Fi, router, broadband, Fios, fiber, FWA, NPS, retail
Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen and the chess world's governing body FIDE were embroiled in a public spat until a few days ago. Carlsen, in collaboration with a German businessman, Jan Henric Buettner, has launched a new chess tour, titled the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, and FIDE objected to their use of the term ‘Word Championship', which it believes undermines FIDE's exclusive right to that sort of branding. Things got ugly as they exchanged allegations and counter-allegations on social media. But the conflict, for the time being, has been put on pause, with the Freestyle organisers agreeing not to use the term ‘world championship' for the first ten months. The Freestyle Tour, which will see a different format of games compared to classical chess, kicked off on February 7 in Weissenhaus, Germany. What is the Freestyle Grand Slam all about? What is at stake here for Carlsen, FIDE and the other major entities in the chess world? Is there a chance of this new format displacing classical chess in the future? Guest: P.K. Ajithkumar from The Hindu's Sports Bureau. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Edited by Jude Francis Weston
Join us for Episode 10 of Mindful Conversation as we explore assessment-driven analytics and its impact on human behavior, team performance, and technology integration. Our guest, Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., an esteemed entrepreneur and author, shares insights on leveraging data-driven strategies to predict and enhance team success. Hosted by Sandy, this discussion offers valuable takeaways for leaders and professionals looking to optimize performance through analytics. Tune in to TALRadio English on Spotify, Apple Podcast for this insightful episode.Host : SandyExpert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.DFor more such insights, followInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathasYouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas#TALRadioEnglish #MindfulConversation #AnalyticsForSuccess #HumanBehavior #TeamPerformance #TechIntegration #DataDrivenDecisions #Leadership #WorkplaceSuccess #AIinAnalytics #PodcastEpisode #TouchALife #TALRadio #TALPodcast
In this engaging episode of the Bharatvaarta Podcast, host Sharan is joined by Dr. Vikram Sampath to discuss his latest book on the controversial history of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan's contrasting reigns. The conversation covers various aspects including Tipu Sultan's controversial policies, the methodological challenges of historical writing, and the nuances of presenting an impartial account in a polarized field. Dr. Sampath also shares insights into the importance of documenting contemporary lives for future historians and discusses his initiatives to support upcoming historians through the FIHCR (Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research). Topics: 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Meet Dr. Vikram Sampath 01:36 The Haider and Tipu Saga 03:47 Balancing Historical Perspectives 05:23 The Craft of a Historian 05:34 Tipu Sultan's Documentation 07:21 Contemporary and Oral Sources 18:05 Comparing Haider and Tipu 26:49 Tipu's Language Policies 30:55 Tipu's Dreams and Interpretations 34:34 Toxic Masculinity and Treatment of Women 37:24 Historical Movies and Controversies 39:29 Challenges in Indian Historical Cinema 42:21 Religious Policies and Temple Grants 51:07 Role of Brahmins and Administrators 55:21 Controversial Historical Figures 57:52 Future of Historical Research 01:04:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
US President Donald Trump has often said that ‘tariff' is his favourite word. Within weeks of taking office, he imposed 25% tariffs on all imports from America's two biggest trading partners, Mexico and Canada, and 10% tariffs on goods from China. Subsequently, he paused the tariffs for 30 days, after Mexico and Canada promised to take certain measures to curb illegal migration and cross-border fentanyl smuggling. Given his repeated statements that he is looking at tariffs as a source of revenue it seems like he is viewing tariffs as a permanent feature rather than as a temporary negotiating tool, as some analysts have suggested. He has also used aggressive rhetoric about imposing 100% tariffs on BRIC+ countries if they tried to create an alternative to the dollar. How do we understand these moves from the Trump administration? Won't they also adversely impact American consumers and businesses? Is the US moving away from a half-century old paradigm of open trade and integrated markets, to one of local production and protected markets? How should the Global South respond to these measures, given the disparity in economic power? Guest: economist C.P. Chandrasekhar, Senior Research Fellow at the Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, US. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
In Mindful Conversation Episode 9, join Dr. Sampath, an entrepreneur and author, as he delves into the profound difference between wisdom and knowledge. Discover practical insights, real-world applications, and the importance of prioritizing wisdom in decision-making. Hosted by Sandy, this thought-provoking discussion highlights how wisdom shapes leadership and personal growth. Don't miss The Power of Wisdom Over Knowledge on TALRadio English, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #TALRadioEnglish #WisdomVsKnowledge #MindfulConversations #LeadershipWisdom #PracticalInsights #PersonalGrowth #EmpoweredDecisions #KnowledgeWithPurpose #EntrepreneurshipJourney #ImpactfulWisdom #TouchALife #TALRadio
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the administration's crackdown on undocumented migrants has led to more than 3,500 arrests. In a related development, Colombia narrowly avoided a trade war with the US when it turned back American military planes bringing back Colombian migrants. India, in contrast, has repeatedly said that on the immigration issue, it will do the “right thing” by the US. How are undocumented immigrants affected by Trump's recent moves changing the immigration regime? Will his attempt to end birthright citizenship withstand legal scrutiny? Are his plans for large-scale detention and deportation likely to take off? And if they do, what is the likely economic fall-out? Guest: Dr Neeraj Kaushal, Professor at the School of Social Work at Columbia University, New York. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Edited by Jude Francis Weston
Will Arvind Kejriwal return to power once again in Delhi? Or, will the BJP build on the momentum of its recent victories in Haryana and Maharashtra to dislodge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from power? What are the stakes for the Congress in these elections, given that its vote share in the last election had shrunk to less than 5%? These are some of the questions on people's minds as the state gears up for the assembly polls, scheduled for February 5. In this episode of In Focus, we preview the chances of the three contenders, assess the competing narratives that each of them is pushing, and analyse the issues that could tip the balance among the voters. Guest: Rahul Verma, political analyst and Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
Explore the transformative power of learning, reflection, and self-realization in this episode of Mindful Conversation. Dr. Sampath Ph.D., an accomplished entrepreneur and author, shares valuable insights on how personal growth and self-reflection can spark meaningful change. Hosted by Sandy, this thought-provoking conversation reveals how these practices can unlock your full potential. Tune in to Mindful Conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcast for a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #TALRadioEnglish #LearningAndReflection #SelfRealization #PersonalGrowth #MindfulConversation #SelfDiscovery #EntrepreneurLife #Transformation #Mindfulness #PersonalDevelopment #TuneIn #TouchALife #TALRadio #TALPodcast
Last month, The Hindu broke the story of 16 Indian workers trapped in ‘prison-like' conditions at a cement factory in the Libyan city of Benghazi. Their phones and passports had been taken away, they hadn't been paid their wages for months, and had been forced to work for much longer hours than what was specified in their contract. These workers, hailing from rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are still awaiting repatriation back to India, which is expected to happen later this month. What led these young men to seek employment in a place like Libya? What is the modus operandi of the recruitment agents that sent them there on false promises? What is the legal framework in India that regulates man power recruitment for jobs abroad? And what need to change to ensure India's unemployed poor do not fall into such traps in the future? Guest: Kunal Shankar, The Hindu's Deputy Business Editor, and Lucknow correspondent Mayank Kumar. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
Unlock the power of Gamification in Learning with Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., an entrepreneur and author, on Mindful Conversation Episode 7. Discover how parables, educational games, and innovative strategies can transform learning into an engaging journey. Hosted by Sandy, this session promises to redefine the way we educate and inspire. Tune into TALRadio English on Spotify, Apple Podcast for this insightful episode. Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #GamificationInLearning #MindfulConversation #InnovativeLearning #EducationalGames #EngageEducateInnovate #DrSampathPhD #TransformEducation #LearningThroughPlay #InteractiveLearning #LifelongLearning
After more than 15 months of conflict and devastation, there is finally a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The ceasefire will come into force on January 19. The agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and US officials, will unfold over three phases. It involves Hamas releasing Israeli captives, in exchange for Israel releasing thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and Israel allowing a surge in humanitarian aid. A ceasefire that was elusive all through 2024 suddenly clicked into place a few days before the Trump inauguration. How did it happen? What does it mean for Israel and Netanyahu? And will the ceasefire last, or will the bombings resume once again, after phase one of the deal? Guest: Stanly Johny, The Hindu's International Affairs Editor. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
On January 20th, Donald Trump will take the oath of office as the United States' President for the second time. There is a lot of speculation, and also apprehension, on what to expect from his administration: will there be mass deportations of undocumented migrants? Will we see a new tariff war as he raises import tariffs across the board? How will he deal with Iran and China? Will he break with the Biden administration's foreign policy with regard to Europe, Ukraine and West Asia? What are the challenges and opportunities for India specifically? Guest: Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu's Diplomatic Affairs Editor. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
Dive into the transformative world of building and sustaining a culture of excellence on Episode 6 of Mindful Conversation! Join Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., entrepreneur, author, and thought leader, alongside Host Sandy, as they uncover the key elements of cultural excellence, its lasting impact, and personal stories that inspire greatness. Tune into TALRadio English on Spotify, Apple Podcast for actionable insights and strategies to shape your legacy in a professional and influential way. Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #MindfulPodcast #CulturalExcellence #LeadershipLegacy #PodcastInsights #ProfessionalGrowth #InspiringLeaders #SustainableSuccess #LegacyBuilding #StrategicLeadership #FosteringExcellence
Tune in to Mindful Conversation Episode 5 with Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., a renowned entrepreneur and author, as he unravels the essence of Embracing Human Values for Growth. Discover how core values and self-inquiry drive personal growth and transform lives. Hosted by Sandy, this insightful podcast on TALRadio English will leave you inspired to live with purpose and integrity. Tune into TALRadio English on Spotify and Apple Podcast. Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #HumanValues #PersonalGrowth #MindfulConversation #CoreValues #SelfInquiry #ProfessionalGrowth #LifeTransformation #Entrepreneurship #LiveWithPurpose #Inspiration
Tune in to TALRadio English for an inspiring podcast episode, ""Corporate Transition to Social Change,"" hosted by Sandy. Featuring Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., an Entrepreneur and Author, this insightful conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of leaving the corporate world to make a meaningful social impact. Discover the courage, motivation, and leadership it takes to navigate such impactful transitions. Tune in to TALRadio English on Spotify and Apple Podcast. Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #MindfulConversations #SocialEntrepreneurship #Leadership #CorporateToSocialChange #Inspiration #Motivation #DrSampath #CourageToChange #ImpactfulTransitions #Podcast
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by the country's National Assembly. His impeachment follows his sudden declaration of martial law on December 3, a move he was forced to withdraw in a few hours after the Parliament voted it down. Mr Yoon's Presidential powers remain suspended as the impeachment goes to the Constitutional Court for review and a final verdict. In the interim period, Prime Minister Han Duck Soo will serve as the acting President. So, what prompted Mr Yoon to suddenly declare martial law? What will be the impact of the current developments on Korean politics? And what happens next, as the Constitutional court takes up this case? Guest: Dr Jong Eun Lee, Assistant Professor of Political Science at North Greenville University in South Carolina. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
Join us for Episode 3 of Mindful Conversation, Mastering Work-Life Balance Strategies. Discover practical approaches to harmonizing your work and personal life with Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., a renowned entrepreneur and author. Hosted by Sandy, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the challenges of modern life and achieve balance with intention. Tune in to TALRadio English on Spotify and Apple Podcast and take a step toward mindful, balanced living! Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #WorkLifeHarmony #MindfulLiving #BalancedLife #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalBalance #MindfulConversations #LifeStrategies #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkLifeIntegration
The Great Nicober Island is the southernmost island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. It is home to species of flora and fauna not found anywhere else on the earth. It is designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is also the habitat of indigenous communities, including the Nicobarese and the Shompen, a ‘Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group' (PVTG). The island is located on a seismically high-volatile zone, and experiences on an average one earth quake a week, of varying magnitude. The government of India has planned a ₹72,000 crore mega-infrastructure project on this island. The project plan, piloted by the Niti Aayog, includes a ₹40,000 crore International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), a greenfield international airport, a gas-and-solar-based power plant, and a township stretching over 16,610 hectares. This proposed project will decimate 131 sq km of pristine tropical evergreen forest, destroy the primary nesting place of the giant leatherback turtle, and settle 350,000 people on an island whose current population is 8,500. Yet it has got environmental and forest clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). How serious are the risks of this project? How rigorous are the Environment Impact Assessments that were done? Do the strategic and developmental gains from this project outweigh the environmental costs and risks of this project? Guest: Dr. Pankaj Sekhsaria, a researcher and academic writer who has written extensively on the Andaman and Nicobar islands for over three decades and has curated the anthology, ‘The Great Nicobar Betrayal'. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Join us for Episode 2 of Mindful Conversation, Mindfulness for Entrepreneurial Success, featuring Dr. Sampath, Ph.D., an accomplished entrepreneur and author. Discover how incorporating mindfulness into your entrepreneurial journey can transform your mindset, sharpen decision-making, and enhance overall well-being. Gain practical strategies for leading with intention and creating lasting impact. Hosted by Sandy, this insightful episode will inspire and empower entrepreneurs to thrive.Tune into TALRadioEnglish on Apple Podcast, Spotify. Host : Sandy Expert : Dr.Sampath, Ph.D For more such insights, follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulkathas YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesoulkathas #TALRadioEnglish #Mindfulness #EntrepreneurialSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulEntrepreneurship #FocusAndGrowth #IntentionalLeadership #BusinessWellbeing #EntrepreneurTips #MindfulConversation #TouchALife #TALRadio
After battling insurgency for 13 years, the Bashar al Assad regime has collapsed in Syria. Assad and his family have fled to Russia where they have been given asylum. An Al Qaida affiliate that today goes by the name of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has taken control of the Syrian capital Damascus. The immediate future of Syria now depends on the leader of the HTS, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, a man who was handpicked by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to establish a branch in Syria. What were factors behind the sudden overthrow of the Assad regime, which not many had foreseen? What are the implications of this for Russia and Iran, Assad's biggest backers? What are the implications for the various minorities such as Shias, Christians and the Syrian Kurds? And what does this mean for Palestinians in Gaza and for Lebanon? Guest: Iftikhar Gilani, a senior journalist who has reported for three decades from South Asia and the Middle East and is currently based in Ankara. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Five people were killed and many were injured in clashes that followed protests over a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi, in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district. The police have arrested dozens of people and registered cases against 400 people. The UP government has ordered a judicial probe into the violence. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has described the survey and the violence as a “well-planned conspiracy aimed at hurting communal harmony”. There are also multiple versions of who fired at the protesters, causing their deaths. So, why did the civil court order a survey of the Jama Masjid? What was the chain of events that led to the deaths of five young men? What is the constitutional basis for raising legal questions over religious structures? Can any and every religious structure be surveyed if someone files a petition claiming it's built on the site of another place of worship? Guest: Ziya Us Salam, Associate Editor, The Hindu. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston (Background construction noise was unavoidable, which impacted the audio quality of this recording. We apologize for the inconvenience.)
The fifth meeting of the UN's Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) has ended without delivering a legally binding treaty to address global plastic pollution. The talks, which began in March 2022, were supposed to have produced a treaty by the end of 2024 but they haven't. The discussions saw a sharp divide between two camps – a large coalition of about 100 countries that wanted caps on plastic production, and a smaller set of oil-producing nations that wanted to focus only on plastic waste management. With the two camps unable to reach a compromise, the conference concluded on December 1 with an agreement to meet again at a later date. In the meantime, the world remains on track to keep producing 20 million metric tonnes of plastic waste every year, and triple plastic production by 2050. So, what are the chances of a plastics treaty happening any time soon? What is the link between the climate change talks, the fossil fuel industry, and the plastics crisis? And why can't the majority of countries that are serious about combating plastic pollution just go ahead without the small minority that are resisting an effective treaty? Guest: Satyarupa Shekhar, a public policy advocate who works on urban governance, data justice, and plastics pollution. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) won 30 out of the 48 seats, while the Maha Yuti could get only 17 seats. But in the just concluded Assembly elections, the Maha Yuti won a landslide, with 235 out of the 288 seats. The Maha Yuti alliance's main constituent, the BJP alone won 132 seats, with the other two, the (Ajit Pawar-led) NCP and the (Eknath Shinde-led) Shiv Sena garnering 41 and 57 seats respectively. None of the MVA parties could win enough seats to even qualify for the position of leader of the Opposition – the first time this has happened in six decades. The Shiva Sena (Uddhav Bal Thackeray) got 20 seats, the Congress won 16, and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) won 10 seats respectively. So, what changed so dramatically in a matter of five months – from June to November 2024 -- that the Maha Yuti swept the state? How serious are the MVA's complaints that question a post-5pm voter surge and the data mismatches between votes polled and counted? Guest: Vinaya Deshpande, The Hindu's Maharashtra Chief of Bureau. Host: G. Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
The COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan has concluded without a proper agreement on the New Quantified Collective Goal (NCQG) on climate finance. NCQG refers to the money that would be given by the developed countries to developing countries to meet their climate mitigation and adaptation transition goals. Instead of an NCQG deal, the rich nations have agreed to pledge $300 billion annually as a base figure to lead efforts – including by developing countries -- to raise $1.3 trillion annually from 2035. But developing countries have called this deal an “insult” as it seems to shift the onus of climate finance on to developing countries. Apart from this, there was also an agreement reached on global standards for carbon markets and trading. Further, the COP29 Presidency launched the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration, which saw over 30 countries declaring their commitment to set sectoral targets for reducing methane from organic waste. How do we assess COP 29 in terms of progress on climate finance? And how do we understand the outcomes with regard to carbon markets, the drawdown on fossil fuel consumption, and loss and damage funds? Guest: Nagraj Adve, a founder member of Teachers Against the Climate Crisis (TACC). Host: G. Sampath, Social Affaies Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.