Podcast Episodes

Atmospheric memory: How do monsoons ‘remember’ the past?

How do monsoons really work? What makes them plentiful some years, but vanish completely in others, causing drought-like conditions? Climate scientists have been seeking answers to these questions fo…

Published on 7 months, 2 weeks ago

What are the implications of India’s ‘new normal’ in fighting cross-border terrorism?

On May 7, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 in which 26 civilians were killed.

Over three days, India and Pakistan launched missiles and drones …

Published on 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Petitions challenging Waqf Act in SC: What concerns are flagged for adjudication?

The petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, are set for hearing on May 15. They will be heard by a Bench led by the Chief Justice designate B.R. Gavai. 

Earlier, a three-judge Bench led…

Published on 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Is climate change increasing the levels of toxic arsenic in our rice?

When it comes to food, most Indians cannot imagine a day without rice. Lunch is rice, and rice is lunch – and rice is also sometimes breakfast or dinner or just part of a number of other food items w…

Published on 7 months, 3 weeks ago

What does it mean for India to conduct a caste census?

The Union cabinet has announced that the next population Census will also include questions on caste. This is a sharp departure from the ruling BJP’s long-standing opposition to a caste census.

How d…

Published on 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Are the extinct dire wolves really back?

The world of science was rocked early last month when U.S. company Colossal Biosciences announced that it had resurrected the dire wolf—a species that went extinct more than 10,000 years ago. Three p…

Published on 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Is a candidate winning an election ‘unopposed’ unconstitutional?

According to Section 53 (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, if there is only candidate contesting an election, then she can be declared elected unopposed. Now a legal think tank, the V…

Published on 8 months ago

Aamir Aziz-Anita Dube controversy: What does the copyright law say?

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…

Published on 8 months ago

How can India strengthen the foundations of its justice delivery system?

Recently, a debate about appointing judges has gained momentum in light of cash allegedly being found in the house of a Delhi High Court judge. What began as a discussion about transparency in judici…

Published on 8 months ago

What can we expect from the US-Iran nuclear talks?

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 …

Published on 8 months, 1 week ago