South Central

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna examine the legal questions surrounding the detention of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, the use of peace bonds and the limits of the state’s power to prevent protests. They are joined by Apar Gupta, advocate and founder-director of the Internet Freedom Foundation, to discuss the role of executive magistrates, preventive detention and the implications for the right to dissent. In the second part of the episode, the hosts speak to Sravasti Dasgupta of The Wire about YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy’s statement that he regrets supporting the 2023 law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners, and what this could mean for the political positioning of parties that have maintained that they are not aligned with either the BJP-led NDA or the INDIA bloc. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:12 - Headlines 00:08:09 - Key developments in protests and crackdown in Delhi 00:41:51 - Are regional parties moving away from the BJP? 01:03:10 -…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth examine what happens when journalists covering protests are detained by the police, and what it means for press freedom and the right to dissent in India. They are joined by Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of The Wire, and Abhinandan Sekhri of Newslaundry, to discuss allegations of police violence, the targeting of journalists documenting the protests, and the lack of a stronger collective response from mainstream media. In the second part of the episode, the hosts speak to TNM Associate Editor Sukanya Shaji about the crash near Kochi airport in Kerala in which three young people were killed, the legal provisions applied in the case, allegations of rash and drunken driving, and the wider debate around privilege, accountability and the victim-blaming that followed. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:32 - Headlines 00:08:41 - Police action against protesters in Delhi 00:48:44 - Kochi Mini Cooper car crash 001:03:09 -…

In this week's South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth are joined by activist Shivasundar to discuss the nationwide protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's removal. In the second part of the discussion, they are joined by lawyer and legal scholar Alok Prasanna, co-founder of the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, who talks about the legal immunity enjoyed by the CEC. Audio time codes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:42 - Headlines 00:08:12 - SIR protests 00:27:19 - Can Election Commissioners be prosecuted? 00:56:55 - Recommendations Support our legal fund. Click here Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Pooja Prasanna and Anisha Sheth are joined by political economist and author Dr Parakala Prabhakar for an extended conversation on the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the deletion of voters and the larger questions these developments raise about India’s electoral democracy. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:35 - Headlines 00:09:35 - ECI, SIR and the deletion of voters Support our legal fund. Click here Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape…

This week’s South Central examines the questions surrounding the Veeramani case in Tamil Nadu, allegations of police inaction and a culture of silence. Hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by TNM’s Chennai Bureau Chief Shabbir Ahmed. The episode also discusses the police raid on the Reporter TV newsroom and the wider debate over press freedom and media ownership, with senior journalist MG Radhakrishnan joining the conversation. The episode also looks at reported dissent within the Election Commission of India, questions over electoral roll verification and the centralisation of voter data, and what the rift means for transparency and voter trust. The hosts are joined by independent investigative journalist Poonam Agarwal. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:08 - Headlines 00:08:12 - Veeramani POCSO case 00:27:19 - Reporter TV raid 00:47:08 - The Election Commission and internal dissent 1:09:35 - Recommendations Support our legal fund. Click here Check out the recommendations and…

In this week's South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna explore whether AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, and what regulation and the debate over whether AI development needs to slow down. They are joined by Sarayu Natarajan, founder of Aapti Institute and Visiting Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and Deepthi Bathini, AI Policy and Strategy Fellow at Successif and Associate Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. In the second part of the episode, the hosts turn to the political developments in Telangana, including the ruckus during the Assembly session, the BRS-Congress confrontation and the growing questions over Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s control over both the government and the party. They are joined by senior Deccan Herald assistant editor SNV Sudhir, who covers Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:39 - Headlines 00:09:17 - Warnings about the risks of AI 00:48:12 - Current political scenario in…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by former Supreme Court Justice Madan Lokur to discuss a wide range of issues - from the cancellation of law school convocations following student protests against the CJI to mass voter roll discrepancies and the judiciary's hesitation to intervene. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts are joined by Divya Arya, a journalist reporting for the BBC World Service, who worked on the story exposing the prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) content in Meta apps. Audio timecodes: 0:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:50 - Headlines 00:12:43 - Dissent, SIR and more 00:58:28 - Meta and CSAM 1:27:15 - Recommendations Support our legal fund. Click here Register for the NL-TNM book club. Click here Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and…

In this week's South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss controversial remarks by Muslim religious leader Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar on women’s participation in public religious events. They are joined by Shahina KK, Founder and Editor of Offbeat Concerns, and Sunaina Shahida Ikbal, Writer, Psychologist and Academician. In the second part of the episode, the conversation turns to the growing calls for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to become Prime Minister in 2029, and what the phenomenon says about celebrity politics, political cults and Vijay’s ambitions. The hosts are joined by journalist E.T.B. Sivapriyan. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:30 - Headlines 00:09:37 - Grand Mufti - Statements, influence and pushback 00:48:26 - Vijay as PM 01:11:25 - Recommendations Register for the NL-TNM book club. Click here Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central:…

In this week's South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to scrap the Parandur airport project. They are joined by aviation safety consultant Captain Mohan Ranganathan and K E Raghunathan, national chairman of the Association of Indian Entrepreneurs. In the second part of the episode, the hosts discuss the recent anti-reservation movement. They are joined by Professor Ravikant Kisana. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:27 - Headlines 00:09:12 - Scrapping of Parandur Airport project 00:45:09 - Anti-reservation movement 01:19:53 - Recommendations Get special 6-month subscription of TNM-NL at Rs 1947: https://pages.razorpay.com/tnm-1947?utm_source=sc&utm_medium=sc1947link&utm_campaign=sc Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to…

In this week’s episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss raids and inspections across the country at restaurants and the prevalence of contaminated food even at top-end eateries. They are joined by food influencer and author Krish Ashok and TNM reporter Shivani Kava. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts discuss the BJP’s big political reshuffle. They are joined by Aditya Menon, journalist and Political Editor at The Quint. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:13 - Headlines 00:08:38 - Food Safety in India 00:51:02 - BJP rejig and PM CARES fund 01:19:34 - Recommendations Get special 6-month subscription of TNM-NL at Rs 1947: https://pages.razorpay.com/tnm-1947?utm_source=sc&utm_medium=sc1947link&utm_campaign=sc Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well.…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Pooja Prasanna and Anisha Sheth first discuss the problem of exotic animals across the world being taken into private custody. They are joined by independent journalists Siddharth Prabhakar and M Rajshekhar. In the second half, the hosts discuss the Tamil Nadu Speaker JCD Prabhakar attending and leading an anti-abortion rally in Chennai. He made an anti-abortion speech and also said he would take this up with CM Vijay. They are joined by Dr Alka Barua, a senior rights activist and TNM’s senior reporter Bharathy Singaravel. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:32 - Headlines 00:11:33 - Exotic animal smuggling 00:47:36 - Abortion rights in India 01:12:34 - Recommendations Get special 6-month subscription of TNM-NL at 1947: https://pages.razorpay.com/tnm-1947?utm_source=sc&utm_medium=sc1947link&utm_campaign=sc Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central:…

In this week's South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth discuss the arrest of Udhayanidhi Stalin and the Union government's social media crackdown following the CJP protests. They are joined by activist Tara Krishnaswamy, lawyer Nikhil Narendran, and TNM's Tamil Nadu Bureau Chief, Shabbir Ahmed. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:33 - Headlines 00:08:25 - Arrest of Udhayanidhi Stalin 00:50:17 - Crackdown on social media 1:07:52 - Recommendations Get special 6-month subscription this Independence Day at Rs 1947: https://pages.razorpay.com/tnm-1947 Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here You can also let us know what you think by…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the aftermath of the Jantar Mantar protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party. They are joined by senior journalist and editor of The Wire, Seema Chisti, and Peek TV co-founder Vedanta Agarwal. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:43 - Headlines 00:09:01 - Aftermath of CJP protest 1:08:12 - Recommendations 1:12:55 - Letters Get 20% off on TNM-NL Subscription https://rzp.io/rzp/tnm-nl-stickers Support PEEK TV https://pages.razorpay.com/ptvn Support The Wire https://support.thewire.in Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here You can also let us know what you think by filling…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and the police violence unleashed on the protestors. The violence has injected new life into the Cockroach Janta Party’s resistance, with gatherings happening across the country. The hosts are joined by journalists Smita Sharma, Nikita Saxena, and Kavitha Muralidharan. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:08 - Headlines 00:08:01 - CJP protest 00:56:59 - Media attacked 1:15:40 - Recommendations Check out Smita Sharma’s YouTube Channel and Instagram Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here You can also let us know what you think by…

In this week’s South Central hosts, Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna explore the churning in the country’s political Opposition. From TMC's dwindling numbers to DMK's tricky balancing act on the delimitation Bill. The hosts break down the realignment with senior journalist and Author Neerja Chowdhury and journalist Arvind Gunasekar. Is this about principles, or just who's placing the better bet? Then, a hard conversation: child sexual abuse cases and the push for a sex offender registry. Vidya Reddy, Sannuthi Suresh and Subhashini from Thulir join to explain why a registry might do more harm than good, and what the real gaps in the system are. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:03 - Headlines 00:10:41 - Realignment of the Opposition Parties in India 00:42:53 - POCSO cases in India 1:16:05 - Recommendations Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first dives into the repeated targeting of YouTuber Raavan, who has been arrested five times over speeches critical of the Andhra Pradesh government, including one containing a controversial remark about Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. The hosts are joined by senior journalist C Vanaja and Prof Murali Karnam of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. In the second half of the episode, journalists Jisha Surya and Indulekha Aravind join the panel to discuss two major developments in Kerala - the recent landslide in Wayanad and the political confrontation between the UDF and the LDF over the Adani Group’s decision to sell their stake in Vizhinjam Port to a Switzerland-based company. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:32 - Headlines 00:10:42 - The arrest of YouTuber Raavan 00:48:26 - Wayanad Landslide and Vizhinjam Port controversy 1:08:08 - Recommendations Check out the list of headlines discussed in South Central Check out the…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss senior journalist R Rajagopal’s letter regarding the removal of his name from the electoral rolls, denying him renewal of his passport. They are joined by R Rajagopal himself and Shivasundar, a senior activist and researcher who has been studying the election process. In the second part of the episode, the hosts are joined by investigative journalist Jisha Surya, Chairman of KIMS Health, Dr M I Sahadulla, and medical researcher and educator Dr A Althaf. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:10 - Headlines 00:09:35 - SIR and issues 00:48:53 - PE in Kerala hospitals 1:19:46 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by The Wire's Editor Seema Chishti and TNM's Karnataka Bureau Chief Anisha Sheth. They first discuss the controversy surrounding the Ayodhya Ram Temple, questioning the formation of the SIT and why agencies such as the CBI or the CAG have not stepped in. In the second half of the episode, the panel discusses MPs and MLAs deserting their parties to join the BJP, reflecting on the failure of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the institutionalisation of political defections over the years. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:30 - Headlines 00:12:35 - Ram temple controversy 00:40:42 - Defections 01:04:35 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any…

In this week's South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss the RSS's longstanding reluctance to register itself as an organisation. They are joined by Shardool K of Newslaundry, who was part of the RSS for several years, and senior journalist Nikita Saxena. The panel unpacks how remaining unregistered has historically afforded the organisation plausible deniability, shielded its finances from scrutiny and audit, and kept its members largely unaccountable. The discussion also explores the RSS's extensive network of around 2,500 affiliated organisations and how it benefits from their goodwill while avoiding formal accountability. In the second part of the episode, the hosts discuss how Big Tech platforms like Meta, Apple, and YouTube are enabling the monetisation of hate-filled Hindutva pop. They are joined by journalist and author Kunal Purohit, who has been tracking Hindutva pop for several years and explains how it has spread across states, languages, and festivals, often with…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss politics, gender, and self-expression with Aleena, a prominent writer and poet. She is a Dalit feminist thinker from Kerala who won the Sahithya Academy Kanakashree Award for her poetry collection titled Silk Route. In the second part of the episode, the hosts discuss illegal mining and quarrying, which persist across several states. They are joined by activists G Sundarrajan, Coordinator of Poovulagin Nanbargal and Jayaram V, Convenor of Arappor Iyakkam. Audio timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:48 - Headlines 00:09:21 - Self-expression with Aleena 00:52:31 - Illegal mining in TN 1:27:51 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the recent political developments in Tamil Nadu and the resignation of the BJP’s former state head, Annamalai. They are joined by senior journalist RK Radhakrishnan. In the second part of the episode, hosts discuss the Kerala government’s proposal to allow three days of period leave every month for school girls. They are joined by activist and physician Dr Jayashree AK and menstrual therapist and climate change educator Kavya. Audio timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:29 - Headlines 00:13:12 - Annamalai 00:45:09 - Kerala period leave 1:14:26 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here You can also let us know what…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the cabinet change in Karnataka and what Siddaramaiah’s resignation will mean for the state’s politics. They are joined by professor and commentator Prithvi Datta Chandra Shobhi. In the second half of the episode, the hosts discuss the Cockroach Janta Party and what this new political movement could mean. They are joined by TNM Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal and Newslaundry Editorial Director Manisha Pande. Audio timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:50 - Headlines 00:12:21 - Siddaramaiah 00:48:20 - Cockroach Janta Party 01:15:46 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here You can also let us know what you think…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Pooja Prasanna and Anisha Sheth first discuss the unprecedented use of social media in Tamil Nadu by Vijay’s TVK and whether it has reshaped politics in the state. They are joined by journalist and translator Kavitha Muralidharan and TNM’s Associate Editor Nandini Chandrasekhar. In the second part of the episode, the hosts discuss the SIR process in Karnataka, which has faced considerable resistance. They are joined by activist and journalist Shivasundar. Audio timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:06 - Headlines 00:10:02 - TVK social media game 00:49:43 - Anti SIR debate 1:14:06 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Support South Central: https://pages.razorpay.com/south-central Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the NEET exam paper leak and the subsequent developments. They are joined by educationist and the founder of Career 360, Maheshwer Peri and TNM Associate Editor Nandini Chandrashekar. In the second part of the discussions, the hosts discuss the austerity measures announced by PM Modi, including a ban on exports and judicious use of oil and gas. They are joined by journalist and founder of India’s first data journalism initiative IndiaSpend, Govindraj Ethiraj. Audio timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:50 - Headlines 00:10:49 - Exam paper leaks in India 00:40:25 - PM Modi's announcements on austerity 1:11:45 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the political developments in Tamil Nadu and the national implications of the fallout between DMK and Congress. They are joined by TNM’s Tamil Nadu bureau chief, Shabbir Ahmed, journalist and political analyst Rasheed Kidwai, and K Venkataramanan, a senior journalist who was previously with The Hindu. Support South Central Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join…

In the first part of this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the Kerala and Tamil Nadu exit polls and the recent political developments in both states. They are joined by TNM’s Tamil Nadu bureau chief Shabbir Ahmed, Kerala bureau chief Haritha John, and senior reporter Azeefa Fathima. In the second part of the episode, the hosts discuss the World Press Freedom Index 2026, in which India has slipped down to 157. They are joined by senior journalist Laxmi Murthy, who is also the founder and co-editor of the Free Speech Collective. Audio timecodes: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:58 - Headlines 00:14:04 - Kerala & Tamil Nadu exit polls 00:51:25 - India slips in Press Freedom Index 1:18:15 - Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. Contribute…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss delimitation and what states should now be discussing with the Union government. They are joined by former IAS officer Rangarajan Ramakrishnan. In the second part of the episode, the hosts discuss the Telangana government’s Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey 2024, its main findings, how poverty intermingles with caste to create marginalisations, and more. They are joined by academician and commentator Professor PL Visweshwar Rao, and TNM’s Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introductions 00:01:59 - Headlines 00:08:55 -…

In this episode of South Central, Pooja Prasanna and Azeefa Fathima discuss the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, focusing on the delimitation row, alliances, welfare politics, and what may ultimately decide the vote. They are joined by Frontline’s Senior Associate Editor R K Radhakrishnan, The Hindu’s Chief of Bureau Ramya Kannan, and academic and activist Dr C Lakshmanan. The panel examines whether the election is being framed as Tamil Nadu vs Delhi, the role of the BJP in the state, the limits of the Vijay factor, and how voters are responding on the ground. The 2026 reset: Assam to Puducherry Election Fund: https://pages.razorpay.com/zTQadhQFFT Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes…

In this episode on South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. They are joined by The Deccan Herald’s Assistant Editor Sivapriyan and journalist and translator Kavitha Muralidharan. In the second segment of the episode, the hosts discuss the verdict in the Sathankulam police station case in which Bennix and Jayaraj were tortured to death. A court in Madurai gave the death penalty to nine police officers, and the hosts go into the details of the verdict. They are joined by Anisha Sheth, TNM’s Karnataka Bureau Chief. The 2026 reset: Assam to Puducherry Election Fund: https://pages.razorpay.com/zTQadhQFFT Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central.…

In this week’s South Central, Dhanya Rajendran, Anisha Sheth, and cartoonist Rachita Taneja discuss the Union government’s proposed amendments to the IT law and what they mean for online speech. Why is the government bringing in these changes, and how will they impact people sharing news and opinions online? In the second part, guests from Kerala discuss the upcoming Assembly elections. Environmentalist Sridhar Radhakrishnan says that none of the major parties are prioritising environmental concerns, pointing to a decade of aggressive infrastructure development that ignores the state’s ecological fragility. The 2026 reset: Assam to Puducherry Election Fund: https://pages.razorpay.com/zTQadhQFFT Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future…

This week South Central looks at Kerala’s elections and the transgender amendment law. Hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by MG Radhakrishnan, Sreejan Balakrishnan, and TNM’s Haritha John to unpack why the UDF may have a slight edge but no clear wave against Pinarayi Vijayan. In the second segment, Azeefa Fatima and Lakshmi Priya discuss the trans bill’s fallout, with reports of fear, threats, and uncertainty within the community. The 2026 reset: Assam to Puducherry Election Fund: https://pages.razorpay.com/zTQadhQFFT Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introductions 00:02:22 - Headlines 00:09:27 - Kerala Elections 00:51:39 - Trans Bill Horror 01:11:57 -…

In this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026, which has triggered protests across the country. They are joined by advocate Arvind Narrain of the Alternative Law Forum, who was part of the panel of lawyers who fought for IPC 377 to be struck down. Joining in is also Rumi Harish, a musician and a queer, trans, masculine and social justice activist. In the second part of the episode, the hosts discuss the controversy over the lyrics of the new song from the movie KD: The Devil, and the problematic gaze of ‘item songs’. They are joined by TNM senior reporter Shivani Kava and Associate Editor Sukanya Shaji. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of…

In the first segment of this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the LPG crisis and what that could mean for India going forward. They are joined by energy journalist and policy expert Shreya Jai, and climate journalist and researcher Aruna Chandrasekhar. In the second segment, the hosts discuss the recent no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the one anticipated against Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They are joined by journalist Sravasti Dasgupta, senior political correspondent at The Wire. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:22 - Headlines 00:13:57- LPG Fears 00:51:05-CEC Impeachment 1:14:11 -…

In the first segment of this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna speak to senior gynaecologist Dr Thankam Subramonian, who recently approached the Karnataka HC to altruistically donate a kidney after being denied permission by a medical committee. In the second segment, the hosts delve into the ongoing military conflict between Iran, Israel and the USA. They are joined by Aditya Ramanathan, a Research Fellow with the Takshashila Institution, where he heads the Advanced Military Technologies Programme, and Nirmal Abraham, a journalist who specialises in international politics, especially matters of the USA. Check out the recommendations: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SuGm5-JwvRc4SCazAtW9956IKfsy3RrTJOFMsvbhmGE/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions, and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the Karnataka government’s plan to ban teenagers from using mobile phones. They are joined by policy researcher Tara Krishnaswamy, child psychologist Sama Adil, and Adhira S Magesh, a teenager who is a Karate black belt holder and enthusiastic baker. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2 and its polarising politics. They are joined by professor, writer, and activist NP Ashley. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:15 - Headlines 00:09:32- Mobile Ban…

The News Minute turns 12 on February 21, and to commemorate, in this week’s South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna bring together the old and new team of TNM. The group goes over how TNM started– a one-room venture with an intern and one reporter, and traces how it grew into a steadfast newsroom with several journalists, focusing on caste, gender, power, and culture. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem…

This week, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the controversy over former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, and the political storm it has stirred in the Parliament. They are joined by senior journalist and founding editor of The Wire, MK Venu, and Caravan magazine’s Consulting Editor, Sushant Singh, who wrote about the book. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:19 - Headlines 00:13:00- Naravane’s memoir 00:56:47 - Free Speech 1:04:31 - Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out…

In the first session, hosts Pooja Prasanna and Anisha Sheth discuss the India-US trade deal and the recently announced reduction in tariffs. They are joined by senior journalists Smita Sharma and TK Arun. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the ban on student elections in Karnataka and the Congress government’s proposal to bring it back. They are joined by Professor Muralidhar PS of the Bangalore University, President of the Teacher’s union. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:26 - Headlines 00:16:40- India-US Tariff 1:05:32 - Campus Politics Returns? 1:29:22 - Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the new UGC equity regulations and the protests around them. They are joined by TNM’s Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal and rights lawyer Mridula Vanangamudi. Then they look at the fast-paced political negotiations and developments in Kerala, headed for Assembly polls soon. The hosts are joined by Damodar Prasad, a senior political analyst based in Kerala. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:02:47: Headlines 00:09:36 - UGC Rules 00:50:37 - Kerala Politics 1:20:52 - Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our…

In this episode, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the organised hate campaigns against film reviewers in the country. The discussion spans themes including the communal profiling of actors and reviewers and delves into whether fan culture catalyses the polarisation of films based on nationalism, religion, and gender politics. Joining the hosts are acclaimed film critics Anna MM Vetticad and Sucharita Tyagi. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:01:46 - Headlines 00:14:34- Film Review Backlash 01:23:27- Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund.…

In the first session of the episode, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the intersection of consent, agency and institutional power in sexual assault cases, like in the cases of Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathi, acquitted Bishop Franco Mulakkal, ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar and more. The hosts are joined by senior journalist Nidhi Suresh, TNM Associate Editor and gender journalist Sukanya Shaji, and senior journalist and teacher Maya Sharma. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts and Maya delve into Karnataka’s so called ‘government on maintenance’ and allegations of the Congress squandering away its power. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:02:27 - Headlines 00:10:40 - Power rewrites consent 00:59:06 - Karnataka Govt 01:17:29- Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the recent political developments in Andhra Pradesh, including CM Chandrababu Naidu’s growing affiliation with the BJP. They are joined by professor, politician, and political analyst K Nageshwar. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the controversy at the Kochi Biennale, where a painting by artist Tom Vattakuzhy, titled ‘Supper at Nunnery’ was withdrawn due to pressure from Christian groups. The hosts also discuss resistance to art in general, and are joined by Kavitha Balakrishnan, an art history lecturer, poet, curator and author. Read the Sridhar Vembu profile Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:02:05 - Headlines 00:10:10 - Andhra Politics 00:52:05 - Kochi Biennale Row 01:15:39-…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the strike by gig workers on December 25th and 31st, what their demands are and whether the existing framework of payouts and stipulated minimum delivery time violates their rights. The hosts are joined by Shaikh Salahuddin, founder and president of Telangana Gig And Platform Workers Union, and Maitreyi Krishnan, a lawyer and president of the All India Lawyers Association for Justice. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the upcoming elections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and what alliances will fly and which of them will likely fail. The hosts are joined by senior journalist Dr RK Radhakrishnan. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:03:10 - Headlines 00:12:03 - Gig Workers Strike 00:52:16 - TN &…

For this special year-ender episode, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri and Manisha Pande and The News Minute’s Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by columnist and media critic Santosh Desai. The conversation begins with a wrap of the Indian media ecosystem this year. Santosh says, “Institutions are struggling to retain credibility and resist pressure.” Dhanya argues that mainstream media exerts significant influence over people, but on social media, the results vary. Discussing the state of the media more specifically in Karnataka, Pooja notes that although it's “heavily compromised”, it can still be seen as a “lesser evil” compared to the Hindi and English media. Manisha argues that, in terms of news consumption, the internet can be very ruthless – in contrast to legacy media, which does not have to face the crash and burn. She cites the example of Beer Biceps, whose rapid rise and fall illustrate this ruthlessness. Some influencers, Dhanya says, have also realised that “credibility comes with…

In this year-ender episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss federalism and how it has fared in India. They are joined by economist and author Rathin Roy, and TNM’s Associate Editor Nandini Chandrasekhar. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. 00:00:00- Introduction 00:02:01 - Headlines 00:15:53 - Federalism 01:17:29- Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here. To check out our other shows, Click here To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss whether investigative journalism is becoming one of the most endangered professions in India or is that a misplaced fear. Looking back at 2025, the conversation focuses on how much space investigative reporting still has, the risks journalists face, and whether strong reporting is able to create real impact. They are joined by investigative journalists Josy Joseph, founder of Confluence Media, Rema Nagarajan, senior editor-research at Times of India and independent journalist Nikita Saxena. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:00:51 - Kerala Actor Assault Case 00:01:48 - Headlines…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss India’s Constitutional value of secularism and the contradictions in its practice. The panel delves into how India has fared, or not, in prioritising Constitutional values vis-à-vis political agenda. They are joined by journalist and activist Aakar Patel and Seema Chishti, the editorial head of The Wire. Reporting Fund: The Shady Business of Stolen Footage Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:01:07 - CCTV series 00:03:56- Dileep Case Verdict 00:06:07 - Headlines 00:16:29 - Secularism in India 01:29:41- Recommendations Check out the recommendations and references from this episode.…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the Kerala actor assault case of 2017, which superstar Dileep is accused of orchestrating. As the verdict is expected in a week, the hosts take us through the details of the case and its impact on Kerala society. They are joined by TNM’s Associate Editor, Sukanya Shaji and Breaking News Head, Azeefa Fathima. In the second session, the hosts delve into the SIR, the pressure exerted on BLOS, and the discrepancies in the process itself. The guests are joined by TNM’s Tamil Nadu Bureau Chief Shabbir Ahmed. The News Minute & Newslaundry 26% discount offer Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00-…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the anti-vaccine statements made by billionaire Sridhar Vembu. In the second session, the hosts delve into the efforts of several governments, including Karnataka and Andhra, to implement a PPP model in the health education sector. The hosts are joined by Dr PV Ramesh, IAS, and Dr Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor with more than two decades of experience. Let Me Explain is 100 not out Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00- Introduction 00:01:08 - LME 100 00:02:22 - Headlines 00:13:33 - Vembu’s Anti-Vax Claim 00:47:36 - Privatisation of hospitals 01:18:53- Recommendations Check out the…

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Anisha Sheth first discuss Kerala’s announcement that it has eradicated extreme poverty. They are joined by T.V. Anupama, IAS officer and Special Secretary, Local Self Government Department and Devaswom, and Freddy Thomas, Assistant Professor at the School of Law, Christ University. The discussion explores how families were identified, the state’s micro-plan approach to welfare, and the challenges of sustaining such interventions over time. In the second part of the episode, the hosts are joined by senior journalist Prajwal Bhatt from New York to discuss Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s mayor. Prajwal explains how Mamdani’s campaign mobilised young voters and sections of Indian Americans, including “Hindus for Zohran,” while drawing sharp reactions from segments of the Indian right wing. Read: Ayodhya of the south Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to…