ThePrint

#cuttheclutter An isolated Saudi Arabia is fighting Houthis on its own soil and in Yemen. On Tuesday, the Saudi-backed coalition forces launched strikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa. #CutTheClutter Episode 1917 looks at the limitations of Saudi Arabia and how its geography adds to the country’s vulnerability. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains how and why military spending doesn’t guarantee security. To read 50 word edit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1167041569259389&set=a.128524556444434 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series:

#cuttheclutter Pakistan ousted Imran Khan’s PTI, imposed Governor’s rule as well as emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. #CutTheClutter 1916 looks at the big picture of these significant developments, geography & demography of Pakistan. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains how Asim Munir is using the old & familiar playbook of power grab. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

Why has Pakistan imposed emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Multiple headwinds are making the turbulence Modi is battling as he steps into his 26th year in public office. This has brought the 3-point Modi proposition under the greatest pressure since 2014. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta. ----more----Read this weeks National Interest here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/narendra-modi-25-years-challenges/3067173/----more----Read C. K. Prahalad's article here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/002224379503200301

On Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day, Shekhar Gupta draws from his experiences with Indian diplomats. From bail in Sri Lanka to a passport crisis in Romania, accurate information during Tiananmen Square and hospitality in Russia, Pakistan- ThePrint Editor-In-Chief narrates his interactions with Indian diplomats, and the fascinating stories from his travels. Read the text: ‘India’s Foreign Policy: Losing Direction,’ December 15, 1991 https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/19911215-unprecedented-drift-in-foreign-policy-with-indian-diplomacy-blundering-on-815181-1991-12-14 Read the text: 'Indian Fossil Service', June 28, 2003 https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/indian-fossil-service/ Read the text: 'Our Indian Feudal Service', December 21, 2013 https://theprint.in/sg-national-interest/our-indian-feudal-service/544017/

Why Gen Z protests impacted Bankipur bypolls but became irrelevant in the bypolls nine weeks later, ThePrint Political Editor DK Singh explains in this episode of #PoliticallyCorrect

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech from the birthplace of democracy. From Athens, Marco Rubio advocated Trump’s policies, made the case for ‘America first’, urged Europe to ‘awaken from slumber’ & attacked Iran’s ‘radical mullahs’. #CutTheClutter Episode 1914 looks at the significance of Rubio’s speech, and implications for India & the world. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains why it was a 2028 campaign speech disguised as statecraft. Read text of Marco Rubio’s full speech here: https://theprint.in/world/marco-rubio-hails-us-unapologetic-pursuit-of-national-power-urges-europe-to-awaken-from-slumber/3065037/ Watch Marco Rubio’s full speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNu3US2gVbg Watch #CutTheClutter on Spain here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjLzI6iBkJs

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition leaders escalated protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in the national capital. #CutTheCluttter Episode 1913 looks at the key questions that are being raised over EC for SIR process. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the complexities and the alleged irregularities.

ECI says Oppn request to meet in Parliament Annexe ‘against protocol’, BJP claims ‘Rahul’s lies exposed’ ----more---- https://theprint.in/politics/eci-says-oppn-request-to-meet-in-parliament-annexe-against-protocol-bjp-claims-rahuls-lies-exposed/3063917/

Description: Israel has been at war since 3 years, but has shown economic resilience due to multiple reasons. Its defence exports have surged by 130% between 2020-2025, and its among the leading exporters of high-tech goods and services. #CutTheClutter Episode Xxxx looks at factors behind Israel’s unusual war economy and why it has shown financial resilience. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the country’s defence exports, how India has the maximum share and the change in Israel’s defence exports post Abraham Accords. Read the IISS report here: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/charting-middle-east/2026/09/the-defence-dividend-of-the-abraham-accords/ Read TheEconomist story here: https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/09/24/israels-war-economy-is-thriving

Modern India might have been conjured up in the image of Gandhi. But India was never a Gandhian state. Founders of the Republic, be it Nehru or Patel, nursed zero such notions. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta: To read this week's National Interest: https://theprint.in/national-interest/india-hard-state-gandhian-values/3060496/

In the summer of 1991, India undertook an action that no sovereign nation desires: it pledged its gold reserves. Under strict confidentiality, approximately 47 tonnes from the Reserve Bank of India’s vaults were transported abroad and deposited with the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan. This measure secured a $405 million loan, giving the country a temporary reprieve.Critical issue is whether a country’s assets comfortably exceed its liabilities and timing of these obligations. RBI’s data allows for a precise evaluation of this criterion. Watch #Economix with ThePrint Consulting Editor (Economics) Bidisha Bhattacharya:

On Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birth anniversary, watch #NationalInterest where ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta argued how Shastri’s legacy is unfairly overshadowed by peace he made at Tashkent and a visit that also took his life. Among his contributions were the Green Revolution and talent-hunting Dr Swaminathan. Originally published on 22 March 2025.

Israel is investigating the FlyDubai incident as a 'jihadist terror attack'. FlyDubai’s FZ1073 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September, when a bloody clash unfolded in the cockpit. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by its co-pilot, reportedly an Omani pilot. The plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, minutes after sending the emergency signal. The motive behind this attack is still being investigated. #CutTheClutter Episode 1911 details what unfolded on the FlyDubai flight. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the facts we know, what we don't and the questions this attack raises over civil aviation safety.----more----Read Hussain Abdul-Hussain's tweet here: https://x.com/hahussain/status/2105278966281974128?s=46----more----Read 50Word edit here: https://theprint.in/50-word-edit/flydubai-pilot-smit-machchhar-saved-day-indians-proud/3059187/

Indian women’s 4x400m relay team ended the nation's wait, by securing our only athletics gold at the Asian Games. The team comprising of Kiran Pahal, M R Poovamma, Prachi Chaudhary and Vithya Ramraj, also won back India's traditional top spot. They are the latest behind India's spectacular success in women's 4x400m relay, since 1982. Shekhar Gupta traces the story of women’s 4x400m relay as an Indian brand, how our nation rose in this particular branch of track & field, and the generations of women’s 400m relay quartet who have made the nation proud. #CutTheClutter Episode 1910 also looks at the setbacks and hurdles.----more----Read India Today's article here: https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19901031-xi-asian-games-indian-athletes-performed-miserably-but-officials-stole-show-813165-1990-10-30

US President Donald Trump announced $18-billion investment by Essar-backed Mesabi Metallics. The investment is to build the largest ever US steel plant. #CutTheClutter Episode 1909 traces the journey of the Ruias and Essar— from debt, to $25 billion repayment & and now an $18 billion bet in America. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains why Trump’s celebrating this step, and how his thinking on rejuvenating basic manufacturing in US has remained linear.----more----Read the Reuters report from November 2022 here: India's Essar Group is debt-free after repaying $25 bln | Reuters----more----Read The Economic Times Report from March 2021 here: RBI's 'dirty dozen': Most firms are on way to resolution three years on, ETBFSI----more----Read Prashant Ruia’s interview to Financial Times: https://www.ft.com/content/6df853f6-31b3-491e-8fb9-41e7ed34d04b?syn-25a6b1a6=1

Ukraine and Middle East wars show how the battlefield has been redefined. #CutTheClutter draws from comments by Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth's comments at the NDTV defence summit, remarks by former Defence Minister of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov on X and an essay by the recently 'evicted' US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in the Foreign Affairs. Why are their comments important and what's the common message in them? Episode 1998 looks at some of these crucial questions, and what they mean for the changing nature of wars. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains how technology has changed battlefields and lists the five key lessons for India.----more----Watch #CutTheClutter on Op Spider Web: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGhelHxJgM8----more----Read Dan Driscoll's essay in Foreign Affairs here: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/rewiring-arsenal-democracy-war-dan-driscoll----more----Ukraine's ex-Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's post:…

'The Modi government may not be ready to act against Gyanesh Kumar, but allowing the controversy to continue carries its own risks.' Watch #ThePrint #SharpEdge with Vir Sanghvi: To Read: https://theprint.in/opinion/the-gyanesh-kumar-controversy-modi-govt-when-things-go-wrong-the-crises-keep-coming/3053031/

Gyanesh Kumar has now become the second most unforgettable among our 26 CECs. He obviously didn’t seek this ‘fame’. But he can’t shake it off. For Modi government, this has come at a juncture that’s usually troublesome in India: the third year of the incumbent. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with Shekhar Gupta. https://theprint.in/national-interest/since-indira-govts-drift-in-the-3rd-year-modi-must-restore-ec-image-to-get-out-of-it/3053831/ https://theprint.in/national-interest/narendra-modi-bjp-longest-serving-continuously-elected-prime-minister-challenges/2958655/

#cuttheclutter US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a 2-day summit. The summit featured much pomp and pageantry, but there was no talk of any hard bargain or breakthroughs. Both countries agreed to extend an existing trade agreement by two months. It will now expire on January 10, 2027, instead of November 10, 2026. Xi warned that U.S. support for Taiwan could complicate U.S.-China ties. #CutTheClutter Episode 1907 looks at the message behind the pomp and grand gestures, as well as the takeaways from Trump-Xi Summit. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains what the US-China G2 could mean for India and the rest of the world. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

A Kolkata event, titled “Partition’s forgotten people: Subaltern spaces across fluid borders”, highlighted a community that has been othered due to language and alleged closeness to the Pakistan Army during the 1971 war. More than five decades after Bangladesh’s Liberation War and two years after the July 2024 uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s rule, many Bihari Muslims, who are branded as Pakistanis, remain on the margins of Bangladeshi society. The discrimination remains, and they are still forced to work as barbers, butchers, and rickshaw pullers. Author and ThePrint Columnist Deep Halder shares insights from the event.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/feature/around-town/kolkata-event-discusses-forgotten-bihari-muslims-in-bangladesh-1971-stigma-remains/3047934/

Chinese commentary ahead of the Xi-Trump summit focuses less on a breakthrough and more on managing competition and stabilizing China-US ties. Chinese analysts note that rivalry continues across areas from dialogue and economic interdependence to issues of AI, Taiwan and Japan, even as both sides work hard to prevent confrontation. Watch #ThePrint #EyeOnChina with Sana Hashmi----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/eye-on-china/xi-trump-summit-china-us-rivalry/3050913/

#cuttheclutter An investigation by the Indian Express reveals that two of the three Election Commissioners raised 14 objections to some aspects of the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) over a period of 10 months. The objections were raised by Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. #CutTheClutter Ep 1906 looks at the what the story reveals, what it means and what it doesn't. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the facts, legalities, and nuances. Read EC's reply here: https://x.com/ecisveep/status/2102678422753517847?s=46 Read Indian Express' Newsbreak here: https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/election-commission-sir-14-objections-gyanesh-kumar-sukhbir-singh-sandhu-vivek-joshi-10889737/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

#cuttheclutter Somaliland, recognised only by Israel so far, has a deal with the UAE to operate the Berbera Port. Somaliland's President has been in the US, and is likely to address a rally near UNGA venue on 23 September. #CutTheClutter Episode 1905 looks at the fascinating 'tiny' country of Somaliland as its leader visits US and makes a pitch to the world for recognition. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains Somaliland's geography, its roots, importance and why it is key to the power struggle in Red Sea. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

#cuttheclutter R&AW completes 58 years of existence today. It was on 21 September 1968 that India's external intelligence agency was formed by RN Kao. Shekhar Gupta explains why and how R&AW was formed, its many successes and a short-lived period of crisis. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief also traces the stories of the many spymasters who helmed it. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

The councillors were returning from Himachal Pradesh to vote in the election of the Tijara Council chairperson, scheduled for 3 pm Monday, says Congress's Imran Khan.

Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke (retd), who took on 4 Pakistani jets during the 1965 India-Pakistan war died today. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta tells the story of the 1965 war hero, and the remarkable Kalaikunda dogfight. #CutTheClutter Ep 1903 ----more----Read Sameer Joshi’s article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/heroics-of-1965-war-an-indian-air-force-pilot-engaged-four-pakistani-sabre-jets-all-alone/234459/

India is caught in a trap of its own making. While BJP may find it convenient to play on insecurities, it gives Pakistan and Bangladesh leverage. By positioning neighbourhood policy centre-stage in our polarised politics, we’re giving them leverage. It’s a game they, especially Pakistan, know they can play. It also narrows India’s options and room for manoeuvre. This needs correction. ----more---- https://theprint.in/national-interest/pakistan-bangladesh-bjp-politics/3046888/

As HAL finally delivered last of the two remaining Tejas trainer ordered for in 2010, Editor - Defence and Diplomacy at ThePrint explains what is happening on the TejasMk1A front.

Top home ministry officer lists policing priorities for Capital in 90-minute meet, the first such after Anurag Kumar took over as Delhi Police chief on 17 July

From last year’s peak demand of around 16,000-17,000 MW, it has climbed to about 19,000–20,500 MW, say officials of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board.

Nobody has any faith in most politicians. They distrust the police. They are disappointed by the judiciary. And they live in a society where even the drugs given by hospitals to critically ill patients are fake.What is worse is that we are convinced that justice will never be done. People who are arrested, often only after public outrage and uproar, can buy their way out of criminal charges. Within weeks or a few months, they are back to doing whatever it was that got them arrested. Watch this week's #SharpEdge with Vir Sanghvi: ----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/sharp-edge/indian-justice-system-failure-vigilante-batman/3044919/

Saudi Arabia has been facing attacks from Iran, the Houthis, and Shia militias in Iraq. The East-West Pipeline has been damaged, and shut. Houthis have made quick advances in Yemen, and are controlling the Bab al-Mandeb strait. #CutTheClutter Episode 1902 looks at the situation Saudi Arabia finds itself in- snubbed by Trump, left waiting by its Mecca pact partners Pakistan & Turkey, while battling attacks from the north, south and east. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also looks at how the Middle East equations have changed, and traces the way they have evolved over the years.

Hours before the Federal Reserve raised rates by 25 basis points on 16 September, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted a rewritten version of the Taylor Rule, the formula central banks use to set interest rates, adding new terms for the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. His argument: you can hike rates all you want, but you can't reopen a chokepoint or produce a barrel of oil. It's a sharp piece of commentary built on a real, decades-old debate in monetary economics, one the world already learned the hard way once, in the 1970s. Watch #Economix with ThePrint Consulting Editor (Economics) Bidisha Bhattacharya

Weapons in Space: What the new Arms race means, and where the US, China, and Russia stand. ThePrint Consulting Editor (International & Strategic Affairs) Swasti Rao speaks to Dr. Malcolm Davis @Dr_M_Davis, Senior Analyst - Australian Strategic Policy Institute, to understand how countries are trying to dominate a new arena. 0:00 Ad and Intro 2:35 Significance of the US announcement of putting counter-Space weapons on Orbit 4:10 Outer Space Treaty 1967 and the Legality of Deploying Weapons in Space 6:16 The New Arms Race, US, China, Russia and Counter Space Weapons 9:12 Deterrence Dilemma in Space and Doctrinal Differences between big players 12:20 Growing Investment in Missile Architecture and its economics 15:09 Spending on militarization of space by countries and corporates? 18:01 How to read the opaque Chinese budget and the closing gap with the US 20:52 Private Companies and Commercialisation of Space. Who owns the space battlefield? 24:19 Democratisation of Space Exploration with New actors and India To…

Why is BJP fuming over Vijay-themed Ganpati idols in Tamil Nadu? Read more on Shweta Tripathi' report here: https://theprint.in/politics/bjp-fumes-over-vijay-themed-ganpati-idols-in-tamil-nadu-calls-them-insult-to-hindu-sentiment/3044279/

A Pakistani Navy vessel collided with a frontline warship of the Indian Navy on 15 September. PNS Hunain reportedly approached an Indian Navy ship at high speed while attempting to intercept or follow it in the international waters, before a manoeuvre at close range resulted in the two vessels grazing each other. #CutTheClutter Ep 1901 details what happened in the international waters, where it happened and the facts we know so far. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the rules that govern the international waters, and the 1991 agreement Pakistan violated. Read Snehesh Alex Philip Article: https://theprint.in/defence/high-speed-manoeuvre-collision-damaged-ship-what-happened-between-pns-hunain-indian-destroyer/3044973/

A Pakistani naval vessel collided with an Indian Navy warship in the North Arabian Sea. India has lodged a strong protest. Snehesh Alex Philip - Editor, Defence and Diplomacy at ThePrint explains what happened in #DefenceScope.

In an era where pace and speed dictate play, modern hockey is frenetic yet strictly controlled. India often seems locked in the extreme left lane. Sundeep Misra explains the reasons behind India's Hockey World Cup drought:----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/enduring-mystery-of-india-hockey-world-cup-drought/3029648/

Defence Ministry's annual report lists lessons from Op Sindoor, explains the situation along the LAC, and notes a 'significant reduction' in deployment of Chinese troops along the Northern borders. The report also mentions 'strategic restraint' while making a doctrinal statement. Shekhar Gupta shares insights from the Defence Ministry's 336-page annual report. #CutTheClutter Ep 1900 explains why these are significant, and what these highlights mean for future warfare.

When politicians ‘clock’, ‘flex’ or talk about ‘OGs’ because of ‘FOMO’, it’s ‘delulu’ politics, ThePrint Political Editor DK Sigh explains why in this episode of #PoliticallyCorrect

Incumbent Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has been reported as Dhaka’s pick for High Commissioner to India. However, India is yet to give its go-ahead, as required under protocol.----more----https://theprint.in/diplomacy/amid-chill-in-ties-india-holds-up-approval-for-bangladeshs-appointment-of-next-high-commissioner/3042615/

As TVK govt crosses 100-day mark, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s reluctance to speak on issues or engage with media stands out as an extreme version of the movie star-turned-chief ministers who came before him.----more----https://theprint.in/politics/how-vijays-silent-government-strategy-is-more-than-a-replay-of-tamil-nadus-movie-star-cms/3041963/

DISHA SALIAN CASE: WHAT HAS CBI SAID IN ITS FIR?

HC asks Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh to explain compliance with Supreme Court’s arrest notice rules

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India after seven years, marking his first bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Indian soil since Mamallapuram in 2019. The discussion on the Chinese internet is more cautious than openly hostile or provocative. Much of it is critical of India’s handling of the border issue, but it also sees India-China ties moving toward normalcy. Watch #ThePrint #EyeOnChina with Sana Hashmi.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/xi-modi-brics-meeting-signals-thaw-in-ties/3041565/