CutTheClutter: Why Trump wants Soviet-built Bagram air base in Afghanistan back from Taliban, & the China factor

GST reforms and the two informal groups of ministers the PM has set up are about the economy But, it’s a lot about politics, too, ThePrint Political Editor DK Singh discusses in this episode of #PoliticallyCorrect   To read: https://theprint.in/opinion/politically-correct/pm-modi-reposition-brand-12th-year-office/2748308/?amp Apply here for ThePrint School of Journalism : https://tinyurl.com/48hdbx9d

Taliban has rejected Trump’s claim of US regaining control over Bagram air base in Afghanistan. Soviet-built Bagram air base was US’ largest base in the country & it saw withdrawal of US troops in July 2021. In Ep 1734 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta explains the strategic importance of Bagram air base, why Trump wants it back from Taliban, and the China factor at play.

National Interest POD: India doesn’t give walkovers to Pakistan in war. Here’s why it shouldn’t do it in cricket either

#cuttheclutter US has struck two boats this month in international waters, as part of Trump administration’s ‘crackdown on Venezuelan drug cartels’. US has accused Venezuela of sending fentanyl and cocaine into the country. In August, Trump administration doubled the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro. In Ep 1733 of #CutTheClutter, Shekhar Gupta explains why Trump’s going after Maduro, Venezuela’s politics & autocrat leaders over the years, and why US is interested in the Latin American country. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read National Interest: https://theprint.in/sg-national-interest/venezuelisation-of-india/9250/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apply here for ThePrint School of Journalism : https://tinyurl.com/48hdbx9d --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced By: Mahira Khan

#cuttheclutter Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman signed a defence pact on Wednesday. The pact states that an attack on either of the countries would be considered an attack on both. ThePrint's Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta explains what the agreement means for the two countries, geopolitics of the region, and India. Episode 1732 of #CutTheClutter also looks at the defence ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan over the years, since 1967 to now.   To visit ThePrint Store: https://store.theprint.in/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced By: Mahira Khan

In a region where militaries have often usurped civilian power—Pakistan, Myanmar, even Bangladesh—Nepal’s army has maintained a reputation for professional restraint.  

The CM has for decades been advocating for Kurubas' inclusion in the ST fold, which would not just further consolidate his support base but also become part of his legacy.