Frontline on Air

Shubhangi Derhgawen and Deepanshu Mohan delve into the escalating conflict over Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, a crucial ecological zone threatened by coal mining projects linked to corporate interests, including Adani Enterprises Ltd. The audio story explores how the local tribal communities resist deforestation and displacement, framing their struggle within broader concerns of environmental degradation and corporate-government nexus. The Hasdeo movement stands as a critical battleground for indigenous rights, conservation, and policy accountability in India’s resource politics.

M.G. Radhakrishnan examines the evolving debate over dress codes in Kerala’s temples, exploring their intersections with tradition, politics, and social reform. The audio story unpacks how the Sangh Parivar and proponents of Sanatana Dharma frame the issue, while the Left Democratic Front and progressive voices challenge conservative mandates. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cultural rhetoric influencing discourse, the controversy highlights broader tensions between religious customs and Kerala’s long-standing secular and reformist ethos.

Amey Tirodkar delves into the Goa cash-for-jobs scam, exposing allegations of corruption in government recruitment under the BJP-led administration. The audio story unpacks the controversy surrounding whistleblower Farell Furtado, the political fallout, and the responses from opposition parties like the AAP. With unemployment concerns running high in the state, the scandal has intensified scrutiny on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s government and its hiring practices.

T.K. Rajalakshmi explores the implications of the UGC’s new regulations on the appointment of vice-chancellors in central universities, highlighting concerns over academic autonomy and political influence. The audio story examines how these changes align with the BJP government’s broader educational policies under the National Education Policy (NEP) and their impact on institutional governance. It also sheds light on the growing apprehensions within the academic community regarding centralization and the erosion of independent decision-making in higher education.

Ashutosh Sharma examines the shifting political landscape of Punjab, focusing on the Shiromani Akali Dal’s challenges and the rise of radical elements like Waris Punjab De. The audio story delves into the legacy of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the resurgence of Khalistani rhetoric, and the role of figures such as Amritpal Singh in shaping contemporary Sikh politics. It also explores how these developments influence Punjab’s socio-political fabric and the responses from the state and central governments.

Pritam Singh reflects on the economic philosophy of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, tracing his evolution from a Fabian socialist to the architect of India’s market liberalization. The audio story examines Singh’s balancing act between welfarism and market-driven reforms, highlighting his role in shaping India's economic trajectory while maintaining a commitment to social justice. Through a nuanced analysis, it explores his heterodox approach to policymaking and the lasting impact of his leadership on India's economic landscape.

Ashutosh Sharma delves into the ongoing Naxal conflict in Chhattisgarh, examining the intersection of security operations, tribal rights, and resource extraction. The piece explores how the government's counterinsurgency measures, spearheaded by Home Minister Amit Shah, intersect with corporate interests, particularly in coal mining. Sharma highlights the perspectives of tribal communities caught between Maoist insurgents and state forces, questioning the long-term impact of militarization in the region.

Radhika Desai examines America's shifting role in the global economy, focusing on the challenges posed by de-dollarization efforts, the rise of BRICS countries, and the U.S. response, including tariff threats. She discusses how figures like Elon Musk represent a changing economic landscape and the implications of these shifts for global trade and finance. With her expertise as a professor at the University of Manitoba and a visiting professor at the London School of Economics, Desai provides a critical perspective on the economic power struggles shaping the world today.

Jayant Prasad analyzes the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on U.S.-India relations, examining policies on trade, H-1B visas, and geopolitical dynamics involving China. He explores how Trump's approach differed from previous administrations, particularly in contrast to Barack Obama's engagement with India. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for diplomacy, defense cooperation, and India's strategic positioning in a shifting global order. Prasad, a retired diplomat and former Director General of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, brings deep expertise in international relations to this analysis.

Indira Jaising reflects on the 75-year journey of the Indian Constitution, examining its role in securing fundamental rights and addressing the challenges faced in upholding these rights. She highlights key developments, the evolving interpretation of the Constitution, and the obstacles that continue to hinder its full realization, especially in the context of social justice and equality. Jaising, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India, brings a legal perspective to the discourse on constitutional law and its impact on contemporary Indian society.