ThePrint

From BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra snapping at fellow party MP, to DK Shivakumar’s wardrobe & image ‘makeover’ and Akhilesh Yadav’s ‘AI PDA’ and how bonding over dosas & filter coffee—senior copy editor Chitvan Vinayak brings you key insights from the world of politics.

ThePrintAM: Pahalgam terror attack case: What has NIA said in its chargesheet?

Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner, faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison after Hong Kong’s High Court found him guilty on two national security charges and one lesser sedition charge. Samah Qundeel explains the verdict and what this conviction means for the press freedom in Hong Kong.

Early human ancestors were making fire 400,000 years ago - before homo sapiens had even evolved. Watch #ThePrint Scientifix with Akanksha Mishra to know about this new discovery.

Following crippling losses and the surrender of a large number of cadres, India’s Maoist insurgents are on their knees. But the insurgency has been crushed several times since its origins in 1948, only to resurface again and again. The story of the Maoists shows that peace won’t be durable unless India is able to address Adivasi and Dalit backwardness in the Maoist belt.

Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar, former UGC Chairperson, in conversation with ThePrint’s Fareeha Iftikhar, explains the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill 2025 introduced in Parliament. He details how the bill will unify regulators, create separate councils for accreditation and standards, enhance transparency through a digital dashboard, and ensure institutions’ autonomy and self-governance are protected while promoting accountability and quality in higher education.

Why BJP picked Pankaj Chaudhary as UP BJP chief?----more---- https://theprint.in/politics/what-bjp-high-commands-pick-pankaj-chaudharys-selection-as-up-bjp-chief-mean-for-yogi-adityanath/2805207/

ThePrintAM: Why BJP picked Pankaj Chaudhary as UP BJP chief? https://theprint.in/politics/what-bjp-high-commands-pick-pankaj-chaudharys-selection-as-up-bjp-chief-mean-for-yogi-adityanath/2805207/

In 2021, floods in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli brought back to the fore concerns that the disaster may have been caused by a nuclear device lost close to the Nanda Devi peak during a joint IB-CIA operation. The New York Times has now examined fresh evidence to piece together the sequence of events that ended in the CIA losing a portable “beach-ball-size nuclear device” on the roof of the world. In episode 683 of #CutTheClutter, first published on 15 February 2021, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta recreates this fascinating story of espionage, subterfuge, and mystery in the Cold War.

ThePrintPod: India wasn’t always like this. Things have never been as bad as they are today

ThePrintPod: How China reads US National Security Strategy—a return of America First in new language

IndiGo crisis & how it was handled is colossal incompetence and insensitivity. There’s much to blame IndiGo for, but its greatest crime is to have made the government appear as a saviour in the face of furious public opinion. Watch this week’s national interest with Shekhar Gupta. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/indias-top-airline-just-handed-sarkar-the-keys-thats-indigos-real-crime/2804627/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://theprint.in/india/18-months-after-olympic-heartbreak-vinesh-phogat-announces-return-to-the-mat-the-fire-never-left/2804475/

Pakistan's former ISI chief Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years' rigorous imprisonment by a military court. #CutTheClutter with Shekhar Gupta looks at the case, the four charges he was tried on, and what this verdict means. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief also shares details of the April conviction of Retired Air Marshal Javad Saeed, how the two cases show the tussle for top jobs in Pakistan & how Munir has managed the top job, as well as accommodated those who are on his side. Episode 1770 @MSArenaOfficial #Victoris #VictorisSUV #GotItAll #MarutiSuzukiSUV #MarutiSuzukiArena

Madras High Court judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan has found himself embroiled in controversy more than once. The first-generation lawyer has often been in the eye of a storm in recent months, both for his orders in court and statements outside the courtroom—from praising the Vedas to saying the Constitution hinges on the country’s “demographic profile”. Now, over 100 INDIA bloc MPs, led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, have moved a motion before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. https://youtu.be/inN1eyYC1HI

"Donald Trump’s security doctrine speaks of something that scholars used to discuss, but defence policy documents rarely did. Can ethnic or racial diversity undermine national security? Trump has no doubt it can, and it does. Scholars have always said: It depends on history and institutions," says Ashutosh Varshney. Watch:----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/for-trump-india-matters-only-for-indo-pacific-security/2801621/

"Was the system in India always so lax that politicians could watch citizens being poisoned, stranded, or burned alive and get away with it? Why do the politicians do this? Because we let them. We will moan. We will groan. But when we go to the polling booths, none of this will matter," says Vir Sanghvi in this week's #SharpEdge.----more----Read article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/sharp-edge/indigo-delhi-air-pollution-goa-fire/2802473/

What has Delhi HC said on IndiGo crisis?

US President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs and said that India is “dumping rice” into the US. ThePrint's Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta explains how the trade numbers nail Trump’s hollow threat and why it doesn’t matter, especially looking at the trade data. We also look at how India became the top producer and exporter of rice, and how little we export to US. ThePrint Ep1769 Journalist Udit Bubna joins in Report: https://theprint.in/economy/172-countries-counting-india-looks-to-hit-new-record-in-rice-exports-but-theres-a-flip-side/2790840/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- @MSArenaOfficial #Victoris #VictorisSUV #GotItAll #MarutiSuzukiSUV #MarutiSuzukiArena

CBI has booked Anil Ambani’s son on Union Bank of India’s complaint against his finance firm that caused alleged loss of Rs 228 crore. Raids were conducted Tuesday. https://theprint.in/india/intention-to-cheat-banks-case-against-reliance-home-finance-as-cbi-raids-ex-director-jai-anmol-ambani/2802439/

What has the Parliamentary panel said on dip in education loan accounts?

Trump administration has released its first National Security Strategy of the second term. The key policy document has a warning for Europe & it calls for an end to NATO expansion. The document also highlights the ‘Trump corollary’ to Monroe doctrine. ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta breaks down the major highlights of this crucial document, what it says about US’ policy & how Europe has reacted. He also explains the Monroe doctrine. #CutTheClutter Ep 1768 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- @MSArenaOfficial #Victoris #VictorisSUV #GotItAll #MarutiSuzukiSUV #MarutiSuzukiArena

The Russian Duma ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement just a day before President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in India–Russia defence ties. More than just another operational pact, RELOS completes a long-pending framework and unlocks a new era of maritime cooperation. The agreement enables deeper coordination across a vast strategic arc—from the warm waters of Chennai in the Indian Ocean to the icy frontiers of the Arctic—reshaping the scope of bilateral engagement.

None of Pakistan’s PMs has lasted 5 years. That the current PM has given Asim Munir 5 years shows that of all military dictatorships history has seen, Pakistan’s is most creative. But Pakistani example of dictatorial ‘innovation’ hasn’t inspired other military strongmen in the Subcontinent. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives have all rejected the example of Pakistan. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with Shekhar Gupta.----more----Read this week's National Interest here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/asim-munir-pakistans-failed-marshal-doctrine/2799539/

Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished 33 years to this day. Almost decades after the 1992 demolition, a special CBI court in Lucknow had acquitted all 32 accused in the case. On the 33rd anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition, watch Ep 581 of #CutTheClutter where ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta explained the 2020 verdict as well as how the case played out in courts. First published on 30 September 2020. ----more----Read the full text of the Supreme Court judgement on Ayodhya title dispute case here: https://theprint.in/india/full-text-of-supreme-court-judgment-on-ayodhya-title-dispute-case/318212/----more----Watch the Government Matters on CBI court’s judgement here: https://youtu.be/DVVTSmEQ0h0

ThePrintAM: WHAT WAS DISCUSSED IN PM MODI-RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN MEET?

#cuttheclutter From India-Russia economic, nuclear & arctic cooperation to the trade imbalance, and critical transport corridors- there were several takeaways from Modi-Putin meet in New Delhi. In #CutTheClutter Episode 1767, Shekhar Gupta looks at 11 key highlights from Modi-Putin talks, & the message to Trump. Editor (Defence & Diplomacy) Snehesh Alex Philip joins in.

ThePrintAM: What’s expected in Putin-Modi meet on Friday?

#cuttheclutter As Putin begins his 10th visit to India, #CutTheClutter looks at India-Russia partnership & defence cooperation over the years. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the opportunities & stains for the ties between two counties amid a changing global order & Ukraine conflict. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read National Interest: https://theprint.in/sg-national-interest/a-plane-tale-from-the-past/544222/ To Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETdminYTJJU

Opinion: Putin's India visit: What Chinese are saying about the Russia-India summit

On Wednesday, the government withdrew a mandate requiring smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi on all new devices. Several privacy advocates had raised concerns over how the app may impact users’ rights. What were these concerns and what are some of the challenges that still remain. Founder of MediaNama, Nikhil Pahwa explains, in conversation with Senior Assistant Editor, Apoorva Mandhani.

On Wednesday, the government withdrew a mandate requiring smartphone makers to preload the Sanchar Saathi on all new devices. Several privacy advocates had raised concerns over how the app may impact users’ rights. But is the app the answer to the increasing cyber crime in the country? And how does the app impact citizens' privacy? Founder-Director of Internet Freedom Foundation, Apar Gupta explains, in conversation with Senior Assistant Editor, Apoorva Mandhani.

The citizen waiting years for a verdict, the undertrial languishing in jail, the firm losing money with every delay and adjournment – they are the point. Processes for the improvement of institutions must be designed with the litigant in mind. Siddarth Raman, co-founder and CTO of The Professeer, explains why, before attempting to impose populist measures to "evaluate" judges, we must think deeply about the "why" behind such evaluation exercises. Without this basic hygiene, he warns, we risk diluting independence in the system.----more----Read article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/judges-account-collective-conscience-fix-broken-system/2795463/

https://theprint.in/politics/dy-cm-kalyans-evil-eye-remark-draws-heat-from-within-across-state-border-apologise-to-telanganites/2797097/

#cuttheclutter Rupee today hit a record-low to 90 against US dollar. In 1765 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-In-Chief explains the factors behind Indian currency’s fall against a weakening dollar, as other currencies rise. He also looks at the implications & reasons why an organic fall is natural & necessary. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read Stephen Miran's article: https://www.hudsonbaycapital.com/documents/FG/hudsonbay/research/638199_A_Users_Guide_to_Restructuring_the_Global_Trading_System.pdf

ThePrintPod: Putin's visit to India: The many possibilities & challenges for India-Russia cooperation in the Arctic

Central bank communication now holds as much significance as central bank action. A single clause in a press conference can move markets more than a 25-basis-point adjustment. Watch #ThePrintEconomix by Bidisha Bhattacharya.----more----To read full report: https://theprint.in/opinion/economix/federal-reserve-chief-statement-us-rate-cuts-gold-prices/2795928/

https://theprint.in/india/governance/oppn-dials-up-heat-on-centre-over-sanchar-saathi-app-priyanka-says-snooping-scindia-says-optional/2796338/

#cuttheclutter Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah & Deputy CM DK Shivakumar will meet on Tuesday amid the ongoing tussle over CM chair. This will be the second meeting between the two Congress leaders in 4 days. In Ep 1764 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta and Political Editor DK Singh explain the ongoing power tussle. They also look at the complexities of politics in Karnataka, a state which has had only three Chief Ministers complete their full term so far. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- @MSArenaOfficial #Victoris #VictorisSUV #GotItAll #MarutiSuzukiSUV #MarutiSuzukiArena

On Nagaland statehood day, a primer on the northeast state, geography & its story of insurgency

https://theprint.in/politics/aap-dials-punjab-voters-to-ask-is-mann-delivering/2794903/

In this edition of Geopolitics with Swasti, ThePrint Consulting Editor Swasti Rao answers questions about India’s draft drone policy and Saudi crown prince MBS’s visit to White House, besides India-Iran oil relations and why Saudi is betting big on sports, with Debdutta Chakraborty

The India-South Africa series-defining fact is the catastrophic decline of Indian red ball cricket where a visiting team can mock us with the 'grovel' word. Gautam Gambhir, Agarkar must be held accountable, without that, there is no redemption. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta.----more----Read this week's Shekhar Gupta's National Interest here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/gaali-cricket-bavuma-stands-tall-indias-test-ego-cut-to-size/2794500/

Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam govt has released the TP Tewary inquiry report on the 1983 Nellie massacre. The report, which was buried for 42 years, says the massacre wasn’t communal. It also addresses questions over whether it was necessary to conduct election at the time, in the wake of violence. #CutTheClutter with Shekhar Gupta looks at what the report says & who it blames for the violence. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief also shares insights from his reports on Nellie Massacre, & his book - Assam, A Valley Divided.----more----

Indian Air Force is looking at revamping its airlift capabilities by inducting the proposed Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA), that will be assembled in India, as its main workhorse in the modern era. Snehesh Alex Philip, Editor - Defence and Diplomacy explains in his show #DefenceScope.

https://theprint.in/india/governance/why-kerala-is-pushing-back-against-centres-new-labour-codes/2793520/

The US has suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals after a shooting near the White House involving an Afghan man. We break down what USCIS announced and Trump’s response. Also in the show: France’s top court upholds Nicolas Sarkozy's conviction in the Bygmalion case, and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro begins his 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after the 2022 election.