The India Explained Podcast

Episode 160: AirIndia Gate, Kolkata Food, and Cricket Selections

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 21:20:57 +0000

This and that. Update on Ari India gate, cricket selection and commentators, Kolkata's delectable food

Happy New Year 2023 (and Air India Peegate)

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 21:02:16 +0000

Happy new year 2023! And catching up

Happy New Year 2023 (and Air India Peegate)

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:58:05 +0000

Wishing listeners a happy new year and catching up

India Explained Conversations: Apar Gupta

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 03:41:35 +0000

Conversation with Apar Gupta, Director, Internet Freedom Foundation India on digital authoritarianism

India Explained Conversations: Guest Amit Varma

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 21:11:02 +0000

India Explained Conversations: a new series on the India Explained podcast. Rohit Chopra in conversation with Amit Varma

Episode 158: Indians and Dabur

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 23:55:41 +0000

We describe Indians' complex attitudes toward Dabur

Episode 157: Three Types of Indian Uncles

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 30 May 2021 19:29:40 +0000

Three types of Indian uncles that all Indians will be familiar with.

Episode 156: COVID-19 Censorship in India

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:17:13 +0000

We discuss the censorship of COVID-19-related news by the Modi government, the compliance of Facebook, Twitter, and much of the Indian media in following government diktats, and the manipulation of data and media to keep the shine on the image of Modi, Shah, and the BJP government.

Episode 154: India's Covid Chaos

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 04:39:49 +0000

We discuss India's current Covid-19 crisis

Episode 153: Indians and stationery

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 04:29:12 +0000

We discuss the complex indian relationship to stationery

Episode 152: Indians and Medicine

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 05:44:12 +0000

Episode 152: Indians and Medicine by India Explained

Episode 151: Cricket as a Mirror of Indian Society

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:03:57 +0000

Indian cricket is arguably the most accurate mirror of indian society. We discuss.

Episode 150: Last week in India: the good, the bad, and the absurd

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:32:26 +0000

Good vaccine news, the surveillance state in India, and Mithunda joins the BJP

Special Episode: Modi Renames Stadium After Himself

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 20:17:31 +0000

Modi renames a cricket stadium after himself. We discuss this and related matters.

Special Episode: Celebrities, Twitter, and Farmer Protests

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 07:40:30 +0000

We discuss the major flap and fallout over the Rihanna and Greta Thunberg tweets on the Indian farmer protests about agricultural reforms.

Special Episode: Animal Performers in India

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 03:15:56 +0000

We discuss our memories of seeing animals perform in India, from monkey and bear street actors to elephants in circuses.

Farewell to 2020: Personal Reflections

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:19:40 +0000

As we bid farewell to a strange year, we share personal reflections on what we learned from 2020

Farewell 2020: Personal Reflections

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:03:36 +0000

As we bid the year goodbye, we reflect on the strangeness of 2020 and what it taught us

Freedom and Rights in India: A Discussion with Salil Tripathi

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 23:27:03 +0000

A special episode on freedom and rights in India

Special Episode: 5 Top Western Pop Songs in India

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 05:14:31 +0000

Special Episode: 5 Top Western Pop Songs in India by India Explained

Episode 148: Cooking during the Crisis

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:28:13 +0000

Cooking during the shutdown

Episode 148: Online work etiquette

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 05:51:23 +0000

Online etiquette for working from home

Episode 147: Viral Humor in a Viral Crisis

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 10 May 2020 04:32:42 +0000

Viral humor during the COVID-19 pandemic

Episode 146: Transparent Governance during a Crisis

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 07 May 2020 22:39:05 +0000

Episode 146: Transparent Governance during a Crisis by India Explained

Episode 145: Jharkhandi Scammers during Corona Time

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 03 May 2020 02:03:20 +0000

Jharkandi scammers promise booze delivery during Corona virus shutdown in India. Victims left thirsty

Episode 144: Religion and the Coronavirus

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:38:27 +0000

Devout people defy orders and hold gatherings. People die. We discuss.

Episode 143: Life under COVID-19

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:30:14 +0000

We discuss life in these strange times

Episode 142: Life During Coronavirus

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 02:58:40 +0000

Life during a pandemic. We discuss.

Episode 141: Principal Gives Cheating Tips

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 02:08:58 +0000

A school principal in UP, India, gives students cheating tips.

Interview with BJP spokesperson on Trump visit

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 05:27:21 +0000

We interview a BJP spokesperson on Trump's visit to India

Interview with BJP spokie on Delhi elections (mildly NSFW)

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 06:15:04 +0000

We talk to a BJP spokesperson about the recently concluded Delhi assembly elections

Episode 140: Delhi Assembly Elections 2020

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 06:30:55 +0000

Delhi assembly elections 2020

Special Interview: BJP Spokesperson on Coronavirus

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 22:59:08 +0000

We interview a BJP spokie to find out what the government is doing to tackle the coronavirus threat

Episode139: Comedian Confronts Arnab on a Plane

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 05:44:11 +0000

Comedian Kunal Kamra gives Arnab a dose of his own medicine on a flight. The BJP retaliates. We discuss.

Rajdeepnirmala

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 01:37:01 +0000

Rajdeep Sardesai inteviews Finance Minister Nirmala on the budget

Episode 138: The Superbowl

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:34:33 +0000

The Superbowl and what sporting events signify

Special Episode: The Indian Republic completes 70 years

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 20:39:12 +0000

The Indian Republic completes 70 years. We discuss.

Episode 137: Arjun's Nuclear Arrows in the Mahabharat

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 08:17:11 +0000

A BJP leader claims Arjun used nuclear arrows in the Mahabharat. We discuss.

Episode 136: Sangeeta from Reception

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 06:32:47 +0000

Sangeeta from reception. The secret center of power in every Indian office. We discuss.

Special Episode: Twitter India, the BJP, and India Explained

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 07:43:34 +0000

We discuss Twitter India's decision to permanently suspend the IndiaExplained account at the behest of the Modi government

Episode 135: The JNU Anti-CAA protests

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 04:05:55 +0000

Episode 134: Happy New Year!

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 18:08:39 +0000

Special Episode: Anti-CAA and Anti-NRC Protests in India

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 06:39:01 +0000

Episode 133: Festive Office Parties

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:13:29 +0000

Episode 132: This week in India

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 09:27:40 +0000

Episode 131: The Ayodhya Judgement

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 23:11:04 +0000

Episode 130: Domestic Help or Hindrance?

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 05:11:23 +0000

Special Episode: The Meanings of Diwali

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 04:50:20 +0000

Episode 129: Bongs Gone Wild

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 19:41:28 +0000

Episode 128: Just Another Week in India (2)

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 05:27:48 +0000

Episode 127: Just Another Week in India (1)

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 04:50:52 +0000

Episode 126: Cricket Commentary

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 07:06:16 +0000

Episode 125: Modi's Vendetta against Suhas Gokhale

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 21:10:49 +0000

Episode 124: Indian middle-class characters

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 04:49:22 +0000

Special Episode: Cricket World Cup Final

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 02:58:44 +0000

Special Episode: Indian Guys Getting Dumped

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 23:02:22 +0000

Indian guys getting dumped. We discuss context, cause, consequences.

Special Episode: Desi Decision-Making

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 18:20:33 +0000

Indian decision-making processes. We examine their intricacies

Special Epiosde: The 2019 Cricket World Cup

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 15:09:21 +0000

A long discussion with Rahul Fernandes, former cricket journalist, on the 2019 ICC World CuP

Election Special Part 3

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:34:17 +0000

The concluding part of our three-part special on the Indian election.s

Election Special Part 2

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 06:13:26 +0000

Part 2 of our discussion on the recently-concluded Indian elections

Election 2019 Special: Part 1

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 28 May 2019 06:21:36 +0000

The first of a 3-part series on the 2019 election results.

Episode 123: Exit poll numbers. True or crazy?

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 23 May 2019 05:05:42 +0000

Exit polls give the BJP and allies 300 plus seats. Craziness or accuracy? We discuss politics, polls, and predictions.

Episode 123: Indian Politicians' Favorite Fruits

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 11 May 2019 05:24:31 +0000

Modi's fruit is the mango. What fruits go with other Indian politicians?

Episode 121: India's Notre Dame?

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 03 May 2019 03:24:17 +0000

What is India's equivalent of the Notre Dame cathedral? We discuss.

Episode 120: Religion, Politics, and Sadhvi Pragya

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 03:28:49 +0000

The BJP gives an election ticket to Sadhiv Pragya, accused of terrorism and currently under trial. We discuss

Episode 119: Indian Weddings, Indian Dances, and Indian Uncles

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:32:55 +0000

Indian uncles love doing snake dances at Indian weddings. We explore

Episode 118: The Phenomenon of Indian Elections

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 05:36:24 +0000

We discuss the scale, scope, size, and good, bad, and ugly about Indian elections

Episode 117: The IPL Phenomenon

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 03:52:14 +0000

We discuss the good, bad, and, ugly of the IPL phenomenon

Episode 116: Jet Airways Bailout

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 01:57:54 +0000

Jet Airways is grounded financially. Is a bailout justified?

Episode 115: Indian Local Philosophers (mildly NSFW)

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 04:25:42 +0000

We discuss the Indian habit of giving gyaan or expertise, and reminisce about some legendary local philosophers

Episode 114: Sandal Scandal

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 01:04:04 +0000

BJP MP and MLA thrash each other with sandals. We investigate why

Episode 113: Class vs Crass: Abhinandan vs Rambo Aunties

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 23:41:26 +0000

We discuss the contrast between Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's dignity in the face of adversity and the repellent jingoism of the Indian government, media, and public seeking to capitalize on his experiences.

Episode 112: India's Semi-efficient Semi-fast Train

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 16:06:21 +0000

India's much touted indigenous fast train fails on its second day. What does this incompetence reflect?

Episode 110: India's Messed Up Mainstream Media

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 05:22:36 +0000

We discuss the ethnocentric bias of Indian media and its debased culture of rage and rants

Episode 111: The Pulawama Terrorist Attack

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 06:25:43 +0000

We discuss some of the key issues raised by the Pulawama terrorist attack in Kashmir which took the lives of 37 Indian security personnel

Episode 109: Mamta Takes On Modi

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 00:32:47 +0000

Mamta gives Modi a taste of his own medicine. We discuss

Episode 108: Priyanka Gets Political

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 04:25:24 +0000

Priyanka Gandhi official joins politics with a Congress position. We discuss the event and its possible impact

Episode 107: Sadhu Babas with Pull

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 04:17:11 +0000

No Kumbh mela is complete, till some sadhu pulls a car with his genitals. We try and figure out why.

Episode 106: Hindu Rightwing Outrage on Twitter

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 00:43:27 +0000

In a richly ironic development, the Hindu Right in India protests against Twitter claiming it shuts down their free speech

Episode 105: Money for Moustaches

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 16:05:49 +0000

UP cops to get a monthly allowance for growing and keeping a robust moustache.

Episode 104: Mayawati's Birthday Cake

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 04:06:45 +0000

Mayawati fans and BSP members relish her 63rd birthday cake. We discuss

Episode 103: Pliable Journalists

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 18:00:52 +0000

Rahul Gandhi describes Indian journalists as pliable, because of the free pass they give Modi. Outrage ensues.

Episode 102: New Year Celebrations and Resolutions

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 05:31:32 +0000

We reflect on New Year celebrations and resolutions, with a dose of realism

Episode 101: Delivery Guy Eats Order

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 04:15:38 +0000

A deliveryman for Zomato is caught on camera eating from customer orders. We discuss

Episode 100: Indian cricket commentators /Harsha Bhogle

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 01:13:44 +0000

We discuss Indian cricket commentators from Doordarshan legends to the ultra-cheerful Harsha Bhogle

Episode 99: Domestic Flights in India

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 21:54:44 +0000

Domestic flights in India. We discuss.

Special Episode: The Art of Festive Branding

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 23:49:31 +0000

We discuss the art of branding products that draw on traditions, festivals, and social rituals.

Episode 98: Cow Belt Election Shock

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 22:49:49 +0000

The Congress takes back three states in the BJP's comfort zone. Anti-incumbency, farmer anger, or too much cow too little development? We discuss

Episode 97: The BJP's insane ad spend

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 18:59:40 +0000

The BJP spends a colossal sum on advertising. Anxiety, good strategy, or just modern politics?

Episode 96: Diasporic Desi Spitting

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 03:32:47 +0000

Gujarati expatriates in Leicester are fined for spitting paan product. We discuss.

Special Episode: Food in Delhi

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 03:10:28 +0000

Thoughts on Delhi food, since Bunty travels there this week.

Episode 95: Dog meat contraband

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:12:30 +0000

Dog meat found in train from Rajasthan to Chennai. We discuss.

Episode 94: Indian Honour and Touchiness

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 22:56:58 +0000

We discuss the Indian proclivity for demanding symbolic honors and respect, especially among some communities

Episode 93: Of Statues and Men

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 03:43:57 +0000

We discuss the giant statue of Sardar Patel built by the Modi government

Episode 92: Kohli's Nationalism: Just Not Cricket

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 05:13:58 +0000

Virat Kohli says Indians should only appreciate Indian cricketers. We discuss.

Episode 91: Low level politicians and their threats

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 04:49:46 +0000

We discuss the false bravado and toxic masculinity of low-level politicians in North India

Episode 90: Bunty Sees Tiger

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:27:13 +0000

Bunty sees a tiger in an Indian wildlife reserve, and reflects on all that the experience taught him

Episode 89: Pakodas, taxes, and money in India

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 20:00:26 +0000

A raid on a pakoda-seller yields Rs 60 lakhs. We discuss wealth, income, and cheating on taxes in India

Episode 88: Indians on Planes

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 02:49:54 +0000

We discuss weird Indian behavior on planes

Shilpa Shetty and Australian Airplanes

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 04:38:07 +0000

Shilpa Shetty screams racism when she turns up late for an Australian fiight and can't take a bag on board. Does she have a point or is it desi attention-seeking?

Episode 86: How to become an Indian godman

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 19:19:27 +0000

How do you become an Indian godman? What would a school for Indian godmen look like? We discuss.

Episode 85: Modi's broom adventure

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 03:23:47 +0000

Modi struggles to clean a piece of plastic with his broom, while lecturing school kids on the virtues of cleanliness

Episode 84: Indian Education as Children Abuse

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 03:46:55 +0000

One plank of the Indian philosophy of education has primarily been child abuse. Especially when it comes to religious instruction.

Special Episode: Subcontinental sustainability

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 18:20:50 +0000

We discuss the subcontinental habit of never throwing away anything, and its good and dark side

Special Episode: Indian Travel Idiosyncrasies

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 04:30:47 +0000

We discuss Indian travel habits, peculiarities, and idiosyncrasies, like getting to airports super-early. Enjoy!!!

Episode 83: Sport and Politics in India and America

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 20:02:56 +0000

We discuss the relationship between sport and politics in India and America. Would any Indian sportsperson have taken a stand and risked their career by doing what Colin Kaepernick has done?

Episode 83: Sport and Politics in India and the US

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 18:23:19 +0000

We discuss the relationship between sport and politics in India and the US. Would any Indian sportsperson have taken a stand and risked their career by doing what Colin Kaepernick has done?

Episode 83: Sport and Politics in India and the US

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 18:06:14 +0000

We discuss the relationship between sport and politics in India and the US. Would any Indian sportsperson do what Colin Kaepernick

Episode 82: SC strikes down 377

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 17:47:00 +0000

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India decriminalizes same-sex relationships by striking down a criminal-era law

Episode 81: Dawood's Accountant Arrested

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 03:14:35 +0000

We may not have Dawood but we got his accountant. What does it mean?

Episode 80: Sidhu Hugs a Pakistani

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 01:07:51 +0000

Navjot Singh Sidhu hugs the Pakistan army chief. India loses its marbles.

Episode 79: Vajpayee's Legacy

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 02:47:42 +0000

We discuss former Indian PM AB Vajpayee's complicated legacy

Episode 78: Indian Cricket Commentators

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 06:18:32 +0000

We discuss the idiosyncrasies of Indian cricket commentators and compare them to commentators from other nations

Episode 77: Air India Business Class Bed Bugs

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 00:59:57 +0000

A family gets bitten by bed bugs in business class on India's flagship state-owned airline. We discuss.

Episode 76: Asrologer's Day

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 17:56:01 +0000

An Indian astrologer predicted Argentina would win the World Cup. We discuss the role of astrology in the Indian imagination.

World Cup: Spain-Russia part 4

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:26:25 +0000

Our concluding episode on the Spain-Russia match, wherein we discuss the shock defeat of Spain

World Cup: Spain-Russia part 3 (half-time reflections)

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 15:02:14 +0000

Part 3; half-time report

World Cup: Spain-Russia Part 2

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:42:27 +0000

Part 2 of our podcast

World Cup Spain-Russia: Part I

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:04:09 +0000

Part I of our parallel podcast commentary on the Spain-Russia match

Episode 75: Mice and Money

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 18:00:31 +0000

Rats shred notes in an Assam ATM. We discuss

Episode 74: Nagaland Argentina Fans Union

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 01:53:35 +0000

The Nagaland Argentina Fans Union has a list of demands from Indian bureaucrats

Episode 73: FIFA Gupshup

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 03:52:27 +0000

We shoot the breeze about the football World Cup, especially India's unique relationship to it

Episode 72: Swaraj Attack

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 03:00:44 +0000

We discuss the recent Hindu rightwing troll attack on BJP minister Sushma Swaraj

IPL Special 2018

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 00:04:52 +0000

The IPL and MS Dhoni phenomenon

Episode 71: Dancing Uncleji

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 05:12:15 +0000

We discuss the dancing uncleji who broke the internet a while ago

Episode 70: AAP Ka Education

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 18:22:13 +0000

We discuss AAP's laudable achievements in education

Episode 69: NASA Natak

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 06:40:40 +0000

We discuss the ingenious attempt to use a bogus NASA connection as part of a scam

Episode 68: Karnataka Elections

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 27 May 2018 04:04:48 +0000

We discuss the drama around the 2018 Karnataka elections

Episode 67: Kalki the bureaucrat

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 25 May 2018 14:16:36 +0000

An Indian govt employee claims he had to miss work since he is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Special Issue: A conversation with Snigdha Poonam about her book Dreamers

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 21 May 2018 01:52:43 +0000

A conversation with Snigdha Poonam about her remarkable new book, Dreamers, on the hopes and challenges of small town India in the age of globalization

Episode 66: Mishraji

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 16 May 2018 19:49:55 +0000

We discuss the concerns and worries regarding the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, including allegations about his proximity to the BJP

Episode 65: Women Trouble

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 11 May 2018 19:37:03 +0000

We discuss the epidemic of violence against women in India

Episode 64: Rat Control

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 07 May 2018 03:12:00 +0000

We explore the relationship between rats, corruption, and overbilling in the Maharashtra government

Episode 63: Restaurant Reinvention

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 22:25:42 +0000

We discuss how an old building found new life

Episode 62: Ding Dong

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 04:10:39 +0000

We discuss ding-dong diplomacy; India and Pakistan diplomats being harassed in both countries in silly ways

Episode 61: Bihar Roads

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:07:40 +0000

We discuss the claim that an improvement in Bihar's roads has led to a rise in accidents

Cricket Special: Sandpaper Balls

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 20:12:24 +0000

We discuss the flap over the Australian cricket team's ball tampering in the series against South Africa

Episode 60: Churchill: Bigot or Brave?

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 15:50:58 +0000

We discuss the Western deification of Churchill given his history as a perpetrator of colonial violence

Episode 59: Hero Hiralal

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 21:12:18 +0000

We discuss the CBI trying to tackle Nirav Modi's massive fraud which conned Punjab National Bank

Episode 58: Sinking Low

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 03:14:41 +0000

We discuss the falling and fallen standards of Indian news, as reflected in the coverage of Sridevi's death

Episode 57: Left Field Thinking

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 23:46:54 +0000

We discuss the decimation of the Left in the Indian northeast.

Special Episode on Tourism: Troubled Traveller (Part 2)

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 21:01:44 +0000

Part 2 of our special on Indian and foreign tourists, at home and abroad

Special Episode on Tourism: Troubled Traveller (Part I)

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 20:15:54 +0000

In the first of a two-part series, we discuss Indian tourists at home and abroad, as well as other global travellers

Episode 56: Moradabad Matchbox

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 03:52:18 +0000

An Indian official asks his junior to return a borrowed matchbox via official communication. We dissect this wonderful incident.

Episode 55: Fiction Fallout

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 04:51:50 +0000

We discuss the endless controversy over Padmavat

Ep54: Monkey to Man

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 00:16:29 +0000

An Indian minister claims Darwin's theory of evolution is wrong. We discuss

Ep53: An Uneasy Friendship

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:06:54 +0000

We discuss the complex India-Israel friendship

Episode 52: Courting Trouble

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 18:48:14 +0000

On the extraordinary press conference called by four Supreme Court justices about the crisis in Indian democracy

Special Epiosde: Goodbye 2017

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 23:49:54 +0000

We bid farewell to 2017, with a review of events from the year that each of us considered to be especially significant

Episode 51: The Politics of Rahul's Religion

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 17:47:01 +0000

A discussion complementing our recent print article on the politics of Rahul Gandhi's HInduism

Episode 50: Pure Gold

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 18:14:21 +0000

In which we shamelessly congratulate ourselves on making it to episode 50

Special Episode: Breathing Cricket

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 19:08:21 +0000

India and Sri Lanka play cricket in a haze of pollution. We discuss

Episode 49: Train Troubles

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 03:27:56 +0000

Train headed for Maharashtra winds up in Madhya Pradesh. We discuss

Special Episode: Judge, Jury, and Executioner

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 02:54:12 +0000

We discuss the recent controversial allegations about judge Loya's death.

Episode 48: Go For It

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 04:45:28 +0000

Indigo staff assault a customer. We discuss customer service, rude customers, corporate reactions etc. in the Indian context

Episode 47: Smog-Shog

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 05:01:54 +0000

We discuss the deadly Delhi smog and the many political crises it represents

IPhones and horses

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:28:41 +0000

Dude goes on horseback to collect his new IPhone. We discuss

Special Episode: Padmavati

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:14:03 +0000

We discuss the controversy over the film Padmavati

Episode 45: Thinking Aloud

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 20:15:05 +0000

We discuss the India Foundation think-tank's links to the Modi government.

Episode 44: Sexual harassment in academia

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 01:04:00 +0000

We discuss the controversy over Indian lawyer Raya Sarkar's list of harassers in Indian academia

Episode 44: Anthem Antics

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 03:22:16 +0000

We discuss the ongoing brouhaha over whether one needs to stand for the Indian national anthem in movie theaters

Episode 42: Taj Tantrum

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 01:57:22 +0000

We discuss the controversy about dropping the Taj from a list of tourist attractions because of its Mughal provenance

Episode 41: Mister Maruti

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 18:41:59 +0000

Delhi CM Kejriwal's car gets stolen and found. We discuss

Episode 40: Feeling Hungry

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 15:36:48 +0000

We discuss India slipping in the World Hunger Ranking position

Special Episode: Mad Mullahs

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 20:21:25 +0000

We discuss mad mullahs and their penchant for absurd and dangerous fatwas

Special: Shah Tamasha

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 04:08:10 +0000

We discuss the sensational news of Amit Shah's son's company exponentially increasing its revenues since Modi's ascendancy

Episode 39: The Sky King

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 03:46:32 +0000

A tribute to IAF Marshal Arjan Singh and a related discussion on the politicization of the Indian army

Episode 38: Pigeon Problems

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 17:05:29 +0000

We discuss the strange case of a pigeon being fined and disciplined on an Indian bus

Episode 37: Dubious Didi

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:39:59 +0000

We discuss Mamta Banerjee's aspirations as a national Indian leader, and analyse her politics and rhetoric

Episode 36: Gauri Gone

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 23:33:46 +0000

A tribute to Gauri Lankesh, and a discussion on the crackdown on dissent in India

Episode 35: Floodgates

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 19:40:48 +0000

We discuss floods in the east and west, first world and third, and what they reveal about each culture

Special Episode: Money Troubles Part 1

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:51:01 +0000

The first of a 2-part series on demonetisation

Episode 34: Baba Ram Rahim

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 21:43:33 +0000

Baba Ram Rahim's shadiness and what it says about us as a society

Episode 33: Dancing in UP

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 18:24:51 +0000

We discuss the penchant of the good people of UP to dance in odd places

Independence Day Special: Part 3

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 18:11:19 +0000

The concluding part of our three-part special on independence day

Independence Day Special 2

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 18:09:53 +0000

Part 2 of our special on independence day

Independence Day Special - I

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 21:55:06 +0000

We discuss the many meanings of the 70th anniversary of Indian independence

Episode 32: State Apathy

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 17:40:55 +0000

We discuss the Indian state's lofty indifference to the hardship and death of its citizens

Episode 31: Watching You

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 19:47:48 +0000

Aayush Soni reports on, and we discuss, Project Insight, a government plan to track records ostensibly for tax evasion.

Episode 30: Lady Police

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 03:09:31 +0000

We discuss the challenges that policewomen face in India, given the fact that public space skews male

Episode 29: Thanda Baba

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 03:07:19 +0000

We discuss frozen mystics and the afterlife, in the context of a bizarre case involving a dead godman and a battle over his assets

Episode 28: Tiger Food

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:50:35 +0000

We discuss the practice of villagers leaving elders to be killed by tigers, for government compensation

The NRI -Part 2

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 18:32:28 +0000

The second part of our discussion on NRI attitudes and behaviors

Special Episode: The NRI Part I

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 01:33:39 +0000

The first of two parts. We discuss NRI attitudes, and behaviors

Episode 27: Nagin Dance

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:16:24 +0000

We discuss a bride backing off a wedding because of the nagin (snake) dance performed by the groom

Episode 26: GST Kicks Off

The India Explained Podcast — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 17:02:09 +0000

We discuss the new taxation regime with the kickoff of the Goods and Services Tax

Episode 25: What is in a Name?

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 16:57:07 +0000

We discuss the curious reaction to the "Not In My Name" citizen protests against lynchings of Muslims by cow vigilantes in India

Car Buying Special

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:42:35 +0000

Car buying in pre-liberalization India, US, and the UK

Iftar WTF

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 03:29:48 +0000

We look at the BJP boycott of the President's annual Iftar dinner and caste and religious identity calculations in the Indian political scene

Bihari Love

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 16:58:48 +0000

A snake bit a man in Bihar and the man bit is wife so she would be with him in the afterlife. We discuss

Special on India-Pakistan cricket

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 05:43:03 +0000

What the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry tells us about ourselves

Episode 22: Flying Low

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 05:06:30 +0000

We discuss the proposed privatization of Air India and union resistance to the idea

Episode 21: The Last Emperor

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 16:55:05 +0000

On the government's witch hunt against NDTV and Prannoy Roy

Episode 20: Pure & Clean

The India Explained Podcast — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:52:50 +0000

On the Indian obsession with caste and cleanliness

Episode 19: Paisa Wasool

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 19:45:51 +0000

We talk about the vandalization of India's first luxury train, our public services, and our public attitudes

Episode 18: General Fear

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 31 May 2017 06:08:05 +0000

Indian army chief Rawat says Indians should be scared of the army

Episode 17: Revolver Rani

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 29 May 2017 18:26:26 +0000

We discuss the curious case of a spurned lover kidnapping a groom from his wedding

Episode 16: Judge Dredd

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 29 May 2017 18:25:22 +0000

In which we discuss the unseemly fight between the Indian Supreme Court bench and a High Court judge and the implications for free speech

Episode 15: Shit Happens

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 24 May 2017 04:30:33 +0000

We discuss the theft of toilets in India and the culture of official corruption

Episode 14: Justin Bieber

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 24 May 2017 04:00:03 +0000

In which we discuss the Justin Bieber lipsync fiasco in Bombay and what it says about Indian intoxication with Western celebrities

Episode 13: Qurbani / Whatsapp

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 19 May 2017 18:42:48 +0000

In which we discuss fake news, WhatsApp, and Qurbani

Special Episode: Celebrity Fluff Activism

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 14 May 2017 05:06:41 +0000

In which we scrutinize the character and claims of Indian celebrity activism

Episode 12: Drunk Rats

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 13 May 2017 02:47:26 +0000

Episode 12: Bihari rats steal and drink almost a million liters of alcohol

Episode 11: The Bookman

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 10 May 2017 02:40:07 +0000

We discuss the bookman of Calcutta, who will deliver any book you want, any time, anywhere

Episode 10: Farmer Suicides

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 07 May 2017 03:39:53 +0000

Our latest on India Explained examines farmer suicides, the government's response, and media coverage of the same

Episode9: Dabur Lal Dantmanjan

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 06 May 2017 04:13:17 +0000

An analysis of a classic Indian advertisement from 80s India: Dabur Lal Dantmanjan or toothpowder

Episode 8: Gutkabaazi / Pan Paraag

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 17:09:00 +0000

We analyze an old classic from the annals of Indian advertising: the Pan Paraag advertisement with Ashok Kumar and Shammi Kapoor

Episode 7: Human Shields

The India Explained Podcast — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 19:58:51 +0000

We discuss the Indian army's act of tying a man to a jeep as a human shield to protect itself from stone pelting, and the subsequent fallout and reactions to the action

Episode 6: Red Beacon

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 00:25:14 +0000

We speculate on the real intentions behind the Indian government's decision to ban red beacons from all official cars

Cadbury Ad Deconstructed

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 04:18:48 +0000

This week, as an Easter special, we inaugurate a series of specials on Indian advertisements. We deconstruct a much-loved 1990s Indian advertisement, "Swaad Zindagi Ka" for Cadbury's chocolates

Episode 4: complete

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:38:50 +0000

This week's stories, and media coverage thereof, discussed: the Indian ban on liquor 500 meters from a highway and the ingenious ways Indians are circumventing it; the BJP's Tarun Vijay says Indians can't be racist because they live with 'black' South Indians; and the IPL's opening ceremony or rather 8 opening ceremonies

Episode 4 Story3

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:31:40 +0000

Bunty and Rohit discuss the phenomenon of the IPL, the Indian Premier League, cricket's attempt to emulate an American basketball and baseball league, cheerleaders and all

Episode 4 Story 2

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:11:28 +0000

Story 2 of Episode 4 addresses the controversy over BJP politician Tarun Vijay's remark that Indians can't be racist because they live with black Indians from the South

Episode 4 Story 1

The India Explained Podcast — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:08:09 +0000

Story 1 of Episode 4 on the new Indian Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the sale of liquor 500 meters from a state or national highway, and the creative ways in which Indians are working around this.

Episode 3

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 17:12:00 +0000

April 1, 2017 episode

Episode 2

The India Explained Podcast — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 03:18:24 +0000

Episode 2 by India Explained

Episode 1

The India Explained Podcast — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 19:10:34 +0000

A podcast on news stories from India

March 11 2017 podcast

The India Explained Podcast — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 19:34:27 +0000

IndiaExplained. Inaugural podcast