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Frontline

Listen to a selection of Frontline"s best stories each fortnight.

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14:03

Did Azure Power grab tribal farming land in Assam for...

Frontline on Air ·

2025/01/04

This audio story delves into Assam's contentious land issues, highlighting the struggles of Adivasis and tribal communities against historical zamindari practices and recent displacement threats. It examines the Assam government's policies, alleged links to corporate interests like the Adani Group, and the broader implications for land rights under Narendra Modi's administration. The narrative underscores the enduring tensions between development and social justice.

8:05

Manmohan Singh: The heterodox economist

Frontline on Air ·

2025/01/03

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

20:31

How US federal charges punctured the myth of Adani’s...

Frontline on Air ·

2025/01/03

This audio story examines the recent indictment of the Adani Group in the U.S., focusing on allegations of bribery and corruption linked to green energy projects. It highlights SEBI’s ongoing investigation, the group’s political connections with Prime Minister Modi, and the international implications, including ties to former U.S. President Trump. The story explores the broader concerns of corporate accountability and regulatory oversight in India.

8:05

Manmohan Singh: The heterodox economist

Frontline on Air ·

2025/01/03

16:50

Mahayuti’s historic win in Maharashtra hinged on...

Frontline on Air ·

2025/01/02

This audio story delves into the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024, analyzing the BJP-led Mahayuti's historic victory. It explores the coalition's campaign strategies, voter dynamics, and the political landscape that contributed to this decisive win. The story provides a comprehensive examination of the factors driving this electoral success and its implications for Maharashtra's future governance.

13:41

The myth of the ‘women vote bank’

Frontline on Air ·

2025/01/01

This audio story examines the evolving role of Indian women voters in elections, challenging the myth of a cohesive "gender vote bank." It analyzes voting patterns, the impact of welfare schemes targeted at women, and how political narratives address—or fail to address—gender issues. The story offers a nuanced perspective on the intersection of gender, politics, and policy in shaping electoral outcomes.

6:06

Tsundoku: When your unread books read you back

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/28

This audio story delves into the cultural practices surrounding books and reading, exploring the fine line between collecting and hoarding. It discusses how Japanese culture values physical libraries and book ownership, contrasting it with the rise of digital reading on platforms like Kindle. The story highlights the shift in how people interact with literature, from the tactile joy of flipping through pages to the convenience of e-books, reflecting broader changes in reading habits and cultural

11:19

Normal people, abnormal times: Sally Rooney’s...

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/27

This audio story examines the works of Irish author Sally Rooney, focusing on her novels Normal People and Conversations with Friends, which have resonated deeply with Gen Z and millennial readers. It explores her unique approach to storytelling, tackling themes like relationships, social media, and capitalism. The piece highlights how Rooney's characters grapple with modern issues of identity, love, and social expectation, positioning her as a key voice in contemporary literature.

12:21

Should private companies be required to reserve jobs...

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/26

This audio story delves into the ongoing debate over private sector job reservations in India, exploring the political, economic, and social implications of such a move in 2024. It looks at the government's stance, the pressure from various communities, and the broader impact on employment and growth. The discussion includes perspectives from different political parties and economists, unpacking the complexities of this sensitive issue in India’s job market.

19:22

Mayhem continues in Manipur

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/25

This audio story offers a detailed account of the ongoing violence in Manipur under Chief Minister Biren Singh's administration, highlighting the ethnic tensions involving the Kuki-Zo community. It examines the role of central forces like the Assam Rifles and CRPF, along with political responses from the BJP, Congress, and the central government led by Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. Greeshma Kuthar brings a nuanced perspective to the crisis, connecting local dynamics with national political

36:45

Cannabis: A cultural gift

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/24

This audio story delves into the cultural and legal history of cannabis in India, examining its journey from traditional use to modern prohibition. It explores how cannabis has influenced Indian pop culture, including cinema and music, while analyzing the socio-political impact of its criminalization. Through this narrative, the story sheds light on the complex interplay between law, culture, and societal attitudes toward cannabis.

21:15

When China rules Africa

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/23

This audio story explores China's growing influence in Africa through trade, investment, and military presence, as framed by the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). It highlights the strategic implications of this deepening partnership for global geopolitics, including India's evolving response and competition in the region. The analysis underscores how Africa's role in global diplomacy is being reshaped by these powerful engagements.

22:20

Revisiting Bhojpur and its naxal legacy

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/22

This audio story revisits the legacy of the Naxal movement in Bihar's Ekwari village, focusing on its role in shaping Bhojpur's struggle for Dalit rights and social justice. It examines the evolution of caste-based conflicts into broader political movements, particularly the CPI(ML) Liberation's efforts to address inequality and oppression. The narrative sheds light on how historical struggles continue to influence contemporary socio-political dynamics in the region.

44:09

The great inequality myth that rules India

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/21

The audio story critiques India's development model, highlighting how economic liberalization has deepened inequality and concentrated wealth among elites. It explores the corporate-state nexus that prioritizes private profit over public goods, exacerbating social disparities and neglecting the needs of marginalized populations. The narrative emphasizes the urgent need for policy reforms to address these systemic failures.

13:12

Thalapathy Vijay’s grand political entry stumbles on...

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/20

The audio story explores Tamil actor Vijay’s emergence as a political force in Tamil Nadu through his TVK party, examining his potential to reshape Dravidian politics and nationalism in the state. Vijay’s foray, rooted in his stardom, could challenge established alliances, including the DMK-led coalition. The narrative dives into the intricate ties between cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu, contextualizing Vijay’s rise.

16:19

Who really benefits from the Waqf Amendment Bill?

Frontline on Air ·

2024/12/19

This article delves into the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, analyzing its implications, controversies, and contradictions with the BJP's "one nation, one law" principle. It explores the bill's potential impact on minority rights and property governance while questioning its alignment with constitutional values and social justice. Faizan Mustafa, a noted legal scholar and expert on constitutional law, provides a critical perspective on the bill, framing it within India's broader political and legal

12:54

A sacred forest dies in Gurugram as Bandhwari...

Frontline on Air ·

2024/11/27

This article examines the environmental and health crisis caused by the Bandhwari landfill in Gurugram, a massive site of toxic waste impacting nearby communities and ecosystems. It discusses the challenges of managing urban waste in India, the inefficiencies in implementation under initiatives like Swachh Bharat, and the urgent need for sustainable waste management policies. By addressing pollution and its human cost, the piece underscores the critical balance required between urbanization and

19:09

Vedanta’s oil exploration plan threatens Assam’s last...

Frontline on Air ·

2024/11/26

The article delves into the environmental controversy surrounding Vedanta’s oil exploration project in Assam’s Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. It highlights the potential ecological damage to the habitat of the endangered hoolock gibbon and critiques the clearance process, which has sparked concerns among conservationists and locals. The narrative explores the tension between industrial development and wildlife conservation, emphasizing the need for sustainable environmental policies.

20:54

When did Musi beautification become about erasing the...

Frontline on Air ·

2024/11/25

This article examines the Musi Riverfront beautification project in Hyderabad, which has led to the demolition of homes and the displacement of over 160 families. It critiques the Telangana government’s approach, comparing it to international urban renewal projects like those on the Thames, and questions the socio-economic and human cost of such evictions. The narrative sheds light on the affected communities' plight and the broader implications for urban development in India.

9:11

Random enforcement of KYC rules is denying the poor...

Frontline on Air ·

2024/11/24

This article highlights the challenges faced by India's rural poor due to bank account freezes caused by stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. It explores the human rights implications of denying financial access and dignity to marginalized communities, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on those already struggling with systemic inequities. The analysis underscores the need for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to banking policies.

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