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Development comes after Internet Freedom Foundation sought independent audit by a company eMudhra had not previously engaged.

Israel's longest-serving PM Benjamin Netanyahu has won only because he hasn’t been defeated. He’s also changed Israel fundamentally. Any ruling alliance now will have to be a coalition to the exclusion of Israel’s Arab citizens. Two points need exploration. One, when and why did the power of the once-formidable Left vapourise in Israel? And second, how come the formidable vote of its Arabs doesn’t matter? Watch this week's #NationalInterest ----more----Read this week's National Interest here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/israel-election-netanyahu-arab-parties/3086300/

#NationalInterest Indira Gandhi had two spells in power, yet she was not one prime minister, but three. Each tenure, it was the same personality in office but a different Prime Minister. She changed and evolved, sometimes for the better, sometimes not quite so. Her first tenure reflected some under-preparedness and diffidence. Her second tenure was so forgettable, yet she redeemed herself to some extent towards the end. History will take an unkind view of the third, but it marked the return of the Iron Lady. Watch ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta decode Indira Gandhi in this #NationalInterest, originally published in November 2017, ahead of her 42nd death anniversary.----more----Reed full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/100-years-idea-indira/16784/

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs seeking approval to impose stockholding limits on rice, pulses, edible oils and onions.

Infections have spread to 66 health zones across eight provinces—from just three when the outbreak was first declared—and reached five countries, including Kenya and Nigeria.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 10,000-crore shipping container manufacturing scheme, with the idea to increase India’s container building capacity 10 times from the current 70,000-odd. In episode 1928 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta explains why this humble steel box is essential to global trade and India’s economic ambitions. With China controlling over 90% of the global container market, the episode also looks at the strategic risks of this dependence and India’s efforts to build domestic capacity and strengthen supply-chain resilience. It talks of the specialised steel & precision engineering required to build containers, & the incentives being offered to manufacturers.

Israel's election -- seen as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu's national security strategy -- appears to have thrown up a hung verdict with neither Bibi nor his challenger Gadi Eisenkot securing a clear majority. In this situation, the Arab parties have emerged as potential kingmakers. However, their role in government formation remains uncertain. In episode 1927 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta examines the results, the coalition arithmetic and what the outcome could mean for Israel’s wars and future. ThePrint Editor (Operations) Janki Dave joins from Jerusalem.

The groups seek judicial intervention to ensure safe, free & non-discriminatory movement of people, passengers, goods and essential supplies along national highways in the state.

Serbia has witnessed a remarkable political shift as a student-led movement challenged the politics of strongman President Aleksandar Vučić, defeated him in the elections & wiped out the opposition. In episode 1926 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta explains how the movement built credibility & turned street protests into political power, and looks at the challenges that lie ahead for Serbia’s new political force. This episode also examines Vučić’s journey, Serbia’s complex history, the breakup of Yugoslavia and the unresolved Kosovo question.

The Greater Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested the DMK leader hours after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition in the case. ----more---- https://theprint.in/india/ex-dmk-minister-poyyamozhi-arrested-in-rs-100-crore-private-schools-bribery-case-stalin-reacts/3082136/

Brazil’s presidential election has delivered a dramatic comeback for 81-year-old Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who overturned a 2.2-million-vote deficit in the first round to defeat Bolsonaro Jr, in the runoff. In episode 1925 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at the factors that helped Lula, & the challenges that lie ahead for him. It also examines how this could be a setback for Trump, who backed Bolsonaro Jr as part of his push to shift Latin America to the right, & the significance of this win for India-Brazil ties.

Only three of 16 mandals in Hyderabad received sufficient rainfall during the monsoon, leaving the Telangana capital's 1.5 crore residents scrambling to buy water through tankers.----more----https://theprint.in/india/hyderabad-in-the-grips-of-severe-drinking-water-crisis-8000-tankers-a-day-supply-once-in-3-days/3079782/

Anti-Americanism is chronic, deep-rooted and instinctive in India. We only undermine our national interest by not shedding it, and by dismissing our entrepreneurs as exploiters. The only thing wrong with the fact that India has the Ambanis, Tatas, Adanis, Birlas, Jindals and Bhartis is that there are so few of them. India needs some more and earn to celebrate its entrepreneurs. Jamnagar is only a symbol and reminder of what India can become. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with Shekhar Gupta. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read this weeks National Interest here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/crude-refining-superpower-india-jamnagar-ambanis-rubio-anti-americanism/3080072/

ITBP chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, speaking at the Himveer Sammelan in Alwar, highlighted continuing face-offs with China along the Arunachal Pradesh border. While these face-offs are not necessarily armed clashes, his remarks have sparked a row over border tensions and the government's handling of relations with Beijing. In episode 1924 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta traces the evolution of ITBP, from its creation in the shadow of the 1962 India-China war to its present-day role. The episode also examines the significance of Kapoor's remarks, the modernisation of ITBP, including drone tech and Shuarya Commando units, and the broader strategic challenges of guarding India's Himalayan border with China.

French President Macron has warned that protests not organised by legitimate groups will be banned in the country. Violent protests have engulfed several parts of France since 17 October (Saturday). #CutTheClutter Episode 1923 looks at reasons behind these protests and why they have taken centre stage in US, Israel politics ahead of elections. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains possible political and economic implications. ----more----Read Financial Times report by Sylvie Kauffmann here: https://www.ft.com/content/616c796b-a288-4013-a363-70e94429b60e

More than six years after his arrest, Sharjeel Imam, the former IIT Bombay student and JNU research scholar who became one of the most controversial faces of the anti-CAA protests, is back in the news. This time, it is because of an extensive interview published by The Quint on 29 September 2026, in which he defended his political beliefs, questioned India's constitutional framework, criticised Congress and the Left alike, and challenged Jawaharlal Nehru’s portrayal of an ancient, unified Indian nation in his book The Discovery of India. Watch this video by Ananya Bhardwaj

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on a two-day visit to India. On 20 October, Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and both also held a meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Marco Rubio also visited Jamnagar on 21 October and visited the Reliance Refinery, the world’s largest oil refinery. #CutTheClutter Episode 1922 looks at the significance of Marco Rubio's two day visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains what US Secretary of State's visit tells us about geopolitics today, and how it is driven by energy, trade and capital.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered his Dussehra address today in Nagpur. He ruled out any regime change in India, and said, 'A storm has come from the West, which is against every type of system, every type of decency, every type of auspiciousness, every type of culture and sanskar. They want to destroy, corrupt and disrupt it'. He also cited the examples of the unrest in France, Albania and events in Nepal & Bangladesh. Bhagwat also spoke on the protests and had a message for Gen Z. #CutTheClutter Episode 1921 looks at the significance of RSS Chief's Dussehra speech and why it's the most pro-Modi govt speech by him. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the message the RSS sent to the BJP by having former VP Jagdeep Dhankhar as a guest at the Sangh’s annual Vijayadashmi event. ----more----Watch Mohan Bhagwat's full speech here: https://youtu.be/0NlmR57YqxE

'In just a couple of months, Bora has radicalised even the “apolitical” who were sitting on the fence. The 29-year-old has captured the nation’s imagination so completely that a fawning profile labelled them “the Marxist Madonna of a hybrid revolution. Neither fear nor its accomplice, isolation, is working on the women out on Delhi’s roads. Not the 29-year-old and certainly not the 72-year-old.' Watch this week's video blog by ThePrint Columnist Karanjeet Kaur:----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/neha-bora-women-delhi-protests-gyanesh-kumar/3069874/

20th October marks 64th anniversary of India-China war. Watch #NationalInterest on camera, where ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta details the few moments of military glory for India, and the story of defence of Ladakh, which is often unacknowledged. The text article first appeared in 2012. Read it here: https://theprint.in/sg-national-interest/national-interest-1962-a-different-story/544059/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Controversy around Punjab Police FIR on posts related to real estate company GB Realty comes in runup to Prime Minister Modi’s icebreaker December visit to Canada.----more----https://theprint.in/india/we-wont-be-silenced-canadian-journalists-lash-out-at-punjab-police-fir-over-social-media-posts/3075597/

Starlink’s recent controversy over its proposed entry into India makes this more than a theoretical concern, even though there is no direct military component involved. Watch consulting editor Dr. Swasti Rao (@swasrao) explain.

BJP followers are dismissive of Rahul. For them, he’s an object of derision. But Modi has always held the opposite view. He sees Rahul, and the Gandhis, as the only potential threat. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta.

Bangladesh has sought yet another loan from IMF for $5 Billion. This would be the 16th loan for the country, if the IMF approves the latest request. #CutTheClutter Episode 1920 looks at why Bangladesh keeps going to IMF for loans, and what it says about the country's economy. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also looks at factors behind Bangladesh economy slipping into a crisis mode- slow growth, rising inflation and structural problems.

#cuttheclutter Modi govt has approved the sale of 60.72% stake in IDBI bank to Canada's Fairfax, that will acquire the stake for 528.78 billion rupees. #CutTheClutter Episode 1919 looks at why the strategic sale of IDBI is a reformist move. Shekhar Gupta traces the story of IDBI bank that was established in 1964 as a development financial institution, and how it moved from bad-loan crisis to the deal now. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief also explains the significance of the Fairfax deal and what it says about privatisation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Read 50 word edit: https://x.com/theprintindia/status/2110437825066025326?s=46 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

On Tuesday, Home Minister Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of seeking to ‘protect infiltrators’ by opposing SIR. He had said public was aware of the Congress leader’s ‘strategy’.

#cuttheclutter The Manipur conflict that started with Meitei-Kuki tensions in May 2023, has escalated with the conflict between Nagas and Kukis. Shekhar Gupta explains the complexities, in #CutTheClutter Episode 1918. Moushumi Das Gupta joins in. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Read Moushumi Das Gupta reports : https://theprint.in/politics/exclusive-bjp-concocted-false-charges-says-congress-mp-akoijam-alleges-racism-after-jnu-expulsion/3067521/ https://theprint.in/india/meitei-cadre-kuki-cadre-naga-cadre-manipurs-ethnic-divide-is-rewriting-rules-of-who-works-where/3070003/ https://theprint.in/india/outsiders-not-allowed-in-manipurs-hills-fear-draws-new-borders-as-conflict-clouds-the-road-to-polls/3071256/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

Understanding with BJP likely now that it has lost a substantial part of the non-Jatav Dalit votebase; Pasis are 9% of electorate, and their numbers matter in 100 constituencies.

Why has Vijay govt relaxed Tamil Nadu temple mobile phone rules?

#cuttheclutter An isolated Saudi Arabia is fighting Houthis on its own soil and in Yemen. On Tuesday, the Saudi-backed coalition forces launched strikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa. #CutTheClutter Episode 1917 looks at the limitations of Saudi Arabia and how its geography adds to the country’s vulnerability. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains how and why military spending doesn’t guarantee security. To read 50 word edit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1167041569259389&set=a.128524556444434 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series:

#cuttheclutter Pakistan ousted Imran Khan’s PTI, imposed Governor’s rule as well as emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. #CutTheClutter 1916 looks at the big picture of these significant developments, geography & demography of Pakistan. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains how Asim Munir is using the old & familiar playbook of power grab. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #asusexpertbook @ASUSIndia.official Checkout the ASUS Expertbook series: https://www.flipkart.com/asus-expertbook-core-ultra-store

Why has Pakistan imposed emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Multiple headwinds are making the turbulence Modi is battling as he steps into his 26th year in public office. This has brought the 3-point Modi proposition under the greatest pressure since 2014. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta. ----more----Read this weeks National Interest here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/narendra-modi-25-years-challenges/3067173/----more----Read C. K. Prahalad's article here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/002224379503200301

On Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day, Shekhar Gupta draws from his experiences with Indian diplomats. From bail in Sri Lanka to a passport crisis in Romania, accurate information during Tiananmen Square and hospitality in Russia, Pakistan- ThePrint Editor-In-Chief narrates his interactions with Indian diplomats, and the fascinating stories from his travels. Read the text: ‘India’s Foreign Policy: Losing Direction,’ December 15, 1991 https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/19911215-unprecedented-drift-in-foreign-policy-with-indian-diplomacy-blundering-on-815181-1991-12-14 Read the text: 'Indian Fossil Service', June 28, 2003 https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/indian-fossil-service/ Read the text: 'Our Indian Feudal Service', December 21, 2013 https://theprint.in/sg-national-interest/our-indian-feudal-service/544017/

Why Gen Z protests impacted Bankipur bypolls but became irrelevant in the bypolls nine weeks later, ThePrint Political Editor DK Singh explains in this episode of #PoliticallyCorrect

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech from the birthplace of democracy. From Athens, Marco Rubio advocated Trump’s policies, made the case for ‘America first’, urged Europe to ‘awaken from slumber’ & attacked Iran’s ‘radical mullahs’. #CutTheClutter Episode 1914 looks at the significance of Rubio’s speech, and implications for India & the world. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains why it was a 2028 campaign speech disguised as statecraft. Read text of Marco Rubio’s full speech here: https://theprint.in/world/marco-rubio-hails-us-unapologetic-pursuit-of-national-power-urges-europe-to-awaken-from-slumber/3065037/ Watch Marco Rubio’s full speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNu3US2gVbg Watch #CutTheClutter on Spain here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjLzI6iBkJs

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition leaders escalated protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in the national capital. #CutTheCluttter Episode 1913 looks at the key questions that are being raised over EC for SIR process. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the complexities and the alleged irregularities.

ECI says Oppn request to meet in Parliament Annexe ‘against protocol’, BJP claims ‘Rahul’s lies exposed’ ----more---- https://theprint.in/politics/eci-says-oppn-request-to-meet-in-parliament-annexe-against-protocol-bjp-claims-rahuls-lies-exposed/3063917/

Description: Israel has been at war since 3 years, but has shown economic resilience due to multiple reasons. Its defence exports have surged by 130% between 2020-2025, and its among the leading exporters of high-tech goods and services. #CutTheClutter Episode Xxxx looks at factors behind Israel’s unusual war economy and why it has shown financial resilience. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the country’s defence exports, how India has the maximum share and the change in Israel’s defence exports post Abraham Accords. Read the IISS report here: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/charting-middle-east/2026/09/the-defence-dividend-of-the-abraham-accords/ Read TheEconomist story here: https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/09/24/israels-war-economy-is-thriving

Modern India might have been conjured up in the image of Gandhi. But India was never a Gandhian state. Founders of the Republic, be it Nehru or Patel, nursed zero such notions. Watch this week’s #NationalInterest with ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta: To read this week's National Interest: https://theprint.in/national-interest/india-hard-state-gandhian-values/3060496/

In the summer of 1991, India undertook an action that no sovereign nation desires: it pledged its gold reserves. Under strict confidentiality, approximately 47 tonnes from the Reserve Bank of India’s vaults were transported abroad and deposited with the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan. This measure secured a $405 million loan, giving the country a temporary reprieve.Critical issue is whether a country’s assets comfortably exceed its liabilities and timing of these obligations. RBI’s data allows for a precise evaluation of this criterion. Watch #Economix with ThePrint Consulting Editor (Economics) Bidisha Bhattacharya:

On Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birth anniversary, watch #NationalInterest where ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta argued how Shastri’s legacy is unfairly overshadowed by peace he made at Tashkent and a visit that also took his life. Among his contributions were the Green Revolution and talent-hunting Dr Swaminathan. Originally published on 22 March 2025.

Israel is investigating the FlyDubai incident as a 'jihadist terror attack'. FlyDubai’s FZ1073 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September, when a bloody clash unfolded in the cockpit. The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by its co-pilot, reportedly an Omani pilot. The plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, minutes after sending the emergency signal. The motive behind this attack is still being investigated. #CutTheClutter Episode 1911 details what unfolded on the FlyDubai flight. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains the facts we know, what we don't and the questions this attack raises over civil aviation safety.----more----Read Hussain Abdul-Hussain's tweet here: https://x.com/hahussain/status/2105278966281974128?s=46----more----Read 50Word edit here: https://theprint.in/50-word-edit/flydubai-pilot-smit-machchhar-saved-day-indians-proud/3059187/

Indian women’s 4x400m relay team ended the nation's wait, by securing our only athletics gold at the Asian Games. The team comprising of Kiran Pahal, M R Poovamma, Prachi Chaudhary and Vithya Ramraj, also won back India's traditional top spot. They are the latest behind India's spectacular success in women's 4x400m relay, since 1982. Shekhar Gupta traces the story of women’s 4x400m relay as an Indian brand, how our nation rose in this particular branch of track & field, and the generations of women’s 400m relay quartet who have made the nation proud. #CutTheClutter Episode 1910 also looks at the setbacks and hurdles.----more----Read India Today's article here: https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19901031-xi-asian-games-indian-athletes-performed-miserably-but-officials-stole-show-813165-1990-10-30