The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: How is Islamabad handling crisis in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?

   It's an election aimed at strengthening democracy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. But the situation rapidly deteriorated as the vote got underway. Dozens of people were killed in confrontations between protesters and security forces. The violence followed weeks of protests by a now-banned group that is calling for electoral reforms. The government in Islamabad has conditioned any changes on a constitutional amendment. The chaos that accompanied the first phase of the vote is one of the biggest political challenges facing Pakistan since the beginning of the Kashmir conflict almost eight decades ago. How will it shape the future of the region?

   September 14, 2026·28min
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   Number 2: Will NATO get involved in securing the Strait of Hormuz?

   The leaders of NATO member states are meeting in Ankara, ostensibly to discuss increasing defence investment and long-term military support for Ukraine. But the war on Iran is hanging over the gathering. One of the most significant is freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - the vital waterway that Iran effectively closed for months. Ahead of the NATO summit, the US had called on European allies to help it secure the strait. They refused, with some arguing that the war has nothing to do the bloc. So, could the divide between the US and its allies be bridged in Ankara?

   September 11, 2026·29min
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   Number 3: Can India's youth-led protest movement bring lasting change?

   What started as an online satire has now transformed into a major, nationwide movement that's challenging India's government. The so-called 'Cockroach Janta Party', burst onto the political scene in May after crucial exam papers were leaked, triggering a public outcry. But concerns have now broadened to include youth unemployment, and other issues affecting young people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing what's likely the biggest challenge of his third term. And he's promised to crack down on the exam leaks-- But the protest leaders insist, that's not good enough. They say they won't back down- until the Minister of Education out of office. So, will this lead to a lasting change? and can the movement maintain its momentum?

   September 13, 2026·29min
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   Number 4: How serious is Iran's threat to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea?

   Some call it the Gate of Tears. Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea wields importance as a global shipping artery. This week, Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to use the strait as its next front in the war with the US. It says regional energy exports are 'either for everyone or for no one'. Such a move would mean relying on its Houthi allies in Yemen to block the shipping route. Iran's warning comes amid an escalation with the US, which has endangered last month's agreement. What would it mean for a volatile region -- and the global economy?

   September 12, 2026·29min
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   Number 5: Ukrainian strikes on refineries cause a fuel crisis in Russia

   Ukrainian attacks have disrupted one-third of Russia's oil refining capacity, according to independent energy analysts. The resulting fuel shortage has forced Moscow to extend petrol export bans and restrict sales in more than 40 regions and Crimea. President Vladimir Putin says the strikes are not critical and insists the war will continue until his goals are met. Russia is continuing its attacks on Ukraine, including a huge strike on Kyiv on Thursday. So, can economic pressure on Russia bring an end to the war - which has stretched into a fifth year?

   September 10, 2026·29min
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