businessline podcasts

In the world's largest agro-ecological experiment, Andhra Pradesh wants to turn 80 lakh hectares of farmland natural or completely chemical free by 2027. Is it an unscientific leap into the unknown or our best bet against climate crisis. TR Vivek speaks to T Vijayakumar, the special chief secretary to Andhra government on natural farming, spearheading this project, on the natural farming movement. This conversation was part of Bengaluru-based Nudge Foundation's annual 'Charcha' conclave on rural development. For feedback write to [email protected]

The discussion related to Covid vaccines continues to get intense.

Now, the World Health Organization has issued an alert on falsified versions of “Covishield” identified in Africa and South-East Asia Region.

Listen to the podcast.

Looking at 75 years of independent India through the prism of mental health – have we broken free of the stigma that surrounds it?

It’s still a long journey ahead, indicates Neerja Birla, founder -Mpower, a mental health initiative, as she discusses grief-support groups, treatment gaps, and the ever-increasing calls to their 24/7, toll-free helpline (1800-120-820050).

Listen in.

The Indian Parliament witnessed a wash out on Wednesday. This has raised many pertinent questions regarding the country's democracy. Is there a solution to such problems? We are joined by BusinessLine's political editor, Poornima Joshi to discuss the matter in detail.

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The latest Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme is open for subscription until August 13, 2021. The issue price is ₹4,790 per bond. There is a discount of Rs 50 on the issue.  

So, wondering if you should invest in the Sovereign Gold Bond Issue? 

Listen.

234 scientists from around the world have finalised a new report assessing the state of the global climate. These scientists have been nominated by IPCC member governments around the world. By the way, the IPCC has 195 member countries. This report is the first of four that make up the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report. It looks at the physical science behind climate change and its impacts. 

So, why is the report such a big deal? 

Listen to know more.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan released a white paper on the state of the State's economy. The paper focused on the State’s “dire” fiscal situation -- the debt was increasing while the revenues have fallen. What did the document say? Listen in to the latest edition of the News Explained podcast.

The Lok Sabha, on August 2, passed a Bill that would allow the government to reduce its shareholding in state-owned general insurance companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the bill which amends the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972 in the Lok Sabha on July 30.

The law says that the central government will hold not less than 51 per cent of the equity capital in a general insurer and the Centre has introduced an amendment to drop this provision.

What does this amendment mean for the four PSUs? What does this mean for the sector and finally how does this impact you? K Nithya Kalyani, an independent insurance sector expert, joins us in the latest episode of News Explained to help us understand the issue better.

For feedback and comments, write to [email protected]

The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Amazon against the proposed ₹247, 13-crore merger deal between Future Retail Limited and Reliance Retail.

A Bench of Justices Rohinton F Nariman and BR Gavai upheld the validity and enforceability of a Singapore-based Emergency Arbitrator award, which restrained Future Retail Limited from going ahead with its deal with Reliance Retail, under the Indian laws.

What does the order mean for the Future group? Forum Gandhi explains.

As Kumar Mangalam Birla exits Voda-Idea as chairman, is this the end of the road for the company? Its travails are emblematic of the intractable mess India's telecom sector is in. What gives? TR Vivek is in conversation with BusinessLine's Mumbai bureau chief and ace telecom reporter Thomas K Thomas.