Geeta's World

Mexico has elected Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, as its new president, marking a significant step for gender parity.

Concerns exist that Sheinbaum is a handpicked successor of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, better known as AMLO, and may be captive to his agenda. Critics argue she lacks charisma, and despite not being on the ballot, AMLO's influence loomed large during the election. So, have Mexicans placed more faith in the party than in Claudia? Is the mandate more for the left party?

Will Sheinbaum's governance differ? Although intellectually a nationalist, her campaign emphasised policy continuity and protecting AMLO's legacy over her own proposals.

In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

On May 19, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and several other officials were killed in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province.

Raisi's death has sparked numerous speculations and conspiracy theories. Was it an accident? Was there foul play? Is Israel involved, or is it due to Iran's struggle with US sanctions that prevents it from obtaining necessary improved aircraft parts? What do we know so far?

After years of negotiations, India and Iran signed a ten-year contract for the Iranian Chabahar Port. India and Iran have shared historical and cultural ties, and bilateral trade between the two nations improved after Raisi became President in 2021. Although the supreme leader made significant decisions, Raisi's presidency saw enhanced relations between the two. So, will this work in a continuum with a new president?

In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

After a two-year gap, China has regained its position as India’s largest trading partner, surpassing the United States. According to the latest GTRI report, from FY19 to FY24, while trade with the US grew, increasing India's trade surplus, India's exports to China slightly decreased, and Chinese exports to India surged by almost 45%.

Does this mean the trade balance heavily favours China, with India facing a trade deficit of over $85 billion?

This trade growth persists despite India's trade and investment restrictions on China since the 2020 Galwan clashes. Indian politicians often discuss reducing reliance on Chinese imports and boosting domestic manufacturing. So, why can't India stop trading with China?

In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

In Sudan, amidst enduring civil conflict, desperation has driven people to consume dirt for sustenance as the nation teeters on the brink of famine.

Why does Sudan's civil strife persist despite over a year passing since its outbreak? Why has resolution remained elusive?

Despite international efforts, including ceasefire agreements and sanctions, humanitarian assistance has reached only 16 per cent of people who need it. Has the international community's response adequately addressed the power struggle at play?

In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

The anti-Israel protests, originating at Columbia University in the US, are gaining momentum globally on university campuses. The police have intervened violently, with videos emerging from different states showing hundreds of students – and even faculty members – being forcefully arrested.

Despite the harsh response, the students' resolve remains unshaken. They continue to pitch tents and stand their ground. So, why are students persisting, and what are their demands?

Large student movements have influenced public opinion and policy throughout American history, like the Anti-Apartheid Movement in the 1980s. So, can these protests spark a significant foreign policy shift in the country?

In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Pro-China Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress party has secured a two-thirds majority in the Majlis. With this absolute parliamentary dominance, what previously obstructed policies can the current government push through?

But is Muizzu's win really a vote against India, given his vocal support for it, or are there other factors that played out?

And why did the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) lose so badly? How did Maldivians lose trust in the MDP?

In this episode of Geeta's World, our host, Anna Priyadarshini, and the foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network, Geeta Mohan, discuss!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

After the Katchatheevu Island controversy, now Gwadar Port, in Pakistan's Balochistan province, has become a focal point in India's upcoming general elections. The BJP has accused the then PM Jawaharlal nehru of rejecting the Gwadar port , which the Sultan of Oman had apparently offered to India in 1956.

If it's true, what would have happened if Nehru hadn't rejected the offer? What could have changed?

Despite security challenges and unrest in Balochistan, China remains invested in Pakistan's BRI. What's the incentive for China to continue in Pakistan?

Our host Anna Priyadarshini and foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network Geeta Mohan discuss in this episode of Geeta's World!

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Following the "India Out" campaign in the Maldives, a similar movement has emerged in Bangladesh, spearheaded by the Bangladeshi diaspora and opposition factions. These factions are advocating for the boycott of Indian products.

Despite originating after the January elections, why did this anti-India movement gain traction only recently? Was it because the Awami League government initially didn't appear overly concerned about this campaign?

Given that the BNP is not in power in Bangladesh, what are the prospects for the sustainability of this campaign? And should India be wary of this and make attempts to salvage the situation?

Our host Anna Priyadarshini and foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network Geeta Mohan discuss in this episode of Geeta's World!

Listen in!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

 

Following the "India Out" campaign in the Maldives, a similar movement has emerged in Bangladesh, spearheaded by the Bangladeshi diaspora and opposition factions. These factions are advocating for the boycott of Indian products.

Despite originating after the January elections, why did this anti-India movement gain traction only recently? Was it because the Awami League government initially didn't appear overly concerned about this campaign?

Given that the BNP is not in power in Bangladesh, what are the prospects for the sustainability of this campaign? And should India be wary of this and make attempts to salvage the situation?

Our host Anna Priyadarshini and foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network Geeta Mohan discuss in this episode of Geeta's World!

Listen in!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

 

On March 22, Moscow witnessed the deadliest terror attack in decades when four gunmen stormed the Crocus City Hall and began firing on a crowd attending a music concert. They started shooting and attacking people with knives before blazing the place. Russian authorities said 137 people were killed and more than 100 injured.

Hours after the attack, the Islamic State–Khorasan Province (IS–KP) claimed responsibility. But why would ISKP target Russia?

And some Russian commentators find it odd that ISIS terrorists could penetrate Moscow, given the strict surveillance by intelligence agencies. They question how the attackers could terrorise a crowd for an hour and a half and then escape quickly to the heavily militarised border with Ukraine, suggesting theories that the attack might have been orchestrated within Russia. Can this be deduced?

Our host Anna Priyadarshini and foreign affairs editor at India Today, TV Today Network Geeta Mohan discuss in this episode of Geeta's World!

Listen in!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi