Geeta's World

Sweden has officially become the 32nd member of NATO, completing its accession process in Washington. It took place two years after Sweden had applied to join the military alliance following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

But the two Nordic states, Finland and Sweden have long maintained military neutrality. So, why did Sweden officially move away from its non-alignment and neutrality stance to NATO now?

And Sweden had applied in May 2022. Why did Erdogan take  so long, around two years, to finally accept Sweden’s NATO’s bid?

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

Iranian conservatives have secured a majority in recent elections, but many incumbents were disqualified, leaving only loyalist candidates vetted by the Guardian Council to participate. With predictable outcomes and key figures like former President Rouhani disqualified from standing again for the Assembly of Experts, are these elections then a farce?

Ali Khamenei's second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is expected to succeed as Iran's supreme leader. Several elite reformists believe he could be the next radical moderniser. Will he?

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

Donald Trump inches closer to securing the Republican presidential nomination after a decisive win over Nikki Haley in South Carolina.

But why is it that the Republicans, especially those within the party who opposed his brand of divisive politics, were never able to find a single rival? Why is it that the Republicans couldn't move on from Trump?

Many younger Democrat voters are angry at Biden, and some Arab and Muslim Americans say they won't vote for Biden in 2024 because of his stance on the Israel-Hamas war. So, could this influence Biden's presidential bid?

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

The Pakistan election has come as quite a shocker for many, with many stating this is a wake-up call for the establishment. But is the military really out of the game?

And who exactly will make the government? We are looking at a coalition between the PML-N and PPP, but both parties are divided as to who will become the prime minister: Nawaz Sharif or Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Who has a more substantial hand?

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

Pakistan's upcoming February 8 elections are marred by manipulation concerns, with experts dubbing them a sham. The military seeks to sideline Imran Khan's PTI party, favouring former PM Nawaz Sharif for the win. So, is this the same playbook by the army, and the outcome won't make a difference?

And there are multiple crises that Pakistan is reeling under, including economic instability and security tensions with neighbouring countries. So, will voters consider these pressing issues at the polls?

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

The Rishi Sunak government has signed a new treaty with Rwanda and proposed new laws declaring that Rwanda is a safe country. The bill is currently being discussed in the house of lords, after the Supreme Court had earlier deemed the Rwanda plan illegal.

Ironically, at the time when the UK government planned to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda, it granted refugee status to four Rwandans in the UK due to persecution fears. Won’t this revelation impact the migration bill's chances of becoming a reality?

And what happens if the migration bill becomes a reality?

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Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound Mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Last week witnessed an unexpected development as Iran and Pakistan engaged in cross-border airstrikes, each claiming to target Baluch insurgent hideouts.

This could have easily been an incident where both Iran and Pakistan could have partnered together to eliminate Baloch separatists. Instead, they chose to launch missiles at each other. What does this tell us?

Experts find these attacks seemingly feckless, given that on the same day as Iran attacked Pak, joint naval operations were underway, and Iran’s foreign minister met with Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister at the World Economic Forum. Is there a possibility that these strikes were mere optics, and that there's something bigger at play between Iran and 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 Nitin Rawat

Diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives ignited on January 4 when PM Modi shared tourism-promoting images from his Lakshadweep islands’ visit. This triggered a social media war involving Maldivian officials and Indian users. 

But, there was no direct mention of Maldives by PM Modi or other Indian officials. So, what sparked this anger?

And is boycotting Maldives really a response to this diplomatic tension?

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 Kapil Dev Singh

In 2023, the world faced significant global risks and uncertainties.

In South Asia, elections, political unrest, and economic uncertainties marked the year. This year too, the region mostly looks at elections and campaigning in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. Considering the potential for a change in power, do we see the region’s foreign policy and power dynamics changing?

Meanwhile, as Russia's war in Ukraine enters its third year, Europe grapples with economic challenges and heightened inflation. The war has exposed Europe’s vulnerable economic spots – mainly its energy dependency. So, can we say that the once-dominant financial giant that was Europe, is losing ground, and is this shift likely to endure?

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 Kapil Dev Singh

In an effort to mediate in the Gaza war, Egypt has put forward a peace proposal to Israel, Hamas, the United States, and the European governments. The proposal includes a ceasefire, a phased hostage release and the creation of a Palestinian government of experts who would administer the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank.

But what's the likeability of the proposal being accepted? Because Netanyahu remains stern, he wants to eradicate Hamas, and this peace accord will mean he will have to pull back from his mission?

And the other crucial point is the creation of a Palestinian government of experts who would administer the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank. But, the question being, who will this technocratic government be? Who will decide and make the call?

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 Kapil Dev Singh