The Crux

Shutapa Paul

What's making news and how to decipher trends, innovations, and happenings? At 'The Crux', we dive deep into pressing current affairs and explore critical topics shaping India and the world.Shutapa Paul is an anchor, commenter, author, and media entrepreneur. She has spent almost two decades within the media space, first as a journalist, and now as a media entrepreneur. Currently, she is Founder of award-winning brand-building and communications company, Dharma Media Consultants, where she has been working closely within the investing, startup, and impact ecosystem.Shutapa has been recognised as:- BW 40 Under 40 (PR & Corp Comm)- BW Excel Communications Personality of the Year- Social Samosa 40 Under 40- Agency Reporter 40 Under 40- LinkedIn ‘Top Voice’- ‘100 Women Faces’ by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs- ‘Woman of the Year in Media and Journalism’ by Woman Times- Sattva Nation’s Iconic Wellness AwardSubscribe to our channel for insightful conversations

Episodes

  1. LoC: A Soldier's Truth

    05/13/2025

    LoC: A Soldier's Truth

    In this episode of The Crux, we explore life on the LoC, beyond headlines and policy, through the eyes of a soldier. Join us as we speak with Lt Col (Retd) Mayur Ambastha, who served in the Indian Army for decades, including counter-insurgency roles in Jammu & Kashmir and a UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Tune in to hear his insights on what it takes to serve at the border, the mental and physical strain, family separations, troop preparedness during escalations like Operation Sindoor. We also explore the transition from combat to civilian life, and what support veterans need to find purpose beyond the uniform. #IndiaPakistan #LoC #OperationSindoor #IndianArmy #Veterans #MentalHealth #BorderSecurity #DefenceForces #UNPeacekeeping #MilitaryFamilies #Kashmir #Leadership _______ 00:00:00 – Intro 00:02:59 – Facing the enemy: A soldier’s perspective 00:06:46 – Activation mode: How the army mobilizes 00:08:20 – What military training actually involves 00:11:54 – Practicing for War 00:14:12 – Mental conditioning & the ghatak course 00:19:58 – Technology in training & real combat 00:23:27 – Women in Uniform: Equal training, equal stakes 00:25:38 – Suicide & burnout in the forces 00:31:43 – Family strain: Preparing for the worst 00:37:11 – The UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan 00:42:08 – Transitioning from uniform to civilian life 00:48:41 – Veteran hiring & corporate India’s blind spot 00:51:44 – The Crux (takeaways) _______ #IndiaPakistan #OperationSindoor #LoC #IndianArmy #BorderConflict #CounterInsurgency #MilitaryLife #SoldiersStory #VeteranVoices #DefenseAnalysis #NationalSecurity #ArmyFamilies #MentalHealthInUniform Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NoQVp9pHGVtIt57LZv51j?si=971f6dba3f9c41c1  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapa.paul  Follow Lt Col (Retd) Mayur Ambastha on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayurambastha/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happy.peacock?igsh=MWs0OWVwYmdhbWd0bA==

    53 min
  2. Operation Sindoor: India at War?

    05/09/2025

    Operation Sindoor: India at War?

    In this episode of The Crux, we examine the fallout from Operation Sindoor: India’s precision missile strike on terror camps across Pakistan and PoK. Join us as we speak with Bipindra NC, a veteran defence journalist with three decades of experience covering strategic affairs, defence, and geopolitics.  Tune in as we discuss how India-Pakistan relations have evolved over the past decade, India’s current options, Pakistan’s likely retaliation, and the road ahead — both on the battlefield and at the negotiation table. #IndiaPakistan #OperationSindoor #IndiaStrikesBack #StrategicAffairs #Geopolitics #Defence #IndianArmy #Terrorism #IndusWaterTreaty #Pakistan #IndiaNews #Diplomacy #NCBipindra #TheCruxPodcast ______ 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:31 - A measured response or escalation? 00:03:09 - Evolution of India’s counter-terror strategy from Uri to Sindoor 00:04:39 - Kashmir, intelligence, and internal security 00:10:45 - Modi’s doctrine and strategic messaging 00:17:26 - Are these strikes a message or a deterrent? 00:22:47 - How did India manage the post-strike narrative? 00:26:26 - Indus waters: Strategy, infrastructure, and silent preparation 00:33:24 - Trade and economic pressure 00:35:07 - What China and Turkey’s reactions signal 00:38:26 - Are we heading toward war? 00:44:04 - Elections, political capital, and public response  00:47:32 - Key takeaways ______ #NCBipindra #GeopoliticsPodcast #StrategicAffairs #IndiaDefence  #SouthAsiaSecurity #CounterTerrorism #MilitaryStrategy  #ForeignPolicyAnalysis #TheCruxPodcast Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NoQVp9pHGVtIt57LZv51j?si=971f6dba3f9c41c1   To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapa.paul  Follow Bipindra NC on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bipindra-nc-22477162 Twitter/X: https://x.com/ncbipindra  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbipindra?igsh=MTR2Ynk5dmMwdm9icQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbipindra

    48 min
  3. GBS Strikes India: Are You at Risk?

    02/04/2025

    GBS Strikes India: Are You at Risk?

    There is an alarming outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune. Over 140 cases reported have put serious questions before everyone about water contamination, public health safety, and preparedness in India. Join us on this episode of The Crux as we speak to Dr. Shahid Jameel, a leading virologist, in the process of helping break down the science behind GBS, its symptoms, potential causes, and the way forward. How is this outbreak different? What are the lessons for India's healthcare system? Tune in to hear his insights about the origins of the outbreak, and how to prevent future crises.  Is this a wake-up call for India's public health system? — 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:58 – What is GBS? 00:03:33 – Insights into the Pune outbreak 00:07:46 – Water purification practices 00:10:49 – GBS in Peru 00:14:15 – Early symptoms  00:18:02 – At-risk populations 00:19:55 – Are we medically prepared? 00:23:03 – Screening and diagnosis  00:24:21 – Preventing future outbreaks 00:25:28 – Key takeaways — #gbs #guillainbarresyndrome  #punehealthcare  #publichealth  #neurology  #virology  #medicalawareness  #watercontamination  #Indiahealth  #TheCruxPodcast Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NoQVp9pHGVtIt57LZv51j?si=971f6dba3f9c41c1  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/   Follow Dr. Shahid Jameel on: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahid-jameel-62318012/

    27 min
  4. Trump Card: What his Presidency means for India

    11/28/2024

    Trump Card: What his Presidency means for India

    Trump is back in the Oval Office, and the discussion on its effects on India are already underway. From reshaping trade to shifting immigration policies, this new era brings challenges and opportunities for Indian businesses and talent. In this episode of ‘The Crux’, we’re joined by Khair Ull Nissa Sheikh, Principal Advisor at the World Trade Centre India Services Council, to explore how these changes are set to redefine India’s role in global trade, innovation, and the startup ecosystem. Khair highlights India’s potential to emerge as one of the top two global economies by 2030, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth and leadership. Can India navigate these challenges to become a global leader? Tune in to find out. Timestamps: 0:00- Introduction 1:27- China vs India’s trade relationship with US 6:00- The impact on Indian sectors 7:06- H1B visa 9:36- Tech collaboration  11:15- Clean energy and its great potential  13:17- FDI inflow 16:17- Diversification of export markets 24:10- India-US bilateral relation  26:22- Key takeaways #TrumpPresidency #IndiaUSRelations #GlobalTrade #ImmigrationPolicies #EconomicImpact #StartupEcosystem  Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NoQVp9pHGVtIt57LZv51j?si=971f6dba3f9c41c1  To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/Follow   Khair Ull Nissa Sheikh on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khair-ull-nissa-sheikh-87189515/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/khairullnissa?lang=en

    27 min
  5. Choked: India Gasps for Air

    11/18/2024

    Choked: India Gasps for Air

    As winter looms, millions across North India enter a recurring nightmare: toxic air that makes every breath a challenge. But this isn’t just a North Indian crisis—cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are increasingly feeling the chokehold too. Join us in this episode of ‘The Crux’ as we speak to Dr. R. Subramanian, Sector Head of Air Quality at Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). With a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and unmatched expertise in research, Dr. Subramanian shares insights into the health impacts, policy measures, and potential solutions to India’s air pollution crisis. Can India find a way to clear the air? Tune in to find out. Timestamps: 00:00- Introduction 1:52- The issue with bad air 7:20- Is policy implementation missing across governments? 11:52- Building the right infrastructure 20:12- How are other metro cities catching up with Delhi’s pollution? 25:50- PM 10 vs PM 2.5; is NCAP effective? 29:13- Cost of life 33:00- Tech advancements and CSTEP’s initiative to mitigate air pollution 39:06- Lessons from other global cities 44:50- The Crux takeaways  #Airpollutioncontrol #IndiaAirQuality #EnvironmentalCrisis #TheCrux #CSTEP #HealthImpacts #PolicySolution #UrbanAirQuality Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NoQVp9pHGVtIt57LZv51j?si=971f6dba3f9c41c1 To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/Follow  Follow R Subramanian on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-subu-caps/  Follow CSTEP on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cstep/  Twitter: https://x.com/CSTEP_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor  Website: https://cstep.in/drupal/node/3

    46 min
  6. Beyond 9 to 5: An Overworked Population

    10/07/2024

    Beyond 9 to 5: An Overworked Population

    In this episode of 'The Crux', we explore the state of work culture in India. With the recent death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, the people are questioning corporates on their toxic work culture.  Join us as we speak to Aadesh Goyal, an experienced leader with around four decades of experience in HR and leadership positions. He has worked as the Global CHRO for TATA Communications and he is the board director of Spire.AI and was on the advisory board of the World Forum for Ethics in Business, Belgium. Tune in to hear his insights on flexible work environments, the gig economy, effective employee retention through feedback systems and much more! Can we improve working conditions across industries? --- 00:00 -  Introductions 02:05 - How are organisations balancing profit and employee health? 09:22 - Is the hybrid model working? 15:02 - Good HR practices 18:38 - Are HRs listening to their employees? 21:26 - How to meet GenZ expectations and retain workers? 25:17 - Quite quitting 30:01 - Balancing productivity and mental health  34:45 - Leveraging AI  38:32 - How to deal with a high pressure work environment? 43:05 - The Crux (takeaways) --- #workculture #india #toxicworkculture #corporateresponsibility #flexiblework #hrleadership #hr #employeeretention #corporateindia #businesseconomy #leadershipinsights #employeeengagement #hrstrategies #corporateculture #workplaceflexibility #workenvironment #ey #annasebastian ---- Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NoQVp9pHGVtIt57LZv51j?si=971f6dba3f9c41c1 To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/Follow  Aadesh Goyal on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aadeshgoyal/

    45 min
  7. Mpox: The Next Pandemic?

    09/25/2024

    Mpox: The Next Pandemic?

    In this episode of 'The Crux', we dive into the Mpox scare. Should we be concerned? Join us as we speak to Dr. Shahid Jameel, an experienced virologist who was the Group Leader of Virology at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for over 25 years, where his research focused on the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and HIV. Listen to his insights on if India should take more precautions, restarting vaccination drives, the role of global warming in amplifying diseases and much more! Can Mpox become the next COVID-19 pandemic? --- 00:00 - Introductions 01:55 - What is Mpox? 4:30 - Is Mpox the next pandemic? 12:05 - Should vaccination drives be restarted? 18:43 - The responsibility of the first-world to intervene in third-world endemics 22:20 - How global warming is giving rise to more viral zoonotic diseases 24:36 - How to prevent pandemics? Learnings from Covid-19 28:53 - The situation in India 31:33 - Can private sector help? 33:38 - Prevention is key 37:18 - Is India prepared? 41:30 - The Crux (takeaways) --- ⁠#mpox #mpoxscare #virology #virus #pandemic #endemic #health #vaccination #india #outbrake #climatechange #covid #covid19 ---- Subscribe to our channel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapapaulpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutapa_paul Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-shutapa-paul-podcast To know more: Follow Shutapa Paul on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shutapapaul/ Twitter X: https://x.com/ShutapaPaul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shutapa?igsh=MWZ5cHB3aDg3b21jcQ== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shutapapaulpage/ Follow Dr. Shahid Jameel on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahid-jameel-62318012/

    42 min

About

What's making news and how to decipher trends, innovations, and happenings? At 'The Crux', we dive deep into pressing current affairs and explore critical topics shaping India and the world.Shutapa Paul is an anchor, commenter, author, and media entrepreneur. She has spent almost two decades within the media space, first as a journalist, and now as a media entrepreneur. Currently, she is Founder of award-winning brand-building and communications company, Dharma Media Consultants, where she has been working closely within the investing, startup, and impact ecosystem.Shutapa has been recognised as:- BW 40 Under 40 (PR & Corp Comm)- BW Excel Communications Personality of the Year- Social Samosa 40 Under 40- Agency Reporter 40 Under 40- LinkedIn ‘Top Voice’- ‘100 Women Faces’ by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs- ‘Woman of the Year in Media and Journalism’ by Woman Times- Sattva Nation’s Iconic Wellness AwardSubscribe to our channel for insightful conversations