Beyond the Headlines beyondtheheadlines

India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the world's most populous country, India is in the midst of its largest general elections, with a staggering 969 million eligible voters, making it the biggest election the world has ever seen.
While experiencing rapid economic growth and projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, India is also facing concerns about the curtailment of democratic freedoms and minority rights and the rise of Hindu nationalism. 
In this week's episode, we delve into the complexities of India's current political environment, from the reshaping of its domestic politics to its strategic importance on the global stage. 
In the first part, I speak with Professor Sumit Ganguly to explore the last decade of India's domestic political landscape under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Narendra Modi. We also examine the significance of Prime Minister Modi's larger-than-life persona, as well as concerns about democratic backsliding.
The second part of the episode is focused on India's foreign policy and diplomacy. Professor TV Paul shares insights on Ind ia's more assertive and globally engaged approach to international relations, and examines its evolving relationships with key partners. 
Further Reading:Ascending India and Its State Capacity (Yale University Press, 2017)
The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024)

In our upcoming episode, we embark on a journey through the intricate realm of sustainable innovation and carbon markets, illuminating their profound significance in sculpting a pathway towards a net-zero future in the 21st century. As the spectre of climate change looms large, confronting humanity with unprecedented environmental challenges, the imperative to curtail carbon emissions has emerged as a paramount concern. Against this backdrop, carbon markets stand as a beacon of hope, offering a multifaceted approach to not only mitigate emissions but also spur ingenuity and progress. Through the lens of this episode, we endeavour to unravel the complexities surrounding carbon market development, shedding light on the latest advancements and ingenious solutions that are propelling sustainability to the forefront of global discourse. From innovative technologies to transformative policies, we delve into the diverse array of strategies deployed to catalyze emission reductions and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of carbon markets, uncovering their transformative potential to reshape our trajectory towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
To tackle this issue head on, we have invited Professor Jim Whitestone of the University of Toronto and Mrs. Adi Dunkelman from ClearBlue Markets to shed better light on this topic.

In a day and age where technological innovation and informationprocessing systems are driving economic development in society, there exists a frontier that promises to redefine the very fabric of computation. Welcome to Quantum Computing. In today’s Beyond the Headlines Podcast join us as we unravel and explore the future of how theprinciples of Quantum computing can revolutionize the way we process information. From groundbreaking research to real-world applications, we'll navigate through the complexities of quantum mechanics and discuss the incredible potential and challenges of this cutting-edgetechnology. As policymakers grapple with the implications of quantum computing for global security, specifically in the context of privacy issues, and for the global economy, this BTH podcast seeks to ask the crucial queries about how this transformative technology may shapefuture policies and regulations.

In today’s episode, we delve deep into the critical issues surrounding gender equality in Canada, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the major challenges and developments in gender equality, paying special attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence during this period and how it varies across different regions in the country. Our conversation then extends to examining areas where Canada shows promising signs of gender equality, along with an in-depth look at the care economy. We discuss Canada's response to the care economy during and after the pandemic, comparing it with global best practices.
 
Content warning: Please be aware that in this episode, we will be discussing topics related to gender-based violence, which might be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

*Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children.
 
Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding the systemic abuses inflicted upon Indigenous children and communities, we examine the roots of the residential school system and its devastating effects on Indigenous cultures and identities.
In the first segment, Kaila Johnston provides an overview of the history of residential schools in Canada, discussing their role within the broader context of colonialism and the suppression of Indigenous cultures. She also explains the methods used within the system to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures and clarifies the term "cultural genocide." Kaila addresses common misunderstandings about residential schools, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their impact on Indigenous communities.
Tyler Pennock then discusses the long-term impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, focusing on intergenerational trauma and cultural loss. They emphasize the crucial need for Canadians to acknowledge and confront the truth of residential schools for reconciliation. Tyler also discusses Indigenous storytelling and knowledge, providing guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians seeking to educate themselves further. 
 
Further resources:
Residential School history.
Learn whose land you are on.
Justice, D., Carleton, S., Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism (mentioned by Kaila).
Tyler Pennock’s website.
Indian Horse’s movie trailer (mentioned by Kaila).
Books for adults on the topic of residential schools.

This episode examines China’s dramatic transformation over recent decades, transitioning from rapid economic growth and liberalization, particularly post its 2001 WTO accession, to a phase of increased tensions with Western nations. This shift, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and internal policy shifts, demands a deeper, more nuanced understanding that goes beyond traditional top-down analyses. The focus is on a bottom-up approach that prioritizes gaining insights directly from individuals who have been actively involved in and have firsthand experience of these changes. This narrative offers a concise yet comprehensive view of China's changing role in the global landscape and its complex implications both at home and abroad.