Hafta letters: DY Chandrachud, Indo-China relations, pro-Russian posturing

Kumud Shankar

Hi Team,

After the SCO Summit, is the debate on who controls the Global South settled? Will this also lead to at least in the short run India’s tacit acceptance of China as the dominant Asian nation?

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Soumya 

Hi, NL team! Recently, I was watching Barkha's interview with Justice DY Chandrachud, and I felt that while she asked all the correct questions, she couldn’t follow up on his answers more ‘pertinently’. On the other hand, when I see Srinivasan Jain's interview, be it the recent ones with Dr Singhvi and Mr Rudy, he followed up with both of them very nicely. I am wondering why you guys missed a chance to interview Justice Chandrachud then. He was on an interview spree at that time. Is it possible to interview him now? What does it take to get an interview from such a person?

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Nikhil K

Hi, I am happy that you got Mr Akshay to talk about China. That country and its mentality are not known to us, nor are we so tuned to their pop culture. I think we need many more episodes to understand that land and its people. Or else, each time we will be caught by surprise at what they do. We are always caught up in extreme emotions when it comes to China. Either we are best friends or enemies. We need to get out of this kindergarten mindset and have a balanced relationship. We also need to go away from the Western thought process about China

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Fatqul

Hi. By seeing the shenanigans of our Modiji in Manipur and the BJP circus around the Ind-Pak cricket match, an Insta reel perfectly fits the current circumstances, and I would like to recommend it for the end of the Hafta song. Insta reel: Aa mai tenu chaa piywa by the handle @sillyvibes. Singer Ajar Shah

Hope you like it, and thanks for the good podcast.

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Goonj

Hi Team,  I renewed my subscription in less than 24 hours of its expiration. Looks like I am NL addicted.  I am writing to draw attention to the participation of the Indian military in the recent Russia-Belarus drills. I think it was not a good decision; we look way too pro-Russian with this move. Would it have been better not to participate, or was this an effective way of showing discontent with the USA? What does the panel think?  

Best,

Goonj

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Hanumant Puri

Hi Team Newslaundry,  I’m a new subscriber and love the work you’re doing, especially with TV Newsance, Hafta, and Awful and Awesome. I love Rajyashree Sen’s unapologetic and witty take on anything and everything. Would it be possible to bring her on at least one episode of NL Hafta? It would be a laugh riot. As a bhadralok Bengali, I’m sure she has lots to say about Indian politics and foreign policy.  Good luck.

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Sneha Hukmani

Dear NL team,

Your ongoing NL Sena project of urban elite takeover of public spaces comes to my mind as I walk home from work. Ensure route is an affluent neighbourhood of Bombay, majestic gated societies, and well-maintained bungalows on either side. The pavements (a rarity in the city) are shamelessly used up to keep rows of large potted plants.

A little less obvious takeover of the footpaths is dog poop every few steps. No stray dogs here, this is the work of their beloved well-bred pedigree dogs!

But these are laughably small issues in the face of one of India's largest elite takeover that is the imminent, enforced redevelopment of Dharavi by Adani.

Please have a discussion on the same. Shripad Sinnakaar, a poet from Dharavi, would be a wonderful guest to invite!

Regards,

Dr Sneha Hukmani 

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