On The Record - podcast cover

On The Record

Hindustan Times - HT Smartcaston-the-record.simplecast.com
In this podcast, politicians and policymakers talk to Hindustan Times' national political editor Sunetra Choudhury about the big issues of the day. Listen to these interviews and you'll get a rare insight into all that's making headlines. This is a Hindustan Times production, brought to you by HT Smartcast.
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Episodes

Why The Centre Is Wrong On Fuel Prices & GST

Tamil Nadu's finance minister and one of the fiercest critiques of the Modi govt, Palanivel Thiagarajan, has criticized the union government over the issue of coal shortage, power crisis, and fuel price hike. In this episode of the On the Record, PTR spoke to Hindustan Times over the ongoing energy crisis, the political situation in the country, and the winning streak of the BJP.

May 13, 20221 hr 6 minEp. 85

What Shehbaz Sharif's Appointment As Pakistan PM Means For India?

Shehbaz Sharif is the new Prime Minister of Pakistan and he assumed office after Imran Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion amid an unprecedented week-long drama. Sharif is the younger brother of former PM Nawaz Sharif and used to be chief minister of the Punjab province. So, what does having a new regime in the neighborhood mean for India. To talk about that, we have the former Indian High Commissioner and author of the excellent book on Pakistan TCA Raghavan in this episode of On The...

Apr 14, 202224 minEp. 84

What's wrong with the new Criminal Procedure Identification amendment?

In this episode of 'On The Record', Hindustan Time's Sunetra Choudhury speaks to VN Rai, IPS officer and former head of the Indian Police Academy, about this week's most debatable issue in the parliament, the new Criminal Procedure Identification amendment. During this interview, he discusses and understands what's wrong with the new amendment, whether the new criminal identity law is really draconian?

Apr 06, 202230 minEp. 83

After 4 decades, Nagaland gets a woman MP

On this week's episode of On The Record, host Sunetra talks to BJP's MP from Nagaland - Phangnon Konyak who has been victorious in the Assembly Elections 2022 and she also happens to be the first women MP from Nagaland in the Rajya Sabha and the last time that happened was 4 decades ago. Tune in to the conversation where she talks about her education from the DU & why she decided to join BJP!

Mar 29, 202221 minEp. 82

Escape from a war zone

It's been more than a week since Russia invaded Ukraine and war broke out on February 24. More than 20,000 Indians who were stranded there are young students pursuing their higher education as Ukraine promised them affordable education. When news reports started emerging of a possible strike, they were torn-should they immediately leave and jeopardise their career or could they stay and try to survive? There were mixed signals that they received- from their college authorities and the Indian emb...

Mar 03, 202213 minEp. 81

The Hijab Row Controversy

As the Karnataka high court hears petitions against the hijab ban, Farrah Ahmed, a professor at Melbourne Law School who specialises in Constitutional law and religious freedom, spoke to HT's Sunetra Choudhury about the right to practice faith, privacy, and education.

Feb 17, 202243 minEp. 80

Harak Singh Rawat interview: Joining Congress wasn’t my plan... BJP overreacted

The Bhartiya Janata Party expelled a sitting minister from its government in Uttarakhand amid reports that he was unhappy and negotiating with Congress. Harak Singh Rawat may be joining the opposition party soon, but he told Sunetra Choudhury that the BJP forced his hand, and his unhappiness was after years of being ignored, and not being allowed to deliver crucial promises to voters in the state.

Jan 18, 202217 minEp. 79

Gita Gopinath: Changing a Man’s World

In this episode, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Gita Gopinath, Chief Economist, IMF about being the first woman to lead the IMF and what she make of all the headlines that are doing the rounds. She also spoke about the state of the world now and the state of women in it.

Dec 17, 202140 minEp. 77

Smriti Irani: Minister and novelist?

Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani has turned author with her debut novel “Lal Salaam”, announced publishing house Westland. “Lal Salaam” is the story of a young officer, Vikram Pratap Singh, and of the challenges he faces against a system that is steeped in backroom politics and corruption. Listen to her in conversation with HT's National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury who speaks to her about her new journey as an author, where she got the idea from, how did s...

Nov 26, 202129 minEp. 76

What’s in store for women in NDA: Air Marshal Padma Bandhopadyay

This week the President of India conferred one of the highest civilian awards to one of the first women in the armed forces Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay who joined the force in 1968. We speak to her as the armed prepares for the first time to receive women NDA cadets. What advice does she have for the new entrants?

Nov 12, 202126 minEp. 75

The Fractured Himalaya: India & China The way forward

It has now been more than a year and a half since Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a standoff at the border. There have been thirteen rounds of talks between the two sides but increasingly, it has become evident, that the two sides may be locked in an impasse. HT interviews the former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao who has just authored a book called The Fractured Himalaya: India Tibet China 1949-62 Listen to her in conversation with HT's National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury ...

Nov 09, 202136 minEp. 74

Aryan Khan Case: Why is he in jail without drug possession? Top defence lawyer explains

In the latest episode of On the Record, Top defence lawyer Rebecca John speaks to Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury on the Aryan Khan drugs case. John explains why Shah Rukh Khan’s son is still in jail without possession of drugs. Aryan was arrested by NCB earlier this month for his alleged connection to a drugs case. A special court in Mumbai on Wednesday refused to grant bail to Aryan & two others. Listen to the full episode for more.

Oct 25, 202120 minEp. 73

Lakhimpur Kheri: Violent Political Clashes | In conversation with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

The situation prevails to tense in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri where the violent clashes claimed eight lives on Sunday. Section 144 has been imposed on several political party workers, even on the big names. In this episode, Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury speaks to a Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as she shares what all she has faced in the last 2 days as she tried to visit the Lakhimpur Kheri district. Tune in to know more.

Oct 07, 202123 minEp. 72

How to be a CEO and raise a family : Indra Nooyi

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO OF PepsiCo is a popular name in the world of business. She is a rule breaker in her conservative family and in an era in India where it was considered unseemly for young women to exert themselves, she touched new heights and did wonders and became an inspiration for many. In this episode, our host speaks with Indira Nooyi as she shares what it took for her to handle her work, family and raise kids. She reveals about her life and work and some of the key issues faced b...

Sep 30, 202144 minEp. 71

Women's Reservation Bill: 25 years later

On September 12, 2021, it will be 25 years since the first time the Women's Reservation Bill was introduced in Parliament. Years have passed, however, the Bill continues to languish and is yet to become a reality. In the recent edition of On The Record, CPIM leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat speaks to Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury and talks about the 25 years of the Women's Reservation Bill. Why is it still pending? Why is it not on top of the agenda o...

Sep 13, 202136 minEp. 70

Taliban Takeover: What it means for India

In the latest episode of On the Record, former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha speaks to Hindustan Times' National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury and talks about the recent developments in the war-torn country. The former Afghan envoy explains what the Taliban takeover of the neighboring nation means for India. Watch the full interview for more.

Aug 19, 202118 minEp. 69

68: What's it like being in Kabul as Taliban fighters roam the street?

On this episode of On the record listen to a young aid worker from Bengal hiding in Kabul. Wanting to remain hidden out of fear 'AH' tells us how he missed the last flight as he didnt have his covid test printout. He speaks to us as gunshots ring in the background

Aug 17, 202118 minEp. 68

Assam-Mizoram Peace Treaty

In this fresh episode of ‘On The Record’, National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma about the border dispute with Mizoram and the efforts that were made to ease tensions. They talk about the current relation between Assam and Mizoram and explain the whole issue to the listeners. Tune in, now!

Aug 11, 202132 minEp. 67

The Parliament protester

In the latest edition of On The Record, Hindustan Times' National Political Editor Sunetra Choudhury catches up with Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen. Dola was among the six MPs who were suspended from the House for a day. On Wednesday, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had suspended the TMC MPs for the day for carrying placards into the well of the House while protesting along with other opposition MPs over the Pegasus issue. The other TMC MPs who were suspended included Md. Nadimul Haque, Ab...

Aug 06, 202121 minEp. 66

Pegasus: Why there needs to be a probe

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to CPM Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on Pegasus issue. John Brittas have approached Supreme Court in this regard and opposes the idea of being under constant watch even after living in a democratic country.

Jul 27, 202113 minEp. 65

'God won't be pleased if lives are lost because of our laxity': Uttarakhand CM

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Dhami on why he stopped the religious gathering of Kanwars. The Uttarakhand Government on Tuesday decided to cancel the annual Kanwar Yatra, in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic situation.

Jul 16, 202119 minEp. 64

‘BJP will get less than 100 seats in Uttar Pradesh’: Sanjay Singh

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh spoke about his meeting with Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav. Singh said the meeting with Yadav was to discuss how “BJP used money power during the Zila Panchayat Chairperson polls”. The AAP MP demanded suspension of the recent Zila Panchayat Chairperson polls in Uttar Pradesh. Singh also said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will not get more than 100 seats in the upcoming 2022 Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. Listen to the full podcast for more details.

Jul 06, 202110 minEp. 63

Shyam Benegal: Why he approves of govt’s changes for cinema

Many filmmakers have raised concerns at the proposed “Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021” and believe it could endanger the freedom of expression of cinema. However, the famous film director Shayam Benegal seems to support the government's move. Catch Sunerta Choudhury in conversation with Shayam Benegal to find out why supports the government’s move.

Jun 30, 202113 minEp. 62

Could Covid deaths be 10 times the declared number?

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ Sunetra Choudhury speaks with Professor Chinmay Tumbe on the number of Covid-19 deaths in India. Tumbe, the author of a highly regarded book called 'The Age of Pandemics', has also studied the death toll of the present Covid pandemic. He throws light on the number of excess deaths in some of the large states of the country.

Jun 16, 202122 minEp. 61

Jitin Prasada on why he joined BJP

With Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching quickly, the Indian National Congress party suffered a serious blow on June 9. Jitin Prasada, considered a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi, quit the grand old party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Tune in as Hindustan Times' Sunetra Choudhury speaks to Jitin Parsada about what led him to shift to BJP and much more.

Jun 10, 202111 minEp. 60

MB Rajesh on why Shailaja was dropped, new Kerala team, & more

Kerala has just announced its new team of ministers. It has a brand new team and new faces but what many are keen on knowing is why was the health minister KK Shailaja dropped? For this and much more, the new speaker MB Rajesh speaks to Sunetra Choudhury

May 19, 202120 minEp. 58

'Strategic vaccination can help stop the spread of the virus': Dr. Tom Frieden

In the latest episode of On The Record, Hindustan Times’ National Political Editor, Sunetra Choudhury speaks with Dr. Tom Frieden President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives about the current situation of Covid-19 and vaccination in India. Dr. Frieden said 'Providing clinical care and strategic vaccination can help stop the spread of the virus.' Tune in for more!

May 11, 202128 minEp. 57

India’s deadly second wave: What needs to be done

The world now watches in horror as India struggles to cope with the second wave of the corona virus in India. The country is seeing a record number of new cases and people dying, many times due to oxygen scarcity. The US has promised help with stocks of vaccines or its raw materials but what more can be done. We speak to Dr Ashish Jha, dean at Brown University

Apr 28, 202117 minEp. 56
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