Listen "January 5th, 2025"
Episode Synopsis
Vietnam to Acquire BrahMos Missiles: Vietnam is poised to purchase India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system for $700 million. This deal underscores Vietnam's concerns regarding China and its commitment to diversifying its military arsenal. The acquisition would make Vietnam the second nation in the region to possess the BrahMos system, following the Philippines.
Nimisha Priya's Death Sentence: Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted of murder in Yemen, awaits a potential pardon from the victim's family. Her family and supporters are raising funds for "blood money" as a last-ditch effort to avert her execution. The Indian government is offering support, while Nimisha's mother negotiates with intermediaries in Yemen due to legal restrictions on direct contact.
Domestic Affairs
Methamphetamine & Cocaine Surge: India is grappling with a surge in methamphetamine and cocaine use, particularly among young adults. Recent major drug seizures in New Delhi and Gujarat highlight the intricate smuggling networks and international syndicates operating within the country. This escalating drug issue is attributed to factors like increased disposable income and evolving lifestyle trends among Gen Z. The government is bolstering inter-agency cooperation to combat this challenge.
"Samosa Caucus" Faces Backlash: The "Samosa Caucus," a group of Indian-American lawmakers, has encountered racist backlash following a celebratory photo posted by Congressman Ami Bera. Despite being U.S.-born, the lawmakers have been targeted with accusations of disloyalty and calls for restrictive eligibility criteria for federal office based on birthplace.
Influencer Highlights Cultural Clash: American influencer Kristen Fischer has drawn attention to the contrasting dinner party customs between India and the U.S. She expressed surprise at the prevalence of socializing before meals in India, diverging from the American norm of prompt dining. Her experiences resonating on social media, illustrating the nuances of cultural adaptation.
Sports & Culture
Bumrah Injury Clouds Test Match: Jasprit Bumrah's injury during the fifth Test against Australia has raised concerns, potentially jeopardizing India's hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Initial reports suggested back spasms, but speculation points to a more serious ailment. Bumrah's absence could significantly impact India's performance.
Gavaskar Slams Sydney Pitch: Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) pitch during the fifth Test, deeming it unsuitable for a five-day match. He highlighted the unusually high number of wickets falling within the first two days, anticipating the game's premature conclusion. Gavaskar drew attention to perceived double standards in pitch evaluations, emphasizing that Indian pitches receive harsher scrutiny in similar circumstances.
"Cheating" Accusations in Cricket Match: Accusations of "cheating" have been leveled against India during the fifth Test against Australia. Controversy erupted after a support staff member intercepted the ball before it reached the boundary and returned it to a fielder, raising concerns about potential unfair advantage. Critics argue this action altered playing conditions and have called for penalties against support staff interference.
Other Notable Events
Ancient Shipwreck Discovered: Divers near Kalpeni Island in Lakshadweep have uncovered the remnants of a 17th-18th century European warship. The presence of a cannon and the ship's size indicate it was a warship, potentially of Portuguese, Dutch, or British origin. This groundbreaking discovery warrants further underwater archaeological investigation to unravel its historical significance.
Dating App Fraudster Arrested: Tushar Singh Bisht, a 23-year-old from Delhi, has been apprehended for defrauding over 700 women on dating apps. He impersonated a U.S.-based model and employed a virtual international mobile number to create false profiles, subsequently blackmailing women using intimate content. The arrest followed a complaint from a Delhi University student.
India Attracts Senior Expats: India is experiencing an influx of senior expatriate professionals from Europe, the U.S., and Southeast Asia. The country's burgeoning manufacturing sector and the "China-plus-one" strategy are driving this trend.
More episodes of the podcast Today in India - Morning News Brief
November 28th, 2025 (Friday)
28/11/2025
November 27th, 2025 (Thursday)
27/11/2025
November 26th, 2025 (Wednesday)
26/11/2025
November 25th, 2025 (Tuesday)
25/11/2025
November 24th, 2025 (Monday)
24/11/2025
November 23rd, 2025 (Sunday)
23/11/2025
November 22nd, 2025 (Saturday)
22/11/2025
November 21st, 2025 (Friday)
21/11/2025
November 20th, 2025 (Thursday)
20/11/2025
November 19th, 2025 (Wednesday)
19/11/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.