News Capsule for the Month of September 2026

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The following are the top news stories for the month.   If you wish to follow and get notifications of future articles, you can sign up using the email address on the left sidebar.  Kerala  Beyond bridges, GIDA eyes a wider role in development of suburban islands.  Sex with minor wife can attract offence under POCSO Act; Muslim personal law no defence: Kerala High Court.  No extension for Behera; Ernakulam district collector given additional charge as KMRL MD.  Kerala CM rejects scholar's call to confine women at home, says women deserve equal space. He rejected Kanthapuram's remarks; 'That is a 19th-century argument'; cites Islamic history. Women not to be confined to homes or kitchens; KNM Markazudawa rebukes Aboobacker Musliyar's remarks. Woman identified in Palarivattom Onam pookalam vandalism case.  KT Jaleel backs Kanthapuram as remarks on women at public events spark row.  Kozhikode trader burnt to death in car; Petrol canister found a...
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The Rise of Zohran Mamdani and the Left Wing Populism in the US- A Podcast

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Greetings to all listeners and readers!!

Last week, Zohran Mamdani was the Mayor-elect of New York City, the heart of US Capitalism, Wall Street, and its Financial Capital. He will be the first Muslim, Indian-origin, South Asian, and the second-youngest mayor of the city. The victory of Zohran Mamdani in NYC had raised questions on the future of the Democratic Party. This podcast episode will dive into how and why Zohran Mamdani won in the New York City Mayoral Election, and what the future of the democratic party will be, and what is the status of Left-Wing Populism in the USA is. 

Our Newscapsule Article of the Month 

About The Guest

Milan C Varghese is a final-year law student who pays close attention to policy, politics, law, and the economy. He likes working through ideas in a clear, practical way, with a focus on how they play out in real life. Known across the Kerala Model United Nations circuit for his engaging debates and policy insights, Milan combines his legal expertise with a passion for global issues. Outside of academics, he's an avid Premier League fan, following the games with the same intensity he brings to political analysis. Follow him on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Disclaimer- All the opinions presented are of the respective speakers in their personal capacity and do not reflect the opinion of the platform or any organisation. 

Summary of the podcast 

Generally, these topics aren’t much available in the mainstream media, because they are believed hard to crack and don't address the basics. But, through our podcast, we disprove this misconception that these cannot be understood by common people. We explain in simple terms various subtopics under this vast topic in the form of conversational and discussion styles. Everything in the episode is easy to follow and understand. 

Guest Milan C Varghese was hosted by Jairam R Prabhu and gave his unique perspectives on the topic of the day- Zohran Mamdani's victory and the rise of Left Wing Populism in the  US. After his personal introduction and opening remarks, Milan elaborated on the extraordinary victory of Mamdani. Thereafter, he talked about what special did Mamdani do to win the hearts and minds of people of the city, notably the South Asians, the working class, and a section of the Jews as well. 

The discussion later touched upon the populist politics in the USA, notably the left-wing populism. Mamdani has been able to take aim at Trump as part of his rhetoric. Milan explained how he was able to turn the tables one year after Trump's victory. Compared to AOC and Bernie Sanders, Mamdani has tried to give a different direction to the Democratic Party, which hadn't seen sunshine since November 2024. Before concluding, both the guest and host gave materials for the audience to learn more about populism in the US, the victory of Zohran Mamdani, and much more.  

This is just a short glimpse. Listen to the full podcast episode for all the essence. 

We cover in detail the following topics-

1. Opening Remarks

2. Zohran Mamdani: Personal and Political Background

3. Why and how Zohran Mamdani won?

4. LW Populism in the US Context

5. Role of Bernie Sanders and AOC

6. Why Zohran’s victory will be important for the future of NYC as well as US Politics

7. Can Zohran continue with his policies and make it a success in NYC and beyond

8. Challenges to Zohran Mamdani and LW politics in the USA.

9. Media narratives, backlash and other information on populism

If you are a regular consumer of a podcast, you will be very well aware of the various platforms used to hear them. Some platforms allow you to listen without logging in while others require compulsory logging in. 

As you know, the most popular app is Spotify. Here is the Spotify frame. 

Also, feel free to listen to previous episodes and follow us there as well.

If you have any preference for where to listen to the podcast, then choose any platform from those given below and listen at your convenience. 

Resources 

Want to get more Knowledge? Install the Kuku FM app, and get assured discounts with a ton of knowledge. Download it through the link here. 

Choose to opt for resources to enhance the knowledge on the topic- Book1|Book2|Book3

Your Feedback 


This summary is just a small glimpse of the podcast, do listen to the full podcast from your favourite platform, at your convenient speed and space. Also, feel free to listen to previous episodes and follow us there as well.

DM on our FB, Insta page or comment down for collaborations. 

Do follow us on all social media and podcast streaming platforms. Do check out our articles on Medium.

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