Big Ideas Folgen

Tensions with China have caused Australia to think again about other friends in the region. India is now a greater focus both strategically and as a trade partner. But it’s not a straightforward relationship despite our joint membership of the Quad Security Dialogue. India is juggling close ties with both Russia and the US-led western alliance.

Caste based discrimination and oppression is a daily reality – not only in contemporary India but even in Indian communities in the US and Australia. That’s why journalist Yashica Dutt has hidden her Dalit heritage, the caste of the ‘untouchable’, the ‘impure’ for many years ... until she ‘came out’. In her book Coming out as Dalit she describes the guild of denying her history and the inequities of the caste system.

If you love overseas travel, and you’re used to jumping on a plane, the pandemic’s been especially trying.  International borders opened and closed , airlines reduced flights and quarantine rules could see you stranded in a hotel for two weeks at your own expense. British journalist Monisha Rajesh believes it’s the journey not the destination and as the pandemic gathered steam she decided to tour the world by train.