Bottomline With Barkha

'YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, is facing legal and public backlash over his controversial question, "Will you watch your parents have sex?" during his appearance on comedian Samay Raina's show, India's Got Latent. A fresh FIR has been filed against Ranveer, Samay & Apoorva Makhija, stating that the show degraded Indian culture and the Indian family system. Is an apology enough? Should Ranveer be sent to jail? or is this an over reach by the State, one which could be misused later ? Barkha Dutt speaks to, Meera Borwankar, Former IPS, Dilip Cherian, Image Guru, Tehseen Poonawala, Political Commentator, Abha Paul, Activist' Read more

'As the Aam Aadmi Party suffers a huge setback in the Delhi elections, paving the way for BJP's comeback to the national capital after 27 years, what lies ahead for Arvind Kejriwal, who could not even win his seat. What lies ahead for Kejriwal? Will he join the Rajya Sabha as some reports suggest, or will he take on the role of leading a strong opposition against the BJP? Join us as we decode Kejriwal's fall from grace and the reasons which lead to AAP's drubbing in Delhi.' Read more

'On Monday, February 10, YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, aka BeerBiceps, faced backlash and legal trouble for making inappropriate jokes on Samay Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent. A comment on his latest Instagram post, "Shame on you, Ranveer bhai... you lost my respect," garnered 700 likes, reflecting widespread disappointment from his followers. A viral clip from the show has sparked intense online debate about freedom of speech and the limits of humor.' Read more

'The Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, chaired by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, adopted the report on the draft legislation by a 15-11 majority vote that contained changes suggested by ruling BJP members, prompting the opposition to dub the exercise as an attempt to destroy the Waqf boards. Pal has approved all 14 amendments proposed by the NDA and rejected all 44 opposition alterations to the contentious Bill, sparking accusations of “dictatorial” conduct after he recently suspended 10 opposition members from the panel. To understand the bill and its implications, Barkha Dutt speaks to, Rasheed Kidwai, Author & Senior Journalist, Zafar Sareshwala, Political Commentator, Mohan Kumaramangalam, Congress Ashwani Shahi, BJP' Read more

'Hours after a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi & US President Donald Trump on Monday, Trump said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was likely to visit the White House in February and added America has “a good relationship with India”. He further noted that he discussed immigration with PM Modi, and said India will do ‘what is right’ when it comes to taking back ’illegal immigrants.' The call came against the backdrop of buzz in diplomatic circles about the Indian side working on an early meeting between the two leaders. During the phone call, Trump & Modi also discussed trade, Russia - Ukraine war & more. Barkha Dutt speaks to, Sanjaya Baru, Amb Manjeev Puri, Amb Manju Seth' Read more

'A motion by the UK’s opposition Conservative Party to have a national inquiry into the "grooming gangs" scandal was met with utter rejection by the Keir Starmer government, leading to a political whirlpool in the house of commons in Britain. In recent days, Tesla and X owner Elon Musk has posted a series of attacks on the UK Prime Minister, accusing him of being "complicit in the crimes" of child sex offenders while calling for a national investigation into child sexual abuse. The Prime Minister has hit back, accusing Musk and others of "spreading lies and misinformation" and condemning the businessman for crossing a line when he referred to Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips as a "rape genocide apologist." Join us as we decode the roots of the scandal, the politics involved, and why it has suddenly blown up. Barkha Dutt speaks to, Chris Blackburn, Aisha Ali Khan, Kishwar Desai, Bharat Ramanan' Read more

'With the dates announced for the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, the national capital is seeing a three-way fight among the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party. and the Congress. Can the Congress increase its vote share, and in effect, help the BJP dethrone the AAP or will Arvind Kejriwal pull off a hattrick? Join us as we decode the latest pre-poll data from the ground. What are the main issues impacting the voters of Delhi? Barkha Dutt speaks to Yashwant Deshmukh, C-Voter' Read more

'Sharad Pawar to reunite with Ajit Pawar? Supriya Sule to get a ministerial berth at the Centre? What's behind the sudden adulation of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis by the Uddhav Sena & Sharad Pawar-led NCP? Join us as we dive deep into the swirling speculation surrounding Sharad Pawar and his potential shift from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). With Maharashtra's political landscape in flux, could Pawar, the veteran leader of the NCP, break ranks and alter the course of the state's future? Barkha Dutt speaks to Rasheed Kidwai, veteran journalist & author.' Read more

'From Sriram Krishnan to Vivek Ramaswamy To Kash Patel: The Indian-Americans in Trump 2.0 cabinet has led to an outburst of reactions against the H1-B Visa program which allows employers to hire foreign workers in the United States. The debate also touches on a rising tide of racism and xenophobia, particularly against Indian immigrants, who make up a significant portion of H1B visa holders. Are we witnessing a backlash against skilled workers, or is this a legitimate national security concern? The divide within the MAGA movement further complicates the issue, as some argue for a more inclusive approach, while others embrace an "America First" mentality that excludes foreign talent.' Read more

'Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh has publicly apologized for the loss of hundreds of lives during the ethnic violence that plagued the State over the past 20 months. On New Year’s Eve, he expressed hope for a peaceful and stable 2025. “I deeply regret what has transpired since May 3, 2023,” he said. “Many have lost loved ones, and countless have been displaced. I sincerely apologize to all the people of Manipur.” As Barkha Dutt delves into the State's future, the pressing question remains: Will 2025 finally bring peace to Manipur?' Read more

'Patna witnessed chaos as aspirants of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) clashed with the police during a protest at Gandhi Maidan on Sunday. The demonstrators, calling for a re-examination of the 70th BPSC Preliminary Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 held on December 13, were met with a mild lathi charge and water cannons. The agitation gained traction with the involvement of Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, who joined the aspirants in their demand for exam cancellation over alleged irregularities. However, the protest turned contentious as Bihar Police registered an FIR against 600-700 individuals, including Kishore, accusing them of unauthorized gathering, instigating unrest, and disrupting public order. The situation underscores rising tensions between students and authorities, with the aspirants determined to fight for what they deem a fair chance.' Read more