What You Can Read and Listen to in Order to Stay Abreast of International News in 2024
Anirudh Phadke
Founder, Publisher & Editor of The Viyug | Member of the Board of Studies (BoS) at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous)
Disclaimer: The following post is neither sponsored nor a promotion. All the views and opinions expressed are my personal.
In a world buzzing with information, staying abreast of international news has become more vital than ever. It's not just being about informed; it's about understanding the complex global cultures, people, politics, business and others that shapes our lives.
Now, I'll be the first to admit— I wasn't always the most avid news reader. However, being in this industry has taught me the unparalleled value of being in the know. The fast-paced nature of our interconnected world demands a constant awareness of events that transcend borders. Whether you're a business professional, a student, or someone simply curious about the world, the ability to navigate the complex web of current affairs is a skill that pays dividends in various aspects of life.
The challenge lies not just in finding news but in curating a blend that transcends traditional sources, offering diverse perspectives and untold stories. It's about seeking out narratives that go beyond the headlines, understanding the nuances that shape geopolitical landscapes, and recognising the interconnectedness of global events.
As New Year arrives, the tradition of implementing a new year's resolution also arrives. The resolution can be anything like cultivating a good habit of following news till elevating in-depth news reading for UPSC preparations & other competitive government exams. If you're looking to arm yourself with in-depth insights beyond traditional newspapers, then this edition of newsletter is for you. I've put together a curated list of 'beyond the headlines' sources that will broaden your horizons and keep you ahead in the game.
1. THE VIYUG
Website - https://viyug.com
Starting from my very own news startup, The Viyug is now emerging foreign affairs media offering analyses, commentaries, and visual stories on politics, foreign policy, economics, international relations, military affairs and similar fields. We also publish research papers and issue brief on the same themes. The weekly newsletter column called "Guns & Bullets" keeps you abreast of conflict hotspots around the world.
We have diversified portfolio of newsletters, podcasts, and articles on the Website that comes as a complete starter package for both beginners and professionals who wants quick in-depth insights on world politics which you will not find in traditional media sources.
2. Foreign Policy (FP)
Website - https://foreignpolicy.com
As their site tagline goes, FP sets themselves as a premier global magazine for news and ideas. Their published articles strikes the balance between informed specialist research and general readability, and tend to be written in a plain rather than wonky language. Their inventory consists of eight newsletters and trending daily topics on War in Ukraine, Israel-Hamas War, Biden's Foreign Policy, International Trade, and AI followed by Live Journalism, and quarterly magazines.
The English Historian John Adam Tooze publishes a weekly economics podcast called "Ones & Tooze" along with Cameron Abadi. I am always fascinated by spies and even if you are, then you might want to listen to "I SPY". One of my favourite podcast hosted by Margo Martindale (a three-time Emmy award winner), the show exclusively opens up spies to talk against the cardinal rule of business (which is not to talk). Each episode tells one spy telling the story of one operation.
A division of Graham Holdings Company, the FP forms as a complete advanced package for serious news readers who dislikes academia tone of writing and theoretical research papers (most likely).
3. THE NEW YORKER
Website - https://www.newyorker.com
Although I don't read their pieces, I will definitely recommend it if you are looking to read long-form journalism on aspects that is shaping our daily lives. Their journalism ideas are born from day-to-day happenings in and around the New York City and the rest of the States. Thus, as a literary magazine their Website does not exclusively focus on politics but rather more towards culture and society.
Reading their news column "The Lede" elevates your outlook and knowledge by far on current affairs than by reading any other sources on this list. If you are looking for some additions apart from the context of news then you may pick up my favourites that I follow within the magazine.
4. Project Syndicate (PS)
Website - https://www.project-syndicate.org
This item on the list brings us back to the main discussion — as the title goes. Started as an initiative back in 1990s to nurture the growth of independent thinkers and journalists in post-communist Central and Eastern Europe, today the Project Syndicate (PS) delivers high quality and original commentaries on politics, economics, finance, sustainability, AI, and other global events. They have different items in their inventory including newsletters with a special mention to 'She Writes' that highlights women whose ideas deserve wider readership, quarterly magazines, and exclusive columns authored by well known global figures.
I read a few commentaries and I can bet that this outlet is meant for business professionals & leaders who needs decent reads to stay updated on global events.
5. WION - World is One News
Website - https://www.wionews.com
I can confidently bet that this is one among few Indian news outlets that is at par with international standards. As an English language news channel owned by the Essel Group, it offers breaking and latest news and analysis on World, South Asia including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. I have watched and strongly suggest one of their shows "Gravitas News" that offers in-depth video journalism on international news.
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6. The Diplomat
Website - https://thediplomat.com
With the site tagline — "Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine", The Diplomat offers latest news, analysis, and commentaries on Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and South East Asia on various topics such as Security, Politics, Diplomacy, Economy, and Society. They also publish several other formats including Videos, Podcasts, Photojournalism and monthly Magazines that are available only in online.
You can follow their podcasts for a quick roundup of Asian news and analysis. I strongly recommend their website if you are specifically focusing on Asia-Pacific.
7. The Africa Report
Website - https://www.theafricareport.com/
Probably the only well known and widely read pan-African news magazine, the outlet offers the domestic and international news pertaining to the African countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Uganda, Ghana, Congo and others. They cover everything you need to know in Africa from politics and business till local elections.
It is published from Paris (France) by Jeune Afrique Media Group. Online reports claims that the Website has over 1 million monthly readership and the media recently introduced a paywall to complement its quarterly print edition.
8. Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Website - https://www.orfonline.org
Initially when jolting down the idea for this edition of newsletter, I was hesitant to add any think tanks to the list. Having worked in both journalistic outlets and think tanks during my initial career days, I have argued in my previous articles and online webinars that though both type of organisations do offer in-depth perspectives on international affairs, their tone of writing, focus, target audience, types of published materials and literally every other things differ.
Once again I can confidently bet in a room of 10 people, how many can finish reading a published article from a think tank vs journalistic outlet. I bet not even 9 out of the 10 can finish an article published by think tank as generally they publish materials more academic and theoretical that is unappealing to general audience who wants to read international affairs. But still things are changing and few think tanks in India have already started adopting to tackle these factors.
ORF which is an independent think tank based in Delhi do publish analysis and commentaries available in short forms or short reads which one can read to elevate their outlook on global affairs. Once again like many other publications, the organisation writes on different parts of the world and various topics that includes geopolitics, national security, economics, technology, energy and climate.
Podcasts
Though I have mentioned few podcasts above, here are some more that are standalone in nature and might be a potential inclusion in the list.
1. BBC's Global News Podcast
Published Twice a day on weekdays, daily at weekends including special episodes, this podcast contains the latest from Israel and Gaza and other must know stories from BBC News in a global lens. As of today's date this podcast is available for free on Apple Podcasts.
2. Economist Podcasts
Published by The Economist, every weekday their expert correspondents bring you the stories beneath the headlines. With must know trends and tales from around the world, this podcast can be your perfect companion for gaining in-depth on current affairs. As of today's date, this podcast is available for free to listen on Apple Podcasts including on most other podcast platforms.
3. The Rest is Politics
Former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart collaborate for a podcast and 'The Rest is Politics.' The podcast offers view on politics at home and abroad of their host country, while bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably. This podcast is available to listen for free on Apple Podcast, though it suggests that you might have to invest a few amount in subscription for Ad-free and early access episodes.
This list is just a suggestion and you are most welcome to add your favourites and recommendations in the comment box.