Deportees move to Spain, managing economic crisis, and Rapido under scanner

Indians deported from the United States are now seeking new opportunities in Spain, despite the trauma of their previous experiences. Following a crackdown on illegal migration under the Trump administration, many Indians faced harsh conditions during their deportation, including being shackled and unable to contact their families. Reports indicate that around 4,800 Indians were deported between January 2025 and July 2026, with many families unaware of their loved ones' detentions. Now, some of these deportees are looking to migrate again, this time to Spain, driven by the hope of better job prospects and the need to repay debts incurred during their initial attempts to migrate.

The shift toward Spain is notable, as many deportees believe it offers easier visa opportunities compared to the tightened regulations for the US. Travel agents suggest that even those with deportation stamps on their passports can still apply for Schengen visas, although challenges remain. The motivations for this renewed migration include high aspirations for better livelihoods, the diminishing returns of agriculture in Punjab, and the fear of drug abuse among youth. Families are divided in their responses, with some expressing hope for a brighter future while others grapple with loneliness as their children leave for foreign lands.

In addition to this migration trend, the podcast also covers the recent Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford for their contributions to understanding economic stabilization. Their research emphasizes the importance of household and business decision-making in shaping effective government policies during economic crises. This work has become increasingly relevant in light of recent global economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures. Lastly, the episode touches on the scrutiny faced by bike taxi aggregator Rapido following a shooting incident involving one of its riders, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and regulatory compliance in the industry.

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Manraj Grewal Sharma about a new trend emerging in Punjab, where people who had been deported from the US last year on account of illegal migration are once again moving, this time to Spain.

Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Udit Mishra about the Nobel Prize for Economics 2026, which was awarded to Robert E Hall and Michael Woodford for their work that has helped shape how governments and central banks manage economic crises. (16:24)

Lastly, we talk about Rapido being under the Maharashtra government's scanner post Tiger Shroff's firing incident. (32:52)

Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar