First Mauritius Podcast

Welcome to First Podcast Mauritius! Today, we’re diving into an environmental issue that’s literally clouding our skies—vehicle emissions. We’ve got an article from L’Express dated September 19, 2025, titled “Halte aux véhicules fumigènes,” detailing a police operation in Curepipe and Sorèze targeting smoky vehicles. Sakur, a student from the University of Mauritius, is here to break it down for us using insights from human psychology, social sciences, political sciences, and history. Sakur, thanks for joining us! Sakur : Thanks for having me, Mahen. This is an interesting topic, especially when we think about how it reflects broader patterns in society and governance. Mahen : Let’s start with the article. It reports that the Police de l’Environnement conducted a special operation, checking 21 vehicles and issuing 16 fines for excessive smoke emissions. Why do you think this issue of smoky vehicles persists, and what does it say about human behavior or societal priorities? Sakur : From...

Welcome to First Podcast Mauritius, where we dive deep into the stories shaping our island and the world. I'm Mahen, your host, joined today by Sakur, a sharp-minded student of social sciences at the University of Mauritius.  Today, we're unpacking a wild headline from Défi Media: Colossal Biosciences' push to bring back the dodo. From genetic breakthroughs to ethical minefields, let's explore if science is resurrection or reckless meddling. Sakur, thanks for joining. Question 1: Is it okay for humans to behave like gods? Mahen: Sakur, let's start with the buzz. This American biotech firm, Colossal Biosciences, just raised 120 million dollars and announced a "pivotal step" in reviving the dodo—our own extinct icon from Mauritius. They're editing pigeon genes to create surrogate moms for dodo embryos, aiming for birds in forests here within a decade. It's like Jurassic Park, bu...