3 Things

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Nayonika Bose about Maharashtra’s new Marathi language requirement for taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers, and how thousands of migrant workers in Mumbai are balancing long shifts with language classes to keep their permits.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Aditi Raja about the debate over how the Ahmedabad Air India crash site should be remembered, after the Gujarat government announced plans to redevelop the damaged BJ Medical College hostel blocks while families of victims seek a memorial at the site. (13:00)And in the end, we look at a government-commissioned review of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), which found that funds intended to help rural women start small businesses were often diverted toward immediate household expenses instead. (20:50)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Jay Mazoomdar about a mining project recently exempted by the Maharashtra government from wildlife clearance because it does not fall in any tiger corridor. However, the map submitted by the company to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forests stated otherwise. He talks about the project, the importance of clearances, and more.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Himanshu Harsh about Bihar's alcohol ban and its impact on the state in the last decade. He shares the improvements, but also discusses unintended consequences, such as other substance abuse and a major rise in the consumption of codeine-based cough syrups as a substitute.  (12:08)Lastly, we talk about a tragic incident where a deadly fire at a bed and breakfast in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed 21 people. (19:58)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

Every winter, as Delhi's pollution levels peak, the conversation tends to focus on the same culprits: vehicles, construction, and garbage burning. But one of the biggest contributors to the city's pollution crisis—one that remains with us throughout the year—barely gets discussed: dust.A year-long Indian Express investigation examined road dust in Delhi and tracked the movement of the city's Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), its primary defence against dust pollution. The findings reveal serious gaps in coverage and a fleet far smaller than what experts recommend. In this episode, we speak to The Indian Express' Sophiya Mathew and Drishti Jain, who led this investigation for the paper.To find out whether your zone has been cleaned by MCD's sweeping machines, click here.Hosted and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Chief of National Bureau Sandeep Singh and investigative journalist Ritu Sarin about a global investigation into VFS Global, the visa services giant that processes millions of Schengen visa applications, and the concerns raised over optional paid services, privacy, and data protection practices.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the Quad’s latest initiatives on maritime surveillance, critical minerals, energy security, and port infrastructure, and how the grouping is seeking to reduce dependence on China while strengthening coordination in the Indo-Pacific. (13:40)And in the end, we look at K Annamalai’s decision to step down from the BJP, and what his exit could mean for Tamil Nadu politics at a time when actor-turned-politician Vijay is reshaping the opposition landscape. (24:10)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath about the Supreme Court upholding the legality of the Special Intensive Revision process. She talks about the judgement, why the SIR was challenged in the first place and what it means for the people whose names have been deleted from the electoral rolls.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Vidheesha Kuntamalla about the CBSE's newly launched On-Screen Marking system for the class 12 board examinations. She details how the system works, why the CBSE opted for online checking and the controversy that surfaced due to discrepancies pointed out by the students. (18:39)Lastly, we discuss the collapse of a building in South Delhi's Saket which killed four people and injured ten. (30:33)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sohini Ghosh about the Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction row, why the Centre has asked one of Delhi’s oldest elite institutions to vacate its Lutyens’ premises, and how a parallel rent dispute has complicated the standoff.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Jayprakash Naidu about the worsening drinking water crisis in Riwa village near Raipur, where residents continue to struggle for water despite the promises of the Jal Jeevan Mission. (15:40)And in the end, we look at the latest chapter in the collapse of Byju’s, after founder Byju Raveendran was sentenced to six months in jail by a Singapore court over non-compliance with disclosure orders. (21:55)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headline sof the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath about a case where the Supreme Court allowed a 15 year old girl to terminate a 30 week pregnancy. She highlights what stands out in the case and how the role played by the government in such cases is changing. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Science Editor Amitabh Sinha about increasing heatwave conditions and how it is leading to warmer nights. Higher nighttime temperatures pose higher risks to human health. Amitabh shares why this is happening and why it is risky. (14:52)Lastly, we discuss an Enforcement Directorate raid on former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in connection with a money laundering case. (26:34)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Naveed Iqbal about Jammu and Kashmir’s intensified anti-drug campaign and how the crackdown is expanding beyond arrests to measures such as passport cancellations and property demolitions.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Ishika Gupta about Mumbai’s recent demolition drive in Garib Nagar, where hundreds of structures, including two mosques, were razed by railway authorities, triggering protests, clashes, and questions over rehabilitation. (11:11)And in the end, we look at the alleged mass wedding scam in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, where dozens of men arrived as grooms for a collective marriage ceremony, only to discover that the promised brides never existed. (23:50)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Amaal Sheikh and Drishti Jain about a new Supreme Court order regarding the treatment of stray dogs. Amaal talks about the case, the new order and what the apex court expects from the states. And Drishti updates us on the on-the-ground infrastructure available for implementing the order. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Jatin Anand about the Cockroach Janta Party and its rise over the last few days. He talks about the movement, its origin, its growth and how it has become a political controversy. (11:24)Lastly, we talk about a tiger attack that led to the death of a woman and four people getting injured in Madhya Pradesh. (23:57)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sukrita Baruah about the escalating tensions in Manipur between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga communities.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Atri Mitra about the first major policy decisions of West Bengal’s new BJP government, including welfare changes and the scrapping of the OBC reservation list.(15:34)And in the end, we look at the Delhi High Court’s decision allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in the Asian Games selection trials, while sharply criticising the Wrestling Federation of India for what it described as a vindictive approach. (26:10)Hosted by Shashank BhargavaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by the Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Apurva Vishwanath about a Supreme Court bench that expressed reservations about another bench's decision to deny bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, and what this means for undertrial rights under UAPA.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Asad Rehman about Rahul Gandhi unveiling a statue of Dalit freedom fighter Veera Pasi in Raebareli, and what it reveals about how political parties are increasingly invoking Dalit icons ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections. (13:30)And in the end, we look at the case of Dolly Vadalia, a 26-year-old woman from Rajkot who holds an Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, and a Master's degree from an Indian university but has no recognised nationality and cannot be issued a passport. (20:10)Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about PM Modi's five day Europe visit. He shares the significance of this trip, especially given the geopolitical situation, highlights from the India-Nordic Summit, and how it will impact India's relations with Europe going forward. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anjali Marar about a space exploration mission that aims to study how the Earth protects itself from the Sun. She shares what makes Mission SMILE so unique and why studying space weather is becoming increasingly important. (15:42)Lastly, we discuss a Supreme Court order that sheds light on fatal accidents that were caused on the road and what measures are being put in place in Bihar where the number road fatalities in 2025 was as high as 12,669. (23:56)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar about the legal challenge to the Great Nicobar mega project, and the allegations that tribal consent and forest rights protections were bypassed to clear the project.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt about the nationwide strike by chemists and druggists, who say e-pharmacies and instant medicine delivery platforms are operating without adequate regulation. (11:40)And in the end, we look at the criminal investigation into the death of Twisha Sharma in Noida, where allegations of dowry harassment and coercion have emerged alongside counterclaims from the accused family. (20:00)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

An investigation by The Indian Express has found that funds meant to support athletes and build public sporting infrastructure were also used to develop high-end facilities inside civil services institutions and a residential colony for bureaucrats. In this episode, we speak to Mihir Vasavda, who undertook this investigation, about how the National Sports Development Fund was allegedly diverted, the records uncovered through RTI documents, and why the findings raise larger questions about accountability and the use of public money.You can read the investigation here.Hosted and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by the Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Hamza Khan about the investigation regarding the NEET 2026 paper leak. He shares what led to the initial doubt, how it was confirmed, the probe and how the government has reacted to the leak.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Akram M. about Karnataka: how the state government reversed the 2022 order that had effectively barred hijabs in schools and pre-university colleges and the reactions this decision has received. (10:40)Lastly, we talk about the CBSE's decision regarding the implementation of the three-language rule for Class 9, starting 1st of July, this year. (18:12)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Liz Mathew about the Congress high command naming V D Satheesan as Kerala’s next Chief Minister, and what his elevation reveals about the party’s internal politics and future strategy.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Aditi Raja about the new Sociology curriculum at MS University in Vadodara, which includes modules on Modi Tattva, RSS fieldwork, and Hindu sociology, and why it has sparked debate over politics in the classroom. (11:11)And in the end, we look at the case of a British-Indian doctor who spent four months stranded in India after a Look Out Circular linked to a Facebook post prevented him from leaving the country. (25:05)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Flora Swain and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Udit Misra about PM Modi urging people to reduce the use of Petroleum products. While this is happening against the backdrop of the Iran war, the reason behind this is India's forex or foreign exchange reserves which have sharply depleted since the war began. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Parul Kulshrestha about cases of maternal deaths that have surfaced in Rajasthan's Kota. In these cases, women develop postpartum complications after a C-section which leads to their deaths. She shares the details of the cases and the probe in place. (16:09)Lastly, we talk about BJP governments in West Bengal and Bihar saying that the people who have been deleted from the electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision cannot avail government schemes in their states. (25:57)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sukalp Sharma about the mounting pressure on India’s state-owned oil marketing companies as global energy prices remain elevated amid the continuing West Asia conflict.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Sweety Kumari about the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and why investigators now believe the killing may be part of a larger conspiracy. (10:35)And in the end, we look at the partial collapse of Bihar’s Vikramshila bridge, after repeated warnings about its deteriorating condition allegedly went unaddressed for nearly two years. (22:05)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about Hantavirus and how it caused the deaths of three people on a cruise travelling from Argentina to Spain. The virus was contracted by a few more passengers onboard. Anonna talks about the virus, its symptoms and how serious the situation was on the cruise. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Shivani Naik about two teenage girls from Telangana who will represent India in sailing at the Asian Games. While sailing is mostly seen as an elite sport, it is interesting how an initiative in Hyderabad is introducing the sport to children from underprivileged backgrounds. (11:54)Lastly, we talk about the Indian defence establishment feeling a need for domestically-made artificial intelligence systems. (23:11)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda, and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Arun Janardhanan about C Joseph Vijay taking oath as Tamil Nadu’s chief minister, the collapse of the state’s long-standing Dravidian political binary, and the coalition arithmetic that now lies ahead. Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda about the Sports Ministry’s new guidelines governing India-Pakistan sporting engagements after the Pahalgam attack. (13:50)And in the end, we look at wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s comeback plans being put on hold after the Wrestling Federation of India issued her a show-cause notice. (22:35)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Man Aman Singh Chhina about the three blasts that have occurred in Punjab in the last 10 days and the concerns that they have raised regarding the state's security and the level of proactiveness and preparedness required from the Punjab Police. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Purnima Sah about one of western India’s largest egg supply hubs -   Maharashtra’s Navapur, which has once again been hit by bird flu. She talks about the concerns and how the latest outbreak led to the culling of more than two lakh birds. (7:10)Lastly, we talk to the Indian Express' Maulshree Seth about UP's One District, One Cuisine scheme, the 208 dish list that has been released under it and the concerns that the list has raised. (17:27)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda, and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Tanushree Bose about the BJP’s sweeping victory in West Bengal, the factors behind Mamata Banerjee’s defeat, and who the party is likely to pick as the next chief minister.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Sujit Bisoyi about the first phase of India’s Census exercise, and the challenges enumerators are facing on the ground as the country undertakes its first fully digital Census. (14:20)And in the end, we look at the Union Cabinet approving a revived emergency credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs and airlines affected by the ongoing West Asia conflict. (27:35)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah about the BJP's massive win in the Assam Assembly elections. She breaks down the reasons behind this win, what it means for the state and how politics in Assam has changed over the years. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Nihal Koshie about wrestler Vinesh Phogat coming out and saying that she was one of the six women wrestlers who had filed a case of sexual harassment against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India. (16:44)Lastly, we talk about the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal post the BJP's win in the state. (29;24)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

Yesterday, in the Assembly election, most states voted for change. And the biggest result came from West Bengal, where the BJP won a landslide victory, ending Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress’ 15 year rule. In Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay’s party, TVK, delivered a major sweep by coming close to the halfway mark and toppling the DMK-led government.The Indian Express' Neeta Sharma with Deeptiman Tiwary, Liz Mathew, Vikas Pathak, and Neerja Chowdhury discuss the larger message of the results including BJP’s booth-level consolidation in Bengal, the collapse or weakening of old political structures, Vijay’s emergence in Tamil Nadu, alliance dynamics, and what these verdicts signal for national politics.Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' National Business Editor Anil Sasi about the United Arab Emirates' exit from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or the OPEC. He discusses the reasons for its exit, why the timing is important, and how it will impact global oil prices.  Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Nidheesh MK about a tragic explosion in Kerala's Thrissur right before the Thrissur Pooram festival. The explosion killed 16 people. He shares how it all happened, the investigation, and the cultural significance of Pooram.(12:56) Lastly, we talk about an 18-year-old whose body was recovered 20 days after he disappeared post being chased by cow vigilanties. (26:50)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar