3 Things

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Alok Singh about how the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak escalated into violent clashes in Delhi, why police were caught off guard, and how the confrontation has now widened into a larger political battle.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Amitabh Sinha about this year’s World AI Conference in Shanghai, where China used the global gathering to push its vision for artificial intelligence governance and position itself as a leader in shaping international AI rules. (14:25)And in the end, we look at Santhal filmmaker Ravi Raj Murmu’s historic National Award win for Angen, the first Santhali-language film to receive the Best Debut Film of a Director honour, and what it means for the representation of Adivasi stories in Indian cinema. (25:23)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

With the government's unprecedented decision to take down the film Satluj from an OTT platform, we answer three questions: What law was used to do it? What does this mean for other films and online content? And what story is the film trying to tell?Guests: The Indian Express' Apurva Vishwanath, Manraj Grewal Sharma, and Shubhra Gupta.Hosted, produced and written by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Pragynesh about the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, the Delhi High Court order cited by the police, and how the protest has evolved ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Shubham Tigga about the death of a 75-year-old tuberculosis patient in Jharkhand, whose family spent months trying to access his own ₹8,000 pension savings because of an unresolved e-KYC issue. (18:45)And in the end, we look at the Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the Opposition plans to raise issues ranging from the NEET paper leak and Sonam Wangchuk’s protest to the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation controversy, even as shifting political equations reshape the balance inside Parliament. (29:30)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced 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 with The Indian Express' Alok Deshpande about an announcement made by Sharad Pawar's NCP(SP). Working party president and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule said that the party would support the Centre’s proposed delimitation Bill, but with one condition, that it must provide for a 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats across all states. Alok talks about the condition, what it means for the party and more. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra about India's first hydrogen train that will be inaugurated by PM Modi, today. He discusses what it means for the Indian Railways, why it is a milestone, how it is environment friendly, and how a hydrogen train works. (9:54)Lastly, we talk about mission Aagman, India's first-ever attempt to use a privately developed launch vehicle to place a payload into orbit. (20:14)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Ichha Sharma and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The healdines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Purnima Sah about Maharashtra FDA’s warning over skin-lightening creams found to contain dangerously high levels of mercury and lead, why these toxic ingredients continue to be used, and what consumers should watch out for.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt about Icodec, the world’s first once-a-week insulin shot, recently launched in India, and what it could mean for diabetes treatment by reducing the burden of daily injections for many patients. (13:35)And in the end, we look at a video from Melbourne that has drawn attention to tensions within the Indian diaspora after a purported confrontation between pro-Khalistan protesters and a BJP supporter during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia. (24:35)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra about thefts that have been happening in the Indian Railways. He tells us that in the last few years 1.27 crore pieces of linen have been stolen by passengers from the bedroll kits provided to them in the Indian Railway AC coaches. He discusses the investigation, its findings, and the steps the railways are taking. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Pratip Acharya about over 1800 trees collapsing in Mumbai, which led to three deaths and many people getting injured. He talks about the possible cause, what the BMC is saying, and the concerns such incidents raise regarding the management of the urban tree cover. (10:30)Lastly, we talk about a Jammu court allowing the Jammu and Kashmir Police to conduct a 10 day custodial questioning of three publishers arrested in connection with the publication of books allegedly glorifying separatists. (23:44)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’ Sabah Virani about the landslide that struck the newly inaugurated Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link during its first monsoon, and what the incident reveals about the engineering, safety measures, and long-term resilience of one of Maharashtra’s biggest infrastructure projects.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Sukhbir Siwach about the case of a 16-year-old migrant boy from Bihar who was found in Haryana with his arm severed, and how the incident has exposed the vulnerability of migrant children to exploitation despite existing labour protections. (11:20)And in the end, we look at a CBI investigation into an alleged scholarship fraud in Bhopal, where nearly ₹99.5 lakh meant for MBA students was allegedly siphoned off through bank accounts opened in their names without their knowledge. (21:20)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

With the government's ethanol fuel programme under fire, The Indian Express' National Business Editor, Anil Sasi, joins us to answer three questions: Why did the government start blending ethanol with petrol? Can E20 actually damage your vehicle? And what can India learn from Brazil, which made this transition decades ago?Hosted and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about Women's Reservation and the new constitutional amendment that the government wants to bring in order to be able to implement it. He talks about the challenges the government could face in the process and more.Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry about a landslide in Kerala's Wayanad that has killed three people and left many missing. She talks about the landslide, how it happened, why it is being called a man-made disaster and more. (15:50)Lastly, we talk about a man who has been arrested by the Raipur police and claims that he has been scamming hotels since the last 30 years. (25:25)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’ Kanchan Vasadev about the controversy over Punjab’s anti-sacrilege law, after MLAs admitted they passed the Bill without reading it, reigniting questions about legislative scrutiny, the anti-defection law, and the role of Select Committees in lawmaking.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Amrita Nayak Dutta about the changes the armed forces are seeking to the Agnipath scheme, why they want to retain a larger proportion of Agniveers permanently, and what that could mean for the future of military recruitment. (11:05)And in the end, we look at the suspension of a staff member at the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee amid allegations of irregularities in handling donations, and the wider probe ordered by the Uttarakhand government into how offerings at Badrinath Dham are being managed. (18:30)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 speak with The Indian Express' Devansh Mittal about an unusual problem faced by e-rickshaw drivers in Delhi, where their vehicles suddenly stop working in the middle of road because they are being controlled by certain Bluetooth applications. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Parul Kulshrestha about a number of mosques being demolished in Rajasthan's Barmer and Bikaner. She talks about the demolitions, how the situation has brought people of different faiths together, and the reactions it has received. (8:46)Lastly, we discuss concerns over child sexual abuse videos being promoted on Instagram. (16:10)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’ Varinder Bhatia about the controversy surrounding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after the Akal Takht’s verdict on an alleged video, the subsequent police investigation into forged forensic reports, and where the case goes from here.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Maulshree Seth about the widening investigation into the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which has now expanded beyond missing cash to questions about recruitment, security, financial oversight, and the functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. (12:50) And in the end, we look at what is driving the intense spell of rain across western and central India after the season’s first low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal, triggering landslides, flooding, and multiple deaths. (24:30) 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

With inflation being a persistent concern for people, The Indian Express’ Udit Misra joins us to answer three questions: Do the prices of things always have to go up? Would we be better off if, instead of prices going up, they actually went down? And what can the government actually do to make things more affordable?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’ Naveed Iqbal about the 1990 abduction and killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat, and why a chargesheet filed 36 years later naming former JKLF chief Yasin Malik is significant in the larger context of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt about the Centre’s expanded QR code-based track and trace system for medicines, how it aims to curb counterfeit drugs, and the implementation challenges that could determine whether the initiative succeeds. (8:25)And in the end, we look at the Centre’s concerns over WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature, which officials fear could make impersonation scams and digital fraud easier despite the platform’s planned safeguards. (19:55)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

The care economy is one of the most important enablers of women's participation in the workforce. Women more often than not  perform a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, which often limits their ability to work full-time, or pursue career advancement. When quality childcare services are accessible and affordable, this unpaid burden is reduced, allowing more women to enter, remain in, and contribute to the workforce.In our fourth episode in association with Mobile Creches, where we talk about where we explore the importance of quality childcare services especially for women, and to have this conversation, we are joined by retired IAS officer Arti Ahuja, As a former Secretary across multiple Union Ministries including Labour, Health, and Women and Child Development, she has been at the forefront of India’s major social and economic reforms.Hosted and Produced by Niharika NandaEdited and Mixed by Suresh PawarLinks to episode in association with Mobile Creches:Episode 1Episode 2Episode 3

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Purnima Sah about a fertility racket that has been uncovered in Maharashtra, where financially vulnerable women were made to donate their eggs multiple times for a payment of Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000. She talks about the network, how it operated and the investigation.Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Jayprakash S. Naidu who talks about a series of eight murders that took place in Chhattisgarh's Kharve village and how the police realised all these murders were related. He talks about the incidents, the common link and more. (18:14)Lastly, we talk about an open letter by 117 signatories for PM Narendra Modi and PM Shehbaz Sharif urging them to take steps towards restoring peace and normalcy between India and Pakistan. (22:21)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar Links for our episodes with Mobile Creches:Episode 1Episode 2Episode 3

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie about Indian athletics’ remarkable run of performances, with more than 20 national records broken in just over three months, and how changes in coaching, competition, and training are reshaping the sport.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Amitabh Sinha about Europe’s latest heatwave, why scientists say climate change is making such extreme temperatures more likely, and how a new attribution study helps establish that link. (11:30)And in the end, we look at an East Delhi property fraud case involving forged identities, shell companies and ₹18 crore in fraudulent loans, a scam that took investigators more than a decade to piece together. (21:15)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 speak with The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary about Ayodhya, where allegations of theft and misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple have triggered a major controversy. He shares what the investigation revealed, how the theft was conducted, who has been accused and more.Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Soham Shah about the Maharashtra Teacher's Eligibility Test (TET) getting postponed due to a paper leak. He talks about the exam, how the leak was uncovered, the investigation and what all the candidates can expect. (7:47)Lastly, we discuss how monsoon rains are causing floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh. (15:41)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’ Rinku Ghosh and Sweety Kumari about West Bengal’s decision to remove eggs from mid-day meals in Kolkata under a new pilot project with ISKCON, the nutritional importance of eggs for children, and the political backlash surrounding the move.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Akram M about Karnataka’s proposed Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township Project, why farmers are divided over it, and why it has emerged as one of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s biggest political challenges. (22:50)And in the end, we look at the alleged attempt to carry out mass poisoning at a Muharram procession in Mumbai, where police arrested a Pune man accused of distributing capsules allegedly filled with zinc phosphide to participants in the procession. (30:45)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced 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’ Pragynesh about the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Delhi, the accused’s criminal history, and the questions the case has raised about child safety, policing, and background verification by ride-hailing platforms.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Parul Kulshresth about a series of childbirth-related complications in Rajasthan, after similar cases emerged in Kota, Bikaner and now Jodhpur, raising concerns over maternal healthcare and hospital safety. (10:00)And in the end, we look at new details from the NIA chargesheet on the Pahalgam terror attack, which alleges that the conspiracy was active at least a week before the assault and was being directed by a Pakistan-based handler. (19:20)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarOur earlier episodes on the maternal healtcare crisis in Rajasthan;India’s forex reserves problem, Rajasthan maternal deaths, and SIR concerns | The Indian Express https://share.google/Ehgkk0FvtV6J55Dek

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

In the early years of a child's life, consistent care, nutrition, and emotional support lay the foundation for early childhood development. Haryana's Crèche Policy is attempting to address this need by creating support systems for working parents and ensuring young children receive proper care in their formative years.The Indian Express brings to you our third episode in association with Mobile Creches, were we explore how the policy works on ground, the impact it is having on families, and whether it can serve as a model for childcare support across the country. And to talk about this, we are joined by IAS officer Amneet P. Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government of Haryana. She has extensive experience in health, public administration, and social sector development and has led several transformative initiatives in public health and governance.Hosted and Produced by Niharika NandaEdited and Mixed by Suresh PawarLinks for episode in association with Mobile Creches:Episode 1Episode 2

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Nikhil Ghanekar about the Western Ghats and how after over a decade, the centre is finally close to notifying the Ecologically Sensitive Areas in the region. Nikhil talks about the challenges that were faced in the process, what caused the delays, what will change once the notification is out and more.Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Rural Affairs and Agriculture Editor Harish Damodaran about a weather phenomena called El Nino. He shares how it impacts the monsoon and how in the coming months it can become the reason for a rise in food prices. (15:10)Lastly, we discuss the changes announced by the the Home Ministry in the FCRA framework for NGOs and other organisations. (23:26)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar Links for our episodes with Mobile Creches:Episode 1Episode 2

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Jay Mazoomdar about an investigation that found Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, his family members, and their companies acquired at least 137 plots across Ujjain after he came to power, raising questions about conflict of interest amid the city’s rapid urban expansion.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Sujit Bisoyi about the assault of two NGO workers in Odisha’s Rayagada district, where rumours of child kidnapping spiralled into mob violence and sexual assault, leading to the arrest of 20 people. (18:30)And in the end, we look at the detention of a Rajasthan-based Instagram content creator after he posted a video critical of the RSS, a move that has triggered allegations of police overreach and political intimidation. (26:00)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' Sadaf Modak about the 2006 murder case of Congress leader Pavanraje Nimbalkar. She shares the recent developments in the case according to which eight people who had been accused have been acquitted. She talks about the decision, the reasons behind it and more.Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Devansh Mittal about the draft Electric Vehicle policy 2.0 of the Delhi government and its proposal to ban the registration of new petrol and diesel powered two-wheelers from April 2028. (17:02)Lastly, we discuss why current and former employees of the National Skill Development Corporation have come under scrutiny. (26:32)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines if the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sweety Kumari about the controversy in West Bengal after several Trinamool Congress leaders accused of crimes were publicly paraded by the police, prompting criticism from the Calcutta High Court even as many locals appeared to support the crackdown.Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Alok Deshpande about the fresh crisis within Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, after six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs came under speculation of defecting, raising questions about the party’s future and the latest chapter in the Sena’s long history of internal rebellions. (13:50)And in the end, we look at the NEET-UG retest conducted after the original examination was cancelled over a suspected paper leak, the extraordinary security arrangements put in place, and the anxiety it has caused among lakhs of students and their families. (27:50)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

Recently, the Ministry of Health released the findings of the latest National Family Health Survey, the country's largest health survey. The survey significantly helps us understand what indicators related to issues like hypertension, obesity, cancer, women's and children's health reveal about the country's health.While the survey points to significant gains across several health indicators, it also leaves out some crucial statistics that have raised concerns among public health experts.In today's episode, we will be decoding the survey with The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt, who will share deeper insights into the improvements, the missing elements, and health issues that still remain pertinent among the Indian population.Hosted by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express