3 Things

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary about the special session of the parliament that was held to debate and pass the 131st Constitution Amendament Bill which aimed to implement 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, and facilitate delimitation. The bill failed to receive the required majority and Deeptiman shares why it happened and how things will proceed. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sweety Kumari about the 27 lakh people in West Bengal who still don't know if they will be able to vote in the Assembly polls that are to be held in the state soon. Sweety talks about the plight of these people, the processes in place and what lies ahead for them. (16:32)Lastly, we talk about Iran changing its mind about opening up the Strait of Hormuz and two Indian flagged carriers being attacked by the Iranian navy. (29:54)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Drishti Jain about the workers' unrest in Noida, where protests over rising living costs and stagnant wages turned violent, raising questions about labour distress and widening economic pressures.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Apurva Vishwanath about the case involving Justice Yashwant Varma, who resigned amid allegations that large amounts of cash were found at his residence, and what his resignation means for accountability within the judiciary. (13:50) And in the end, we look at a controversy in the Indian Premier League, where Chennai Super Kings has complained against Royal Challengers Bengaluru over stadium commentary and music during a recent match. (23:00) 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 talk to The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about the three bills that were circulated by the centre, which will pave the way for a fresh round of delimitation. The exercise could increase the strength of the Lok Sabha, while bringing into effect one third reservation for women. Vikas shares the concerns that have been raised against the exercise, especially by the Southern states.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amaal Sheikh about a circular that was released by the Athletics Federation of India, which said that athletes will have to inform the AFI about their sponsorships and the contracts that they sign with regards to the same. Amaal shares more about the circular and how it has been receiving backlash. (13:14)Lastly, we talk about Nitish Kumar resigning from the post of Bihar's CM and paving the way for BJP's Samrat Choudhary. (19:07)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' Apurva Vishwanath about the Sabarimala Temple Entry case, as a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court re-examines the landmark ruling that allowed women of all ages to enter the temple, and the larger constitutional questions around faith, equality, and judicial intervention.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about why this year's monsoon forecast is raising concerns, with the India Meteorological Department predicting below-normal rainfall and warning of possible disruptions linked to El Niño. (14:00)And in the end, we look at how M. K. Stalin has escalated his opposition to the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise, framing it as a question of federal balance and political representation. (24:15) 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 remince the beautiful music of Asha Bhonsle with The Indian Express' Suanshu Khurana. She talks about the versatility of her voice, how she experimented with different genres of music, how she managed to gather fans across generations by singing at least 12,000 songs in 20 different languages and what her work says about her as an artist. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry about the Telangana Employees Accountability and Monitoring of Parental Support Bill, 2026, which the Telangana assembly passed last month. She talks about the bill and highlights that it seeks to hold both government and private employees accountable for supporting their aged, dependent parents. (18:02)Lastly, we talk about the impact of the war in West Asia on different industries and brands in India. (26:05)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' Anonna Dutt about the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 and how its new certification requirements are raising concerns about access to gender-affirming healthcare, legal identity, and the future of those already in transition.Next, we turn to Odisha, where protests have erupted in Rayagada district over a bauxite mining project linked to Vedanta Limited. The Indian Express' Sujit Bisoyi explains the roots of the conflict, the recent clashes, and why local communities continue to resist such projects.And in the end, we look at how the Gujarat High Court has intervened to restore voting rights to individuals whose names were missing from electoral rolls, raising broader concerns about electoral processes and administrative lapses. Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda, and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Ravik Bhattacharya about an investigation that was conducted by him and The Indian Express' Atri Mitra regarding 11 universities that were established by the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal in 2017 and 2018. Ravik shares what he saw at these universities, the state of affairs, what they lacked and more. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about India changing its mind about hosting the COP33 summit in 2028. In 2023, when the COP summit was held in Dubai PM Modi made an offer to host COP33 in India, however, now it has been learnt that India does not want to go ahead with that. Amitabh shares why that is the case. (14:25)Lastly, we talk about Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's visit to Qatar amid the Iran war ceasefire. (27:56)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Anil Sasi about a major milestone in India's nuclear programme, as the Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attains criticality, marking a significant step in the country's long-term three-stage nuclear energy strategy.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukalp Sharma about why the West Asia ceasefire has not fully eased the energy shock, especially for import-dependent countries like India, with continued risks around supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. (13:35)And in the end, we take a look at the first big round of polling across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, as key political contests unfold ahead of results next month. (24:00)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 talk to The Indian Express' Ravik Bhattacharya about the anger that people have in West Bengal against the SIR. West Bengal is going to have its assembly election later this month and even currently the fate of 60 lakh voters hangs in the balance. Ravik talks about the protests that are happening, how people are reacting to this and how people are feeling helpless. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amrita Nayak Dutta about a new addition to India's nuclear submarine fleet - INS Aridaman. It is the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine after INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Amrita talks about the submarine, its unique features and the significance of these submarines in terms of India's security. (15:07)Lastly, we talk about an incident where two minors were killed inside their house in Manipur and how this has led to protests in the Bishnupur district of the state. (23:10)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited 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 upcoming Assam Assembly Election, where the BJP-led alliance is seeking another term on the back of welfare schemes and political consolidation, while the Congress attempts to rebuild its position amid internal challenges.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Varinder Bhatia about a series of financial frauds across Chandigarh and Haryana, where investigators say a common template was used to siphon off government funds through multiple banks, exposing systemic loopholes. (17:40)And in the end, we look at a case from Jammu that has drawn attention to alleged recruitment rackets sending young men into the Russia-Ukraine War, after a 24-year-old from the region died on the frontlines under unclear circumstances. (27:35)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' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He shares the recent developments, everything that is going on, President Trump's speech and what all predictions can be made for the upcoming days as far as the war is concerned.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Jatin Anand about AAP leader Raghav Chadha being removed from the position of party's deputy leader in Rajya Sabha. He talks about the reasons that the party has given for doing this, what this step means, and what Raghav Chadha had to say about the same. (16:11)Lastly, we talk the government of Odisha increasing the percentage of reserved seats for SC, ST and SCBC students. (26:41)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Parul Kulshrestha about how tighter safety norms for sleeper buses have brought Rajasthan's traditional bus body manufacturing industry to a standstill, with small workshops struggling to adapt to new compliance requirements.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the Moon's neighbourhood in more than five decades, and what this test flight means for future lunar landings planned later this decade. (14:10)And in the end, we look at how the Supreme Court of India has sharply criticised the West Bengal government over violence against judicial officers in Malda, raising concerns about the protection of the judicial process. (26:55)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduceda 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' Nikhila Henry about the upcoming Kerala elections and the current situation in the state. She elaborates on the campaigns being conducted by the parties, the predictions for the elections, what makes this one different and more. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Jayprakash S. Naidu about the situation in Chhattisgarh's remote areas that have experienced Maoist dominance over the years. He shares how the Defence Ministry's BRO has been building roads and bridges to connect these remote areas to the more prominent regions of the state. (14:18)Lastly, we talk about the Lok Sabha passing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which will change the capital of the state. (22:47)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda, and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh PawarLinks to our episodes that cover the upcoming elections:Assam: https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/assam-bjp-red-faced-odisha-farm-unrest-and-iaf-to-get-114-rafael-jets/10529424/West Bengal: https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/a-minority-front-in-bengal-farmers-on-strike-and-raga-slams-india-us-deal/10527502/Tamil Nadu:https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/vijays-political-entry-khameneis-death-and-welfare-scheme-lapses/10563878/ https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/tamil-nadus-poll-mandate-pakistan-as-peacemaker-and-a-rare-birth/10608553/

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Udit Misra about the economic fallout of the ongoing West Asia conflict, as an interim outlook highlights which economies are being hit the hardest and what risks lie ahead for countries like India.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Vineet Bhalla about how courts are increasingly questioning the use of Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with judges warning against turning failed but consensual relationships into criminal cases and stressing the need to prove intent to deceive from the outset. (22:10)And in the end, we look at the stampede at the Maa Sheetla Temple that claimed several lives, once again raising concerns about crowd management and administrative preparedness at large public gatherings in India.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' Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath about the Gujarat Assembly passing the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill. She explains the bill, what it entails and how similar it is to the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Bijin Jose about artificial intelligence and how humans are increasingly becoming dependent on it. He shares how people now prefer talking to AI chatbots, share their thoughts and doubts instead of talking to their friends and family and how is that impacting their communication and social skills. (11:58)Lastly, we give you an update on the war situation in West Asia. (23:15)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarCheck out our conversation on using AI for Therapy, with The Indian Express' Heena Khandelwal:https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/iim-calcutta-rape-case-using-ai-for-therapy-and-a-severe-shortage-of-staff/10126734/ 

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Arun Janardhanan about how the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly Election is shaping up differently this time, with a fragmented, multi-cornered contest replacing the traditional DMK vs AIADMK binary. Next, we turn to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, where Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between the US and Iran. The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy explains how this mediation role evolved, what it signals for regional diplomacy, and how it affects India's strategic interests. (16:15)And in the end, we look at a rare conservation breakthrough, as a Great Indian Bustard chick is born in Gujarat for the first time in a decade, offering hope for the revival of one of India's most endangered species. (26:35)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

India is growing at a breathtaking speed. Expressways stretch across states, start-ups become unicorns overnight, and the ambition of Viksit Bharat fuels policy, business, and public imagination alike. However, this fast-paced development must be carefully aligned with sustainability to ensure long-term, inclusive progress.The Indian Express brings to you our second episode in association with XLRI, Xavier School of Management, where we discuss how India can develop while keeping sustainability in mind.In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tata L. Raghu Ram, professor at XLRI Jamshedpur, and a Member, Jharkhand State Board for Wildlife and Dr. Kalyan Bhaskar, Associate Professor at XLRI Jamshedpur, who has been part of several government committees on circular economy and e-waste management. Both our guests have insights to share on progress that remains inclusive and sustainable.Hosted by Roshun PovaiahProduced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarTap here to listen our first episode with XLRI

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Ravik Bhattacharya about the upcoming West Bengal elections. He talks about the campaigns being carried out by the TMC and the opposition, the hurdles that the parties can face, the situation following the Special Intensive Revision and more.  Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about the Women's Reservation Act 2023 and how the government is trying to implement it. The BJP-led NDA government recently suggested a plan to make sure that the act is executed and the required reservation is done, Vikas talks about the plan and the hurdles in the way. (8:56)Lastly, we talk about a case in the US where a jury has found Meta Platforms and YouTube liable for designing addictive social media products that harmed a young user's mental health. (19:14)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' Nikhila Henry about a proposed amendment to India's transgender persons law that has triggered protests across the country. Next, we turn to Gujarat, where bootleggers are using stretches of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway to smuggle liquor into the state. The Indian Express' Aditi Raja explains how these networks operate, the methods used to evade detection, and how enforcement agencies are responding. (12:30)And in the end, we look at how the Centre is preparing for the fallout of the West Asia conflict, with the Cabinet Secretariat of India setting up seven empowered groups to monitor risks across sectors including energy, supply chains, and logistics. (25:45)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' Zeeshan Shaikh and Drisht Jain about the LPG crisis that has been caused due to the ongoing war in West Asia. They share the situation on ground, how the shortage is impacting eateries and the lower-icome households and the measures that have been taken by the state and the central government. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Kanchan Vasdev about Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's demand of Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan on the pretext that the state has been taking water from river Sutlej since 1960. She talks about the pre-independence agreement that supported this argument and how things have changed over the years. (15:38)Lastly, we talk about the government considering cutting online content blocking timeline to one hour. (23:34)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' Shubhajit Roy about the escalating conflict involving United States, Iran, and Israel, and why it is now being seen as a widening regional war. Next, we turn to the growing debate over India's GDP numbers after a new data series released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation raised fresh concerns about how economic growth is being measured. The Indian Express' Udit Misra explains why discrepancies persist and what this means for policymaking and credibility. (15:25)And in the end, we look at the government's latest effort to operationalise the Women's Reservation Act, including a proposal to expand the Lok Sabha to 816 seats to enable one-third reservation for women. (26:30)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' Sukrita Baruah about veteran Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi joining the BJP and being fielded as a candidate from the party in the Assam polls. She talks about him and his stint in the party and the significance of this change. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about weight loss drug Semaglutide and its availability due to the expiration of its patent. She talks about the medication, its impact, and the rising problem of obesity in India and the world. (11:31)Lastly, we talk about a case of manual scavenging that cost three people their lives in Raipur. (20:35)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar