3 Things

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Ravi Dutta Mishra about the 50% US tariffs that came into effect yesterday.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Mohamed Thaver about how the Mumbai police is now managing to retrieve stolen phones, and how other cities can replicate that model. (08:15)In the end, we speak to The Indian Express' Sohini Ghosh to discuss why the Delhi High Court set aside an order that had directed Delhi University to disclose the details of PM Modi's educational degree. (19:42)Hosted by Shashank BhargavaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Th eheadlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' National Rural Affairs and Agriculture Editor Harish Damodaran about agriculture and dairy becoming a major point of contention between India and US during the negotiations regarding the trade deal. He shares why India was not ready to import agricultural and dairy products from the US. Next, our colleague Neeta Sharma talked to The Indian Express' Harikishan Sharma about a recent development where India alerted Pakistan about the Tawi river flooding even though the Indus Waters Treaty stands suspended. (10:40) Lastly, we talk about the US formally declaring that the 50% tariffs on Indian imports announced recently, will become effective starting today. (15:07)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda, Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, The Indian Express' Udit Misra talks about US president Donald Trump and his tariff regime, which has become the most consequential economic policy of his second term.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Adrija Roychowdhury about how nearly 80 years after one of the darkest chapters in pre Partition India, a new film has reignited debate over one of its figures, Gopal Mukherjee. (14:34)In the end, we discuss the Supreme Court directing five comedians, including Samay Raina, to issue an unconditional apology over their remarks regarding people with disabilities. (27:24)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 Legal Editor Apurva Vishwanath about a new bill that was introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha last week which seeks to remove a Central or State Minister who is facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and has been detained for at least 30 days.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Vineet Bhalla about the Supreme Court's new order on the issue of stray dogs in Delhi NCR. The order that was released on 11th August faced a massive backlash from animal welfare groups and general public, as a result another fresh order with new conditions was released last week.Lastly, we talk about the identification of a Pakistani woman who has been residing in India since the last seven decades. The fact came out during the Special Intensive Revision happening in Bihar. Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

[Note for our listeners: Today's show will be almost entirely in Hindi. We will resume our regular programming in English starting next week.]बिहार में निर्वाचन आयोग की स्पेशल इंटेंसिव रिवीजन (SIR) प्रक्रिया ने मतदाताओं में चिंता और उलझन बढ़ा दी है। इस प्रक्रिया के तहत चुनाव से कुछ ही महीने पहले पुरानी मतदाता सूची रद्द कर नई सूची बनाई जा रही है। नतीजा यह हुआ कि पहली ड्राफ़्ट सूची में से ही लाखों नाम काट दिए गए। लोग अपने वोट देने के अधिकार को लेकर परेशान हैं और पूरे राज्य में अफ़रा-तफ़री का माहौल है। इस एपिसोड में The Indian Express के संतोष सिंह की ज़मीनी रिपोर्टिंग के ज़रिए हम समझेंगे कि यह विवादित क़दम क्यों उठाया गया और इसका असर कितना बड़ा है।होस्ट और प्रोड्यूसर: शशांक भार्गवसाउंड एडिट और मिक्स: सुरेश पवार

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy breaks down what the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signals about evolving India–China ties, the friction and convergence in forums like BRICS and SCO.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt on how the Indian Council of Medical Research is expanding wastewater surveillance to track outbreaks of diseases and how this public health tool could provide early warning signals in 50 cities across India. (16:25)And finally, we turn to rural Haryana, where The Indian Express' Sukhbir Siwach explains a rare Supreme Court-supervised recount has reversed the outcome of a 2022 sarpanch election. (26:13)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

In recent weeks, Telangana has been shaken by revelations that the phones of at least 600 people were allegedly tapped ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. Investigators say the surveillance, carried out during the BRS government's tenure, targeted opposition leaders, political workers, and journalists during the sensitive pre-election period. Today on the show, The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry joins us to look at what we know about the case so far, what investigators suggest about the scale and intent of the tapping, and the larger concerns it raises.Hosted, produced, and written by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar  

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah about a case of missing coal. 2 lakh metric tonnes of illegally mined coal has gone missing from two villages in Meghalaya. She shares the controversy that this has led to and the investigation that is happening in the case.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Nikhil Ghanekar about the global plastics treaty and the failure to forge it. For the second time in eight months, countries have failed to finalise the treaty and create rules that every nation should abide by in order to reduce plastic production and pollution. (12:34)Lastly, we talk about the government's plans regarding the GST regime and the amount that would be levied on online gaming. (20:02)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First we talk to The Indian Express' Amrita Nayak Dutta about India's military academies, where hundreds of cadets over the years have been forced to leave training due to life-altering disabilities and what happens to cadets who are medically discharged.Next, The Indian Express' Arun Sharma talks about Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir, where flash floods swept through a crowded yatra route, destroying bridges, camps, and leaving dozens missing. (14:01)And in the end, we look at Kerala's newly released draft policy for elderly persons, which outlines a multi-pronged approach including local care cadres, a dedicated Vayojana Commission, and a budgetary mandate for elder welfare. (24:25)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

On India's 79th Independence Day, we spotlight stories often left out of the mainstream narrative — ones that reveal how the vision for a new India was never uniform. From young Indians in Britain rallying against colonial rule, to fierce debates over caste and representation, to the struggles of French and Portuguese territories that remained under foreign control long after 1947. These are stories of competing ideals, unfinished battles, and the diverse paths different regions and communities took toward independence, reminding us that liberation meant different things to different people.Guest: Professor Arup K. Chatterjee (OP Jindal Global University), The Indian Express' Nikita Mohta and Adrija Roychowdhury.Hosted, written and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

Mobile Creches since 1969, has been working to ensure that children of migrant and construction workers receive the care, nutrition, and early learning they need in order to thrive. They have worked to create an environment that promotes women empowerment, family wellbeing, healthy children and inclusive national growth.In the fifth and final episode of our series in association with Mobile Creches, Niharika Nanda is in conversation with Chavi Vohra, Executive Director, Mobile Creches, Pradeep Kumar, Founder Secretary, Nipun, a NGO partner for Mobile Creches and Maimul Ansari, a creche worker. The conversation will explore Mobile Creches' work in the tribal regions of India, and how quality care can give children the agency to grow into adults who will prove to be strong pillars for a Viksit Bharat.Hosted and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarLinks to the previous episodes in the series:Episode 1Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Alind Chauhan about Mumbai's decision to stop pigeon feeding at public Kabutarkhanas and the health risks linked to pigeon droppings, and why the move has sparked resistance from the Jain community and animal rights activists.Next, we head to Goa, where The Indian Express' Pavneet Singh Chhada explains the push for legalisation of bull fighting, locally known as dhirio, its cultural roots of this practice, and why enforcement has failed to stop it from continuing in secret. (16:17)And in the end, we look at a protest in Maharashtra, where members of the Qureshi community have gone on strike over alleged harassment by cow vigilantes. (25:18)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarFurther reading:https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/pigeon-feathers-droppings-almost-killed-ahmedabad-woman-lung-transplant-8558793/

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Mallica Joshi and Vineet Bhalla about the Supreme Court's recent order where it has directed municipal authorities to pick up and house all stray dogs in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region in dedicated shelters, and to do it within just eight weeks.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda about the National Sports Governance Act, which was passed by both the houses of the parliament this week. Mihir shares how the act aims to overhaul how various sports federations function and proposes the setting up of a tribunal which will handle a wide range of disputes. (13:12)Lastly, we talk about another allegation about vote fraud. BJP leader Lahar Singh Siroya has accused Siddaramaiah of purchasing votes to win the Badami constituency in Bagalkot district during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly polls. (23:10)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, The Indian Express' Shubham Tigga talks about the recent killing of a 60-year-old woman in Jharkhand, allegedly over accusations of witchcraft. Next, The Indian Express' Aishwarya Raj reporting from the ground discusses Uttarkashi where flash floods have left dozens missing and rescue operations face mounting challenges. (10:50)And in the end, we discuss India's sharp rebuttal to nuclear threats issued by Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir. (23:50)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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Asad Rehman about the allegations levelled by Rahul Gandhi on the Election Commission. He talks about the press conference conducted by the Leader of Opposition last week where he alleged that over a lakh votes were stolen in the Mahadevapura constituency in Bangalore and the EC colluded with the BJP to make this happen. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukalp Sharma about the fact that even though the US has threatened to impose extra 25% tariffs on India as we continue to import Russian oil, it was actually the US itself which played a major role in India ramping up its oil imports from Russia. (19:13)Lastly, we talk about the CBSE introducing open textbook assessment after a pilot study for class 9, from the next academic session. (30:56)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Ravi Dutta Misra about US President Donald Trump announcing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total up to 50%, in response to India's continued purchase of Russian oil during the Ukraine war. Ravi shares what this means for the Indian economy and India US ties.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amrita Nayak Dutta about the Indian Army's plan to integrate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs more commonly known as drones to their standard weapon system. This development gained momentum after Operation Sindoor and Amrita shares what significance it holds. (10:49)Lastly, we talk about the Jammu and Kashmir government banning the publication of 25 books that have been written about Kashmir. (18:20)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

Mobile Creches in addition to setting up creches in urban areas, also works in the rural belts of Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to ensure the children in these belts have access to creches which is the first step towards a brighter future- for the child, the family and the country as a whole.In the fourth episode of our five part series in association with Mobile Creches, Niharika Nanda is in conversation with Chirashree Ghosh, Executive Director, Policy and Partnerships, Mobile Creches and community engagement expert Mukesh Kumar. We will discuss why policy support is essential for Early Childhood Development and the role that is played by grassroot governance structures like Panchayats.Hosted and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarLinks to the previous episodes in the series:Episode 1Episode 2Episode 3

Firstly, The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha explains the flash floods in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, where heavy debris flow has destroyed parts of Dharali village.Next, The Indian Express' Maulshree Seth talks about Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh where a revival of a long-forgotten river tells us how a district-led effort has brought the Noon River back to life. (10:08)And in the end, we look at how two officials, a Cabinet Minister and a police sub-inspector, have gone viral amid flood-like conditions in several parts of UP. (23:08)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shasahnk 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 Shibu Soren, a political figure who played a key role in Jharkhand achieving its statehood. Soren passed away this Monday and Vikas shares about his journey, the ups and downs and the legacy that he leaves behind. Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Aishwarya Raj about a new measure that is being adopted by hotels, guest houses and homestays in Mussoorie in order to keep a check on the issue of overcrowding that the Himalayan tourist destination has been facing for many years now. (16:40)Lastly, we talk about US President Donald Trump threatening to“very substantially” raise tariffs on imports from India within the next 24 hours, citing New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil. (27:13)Hosted by Niharika NandaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda, Ichha Sharma and Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express.

Last Thursday, a special court in Mumbai acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit. The court said that the prosecution had failed to present cogent and reliable evidence, and had not been able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. And it also noted that there was a “strong suspicion” about the accused and their role in the blast, but that suspicion cannot be a substitute for “legal proof.”Today on the show, The Indian Express' Sadaf Modak and Apurva Vishwanath join us to break down the verdict, the procedural lapses, and what this case reveals about the handling of long-running terror trials in India.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' Jayprakash Naidu about a controversial legal case in Chhattisgarh involving the arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. Next, we speak to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about ICMR's announcement of AdFalciVax, a new malaria vaccine candidate and what makes it different from existing options. (11:18)And in the end, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah about Kaziranga National Park's first ever grassland bird census. (20:56)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

Firstly, we talk to the Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about ISRO and NASA successfully launching a joint Earth observation satellite called NISAR.Next, The Indian Express' Nikhil Ghanekar talks about the Supreme Court-appointed committee on the Great Indian Bustard that has submitted its recommendations, aiming to reconcile India's green energy push with the urgent need to protect this critically endangered bird. (16:28)And finally, just as India celebrated its trade deal with the UK, a new challenge has emerged across the Atlantic. US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing India's high import duties and its growing ties with Russia. (26:16)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar 

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express