3 Things

Reflecting on the highs of 2025, sports fans relive thrilling moments like Max Verstappen's late surge in Formula One and Crystal Palace's unexpected triumphs in football. Carlos Alcaraz's epic comeback at the French Open and India's Women's World Cup victory spark discussion about unity and legacy. Highlights from the India-England series, Arshdeep Singh's viral charm, and buzzer-beaters in Indian basketball add to the excitement. The hosts and colleagues share their personal favorites, rounding off a year filled with unforgettable sports drama.

A shocking gang-rape incident in Faridabad has led to arrests, stirring outrage. On New Year's Eve, delivery workers staged protests demanding a ban on 10-minute deliveries, highlighting their fight for labor rights. An Indian Express probe reveals that over 99% of Mumbai's civic funds favored the BJP alliance. In international news, China has identified India-Pakistan as mediation hotspots. Meanwhile, protests erupt across Iran as economic turmoil leads to currency collapse and soaring inflation.

Neerja Chowdhury, a veteran journalist and contributing editor at The Indian Express, offers fascinating insights into the political landscape of 2025. She discusses Arvind Kejriwal's surprising political hibernation, and how Nitish Kumar’s win in Bihar redefined alliances and benefited the BJP. Chowdhury delves into Narendra Modi's sustained popularity post-2024 setbacks and outlines Shashi Tharoor's independent stance. She also highlights Priyanka Gandhi's emerging role in parliament and the Congress's reliance on the Gandhi legacy. A compelling analysis of Indian politics awaits!

The host opens with the day’s top stories, diving into a troubling incident where cafe vigilantes assaulted a woman, sparking fear among students. Mamata Banerjee makes headlines by accusing a scam related to the electoral roll revisions, highlighting concerns over AI misuse and harassment. Amit Shah counters with claims of state government complicity in aiding Bangladeshi migrants, raising national security alarms. In global news, tension escalates as China conducts military drills near Taiwan, prompting a heightened response from Taiwan.

Anonna Dutt, a health reporter for The Indian Express, dives into significant health trends from 2025. She discusses WHO's reclassification of obesity and the implications for treatment. Dutt reveals the introduction of weight-loss drugs like semaglutide in India and their impact on accessibility. The conversation shifts to AI in healthcare, exploring innovations that enhance TB detection and support telemedicine. Finally, she emphasizes the health risks of air pollution and necessary long-term solutions.

The latest discussion highlights the Supreme Court's stay on the order affecting the Aravalli region, along with the formation of a new expert committee. The legal landscape continues to unfold with the court's halt of Kuldeep Senghar's bail. In a shocking turn, a racially charged attack in Dehradun leads to arrests. Tensions rise in Piperol as fears of rabies emerge following a buffalo's death during a village feast. Lastly, Tariq Rahman's political comeback adds intrigue as he contests elections in Bangladesh.

Shubhra Gupta, a prominent film critic at The Indian Express, reflects on the cinematic landscape of 2025. She discusses the trend of sequels dominating a lack of originality in films. Delving into specific titles, she analyzes the jingoistic themes of 'Dhurander' and contrasts it with lighter spy films. Shubhra also highlights essential narratives featuring female perspectives and critiques the limitations of sequels. Looking ahead, she expresses hope for innovative storytelling in 2026 while navigating young audiences shaped by constant media influences.

This week, the Supreme Court's controversial ruling on the Aravalli definition raises eyebrows, igniting debates around environmental protection. The political landscape shifts as Uddhav and Raj Thackeray revive their alliance, impacting upcoming elections. In Karnataka, tensions flare over a new hate speech bill, straddling the line between safety and free expression. Meanwhile, ISRO makes headlines with a successful satellite launch, marking a milestone for India's space endeavors. Lastly, Tariq Rahman's return to Bangladesh stirs protests and political upheaval.

Join investigative journalists Ritu Sarin, Soumyarendra Barik, and Jay Mazoomdar as they unravel the complex world of cryptocurrency and its dark side. Sarin reveals shocking findings about the role of crypto exchanges in facilitating money laundering. Barik discusses India's booming crypto market, particularly among Gen Z, while detailing the regulatory gray areas that allow this to thrive. Mazoomdar breaks down sophisticated money-laundering techniques like Havala 2.0, showing how crypto is evolving traditional practices. A must-listen for anyone curious about the nexus of finance and crime!

Today's discussions dive into serious social issues, including the shocking lynching of a Murshidabad labourer in Odisha, highlighting the varying motives behind this tragedy. The podcast also covers violent incidents in Nalbari, Assam, where activists targeted school decorations right before Christmas. It touches on a new Karnataka law addressing hate speech, stirring debates on free expression. Additionally, there's a focus on Tariq Rahman's return to Bangladesh amid regional unrest and student-led protest threats.