3 Things

Deeptiman Tiwary from The Indian Express, known for his insights on Manipur's conflicts, discusses Prime Minister Modi's significant upcoming visit and its implications amid ongoing ethnic strife. Divya Goyal, also from The Indian Express and an expert on the Punjab floods, highlights the worsening flood situation, exacerbated by human actions and climate change. The conversation turns tragic as they delve into a shocking incident where two infants reportedly died from rat bites in a hospital, raising serious concerns about healthcare standards.

This week dives into Modi's pivotal visit to China, aimed at easing strained ties. Discussions also cover key changes in the Goods and Services Tax amidst a critical flood crisis in Punjab. Political leaders are called to action, as local governments assess relief efforts for flood victims. Additionally, tensions rise over trade policies, with expert critiques shedding light on India's economic landscape. It’s a compelling mix of geopolitics and immediate national issues.

Vinod Karate, Senior Project Director at Central Square Foundation, and Vaibhav Limaye, embedded with Lucknow's Samagra Shiksha Department, discuss transformational educational reforms in Uttar Pradesh. They explore the success of the NIPUN Bharat Mission, revealing how UP achieved significant improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy among young learners. The duo shares insights on teacher training, community involvement, and efficient distribution of educational resources, showcasing the roadmap for future growth in early education.

Udit Misra from The Indian Express dives into the complexities of India's trade with China, highlighting the impacts of US tariffs and the implications of India's rising trade deficit. He discusses the need for manufacturing improvements to capitalize on trade opportunities. Anonna Dutt, also from The Indian Express, reveals alarming trends in cancer cases across India, particularly the rising incidence of oral cancer. The conversation concludes with insights into the recent restructuring of GST rates, exploring its potential effects on consumer demand and economic growth.

Catch up on the latest with key global headlines. Economic decisions from the GST Council could have lasting impacts. A high-profile money laundering case involving a former cricketer sends shockwaves through sports. International updates include the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict and a significant ruling on Harvard's research grants. Also, hear about a tragic railway accident in Lisbon that has drawn attention.

In this discussion, Shubhangi Khapre, a reporter for The Indian Express specializing in Maharashtra, dives into the Maratha community's long-standing struggle for reservation rights, spotlighting a fresh government action. Nikhila Henry, also from The Indian Express, unpacks the political crisis stemming from K Kavitha's resignation from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi amid family disputes. Lastly, the episode highlights a determined Kerala farmer fighting to protect his land from a major mall project, emphasizing ongoing agricultural and environmental challenges.

Explore the transformative impacts of the National Education Policy 2020 and how the Nippon Bharat Mission aims to enhance foundational learning in Uttar Pradesh. Delve into critical national updates, including severe flooding in Punjab and rising political unrest in Telangana. The discussion also highlights significant political shifts, featuring a high-profile suspension in Telangana and Trump's sharp critique of India's trade practices and China's military posture, emphasizing their global implications.

In this discussion, Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor for The Indian Express, shares insights from Prime Minister Modi's crucial visit to China, addressing the state of India-China relations amid ongoing tensions. Raakhi Jagga, who reports on floods in Punjab, details the devastating impact of flooding in over a thousand villages and the community's efforts for recovery. They also touch on Gujarat's innovative use of remotely operated vehicles for rescue operations, showcasing new technology in disaster management.

Key news updates reveal Prime Minister Modi's announcement on advancing the India Semiconductor Mission. His political visit to Mizoram and Manipur is also highlighted. The podcast covers global crises, including a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan and a landslide in Sudan. Additionally, comments from US President Donald Trump on trade relations with India add an interesting dimension to the discussion.

Akram M, a reporter for The Indian Express specializing in Karnataka, discusses the explosive investigation into secret burials in Dharmasthala, fueled by shocking allegations from local workers. Amrita Nayak Dutta sheds light on India's ambitious Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed to rival Israel's Iron Dome and enhance air defense capabilities. Lastly, they explore an unprecedented Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that allows a gifted 11-year-old to skip grades, raising questions about education policies and age restrictions.