3 Things

Alok Deshpande, a seasoned journalist from The Indian Express focusing on Maharashtra politics, dives into the intriguing Pune land deal involving Ajit Pawar's family, revealing layers of political intrigue and legal controversies. Kanchan Vasdev, an expert on Punjab politics, unpacks the burgeoning row over a high-profile Chandigarh bungalow, dubbed Shish Mahal 2.0, which threatens to tarnish AAP's image. They also touch upon the cultural clash in West Bengal over the legacies of literary titans Tagore and Bankim, fueling ongoing political tensions.

This week, a political storm brews as Rahul Gandhi claims 25 lakh votes were stolen in Haryana's elections. Phase one voting kicks off in Bihar, with key players like Tejasvi Yadav in the spotlight. Meanwhile, investigation reveals over 600 legal battles tied to JNU since 2011. In a shift, Russian oil shipments to India plummet amid new U.S. sanctions. Finally, Democrats celebrate wins in midterm races even as voter dissatisfaction lingers over the economy.

Asad Rehman, a political reporter at The Indian Express, delves into Rahul Gandhi's explosive claims of voter manipulation in Haryana, highlighting methods like duplicate photos and mass deletions. Jayprakash Naidu, a railway journalist, discusses the tragic Bilaspur train crash, revealing crew errors and the significance of missing cabin CCTV. They also touch on a money laundering probe involving cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, where assets have been attached due to alleged ties with a betting platform.

Bihar's assembly elections heat up as voting begins, with major candidates vying for attention in contested seats. Notable face-offs include RJD's Tej Pratap Yadav's independent run amidst a crowded race. Meanwhile, scrutiny rises around the Election Commission's unused de-duplication software linked to voter list inaccuracies. In Assam, the resignation of the chief information commissioner sparks discussions following an RTI controversy. Additionally, the Philippines faces a state of emergency as Typhoon Kalmae wreaks havoc, displacing thousands.

Vandita Mishra, National Opinion Editor at The Indian Express, delves into Bihar's political scene as the state approaches its elections. She discusses the significance of new entrants like Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj and evaluates the challenges facing Tejashwi Yadav. Despite Nitish Kumar's long tenure, Vandita explains how voters continue to trust his governance, especially his women's initiatives. The conversation highlights voter grievances like corruption and joblessness while considering the dynamics of party alliances and the potential impact of Nitish's re-election.

Discover the latest political drama as Rahul Gandhi claims massive electoral fraud in Haryana. Explore the tumultuous political scene in Bihar with details on the arrests and allegations faced by Anand and Anant Singh. Dive into the ongoing legal struggles of JNU, revealing over 600 court cases. Plus, hear about Democratic victories in key U.S. elections and a controversial incident at the Miss Universe 2025 sash ceremony that caught everyone's attention.

Manraj Grewal Sharma, a journalist at The Indian Express, discusses the staggering 74% rejection rate of Indian student visas in Canada. She highlights the policy changes and rising fraud as key reasons, affecting both students and universities. Shubhajit Roy, the diplomatic affairs editor at The Indian Express, analyzes recent developments in US-China relations, stressing their global implications. Finally, the podcast addresses the tragic Bilaspur train collision, detailing the incident's impact and the ongoing rescue efforts.

Today’s highlights include Bihar's election campaign, where most activities have been peaceful, except for a dramatic clash in Mokama. The rationale behind political candidates with criminal records is also discussed. In legal news, the Allahabad High Court has quashed an unlawful conversion FIR. Additionally, sharp declines in rankings for notable Indian institutes raise eyebrows. Lastly, reports indicate a significant drop in Russian oil exports to India due to US sanctions, shaking up the energy landscape.

Mihir Vasavda, a senior sports journalist, and Vinayakk Mohanarangan, a cricket commentator, celebrate India's historic Women's World Cup victory. They recount key moments and player stories, highlighting the journey of Shefali Verma and the match dynamics. Amitabh Sinha, a technology and space reporter, discusses ISRO's landmark CMS-3 satellite launch, emphasizing its implications for India’s space independence. The conversation also explores the significance of the National Household Income Survey in revealing income inequalities across the country.

The podcast dives into a tragic bus-truck crash in Chevella, leaving 19 dead, and reports on a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan that has caused significant destruction. The conversation shifts to a high-profile CBS interview with Trump, where he raises concerns about nuclear testing in various countries and shares his views on Venezuela and US operations. This engaging mix of current events highlights both the challenges faced globally and the political landscape shaping international relations.