3 Things

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discusses the deportation of 104 Indian citizens from the U.S., emphasizing the government's efforts to ensure humane treatment. Prime Minister Modi critiques the Congress party's focus on internal politics, contrasting it with ideals of national progress. A harrowing account from deportee Harwinder Singh reveals the traumatic conditions faced during repatriation, highlighting issues of dignity and care in the process. The conversation also touches on global concerns like Israel and tensions within domestic politics.

Arun Sharma, a reporter at The Indian Express, dives into the unsettling mystery of 17 unexplained deaths in Jammu's Baddal village, revealing how doctors and the state administration are stumped by the ongoing health crisis. He discusses alarming symptoms linked to potential neurotoxins. The conversation then shifts to Anonna Dutt, who explains the recent classification of packaged drinking water as high-risk food in India, emphasizing the need for tighter safety measures. Finally, there’s a look at the geopolitical implications of the U.S. potentially taking control of the Gaza Strip.

A U.S. military aircraft has returned over 100 deported Indian immigrants, highlighting a significant diplomatic event. The demographics are diverse, with many coming from Punjab and Gujarat. Meanwhile, Delhi is buzzing with elections as major parties vie for power, with reports of voter turnout and allegations of fake votes surfacing. On an international front, India is gearing up for free trade agreement talks with the U.S. soon, signaling a potential shift in economic relations.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, discusses the US's crackdown on illegal Indian migrants, highlighting its effects on diplomatic relations. Anonna Dutt, a health reporter, delves into the alarming outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Pune, connecting it to sanitation issues and potential viral infections. The chat also veers into a fun culinary debate between biryani and upma, reflecting on cultural identity through food while addressing pressing social concerns in India.

Prime Minister Modi highlights significant progress in poverty alleviation and water access in his Parliament address. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh counters claims about Chinese forces in India, asserting that the military is handling the border situation. Meanwhile, the U.S. begins deporting Indian migrants as part of its strict immigration enforcement, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding illegal migration. Additionally, trade tensions are rising due to new tariffs imposed by China.

In this discussion, journalist Mallica Joshi from the Indian Express provides keen insights into Delhi's political dynamics as the Assembly polls approach. She highlights the Aam Aadmi Party's decade of initiatives like free electricity and water, alongside the challenges they face. The deep dive into the BJP's electoral strategies reveals their focus on financial incentives, especially for women. Joshi also touches on the intense rivalries over healthcare schemes and pressing voter concerns, painting a vivid picture of the electoral landscape.

Political tension brews as Rahul Gandhi alleges that 70 lakh new voters were added to Maharashtra's rolls before the state elections, raising questions about the Election Commission's integrity. He emphasizes the need for an employment plan for India's youth, criticizing past government responses. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar refutes claims about his U.S. visit, clarifying it was for official duties and not for political gains. The discussions highlight the intersection of electoral transparency and youth concerns in India.

In this discussion, Udit Misra, a journalist from The Indian Express, unpacks the implications of the Union Budget 2025 on India’s economic landscape. He highlights unprecedented tax breaks for the middle class aimed at economic stimulation. Misra addresses challenges like stagnating GDP growth and rising unemployment, while critiquing past government strategies. He emphasizes the need for skill development in the age of AI and explores the political dynamics influencing regulatory reforms. The conversation also touches on the return to agriculture and its effects on economic growth.

This week, a significant initiative has been launched to reduce India's dependence on foreign minerals through the National Critical Minerals Mission. Political tensions escalate as the Waqf Amendment Bill faces criticism for its rushed review process. In a bold move, Arvind Kejriwal challenges major political leaders to address the Yamuna river's pollution, linking it to ongoing environmental concerns. Additionally, recent U.S. legislative actions on immigration are examined, highlighting international political dynamics.

Join reporters Maulshree Seth and Bijin Jose from The Indian Express as they delve into critical issues making headlines. Maulshree provides a gripping account of the Maha Kumbh stampede, detailing the chaos, casualties, and necessary safety changes afterward. Bijin then explores the newly launched Chinese AI models by Deepseek, discussing their innovative features and the concerns they raise in the US about competition. They also cover the tragic collision of an American Airlines jet with a Black Hawk helicopter, bringing a somber perspective to the conversation.