3 Things

The podcast dives into the upcoming schedule for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, detailing key dates and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. It also covers a Supreme Court decision rejecting a plea over a Bihar Public Services Commission exam leak amid nationwide protests. Additionally, Tollywood star Allu Arjun’s heartfelt visit to a young boy injured in a tragic stampede is highlighted, showcasing compassion in the face of adversity.

Sukrita Baruah, a reporter with The Indian Express specializing in Arunachal Pradesh, discusses the contentious mega-dam project on the Siang River, examining local resistance grounded in fears of land loss and governmental distrust. She also highlights the strategic implications of the project amid Chinese developments. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the Indian rupee's decline, addressing inflation and trade challenges, before touching on the tragic Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh, which left eight security personnel dead.

Dive into a whirlwind of headlines covering both global and national events. Explore the latest health updates tied to the human metapneumovirus and discover the brewing political tensions in Tamil Nadu. The discussion also sheds light on recent law enforcement actions in Chhattisgarh, alongside the impacts of severe weather. Stay informed about the critical developments shaping the world and your daily life.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, discusses the ramifications of China's massive Brahmaputra dam project on India, highlighting geopolitical tensions and ecological concerns. Ajoy Sinha Karpuram, also from The Indian Express, delves into the intricate ties between reservation systems and religious identity in India, exploring legal challenges and recent rulings. Lastly, the conversation shifts to HMPV, a virus spreading in China with flu-like symptoms, raising health alerts for India.

Dive into the latest news highlights, including ISRO's groundbreaking satellite docking experiment and the Crocs experiment aimed at studying plant growth in space. Discover the political scene in Delhi, as legal troubles surround a former politician, while toxic waste relocation continues to spark debates in Bhopal. The episode also investigates a tragic plane crash in South Korea, revealing ongoing inquiries into the incident.

Dr. G.C. Khilani, chairman of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital and a WHO advisor, sheds light on the air pollution crisis in Delhi. He discusses the alarming short and long-term health effects of pollutants like PM2.5. Listeners learn why the WHO doesn't endorse masks for air quality and the effectiveness of air purifiers. Dr. Khilani also shares insights on the impact of pollution on pregnancy and child health, and emphasizes urgent government actions needed to address this pressing issue.

The latest discussion dives into the Supreme Court's stern remarks towards the Punjab government over a hunger strike led by farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. There's also a spotlight on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's remarks about solar energy contracts with the Adani Group amid bribery allegations. The podcast further touches on a monk in Bangladesh facing sedition charges and sheds light on the relocation of toxic waste in Bhopal, alongside a tragic terrorist attack in New Orleans.

Shubhra Gupta, a respected film critic for The Indian Express, dives into the entertainment highlights of 2024, discussing record-breaking hits like 'Pushpa 2' and the unique appeal of horror comedies. She emphasizes Bollywood's narrative evolution, stressing the need for storytelling over star power. Gupta also celebrates Indian cinema's success at international festivals, including 'Girls Will Be Girls' at Sundance. As she looks ahead to 2025, she notes shifts in audience expectations and potential formula fatigue in popular genres.

Shubhajit Roy, the Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, shares expert insights on India's 2024 geopolitical landscape. He discusses the impact of the Israel conflict and Russia-Ukraine war on India's global standing. The podcast delves into strained relations with Canada and the repercussions of the alleged assassination of a pro-Khalistan leader. Roy also covers the political chaos in Bangladesh and the changing dynamics with China, highlighting the intricate balance India must maintain in its foreign policy.

On the last day of the year, the Chief Minister of Manipur expressed deep regrets over the ongoing ethnic strife that has plagued the state. In a notable case, a politician surrendered in connection to a murder in Maharashtra, stirring tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are witnessing a historic rise in female candidates, marking an encouraging trend for women's representation in Indian politics. The discussion reflects on the tumultuous year gone by while looking forward to new beginnings.