3 Things

An influencer's plea to the Supreme Court sparks discussions about the 'India’s Got Latent' scandal and the repercussions of his controversial comments. Political jabs fly as the BJP criticizes Congress for fat-shaming Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir's Lt Governor emphasizes the government's commitment to restoring full statehood, highlighting its significance. The episode also touches on notable moments from the 97th Academy Awards and international developments, including updates on Ukraine's President.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, dissects the explosive meeting between Zelensky and Trump, shedding light on the fragile state of international diplomacy. Meanwhile, Anonna Dutt dives into India's alarming obesity crisis, questioning traditional metrics and stressing the urgency of lifestyle changes, especially for children. The discussion is rounded out with a look at the devastating avalanche in Uttarakhand, highlighting the rescue challenges posed by severe weather and climate change.

This week covers Delhi’s staggering Rs 2,002 crore loss linked to a controversial excise policy fraught with corruption allegations. The fallout has led to high-profile arrests within the AAP party. Additionally, India’s abstention from UN votes regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict is discussed, highlighting its delicate diplomatic stance. The podcast also touches on the government's opposition to lifetime bans for convicted politicians, suggesting a contentious debate about electoral integrity.

Join Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, who provides keen insights into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, addressing evolving resolutions and international stances. Parul Khulshrestha, an investigative reporter, dives into a troubling sexual exploitation case in Rajasthan that has exacerbated communal tensions. Additionally, they discuss the harrowing story of a father grappling with U.S. visa red tape in the midst of a family crisis, highlighting the urgent need for reform in visa policies during emergencies.

Hear about the Uttarakhand High Court's scrutiny of the Uniform Civil Code and its implications for personal privacy. A senior advocate argues that it leads to unnecessary surveillance and potential rights violations. Controversy brews as Congress leader Sam Pitroda misstates facts about a prestigious educational institute, drawing condemnation and warnings of legal action. Lastly, a teacher faces suspension for derogatory remarks about Bihar, stirring discussions on civic pride and accountability.

Amitabh Sinha, a reporter at The Indian Express with expertise in artificial intelligence, discusses the urgent need for India to develop its own large language model amid global AI advancements. Man Aman Singh Chhina, also from The Indian Express, details the alarming wave of grenade attacks in Punjab and the intersection of terrorism and gang violence. The conversation concludes with the government's stance on banning convicted politicians from elections, emphasizing that such issues should be handled by Parliament.

The podcast dives into the government's opposition to lifetime bans for convicted politicians, defending a six-year disqualification as sufficient deterrence. It also covers the BJP's strategic delay in selecting a new national chief, attributed to their focus on recent Delhi elections. Additionally, listeners hear about a communal clash during Shivratri in Jharkhand and the latest crime report from Pune, alongside President Trump's immigration initiative for wealthy investors. A mix of political maneuvering and social commentary makes for a compelling discussion.

The podcast delves into the Indian government's aggressive approach to ending Maoism, aiming for eradication by 2026. It highlights the resurgence of Indian Railways post-COVID, especially the growing revenue from AC class travel. Finally, it addresses the significant ruling against a former Congress MP for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, shedding light on the ongoing quest for justice and the challenges faced by the victims' families.

In a gripping discussion, the hosts unveil a staggering Rs 2,002 crore loss suffered by the Delhi Government due to a controversial excise policy, which was marred by corruption scandals. They illuminate the life sentence handed to former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar for his heinous role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Additionally, the U.S. imposes sanctions on several India-based companies linked to Iranian oil trade, raising eyebrows about international relations and domestic repercussions.

Jatin Anand, a seasoned reporter for The Indian Express, provides an insightful overview of Delhi's new CM Rekha Gupta, discussing her political rise and future challenges. Nikhila Henry, also from The Indian Express, dives into the tragic tunnel collapse in Telangana, detailing the ongoing rescue efforts for trapped workers and the complexities faced by teams. They also touch on the concerning trend of internet shutdowns in India, highlighting its implications for digital rights and governance.