3 Things

The podcast delves into urgent news, including Tejashwi Yadav's vow to dismantle the VAKF Amendment Act, signaling a critical shift in Bihar's political landscape. Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as officials prepare for Cyclone Month, with red and orange alerts issued for coastal areas. Additionally, Hurricane Melissa is intensifying in the Caribbean, posing significant threats to multiple nations. The discussion also touches on the potential appointment of Justice Surya Kant as the next Chief Justice, highlighting his judicial record.

Anonna Dutt, a health reporter for The Indian Express, reveals the shocking issues surrounding fake ORS beverages that mislead and harm consumers. She discusses a campaign that successfully pushed for regulatory action against deceptive brands. Nikhila Henry, also from The Indian Express, shares harrowing details about the Kurnool bus tragedy that left 20 dead, including how forensic evidence pointed to a reckless motorcycle rider. The conversation wraps up with the impact of Gandhi Maidan's closure on job aspirants amid election preparations.

This week features Tejashwi Yadav being named the CM candidate for the Mahagath Bandhan, highlighting his focus on development and criticism of the NDA. An FIR has been filed in connection with the death of Akhil Akhtar, following shocking allegations. The investigation surrounding missing gold at the Sabrimala Temple is expanding, implicating key officials. Meanwhile, PM Modi opts for a virtual appearance at the Asian summit, prompting mixed reactions from the Congress party.

Asad Rehman, a political reporter for The Indian Express, dives into the chaos within the Mahagathbandhan alliance just before elections. He reveals tensions over seat-sharing and leadership struggles that threaten the coalition's unity. Ritika Chopra, also from The Indian Express, highlights a new initiative aimed at attracting Indian-origin academics back to India with promises of long-term positions and better support. Additionally, there's an unsettling investigation in Karnataka revealing a scandalous voter deletion scheme, raising serious questions about electoral integrity.

Tejashwi Yadav has been announced as the chief ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, with a focus on unity and development. An investigation reveals the prevalence of dynastic politics among various parties, highlighting the trend across BJP, Congress, and regional groups. In international news, Modi will skip a visit to Malaysia, opting to attend the ASEAN Summit virtually, while Trump claims India will significantly cut its Russian oil imports amid ongoing sanctions.

Udit Misra, an economics reporter, discusses the recent surge in gold prices, highlighting gold’s role as a hedge in uncertain times. He connects the price spike to decreasing trust in traditional investments and central banks. Ritu Sarin, an investigative journalist, reveals the alarming details of a digital fraud case involving a stolen ₹5.85 crore, explaining the role of mule accounts and complicity from bank officials. Lastly, Tejashwi Yadav shares his ambitious promises in Bihar, focusing on job creation and women's welfare schemes.

The discussion kicks off with a look at the surprising trend of fewer Muslim candidates in Bihar elections, raising calls for stronger representation. Next, shocking allegations emerge in the investigation into the death of Akhil Akhtar, involving his family's controversial past. The spotlight then shifts to the Sabrimala gold theft, uncovering potential misconduct among officials and a push for greater scrutiny. Finally, a Diwali call between Modi and Trump highlights evolving India-US relations amidst ongoing trade tensions.

Journalist Nikhila Henry provides insight into a historic Maoist surrender, discussing the ideological rifts and recent defections that are reshaping India's fight against extremism. Mihir Vasavda analyzes India's preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, highlighting its potential impact on future Olympic ambitions and the challenges of hosting such a large-scale event. The conversation also touches on the ongoing controversy surrounding Karnataka's caste survey and the opposition it faces from various groups.

Delhi’s air quality plunges to alarming levels this Diwali, with pollution soaring to between 1,400 and 1,800 µg/m³. In a political shake-up, JMM withdraws from the Bihar elections due to coalition conflicts. Meanwhile, USCIS clarifies the handling of the controversial $100,000 H-1B fee, providing crucial guidance. On the international front, Japan makes history by electing its first conservative female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. Sadly, the podcast also reflects on the legacy of veteran actor Asrani, who recently passed away.

During the festive season, people across the country come together to celebrate, with food—sweet, savory, and deep-fried—often taking center stage. While these treats are fine in moderation, we often indulge more than we should. But how much is too much, and are there ways to make our celebrations healthier?To explore these questions, we speak to Dr Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head, Nutrition And Dietetics, Max Super Speciality Hospital (Delhi).(This episode originally aired on the 30th October, 2024).Hosted and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar