3 Things

Sohini Ghosh, a journalist at The Indian Express covering digital policy, discusses the Sayog portal that streamlines online content takedowns, raising concerns over freedom of speech. Meanwhile, Apurva Vishwanath, national legal editor, analyzes the legal intricacies of the National Herald case, focusing on a recent court ruling that has complicated the ED's prosecution against the Gandhi family. The conversation also explores the controversial suspension of a Jamia professor over an exam question, igniting a debate on academic freedom.

Dense fog is wreaking havoc in North India, leading to flight cancellations and train delays amid poor air quality. Politically, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's alliance raises eyebrows as Mumbai prepares for civic polls. Tensions escalate in Howda following protests over a worker's tragic death in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the US is considering significant changes to the H-1B visa system, moving away from the random lottery to a focus on wages and skills. Tune in for these pressing issues!

Join Jay Mazoomdaar, a senior reporter focused on environmental policy, as he discusses the new definition of the Aravalli hills and its implications for local mining and construction. Anonna Dutt, a health reporter specializing in pharmaceutical policy, provides insights on data exclusivity and its potential impact on India's drug industry, including the likelihood of delays for generics. Lastly, they touch on the Enforcement Directorate's push for faster probes amidst mounting criticism. This conversation is a deep dive into pressing issues shaping the environment and healthcare in India.

Today's headlines cover the Indian government's actions against XCorp, flagging numerous URLs for violating regulations. Tensions rise as Bangladesh summons the Indian High Commissioner over safety concerns regarding consular services. The complex Akhlaq lynching trial is fast-tracked, with a court pushing for daily hearings. Protests erupt in Rajasthan following the Supreme Court's new hill definition that could affect mining. Lastly, Trump's remarks on the recently released Epstein files spark discussions about reputations at stake.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, sheds light on the recent upheaval in Bangladesh following the assassination of a protest leader, leading to rising anti-India sentiment and visa suspensions. He discusses the implications for upcoming elections and the violence against media outlets. Nikhila Henry, a reporter focused on education policy, dives into the controversy surrounding new medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh and the government's PPP arrangement, exploring its potential effects on public education. They also cover a shocking case of a former cop's suicide attempt linked to a massive online scam.

Today’s discussion covers the Delhi High Court’s notices to Rahul and Sonia Gandhi regarding the National Herald case. There's a deep dive into the violence linked to the Indian High Commissioner's visit to Bangladesh. Corporate houses are found to dominate electoral trust donations, contributing over half this year. Additionally, a report highlights the critical condition of an ex-police officer following an alleged suicide attempt. Lastly, details emerge from the Bondi attack investigation, including references to explosives and extremist influences.

Amitabh Sinha, a journalist specializing in nuclear affairs for The Indian Express, discusses significant reforms in India's nuclear policy, emphasizing the shift towards private sector involvement. He highlights the Shanti Bill, which aims to enhance nuclear capacity and address supplier liability issues. Himanshu Harsh, a crime reporter, shares the harrowing story of Mohamed Atar Hussein’s lynching in Bihar, detailing the aftermath and community struggles. The dialogue also covers a notable surge in political funding through electoral trusts, with the BJP receiving a large majority.

This week discusses a controversial parliamentary bill and protests from Congress MPs demanding accountability. It also delves into rising tensions with Bangladesh amid a significant charge sheet by the NIA regarding the Pahalgam terror attack. Furthermore, there's a look at the Trump administration's decision to expand travel restrictions to 20 countries, sparking debates over security and fairness. Tune in for a wrap-up of these pressing issues!

Join Anonna Dutt, a journalist focused on health policy, as she reveals alarming government data showing over 82,000 patients waiting for organ transplants in India, with nearly 2,805 dying while on waitlists. She discusses the need for a unified, transparent allocation process to address the challenges in organ donation. Meanwhile, Sukrita Baruah, a reporter on Assam's educational issues, covers the intense protests at Tezpur University, sparked by the vice-chancellor's alleged misconduct and student grievances, which have halted academic activities.

Delhi's decisive move to ban non-BS6 private vehicles aims to tackle severe winter pollution. This decision, backed by the Environment Minister, highlights the critical issue of vehicular emissions. The podcast also uncovers disturbing links between the Bondi Beach shooter and Hyderabad, detailing his background and movements before the attack. Additionally, a debate erupts over MGNREGA's shortcomings, spurred by a Union Minister's critique. Lastly, Trump's festive military payment announcement adds a surprising twist to current events.