3 Things

Get ready for a spiritual frenzy as 40 crore people gather for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the world's largest religious gathering. Prime Minister Modi showcases the newly inaugurated Sonamarg tunnel, promising year-round access to Ladakh. Plus, hear insights from the Army Chief about the delicate situation along the India-China border. The news is completed with updates on the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, highlighting a diverse range of current events.

In this discussion, Udit Misra, an economic journalist from The Indian Express, highlights alarming signs in India's GDP projections, stressing the gap between potential and actual growth. Amitabh Sinha, a climate change reporter, emphasizes the grave implications of breaching the 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit by 2024, urging robust climate preparedness. The conversation also touches on the cultural phenomenon of terrace tourism in Old Ahmedabad, where locals are capitalizing on the upcoming kite festival for both tradition and economic gain.

This week, health concerns arise as human metapneumovirus cases are detected in India, raising alarms amid global scrutiny. In a shocking development, the alleged murderer of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar has been arrested, highlighting issues of safety for media professionals. Meanwhile, India sets its sights on the 2036 Olympics, ambitiously planning for a grand display. Lastly, devastating wildfires in Los Angeles lead to evacuations and a tragic loss of life, illuminating the ongoing battle against climate challenges.

This discussion features Maulshree Seth, a reporter from The Indian Express, who shares fascinating insights about the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, highlighting special preparations for 45 crore expected visitors. Shubhajit Roy, also from The Indian Express, unpacks the implications of Justin Trudeau's resignation, shedding light on the political turmoil in Canada. The conversation also touches on the tragic stampede at Tirupati, emphasizing the urgent need for better crowd management during religious events.

On January 9th, PM Modi inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, highlighting India's impressive global rise and economic achievements. He emphasized the uplifting of millions from poverty, projecting India's ascent to the third-largest economy. Meanwhile, Nikhil Gupta's plea for diplomatic help amid serious legal troubles in the U.S. raises eyebrows about government support for citizens abroad. Additionally, Meta's changes to its fact-checking program stir concerns among Indian organizations, linking to broader issues of misinformation.

Journalist Jayprakash Naidu sheds light on the tragic murder of Mukesh Chandrakar, revealing the dangers journalists face in conflict zones and the local disputes behind it. Education reporter Vidheesha Kuntamalla discusses the effects of a 20% women’s quota at IITs, highlighting rising female enrollment and the cultural shifts on campuses, yet noting ongoing challenges like discrimination. The conversation also touches on the escalating political tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP, spotlighting the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders staged a protest near the Prime Minister's residence, demanding media access and criticizing police barricades. Priyanka Gandhi dismissed a controversial remark from Ramesh Bidhuri as ridiculous, urging a focus on serious political issues ahead of elections. In a significant development, Dr. V. Narayanan was appointed as the new chairman of ISRO, highlighting India’s advancements in space research. The podcast also touches on global news, including France's diplomatic stance and recent seismic activities in China.

Kanchan Vasdev, a reporter for The Indian Express, discusses the ongoing farmers' protests at the Khanauri and Shambhu border, focusing on their demands and refusal to engage with the Supreme Court's committee. The conversation shifts to the Human metapneumovirus, with insights on its symptoms and rising cases in India, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Lastly, the podcast dives into the Maldives' defense minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon's visit to India, aiming to strengthen military ties and improve diplomatic relations.

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.