3 Things

Udit Misra, an economy reporter, dives into the proposed Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar, reshaping rural employment by potentially repealing MGNREGA. He discusses significant changes like increased guaranteed days but warns of fiscal pressures on states. Sophiya Mathew, an environment reporter, tackles Delhi's pollution crisis, explaining the ban on non-BS6 vehicles to combat harmful emissions. She highlights the need for better scrappage policies and clean transit solutions. Lastly, the film Homebound, a poignant tale of migrant workers, is unveiled as a Best International Feature contender for the Oscars.

A diplomatic rift arises as India's concerns lead to the summoning of the Bangladesh High Commissioner over anti-India rhetoric. In a tragic turn, journalist Pankaj Mishra is attacked in Dehradun, with the circumstances surrounding his death remaining unclear. The voter roll revision reveals a staggering reduction of over one crore names, sparking debates over electoral integrity. Meanwhile, Congress MPs stage protests in Parliament following court relief for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. On the international front, the US government expands travel restrictions, raising eyebrows across the globe.

Apurva Vishwanath, the Legal Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, delves into Karnataka’s proposed hate speech law, highlighting its broad definitions and potential for arbitrary policing. He discusses the chilling effects on free speech and the risks of overbroad laws. Sujit Bisoyi, a reporter from Odisha, uncovers the communal tensions ignited by a tribal woman's murder and the historical land disputes with Bengali refugees. The conversation also touches on the international implications of a mass shooting in Australia linked to individuals from Hyderabad.

Discover the highlights of PM Modi's groundbreaking three-nation visit, including a significant stop in Jordan, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. Uncover a shocking crime link as Telangana police trace a Bondi Beach shooter back to Hyderabad. Explore the chaos surrounding the West Bengal Sports Minister's resignation following a Messi visit disorder. Plus, hear about the detention of an Indian-origin restaurateur in the US and the tragic plane crash in Mexico that claimed seven lives.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Parul Kulshrestha delves into the violent protests in Hanumangarh against a controversial ethanol plant, highlighting farmers' fears of pollution and water depletion. Tanushree Bose shares her on-the-ground insights about the chaos surrounding Messi's Kolkata visit, revealing how ticketing issues led to fan unrest and stadium vandalism. Finally, the conversation touches on Prime Minister Modi's three-country tour, focusing on significant trade and defense priorities with Oman, Ethiopia, and Jordan.

Flora Swain dives into the introduction of two significant bills in Parliament, sparking immediate objections. She highlights Kiran Rijiju's strategy for a joint committee and his call for apologies over alleged threats. The NIA's forthcoming chargesheet in the Pahalgam terror case is discussed, shedding light on the investigation's scope. The podcast also covers Delhi's alarming AQI spike, causing major flight disruptions. Lastly, an inspiring story emerges from Bondi Beach where a hero disarms a shooter, drawing global reactions.

Lalith Kalidas, an investigative journalist with The Indian Express, uncovers the dark underbelly of cricket in Puducherry. He reveals how private coaches are exploiting loopholes to help out-of-state players fake local status through questionable documents. With over 2,000 registrations scrutinized, Lalith discusses the systemic manipulation of eligibility rules and the consequences for genuine players. He highlights the failure of the Cricket Association of Pondicherry and BCCI to enforce regulations, leaving local cricketers' futures at risk.

The podcast dives into PM Modi's push to revive Vande Mataram's prominence, highlighting his remarks in Lok Sabha. It discusses the detention of brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra related to a nightclub fire and covers the controversy surrounding Shashi Tharoor's refusal of the Veer Savarkar award. A probe into a Puducherry cricket eligibility racket reveals unsettling practices, while actor Dilip is acquitted in a high-profile case, leading to convictions for six others. Lastly, recent airstrikes intensify tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Vineet Bhalla, a staff reporter for The Indian Express, dives into the ongoing struggle of Jodhpura residents against UltraTech Cement, highlighting their fight for health and environmental justice amid mining disruptions. Harish Damodaran, the Rural Affairs editor, explains the U.S. tariff threats on Indian rice, clarifying that Indian basmati does not qualify as 'dumping' due to its premium pricing. The discussion also touches on the tragic Goa nightclub fire, revealing new arrests and legal complexities surrounding the case.

Today's highlights cover IndiGo's operational chaos, leading to mass cancellations and a demand for a full report. The alarming detainment of the Luthra brothers in Thailand is also examined, raising questions about extradition. In Lok Sabha, tensions flare over allegations of e-cigarette use among MPs. The podcast further delves into the shifting dynamics of India-US relations amid geopolitical challenges, plus Mexico's aggressive new tariffs on imports to support local businesses. A busy day in news!