3 Things

Siddharth Upasani, a seasoned journalist from The Indian Express, delves into the recent overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), explaining its potential to simplify tax structures and increase consumer savings. Neerja Chowdhury, a contributing editor with a focus on political institutions, discusses the backlash over Rahul Gandhi's allegations of voter roll manipulation in Karnataka, raising critical questions about the integrity of the Election Commission. The conversation wraps up with the Supreme Court's call for an independent investigation into the tragic Air India crash.

In this episode, the discussion kicks off with major updates on GST 2.0, highlighting price cuts and new brand discounts. There’s a critical look at the Supreme Court’s demand for an independent inquiry into the Air India Dreamliner crash. The conversation shifts to international news, addressing Netanyahu's refusal to recognize a Palestinian state amidst ongoing tensions. Additionally, a deadly explosion in Pakistan at a Taliban bomb-making site raises significant concerns about security and civilian impact.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, discusses the drastic H-1B visa fee hike from $2,000-$8,000 to $100,000 and its potential fallout on India-US relations. Next, Mohamed Thaver, a crime reporting expert, dives into Maharashtra's innovative criminal profiling initiative, inspired by FBI methods, and the complexities of implementation. Lastly, the spotlight shifts to a remarkable tigress named Jhumri, whose efforts have significantly boosted tiger numbers in Chhattisgarh through targeted conservation efforts.

This week covers devastating landslides in Uttarakhand, leaving many residents missing. Rahul Gandhi shines a spotlight on alleged voter-list irregularities, stirring controversy with the Election Commission. In legal news, the Supreme Court intervenes in the Wakf Amendment Act, highlighting concerns over power misuse. Meanwhile, trade talks between the US and India are gaining traction, signaling a new chapter in their economic relationship. Tune in for the latest insights on these pressing national issues.

Parthajeet Das and Sambhrant Srivastava from Central Square Foundation discuss the transformative NIPUN Bharat Mission. They highlight how, after two decades, significant improvements in literacy and numeracy are being seen in Grades 1-3. The guests delve into the innovative framework of the mission, focusing on competency-based learning and enhanced teacher support. They also explore the shift to in-class coaching, data-driven decision-making, and the importance of assessments in planning educational strategies. Their insights shed light on the mission's ambitious future goals.

Apurva Vishwanath, National Legal Editor at The Indian Express, discusses the Supreme Court's clean chit for Reliance Foundation's Vantara project, detailing how the SIT found no legal violations. Anonna Dutt, also from The Indian Express, introduces a groundbreaking living-will clinic in Delhi, explaining how it empowers terminally ill patients to document end-of-life care preferences. The conversation wraps up with political tensions as Rahul Gandhi raises alarms over alleged voter deletions in Karnataka, accusing the Election Commission of misconduct.

Today's discussion dives into major political turmoil as Rahul Gandhi raises concerns about mass voter-list removals. It also highlights the tragic rain disaster in Chamoli, with ongoing rescue efforts for missing individuals. The legal landscape is buzzing with bomb blast acquittal notices from the Bombay High Court. Additionally, PM Modi's diplomatic outreach to Nepal's interim leader and the global backlash over controversial remarks on Gaza add to the day's pressing issues.

Ravi Dutta Misra, a journalist from The Indian Express, discusses the pivotal trade negotiations between India and the US, focusing on tariffs and their impact on exporters. Anjali Marar, a climate reporter, sheds light on the devastating cloudbursts in Uttarakhand, explaining their causes and the heightened risks of landslides in the Himalayas due to climate change. Additionally, they reflect on Prime Minister Modi's recent speech celebrating his 75th birthday and his call for a stronger 'Made in India' initiative.

In today's discussion, a tragic cloudburst in Uttarakhand has claimed 15 lives, with 16 people still missing, sparking urgent rescue operations. The conversation also touches on Modi’s birthday celebrations and a court's decision on an AI-generated video featuring him. Additionally, there’s a deep dive into the escalating situation in Gaza, highlighting the impact on civilians amid intensified military actions. The blend of current events delivers a poignant and timely overview of significant news.

Apurva Vishwanath, National Legal Editor at The Indian Express, discusses the Supreme Court's interim order on the contentious Waqf Amendment Act and its implications for community representation. Atri Mitra delves into the shocking passport scam in West Bengal, revealing how local officials were linked to an international fraud network. The conversation shifts to Andhra Pradesh's proposal for government medical colleges through public-private partnerships, sparking debates over privatization and funding challenges.