3 Things

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Atri Mitra about the police cases and serious allegations surrounding Sebaashray, the healthcare initiative closely associated with Abhishek Banerjee’s Diamond Harbour Model, and why he has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sabah Virani about plans for Third Mumbai, a new urban centre spanning 124 villages, the protests surrounding land acquisition, and whether the project can improve connectivity and ease pressure on Mumbai. (08:05)

And in the end, we look at Karnataka’s year-long ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala and other products containing tobacco or nicotine, and how the measure will be enforced across the state. (17:05)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Siddharth Upasani about the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 which proposes that banks and payment system providers should be allowed to charge merchants a fee for certain UPI and RuPay debit card transactions.

Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Pragynesh about a crime network that used fake documents and bank deals to target people looking to buy premium properties in Delhi. This case involves a man who scammed one of the biggest real estate companies in the capital using a Rs 200 crore property in the heart of the city. (15:30)

Lastly, we give you an update on the August 4 incident involving an Air India flight that suddenly lost about 300 feet in altitude and injured 17 people. (25:06)

Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headline sof the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ National Legal Editor Apurva Vishwanath about the Bombay High Court’s conviction of former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 rape case, why it overturned his earlier acquittal, and its observation that the notion of a “perfect victim” is a myth.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Purnima Sah about the series of protests affecting Maharashtra’s healthcare system, including attacks on medical workers, staffing shortages and opposition to allowing certain homeopathy practitioners to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council after completing a bridge course. (18:20)

And in the end, we look at the indefinite postponement of voting for seven seats in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir amid violent protests, allegations of electoral manipulation, a sweeping security crackdown and mounting international concern. (30:25)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about an Indian Express investigation into the Research Development and Innovation Fund. This is a new fund introduced by the government to provide financial support to companies and startups working on cutting edge research in critical technology areas such as AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, robotics, healthcare and defence.

Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about Sheikh Hasina's first virtual media interaction in Delhi. He discusses the statements she made, Bangladesh's reaction to them and how this event could impact India-Bangladesh relations. (12:27)

Lastly, we talk about the caste census to be conducted alongside the population enumeration phase of the Census and how caste related data will be collected. (27:30)

Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt about NOTTO’s new real-time portal and mobile application for organ transplants, how it will create a nationwide waiting list and match donors with recipients, and the challenges it may face.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Santosh Singh about Prashant Kishor’s victory in the Bankipur bypoll, how he breached one of the BJP’s safest urban strongholds, and what the result could mean for Bihar’s politics. (14:55)

And in the end, we examine how the expansion of India’s rape law in 2013 became central to the prosecution and conviction of former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. (21:40)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma 
Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar