3 Things

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sweety Kumari about the controversy in West Bengal after several Trinamool Congress leaders accused of crimes were publicly paraded by the police, prompting criticism from the Calcutta High Court even as many locals appeared to support the crackdown.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Alok Deshpande about the fresh crisis within Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, after six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs came under speculation of defecting, raising questions about the party’s future and the latest chapter in the Sena’s long history of internal rebellions. (13:50)

And in the end, we look at the NEET-UG retest conducted after the original examination was cancelled over a suspected paper leak, the extraordinary security arrangements put in place, and the anxiety it has caused among lakhs of students and their families. (27:50)

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

Recently, the Ministry of Health released the findings of the latest National Family Health Survey, the country's largest health survey. The survey significantly helps us understand what indicators related to issues like hypertension, obesity, cancer, women's and children's health reveal about the country's health.

While the survey points to significant gains across several health indicators, it also leaves out some crucial statistics that have raised concerns among public health experts.

In today's episode, we will be decoding the survey with The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt, who will share deeper insights into the improvements, the missing elements, and health issues that still remain pertinent among the Indian population.

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

Fatherhood plays a vital role in a child's emotional, social, and psychological development. Sometimes just showing up makes your child feel safe and seen. And children thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued by their fathers. 

As part of our ongoing collaboration with Mobile Creches, The Indian Express brings you a Father's Day Special episode featuring Nikhil Taneja, Co-Founder and CEO of Yuvaa, a youth media and impact organization. Nikhil works at the intersection of youth, storytelling, and mental health. He also runs a page called BeADadYaar for talking about his relationship with his beautiful 15 month old daughter. 

In this conversation, we will hear a father's perspective on what it means to be there for your child. We will focus on how a father's emotional availability can profoundly impact a child's emotional well-being, teaching them how to navigate feelings and build healthy relationships.

Hosted and produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar


First episode in association with Mobile Creches:
https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/mobile-creches-international-day-of-play-early-childhood-development/10733781/

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Vidheesha Kuntamalla about a US District Court ruling that struck down the Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee, and what the decision means for Indian professionals and students who rely on the programme. 

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Ishika Gupta about Mumbai’s growing premium bus network, why more commuters are willing to pay for guaranteed seats and predictable travel times, and what this shift says about the city’s broader transport challenges. (10:30)

And in the end, we look at the latest developments in the US-Iran conflict, as President Donald Trump warns that military strikes could resume if a tentative peace agreement collapses, even while G7 leaders back the emerging deal. (16:35)

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' Anonna Dutt about a brain-eating amoeba which is causing cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Kerala. While the state saw just eight cases of the infection from 2016 to 2023, cases surged in the last two years. And in the last five months of this year alone, the cases in Kerala rose to 133 and 33 deaths. Anonna talks about the infection, the symptoms and what precautions to take. 

Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Ravi Dutta Mishra about the challenges being faced by Indian exporters due to the war in West Asia. He shares how opportunistic pricing practices by foreign shipping lines, along with additional charges imposed by port authorities are impacting the exporters and even after a potential deal between the US and Iran, the issues could continue for sometime. (10:12)

Lastly, we give an update on The Indian Express’ report about the iconic Dancing Girl artefact of Mohenjodaro, which was covered up in a new NCERT Class 9 Arts Education textbook and the NCERT’s response. (20:04)

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



First episode in association with Mobile Creches:

https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/mobile-creches-international-day-of-play-early-childhood-development/10733781/

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Mohamed Thaver about yet another comedy show controversy, after a crowd-work clip from comedian Pranit More’s live performance triggered backlash, disciplinary action against audience members involved, and even an FIR by Maharashtra Cyber.

Next, The Indian Express' Sophiya Nathew talks about Delhi’s water crisis, after residents in several parts of South Delhi reported foul-smelling, contaminated water and fresh questions were raised about ageing pipelines, leaks and urban pressure on the city’s infrastructure. (14:00)

And in the end, we take a look at NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook, where a digitally altered image of the iconic Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro has sparked a debate over censorship and how history is being presented to students. (27:00)

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