3 Things

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Chief of National Bureau Sandeep Singh and investigative journalist Ritu Sarin about a global investigation into VFS Global, the visa services giant that processes millions of Schengen visa applications, and the concerns raised over optional paid services, privacy, and data protection practices.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the Quad’s latest initiatives on maritime surveillance, critical minerals, energy security, and port infrastructure, and how the grouping is seeking to reduce dependence on China while strengthening coordination in the Indo-Pacific. (13:40)

And in the end, we look at K Annamalai’s decision to step down from the BJP, and what his exit could mean for Tamil Nadu politics at a time when actor-turned-politician Vijay is reshaping the opposition landscape. (24:10)

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' Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath about the Supreme Court upholding the legality of the Special Intensive Revision process. She talks about the judgement, why the SIR was challenged in the first place and what it means for the people whose names have been deleted from the electoral rolls.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Vidheesha Kuntamalla about the CBSE's newly launched On-Screen Marking system for the class 12 board examinations. She details how the system works, why the CBSE opted for online checking and the controversy that surfaced due to discrepancies pointed out by the students. (18:39)

Lastly, we discuss the collapse of a building in South Delhi's Saket which killed four people and injured ten. (30:33)

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Produced by Shashank Bhargava 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’ Sohini Ghosh about the Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction row, why the Centre has asked one of Delhi’s oldest elite institutions to vacate its Lutyens’ premises, and how a parallel rent dispute has complicated the standoff.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Jayprakash Naidu about the worsening drinking water crisis in Riwa village near Raipur, where residents continue to struggle for water despite the promises of the Jal Jeevan Mission. (15:40)

And in the end, we look at the latest chapter in the collapse of Byju’s, after founder Byju Raveendran was sentenced to six months in jail by a Singapore court over non-compliance with disclosure orders. (21:55)

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

The headline sof the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath about a case where the Supreme Court allowed a 15 year old girl to terminate a 30 week pregnancy. She highlights what stands out in the case and how the role played by the government in such cases is changing. 

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Science Editor Amitabh Sinha about increasing heatwave conditions and how it is leading to warmer nights. Higher nighttime temperatures pose higher risks to human health. Amitabh shares why this is happening and why it is risky. (14:52)

Lastly, we discuss an Enforcement Directorate raid on former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's residence in connection with a money laundering case. (26:34)

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Naveed Iqbal about Jammu and Kashmir’s intensified anti-drug campaign and how the crackdown is expanding beyond arrests to measures such as passport cancellations and property demolitions.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Ishika Gupta about Mumbai’s recent demolition drive in Garib Nagar, where hundreds of structures, including two mosques, were razed by railway authorities, triggering protests, clashes, and questions over rehabilitation. (11:11)

And in the end, we look at the alleged mass wedding scam in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, where dozens of men arrived as grooms for a collective marriage ceremony, only to discover that the promised brides never existed. (23:50)

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