3 Things

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Udit Misra about the growing debate over India’s GDP numbers, after the new data series raised fresh questions about how accurately the country’s economic growth is being measured.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Rinku Ghosh about childhood obesity and how different countries are rethinking the food environment around children, with schools and cities experimenting with new models to improve nutrition and long-term health outcomes. (15:20)

And in the end, we look at the year-long airspace standoff between India and Pakistan, and how the continued ban on overflights is quietly imposing high costs on Indian airlines. (29:42)


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

While advances in early detection and treatment have reduced cancer deaths in many parts of the world, that progress hasn’t reached everyone. In India, cancer cases are rising, with nearly 14 lakh diagnoses in 2022—and access to life-saving drugs remains a major challenge.

An investigation by The Indian Express, in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, reveals how one of the world’s leading cancer drugs, Keytruda, remains out of reach for many patients. It also uncovers how gaps in regulation have allowed counterfeit versions of the drug to enter the market.

Drawing on over 12,000 documents and records of more than 150 patients, the investigation lays bare the scale of the problem—and its human cost. In this episode, we speak with The Indian Express' Kaunain Sheriff and Anonna Dutt, who led this investigation.

Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary about the special session of the parliament that was held to debate and pass the 131st Constitution Amendament Bill which aimed to implement 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, and facilitate delimitation. The bill failed to receive the required majority and Deeptiman shares why it happened and how things will proceed. 

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sweety Kumari about the 27 lakh people in West Bengal who still don't know if they will be able to vote in the Assembly polls that are to be held in the state soon. Sweety talks about the plight of these people, the processes in place and what lies ahead for them. (16:32)

Lastly, we talk about Iran changing its mind about opening up the Strait of Hormuz and two Indian flagged carriers being attacked by the Iranian navy. (29:54)

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’ Drishti Jain about the workers’ unrest in Noida, where protests over rising living costs and stagnant wages turned violent, raising questions about labour distress and widening economic pressures.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath about the case involving Justice Yashwant Varma, who resigned amid allegations that large amounts of cash were found at his residence, and what his resignation means for accountability within the judiciary. (13:50) 

And in the end, we look at a controversy in the Indian Premier League, where Chennai Super Kings has complained against Royal Challengers Bengaluru over stadium commentary and music during a recent match. (23:00) 

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 talk to The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about the three bills that were circulated by the centre, which will pave the way for a fresh round of delimitation. The exercise could increase the strength of the Lok Sabha, while bringing into effect one third reservation for women. Vikas shares the concerns that have been raised against the exercise, especially by the Southern states.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amaal Sheikh about a circular that was released by the Athletics Federation of India, which said that athletes will have to inform the AFI about their sponsorships and the contracts that they sign with regards to the same. Amaal shares more about the circular and how it has been receiving backlash. (13:14)

Lastly, we talk about Nitish Kumar resigning from the post of Bihar's CM and paving the way for BJP's Samrat Choudhary. (19:07)

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express