3 Things

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ National Chief of the Bureau Ritika Chopra about a high-level government meeting that discussed introducing official protocols for India’s national song, Vande Mataram and how this may shape its legal and political standing ahead of the 150th anniversary.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Brendan Dabhi about a new state-funded BSL-4 lab in Gujarat, only the second civilian facility of its kind in India, and what it means for the country’s ability to respond to deadly outbreaks. (15:30)

Lastly, we look at a disturbing case of caste-based violence in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad, where a Dalit sanitation worker was allegedly assaulted after refusing to work without pay. (23:20)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced 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' Mihir Vasavda about how a growing number of athletes and coaches are saying that training outdoors in India is becoming less about performance and more about basic survival in the toxic winter air and extreme summer heat. And what this means when India has put in its bid for Olympics 2036.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Himanshu Harsh about the Bihar police uncovering an illegal SIM network which was allegedly being used to reroute international calls and carry out cyber fraud, with links to countries like Cambodia and Thailand.

Lastly, we talk about how extortion rackets are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with shooters taking instructions through encrypted apps and never knowing who is really behind the orders.

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

On the occasion of Republic Day, we revisit three key debates—on secularism, reservations, and the cow—that were passionately argued by our founding fathers during the drafting of the Constitution. (This episode was originally released on 25th January 2025).

Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Additional help from Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Sohini Ghosh about a recent Delhi High Court ruling that cleared the way for a cheaper version of Nivolumab, a patented cancer drug, raising questions about the balance between public health and patent rights in India.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Kanchan Vasdev about why Punjab farmers want the security fence near the Pakistan border moved and what the government’s in-principle agreement means for land access and national security. (13:25)

Lastly, we take a look at a case from Lucknow, where police say a woman tried to frame her husband in a cow slaughter case to be with her lover and how it led to legal trouble for three police officers as well. (21:50)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced 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 talk to The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry about a case against a sitting Catholic bishop. In 2018, Bishop Franco Mulakka faced sexual assault allegations, and eight years after the allegations, the nun who made these allegations has decided to step out of anonymity and is now speaking publicly as Sister Ranit M J.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about Nitin Nabin, the youngest BJP National President. He shares how his career in the party progressed, why he was elected for the post and what his election signifies. (14:00)

Lastly, we talk about the J&K police summoning an Indian Express reporter. (24:57)

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express