3 Things

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Anil Sasi about how the US’s dramatic military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is less about narco-trafficking and more about oil and why even oil giants are hesitant.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Jayprakash Naidu about the ongoing protest by thousands of midday meal cooks in Chhattisgarh, who are demanding a living wage and basic dignity in their work. (15:10)

Lastly, we look at a communal flare-up in Assam’s Bodoland region that led to violence, arrests, and the suspension of internet services. The Indian Express’ Sukrita Baruah joins us with the latest. (23:10)

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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' Parul Kulshrestha about a video that went viral and led to a major political controversy in Rajasthan. The video featured a Booth Level Officer claiming that he was being pressured to delete hundreds of voters from voter rolls that are being created afresh under the SIR. 
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Saman Husain about the increase in the number of women entering the Indian gig economy. She talks about the challenges they face, how it benefits them and how it works. (12:54)

Lastly, we talk about Nitin Nabin being elected as the BJP National President. (28:41)

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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' Girish Kuber about the BJP-Shiv Sena’s sweeping municipal poll win in Maharashtra and what it reveals about the shifting contours of urban politics in the state.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Vineet Bhalla about a split Supreme Court verdict on Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and how it reopens the long-standing debate between shielding honest officers and enabling timely probes. (11:45)

Lastly, we discuss the DGCA’s record penalty on IndiGo for widespread flight disruptions in December, and what it tells us about accountability in the aviation sector. ((21:40)


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

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the appointment of Sergio Gor as the new United States ambassador, and the impact his appointment can have on the relationship between the two countries and the stalled trade deal.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Shubham Tigga about deadly killings in Jharkhand by an elephant that have once again brought the conflict between humans and wildlife into sharp focus. The elephant has allegedly been responsible for the death of 20 people in the West Singhbhum district. (11:48)
Lastly, we talk about the ongoing protests in Iran, their escalation and an announcement by US President Donald Trump. (24: 35)

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’ Rinku Ghosh about how Delhi’s toxic winter air may be helping the spread of a dangerous, antibiotic-resistant superbug.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Harish Damodaran about the underground parasite quietly decimating India’s mustard crop and why that matters for edible oil imports. (15:45)

Lastly, we speak to The Indian Express’ Soumyarendra Barik about the government asking quick commerce companies to drop their 10-minute delivery deadline, citing concerns over gig worker safety. (25:18)

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