3 Things

On India’s 79th Independence Day, we spotlight stories often left out of the mainstream narrative — ones that reveal how the vision for a new India was never uniform. From young Indians in Britain rallying against colonial rule, to fierce debates over caste and representation, to the struggles of French and Portuguese territories that remained under foreign control long after 1947. These are stories of competing ideals, unfinished battles, and the diverse paths different regions and communities took toward independence, reminding us that liberation meant different things to different people.

Guest: Professor Arup K. Chatterjee (OP Jindal Global University), The Indian Express' Nikita Mohta and Adrija Roychowdhury.

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

Mobile Creches since 1969, has been working to ensure that children of migrant and construction workers receive the care, nutrition, and early learning they need in order to thrive. They have worked to create an environment that promotes women empowerment, family wellbeing, healthy children and inclusive national growth.

In the fifth and final episode of our series in association with Mobile Creches, Niharika Nanda is in conversation with Chavi Vohra, Executive Director, Mobile Creches, Pradeep Kumar, Founder Secretary, Nipun, a NGO partner for Mobile Creches and Maimul Ansari, a creche worker. The conversation will explore Mobile Creches' work in the tribal regions of India, and how quality care can give children the agency to grow into adults who will prove to be strong pillars for a Viksit Bharat.

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

Links to the previous episodes in the series:

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Alind Chauhan about Mumbai’s decision to stop pigeon feeding at public Kabutarkhanas and the health risks linked to pigeon droppings, and why the move has sparked resistance from the Jain community and animal rights activists.

Next, we head to Goa, where The Indian Express’ Pavneet Singh Chhada explains the push for legalisation of bull fighting, locally known as dhirio, its cultural roots of this practice, and why enforcement has failed to stop it from continuing in secret. (16:17)

And in the end, we look at a protest in Maharashtra, where members of the Qureshi community have gone on strike over alleged harassment by cow vigilantes. (25:18)

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

Further reading:
https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/pigeon-feathers-droppings-almost-killed-ahmedabad-woman-lung-transplant-8558793/

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Mallica Joshi and Vineet Bhalla about the Supreme Court's recent order where it has directed municipal authorities to pick up and house all stray dogs in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region in dedicated shelters, and to do it within just eight weeks.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda about the National Sports Governance Act, which was passed by both the houses of the parliament this week. Mihir shares how the act aims to overhaul how various sports federations function and proposes the setting up of a tribunal which will handle a wide range of disputes. (13:12)

Lastly, we talk about another allegation about vote fraud. BJP leader Lahar Singh Siroya has accused Siddaramaiah of purchasing votes to win the Badami constituency in Bagalkot district during the 2018 Karnataka Assembly polls. (23:10)

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, The Indian Express’ Shubham Tigga talks about the recent killing of a 60-year-old woman in Jharkhand, allegedly over accusations of witchcraft. 

Next, The Indian Express’ Aishwarya Raj reporting from the ground discusses Uttarkashi where flash floods have left dozens missing and rescue operations face mounting challenges. (10:50)

And in the end, we discuss India’s sharp rebuttal to nuclear threats issued by Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir. (23:50)

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Asad Rehman about the allegations levelled by Rahul Gandhi on the Election Commission. He talks about the press conference conducted by the Leader of Opposition last week where he alleged that over a lakh votes were stolen in the Mahadevapura constituency in Bangalore and the EC colluded with the BJP to make this happen. 

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukalp Sharma about the fact that even though the US has threatened to impose extra 25% tariffs on India as we continue to import Russian oil, it was actually the US itself which played a major role in India ramping up its oil imports from Russia. (19:13)

Lastly, we talk about the CBSE introducing open textbook assessment after a pilot study for class 9, from the next academic session. (30:56)

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