3 Things

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Man Aman Singh Chhina about how increasingly sophisticated drones are transforming cross-border smuggling along Punjab’s border with Pakistan, what they are carrying, and the growing challenge for security agencies and border villages.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sujit Bisoyi about an amendment to India’s mining law that gives the Centre the power to restrict state taxes on minerals, why it is facing opposition in Odisha, and what it could mean for the mineral-rich state. (14:50)

And in the end, we examine a curious result from Rajasthan’s urban local body elections, where candidate Omprakash Bawri has alleged irregularities after officially receiving zero votes despite claiming that he and members of his family voted for him. (26:11)

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

Delhi’s gang networks are changing. From local betting and extortion rackets to cocaine cartels, sophisticated weapons, foreign-based gang leaders and social-media recruitment, the nature of organised crime in the capital has taken a darker turn.

In this episode of Three Things, we look at how Delhi’s gangs operate today, the rise of cocaine trafficking, the mechanics of extortion, and why young recruits are increasingly being drawn into the gangster ecosystem through the promise of money, fame and notoriety. And to discuss this, we are joined by The Indian Express' Pragynesh.

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

You can watch the video episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALrSXdPxdGo

The headline sof the day by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the BRICS Summit, how India bridged divisions over the West Asia war, and what the document reveals about the grouping’s expanding global ambitions.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Damini Nath about Raghav Chadha’s removal from Punjab’s draft electoral roll and subsequent reappearance in Delhi, the questions surrounding his registration, and what the case reveals about the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process. (17:40)

And in the end, we look at why Tata Sons may be pushed towards a public listing after the RBI rejected its request to surrender its registration, and how differences among major shareholders could shape what may become one of India’s most consequential IPOs. (30:00)

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

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the 18th BRICS summit in Delhi, disagreements over the war in West Asia, and the significance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to India in seven years.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt about the red warning labels that could soon appear on packaged foods, what they will tell consumers, and whether such front-of-pack warnings can influence purchasing decisions. (15:00)

And in the end, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sujit Bisoyi about five orangutans found in Odisha’s Balasore district, the steps being taken to protect them, and suspicions that they were brought into India through an international wildlife-smuggling network. (22:51)

Hosted by Shashank Bhargava
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 speak to The Indian Express’ Nayonika Bose about the proposed Amazon hyperscale data centre in Thane, residents’ concerns over its demand for water and electricity, and whether the economic benefits justify its environmental and civic costs.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Sakshi Chand about the alleged killing of Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh in Delhi, what CCTV footage and the police investigation have revealed, and why the case has renewed concerns about the safety of people from the Northeast. (13:40)

And in the end, we examine the controversy surrounding a Hindu religious delegation’s private visit to the Eiffel Tower, allegations that women employees were sidelined, and the protests and official investigation that followed. (21:45)

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