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3 Things

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An expert on how air pollution harms us and what we can do about it

36 min

What do AQI levels actually tell us? What are the short and long term effects of air pollution? Why doesn’t the WHO recommend masks for air pollution? Do air purifiers really help? And what steps can the government take to tackle this problem effectively? Today on the show, we are joined by Dr. G.C. Khilani to discuss everything you need to know about air pollution. Dr. Khilani is the chairman of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital in Delhi and a member of the WHO's Technical Advisory Group on Air Pollution and Health. (This episode was first published on the 2nd of December, 2024) Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Ghee gets costlier, climate promises fall short, and a dispute over firecrackers

21 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Rural Affairs and Agriculture Editor Harish Damodaran about India’s emerging milk-fat shortage, why ghee and butter prices are rising, and whether consumers could face further increases. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Amitabh Sinha about COP31 in Turkey, the growing gap between global climate commitments and action, and why the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree target is slipping out of reach. (08:40) And in the end, we look at a Diwali-night argument over firecrackers in Uttar Pradesh that allegedly escalated into a shooting, leaving a Rashtrapati Bhavan security staffer seriously injured. (19:05) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Desalinating seawater, Tukaram Munde vs FSSAI, and selling hospital shifts

31 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Nayonika Bose about how Mumbai's first seawater desalination plant has triggered protests from fishing communities who fear the project could threaten their livelihoods. She discusses the need to turn seawater into drinking water and how this will impact the fishing community. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about how Maharashtra’s Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Munde, who has recently been in the spotlight for his strict action against food businesses violating safety norms, approached the Bombay High Court against the national food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). (20:02) Lastly, we discuss a trend emerging in West Bengal where medical college interns buy and sell hospital shifts on WhatsApp. (27:55) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

US midterm results, AAP loses three MLAs, and 12 broken streetlights

29 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the Democrats winning control of both chambers of the US Congress, what this means for Donald Trump’s presidency, and the potential impact on India-US ties, tariffs and immigration. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Raakhi Jagga about three AAP legislators joining the BJP, the different circumstances behind their departures and what the defections reveal about political tensions in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. (12:30) And in the end, we look at the suspension of a municipal official in Gujarat after 12 streetlights along a route used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were found to be non-functional. (26:10) Hosted by Ichha Sharma  Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Simple tips for a healthier festive season

25 min

During the festive season, people across the country come together to celebrate, with food—sweet, savory, and deep-fried—often taking center stage. While these treats are fine in moderation, we often indulge more than we should. But how much is too much, and are there ways to make our celebrations healthier? To explore these questions, we speak to Dr Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head, Nutrition And Dietetics, Max Super Speciality Hospital (Delhi). Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

EC's U-turn, pollution from Pak, and all Agniveers to be inducted

29 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Ritika Chopra about the impact of The Indian Express investigation on the Election Commission of India, the reversals that it led to and the changes in Form 6.  Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Sophiya Mathew about the deteriorating air quality in Delhi NCR and the sharp rise in the AQI. She also discusses the implementation of GRAP stage II in the region and how Pakistan is worsening Delhi's pollution levels. (15:10) Lastly, we discuss the Union Cabinet's decision to allow all Agniveers a chance to join the armed forces as regular soldiers. (27:30) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan, sports funding cut, and Dia Mirza faces BJP's backlash

25 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Asad Rehman about the INDIA bloc’s rally demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, its “public impeachment” campaign, and the BJP’s counter-mobilisation in Delhi. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda about PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen’s title-winning performances at the Hylo Open, the withdrawal of government funding for India’s European badminton campaign, and its impact on players. (10:00) And in the end, we look at the BMC’s removal of a Diwali pollution-awareness video featuring Dia Mirza following objections from BJP leaders, even as similar campaign videos featuring other celebrities remained online. (22:50) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

A ₹1200 crore ponzi scheme, felling over 30,000 trees, and inflated air fares

34 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi about an investigation into a digital wallet application that uncovered an alleged Rs 1200 crore financial scam involving lakhs of users across several states. He shares how investors were encouraged to recruit others, who would then bring in more people, creating a vast multi-level marketing network. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Pratip Acharya about a hydropower project which will reduce Maharashtra’s dependence on coal-fired power but will require felling over 32,000 trees. He discusses the project, its significance and its potential impact on the state and nearby villagers. (15:16) Lastly, we talk about the Supreme Court declining an urgent hearing for an application seeking intervention to cap ‘inflated’ airline fares ahead of the festival season. (31:45) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Maharashtra's new textbooks, cost of tourism, and a missing Indian

27 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Pallavi Smart about Maharashtra’s revised Class 6 textbooks, the greater emphasis on ancient Indian knowledge, and the removal or rewriting of passages dealing with caste and social inequality. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar about the environmental cost of rising tourism and large-scale development in Himachal Pradesh, and the measures recommended by a Supreme Court-appointed committee. (08:00) And in the end, we look at a Chhattisgarh family’s search for 21-year-old Vineet Kumar Dubey after a job offer took him to Russia, where he was reportedly detained amid fears that he could be drawn into the war in Ukraine. (24:05) Hosted by Ichha Sharma  Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

New census rules, India invites Pak for SCO, and Brij Bhushan in top panel

24 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary about the ongoing Census, and the government's decision to amend the Census Rules to explicitly state that teachers from government schools, local authorities and unaided private educational institutions can be appointed as census enumerators. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about India's invitation to Pakistan’s National Heritage and Culture Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which will take place in New Delhi and what it means for the ties between the two countries. (14:15) Lastly, we talk about Former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India’s ex-President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh being included in the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh state executive committee. (21:36) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

A land gifted to Yusuf Pathan, France protests, and MLC elections

31 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Aditi Raja about Gujarat’s decision to allot valuable public land to former cricketer and MP Yusuf Pathan, why part of the plot is being offered as a gift, and the questions this raises about government discretion and public purpose. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Udit Misra about the economic pressures driving protests in France, including rising living costs, unemployment and strained public services, and the lessons the crisis may hold for India. (14:20) And in the end, we look at the Legislative Council elections across Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra, where the BJP-led alliance made significant gains while the Congress failed to register a victory. (28:45) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Bihar drug crisis, fund for loss and damage, and naked parade row

33 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Himanshu Harsh who led an investigation into the Bihar drug crisis for the newspaper. He talks about the current situation in the state, its relation to the prohibition of alcohol and the government's response.   Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage created in 2022 to help developing countries deal with disasters. He shares how the fund works, Nepal's emergency request for financial assistance post the recent flash floods, and why it took so long to establish this fund. (18:08) Lastly, we talk about an incident from Kolkata, where three people were forced to strip at gunpoint, and paraded naked. (30:23) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

C Raja Mohan and Pratap Bhanu Mehta on the Iran war and the new global order

1 hr 18 min

In this special episode of 3 Things, The Indian Express Group’s Executive Director Anant Goenka speaks with foreign-policy expert C. Raja Mohan and political theorist Pratap Bhanu Mehta about the Iran war, US-China competition, political upheaval across South Asia and the forces reshaping the global order and India’s place within it. Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/00hFaC00Dj0?si=rTgU89ij8ybZAxoC

Deportees move to Spain, managing economic crisis, and Rapido under scanner

36 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Manraj Grewal Sharma about a new trend emerging in Punjab, where people who had been deported from the US last year on account of illegal migration are once again moving, this time to Spain.  Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Udit Mishra about the Nobel Prize for Economics 2026, which was awarded to Robert E Hall and Michael Woodford for their work that has helped shape how governments and central banks manage economic crises. (16:24) Lastly, we talk about Rapido being under the Maharashtra government's scanner post Tiger Shroff's firing incident. (32:52) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Rubio on India-US ties, cost of keeping cities clean, and Gadkari under pressure

26 min

First, we hear from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a special conversation with The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the proposed India-US trade deal, tensions over tariffs and immigration, and Washington’s evolving relationships with China and Pakistan. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Jayprakash S Naidu about a survey exposing the difficult working conditions of sanitation workers in Chhattisgarh, including inadequate safety equipment, missing identity documents and limited access to welfare schemes. (15:55) And in the end, we look at why RSS-linked organisations are preparing to protest outside Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s residence over Pyare Khan’s appointment as chairman of the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission. (23:55) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Mounjaro brides, detecting the 'ghost particles,' and hunger kills toddler

30 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Kaunain Sheriff about weightloss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro being used for cosmetic purposes, especially by brides wanting to lose weight and the potential health consequences. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about this year's Nobel Prize for Physics, awarded for detecting some of the most elusive particles in the universe called neutrinos and the challenges faced in the process. (16:29) Lastly, we talk about a two-year-old in Keralam who died from starvation-induced anemia and the consequences his family faces for neglecting the child's needs and health.(27:13) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Tiger Shroff firing row, Mumbai's salty groundwater, and FIR over social media posts

35 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Mohamed Thaver about the shooting targeting actor Tiger Shroff, the alleged links to organised crime networks, and whether the attack signals the return of an extortion model that once terrorised Bollywood. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Nayonika Bose about a study finding that 35 per cent of Mumbai is vulnerable to seawater intrusion, what this could mean for the city’s groundwater and the measures proposed to contain the threat. (18:20) And in the end, we look at the FIR filed in Uttarakhand over social media posts questioning the government’s investment claims, and the political dispute surrounding the outcomes of the 2023 Global Investors Summit. (32:25) Hosted by Ichha Sharma  Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Deep Dive: How the government can get your social media posts removed

1 hr 0 min

In this episode of 3 Things Deep Dive, we examine how the government gets social media content taken down, the legal powers it can invoke, and what this means for freedom of speech online. Between March and July this year, the government issued nearly 2 lakh takedown orders across 19 online platforms, covering everything from student protests to criticism of its ethanol fuel blending policy. We discuss how this process works, and where the law draws the line between regulating online content and censorship, with The Indian Express’ National Legal Editor, Apurva Vishwanath. Hosted and Produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar You can watch the video episode here: https://youtu.be/LrpbiIIe8aY?si=ERnFOol1XvMRvt46

MPSC paper leak protests, Garba's commercial boom, and Kolkata's deadly stampede

34 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Alok Deshpande about the 11-day protest by Maharashtra government-job aspirants, the allegations of examination irregularities that triggered it, and how political intervention led to an inquiry and the MPSC chairman going on leave. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Ritu Sharma about Garba’s evolution from a traditional Gujarati folk dance into a multi-crore cultural enterprise, and the role played by Bollywood, social media, migration and government promotion. (13:50) And in the end, we look at the stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that killed 19 people, the combination of rain, overcrowding and confusing announcements that may have triggered it, and the questions raised over crowd management and safety. (31:50) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Durga Puja under the BJP, new Indian citizens, and Imran Khan told to leave India

31 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Adrija Roy Chowdhury about Durga Puja’s cultural, economic and political significance in Bengal, and whether the BJP’s rise to power is beginning to alter the character of the state’s biggest festival. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Brendan Dabhi about 158 refugees from Pakistan who have received Indian citizenship in Gujarat, the discrimination and uncertainty they endured after crossing the border, and what citizenship changes for their families. (17:10) And in the end, we look at actor Imran Khan’s order to leave India after authorities alleged that he violated the Foreigners Act by participating in a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. (29:10) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

US to buy Russian diesel, gymkhana policy, and urban livelihood mission

21 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Sukalp Sharma about the United States' decision to buy diesel from Russia. This comes after the US repeatedly targeted India over its hefty purchases of Russian oil. He talks about why this is happening and what it means for India. Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Pratip Acharya about the gymkhana culture in Mumbai and the land they use. He discusses the state government’s plan to change its gymkhana policy and charge them market-rate rent for these spaces. (10:15) Lastly, we discuss the concerns raised by five states—Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tripura, regarding the Centre’s flagship urban livelihood mission. (18:54) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Opposition takes on the EC, a dunki route, and Nilekani's paper leak fix

28 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Asad Rehman about how protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation developed into a wider confrontation between the Opposition and the BJP-led government, and why the campaign is now moving from the streets to the Supreme Court. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Brendan Dabhi about three cousins from Gujarat who were kidnapped in Ethiopia while allegedly attempting to reach the United States through the illegal “dunki” route, and how Gujarat Police helped secure their release. (14:35) And in the end, we look at Nandan Nilekani’s proposed solution to examination paper leaks: building a vast digital question bank and generating final papers shortly before examinations begin, leaving little time for them to be stolen or circulated. (25:10) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawa

US action on IT firms, high hospital bills, and Jantar Mantar denotified

34 min

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Soumyarendra Barik about the US government suspending several major IT companies from the Permanent Labor Certification Program, which allows skilled foreign workers to gain permanent residency, and the impact this suspension will have on Indians working in the IT sector.  Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about the rising cost of healthcare in India and how hospitalisation costs in private hospitals are incredibly high. She discusses the huge gap between government and private hospital prices and the concerns raised by healthcare activists and experts. (19:18) Lastly, we talk about the Delhi Police announcing that Jantar Mantar is no longer a designated protest site as the INDIA bloc, Cockroach Janta Party and the All India Students’ Association fight to hold protests there. (30:31) Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar Link to the episode with the segment with The Indian Express' Amaal Sheikh on inflated prices of life-saving drugs: https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/drought-in-maharashtra-high-drug-pricing-and-no-burqa-for-nurses/10906719/

Delhi’s protest crackdown, a bird on the brink, and a fatal crash

35 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Pragynesh about the sweeping police crackdown on protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, the detention of more than 7,000 people, and the Supreme Court’s intervention over restrictions on movement and peaceful assembly. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar about the first release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards into the wild, the factors that pushed the species towards extinction, and the challenges involved in rebuilding its population. (21:10) And in the end, we look at a fatal crash near Kochi airport that killed three young people and raised serious questions about drunk driving, underage access to alcohol and repeated speeding violations. (33:15) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Protests over the CEC, Green India Mission audit, and GST arrest powers scrapped

27 min

First, we speak to The Indian Express’ Alok Singh about how protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation spread across central Delhi, the challenges of policing multiple groups and the allegations surrounding the police response. Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Pratip Acharya about a CAG audit that found major failures in Maharashtra’s implementation of the Green India Mission, including poor fund utilisation, missed plantation targets and extremely low sapling-survival rates. (15:50) And in the end, we look at the GST Council’s decision to remove the arrest powers of tax officers, raise the prosecution threshold from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, and ease other penalties amid concerns about aggressive enforcement. (23:55) Hosted by Ichha Sharma Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

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