3 Things

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 SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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 SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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 NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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 SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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 NandaProduced by Shashank Bhargava, Ichha Sharma, and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express