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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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

The headlines of the week by The Indian Express

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

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/