PODCAST · kids
What's new today
by Sangeetha
This is a kids podcast about current events. In each episode, the host Sangeetha chats with a child about a news story and engages with them on their ideas of what the world looks like, to them. Topics include recent science discoveries, emerging tech, sports events, countries fighting wars, books they like to read and more.
Episodes
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The continent of Africa is splitting up and a new ocean might rush in the middle of it
The big continent of Africa has begun to crack. No, we are not making this up like it is a plot of a sci-fi movie, this is a story for real. In this podcast episode with a middle schooler (Ethan from S.M.Shetty International School, Mumbai), we discuss answers to a) What is causing this? b) When...
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S4 E2: There are rats in Cambodia that have saved hundreds of lives. These 'Hero Rats' are honoured by huge statues.
They are small and furry. They are saving hundreds of lives one sniff at a time. In Cambodia, a squad of African giant pouched rats detect buried landmines with extraordinary precision. These heroes have cleared thousands of explosives, giving villages back their land. 8-year old Dhruv from...
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S4: E1: Celebrating 100 years of Sir David Attenborough: what do primary and middle schoolers think of him?
Many of us have discovered a fascination for creatures like sealions or frogs, all thanks to a mild hypnotic voice narrating their life stories. For some of us, this voice belonged to the science teacher we wished we had had in school. Sir David Attenborough turned 100 recently. This episode is a...
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4 Thieves in the world's most famous museum
A few days ago, under the bright skies of Paris, four men sauntered into the Louvre museum after climbing onto its balcony, picked up a few glittering jewels that belonged to French royalty, hopped onto a scooter and drove away. This episode was recorded on the 2nd of Nov, 2025. Four young kids...
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S3 E9: Book review - The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is a story that combines elements of adventure like an Enyd Blyton's Famous Five story, pieces of climate fiction like an episode of 'Planet Earth' and some elements of magic like a Harry Potter story. The story revolves around a household with children living in a manor on the...
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Kashmir conflict after China enters the fray (part 3 of 3)
How did the global war on terror reshape the Kashmir conflict? This podcast episode explores the dramatic shifts that transformed the players and stakes in the Kashmir dispute over the past decade and a half. Post-9/11 Relations: How Pakistan went from key US ally to regional pariah Aid Cuts:...
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How the Cold War between the US and the Soviets shaped the Kashmir Conflict (part 2 of 3)
During the Cold War, the US sought allies to support it during the war against the Soviets. Pakistan was one of those allies. In exchange, Pakistan received financial aid and military support from the US. How did the state of Jammu and Kashmir become an unintended recipient of trouble during this...
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How the conflict in Kashmir started between India and Pakistan (part 1 of 3)
When the British left India in 1947, they decided to leave one lasting impression - divide the lands between two factions that had different views of the world. The partition of India and Pakistan had a large impact on the hills and valleys of Jammu and Kashmir. The most recent massacre in…
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S3 E8: How do the Roman Catholics elect a new Pope?
Pope Francis, a man who embraced the need for environmental protection, a man who sought to undo some of the past damages done to indigenous tribes across the world, a man who tried hard to help immigrant refugees, recently passed away. The 1.4 billion Roman Catholics across the world now need a...
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S3 E7: Quiz about places on earth (cities, countries and the like)
If you ever wondered if there was any place on earth without mosquitoes, or about how big the largest library on earth looked like, or about where you would bump into the most number of English speakers in the world - you have landed upon the right podcast episode. This summer special features a...
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S3 E6: Book review of 'The Immortals of Meluha' by Amish Tripathi
In this episode, we review a book ‘the Immortals of Meluha’ by Amish Tripathi. This is the first book in a 3-part series, and is based on Lord Shiva. Earlier this month, a group of kids signed up to read this book along with me, and we got together at the end of the month, to discuss what we felt...
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S3 E5: Why sled dogs in Greenland have become popular for the wrong reasons?
A photo with sled dogs of Greenland wading through knee-deep water, surrounded by pristine glaciers and mountains, has gone viral. The scientist who took this photo realised that most people who saw it on social media found the picture scenic, but he realised that something about the picture was...
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S3 E4: Guess What’s new at Darjeeling Zoo? Hint: The first of its kind in India.
Darjeeling's zoo recently got a rare upgrade. Its zoo will serve two purposes: on one side, it will house creatures that tourists can visit and watch as they stroll around; on the other side there will be something rare and new housed in these premises. This makes it the first of its kind in…
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S3 E3: India's ISRO reaches a new milestone - docking and undocking satellites in space
India's SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, led by ISRO, aims to demonstrate autonomous docking between two spacecraft. It is sort of like a hug in an orbit in space. This skill is critical for future lunar bases, satellite servicing, and space stations. Think of it like high-tech Lego in...
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S3 E2: Captain Underpants was born from the doodles and determination of an author who was diagosed with ADHD and dyslexia
Captain Underpants is a super popular book series that has sold more than 80 million copies all around the world. Kids love its funny jokes and surprising story twists. The author, Dav Pilkey, wasn’t always great at reading or sitting still—he had something called dyslexia (a reading disorder)…
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S3 E1: Tigers double in the last decade in India - what other countries can learn from India
Project Tiger was launched in the 1970s in India. There was much fanfare, wildlife reserves were created and tiger protection became important to the Indian government. While Project Tiger stopped the killing of tigers, these big cats did not grow in numbers that much. But that trend changed in...
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Sonia Mehta's writing journey as a children's author
What does it take to write well? Is it about acquiring better language skills or is there a secret recipe for developing intriguing plots, or does it come from consistent writing practice? Sonia Mehta, a children's author with more than 170 published titles to her credit, shares stories from her...
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Soma Bags - a startup in Africa that has brought light into African homes
There are startups that solve problems for people - like the ones that help people rent a pet for their Instagram photos. And then, there are startups that solvereal problems - like bringing light into people's homes. Soma Bags is doing just that. This episode carries the story of how its founder...
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Story narration changes how we experience a story - with Antara Goswami
Story narrators are the voices that brings stories and characters to life on stage. Both children and adults often stay mesmerised and get a very different perspective to both the plot and the characters, compared to what they get when they read the story. Story narrations help readers think of...
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What books to buy for young readers? Recommendations from children
Ten young readers from India (aged 8-15) recommend one book from amongst all the books they read in 2024. If you thought all recommendations would hover around the fantasy and adventure genre, be prepared to be surprised. I have listed below the books they recommended. If you want to hear the…
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Space news stories - new milestones achieved in 2024
2024 was a year that marked some interesting achievements in the field of space. Missions to moon have been relaunched by NASA, the International Space Station's ending days have been charted and India's defense systems just tested new missiles. To speak about the space stories that inspired them...
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Best of science and wildlife stories from 2024
Paleontologists uncovered that the T-Rex was quite likely way bigger than they had originally thought it was. Based on recent fossil finds and some intelligent computer simulation, it turns out that if we remade Jurassic Park today, we would have had to create a much larger version of the T-Rex....
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How to write stories - Conversation with Menaka Raman, a children’s author
Children come up with ideas and stories like magicians pulling rabbits out of hats—nobody knows how, but it’s endlessly entertaining. It’s a mix of imagination (and maybe a little too much candy). But how can they turn their ideas into a well-written story? Menaka Raman, an award-winning…
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S2 E111: Sumit Antil, the man who won India a Paralympic gold medal
Neeraj Chopra's gold medal was India's first ever gold medal won by an athlete in Olympics. There was much adulation and rejoicing in the country. Sumit Antil also won a gold for India at the Tokyo Paralympics and successfully defended his title at the Paris Paralympics. For all his deeds, he…
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S2 E110: Book Review - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (from the Chronicles of Narnia)
One of the earliest children's book series that took young readers into magical lands was the 'Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S.Lewis. In this podcast episode, two young readers (10-yr olds Darsh and Prakriti) share what they think of this book's plot, the writing style and how they would change the...
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S2 E109: Why are there more dog strollers on the roads of S.Korea
More people in S.Korea bought strollers for dogs than they did for children (i.e. human babies). The S.Korean government has been alarmed by this trend. While people who have been observing changes in S.Korea over the past twenty years are not really surprised, they still are worried. Why are...
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S2 E108: The man who saved the lives of hundreds of children during World War II - How Prague names a street after him
One street that is often used by cyclists and pedestrians in Prague has been renamed as Nicholas Winton street. He was no Olympic athlete but had accomplished something else of Olympian proportions. During 1939, he had helped hundreds of Jewish children flee from Nazi persecution and gain safe...
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S2 E107: SpaceX gets us one step closer to going to Mars - with its chopsticks' catch of the booster
Earth is wonderful, but one day we might need more space to live, especially as our world changes. If we could travel to Mars and build homes there, that would solve a lot of our problems right? SpaceX just launched a giant rocket that has taken one step closer to getting to Mars. Before you get...
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S2 E106: A comparison of two countries with crude oil - one grew rich and the other poor
Just like the tale of the old man whose three sons used their silver coins differently, this episode explores how two countries used their pots of liquid gold differently. This episode is styled like a 'Discovery Game'. We drop new information about what happens in each country every few years…
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S2 E105: Book review - George's secret key to the universe
Stephen Hawking and his daughter Lucy Hawking forayed into writing a science-fiction book series for young kids. This book (George's secret key to the universe) is the first of the series. The plot involves two young children traveling in space involving a mixed bag of adventures. The authors…
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S2 E104: California considers banning homework
When sixth grader Sophia came home with a sullen face from school, her mother Pilar Schiavo was busy contesting California's State Assembly elections. Sophia was so overwhelmed by the volume of work expected of her that she requested her mum to ban all homework if she got elected. Pilar did win…
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S2 E103: What foods help children gain height? How much junk food is okay for kids? Q&A of kids and a food technologist on nutrition for kids
Food technologist and communications expert Sarika Singh speaks with Nayra (5th grader) and Shambhavi (10th grader) about foods that help kids gain height, improve their immune system, and whether having junk food is all that bad in childhood. Resources 1. Book - Eat Right 4 Your type 2.…
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S2 E102: Why Bournvita, Complan and Boost may not be healthy for kids?
A food blogger on Instagram raised alarm bells about the so called 'health' claims made by drinks aimed towards the young. Following this, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India directed these companies to remove these claims from their labels. Joining us in this episode is Sarika...
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S2 E101: Space Day - first anniversary of India's Chandrayaan-3 landing on the South Pole of the Moon
Exactly one year ago, on this day, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission landed its Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover on the South pole of the moon. To commemorate this historic event, India declared that it would celebrate National Space Day every year, on Aug 23rd. When the lander and the rover…
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S2 E100: Apollo 11 landing on the moon - celebrating 55 years of a landmark event
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped foot on the moon. 2024 marks 55 years since this achievement. A forgotten astronaut was a part of this mission and we speak about his role and contribution to this mission. Since the 1970s, there has been a lull in space missions - the kind...
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S2 E99: Why does US not want China's electric cars?
China's taken a giant leap in the world of electric cars, racing far ahead of most countries. More than half of the cars on its roads run on electric batteries, not on petrol or diesel. US does not want any electric cars from China entering its country. Why? Cohosts: Primary schoolers Advik...
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S2 E98: Paris Olympics - A new contingent joins. They are from different countries united by a single flag.
Greece leads the parade and the host country is the last to join the parade, every Olympics. In the last two Olympics, a new contingent joined the Olympics' teams. This contingent was the penultimate to join the parade (ahead of the host country). The participants hailed from across the world and...
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S2 E97: Paris Olympics - What are dogs doing as part of the US Gymnastics team?
For the first time, a 4-year old dog called Beacon joins the official staff team of the US Gymnastics. He will play an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of the players. Can you guess how? The co-hosts Anindya (9-yr old) and Agastya (11 yr old) pit their heads and crack this...
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SpaceX has won a bid for one of the toughest challenges in space
To find details about our writing course for kids to become published authors, please click here SpaceX has won a bid from NASA for one of the most challenging tasks it has ever undertaken. The whole world will be watching the skies in 2031 as SpaceX attempts to destroy and take apart the ISS....
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Book Review: Harry Potter (6/6) - Movies vs Books - how different are they?
This month, we reviewed the Harry Potter book series along with a group of primary and middle schoolers. This review is part 6 of a 6 part series. In this episode, we ask our reviewers how different are the movies from the books. To join our book review club, please click here. Book review led…
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Book review: Harry Potter (5/6) - What would happen if you got an Acceptance Letter from Hogwarts?
This month, we reviewed the Harry Potter book series along with a group of primary and middle schoolers. This review is part 5 of a 6 part series. In this episode, we ask our reviewers what would happen if an owl came their way and dropped them an acceptance letter? To join our book review club,...
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Book review: Harry Potter (4/6) - How different is the Magical world from our real world
This month, we reviewed the Harry Potter book series along with a group of primary and middle schoolers. This review is part 4 of a 6 part series. In this episode, we ask our reviewers how different is the magical world from the real world we live in. To join our book review club, please click...
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Book review: Harry Potter (3/6) - Who would you rather chat with, Hagrid or Dumbledore?
This month, we reviewed the Harry Potter book series along with a group of primary and middle schoolers. This review is part 3 of a 6 part series. In this episode, we ask our reviewers who they would rather chat with - Hagrid or Dumbledore? For the uninitiated, Hagrid is a half-giant and...
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Book review: Harry Potter (2/6) - What would you see in the Mirror of Erised?
This month, we reviewed the Harry Potter book series along with a group of primary and middle schoolers. This review is part 2 of a 6 part series. In this episode, we ask our reviewers what they would see if they stood in front of the Mirror of Erised. For the uninitiated, The Mirror of Erised is…
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Book review: Harry Potter (1/6) - Which house would you like to be sorted into?
This month, we reviewed the Harry Potter book series along with a group of primary and middle schoolers. This review is part 1 of a 6 part series. In this episode, we ask our reviewers which house they would like to be sorted into, at Hogwarts. For the uninitiated, the Hogwarts School was founded...
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Queens who ruled India (5): Begums of Bhopal
Nowhere else in Asia do we have recorded history of a line of Muslim women who governed a kingdom. The four Begums of Bhopal ruled for over 100 years. Their reign was marked by peace, good health and great education facilities. This quartet of queens owe their existence to the charisma and keen...
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Queens who ruled India (4): Rudramadevi - the warrior who guarded the greatest diamonds
Rudramadevi, a warrior queen from South India made an astonishing ascent to the throne, thanks to her royal lineage. Nevertheless she faced much patriarchy and her rule was challenged from all quarters - both from inside and outside. During her rule, the Kakatiya kingdom was attacked from the...
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Queens who ruled India (3): Tribhuvana Mahadevi - a beacon of peace
Tribhuvana Mahadevi was a queen who ruled one of the mightiest empires in ancient India - also called Kalinga. Today, this kingdom spreads across the eastern state of Orissa in India. Her reign featured in books written in 10th century AD in Persia. She was called a Rayini (a queen) whose rule...
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Queens who ruled India (2): Nur Jahan - the empress who ruled from behind a curtain
At its height, the Mughal empire was the richest in the world. Akbar's son Jahangir ascended the throne after his death. Jahangir was addicted to opium and alcohol, amongst other things. His wife Nur Jahan won his confidence. She was a remarkable woman who managed to keep her husband away from…
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Queens who Ruled India (1): Keladi Chennamma - the one who defied Aurangazeb successfully
The Portugese called her 'Raina de Pimenta' or 'The Pepper Queen'. Born to a commoner, married to a king, she ascended the throne after the untimely death of her husband. She not only defended herself against patriarchy, but also against a barrage of enemy armies. She is best known for being the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is a kids podcast about current events. In each episode, the host Sangeetha chats with a child about a news story and engages with them on their ideas of what the world looks like, to them. Topics include recent science discoveries, emerging tech, sports events, countries fighting wars, books they like to read and more.
HOSTED BY
Sangeetha
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What's new today have?
What's new today currently has 269 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What's new today about?
This is a kids podcast about current events. In each episode, the host Sangeetha chats with a child about a news story and engages with them on their ideas of what the world looks like, to them. Topics include recent science discoveries, emerging tech, sports events, countries fighting wars, books...
How often does What's new today release new episodes?
What's new today publishes regularly with 269 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to What's new today on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What's new today?
What's new today is created and hosted by Sangeetha.
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