Afleveringen
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 12th of March and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritius PM Navin Chandra Ramgoolam announced an "enhanced strategic partnership" between their countries on Wednesday. India also pledged new projects worth 500 million Mauritian rupees (around Rs 100 crore), including building Mauritius' new Parliament building. Both nations agreed to conduct mutual trade in local currencies. Modi also outlined a vision for the Global South under the MAHASAGAR initiative, which focuses on mutual growth and security across regions, strengthening India-Mauritius ties in both trade and diplomacy.
Opposition parties, including Congress and DMK, staged a protest in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday against a renewable energy project near the India-Pakistan border. Manish Tewari (Congress) raised concerns about national and energy security, arguing the project’s proximity to the border violates security protocols. According to Tewari, major infrastructure should be at least 10 km away from the border. Meanwhile, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 was introduced, aimed at modernizing India's immigration laws. Opposition parties called it unconstitutional and demanded its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Jio Platforms announced a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on Wednesday to bring Starlink’s internet services to India. The partnership follows a similar announcement by Bharti Airtel and is contingent on SpaceX securing approval to operate in the country. Jio and SpaceX, historically at odds over satellite spectrum allocation, will move forward after the government opted for an administrative allocation. SpaceX has applied for security clearance with the Indian government, which is currently under review by the Home Ministry.
Ukraine has proposed a 30-day ceasefire in its war with Russia, contingent on Moscow’s agreement. The announcement came after high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, where the United States declared it would lift its freeze on military aid to Ukraine. This marks a significant shift in efforts to pause the devastating conflict, which began in 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to a joint statement from the White House and Kyiv, the temporary ceasefire could be extended if both sides agree to further terms.
On Tuesday, separatist militants attacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, carrying 500 people. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating they derailed the train, killed 30 security personnel, and took 214 passengers, including military personnel, hostage. According to Radio Pakistan, 27 militants were killed, and 155 passengers were rescued. The BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening to execute the hostages if their demands are not met.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary and Adrija Roychowdhury about the India vs Bharat debate that has been reignited by the RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale.
Next, The Indian Express' Damini Nath talks about the Electors Photo Identity Card Number also known as EPIC number. She shares how Mamata Banerjee has highlighted that several voters have identical EPIC numbers and why that is an issue. (12:49)
Lastly, we discuss the findings of the 2024 World Air Quality Report, according to which Delhi continues to be the most polluted Capital city in the world. (19:24)
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Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 11th of March and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Mauritius on Tuesday. Women performed the traditional Bihari cultural dance, Geet Gawai, to honor him. He was greeted by Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who presented him with a garland at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Modi is in Mauritius for a two-day visit as the chief guest at the National Day celebrations. His trip includes inaugurating 20 India-funded projects, ranging from capacity building to community-linked infrastructure.
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha resumed today at 11 am, with discussions centered around new bills and the Manipur budget. The Lok Sabha is set to discuss President’s Rule in Manipur and hear the presentation of the Manipur budget by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. A new bill on immigration services was also introduced, sparking opposition debate. Congress leader Manish Tewari called the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, unconstitutional, while the government defended its legislative competence to introduce the bill under the Union list.
Delhi remains the world’s most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, with an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report. The report reveals that 13 of the 20 most polluted cities globally are in India, including Byrnihat and Faridabad. India ranks as the fifth most polluted country, with a concerning average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 μg/m3. This is ten times higher than the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline, highlighting India's ongoing air quality crisis.
Gangster Aman Sahu was killed in an encounter on Tuesday morning in Jharkhand’s Palamu district. Authorities said Sahu’s gang attempted to free him while he was being transported from Raipur jail to Ranchi. Sahu was involved in over 100 criminal cases, including murder and extortion. Police also suspected ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. His death follows several convictions in criminal cases. The encounter occurred after an attempt to break him free from police custody during his transfer.
Shares on Wall Street plunged on Monday, marking one of the worst trading days since 2022, fueled by concerns about President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Investors are worried that a trade war could push the US economy into a recession, with Trump expressing ambivalence about the prospect. Despite earlier responses to market movements, Trump now hints at economic pain in the short term. The tech-heavy NASDAQ dropped over 4%, with Tesla suffering the most, falling more than 10%, marking a sharp decline from its December peak.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Himanshu Harsh tells us about ‘Operation Nataraj,’ which led to the rescue of 47 minors who were forced into sex trafficking.
Next, The Indian Express’ Sukrita Baruah explains how individuals end up in Assam’s Matia transit camp and shares the story of two such men. (05:37)
Finally, The Indian Express’ Naveed Iqbal discusses a recently held fashion show in Kashmir that has put the Omar Abdullah-led government in a bind. (16:10)
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Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 10th of March and here are the headlines.
Proceedings in Lok Sabha resumed after being adjourned due to chaos over the PM SHRI scheme. Speaker Om Birla urged MPs to be seated and respect Parliament or face action. Meanwhile, the opposition staged a walk-out in the Rajya Sabha. Tensions are rising between the government and opposition, with concerns over electoral roll manipulation, violence in Manipur, and India’s handling of the Trump administration. The government aims to secure Parliament's approval for grants, the Manipur budget, and the Waqf Amendment Bill.
A fashion show in Kashmir's Gulmarg has sparked controversy, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying his government had no involvement. The event, held during Ramzan, was criticized by Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who called it “outrageous” and “obscene.” Abdullah, responding to the criticism, expressed that the show disrespected local sensitivities during the holy month. The fashion show, organized to mark the 15th anniversary of designer label Shivan & Narresh, took place on snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg on Friday.
Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore, has links to a land deal in Karnataka. Rao was the majority shareholder of Ksiroda India, a company that received 12 acres of industrial land in Tumakuru from the BJP government in February 2023. Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, was arrested at Bengaluru airport on March 3 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). A special court later handed her over to DRI custody for further investigation.
Mark Carney, former central banker in Canada and the UK, has won the Liberal Party’s leadership race and will replace Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada. In his victory speech, Carney stated, “America is not Canada,” stressing the differences between the two nations. He criticized the U.S. for its resource-driven ambitions and vowed that Canada would never be part of the U.S. Carney’s comments on Canadian sovereignty highlighted his commitment to protecting the country's identity and way of life.
Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, vowed to hunt down Bashar al-Assad loyalists after over 830 civilians were killed in brutal massacres on Syria's west coast. The deaths occurred from Friday to Saturday and targeted Alawite communities. Sharaa, whose rebel group, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overthrew Assad's regime in December, promised to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. His speech, broadcast on TV and social media, marked a firm stance against Assad loyalists amid escalating violence in the region.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we speak with The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry about her investigation into two past reports that raised concerns over the structural integrity of the Telangana tunnel, which collapsed last month, trapping eight workers.
Next, The Indian Express' Jayprakash S. Naidu discusses a viral video that has sparked concerns about women's roles in local governance. (12:05)
Finally, we talk about a Hindu temple vandalised in the US and India’s demand for stricter action. (18:18)
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Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 7th of March and here are this week’s headlines.
Starting in the news from the North, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring full statehood for the union territory. Speaking at the opening of the Budget Session, he acknowledged the emotional and political significance of statehood to the people of J&K and emphasized ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders. Sinha stated that the government is working to address the people’s desires while ensuring peace, stability, and progress. His remarks come as political activity in J&K intensifies, with opposition parties challenging the government on sensitive issues like Article 370.
Now, from news in the South, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin led an all-party meeting that unanimously rejected the upcoming Parliamentary constituency delimitation process, set for 2026. The resolution passed in Chennai argued that the process would weaken Tamil Nadu and threaten India’s federal structure. It claimed that basing the delimitation solely on the upcoming census population data would harm the political representation of Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states, especially those with successful population control measures.
In another news making headline, Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a raid at her residence, recovering jewellery valued at ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash. Rao, 33, is the stepdaughter of a senior Karnataka IPS officer and was intercepted after returning from Dubai, a frequent destination for her trips.
In global headlines, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to sign a minerals deal with the United States, despite not finalizing it during his visit to Washington. Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenges of his meeting with US President Donald Trump but reaffirmed Ukraine's openness to constructive dialogue. He emphasized that Ukraine’s position needs to be heard. The minerals deal was seen as a step towards strengthening security ties between the two nations. However, tensions over peace talks with Russia have led to growing frustrations between the US and Ukraine.
New 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 20% tariff hike on Chinese goods have sparked trade tensions between the US and its top three trading partners. Canada quickly retaliated, announcing tariffs on $20.7bn worth of US goods, with further measures planned if Trump’s tariffs remain. China also imposed additional 10%-15% tariffs on US imports, alongside export restrictions on US entities, escalating the trade conflict. These tariffs came into effect immediately, adding strain to global trade.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
First, The Indian Express's Managing Editor, P Vaidynathan Iyer discusses the Indian stock market's sharp and continuous slide and what investors should keep in mind
Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Investigative journalist Ritu Sarin about the Bofors scandal. (15:17)
Lastly, The Indian Express' Asad Rehman we discuss the controversy surrounding Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma. (24:35)
Hosted, produced and written by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 6th of March and here are this week’s headlines.
In the biggest news today, India condemned a security breach incident during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s trip to the UK, saying it deplored “the misuse of democratic freedom by such elements”. According to a purported video of the incident circulating on social media platform X, a man with the tricolour is seen rushing towards the car in which Jaishankar is seated. A group of protesters with pro-Khalistan flags can be seen shouting slogans even as the policemen stationed at the spot block the man and take him away.
In another news making headline, Several members of the Jain community have knocked on the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s doors after a family court in Indore denied them relief under the Hindu Marriage Act. First Additional Principal Judge, Family Court, Dhirendra Singh recently refused to grant divorce to a couple who practice the Jain religion under provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, observing, “Jainism is a religion that opposes the fundamental Vedic traditions and beliefs of Hinduism and is not based on Vedic tradition, whereas Hinduism is entirely rooted in Vedic tradition.”
In news from the North, following an order by the district administration on 28th of February, authorities have sealed 11 madrasas in Dehradun, citing non-registration with the state madrasa board or the education department. In January, before the local body elections, the state government ordered a verification drive and data from Dehradun was made public. The Dehradun District Magistrate, Savin Bansal, had stated that Sadar Dehradun tehsil had 16 unregistered and eight registered madrasas, Vikasnagar tehsil had 34 unregistered and 27 registered ones, Doiwala had one registered and six unregistered madrasas, and Kalsi had a single unregistered madrasa.
In other news, a 27-year-old from Hyderabad who was pursuing higher studies in the United States was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Wisconsin, US in a suspected robbery at the local store where he worked part-time. Gampa Praveen Kumar, the deceased, was a native of K- sham-pet mandal in Telangana’s Rangareddy district. He was a second-year MS in Data Science student at the University of Wisconsin. Kumar had gone to the US in August 2023 after completing his BTech in Hyderabad.
In global news, Tropical Cyclone Alfred lashed parts of eastern Australia today, with early winds and rain leading to schools being closed, public transport halted, and residents looking for alternatives to sandbags by buying potting mix to reduce the impact of flooding. Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall early Saturday along the Queensland coast, somewhere between the Sunshine Coast region and the city of Gold Coast. Alfred is expected to become the first cyclone to cross the coast near Brisbane since Cyclone Zoe hit Gold Coast in 1974 and brought widespread flooding.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
First, we talk to The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary about the surrender of all the weapons looted by civilians in Manipur during the ethnic conflict.
Next, The Indian Express' Himanshu Harsh discusses the struggles of Makhana farming, the issues faced by the farmers and the low wage. (12:15)
Lastly, we discuss Kannada film actress Ranya Rao's arrest at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold. (21:43)
Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 5th of March and here are the headlines.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin led an all-party meeting that unanimously rejected the upcoming Parliamentary constituency delimitation process, set for 2026. The resolution passed in Chennai argued that the process would weaken Tamil Nadu and threaten India’s federal structure. It claimed that basing the delimitation solely on the upcoming census population data would harm the political representation of Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states, especially those with successful population control measures.
US President Donald Trump targeted India’s high tariffs during his speech to Congress, signaling limited room for concessions in ongoing trade talks. He specifically criticized the auto sector, where India charges tariffs exceeding 100%. Trump announced that reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, would penalize India for high tariffs by imposing equivalent trade barriers. He emphasized a tit-for-tat approach, accusing India of using non-monetary methods to limit US market access.
Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a raid at her residence, recovering jewellery valued at ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash. Rao, 33, is the stepdaughter of a senior Karnataka IPS officer and was intercepted after returning from Dubai, a frequent destination for her trips.
Kolkata police revealed that a debt of ₹16 crore triggered the triple murder of Sudeshna Dey, her sister-in-law Romi Dey, and Romi’s 14-year-old daughter. Prasun Dey, Romi's husband and a businessman, confessed to killing the three, whose bodies were found in a house in the Tangra area. The investigation indicated that the financial burden drove Prasun to commit the murders, which occurred on February 19 in a shocking crime that has rocked the city.
After the US imposed new tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called President Trump’s decision “a very dumb thing to do.” In a speech, Trudeau expressed disagreement with Trump’s policies, criticizing the tariffs and warning that they would only play into the hands of global adversaries. Canada retaliated with tariffs on $30 billion worth of US goods and threatened further measures within 21 days. Trudeau confirmed Canada would challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about the BJP presidential elections. He shares the reasons behind the delay, the different levels at which the elections take place and more.
Next, The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry gives us details of the impact of USAID funds being paused by US President Donald Trump. She shares the story of Mitr, the first comprehensive transgender health clinic which had to shut down due to a lack of funds. (12:10)
Lastly, we speak about a software professional from Hyderabad who was found dead at her home. (23:30)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 4th of March and here are the headlines.
Supreme Court Discharges Man Accused of Hurting Religious Sentiments
The Supreme Court has discharged Hari Nandan Singh, who was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of a government official by calling him “miyan-tiyan” and “Pakistani.” While the Court acknowledged the remarks were in poor taste, they did not meet the threshold of the alleged offence. The court overruled the Jharkhand High Court’s decision to proceed with the case, emphasizing that the statements did not qualify as an offence under Section 298 IPC.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar Criticizes Asianet News’ Maha Kumbh Remarks
BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar condemned remarks made on the Maha Kumbh by the Malayalam TV channel Asianet News, which he owns. In a Facebook post, he reminded the channel’s management that "faith is important for every Hindu." The controversial remarks were made during the program Cover Story, aired on March 1, which allegedly mocked Keralites attending the Kumbh Mela and taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam.
Maharashtra MLA’s Son Detained After Argument Over Driving
Abu Farhan Azmi, son of Maharashtra MLA Abu Azmi, was detained by Goa police after an altercation with two locals over driving behavior in North Goa’s Candolim. Azmi and the two locals, Zeon and Joseph Fernandes, were detained for disturbing the peace. The argument reportedly started when Azmi’s vehicle, a Mercedes SUV, made a lane change without signaling. The incident, which occurred near Newton Super Market, led to public complaints, but all involved were later released after police formalities.
Odisha Man Kills Parents and Sister in Fit of Rage
A 22-year-old man allegedly killed his parents and sister in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district by striking them with a heavy stone early Tuesday. The accused, who had been under severe stress due to family arguments, told police his father had assaulted him, accusing him of drug use. He said his father had broken his tooth during the altercation. Police believe the killings occurred in a moment of anger triggered by these ongoing family tensions.
Trump's Tariffs Trigger Trade War with Canada and Mexico
New 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 20% tariff hike on Chinese goods have sparked trade tensions between the US and its top three trading partners. Canada quickly retaliated, announcing tariffs on $20.7bn worth of US goods, with further measures planned if Trump’s tariffs remain. China also imposed additional 10%-15% tariffs on US imports, alongside export restrictions on US entities, escalating the trade conflict. These tariffs came into effect immediately, adding strain to global trade.
Trump Orders Pause in Military Aid to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary pause in military aid to Ukraine following a confrontation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The pause affects US military equipment not yet in Ukraine, including weapons in transit to Poland. While the halt is described as temporary, it reflects growing tensions between the two countries. US officials indicated that the pause would continue until further decisions are made about Ukraine's commitment to peace talks with Russia.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Udit Misra explains what the latest GDP estimates reveal about the state of the Indian economy and why they raise concerns about the accuracy and reliability of such data.
Next, The Indian Express’ Divya Goyal discusses what the Punjab Police’s investigation has uncovered about the global network of agents facilitating illegal immigration of Indians into the US (13:00).
Finally, The Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath talks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent claim that a colonial era persisted even 75 years after independence (21:22).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 3rd of March and here are the headlines.
Influencer Ranveer Allahbadia has asked the Supreme Court to allow him to continue airing his shows, calling it his "only source of livelihood." This request comes as the court hears pleas to consolidate FIRs linked to the ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy. The court granted him interim protection from arrest but ordered him to surrender his passport and seek approval before leaving India. The controversy began when Allahbadia made controversial remarks about parents on comedian Samay Raina's show, sparking public outrage and multiple FIRs.
The BJP criticized Congress on Monday after INC spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s now-deleted X post fat-shamed Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. Bhandari, BJP national spokesperson, condemned Congress for targeting Sharma, saying, “Shame on Congress! Are they expecting Rahul Gandhi to play cricket after his political failures?” Mohamed’s post, which criticized Sharma’s weight during the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match, called him “fat for a sportsman” and questioned his capabilities as captain. The post quickly garnered backlash before being deleted.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring full statehood for the union territory. Speaking at the opening of the Budget Session, he acknowledged the emotional and political significance of statehood to the people of J&K and emphasized ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders. Sinha stated that the government is working to address the people’s desires while ensuring peace, stability, and progress. His remarks come as political activity in J&K intensifies, with opposition parties challenging the government on sensitive issues like Article 370.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to sign a minerals deal with the United States, despite not finalizing it during his visit to Washington. Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenges of his meeting with US President Donald Trump but reaffirmed Ukraine's openness to constructive dialogue. He emphasized that Ukraine’s position needs to be heard. The minerals deal was seen as a step towards strengthening security ties between the two nations. However, tensions over peace talks with Russia have led to growing frustrations between the US and Ukraine.
The 97th Academy Awards celebrated the best in filmmaking, with “Anora” emerging as the biggest winner of the night. The romantic comedy-drama from Sean Baker took home five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in “The Brutalist.” “Emilia Pérez” led nominations with 13, but it was “Anora” that dominated the evening. The ceremony also featured memorable moments, including the award for Best Film Editing and Best Original Screenplay for “Anora.”
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy discusses the showdown between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign for India’s rising obesity epidemic
Lastly, we discuss the ongoing rescue efforts for Uttarakhand's avalanche that struck a project site.
Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 28th of February and here are this week’s headlines.
First, in news from the capital, the Delhi Government suffered a loss of Rs 2,002 crore due to the flawed excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The policy aimed to eliminate monopolies, ensure fair liquor distribution, and prevent bootlegging. However, it was withdrawn after corruption allegations led to the arrests of key AAP leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, by the CBI and ED. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted these losses in a recent Assembly report.
In another news making headline, India abstained from voting on two resolutions at the UN General Assembly, marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The resolutions were supported by the US, Ukraine, and Europe, and both passed with 93 votes in favor. While India did not support the resolution demanding Russian withdrawal, it did not oppose the motion on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India was one of 65 countries that chose not to vote on the European-backed resolution.
Meanwhile, the central government opposed petitions seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections, arguing in the Supreme Court that a six-year disqualification is not unconstitutional. In its affidavit, the Centre stated that various penal laws impose penalties for a limited time to ensure deterrence while avoiding excessive harshness. The submission was in response to Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay’s plea challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Section 8 mandates a six-year disqualification post-release for those convicted of specified offences.
In news from the North, the Uttarakhand High Court reviewed provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) amid a public interest litigation. The court questioned the state’s ability to make changes to the UCC, particularly regarding mandatory live-in registrations. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover argued that the UCC imposes unnecessary surveillance, as information about individuals is sent directly to local police stations. The court also questioned whether the UCC grants police powers for domiciliary visits, which it found to be a potential violation of rights.
In global headlines this week, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on European Union imports, particularly targeting cars. Trump criticized the EU, claiming it was "formed to screw the United States." He pointed out the EU’s higher tariffs and value-added taxes, which are significantly steeper than those in the US. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and the EU, with officials raising concerns over European taxation policies.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
First, we talk to Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the resolutions put forward on the 3rd anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war and the details of the deliberations that happened.
Next, The Indian Express' Parul Khulshrestha talks about the complexities of a sexual exploitation case in Rajasthan’s Bijainagar town (15:50)
Lastly, we discuss a case that has ignited discussions on the inefficiencies of visa policies in times of crisis, leaving a grieving father desperate. (26:08)
Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and Mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 27th of February and here are the headlines.
The Uttarakhand High Court reviewed provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) amid a public interest litigation. The court questioned the state’s ability to make changes to the UCC, particularly regarding mandatory live-in registrations. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover argued that the UCC imposes unnecessary surveillance, as information about individuals is sent directly to local police stations. The court also questioned whether the UCC grants police powers for domiciliary visits, which it found to be a potential violation of rights.
Congress leader Sam Pitroda caused controversy with a speech where he claimed to have spoken at the "Indian Institute of Technology-Ranchi." The Ministry of Education fact-checked his statement, clarifying there is no IIT in Ranchi but an IIIT, which Pitroda had not been invited to. The ministry condemned his remarks, asserting they were reckless and could damage the reputation of the prestigious institute. Legal action was warned for any attempt to malign its image.
A probationary primary teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Jehanabad, Bihar, was suspended after videos of her making derogatory comments about Bihar went viral. The teacher criticized her posting in Bihar, calling it “unacceptable” and disparaging the people of the state. She claimed Bihar’s citizens lacked civic sense and blamed the state for India’s development struggles. The video sparked outrage, with many questioning the appropriateness of such remarks from an educator.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on European Union imports, particularly targeting cars. Trump criticized the EU, claiming it was "formed to screw the United States." He pointed out the EU’s higher tariffs and value-added taxes, which are significantly steeper than those in the US. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and the EU, with officials raising concerns over European taxation policies.
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed the couple’s deaths, along with their dog, but stated that no foul play was suspected. Hackman, known for iconic roles in films like The French Connection, had lived in the Santa Fe Summit community. Sheriff Adan Mendoza assured that while the investigation is ongoing, foul play is not considered a factor in their deaths.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about artificial intelligence, the changes brought by DeepSeek and how important it is for India to create its own large language model.
Next, The Indian Express' Man Aman Singh Chhina gives us details of the grenade attacks that have been happening in Punjab since December. He talks about the causes and shares how the police have responded to it. (15;47)
Lastly, we speak about the government opposing petitions seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections. (24:29)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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