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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 14th of February and here are this week’s headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four-day trip to France and the US, starting Monday. In France, Modi co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron from 10 to 12 of February. During his visit, he also inaugurated India’s first consulate in Marseille and paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. Before embarking on his visit Modi referred to both Macron and US President Donald Trump as his "friends" and emphasized strengthening international cooperation in the fields of technology and diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, resigned, setting off discussions about his replacement. The BJP's central leadership is expected to take time in finalizing a consensus candidate. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has asked Singh to remain in office until alternative arrangements are made. Meanwhile, Singh recommended suspending the Assembly, allowing time for MLAs to agree on a new leader. With no clear majority support for a successor, the Centre may consider imposing President's Rule. The resignation led to the nullification of an earlier order to convene the Assembly.
In another news making headline, Ranveer Allahbadia, founder of the popular YouTube channel ‘Beer Biceps’, has become the subject of a Mumbai police probe for the allegedly obscene comments he made during a guest appearance on Samay Raina YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’. Maharashtra cyber police summoned several celebrities, including comedian Tanmay Bhatt, actor Rakhi Sawant, and influencer Uorfi Javed.Meanwhile, Samay Raina's lawyer sought more time for her client as he is travelling overseas, but the state cyber police refused to give any time and served him a second notice asking him to remain present before them on 17th of February.
In other news, the Uttarakhand High Court addressed concerns about the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, particularly regarding live-in relationships. The court emphasized the importance of self-respect and privacy, especially for children born from such relationships. Chief Justice G Narender questioned the regulation of live-ins and the declaration of such marriages as void or criminal. The petition challenging these provisions highlights concerns about the infringement of religious rights and the adverse impact on individuals involved in live-in relationships.
Meanwhile, in news from the parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the new Income Tax bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The new Income Tax Bill will replace the six-decade old Income Tax Act and will likely come into effect from 1st of April, 2026. With no major structural changes in the new Bill, experts say its majorly a simplification exercise and its key features are — crisp language, removal of extra provisos and explanations along with expanded definition of income. In the new I-T Bill, virtual digital assets have been included in the definition of property to be counted as a capital asset of the assessee and several provisions have been provided in tabular format such as TDS provisions, presumptive taxation rates, assessment time limits among others.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, in light of multiple FIRs being filed against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, including charges of “obscene acts,” The Indian Express' Ajoy Sinha Karpuram explains what actually constitutes obscenity and how laws surrounding it have evolved over the years.
Next, The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi discusses scientists' groundbreaking efforts to produce a "lab-grown baby" using only stem cells. (14:08)
Finally, The Indian Express' Aditi Raja tells us about a municipality in Gujarat that transformed a massive amount of single-use plastic into a valuable civic amenity. (21:02)
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Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 13th of February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold talks with US President Donald Trump, after his meeting with the country’s intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard. PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to the United States, landing in Washington DC after wrapping up his visit to France where he co-chaired the Paris AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. PM Modi is set to be the third foreign leader to be hosted by the White House since President Trump took office on January 20 for the second term.
Meanwhile, in news from the parliament, Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the new Income Tax bill in Lok Sabha. The new Income Tax Bill will replace the six-decade old Income Tax Act and will likely come into effect from April 1, 2026. With no major structural changes in the new Bill, experts say its majorly a simplification exercise and its key features are — crisp language, removal of extra provisos and explanations along with expanded definition of income. In the new I-T Bill, virtual digital assets have been included in the definition of property to be counted as a capital asset of the assessee and several provisions have been provided in tabular format such as tax deducted at source provisions, presumptive taxation rates, assessment time limits among others.
In other news, The Adani Group has withdrawn from a 484 megawatt wind project in northern Sri Lanka after the government in Colombo allegedly moved to renegotiate the terms of the project. Adani Green Energy Ltd told Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment yesterday that it would “respectfully withdraw” from the wind project following discussions with officials who indicated that fresh committees would be formed to “renegotiate the project proposal”. The wind project has been under intense scrutiny since the election of Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in September last year, after he promised to cancel the “corrupt” project in the runup to the elections.
Meanwhile, facing growing revenue and fiscal deficits and a mounting debt, the Mamata Banerjee government diverted some of its spending on social welfare from its flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to one for building rural houses, in the Budget tabled yesterday. The Chief Minister, who has accused the Centre of not releasing “a single paisa” for the PM Awas Yojana in Bengal, had announced the Banglar Bari housing scheme in December last year.
In news from Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi today amid speculations of trouble within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra after NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar recently felicitated Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray, the former Maharashtra minister, is also likely to meet AAP national convenor and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal later in the day.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Nikhila Henry about the revelations in the TDP adulterated prasadam at the Tirupati temple case. She talks about a blacklisted and disqualified firm that was supplying ghee for the prasadam via its proxies.
Next, The Indian Express' Raakhi Jagga shares details of Potash reserves being discovered in Punjab and significance it holds for India. (9:54)
Finally, we talk about PM Modi's visit to France and his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. (19:42)
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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 12th of February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France focused on deepening the Indo-French relationship, with discussions on trade, AI, and security with President Emmanuel Macron. Modi paid tribute to fallen Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery and interacted with the Indian diaspora. He also inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille, a long-awaited move celebrated by the local Indian community. The visit highlighted growing ties and collaborative efforts between the two countries in various sectors.
The Supreme Court expressed concerns about governments and political parties announcing freebies before elections, stating it discourages work and is depleting the labor force in states like Maharashtra. The bench, hearing a plea on shelter homes, was told that policies benefit the rich, neglecting the poor and homeless. The court criticized this imbalance, noting that addressing homelessness is often sidelined, while compassion appears reserved for the wealthy, highlighting a lack of priority for marginalized communities.
Maharashtra cyber police have summoned several celebrities, including comedian Tanmay Bhatt, actor Rakhi Sawant, and influencer Uorfi Javed, over a controversial question asked by Ranveer Allahbadia on Samay Raina's ‘India’s Got Latent’ show. The police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident. The summoned individuals are popular YouTubers, influencers, and comedians who were judges on the show. The investigation highlights the growing concern over online content and its implications for public figures.
The Uttarakhand High Court addressed concerns about the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, particularly regarding live-in relationships. The court emphasized the importance of self-respect and privacy, especially for children born from such relationships. Chief Justice G Narender questioned the regulation of live-ins and the declaration of such marriages as void or criminal. The petition challenging these provisions highlights concerns about the infringement of religious rights and the adverse impact on individuals involved in live-in relationships.
In Kottayam, Kerala, police arrested five nursing students from a government college after first-year students reported severe ragging incidents over the past two months. The arrested students have been charged under various sections of the BNS and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act. The victims, who complained to the police, described their traumatic experiences. The accused students, from Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kottayam, will be produced in court following the investigation, which highlights ongoing issues of ragging in educational institutions.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we speak with The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about India's shifting stance on its climate change goals and what it believes developing countries should prioritise.
Next, The Indian Express' Aditi Raja helps us understand the Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat, which has been at the center of challenges faced by minorities in the region.
Lastly, we discuss popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia's controversial remark that led to multiple complaints from across India
Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Ichha Sharma and 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 11th of February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, co-chairing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris, highlighted AI’s transformative potential and called for global governance to address its challenges. He stressed that AI is “writing the code for humanity in the 21st century,” acknowledging both its immense promise and inherent biases. Modi urged collective global efforts to shape AI’s future and promote innovation while tackling risks. He emphasized the need for global collaboration to ensure AI benefits humanity and upholds shared values.
The Mumbai police have contacted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia and YouTuber Samay Raina for an inquiry regarding controversial remarks made by Allahbadia during Raina’s 'India’s Got Latent' show. Allahbadia, known for his BeerBiceps channel, made a joke that sparked nationwide controversy after the video went viral on social media. The remarks, widely criticized as insensitive and vulgar, led to backlash from viewers. The Mumbai police confirmed they are investigating the incident, and Allahbadia, along with other guests, is being questioned regarding the matter.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the latest Union Budget, claiming it is designed to benefit the wealthy, including industrialists. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Yadav stated that the budget’s focus is on the rich, rather than on creating a roadmap for India’s development. He expressed concerns over the lack of a long-term vision for the country’s growth, adding that recent budget announcements seem tailored to elites rather than addressing the needs of the general population. He criticized the budget’s priorities and questioned its impact on India’s future.
The Indian stock market took a hit on Tuesday, with the Sensex dropping over 1,000 points and Nifty falling by 1.3% amid concerns over Donald Trump’s tariff announcements and weak corporate earnings. The Sensex was trading at 76,259, down 1,047 points, while Nifty50 was down by 303.5 points, trading at 23,078. Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25% and announced plans for reciprocal levies on several countries, shaking market sentiment and triggering a decline on Dalal Street.
Following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s top security agencies have compiled a list of 12 gangsters based in the United States. Sources reveal that this list may be shared with U.S. authorities during Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the U.S. The list includes notorious criminals like Anmol Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. While central agencies have long tracked criminals abroad, the recent directive focuses specifically on gangsters based in the U.S., aiming to address their legal status and facilitate international cooperation.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we speak with The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah, who explains the possible reasons behind N. Biren Singh's resignation as Chief Minister nearly two years after the ethnic conflict in Manipur began.
Next, The Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda joins us to discuss why the Sports Ministry has decided to stop awarding cash prizes to junior athletes who win international medals.
Lastly, we talk about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France to co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Produced, written and hosted 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 February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four-day trip to France and the US, starting today. In France, Modi will co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron from February 10 to 12. During his visit, he will also inaugurate India’s first consulate in Marseille and pay tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. Before embarking on his visit Modi referred to both Macron and US President Donald Trump as his "friends" and emphasized strengthening international cooperation in the fields of technology and diplomacy.
In another headline making news, Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, resigned last night, setting off discussions about his replacement. The BJP's central leadership is expected to take time in finalizing a consensus candidate. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has asked Singh to remain in office until alternative arrangements are made. Meanwhile, Singh recommended suspending the Assembly, allowing time for MLAs to agree on a new leader. With no clear majority support for a successor, the Centre may consider imposing President's Rule. The resignation led to the nullification of an earlier order to convene the Assembly.
From one CM resigning to another, the BJP is set to select Delhi’s first Chief Minister from the party in nearly 30 years, with caste being a significant factor in the decision-making process. The choice comes amid an organizational shake-up, including the appointment of a new national president and team. RSS and BJP leaders will soon meet to discuss key positions, including the CM, Deputy CM, Assembly Speaker, and Council of Ministers. These discussions are expected to occur in the coming week, shaping the future leadership of Delhi.
On the global front, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, adding to existing duties. He intends to unveil the new metal tariffs, with reciprocal tariffs to follow tomorrow and day after tomorrow, targeting all countries. The tariffs are designed to match the rates imposed by other nations on US imports, possibly leading to repercussions, such as India potentially facing higher prices on steel and aluminium exports to the US.
In other news from across the country, YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia apologized after his comments on stand up comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show, India’s Got Latent, sparked controversy. Allahbadia admitted his remarks were inappropriate and unfunny, expressing regret in a video statement. Earlier, a police complaint was filed against Ranveer, Raina, and fellow YouTubers Ashish Chanchalani and Apoorva Mukhija, accusing them of using abusive language on the show. The complaint, lodged with the Mumbai Commissioner and Maharashtra Women’s Commission, calls for legal action, though no FIR has been registered yet.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
Despite the Aam Aadmi Party’s emphasis on developmental initiatives and its promise of good governance, voter dissatisfaction was evident in the Delhi Assembly elections as the BJP is now set to form a government in the national capital after 27 years.
The Indian Express' Mallica Joshi and Jatin Anand help us dissect the BJP's campaign that looked on track to unseat Arvind Kejriwal’s reign and the factors that are likely to guide the BJP’s decision while picking its Chief Minister.
Produced, written and hosted by Niharika Nanda
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 February and here are the headlines.
Day after a United States military aircraft landed in Amritsar with 104 deported Indian nationals, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Parliament Budget Session of Day 5 said the Centre is engaging with the US government to ensure that deportees are not ill-treated. EAM also said, quote, “It’s the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if found to be living illegally abroad,” unquote. Jaishankar also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him over the issue.
Meanwhile, the high-stakes Delhi election was concluded in 70 Assembly constituencies. In the triangular contest between the AAP, the BJP, and the Congress, the ruling party aims for a third consecutive term, while the saffron party hopes to make a return to power after 25 years, and the grand old party strives to make a comeback. The polling saw a total turnout of 60.44 per cent, according to Election Commission data. Meanwhile, police force was deployed in large numbers outside a polling booth in Seelampur after the BJP alleged fake votes were being cast.
In other news, India and the US are expected to start negotiations for a free trade agreement in the coming weeks as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the US to meet President Donald Trump between the 12th and 14th of February. The Prime Minister, who will travel to France and co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris between 10th - 11th of February, is also expected to travel to Marseille on 12th of February. From there, he is likely to travel to the US to meet President Trump.
In another news making headline, a civilian truck driver was killed in a firing incident involving Army personnel on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway near Sopore in Kashmir. The Army said the truck jumped a checkpoint, after which it was chased for over 23 km. According to the Army statement, its personnel fired at the tyres of the truck to deflate them, and the truck came to a halt. Subsequently, they took the injured driver to a hospital where he was declared dead. Police sources said they have begun an investigation into the incident.
On the global front, China announced retaliatory tariffs on United States imports after the US imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. Beijing will levy 10-15 per cent tariffs on US products including crude oil, agricultural machinery, and liquefied natural gas. Coal and LNG imports will face a 15 per cent tariff, while items like pickup trucks and large-engine cars will incur a 10 per cent tariff. The measures will take effect on 10th of February, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we speak with The Indian Express' Udit Misra about how tariffs work, the ongoing tariff war between the US and China, and what it could potentially mean for India.
Next, we discuss why the Supreme Court has criticized the Assam government over the continued detention of 63 inmates at the Matia "transit camp" with The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah.
And lastly, we talk about the Indian nationals who were deported for residing illegally in the United States.
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Written by Shashank Bhargava 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 6th of February and here are the headlines.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding the deportation of 104 Indian citizens from the U.S. He assured that the Indian government is engaging with U.S. authorities to prevent ill-treatment of the deportees. Jaishankar emphasized that all countries must take back their nationals living illegally abroad and explained that using restraints during deportation is standard procedure by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since 2012.
In a speech on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Modi criticized the Congress party for prioritizing "family first," stating that expecting “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” from Congress would be a mistake. He also remarked that though the Congress government had not awarded the Bharat Ratna to B.R. Ambedkar, they are now compelled to acknowledge his legacy by saying “Jai Bhim.”
Harwinder Singh, one of 104 Indian deportees, shared his painful experience aboard the U.S. military flight that returned them to India. He described being handcuffed, chained, and confined to their seats for 40 hours. Despite repeated requests, deportees were only allowed limited bathroom breaks. Singh recounted the physical and emotional toll, adding that the crew was indifferent to their plight, though one kind crew member offered them fruits. The journey, he said, was “worse than hell.”
The death of Makhan Din, a Gujjar youth from Kathua’s Billawar area, is under investigation after claims of torture in police custody emerged. On Wednesday, Kathua District Magistrate Dr. Rakesh Minhas ordered a magisterial inquiry. Police say Din died by suicide after consuming insecticide on Tuesday evening. They denied accusations of custodial killing, noting Din’s familial ties to a Pakistan-based militant. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, directed the military on Thursday to devise a plan allowing for the voluntary departure of Gaza residents. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial announcement that the U.S. would take control of Gaza, resettle its 2 million Palestinians, and turn the region into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Katz praised Trump’s proposal, which has drawn widespread condemnation for its potential implications on Palestinian rights and the region’s future.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Arun Sharma about the 17 mysterious deaths that have happened in Jammu's Baddal village. The cause of the deaths couldn't be identified. Arun shares how the deaths have stumped the doctors and how the state administration has responded to the issue.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt who explains why packaged drinking water has been added to the high risk food category in a recent notification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). (8:14)
Finally, we talk about US President Donald Trump saying that US will take over the Gaza Strip. (14:41)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda
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 5th of February and here are the headlines.
A military aircraft from the United States carrying over 100 deported Indian immigrants landed at Amritsar’s Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport this afternoon. The deported individuals include 25 women, 12 minors, and 79 men. In addition to the deported Indian nationals, the aircraft also had 11 crew members and 45 US officials on board. Besides Punjab, the deported individuals are from Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Among the deportees, 33 are from Gujarat, while 30 belong to Punjab.Two deportees each are from Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh, while three are from Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, the high-stakes Delhi election is underway in 70 Assembly constituencies. In the triangular contest between the AAP, the BJP, and the Congress, the ruling party aims for a third consecutive term, while the saffron party hopes to make a return to power after 25 years, and the grand old party strives to make a comeback. As of 1 pm today, the voter turnout stood at 33.31 per cent. Meanwhile, police force was deployed in large numbers outside a polling booth in Seelampur after the BJP alleged fake votes were being cast.
In other news, India and the US are expected to start negotiations for a free trade agreement in the coming weeks as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the US to meet President Donald Trump between the 12th and 14th of February. The Prime Minister, who will travel to France and co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris between 10th - 11th of February, is also expected to travel to Marseille on 12 of February. From there, he is likely to travel to the US to meet President Trump.
In another news headline, After submitting a Letter of Intent to host the 2036 Olympics last October, India is learnt to have opened an “informal” dialogue with the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the centenary edition in 2030 — 20 years after the country first held it. Officials involved in the process told The Indian Express, that unlike 2010, when the Games were hosted in New Delhi, Ahmedabad has emerged as the frontrunner, with Bhubaneswar also in the mix. On the sidelines of the National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun, Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins also met Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha where the possible Indian bid was discussed.
Meanwhile, OpenAI founder Sam Altman during a fireside chat today said that India is the second biggest market for ChatGPT, where it has tripled its user base in the last year. Altman is on a whirlwind world tour and landed in India late on Tuesday night. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with a number of the country's start-ups and venture capital funds. During the chat Altman said, quote, “India is an incredibly important market for AI in general and OpenAI in particular. It is our second biggest market, we tripled our users here in the last year.”
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor, Shubhajit Roy, about the US' massive crackdown on illegal migrants and the first-of-its-kind deportation of Indian migrants since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Next, The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt talks about the Guillain-Barré Syndrome, whose spread has intensified in Pune, with over 150 suspected cases and five suspected deaths.
Finally, we talk about a child from Kerala who sparked discussions about anganwadi meal programs in the state, attracting attention from Kerala’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Veena George.
Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Ichha Sharma and 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 4th of February and here are the headlines.
In his reply to the Motion of Thanks in the parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the House for the 10th time. He highlighted that 25 crore people had overcome poverty due to NDA-led government schemes. PM Modi emphasised that the government’s focus was on providing water connections to the people, with 75 per cent of households lacking tap water before the NDA's tenure.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s claims regarding the border issue with China. Rahul had quoted the Army Chief, suggesting Chinese forces were inside Indian territory, while Prime Minister Modi denied such claims. Rajnath clarified that Rahul had misquoted the Army Chief, reaffirming the government’s stance on the border situation, and emphasising that the military continues to address the issue diplomatically.
In another headline making news, the United States has started deporting Indian migrants as part of US President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement strategy. A C-17 aircraft carrying 205 Indian nationals departed from San Antonio, Texas. A US embassy spokesperson in Delhi confirmed that the deportation, emphasised the administration’s stance on tightening immigration laws and sends a message against illegal migration, which affects an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
In news from the national capital, Delhi Police filed a case against Chief Minister Atishi for violating prohibitory orders a day before the Delhi Assembly elections. Atishi, who is the AAP candidate from Kalkaji, was reportedly involved in a gathering with party volunteers in Govindpuri. Police claimed that despite the requests to disperse under the Model Code of Conduct, the crowd persisted. Two AAP workers were also charged for allegedly assaulting a police officer during the incident.
In global news today, China announced retaliatory tariffs on United States imports after the US imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. Beijing will levy 10-15 per cent tariffs on US products including crude oil, agricultural machinery, and liquefied natural gas. Coal and LNG imports will face a 15 per cent tariff, while items like pickup trucks and large-engine cars will incur a 10 per cent tariff. The measures will take effect on 10th of February, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
As Delhi goes to polls tomorrow, that is the 5th of February, we are dedicating today's episode to discussing the Aam Aadmi Party's progress and schemes over the last decade, why are these elections crucial for the BJP, where does the Congress stand and what are the major narratives dominating the polls. To help us unpack all this, we have the Indian Express' Mallica Joshi joining us.
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Produced by Niharika Nanda, Shashank Bhargava 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 3rd of February and here are the headlines.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, alleged that 70 lakh voters were added to Maharashtra's electoral rolls between the Lok Sabha and state elections. He demanded that the Election Commission provide voter data to opposition parties. Gandhi questioned the integrity of the 2022 Maharashtra polls and expressed doubt that the EC would release the requested details. He emphasized that the Constitution relies on secure votes, without which its significance is diminished.
In his reply to the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi criticized both the UPA and NDA governments for failing to provide a clear employment plan for India’s youth. He expressed dissatisfaction with President Murmu’s inaugural address, calling it similar to past speeches. Gandhi emphasized that the country’s future hinges on young people and highlighted that any proposals should address their concerns and challenges, urging the Opposition bloc to focus on this issue.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to Rahul Gandhi’s claims regarding his U.S. visit in December 2024. Gandhi had alleged that Jaishankar went to the U.S. to secure an invitation for PM Modi’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration. Jaishankar denied the accusation, stating that his visit was for meetings with U.S. officials and to chair a consuls general gathering. He clarified that the Prime Minister typically does not attend such events and India is represented by special envoys.
The Supreme Court called the January 29 stampede at the Maha Kumbh “unfortunate” but directed the petitioner to approach the Allahabad High Court, where a judicial commission had already been set up to investigate the incident. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, hearing the case, stated that the matter was concerning but advised that the High Court be approached. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi confirmed that the judicial commission was already in place to address the issue.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staffers were instructed to stay out of the agency’s Washington headquarters after Elon Musk claimed he and President Trump had agreed to shut down USAID. Over 600 employees were locked out of USAID’s computer systems, and those still in the system received emails about the closure. Musk, who is leading a review of the federal government with Trump’s approval, said the two agreed on shutting down the agency, which has been active for over six decades.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
On Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the twelfth Union Budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
This budget came at a time when India has been struggling to achieve its desired growth rate while grappling with challenges like unemployment and rising prices. After introducing reforms such as GST and implementing various ease-of-doing-business measures in the past, the government this time announced an unprecedented tax break for the middle class, hoping it would provide a much-needed boost to the economy.
To break down the key takeaways, what this could mean for India's growth story, and other major highlights from the Union Budget, The Indian Express’ Udit Misra joins us.
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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