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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 28th of January and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will no longer rely on exporting raw materials to be processed abroad and sold back as finished goods. Speaking at Odisha’s Utkarsh Odisha conclave, Modi emphasized that India’s economic growth must focus on innovation and quality manufacturing. He also highlighted recent Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as proof of the potential for live events to boost the economy, underscoring the shift towards a self-sufficient, value-added production ecosystem.
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal urged PM Modi to introduce a nationwide law banning loan waivers for billionaires. He criticized the government for waiving loans of the wealthy while ordinary citizens bear high taxes. Kejriwal suggested that ending these waivers could lower income tax, GST rates, and remove taxes on essential goods. He called the practice a scandal and demanded an end to what he called "unfair financial relief for the rich."
Five Indian fishermen were injured when the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire near Delft Island on Tuesday. Two of the fishermen sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized in Jaffna, while three others suffered minor injuries. India lodged a strong protest with the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, and the Indian High Commission in Colombo also raised the issue with the Sri Lankan government. The remaining fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Maharashtra’s long-awaited civic elections will be delayed further as the Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing on petitions regarding OBC reservations for February 25. The delay has disappointed political parties and aspirants preparing for the polls. The Pune Municipal Corporation has been under an administrator since the previous body’s term ended in 2022. Parties are now facing additional uncertainty as the civic polls remain stalled due to ongoing legal challenges over reservations.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that PM Narendra Modi is likely to visit the White House in February following a phone conversation between the two leaders. Trump described the relationship between the US and India as “very good” and said they discussed various issues, including illegal immigration. While India has not officially confirmed the visit, Trump said Modi would “do what’s right” regarding immigration matters, signaling potential discussions during the upcoming visit.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
In light of the Uttarakhand government implementing the Uniform Civil Code yesterday, we are revisiting an episode that originally aired last year (8 February, 2024), when the state first passed it in the Assembly. In this episode, we discussed in detail the changes it proposes, the concerns it raises, and why the BJP chose Uttarakhand as the first state for its implementation.
Guests: The Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath, Avaneesh Mishra, and Liz Mathew
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
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On the occasion of Republic Day, we revisit three key debates—on secularism, reservations, and the cow—that were passionately argued by our founding fathers during the drafting of the Constitution.
(Please note that our next episode will be released on the 28th of January).
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Additional help from 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 24th of January and here are this week’s headlines.
A Sealdah court on Monday sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for raping and murdering a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August. Roy was convicted on Saturday, nearly six months after his arrest. The court imposed a Rs 50,000 fine and ordered the West Bengal government to pay Rs 1.7 million in compensation to the victim’s family. Junior doctors at RG Kar expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict.
Chalapati, a 62-year-old Maoist leader, was killed in an encounter on Tuesday with security forces near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. Known for his rapid rise through the ranks, Chalapati orchestrated several high-profile attacks, including the 2018 killing of TDP MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, he was believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly attack in Araku Valley, which also targeted former MLA Siveri Soma. His wife, Aruna, allegedly led the Maoist group involved in the murders.
At least 12 passengers were killed and 10 injured on Wednesday after they jumped off the Pushpak Express in panic following rumors of a fire onboard. The passengers were run over by the Karnataka Express traveling on an adjacent track in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Around 30-35 people are suspected to have jumped. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep grief, paying tribute to the victims. Rescue operations were launched with ambulances and railway vans deployed at the scene.
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its manifesto on Wednesday with a focus on middle-class welfare. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal highlighted seven demands to be included in the Union Budget, urging transformative reforms in education, healthcare, and senior citizen welfare. Kejriwal emphasized the need to prioritize the middle class, proposing changes to taxation and policies that would improve quality of life for Delhi's working families and address their pressing concerns.
On his first day after swearing in as the US President, Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting immigration laws, including birthright citizenship on Tuesday. The new policy restricts automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil, requiring at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or military member. This change may impact millions of Indian-Americans, complicating their pursuit of permanent residency, as birthright citizenship was a crucial pathway to citizenship for many foreign-born children.
Meanwhile, at least nine Palestinians were killed and 40 others were left wounded after Israel launched a major military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday. The operation came as Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third day, bringing the 15-month conflict to a halt. On Monday, the top general in Israel resigned, citing security failures that led to Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is considering going to the Middle East, but not immediately amid the return of hostages, while reiterating that the attack on Israel by Hamas should not have happened.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Dheeraj Mishra about the Jalgaon train accident. He shares details of what happened and how the 12 passengers died. He also talks about the political reactions and the initial investigation.
Next, The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt shares details of USA's withdrawal from the World Health Organisation. She talks about the monetary blow that the organisation will be facing and how this will impact the WHO as a whole. (10:11)
Finally, we talk about an Indian short film being nominated in the Best Short Film (Live Action) category at the 97th Academy Awards. (21:07)
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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 23rd of January and here are the headlines.
The Indian stock market has seen a significant downturn since the Sensex hit an all-time high of Rs 85,978.84 on September 27 last year. Over the past four months, the benchmark index has dropped by 10,000 points, or 11.79%, causing major losses for investors. The NSE Nifty Index also fell by 12.38%. Large-cap stocks experienced the biggest losses, with a 13.27% decline, driven by heavy selling from foreign investors, marking a sharp reversal in market fortunes.
A SIM card from the village of Bara Andulia in West Bengal’s Nadia district, near the Bangladesh border, was linked to Shariful Islam, the man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan. While it may seem surprising, villagers aren’t shocked, as many locals work in Mumbai’s hotels and bars, where Shariful also found employment. His father, Md Ruhul Amin Fakir, revealed that Shariful entered India illegally through a middleman last year, worked in West Bengal, and then moved to Mumbai.
Before taking over as chairperson of ISRO, Dr. V Narayanan visited his hometown, Melakattuvilai in Tamil Nadu, where nearly 600 people gathered to celebrate his achievements. Coming from a farming family, he studied under kerosene lamps until his house was electrified in ninth grade. Narayanan played a key role in developing India’s cryogenic engine program, which powers the LVM3 launch vehicle. Speaking to The Indian Express, he shared insights on his journey and upcoming ISRO missions, marking seven years at LPSC.
Six days after a 35-year-old woman went missing in Hyderabad, her husband Wednesday claimed he had killed her and disposed of her body parts at different locations, including the neighbouring Jillellaguda lake, the police said. The police, however, said they are verifying the claims by the 45-year-old ex-serviceman from the Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, who said he dismembered his wife’s body after killing her and cooked the parts in a pressure cooker. The man, identified as Gurumurthy, works as an outsourced security guard at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) facility in Kanchan Bagh. They said they had not found any body parts of the woman, P Venkata Madhavi, said to have been dumped by Gurumurthy.
For the second time in a month, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the H1B visa program, emphasizing the need for "very competent" people. Speaking at a White House press conference with Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Trump stated that while he appreciates both sides of the argument, he values skilled individuals entering the U.S., even if they train others with fewer qualifications, stressing that it’s not limited to engineers but applies to all levels.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, The Indian Express’ Divya A explains how US President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of parents without legal status could impact the Indian community living in the US.
Next, The Indian Express’ Ajoy Sinha Karpuram explores the factors courts consider when imposing the death penalty (09:20).
Finally, The Indian Express’ Sujit Bisoyi examines the significance of the latest archaeological findings in Odisha’s Ratnagiri (18:35).
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 22nd of January and here are the headlines.
At least 11 passengers were killed and 11 injured on Wednesday after they jumped off the Pushpak Express in panic following rumors of a fire onboard. The passengers were run over by the Karnataka Express traveling on an adjacent track in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Around 30-35 people are suspected to have jumped. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep grief, paying tribute to the victims. Rescue operations were launched with ambulances and railway vans deployed at the scene.
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was discharged from the hospital after a stabbing attack, has increased his security by hiring actor Ronit Roy’s firm. Roy was seen accompanying Khan after his release from Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. Khan was attacked last Thursday at his Bandra residence by a Bangladeshi national, who entered the property by scaling the complex wall while the guards slept. The police reconstructed the crime scene to reveal details of the attack.
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its manifesto with a focus on middle-class welfare. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal highlighted seven demands to be included in the Union Budget, urging transformative reforms in education, healthcare, and senior citizen welfare. Kejriwal emphasized the need to prioritize the middle class, proposing changes to taxation and policies that would improve quality of life for Delhi's working families and address their pressing concerns.
The Supreme Court issued a split verdict on a plea by former AAP councillor and Northeast Delhi riots accused Tahir Hussain, seeking interim bail to campaign for Delhi Assembly elections. Hussain, who is contesting as an AIMIM candidate, requested bail for election purposes. Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ahsanuddin Amanullah gave differing opinions; Justice Mithal rejected the plea, while Justice Amanullah favored granting bail, leaving the final decision uncertain.
US President Donald Trump, shortly after assuming office, signed an executive order pardoning all those convicted for involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots. Hundreds of rioters, many accused of violent crimes, were released from prison with charges dropped. Speaking at the White House, Trump condemned the conditions of imprisonment, calling them inhumane. While the pardons brought relief to the rioters, they did not receive monetary compensation for their time served.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Sweety Kumari about the verdict that has been given by a court in Kolkata's Sealdah regarding the brutal rape and murder of a female junior doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Next, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Shubhajit Roy shares details of the Trump administration 2.0, and talks specifically about the leaders whose appointment will impact the US India relations. (16:42)
Finally, we talk about Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan being discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital following the knife attack at his Bandra residence. (24:50)
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 Floar Swain.
Today is the 21st of January and here are the headlines.
Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital after being attacked at his Bandra home on January 16. The actor, who sustained multiple stab wounds during an alleged robbery attempt, was photographed leaving the hospital and visiting the site of the attack. His wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and daughter Sara Ali Khan were seen at the hospital. Saif underwent two surgeries—neurosurgery and plastic surgery—after the intruder’s knife injured his thoracic spine, requiring surgery to remove knife fragments.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is confident that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will win the upcoming elections. In an interview, she emphasized the party’s ability to remain stable despite fears after Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. She also expressed optimism that the "obstructionist" tactics of Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena would diminish if AAP returns to power. Atishi believes the biggest achievement of her four-month tenure has been maintaining governance stability, despite the political challenges posed by the LG.
Chalapati, a 62-year-old Maoist leader, was killed in an encounter with security forces near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. Known for his rapid rise through the ranks, Chalapati orchestrated several high-profile attacks, including the 2018 killing of TDP MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, he was believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly attack in Araku Valley, which also targeted former MLA Siveri Soma. His wife, Aruna, allegedly led the Maoist group involved in the murders.
On his first day as U.S. President, Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting immigration laws, including birthright citizenship. The new policy restricts automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil, requiring at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or military member. This change may impact millions of Indian-Americans, complicating their pursuit of permanent residency, as birthright citizenship was a crucial pathway to citizenship for many foreign-born children.
Elon Musk faced backlash for a hand gesture during a celebration of Donald Trump's inauguration, which some online users compared to a Nazi salute. However, a leading antisemitism tracker clarified that the gesture appeared to be one of enthusiasm. Musk dismissed the criticism, calling it a "tired" attack. During the event at Washington’s Capital One Arena, Musk energetically pumped his arms and shouted "Yesssss," drawing cheers from the crowd, while the hand gesture sparked controversy online.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Brendan Dabhi tells us the state of a railway overbridge in Ahmedabad, which highlights the extent of mismanagement within the government.
Next, The Indian Express’ Raakhi Jagga provides the latest updates on the farmers’ protests, including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal accepting medical assistance from the government and agreeing to a meeting with them (08:22).
Finally, we bring you a quick update on the RG Kar case verdict delivered by the Sealdah court (16:50).
Hosted and written by Shashank Bhargava
Produced 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 Floar Swain.
Today is the 20th of January and here are the headlines.
Sealdah Court Sentences Sanjay Roy to Life for Doctor's Murder
A Sealdah court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for raping and murdering a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August. Roy was convicted on Saturday, nearly six months after his arrest. The court imposed a Rs 50,000 fine and ordered the West Bengal government to pay Rs 1.7 million in compensation to the victim’s family. While the judge considered a possible death sentence, junior doctors at RG Kar expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict.
Supreme Court Rules on Custody of Bengaluru Techie's Son
The Supreme Court ruled that the minor son of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash will remain in the custody of his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, who faces charges of abetting his suicide. The court denied a request from Subhash’s mother, Anju Devi, to grant her custody, citing the child’s lack of familiarity with her. Justice Nagarathna remarked that Anju Devi was "virtually a stranger" to the child, solidifying the court’s decision in favor of Singhania.
Complaint Filed Against Kejriwal Over Alleged Election Malpractices
A complaint has been filed against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly distributing chairs and sweeping machines in his constituency. Election officials in New Delhi will forward the complaint to Delhi Police for further action. With the Delhi Assembly elections less than two weeks away, political campaigns have intensified. Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticized the ongoing battle between AAP’s city government and the BJP-led central government, claiming his party offers a better option for the people.
Trump's Second Inauguration Amid Freezing Temperatures
Crowds are gathering in Washington, DC, as Donald Trump prepares for his second presidential inauguration. Due to freezing temperatures, the ceremony has been moved indoors. Trump will deliver a speech following the oath and attend three inaugural balls, with approximately 200,000 supporters expected. A day before the inauguration, Trump rallied at Capitol One Arena, discussing topics like Middle East Ceasefire, TikTok, and his Day 1 Actions. He also mentioned plans to visit Los Angeles later this week.
Hyderabad Man Shot Dead During Food Delivery in Washington, DC
Koyyada Ravi Teja, 26, was shot dead outside a building in Washington, DC, while delivering a food order for his part-time job. Teja, who had recently completed his master’s in the U.S., was reportedly confronted by robbers as they tried to escape, and was shot point-blank. He suffered two bullet wounds and died on the spot. Teja had been looking forward to marriage and settling down, according to his family from Green Hills Colony, Hyderabad.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Mohamed Thaver about Saif Ali Khan being stabbed in his own house. He shares the details of the investigation, how the accused was identified, found and arrested and the current status of the case.
Next, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy speaks to us about the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. He shares the various stages of the agreement, how it unfolded on Sunday and what is in store for the near future. (15:20)
Finally, we talk about a massive fire that broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj that engulfed nearly 20 tents. (25:40)
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 17th of January and here are this week’s headlines.
An estimated 40 crore people are expected to descend on the banks of the Ganga in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, which commenced on Monday and will end on February 26. Besides this, 50 lakh pilgrims and sadhus plan to stay in camps for the entire duration of the event. The spiritual festival, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees who gather to bathe at the sacred Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers converge. It is the world’s biggest religious gathering, with deep links to Hindu mythology wherein participants seek forgiveness for their sins and aspire for Moksha, or spiritual liberation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel at Sonamarg, a strategic infrastructural project that is key to all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. The tunnel has been renamed as Sonamarg tunnel, after the famous tourist resort that will have round-the-year connectivity after this project. PM Modi inspected the 6.5-kilometre tunnel and interacted with workers who played a role in its construction. The soft-opening of the tunnel was carried out in February last year, but Assembly elections delayed the project’s official inauguration.
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully docked its SpaDeX satellites on Thursday, after bringing them within 3 meters of each other. Following the docking, ISRO confirmed the satellites were functioning as a single unit. The space agency mentioned that undocking and power transfer checks would follow in the coming days. The docking process had previously been delayed twice, on 7th and 9th of January, due to technical issues. The satellites were launched on 30th December.
On the global front, Los Angeles firefighters faced high winds over the week as they battled two massive wildfires that have caused extensive destruction, killing at least 24 people. The fires, which have scorched an area the size of Washington D.C., were egzazzerbated by Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 75 mph. Over 8,500 firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blazes and prevent further spread, as authorities issued a red flag warning for dangerous conditions in the region.
Meanwhile, a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israeli negotiators is set to end the 15-month Gaza conflict, with the deal taking effect on January 19. The agreement, brokered by US President Joe Biden, includes swapping hostages for imprisoned Palestinians in Israel. Biden, who played a pivotal role in the negotiations, views this achievement as a significant foreign policy legacy. While he is credited with ending the bloodiest phase of the Israel-Gaza conflict, he shares this accomplishment with his successor, Donald Trump.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, The Indian Express’ Pavneet Singh Chadha explains why the Goa tourism minister has been speaking out against social media influencers and what data reveals about the current state of tourism in the state.
Next, The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt discusses a new method proposed by a Lancet commission for calculating and defining obesity (14:08).
Finally, The Indian Express’ Abhinaya Harigovind examines why several non-BJP-ruled states are opposing the draft UGC Regulations, 2025 (21:15).
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 16th of January and here are the headlines.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully docked its SpaDeX satellites on Thursday, after bringing them within 3 meters of each other. Following the docking, ISRO confirmed the satellites were functioning as a single unit. The space agency mentioned that undocking and power transfer checks would follow in the coming days. The docking process had previously been delayed twice, on January 7 and 9, due to technical issues. The satellites were launched on December 30.
Saif Ali Khan, after undergoing surgery for stab wounds sustained in a home attack, is now in stable condition, according to doctors at Lilavati Hospital. The attack occurred early Thursday when an intruder stabbed Khan multiple times, including a serious wound near his spine. Police believe the attacker may be linked to a domestic worker who allowed him entry. The intruder was briefly locked in a room but managed to escape. Theft is suspected as the motive.
Nearly 50,000 international students failed to show up at Canadian colleges and universities in March-April 2024, with Indian students making up a significant portion. Of the 20,000 “no-shows,” 5.4% were from India, representing a sizeable portion of the country’s study permit holders. This data, compiled under the International Student Compliance Regime, highlights the non-compliance of 6.9% of international students, prompting educational institutions to report on enrolment twice a year to ensure adherence to study permits.
Hindenburg Research, the US-based short seller whose allegations caused significant financial turmoil, including for India's Adani Group, has announced its closure. The decision to disband the firm came shortly after US Congressman Lance Gooden wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland, asking for clarification on the US Department of Justice's case against Adani. The letter highlighted concerns over the investigation's focus on a foreign company while Hindenburg's own role in global financial disruptions has been scrutinized.
A ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israeli negotiators is set to end the 15-month Gaza conflict, with the deal taking effect on January 19. The agreement, brokered by US President Joe Biden, includes swapping hostages for imprisoned Palestinians in Israel. Biden, who played a pivotal role in the negotiations, views this achievement as a significant foreign policy legacy. While he is credited with ending the bloodiest phase of the Israel-Gaza conflict, he shares this accomplishment with his successor, Donald Trump.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar about the relocation of 337 metric tonnes of hazardous waste from Bhopal’s Union Carbide factory that was generated during pesticide production between 1969 and 1984 and was dumped on the premises.
Next, The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt speaks to us about the second phase of the Genome India project, which was approved by the government in 2020 with the aim of creating a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations found in the Indian population. (13:28)
Finally, we talk about Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioning three advanced Naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer. (22:41)
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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 15th of January and here are today's headlines.
Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on RSS and BJP
On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, accused the BJP and RSS of “capturing every single institution” in India. He criticized RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his controversial remarks on India’s Independence and called them treasonous. Gandhi argued that India is witnessing a clash between the visions of the Congress and RSS. He stated that Congress is now fighting both the BJP, RSS, and the Indian state itself, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.
PM Modi Commissions New Naval Combatants
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday commissioned three advanced Naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Calling the occasion a “giant leap forward” for the Navy’s empowerment, Modi celebrated India's growing defence self-reliance. Designed and built entirely in India, these combatants enhance India's naval capabilities. They have undergone rigorous trials and are now fully operational, marking a significant milestone in the country’s indigenous shipbuilding and defence production.
Meta Apologizes for Zuckerberg's Election Remarks
Meta India apologized on Wednesday for CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claim about several governments, including India’s, losing power in post-COVID elections. Meta clarified that the statement was an "inadvertent error." In a message to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Meta’s Shivnath Thukral explained that while the remark applied to many countries, it was incorrect regarding India. The apology came after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey announced that a Parliamentary panel would summon Meta to seek an apology for the controversial comments.
Committee Recommends Action in Khalistan Plot Case
A high-powered committee set up by the Union government has recommended legal action against an individual in connection with an alleged plot to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The committee's report follows inputs from US authorities regarding Vikash Yadav, a former Indian official, accused of directing a foiled assassination attempt in New York City. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Yadav is no longer employed by the Indian government, and legal action is now being considered based on the findings.
South Korean President Arrested Amid Impeachment
On Wednesday, South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from his residence, following a weeks-long standoff with law enforcement. Yoon, who had previously declared martial law in December, was impeached by the parliament. In a pre-recorded message, Yoon claimed that his arrest was illegitimate and the investigation illegal. He explained that he stopped resisting to avoid a violent confrontation. Yoon's controversial actions and impeachment have sparked political turmoil in the country.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Sukrita Baruah tells us how several workers got trapped inside a rat-hole mine in Assam last week, and the political slugfest it has led to.
Next, The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy talks about why India has now chosen to increase its engagement with the Taliban and what was discussed in their latest bilateral meeting (16:50).
Finally, we discuss Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching Mission Mausam, which aims to upgrade the capabilities of India’s weather department in forecasting, modeling, and dissemination (26:02).
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 14th of January and here are today's headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 150th anniversary celebration of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), praised the country’s meteorological advancements for enhancing disaster management and limiting casualties. Modi emphasized how India’s accurate weather forecasts have benefited both the region and the world, contributing to the nation’s global image. He highlighted how these advancements have minimized economic losses, underscoring that scientific progress is a reflection of a country's overall development.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who chairs the Communications and Information Technology Committee, announced plans to summon Meta over CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s statement regarding the electoral defeat of incumbent governments post-Covid. Zuckerberg’s comment about 2024 elections prompted Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to refute the claim. Vaishnaw emphasized India’s progress under PM Modi, highlighting free vaccines, food distribution, and India’s growth as the fastest-growing economy, contradicting the claim that Modi's third term victory was unlikely.
The Telangana government's crackdown on BRS Huzurabad MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and other party leaders sparked controversy. The incident followed an altercation between Kaushik and Congress MLA Sanjay Kumar. Kaushik was arrested on charges of physical abuse and obstruction, later released on bail. Subsequently, senior BRS leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Kumar, were placed under house arrest. Kaushik criticized Congress’s stance on constitutional rights, alleging consistent violations in Telangana's politics.
Delhi Police filed an FIR against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for using images of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Shah in social media posts. The complaint, filed by BJP office secretary Brijesh Rai, accuses AAP of misusing these images in their posts on X. Investigations are ongoing, with elections in Delhi approaching on February 5. The FIR was filed at the North Avenue police station, where AAP’s posts are under scrutiny during the pre-election period.
Los Angeles firefighters faced high winds overnight as they battled two massive wildfires that have caused extensive destruction, killing at least 24 people. The fires, which have scorched an area the size of Washington D.C., were exacerbated by Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 75 mph. Over 8,500 firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blazes and prevent further spread, as authorities issued a red flag warning for dangerous conditions in the region.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. - Visa fler
