This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 9th of January and here are the headlines.
PM Modi Inaugurates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Highlights India's Global Rise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, emphasizing India’s increasing global stature over the past decade. He inaugurated and toured four exhibitions showcasing the efforts of both central and state ministries. PM Modi credited the government's economic initiatives for uplifting over 25 crore people from poverty. He also highlighted that India, now the world’s fifth-largest economy, is set to become the third-largest economy soon, reflecting the nation’s rapid growth and development.
Nikhil Gupta’s Plea for Help Amid U.S. Legal Trouble
Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national facing murder-for-hire charges in the U.S., has revealed that since his extradition from the Czech Republic, he has received no assistance from the Indian government. Gupta, held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, shared his frustration with The Indian Express, stating that despite his family’s multiple requests, no Indian official has reached out. Gupta’s case has sparked concerns about the lack of diplomatic support for citizens facing legal challenges abroad.
Meta’s Shift in Fact-Checking Program Raises Concerns in India
Meta’s recent decision to end its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S. is causing alarm among Indian fact-checking organizations. Many of these groups, which depend heavily on Meta’s funding, are now facing uncertainty about their future. A senior anonymous source described this move as a potential "existential threat" to their operations. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg also announced significant content-related changes across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, fueling worries about the impact on fact-checking efforts globally.
India’s 2036 Olympic Bid Could Involve Multiple Cities
India is considering expanding its bid for the 2036 Olympics beyond Ahmedabad to showcase its diverse sporting capabilities. Proposed venues include Bhubaneswar for hockey, Bhopal for rowing, Pune for canoeing and kayaking, and Mumbai for cricket. Discussions with the International Olympic Committee’s Future Hosts Commission are ongoing, following India’s Letter of Intent submitted last October. The aim is to create a nationwide movement, ensuring a collective effort from various regions to make the event a success.
Wildfires Rage in Los Angeles, Destroying Homes and Lives
A new wildfire has erupted in the Hollywood Hills as five other blazes continue to ravage Los Angeles County. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, the fires have claimed at least five lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. More than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate as properties worth millions in areas like Pacific Palisades, home to celebrities, were consumed by flames. Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed, with firefighters battling the fast-spreading fires across the region.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express
