This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 21st of November and here are the headlines.
1. US Indicts Adani Group Executives for Bribery Scheme
In a major legal development, US prosecutors have indicted Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, along with seven others, accusing them of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme. The charges allege the group bribed Indian officials to secure power contracts in India. Alongside the indictment, the US SEC is seeking penalties and a jury trial for Adani and his associates, citing their operations in the US and impact on American investors.
2. Adani Bribery Scheme Details Revealed in US Court Filing
A US court filing reveals that over $228 million was allegedly paid in bribes to an unnamed high-ranking Andhra Pradesh official to secure solar power contracts. The bribe was part of a deal to help the Solar Energy Corporation of India purchase seven gigawatts of solar power. The filing doesn’t name the official or the companies involved, but details indicate this official served in Andhra Pradesh from May 2019 to June 2024.
3. Rahul Gandhi vs. BJP on Adani Indictment
The political war over the Adani bribery case heats up as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Indian government of supporting Gautam Adani, who was indicted in the US for allegedly offering over $200 million in bribes. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, accusing Congress of destabilizing Indian markets with false propaganda. He questioned why Congress-ruled states had welcomed Adani’s investments despite the controversy.
4. Supreme Court on Yasin Malik’s Trial in Tihar Jail
The Supreme Court of India raised concerns about conducting a fair trial for separatist leader Yasin Malik, currently serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail. The court suggested setting up a courtroom within the prison for his trial in a 1989 kidnapping case. Justice Oka reminded that even Ajmal Kasab received a fair trial in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to due process, despite the challenges posed by remote hearings.
5. Ukraine Claims Russia Launched ICBM at Dnipro
In a shocking escalation, Ukraine reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro city. If confirmed, this would mark Russia's first use of an ICBM in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s air force said the missile was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region. In response, Ukrainian forces intercepted six out of nine incoming missiles, marking a significant moment in the war as both sides intensify their military operations.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.
