India intensifies its global anti-terrorism efforts, engaging 32 countries to distinguish itself from Pakistan as a terror victim. The Trinamool Congress shakes things up by replacing Yusuf Pathan with Abhishek Banerjee in its diplomatic delegation amid political tensions. Meanwhile, Bengaluru faces chaos as heavy rains lead to a red alert, sparking discussions about the region's infrastructure. Updates also touch on significant international events, including scrutiny over Israel's actions in Gaza.
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India's Anti-Terror Diplomacy Drive
India has launched a diplomatic push sending multi-party delegations to 32 countries to highlight its fight against terrorism.
The goal is to separate India as a terror victim from Pakistan as a terror perpetrator globally.
insights INSIGHT
TMC Diplomacy Delegation Change
The Trinamool Congress replaced cricketer-turned-MP Yusuf Pathan with Abhishek Banerjee in anti-terror diplomacy delegations.
This change followed intervention from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju after TMC's initial protest.
insights INSIGHT
Bengaluru Pre-monsoon Disruptions
Bengaluru faced severe disruptions from intense pre-monsoon thundershowers causing flooding and traffic chaos.
The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning through May 26.
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain. Today is the 20th of May and here are the headlines.
1. India’s Global Anti-Terror Diplomacy Drive
India has launched a major diplomatic outreach, sending seven multi-party delegations to 32 countries to highlight its fight against terrorism, particularly from Pakistani soil. Briefed by the Ministry of External Affairs, the teams will explain India’s military response after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. PM Modi framed the doctrine as part of a global anti-terror campaign, stating there will be zero tolerance for terror sheltered by “nuclear blackmail.” The goal: convince the world not to equate India, a terror victim, with Pakistan, a terror perpetrator.
2. TMC Replaces Yusuf Pathan With Abhishek Banerjee
After initially rejecting the Centre’s move to include Yusuf Pathan in its foreign outreach delegations, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has nominated Abhishek Banerjee instead. The switch came after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju spoke to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. Abhishek, the party’s general secretary, will now join the anti-terror diplomatic push. Separately, TMC is sending its own delegation, led by Manas Bhunia, to Jammu and Kashmir to support victims of cross-border terror. Earlier, Pathan, a cricketer-turned-MP, had been named without TMC’s consultation, prompting the initial protest.
3. Heavy Rains Disrupt Bengaluru; Red Alert Issued
Bengaluru faced severe disruptions on Tuesday after intense pre-monsoon thundershowers caused widespread flooding and traffic chaos. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the city and Karnataka, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning through May 26. Commuters struggled, with some taking two hours to travel just 7 km. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre has echoed warnings of extremely heavy rainfall and advised caution. The relentless downpour left several areas waterlogged, reigniting concerns over the city’s poor infrastructure and monsoon preparedness.
4. Veteran Nuclear Scientist M R Srinivasan Dies at 95
M R Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and a pioneer of India’s nuclear program, passed away on Tuesday at age 95. He is survived by his wife and daughter. Srinivasan played a key role in developing India’s indigenous nuclear capabilities, working alongside legendary scientist Dr Homi Bhabha. Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, his death marks the end of a historic era in Indian science. District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru paid floral tributes to the distinguished scientist’s mortal remains.
5. Netanyahu Offers Conditional End to Gaza War
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he’s willing to end the Gaza war if Hamas agrees to strict terms, including disarming. His statement comes amid rising international pressure, with the UK, France, and Canada threatening sanctions over Israel’s latest Gaza offensive. Netanyahu slammed these nations for demanding a Palestinian state, calling it a reward for “genocidal attacks on Israel.” In a joint statement, the Western leaders criticized Israel’s denial of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, warning that it could violate international law if continued.
That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.
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