The Catch Up: 24 March

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 24th of March and here are the headlines.

Devendra Fadnavis vs Kunal Kamra
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized comedian Kunal Kamra for mocking Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling him a "gaddar" (traitor) during a program in Khar. Fadnavis stated that while satire is acceptable, it shouldn't insult individuals. He emphasized that freedom of speech shouldn't be misused. Kamra's remarks, made to the tune of a song from Dil To Pagal Hai, sparked political controversy. Fadnavis affirmed that action would be taken against Kamra for crossing the line in political commentary.

Shashi Tharoor on Parliament Disruptions
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the BJP-led government's handling of Parliament, calling it "shocking" after both houses were adjourned shortly after the session began. He accused the ruling party of deliberately disrupting the proceedings, failing to fulfill its responsibility. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also from Congress, expressed concerns, suggesting that the government had intentionally obstructed the House’s functioning, using excuses to create a ruckus and avoid legislative business. The adjournments triggered further political tensions.

Surge in US Student Visa Denials
US student visa rejections reached a decade-high in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with 41% of F-1 visa applications denied. This represents nearly double the rejection rate seen in 2014. A total of 6.79 lakh applications were processed, with 2.79 lakh refusals. This marks a rise from 2022-23 when 36% of applications were rejected. Data on country-specific refusals remains unavailable, though Indian applicants have faced significant declines, with student visa issuances falling by 38% compared to the previous year.

Kannur Court Sentences Eight CPI(M) Workers
A district sessions court in Kannur sentenced eight CPI(M) workers, including the brother of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s press secretary, to life imprisonment for the 2005 murder of BJP worker Elambilayi Sooraj. Another accused was given a three-year sentence. The court convicted the group for Sooraj’s brutal murder on August 7, 2005, in Muzhappilangad village. Among the sentenced was T K Rajeesh, already serving life for the 2012 murder of Marxist leader T P Chandrasekharan.

Canada Calls for Snap Election
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a snap election for April 28, aiming for a strong mandate to address the economic threat posed by US President Trump’s trade and tariff policies. In a press briefing, Carney discussed strategic foreign policy moves, including a defense agreement with Australia, strengthened ties with France and the UK, and new trade talks with the EU. Carney also scrapped the carbon tax, seeking to end divisions and unify the nation as he called for Parliament’s dissolution.

This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.