This week, a significant initiative has been launched to reduce India's dependence on foreign minerals through the National Critical Minerals Mission. Political tensions escalate as the Waqf Amendment Bill faces criticism for its rushed review process. In a bold move, Arvind Kejriwal challenges major political leaders to address the Yamuna river's pollution, linking it to ongoing environmental concerns. Additionally, recent U.S. legislative actions on immigration are examined, highlighting international political dynamics.
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National Critical Minerals Mission
The Indian government launched the National Critical Minerals Mission.
This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign mineral imports and bolster domestic production.
insights INSIGHT
Wakf Amendment Bill
The Joint Committee of Parliament adopted the Wakf Amendment Bill amid opposition criticism.
Concerns arose regarding the rushed process and limited review time.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Kejriwal's Yamuna Challenge
Arvind Kejriwal challenged BJP and Congress leaders to drink Yamuna river water.
This followed the Election Commission's response to his allegations of river poisoning.
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma. Today is the 31st of January and here are this week’s headlines.
The Indian government has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission, a 16,300 crore rupees initiative to reduce country’s dependency on foreign mineral imports on Wednesday. The mission focuses on domestic exploration, mining, and processing of essential minerals to support technological growth and industrial needs. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of securing India’s mineral future as the nation seeks to strengthen its economic infrastructure and ensure sustainability in key industries.
Meanwhile, the Joint Committee of Parliament has adopted its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, despite criticism from Opposition MPs about the rushed process and lack of sufficient review time. The bill, which proposes changes to the management of Waqf properties, has sparked disagreement within the committee. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the short notice to review the 655-page report, accusing the government of undermining parliamentary procedures in the final stages of the bill's consideration.
Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday dared leaders from BJP and Congress to drink the water of Yamuna river after the Election Commission responded to the Aam Aadmi Party chief amid the ongoing row over Yamuna, asking the former Delhi chief minister not to mix the issue of increased ammonia in Yamuna with his allegation of river poisoning. The EC gave Kejriwal another chance to explain his charges against the Haryana government. The EC further asked Kejriwal to provide factual evidence with specific and pointed response to type, quantity, nature and manner of poisoning of Yamuna.
On the global front, an American Airlines passenger plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided and crashed near Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday. The passenger jet, carrying 64 people, was on approach to the airport when the incident occurred. Initial reports indicate that at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the river, with search and rescue operations ongoing amid challenging cold weather conditions. Emergency responders, numbering over 300, are actively engaged in the recovery efforts, which have been complicated by the frigid temperatures. The airport has suspended all operations until at least 11 a.m. EST on Thursday. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, officials have confirmed that fatalities are expected.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump signed his first piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act, during his second term, which allows for the pre-trial detention of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes such as theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, a group of Republican Senators introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 in the US Senate, aiming to restrict birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. Trump’s administration also rescinded a controversial memo that temporarily froze federal spending on loans and grants just two days after its issuance, leading to widespread confusion and legal challenges.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express
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