The Catch Up: 25 February

Feb 25, 2025

In a gripping discussion, the hosts unveil a staggering Rs 2,002 crore loss suffered by the Delhi Government due to a controversial excise policy, which was marred by corruption scandals. They illuminate the life sentence handed to former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar for his heinous role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Additionally, the U.S. imposes sanctions on several India-based companies linked to Iranian oil trade, raising eyebrows about international relations and domestic repercussions.

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00:00 • 3min

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 25th of February and here are the headlines.

The Delhi Government suffered a loss of Rs 2,002 crore due to the flawed excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The policy aimed to eliminate monopolies, ensure fair liquor distribution, and prevent bootlegging. However, it was withdrawn after corruption allegations led to the arrests of key AAP leaders, including CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, by the CBI and ED. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted these losses in a recent Assembly report.

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He was convicted for the murders of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, during the violence in Saraswati Vihar. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) accused Kumar of leading a mob that burned the two men alive. Kumar is already serving a life sentence in another 1984 riot-related case.

The US imposed sanctions on four India-based companies for allegedly trading Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. These companies, including Flux Maritime LLP, BSM Marine LLP, Austinship Management Pvt Ltd, and Cosmos Lines Inc., were sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury and State. Three were accused of managing vessels involved in transporting Iranian oil, while Cosmos Lines was singled out for its role in transporting Iranian petroleum.

A multi-agency team is working to clear a collapsed section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district, where eight men have been trapped since Saturday. Water and slush have hindered rescue efforts. The collapse occurred 13.5 km inside the tunnel, and rescuers are focusing on clearing the track to facilitate further rescue operations. The trapped men are being worked on, and the team hopes to reach them soon.

India abstained from voting on two resolutions at the UN General Assembly, marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The resolutions were supported by the US, Ukraine, and Europe, and both passed with 93 votes in favor. While India did not support the resolution demanding Russian withdrawal, it did not oppose the motion on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India was one of 65 countries that chose not to vote on the European-backed resolution.

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