The Catch Up: 3 April

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 3rd of April and here are today's headlines.


The Trump administration’s new tariffs on global trade partners, including a 27% duty on imports from India, will affect sectors like diamonds, smartphones, solar PV modules, and apparel. While certain products like critical minerals, energy products, and pharmaceuticals may be exempt, most of India’s top exports, including pharmaceuticals worth $8 billion, are not. Petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals could benefit, but tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unchanged. These measures could reshape trade relations with India, despite limited relief for some sectors.

After nearly 12 hours of debate in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion. BJP MPs accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam criticized the Bill as cultural vandalism, accusing the Centre of seeking excessive control over Waqf. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. The amendment now awaits a decision in the Rajya Sabha after being tabled by Kiren Rijiju.

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi criticized the government over the border row with China and tariffs imposed by the U.S. He claimed China had taken over 4,000 sq km of Indian territory, stating that the government’s actions, including a cake-cutting ceremony with the Chinese ambassador, were inappropriate. Gandhi stressed that normalcy could not proceed without restoring status quo and recovering lost land. He emphasized that the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers should be honored, and their sacrifices should not be undermined by diplomatic gestures.

The Supreme Court reprimanded Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy over his comments regarding bypolls in the state Assembly. The two-judge bench questioned whether they erred in letting him off last August when he made allegedly contemptuous remarks. The bench was hearing cases about the delay in disqualifying BRS MLAs who had joined the Congress. This development highlights ongoing tensions over political defections and the role of the judiciary in overseeing the actions of state lawmakers and their impact on public affairs.

After the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to dismiss over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff hired illegally by West Bengal schools, Opposition parties criticized the ruling TMC. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her disagreement, suggesting political influence from the CPI(M) and BJP. She questioned the judicial process, pointing out the contrasting decisions from different Chief Justices. The dismissal followed the 2016 illegal recruitment by the School Service Commission, requiring the affected staff to return salaries with interest, marking a significant blow to the state’s education sector.

That's all for today. This was the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express.