3 Things

Deeptiman Tiwary, a security and terror journalist at The Indian Express, discusses the ongoing challenges faced by security forces after the Pahalgam terror attack, including the efforts to locate highly trained militants in South Kashmir. Omkar Gokhale, a legal affairs journalist, highlights a woman's fight for surrogacy, navigating contemporary Indian laws that impact divorced women's rights. The conversation also touches on a tragic hotel fire in Kolkata that claimed 14 lives, prompting an investigation into its causes.

Prime Minister Modi led critical security meetings following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The Indian Army responded to ongoing unprovoked firing from Pakistan along the LoC. A tragic temple wall collapse during a festival in Visakhapatnam resulted in casualties, but quick thinking limited further loss. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court emphasized digital access rights, ensuring better accommodations for individuals with disabilities. A mix of urgency and legal progress shapes the current landscape.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi about a crackdown on illegal immigrants from Bangladesh as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He shares how around 890 residents were rounded up by the Ahmedabad City Police from a settlement near Chandola Lake and subjected to identity checks.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Hamza Khan about former BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja who was expelled by the party recently because he 'purified' a temple after the leader of opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly visited it. (11:31Lastly, we speak about the Jammu and Kashmir government shutting down certain tourist destinations due to security concerns. (21:51)Produced and Hosted by Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 29th of April and here are today's headlines.The Jammu and Kashmir government has closed nearly 50 tourist destinations and trekking routes in the Valley following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Citing inadequate security, popular sites like Gurez Valley, Bangus, Verinag, Yusmarg, and Dodapathri are now off-limits to tourists. The decision comes after an attack last Tuesday left 25 tourists and one local dead. Authorities said the closures are temporary and based solely on tourist safety. Destinations with adequate security, including parts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg, remain open, though movement within them will be closely monitored.India lashed out at Pakistan at the UN over the recent Pahalgam attack, citing Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s public admission of supporting terror groups. Speaking at the launch of VoTAN, Ambassador Yojna Patel criticized Pakistan for using the UN platform for baseless propaganda. She pointed to Asif’s TV confession as further evidence of Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. Patel called Pakistan a “rogue state” that fuels global instability and urged the global community to stop turning a blind eye to its actions, especially in light of recent attacks targeting Indian civilians.Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Modi to convene a special Parliament session to address the Pahalgam terror attack. In a letter, Kharge said the move would show united political resolve against terrorism. Meanwhile, ceasefire violations along the LoC continued for the fifth straight night, with Pakistan extending unprovoked fire from Kupwara and Baramulla to Poonch and Akhnoor. The Congress call and border flare-ups come amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, following the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, including 25 tourists.The Supreme Court said there’s nothing inherently wrong with a country using spyware for national security, but the key issue is against whom it's used. Justice Surya Kant made the remark while hearing petitions linked to the 2021 Pegasus spyware controversy. Petitioners alleged the Israeli-made surveillance tool was used on journalists, politicians, and activists. Senior Advocate Dinesh Dwivedi argued that even if phones weren’t hacked, the government’s possession of such spyware raises serious concerns. The case continues to raise critical questions about privacy and the limits of state surveillance in a democracy.Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party won Canada’s federal election but fell short of a clear majority, needing 172 of 343 seats. The campaign, shadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation remarks and trade tension, ended with Carney needing coalition support to govern. India’s PM Narendra Modi congratulated Carney on X, reaffirming strong ties rooted in democracy and rule of law. With a minority mandate, Carney faces challenges in pushing reforms through Parliament, setting the stage for complex political negotiations in the days ahead.That's all for today. This was the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, discusses the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, significant for India-China diplomatic relations. Nikhila Henry, a journalist focusing on social justice, sheds light on the Rohith Vemula Act, advocating for tighter anti-discrimination laws. They also delve into India's crackdown on Pakistani YouTube channels post-terror attack, linking national security with media regulations. Together, they explore these critical issues shaping contemporary India.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalate with multiple ceasefire violations reported along the Line of Control. A recent terror attack in Pahalgam prompts the Indian government to ban 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for spreading provocative content. This crackdown follows a special assembly session in Jammu and Kashmir, urging for communal harmony amidst rising hostilities. Additionally, media terminology regarding terrorism is scrutinized, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding news reporting in this context.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the Indus Waters Treaty which was put on hold by India a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. In this segment, Amitabh talks about the treaty, the significance that it holds and what this means for both the countries.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra about the upcoming Rishikesh - Karnaprayag railway line. He shares what makes this railway line stand out, talks about an important milestone and how it will improve the economy and tourism of certain remote areas in Uttarakhand. (16:40)Lastly, we speak about the central government’s decision to revoke visas of Pakistan nationals residing in India. (25:22)Produced and Hosted by Niharika Nanda and Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I am Ichha SHarmaToday is the 25 th of April and here are the headlinesAt least 25 tourists and a Valley resident were shot dead on Tuesday at a meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in the deadliest terror attack on civilians in the country since the Mumbai 26/11 shootings. On Wednesday, India put on hold the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelled diplomats and top defence officials from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, cancelled all visas granted to Pakistan nationals and directed them to leave the country in 48 hours, and shut the Attari-Wagah border after Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Meanwhile, yesterday Islamabad said it “shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.” The reaction from Pakistan came after the country’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee. In the first high-level visit from the White House since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January, US Vice-President J D Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and both sides “welcomed the significant progress” in negotiations towards a India-US bilateral trade pact, framing it as a “new and modern trade agreement.” Vance on Tuesday praised India’s heritage and strategic partnership with the US, saying, “I believe there is much that the US and India can accomplish together.” Speaking in Jaipur, he noted that both nations are working toward a bilateral trade agreement based on shared priorities. Referring to past policies, Vance said, “We are not here to preach,” and highlighted President Trump’s vision to “rebalance global trade” and “build a bright new world” with partners like India.Pope Francis passed away after prolonged illness in Rome today, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo announced, quote  “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” unquote.  Pope Francis was hospitalised on 14th February, following complications from bronchitis and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia four days later. He spent over a month in medical care before returning to his residence to continue his recovery.After the recent Supreme Court order which annulled the appointments of over 25,000 West Bengal school staff but said that “untainted” teachers could remain in service until 31st of December this year, confusion had remained as to who the “untainted” teachers are. Now, a district-wise list of “untainted” teachers of Classes IX-X and XI-XII has reached the offices of District Inspectors (DIs) of schools. A verification process has begun. The SC had found that the 2016 recruitment process by the SSC was “tainted”. School headmasters have been asked to submit a list of their teachers’ names, designations, subjects they teach, transfer histories, and confirmations that the names are in the “untainted” list.A wildfire in New Jersey has forced residents to evacuate the area and shut down a stretch of a major highway on Tuesday as the wildfire grew to more than 3,200 acres, officials said. One of the busiest highways in New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway, saw closures due to the spread of wildfire and the stretch between Barnegat and Lacey townships was closed and the traffic was diverted, Associated Press reported. According to New Jersey Forest Fire Service, over 3,000 residents have been evacuated from the area of the Jones Road Fire in Ocean County and about 1,320 structures remain threatened. The fire service added that 5% of the wildfire has been contained till now.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary about the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India's strict measures in response to it. He also shares the reaction that has been received from Pakistan and how all this will impact the ties between the two nations.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre set up by the Central University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, to study how clouds form and turn into rain. (12:04)And lastly, we talk about a series of devastating air attacks launched by Russia on Ukraine and US President Trump’s reaction to it. (26:10)Produced and Hosted by Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating following a terror attack in Pahalgam. India has enacted strong diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling Pakistani diplomats. Prime Minister Modi's speech in Madhubani promised to take strict action against terrorists and emphasized national unity. The broader geopolitical implications, including the crisis in Ukraine, are also examined, highlighting how regional conflicts can influence global relations.