3 Things

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Asad Rehman who discusses the concerns of the proposed changes in the Waqf Bill ahead of a parliamentary approval.Next, The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha talks about India's bioeconomy sector and the potential it holds for greater opportunities. (12:51)Lastly, we discuss the Member Private Bills tabled in Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly demanding the restoration of the region's statehood (25:24)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Sureah Pawar

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha SharmaToday is the 27th of March and here are the headlines.A day after a face-off in the Lok Sabha over Speaker Om Birla abruptly adjourning the House after noting that members, especially Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, should conduct themselves “in a manner that maintains the high standards and dignity” of Parliament, a delegation of INDIA bloc parties met Birla today and raised concerns over a range of issues, including the “politicisation of the statement made by Birla outside the House”. A letter was submitted by the delegation to Birla, which The Indian Express has learnt contained eight broad points, including “non-appointment of Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha”, “denial of speaking opportunity to the Leader of Opposition (LoP)”, and “disregard for Business Advisory Committee (BAC) decisions”.Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy moved a resolution against delimitation in the legislative assembly today. The resolution read, quote “The house expresses its deep concern on the manner in which the impending delimitation exercise is being planned, without transparent consultations with stakeholders.” unquote. The resolution was later adopted by the House and passed. Reddy posted about it on X stating:quote  “…We passed a resolution today asking the Centre not to take any steps that compromise the political self-respect and legitimate rights of our people. People of Telangana and citizens of all other states of south India are united in protecting our rights”, unquoteThree separate Private Member Bills are coming up in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly – two by the ruling National Conference legislators and the third by an independent legislator – seeking the restoration of statehood. The Bills for restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would come up for discussion on April 7. The Private Member Bill introduced by National Conference legislator reads, quote “The House resolves that statehood be restored immediately as promised by the central government in the Parliament of India,” unquoteRussian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, the country’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed in a televised address today. Speaking at the “Russia and India: Toward a New Bilateral Agenda” conference, hosted by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), Lavrov said preparations for Putin’s visit are underway. While the date of Putin visit has not been disclosed, it follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Russia in July 2024—his first in nearly five years. Modi had previously visited Vladivostok in 2019 for an economic conclave. During last year’s visit, he formally invited Putin to India.US President Donald Trump has decided to expand his trade war to the world’s most traded product — automobiles and auto parts — by announcing 25 per cent tariffs on them from April 3. This has raised the uncertainty over Indian exports of auto components worth nearly $7 billion to the US and their future growth potential in the North American market. Citing national security concerns, the White House said that automobiles would be subject to 25 per cent tariffs starting on April 3 — a day after US reciprocal tariffs are set to come into effect — while auto parts would face similar tariffs “no later than May 3 2025,” unless such actions are expressly “reduced, modified, or terminated.”This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about the country’s effort to eliminate tuberculosis as a part of which a new set of tools ranging from AI-powered screening to strip tests for treatment adherence is being integrated into India’s TB elimination drive.Next, The Indian Express' Abhinaya Harigovind talks about the Centre withholding funds for the Samagra Shiksha scheme in Tamil Nadu due to the state’s refusal to implement the New Education Policy (NEP) of 2020. (11:42)Lastly, we speak about Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. (19:57)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 Ichha SharmaToday is the 26th of March and here are the headlines.In a late-night order on Tuesday, former Enforcement Directorate chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra was appointed a full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The EAC-PM, an independent advisory body, has had one vacancy since the death of its former chairman Bibek Debroy in November 2024. The former Ed chief had a high-profile stint, and somewhat ignominious end, as the ED Director. After he took over in 2018, the agency went about pursuing money laundering investigations at a break neck pace. By 2022, 65% of all asset attachments carried out by the ED in the previous 17 years had been made under his signature, with the agency carrying out more than 2,000 raids.The Assam police arrested journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar last night after detaining him for several hours following his coverage of a protest against the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank (ACAB). Hussain is a reporter with the Assam-based digital media portal The CrossCurrent, known for its investigative reportage on the state government. He is also the assistant general secretary of the Guwahati Press Club. The grounds for his arrest, which were presented to his family hours after he was detained, state that he was arrested for alleged criminal intimidation and violation of provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for “offensive remarks” against the complainant.A spate of chain-snatching incidents in Chennai, executed within an hour on yesterday culminated in the fatal police shooting of one of the suspects near Taramani railway station today. Police said the men, part of a notorious gang, targeted elderly women and morning walkers in neighbourhoods along East Coast Road, Adyar and Besant Nagar. According to the police, two suspects, both from Uttar Pradesh, were intercepted at Chennai International Airport as they attempted to board a flight to New Delhi.A day after what Donald Trump termed as “the only glitch in two months”, US National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, said he took full responsibility for leak of military plans in a Signal chat. He said quote, “I take full responsibility. I built the group. My job is to make sure everything is coordinated,” unquote in an interview with Fox News, in which he conceded: “it’s embarrassing”. Waltz’s comments came a day after Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, revealed that he was added to a group on Signal, a private messaging app, that included vice-president JD Vance, defense secretary Pete Hegseth, secretary of state Marco Rubio and other high-profile figures discussing “operational details” of US airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen.South Korea’s government has been held responsible for multiple human rights violations for fabricating birth records, falsely reporting that children had been abandoned over decades for a programme which sent about 200,000 children and babies abroad for adoption, a landmark enquiry by the truth commission has found. Private agencies were able to export babies and children due to government’s lack of oversight and the agencies were driven by profit which enabled the “mass exportation of children” and numerous examples of coercion, false records and fraud have been found in the scheme.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

Jay Mazoomdaar, an investigative journalist for The Indian Express specializing in wildlife, reveals alarming insights into the resurgence of tiger poaching in India. He discusses the shocking statistics, with over a dozen arrests and estimates of 100 or more tigers lost since 2022. The evolving smuggling routes, particularly through Myanmar, are highlighted, showcasing the criminals’ adaptive tactics. Jay also underscores the challenges faced by government agencies, including financial tracking issues and manpower shortages, as well as the essential role of NGOs in combating this crisis.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 25th of March and here are the headlines.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2025-26 ReplyIn her reply to the Finance Bill debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the 2025-26 Union Budget offers "unprecedented tax relief" to honor taxpayers and aims to boost domestic production and enhance export competitiveness. She emphasized the introduction of provisions and reforms via the Finance Bill, hoping for their discussion in the upcoming Monsoon session. Sitharaman also noted that the new Income Tax Bill will be taken up for detailed discussion during Parliament's next Monsoon session.Mumbai Police Summon Comedian Kunal Kamra Over Eknath Shinde RemarksAmid controversy over comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Mumbai police have summoned Kamra for questioning. The remarks, calling Shinde a ‘traitor’ during a stand-up show, sparked public debate. Kamra, who lives in Puducherry, has been asked to appear before the Khar police by 11 am Tuesday. In response, Shinde acknowledged the importance of freedom of expression but stressed that satire should have its limits. Shiv Sena workers also vandalized the Mumbai studio where Kamra performed.Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils BJP's First Budget in 26 YearsOn Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the BJP’s first budget for the national capital in 26 years. With a record allocation of ₹1 lakh crore for 2025-26, the budget reflects a 31.5% increase over the previous year. Gupta focused on key areas like infrastructure, roads, water, and electricity, aiming to transform Delhi into a "Viksit Delhi." Criticizing the AAP government’s record, she promised modern expressways and congestion-free corridors, vowing to reshape Delhi’s infrastructure.Second Body Found in SLBC Tunnel Collapse in TelanganaRescue teams on Tuesday recovered a second body from the site of the SLBC tunnel collapse in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district. The body was found 50 meters from the original collapse site, where eight workers were trapped on February 22. One body was recovered on March 9, identified as Gurpreet Singh from Punjab. The Telangana government had decided to continue search operations, leading to the discovery of the second body the following day, though the identity remains unknown.Journalist Accidentally Added to US Military Strike Chat on SignalIn a major security breach, journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was accidentally added to a private Signal chat about secret US military plans targeting the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The chat included senior Trump administration officials, such as Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussing classified operations. Although Signal is encrypted, it's not approved for sharing sensitive government information. Goldberg deleted the sensitive material, but the incident raised questions about security and accountability in government communications.That's all for the today. This was the CatchuUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Join Apurva Vishwanath, National Legal Editor at The Indian Express, as he dissects the scandal surrounding Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, igniting discussions on judicial integrity and the Supreme Court’s unprecedented transparency move. Kanchan Vasdev, a reporter with deep insights into farmer protests, shares harrowing details about police crackdowns in Punjab amid rising tensions. The conversation also touches on the Kunal Kamra controversy, blending humor and serious political implications in an engaging critique of the current socio-political climate.

Comedy meets politics as Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis takes a stand against Kunal Kamra's controversial satire, raising questions about the limits of free speech. Meanwhile, Shashi Tharoor criticizes the BJP for parliamentary disruptions, alleging a deliberate obstruction of proceedings. In international news, US student visa denials soar to a decade-high, leaving many potential students in limbo. Join the conversation as tensions rise and laughter collides with politics!

Ajoy Sinha Karpuram, a Reporter for The Indian Express, dives into the legal battle between X and the Indian government over content blocking laws, shedding light on user awareness and the implications for social media in India. Rahul V Pisharody, also from The Indian Express, discusses the passionate protests against the auction of urban forest land in Telangana, revealing the tension between urban development and ecological preservation. Finally, they touch on the reopening of the Kaman Bridge in Kashmir, highlighting its humanitarian significance after years of closure.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha SharmaToday is the 21st of March and here are the headlines.Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai was arrested by Chennai police on Monday morning, just before leading a protest against financial irregularities at TASMAC. Annamalai, who planned the demonstration outside TASMAC’s headquarters in Egmore, was detained near his Akkarai residence while attempting to leave. Several senior BJP leaders, including Tamilisai Soundararajan, Vanathi Srinivasan, and Saraswathi, were also taken into custody at different locations across Chennai. The arrests came amid growing tensions over the state's liquor retailing practices.Intelligence leaders from the US, UK, New Zealand, and other nations met in New Delhi on Sunday to discuss security cooperation. The conference, hosted by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, included Tulsi Gabbard (US), Jonathan Powell (UK), and Andrew Hampton (New Zealand), along with top intelligence officials from various countries. The meeting, organized by the National Security Council Secretariat, is part of the Raisina Dialogue, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, with New Zealand's PM Christopher Luxon as the chief guest.The Cyberabad police in Telangana booked 25 people on Sunday, including Tollywood actors and social media influencers, for allegedly promoting illegal betting, gambling and casino apps, causing financial losses to the public. Among the 25 named in the FIR are actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha and Nidhi Agarwal. Named accused 1 and accused 2, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj are alleged to have promoted Junglee Rummy through pop-up ads. Vijay Devarakonda is accused of promoting A23 Rummy, Manchu Lakshmi Yolo247, Praneetha Fairplay Live, and Nidhi Agarwal Jeet Win, all by way of pop-up ads, the police said.After spending nine months at the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov successfully return to Earth through Elon Musk’s Space X Dragon capsule. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed back the NASA astronauts and lauded their grit and courage, calling their return a testament to the human spirit. PM Modi expressed pride in their perseverance and the dedication of those who ensured their safe return to Earth.Israel launched major airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, as reported by hospital officials. The airstrikes targeted Hamas positions, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks stalled. Israel's military vowed to continue its offensive against Hamas, accusing the group of rejecting multiple ceasefire proposals. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel would intensify its military response.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.