3 Things

Anonna Dutt, an investigative journalist at The Indian Express specializing in healthcare, discusses a critical shortage of tuberculosis medications in India, spotlighting how this affects efforts to combat the disease. Raakhi Jagga, also from The Indian Express, provides an update on the farmers' protests, which have now lasted over 300 days, emphasizing their calls for Minimum Support Price reforms. The conversation also touches on the recent appointment of a new RBI Governor, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead in balancing growth and inflation.

India advocates for a peaceful political process in Syria following recent turmoil. The fall of Assad brings a shift in the long-stalled conflict. Domestically, parliamentary disruptions occur as opposition voices rise. Tensions over India-China relations prompt calls for a thorough debate on strategic policies. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Assembly confidently backs Fadnavis's government amid ongoing political maneuvering and controversies.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs editor at The Indian Express, discusses the intricate dynamics of India-China relations, focusing on recent troop disengagement and essential diplomatic efforts. Amitabh Sinha, a climate change expert also from The Indian Express, delves into the landmark case at the International Court of Justice initiated by small island nations seeking accountability from wealthier countries. Lastly, innovative Rock Bolt technology emerges as a solution for managing active landslide zones in Uttarakhand, promising safety for highways and local communities.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.Today is the 6th of December and here are this week’s headlines.BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister of Maharashtra on 5th of December along with two deputy chief ministers, Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, at a grand event held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.  The formation of the new government comes after two weeks of intense negotiations among the Mahayuti allies following the 23rd November poll results. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union ministers, and several chief ministers.Meanwhile, India experienced its second warmest November in 123 years and this warming trend has continued since the post-monsoon season in October, and could contribute to making 2024 the warmest year ever on record, globally. According to meteorologists, there were two main reasons for the above normal temperatures in India, first the lack of strong western disturbances affecting the plains of northwest India, and second lack of cyclonic disturbances or low pressure systems — both of which kept the rainfall activity at its lowest across the country.As allegations emerge against its director of “favouritism”, “vindictiveness in faculty selection”, and failure to build a hospital on campus, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, has responded by issuing show cause notices to as many as 85 faculty members, deepening the rift between the administration and teachers. The institute has also issued orders replacing three heads of departments, who were signatories to a mass petition. The conflict began in September, when the IIT Teachers’ Association wrote to the Union Education Ministry, accusing the institute of arbitrary recruitment and other irregularities under the tenure of its current director V K Tewari. The Trinamool Congress asked the Centre to appeal to the United Nations to send a peacekeeping force to Bangladesh on Tuesday where according to the party “the minorities and the Hindus are being tortured and being killed”. The party’s appeal in the Lok Sabha came a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a similar request in the state Assembly. Speaking during the Zero Hour, party MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay sought a statement in the House by Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar about the latest situation in Bangladesh. He added that the West Bengal government had adopted a resolution that it would work together with the Centre on the matter and stand by its decisions.On the global front, France Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government has collapsed amid a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly and he has been forced to resign after three months into his term, sending the country into a political crisis. Like the former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal was asked to continue as the caretaker government, when President Macron dissolved the National Assembly following his party’s crushing defeat in the EU elections, PM Michel Barnier will also remain in power as a caretaker administrator.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Shubhangi Khapre, a reporter for The Indian Express, delves into Devendra Fadnavis's remarkable political journey as he begins his third term as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, highlighting his achievements and strategic leadership. Deeptiman Tiwary discusses the RSS's unusual silence on the Sambhal and Ajmer cases despite its historical activism on religious tensions. The conversation also touches on the tragic stampede during the Pushpa 2 premiere, emphasizing the need for accountability in such critical incidents.

A major political shift in Maharashtra took place as Devendra Fadnavis took oath alongside two deputy chief ministers, following intense negotiations. Concerns escalated over new arms discoveries at the Indo-Pak border, hinting at possible smuggling activities. Meanwhile, Amnesty International's allegations against Israel stirred international controversy. The episode also touches on a political crisis brewing in France, highlighting the dynamic nature of global politics.

Amit Kamath, a leading journalist from The Indian Express, shares captivating insights into the World Chess Championship, focusing on the young Indian prodigy D Gukesh and his quest to defeat reigning champion Ding Liren. The discussion also touches on the growing prominence of Indian chess talents and the rigorous training they undergo. Additionally, the conversation highlights the recent classification of packaged drinking water as a high-risk food by India's FSSAI, reflecting on food safety regulations and their implications.

Political tensions are heating up as a Congress delegation, led by Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, faces blockade while attempting to reach violence-stricken Sambhal. Rahul boldly declares his willingness to go solo to address the situation. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, a power shift unfolds as the Eknath Shinde-led alliance stakes its claim for government formation, with Devendra Fadnavis poised for the Chief Minister role. Additionally, South Korea is gripped by protests against President Yoon Suk-yul's contentious martial law declaration. It's a whirlwind of political drama!

Dheeraj Mishra, a reporter for The Indian Express, shares his deep dive into the tragic sewer deaths in Delhi, highlighting alarming statistics and the little legal action taken. Shubhajit Roy, the publication's Diplomatic Affairs Editor, discusses the arrest of a Hindu monk, igniting protests and straining India-Bangladesh relations. The conversation also touches on systemic neglect in labor safety and the urgent need for better protections for marginalized workers. It's a compelling look at pressing social issues and their broader implications.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasizes that normal India-China ties hinge on peace in border areas, reflecting on the need for disengagement after 2020's strains. The Jammu and Kashmir Police report the elimination of a militant linked to a construction firm attack, highlighting ongoing security challenges. Additionally, discussions on unusual weather patterns and political responses to minority issues in Bangladesh reveal the diverse spectrum of current affairs in India.