3 Things

In a gripping discussion, recent security meetings follow a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, highlighting rising tensions with Pakistan. Key ministers address the urgency of justice for the victims. Meanwhile, India's upcoming Census promises to delve into caste data for the first time in decades, stirring important conversations. The geopolitical dynamics also shift as the U.S. engages in pivotal agreements with Ukraine, adding layers to India's international relations. A multifaceted exploration of critical current events!

In this insightful discussion, Aishwarya Raj, a journalist covering Kashmir-related issues, sheds light on the rising threats faced by Kashmiris, particularly following the Pahalgam attack, with alarming instances of violence against Kashmiri vendors. Shubhajit Roy, a diplomatic affairs editor, highlights India's strong diplomatic efforts against Pakistan, advocating for international support and condemnation. The conversation also touches on the positive impact of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, which is creating job opportunities for the local fishing community in Kerala.

Tensions escalate as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discusses the need for accountability in the recent Pahalgam terror attack. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio shows support for India and urges cooperation with Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues its ceasefire violations, prompting a measured response from the Indian Army. The Supreme Court denies a request for a judicial probe into the attack, emphasizing the need for national morale. In other news, economic agreements between the U.S. and Ukraine add another layer to international relations.

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