3 Things

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.

This episode features Naveed Iqbal, a journalist from The Indian Express, who delves into the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting its dire security implications for the region. He emphasizes the impact on tourism and local safety. Joining him is Nikhil Ghanekar, also from The Indian Express, who unpacks the logistical challenges of India's Cheetah project, discussing how relocating these majestic animals could shape the ecosystem. The discussion wraps up with insights on a Tamil Nadu minister facing legal scrutiny.

A tragic terror attack in Pahalgam claims the lives of at least 26 people, drawing a strong response from Union Minister Amit Shah, who vows that Bharat will not bow to terror. The Jammu and Kashmir government steps in with financial aid for victims’ families. Prime Minister Modi is set to discuss national security strategies in light of this incident. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Pakistan denies involvement, although India remains skeptical of their claims following initial investigations.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India and what it means for the Indo-US ties, especially in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's tariff regime.Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Nayonika Bose about an Olive Ridley turtle that took a remarkable journey and travelled 4500kms, all the way from India's east to west coast. (15:05)And lastly, we talk about the Maharashtra School Education Department announcing that Hindi will no longer be a mandatory third language. (24:24)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 Sharma.Today is the 22nd of April and here are today’s headlines.En route to Jeddah today for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the nation as “one of India’s most valued partners — a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally”. He also said that the partnership between the two countries has “limitless potential”. Modi is set to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tonight, where both leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in an array of crucial areas, such as energy, defence and trade, besides expediting Riyadh’s $100 billion investment plan for India. Besides bilateral ties, the two leaders will also exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including the overall situation in West Asia.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 today 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. At least eight people, including tourists, were injured in a suspected militant attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam today. Sources said two of the injured are critical. According to sources, militants opened fire on tourists at Baisaran, an off-the-road meadow in Pahalgam. Baisaran is a popular destination among tourists. Police sources said that at least eight people, including tourists, were injured in the shootout. Police sources said the number of injured could increase.A few days after warning against judicial overreach, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasised today that Parliament is supreme, and elected representatives are the final arbiters of the Constitution. Addressing a gathering at an event called ‘Kartavyam’ in Delhi University, marking 75 years of the Constitution, Dhankhar said, “There is no visualisation in Constitution of any authority above Parliament… elected representatives… They are the ultimate masters as to what (the) Constitution content will be.” He referred to Indira Gandhi’s imposition of the Emergency in 1975 and her electoral defeat in 1977 to underscore how elected representatives are most accountable to the public.Gold prices are glittering above the Rs 1 lakh-level per 10 gm for the first time as the international prices surged after US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to overhaul the Federal Reserve. Gold consolidated its position as the best safe haven asset in the volatile global financial markets. The price of 24-karat gold (999 fineness) was quoted at Rs 1,00,000 per 10 gm in the Mumbai bullion market today. The price of 22 karat gold was quoted at Rs 91,600 per 10 gm on Tuesday as global markets continued to remain jittery over the Trump’s tariff plans and his threat to revamp the US Fed that could lead to a spike in inflation and interest rates.US President Donald Trump is facing a significant dip in his economic approval ratings, with his performance on the economy registering the lowest numbers of his presidency. According to the latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey, broad discontent over issues like tariffs, inflation, and government spending has contributed to this decline. The surge of economic optimism that followed Trump’s election in 2024 has all but disappeared, with more Americans now predicting that the economy will worsen, a stark shift from the hopeful outlook that marked earlier years. The survey revealed a sharp turn towards pessimism about the stock market as well, with many feeling uncertain about future economic prospects.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express

Harikishan Sharma from The Indian Express shares insightful details about the Jal Jeevan Mission, aimed at providing clean tap water to millions of rural households in India. He discusses the financial hurdles the mission faces, including rising costs and lack of state funding. The conversation also highlights the recent tragic building collapse in Mustafabad, shedding light on rescue challenges. Lastly, they reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis following his passing, emphasizing his role in reforming the Catholic Church.

Prime Minister Modi envisions transformative policies shaping India for the next millennium, emphasizing inclusivity for all citizens. In a somber moment, the Vatican confirms the passing of Pope Francis, who dedicated his life to service. The podcast also covers a violent incident in West Bengal, with arrests made in connection to a tragic father-son duo killing. Additionally, it highlights ISRO's impressive satellite docking achievement and China's stern trade warning to the U.S., reflecting the intricate dynamics of global relations.

First, The Indian Express Deeptiman Tiwary discusses Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the Punjab National Bank loan fraud, was arrested in Belgium.Second, we talk to The Indian Express' Vidheesha Kuntamalla about the frequent US visa revocations of the Indian students and its implications. (10:59)Lastly, we speak about why BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is again at the center of a controversy. (18:55)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava, Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar