3 Things

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about the BJP presidential elections. He shares the reasons behind the delay, the different levels at which the elections take place and more.Next, The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry gives us details of the impact of USAID funds being paused by US President Donald Trump. She shares the story of Mitr, the first comprehensive transgender health clinic which had to shut down due to a lack of funds. (12:10)Lastly, we speak about a software professional from Hyderabad who was found dead at her home. (23:30)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 4th of March and here are the headlines.Supreme Court Discharges Man Accused of Hurting Religious SentimentsThe Supreme Court has discharged Hari Nandan Singh, who was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of a government official by calling him “miyan-tiyan” and “Pakistani.” While the Court acknowledged the remarks were in poor taste, they did not meet the threshold of the alleged offence. The court overruled the Jharkhand High Court’s decision to proceed with the case, emphasizing that the statements did not qualify as an offence under Section 298 IPC.Rajeev Chandrasekhar Criticizes Asianet News’ Maha Kumbh RemarksBJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar condemned remarks made on the Maha Kumbh by the Malayalam TV channel Asianet News, which he owns. In a Facebook post, he reminded the channel’s management that "faith is important for every Hindu." The controversial remarks were made during the program Cover Story, aired on March 1, which allegedly mocked Keralites attending the Kumbh Mela and taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam.Maharashtra MLA’s Son Detained After Argument Over DrivingAbu Farhan Azmi, son of Maharashtra MLA Abu Azmi, was detained by Goa police after an altercation with two locals over driving behavior in North Goa’s Candolim. Azmi and the two locals, Zeon and Joseph Fernandes, were detained for disturbing the peace. The argument reportedly started when Azmi’s vehicle, a Mercedes SUV, made a lane change without signaling. The incident, which occurred near Newton Super Market, led to public complaints, but all involved were later released after police formalities.Odisha Man Kills Parents and Sister in Fit of RageA 22-year-old man allegedly killed his parents and sister in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district by striking them with a heavy stone early Tuesday. The accused, who had been under severe stress due to family arguments, told police his father had assaulted him, accusing him of drug use. He said his father had broken his tooth during the altercation. Police believe the killings occurred in a moment of anger triggered by these ongoing family tensions.Trump's Tariffs Trigger Trade War with Canada and MexicoNew 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 20% tariff hike on Chinese goods have sparked trade tensions between the US and its top three trading partners. Canada quickly retaliated, announcing tariffs on $20.7bn worth of US goods, with further measures planned if Trump’s tariffs remain. China also imposed additional 10%-15% tariffs on US imports, alongside export restrictions on US entities, escalating the trade conflict. These tariffs came into effect immediately, adding strain to global trade.Trump Orders Pause in Military Aid to UkraineUS President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary pause in military aid to Ukraine following a confrontation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The pause affects US military equipment not yet in Ukraine, including weapons in transit to Poland. While the halt is described as temporary, it reflects growing tensions between the two countries. US officials indicated that the pause would continue until further decisions are made about Ukraine's commitment to peace talks with Russia.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

Join Udit Misra, a reporter at The Indian Express, as he dissects the latest GDP estimates, raising questions about their accuracy and implications. Divya Goyal reveals the alarming results of the Punjab Police's investigation into agents trafficking Indians through perilous 'donkey routes' to the US. Apurva Vishwanath sheds light on PM Modi's controversial remarks about a colonial-era law still affecting public expression, unpacking the complexities of its historical significance and recent repeal. It's a captivating dive into contemporary issues!

An influencer's plea to the Supreme Court sparks discussions about the 'India’s Got Latent' scandal and the repercussions of his controversial comments. Political jabs fly as the BJP criticizes Congress for fat-shaming Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir's Lt Governor emphasizes the government's commitment to restoring full statehood, highlighting its significance. The episode also touches on notable moments from the 97th Academy Awards and international developments, including updates on Ukraine's President.

Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, dissects the explosive meeting between Zelensky and Trump, shedding light on the fragile state of international diplomacy. Meanwhile, Anonna Dutt dives into India's alarming obesity crisis, questioning traditional metrics and stressing the urgency of lifestyle changes, especially for children. The discussion is rounded out with a look at the devastating avalanche in Uttarakhand, highlighting the rescue challenges posed by severe weather and climate change.

This week covers Delhi’s staggering Rs 2,002 crore loss linked to a controversial excise policy fraught with corruption allegations. The fallout has led to high-profile arrests within the AAP party. Additionally, India’s abstention from UN votes regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict is discussed, highlighting its delicate diplomatic stance. The podcast also touches on the government's opposition to lifetime bans for convicted politicians, suggesting a contentious debate about electoral integrity.

Join Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Affairs Editor at The Indian Express, who provides keen insights into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, addressing evolving resolutions and international stances. Parul Khulshrestha, an investigative reporter, dives into a troubling sexual exploitation case in Rajasthan that has exacerbated communal tensions. Additionally, they discuss the harrowing story of a father grappling with U.S. visa red tape in the midst of a family crisis, highlighting the urgent need for reform in visa policies during emergencies.

Hear about the Uttarakhand High Court's scrutiny of the Uniform Civil Code and its implications for personal privacy. A senior advocate argues that it leads to unnecessary surveillance and potential rights violations. Controversy brews as Congress leader Sam Pitroda misstates facts about a prestigious educational institute, drawing condemnation and warnings of legal action. Lastly, a teacher faces suspension for derogatory remarks about Bihar, stirring discussions on civic pride and accountability.

Amitabh Sinha, a reporter at The Indian Express with expertise in artificial intelligence, discusses the urgent need for India to develop its own large language model amid global AI advancements. Man Aman Singh Chhina, also from The Indian Express, details the alarming wave of grenade attacks in Punjab and the intersection of terrorism and gang violence. The conversation concludes with the government's stance on banning convicted politicians from elections, emphasizing that such issues should be handled by Parliament.

The podcast dives into the government's opposition to lifetime bans for convicted politicians, defending a six-year disqualification as sufficient deterrence. It also covers the BJP's strategic delay in selecting a new national chief, attributed to their focus on recent Delhi elections. Additionally, listeners hear about a communal clash during Shivratri in Jharkhand and the latest crime report from Pune, alongside President Trump's immigration initiative for wealthy investors. A mix of political maneuvering and social commentary makes for a compelling discussion.