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his is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 25th of June and here are today's headlines.
The Bombay High Court has ordered the release of a juvenile accused in the Pune Porsche crash case. The court allowed a habeas corpus plea by his aunt seeking quashing of remand orders sending him to observation home. The paternal aunt of the child in conflict with law had claimed that he was sent to custody in an “unlawful and arbitrary” manner. The court observed that the custody order was illegal and passed without jurisdiction and directed that his custody will be handed into care and custody of the paternal aunt.
The Opposition has fielded Congress leader K Suresh for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker after the BJP refused to make a commitment for the post of Deputy Speaker, which the Opposition has been pushing for. Meanwhile, the NDA has nominated Om Birla for the Speaker’s post. The election for the post will be held tomorrow. Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had said that the Opposition was willing to support the NDA’s candidate for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker provided the government followed the convention and gave the deputy speaker’s post to them.
The Delhi High Court today stayed the regular bail granted by trial court to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case stating that the lower court did not “apply its mind” while passing the order. Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain passed the order while hearing ED’s application seeking stay of trial court order which had granted bail to Kejriwal on 20th of June. A day earlier, the Supreme Court had said it will wait for the High Court verdict and hear his plea against the HC move on 26th of June.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference today, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh, stated, quote, “Since Atishi is admitted in the ICU, we must discontinue the ‘anischitkalin anshan’ (indefinite fast) for water. We will continue the agitation in other ways.” Informing the media about Atishi’s health, the Minister said, “Atishi is still admitted in the Lok Nayak ICU after her state in night became unstable, her medical examination is going on. Presently, there are doctors in the hospital ICU looking after her… We are also writing a letter to the PM today to consider the matter (of the water crisis in Delhi).”
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange landed in Bangkok today, as he is on the way to enter a plea deal with the US government that will free him and resolve the legal case that spanned years and continents over the publication of a trove of classified documents. He's expected to plead guilty to an Espionage Act charge of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defence information, according to the US Justice Department in a letter filed in court. He is expected to return to his home country of Australia after his plea and sentencing.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath discusses why a trial court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, why the Delhi High Court stayed the decision, and what the Supreme Court will now be considering.
Next, Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavdatalks about how India wants the inclusion of sports like Twenty20 Cricket, Kabaddi, Chess, Squash, and Kho Kho, as well as Yoga, in the 2036 Olympics (11:28).
And in the end, Indian Express’ Liz Mathew shares the highlights of the first day of the 18th Lok Sabha and explains what made it different from the previous sessions under the PM Modi-led NDA government (18:50).
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This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 24th of June and here are today's headlines.
In the first sitting of the 18th Lok Sabha today, Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi were seen holding up copies of the Constitution book as Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked up to take oath as the member of the House. Talking about the display in Parliament, Rahul said it was done to show that the attack by “the PM and Amit Shah on the Constitution is not acceptable to us, we will not let this happen”. Among other Congress leaders who took oath were Manish Tewari, who spoke in Punjabi.
Meanwhile, sharing his remarks ahead of the first sitting where all 280 new MPs will take oath, PM Modi said all efforts will be made to move forward with “consensus” to serve the people of the country. The resurgent Opposition which is gearing up to push the NDA government for answers on several issues including the ongoing NEET-NET exam paper leak row among others has begun its aggressive stance over Mahtab’s appointment as the pro-tem Speaker and said it will not “help or assist the government” in this matter
The Supreme Court today adjourned the hearing till June 26, on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging the Delhi High Court order putting on hold the bail granted to him by a trial court in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The vacation bench took note that the high court is yet to pronounce the final order in the matter. The bench said it would wait for the high court order to come on record without which it would not be able to ascertain the reasoning.
The Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit, which has handed over the probe into the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG to the CBI, said it has arrested a “solver gang” member. This individual had received a PDF of the solved question paper on his phone on 4th of May, a day before the exam. Baldev Kumar, alias Chintu, was among five people arrested by the EOU from Jharkhand. The EOU produced them before a Patna court, which sent them to judicial custody. In a statement, the Bihar Police agency said Baldev Kumar is associated with the alleged kingpin of the “solver gang”, Sanjeev Kumar, who is at large.
A fire at a lithium battery manufacturing factory near South Korea’s capital today left at least 16 people dead, seven injured and six missing, officials said. Rescue workers at the factory in Hwaseong city, just south of Seoul, retrieved the bodies after combing through the site. Local fire officials said most of the missing people were foreign nationals including Chinese and those found dead likely failed to escape via stairs to the ground. President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier ordered officials to mobilize all available personnel and equipment to find survivors
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express' National Education Editor Ritika Chopra talks to us about the irregularities that have come to light about the NEET UG 2024 examination. She also shares the steps that have been taken by the authorities and the reasons behind the postponement and cancellation of other national examinations.
Next, Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy speaks to us about Indo-China relations post the Galwan clash of 2020. He also shares the recent developments between the two nations and how they might impact future relations. (15:31)
And in the end, we talk about Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal approaching the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's hold on his bail order. (26:10) -
This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 21st of June and here are the top stories of the week.
Under scanner for the cancellation of UGC NET and facing criticism for the NEET issue, the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said that the enquiry conducted till now shows evidence of “errors in some regions”, and assured students that everyone involved in the security breach will be punished. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said the main reason for paper leaks is that educational institutions have been dominated by the BJP and its parent organisation RSS and paper leaks will not stop unless that is reversed. Congress has decided to hold a nationwide protest today demanding justice for the NEET candidates.
Three months after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy case being probed separately by the CBI, AAP leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted bail Thursday by a Delhi court. While granting bail, Special Judge Niyay Bindu also declined ED’s plea to keep the bail order in abeyance for 48 hours. Arrested on March 21, Kejriwal had stepped out last month on interim bail to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections. He surrendered on June 2.
Two days after 10 persons were killed following a collision between the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train in Darjeeling, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Northeast Frontier Railway said on Wednesday that the freight train was moving at a high speed on the day of the accident and that drivers of the train were not ‘following the procedure’. At least nine persons were killed and around 40 injured in the accident.
Around 68 Indians are among scores of those who have died during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca amid the scorching heat, a diplomat told news agency AFP. On Tuesday, AFP reported that at least 550 people have died on the Hajj pilgrimage. Out of those, 323 were Egyptians who died due to heat-related illness, the international news agency reported citing two Arab diplomats. According to Saudi media reports, temperatures rose to 51.8 degree Celsius in the shade at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Monday.
In what seemed to be a direct reply to the Canadian parliament's tribute to the pro-khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was allegedly assassinated last year, the Indian consulate in Vancouver reiterated New Delhi's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism globally and gave a reminder of the Khalistani bombing of Air India 'Kanishka' flight in 1985. The embassy further announced that it would hold a memorial next week commemorating the anniversary of the flight bombing resulted in the deaths of 329 individuals, including 268 Canadians and 24 Indians. The Indian Consulate's statement is a sign that bilateral ties between India and Canada are likely to spiral further downwards.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express’ Ankita Upadhyay tells us about North India’s first heat stroke unit, set up at RML Hospital, and about Raju Kumar, who was recently admitted there.
Next, Indian Express’ Abhinaya Harigovind discusses the Ministry of Education’s decision to cancel the recently conducted University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) (08:42).
And in the end, Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda talks about the expert who will be accompanying the Indian Olympic contingent to help them improve their sleep (13:30).
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This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 20th of June and here are today's headlines.
As the controversy around the NEET-UG 2024 heightens, the Supreme Court refused to put a stay in the counselling process ,while hearing fresh petitions seeking cancellation of the exam. The apex court sought responses from the Centre, the National Testing Agency and others on petitions seeking the cancellation of NEET-UG 2024, and a court-monitored probe into the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam. Meanwhile, the Congress has decided to hold a nationwide protest on June 21 (Friday) demanding justice for the NEET candidates.
Patna High Court set aside the Bihar government’s notifications to raise reservations in government jobs and educational institutions from 50 per cent to 65 per cent today. On 7th of November last year, the Nitish Kumar-led Mahagathbandhan government raised the Bihar quota and reservation in the state effectively became 75 per cent when the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) is taken into consideration. The bench said that it is “infringing upon right to equality”.
The death toll in the hooch tragedy in Tamil Naidu increased to 34 today, with around 100 others hospitalised — five of them in critical condition. Most of the victims consumed the spurious liquor at Karunapuram in Kallakurichi on Tuesday night. As the spurious liquor started to take effect yesterday, they were admitted to hospitals. Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his shock and sorrow over the incident, and emphasised the urgency of holding those responsible to account.
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has levied a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh — almost equal to a semester’s fee — on a student who participated in a play titled “Raahovan” during the institute’s Performing Arts Festival held in March this year. The play, loosely based on the Ramayana, sparked protests from a section of students who alleged it was disrespectful to Hinduism and derogatory towards Ram and Sita. At least seven other students were penalised, but the nature of disciplinary action and quantum of fine, could not be ascertained.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones of multiple development projects in Jammu and Kashmir today. PM Modi will be on a two-day tour in the Union Territory and he will lead the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in Srinagar tomorrow. Assembly elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir this year and PM Modi’s first visit after forming his third government assumes significance in this backdrop.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express' Jayprakash S Naidu explains what happened in Chhattisgarh where 8 Maoists were killed in an encounter by the security forces on June 15. He also shares how the frequency of such anti-Naxal encounters are increasing and why is it so.
Next, Indian Express’ Divya A speaks to us about the extradition of Nikhil Gupta to the United States. Indian national Nikhil Gupta was arrested in Czech Republic last June on the allegation that he was involved in the murder plot of Khalistani Separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. (8:22)
And in the end, we talk about the rise in fatalities due to the heatwave conditions prevailing across many states in India and what the Health ministry is doing in order to improve the situation. (16:31)
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This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 19th of June and here are today's headlines.
Beeda Madhuri, the daughter of YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Beeda Masthan Rao, allegedly ran over a 22-year-old man sleeping on a pavement in Chennai on Monday evening. The incident has sparked a furore as Madhuri, who was allegedly driving the BMW car, was released on station bail after she surrendered on Tuesday morning. According to a top police source, the police erred by letting the accused leave on station bail instead of court bail. The incident has triggered anger among locals and the victim’s relatives who have accused the police of inaction.
A Delhi Court today extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till 3rd of July in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy case. His regular bail arguments were also heard. The CM, who is currently in judicial custody, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on 21st of March in the case. The Supreme Court had granted him interim bail from 10th of May to 1st of June, allowing him to campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Delhi CS Naresh Kumar has been given additional charge of New Delhi Municipal Corporation Chairperson.
After inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a golden era of India will begin with the rebuilding of the ancient University. Along with ambassadors from 17 countries, Union Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were present at the event. Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi visited the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, located less than 20 km from the campus.
Hundreds of visitors have died during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca amid scorching heat, according to press reports and foreign ministries. At least 550 people have died on haj, diplomats told AFP on Tuesday. Saudi state TV said temperatures rose on Monday as high as 51.8 degrees Celsius (125.2 Fahrenheit) in the shade at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Three hundred and twenty-three of the dead were Egyptians, most of whom perished due to heat-related illness, AFP reported, citing two Arab diplomats.
A United States group of lawmakers, following their visit to the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today, asserted that they would not allow China to influence the choice of his successor. Former United States Congress Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, quote, "His Holiness Dalai Lama, with his message of knowledge, tradition, compassion, purity of soul and love, will live a long time and his legacy will live forever. But you, the President of China, you'll be gone and nobody will give you credit for anything." Unquote.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express’ Chief of the National Bureau Ritika Chopra discusses the changes made to the 11th and 12th standard NCERT political science textbooks regarding the Babri Masjid demolition and the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Next, Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath explains why writer and activist Arundhati Roy and Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain, a former professor at the Central University of Kashmir, may soon face prosecution under the stringent anti-terror law, UAPA (10:50).
And finally, Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt talks about a private medical college where not a single batch has graduated in 13 years, the reasons the National Medical Commission has taken action against it, and the harassment she encountered while reporting on this story (19:45).
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 18th of June and here are the top stories of the week.
Hearing petitions highlighting the alleged irregularities in this year’s National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) exams, the Supreme Court today told the Centre and the National Testing Agency that “even if there is 0.001% negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with”. The bench said that all these matters ought not to be treated as adversarial litigation. The court also referred to the effort candidates put in to prepare for the exam.
Saddam Qureshi, who was among three people allegedly assaulted by a mob in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur while they were transporting cattle, died in hospital today after battling for his life for 10 days. The two others with him died on June 7 – the day of the alleged attack. According to doctors the 23-year-old had been in a coma until his death. Chhattisgarh Police had registered a case of attempted murder and culpable homicide in the case after Qureshi’s relative Shoaib said he had received a frantic call from him while the three were being assaulted.
Curfew was imposed in Odisha’s Balasore town late last night following a clash between two communities over suspicion of cow slaughter earlier in the day. Though the administration initially imposed prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 in certain pockets of the town, it later decided to impose curfew in the entire town to prevent the situation from escalating. The state government has also ordered suspension of internet services in Balasore town and nearby areas. Additional director general of police, law and order, said 34 people from both communities have been arrested and the number is likely to go up.
AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal has written to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, the Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, the Shiv Sena’s (UBT) Uddhav Thackeray and the Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav seeking appointments with them to discuss the assault she was allegedly subjected to at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s home. All the parties are constituents of the Opposition INDIA bloc. Maliwal also alleged that she had been receiving “multiple rape and death threats” since the AAP started a “smear campaign” against her in “electronic and social media to undermine my reputation, character and credibility”.
With 172 nuclear weapons, India is now ahead of Pakistan in the ranking of nuclear-armed countries across the world, according to findings of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). According to the report, India’s nuclear arsenal has seen a slight expansion in a year, growing from 164 warheads in January 2023 to 172 warheads in January this year, placing it 6th among the world’s nuclear-armed states. Pakistan, meanwhile, has recorded no increase in the number of warheads which stood at 170 both in January 2023 and 2024. In the same period, China’s nuclear arsenal has increased significantly from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express' Deeksha Teri joins us to talk about the NEET UG 2024 controversy. She talks about the high-powered committee that was formed to look into the grace marks awarded to the candidates and whether or not it was fair to do so. She also shares the recommendations of the committee.
Next, Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar speaks to us about the Western Ghats and why protecting their ecology is of utmost importance. He also shares how parts of the Western Ghats have been identified as eco-sensitive areas but that is causing friction between the states and the authorities. (10:44)
And in the end, we talk about a tragic train accident where the Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train in West Bengal, killing 9 people and leaving 25 injured. (20:29)
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Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 17th of June and here are today's headlines.
At least nine people were killed and 25 others were injured today after the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train in West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri. According to reports, three coaches at the back of the Kanchanjunga Express derailed between Neechbari and Rangapani stations under the Indian Railways’ Northeast Frontier Railway zone due to the impact of the goods train and fell to the side. Meanwhile, rescue work to get the trapped passengers out was affected by the heavy rain that has been lashing Siliguri since the morning.
The revised NCERT Class 12 Political Science textbook, which hit the market last week, disclosed changes where the chapter on secularism in both versions of the textbook has two paragraphs on ‘vote bank politics’ in a section on “criticism of Indian secularism”. The book reads, quote,"Vote bank politics in India is associated with “minority appeasement” and this means political parties “disregard the principles of equality of all citizens and give priority to the interests of a minority group”.
As the Indian economy grapples with the problem of flagging consumption, policymakers in the government are in favour of rationalising the existing income tax structure, especially at lower income levels. According to two government officials The Indian Express spoke with, it is likely that tax rate cuts for those earning less may likely take precedence over freebies or excessive welfare spending given the focus on fiscal consolidation.
Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who is accused by the US of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was extradited from the Czech Republic on 14th of June. Officials at the Czech Ministry of Justice told The Indian Express the decision to extradite Gupta was taken on 3rd of june. India has said it is holding a high-level probe into the US inputs on the alleged assassination plot since November last year, but there have been no outcomes so far.
In the first visit by a senior American official since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected for a third term, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reached India on a two-day official visit beginning today. Sullivan met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval today. Sullivan’s visit comes at a time when India-US ties are going through challenges, especially in the context of an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani separatist figure Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express’ Aditi Raja tells us about the residents of a housing complex in Gujarat who are protesting against a Muslim woman and her family moving into the area.
Next, Indian Express’ Adrija RoyChowdhury discusses the efforts made by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to find evidence for the Mahabharata (13:24).
And in the end, Indian Express’ Deeptiman Tiwary explains the context behind the recent comments made by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat (25:08).
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
his is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 14th of June and here are the top stories of the week.
In the midst of a controversy over the NEET-UG results declared on 4th of June, including allegations of a paper leak, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that there was no evidence of a paper leak. NTA and the Union Education Ministry formed a committee last week to review the normalisation policy that was adopted for over 1,563 candidates who were awarded “grace marks” to compensate for the “loss of time” suffered while appearing for this year’s NEET UG.
Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa and nine others were taken into custody on Tuesday morning in connection with a murder that took place in Bengaluru. The police on Sunday had recovered the dead body of a man from a drain and identified the deceased as Renukaswamy. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that it is alleged that Renukaswamy was sending abusive messages and comments to Pavithra Gowda, who is in relationship with Darshan.
As many as fifty people have been detained so far in connection with the recent terror attack on a bus ferrying pilgrims in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Nine pilgrims were killed and over 41 injured after terrorists fired on their bus in Reasi, which resulted in the vehicle plunging into a gorge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a review meeting of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, wherein he was apprised of the counter-terror efforts being undertaken in the Union Territory. The meeting comes in the wake of four militant attacks in three days in the region.
This week, apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet of ministers taking oath, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, four-time MLA Mohan Majhi in Odisha and BJP leader Pema Khandu in Arunachal Pradesh were sworn-in as Chief Minister ministers along with their respective council of ministers.
Kuwaiti authorities have identified the bodies of 45 Indians and three Filipino nationals killed in the tragic fire incident in a building housing foreign workers in the Gulf Kingdom. The number of people from Kerala who died in the Kuwait fire tragedy has risen to 24, while five deceased victims are from Tamil Nadu. The blaze erupted early on Wednesday morning in southern Kuwait’s Mangaf area claiming 49 lives and injured 50 others. Kuwait’s Foreign Minister assured full support to the Indians affected in the fire and vowed to promptly investigate the tragedy, hours after meeting Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express' Arun Sharma joins us to talk about the terrorist attack that happened in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, where 9 pilgrims were killed and 33 were left injured when fire was opened on a bus which then plunged into a gorge.
Next, Indian Express’ Amrita Nayak Dutta speaks to us about the Agnipath scheme that was introduced by the government for recruitment of young individuals in the armed forces. She talks about the scheme, the opposition it faced and how the government responded to it. (9:16)
And in the end, we talk about a fraud that is being investigated by the CBI in Odisha. It pertains to the submission of forged class 10 certificates for recruitment in postal services. (20:00)
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Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 13th of June and here are today's headlines.
BJP leader Pema Khandu was sworn in as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister for the third consecutive term at Itanagar today. The BJP returned to power in the northeastern state for the third time in a row, winning 46 seats in the 60-member Assembly. Chowna Mein secured the Deputy Chief Minister’s position again and a total of 10 other ministers were inducted into the Cabinet.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dismissed all reports of paper leaks in NEET UG 2024 today and came out in support of the National Testing Agency who has announced a retest for the 1563 candidates who were awarded grace marks due to ‘loss of exam time’. As per the decision announced by NTA today, the affected candidates will now be given two options — either to accept the score that they were originally awarded, without the grace marks, or re-appear for the exam on the 23rd of June. Meanwhile, the Opposition demanded an SC-monitored investigation into the NEET UG case.
The Indian Express has learnt the Army is conducting an internal survey on the Agnipath scheme to assess its impact on its recruitment process so far. Based on the findings, it is likely to draw up recommendations for the incoming government on possible changes to the scheme. One of the changes being discussed is a hike of retention percentage from the current 25 per cent to 60-70 per cent for regular troops and nearly 75 per cent for technical and specialist soldiers, including Special Forces.
At least five workers were killed and five others injured in an explosion at an explosives manufacturing factory in Nagpur today. ANI news agency quoted the Police Commissioner saying, quote, “About four-five people died in this incident, including 4 women. Our investigation is ongoing. Our team, crime branch and senior officers are present on the spot, and action is being taken.” Unquote. The incident took place at Chamundi Explosive Pvt Ltd at Dhamna when the workers were packing explosives.
Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya assured full support to the Indians affected in the fire at an apartment housing foreign workers and vowed to promptly investigate the tragedy that killed 49 people, including about 40 Indians. He gave this assurance after meeting Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who landed in the country this morning. About 24 people from Kerela and 5 from Tamil Nadu are among the 40 Indian casualties.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express’ Kiran Parashar tells us about the murder case involving popular Kannada actor Darshan, who has been taken into police custody.
Next, Indian Express’ Sujit Bisoyi talks about Odisha’s new Chief Minister, the reasons behind the BJP's choice, and the challenges that lie ahead for him (09:22).
And in the end, we provide a quick update on a massive fire that broke out in a building in Kuwait yesterday, killing at least 49 people, most of whom were Indian nationals (18:58).
Hosted, written, and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
his is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
It’s the 12th of June and here are today's headlines.
Hours after a Central Reserve Police Force personnel died following an encounter with militants during a search operation in Kathua, the Jammu and Kashmir Police today killed a second militant hiding in the area. The slain militant had managed to flee on Tuesday night after the death of his accomplice. The police and paramilitary forces had then launched a search operation in the Kootah area. The two militants had entered a house in the village last night and asked for water, following which they opened fire and injured a civilian.
Calling the newly-sworn National Democratic Alliance dispensation “crippled”, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have to change his attitude. Rahul told voters at Ernanad assembly constituency under Wayanad, which has voted him as MP for the second consecutive time. This is his first visit to the constituency since his election, quote “The Opposition has dealt a fatal blow to the BJP. Even Prime Minister Modi’s attitude will have to change, because the people of India have sent him a clear message." Unquote.
On Tuesday, Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his friend Pavithra Gowda were arrested over the recent murder of a 33-year-old man in Bengaluru. The victim has been identified as Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga district and a fan of the actor. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda said their investigations so far suggest that Darshan was upset with Renukaswamy for allegedly sending “abusive comments and messages” to Pavithra on Instagram.
A fire broke out in a building housing workers in the city of Mangaf in southern Kuwait early on Wednesday, killing at least 41, including several Indians, and injuring more than 50. The building reportedly had nearly 160 people living in it, who are workers of the same company. The Kuwaiti health ministry said about 43 people were hospitalized due to the fire, and four of those people had died. Posting about the incident on the social media site X, External Affairs of India, Dr S Jaishankar expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. The Indian ambassador visited the Al-Adan hospital in Kuwait, where the injured are undergoing treatment.
A day after Chinese Premier Li Qiang congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election for a third term, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi today said that Beijing was willing to work with India to push forward bilateral relations in the right direction. A post on X stated and I quote, “#China and India are important neighbouring countries. Relevant border issues should be handled properly. A sound and stable #ChinaIndia relationship is in the interest of both countries, and conducive to the peace and development in this region and beyond,” Unquote.
This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express' Vikas Pathak joins us to talk about the new cabinet that has been formed under the Modi government 3.0. With some changes and some similarities, the new cabinet is signaling towards continuity.
Next, Indian Express’ Rural Affairs Editor Harish Damodaran speaks to us about the appointment of Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the Union Agriculture minister and what makes this appointment particularly important. (12:34)
And in the end, we talk about US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's possible visit to India to discuss projects and initiatives that India and the US are taking up together. (22:14)
Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar - Show more
