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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Niharika Nanda.
Today is the 31st of December and here are the headlines.
On the last day of the year, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed “regret” and “apologised” for the ethnic strife that has gripped the state since 3rd May, 2023, leaving dozens dead and thousands homeless. Addressing the press in the first such comments, he said, quote “This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what’s happening till today since last May 3.” unquote.
Walmik Karad, who has been in the eye of a storm since the murder of a sarpanch in Maharashtra’s Beed district, Tuesday surrendered at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department in Pune. Karad is a former NCP corporator and an aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde. He is also a group leader in Parli Nagar Parishad, president of the Ladki Bahin Yojana in Beed, and NCP’s member of the Beed district planning committee.The family of Santosh Deshmukh (45), a sarpanch of Massajog in Kaiz tehsil, has alleged Karad’s involvement in Deshmukh’s murder on 9th December.
An analysis of the data released by the Election Commission showed that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw 800 women candidates contesting across 390 parliamentary constituencies, the higher-ever since the second general elections in 1957. With 800 women candidates in the fray, this also led to a decline in the number of seats having no women candidate to its lowest-ever of 152. Over the years, the number of women candidates has been on the rise.
On Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Maharashtra BJP minister Nitesh Rane’s statement calling Kerala a “mini Pakistan" is highly provocative and deplorable.Addressing a function in Pune, Rane had said, quote “Kerala is mini Pakistan… that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth, you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them.’’ unquote. In a sharp response, Vijayan said, quote “The Maharashtra minister’s words reflected the Sangh Parivar’s approach towards Kerala. Sangh Parivar is of the view that it can alienate places where it finds it difficult to gain control, by unleashing such hate campaigns. The minister is not fit to continue in his post. It is surprising that the leadership of the party that rules the country has not reacted to the statement of the minister, who has breached the oath of office by insulting the Constitution of the country.” unquote.
A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million verdict against Donald Trump for sexually abusing and defaming magazine writer E Jean Carroll, marking a legal setback for the president-elect, The Guardian reported. The three-judge panel at the second US circuit court of appeals in Manhattan rejected Trump’s appeal for a new trial. They ruled that evidence, including testimonies from other women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct and the infamous Access Hollywood tape, was properly admitted in court. The tape famously recorded Trump boasting about grabbing women.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
As part of our ongoing year-end series, we present the latest episode of the Express Sports podcast. Hosts Mihir Vasavda, Amit Kamath, and Vinayakk Mohanaranga wrap up 2024 by discussing its most significant sporting moments, shedding light on the triumphs, controversies, and unforgettable events that defined the year.
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 30th of December and here are the headlines.
In view of the statewide bandh called by two Punjab farmer unions, security has been amped up with several groups of farmers gathering at key locations on highways and railway stations at 6.30 am onwards. The bandh call was given in support of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who has been holding a hunger strike for more than a month seeking the implementation of 13 farm demands. Over 150 trains, including Vande Bharat, were cancelled today and all educational institutes are to remain closed. However, emergency services will remain active across the state.
The war of words over former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s funeral intensified today, with the Congress saying that senior party leaders did not accompany his family “out of our deference to the privacy of the family”. This comes a day after Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri of the BJP said on Sunday that Congress leaders did not accompany Dr Singh’s family when the ashes were immersed in the Yamuna river while BJP leaders were present. Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.
Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced his fifth promise today ahead of the Assembly polls in Delhi, the Pujari Granthi Samman Rashi Scheme, with an eye on Pandit and Sikh voters. Under this scheme, the AAP has promised that if the party returns to power, it will give Rs 18,000 per month to all pandits and pujaris working in temples and to granthis in gurdwaras across the city. The AAP has so far announced four welfare schemes targeting specific categories of voters, including women, Dalits and senior citizens.
ISRO will demonstrate for the first time its ability to bring together and join two satellites in space today. The SpaDeX mission, which is the Space Docking Experiment, will launch at 10 pm today, as ISRO’s workhorse PSLV rocket lifts off from the first launch pad of the Sriharikota spaceport. For the first time, an ISRO mission will carry a biological experiment. The CROPS experiment (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) will see the germination of seed and sustenance of a plant up to a two-leaf stage. The fourth stage of the launch vehicle will be used later as a platform to carry out 24 experiments, including several by startups.
The investigation into the Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 at Muan International Airport in South Korea is underway. Initial findings show a malfunction in the landing gear, which a bird strike may have caused, could have led to the plane’s belly landing. Experts have said that multiple factors could have resulted in the plane crash, among which are design flaws at the airport. Questions have been raised over the length of the runway at the airport. According to the official website, the runway is 2,800 m long. This is considerably shorter than runways at international air hubs.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
This week we are talking about the biggest moments of 2024 and what all we can look forward to in 2025. Till now we have discussed the biggest events that shaped politics this year, the trends in the health sector and the key changes adopted by the judiciary in 2024.
And today, Nandagopal Rajan, COO, The Indian Express Online, joins us as a part of our year-end series to talk about the major trends and developments in the realm of technology and how artificial intelligence took the centre stage this year.
Hosted and produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.Today is the 27th of December and here are this week’s headlines.
Three members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force, who were allegedly involved in grenade attacks at police establishments in border areas of Punjab, were killed in an encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district on Monday. The encounter was jointly conducted by the police forces from Punjab and UP. While the Punjab Police said in the morning that the men had been arrested, police in UP confirmed later that the men had died a little before 10 am. The deceased have been identified as Gurvinder Singh, Virendra Singh alias Ravi, and Jasan Preet Singh alias Pratap Singh, all residents of Gurdaspur.
Amid Congress and the INDIA bloc's attack over Amit Shah's remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, top BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda, met NDA allies to discuss a united front on Wednesday. They focused on countering the opposition's narrative, especially on Shah's comments, caste census, and social justice issues. Shah emphasized Congress's attempts to create false narratives, urging NDA leaders to stand together against the opposition's criticism.
Dr Manmohan Singh, the 14th Prime Minister of India who was widely acknowledged as the architect of the country’s economic reforms, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday. Singh who was 92 years old was on Thursday evening admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Sources said that the former Prime Minister was administered CPR but efforts to revive him remained unsuccessful.
Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal expressed frustration with Congress over complaints filed against AAP leading up to Delhi’s 2025 elections on Thursday. Kejriwal criticized Congress for alleging AAP was anti-national despite seeking its help during campaigning. Delhi CM Atishi questioned why Congress formed an alliance with AAP if they had such doubts. She accused Congress leaders in Delhi of aiding BJP in the upcoming polls and possibly making secret pacts to harm AAP’s electoral prospects.
Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met with major figures from the Telugu film industry on Thursday, rejecting their demand for increased movie ticket prices. Reddy stressed the importance of respecting the law and not offering any more concessions for film screenings. He also urged industry leaders to support government campaigns against drugs, promote women’s safety, and help with ecotourism and temple tourism initiatives. The meeting followed concerns over a stampede during the premiere of "Pushpa 2," which tragically killed a woman.
On the global front, a plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, involving an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, has left over 30 dead, with 32 survivors. The flight from Baku to Grozny crashed during an emergency landing attempt approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau. Disturbing footage shows the plane bursting into flames upon impact. Emergency teams extinguished the fire, and survivors were rushed to hospitals. Investigations are underway into the cause of the crash.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
The Indian Express’ Legal Affairs Editor, Apurva Vishwanath, joins us to discuss the key changes and new approaches adopted by the judiciary this year, including a shift away from the alleged ‘judicial evasion.’
This is the third part of our ongoing year-ender series.
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 26th of December and here are the headlines.
A roadside biryani vendor, Gnanasekaran, was arrested in Chennai for allegedly sexually assaulting a student at Anna University’s campus on Monday night. The arrest led to a political uproar, with BJP and AIADMK accusing Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK of ties to the accused. However, the DMK denies any association. The attack reportedly occurred around 8 pm when the student was in a secluded area of the 180-acre campus, chatting with a friend. Authorities are investigating the case while the political parties continue their accusations.
At a Patna event commemorating the life of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a protest erupted when folk singer Devi performed the line "Ishwar Allah tero naam" from the bhajan "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram." Protesters interrupted the performance, claiming it was inappropriate. BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain condemned the disruption, calling it "the height of intolerance." The song, which has been closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, was being sung as part of a tribute to Vajpayee, leading to tensions during the event.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal expressed frustration with Congress over complaints filed against AAP leading up to Delhi’s 2025 elections. Kejriwal criticized Congress for alleging AAP was anti-national despite seeking its help during campaigning. Delhi CM Atishi questioned why Congress formed an alliance with AAP if they had such doubts. She accused Congress leaders in Delhi of aiding BJP in the upcoming polls and possibly making secret pacts to harm AAP’s electoral prospects.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy met with major figures from the Telugu film industry on Thursday, rejecting their demand for increased movie ticket prices. Reddy stressed the importance of respecting the law and not offering any more concessions for film screenings. He also urged industry leaders to support government campaigns against drugs, promote women’s safety, and help with ecotourism and temple tourism initiatives. The meeting followed concerns over a stampede during the premiere of "Pushpa 2," which tragically killed a woman.
In Gaza, five Palestinian journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday, according to local authorities. However, the Israeli military stated that the airstrike targeted a vehicle carrying Islamic Jihad militants. The journalists were reportedly in a broadcast vehicle outside Al-Awda Hospital in the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp when the attack occurred. The Palestinian Journalists Union confirmed their deaths, which were part of a series of airstrikes that also killed at least 16 others. This violence comes as ceasefire talks remain stalled after months of fighting.
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The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt and Rinku Ghosh join us as a part of our year-end series and talk about the major trends that were seen in the health sector in 2024 all the way from skin care to weight loss drugs and more.
Hosted and produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 25th of December, and here are the headlines:
BJP Meets NDA Leaders to Counter Opposition Narrative
Amid Congress and the INDIA bloc's attack over Amit Shah's remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, top BJP leaders, including Shah and J.P. Nadda, met NDA allies to discuss a united front. They focused on countering the opposition's narrative, especially on Shah's comments, caste census, and social justice issues. Shah emphasized Congress's attempts to create false narratives, urging NDA leaders to stand together against the opposition's criticism.
Delhi CM Takes Action Over Fraudulent Notices
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced strict administrative action against two officers for disowning two AAP schemes. The officers released public notices calling the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana fraudulent. The schemes, which aim to provide financial aid to women and free medical treatment for seniors, were targeted in the notices. Atishi condemned the officers' actions and vowed immediate steps to address the situation.
Uttarakhand Bus Accident Leaves 3 Dead, Dozens Injured
A tragic road accident in Uttarakhand's Bhimtal area resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to over two dozen. The bus, traveling from Bhimtal to Haldwani, fell into a 100-meter deep ditch with 20-25 passengers on board. Rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), swiftly responded, taking the injured to nearby hospitals. The rescue operation is ongoing as authorities investigate the cause of the crash.
Plane Crash in Kazakhstan Leaves 30 Dead, 32 Survive
A plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, involving an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, has left over 30 dead, with 32 survivors. The flight from Baku to Grozny crashed during an emergency landing attempt approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau. Disturbing footage shows the plane bursting into flames upon impact. Emergency teams extinguished the fire, and survivors were rushed to hospitals. Investigations are underway into the cause of the crash.
Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Energy System on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, Russia launched a brutal missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving at least seven people dead or injured. Strikes on Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk caused blackouts and heating disruptions, with half a million people left without heat. President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, calling them inhuman, as Russia fired more than 70 missiles and 100 drones during the holiday assault.
This was the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
Veteran journalist and contributing editor at The Indian Express, Neerja Chowdhury, joins us to kick off our year-end series and discuss some of the most significant moments that defined Indian politics this year.
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Audio clips sourced by Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 24th of December, and here are the headlines:
A day after Prime Minister Modi attended Christmas celebrations in Delhi, a senior Orthodox Church Bishop in Kerala criticized the event. Bishop Yuhanon Meletius, Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, shared his thoughts on Facebook, referencing two incidents of disruption at Christmas celebrations in Palakkad schools. He pointed out how bishops are revered and cribs honored at one event, while in Kerala, cribs are destroyed, following incidents involving VHP leaders and ongoing investigations into the disturbances.
Telugu actor Allu Arjun appeared before police today, following a notice issued after a stampede at the premiere of Pushpa 2 on December 4. Police are working to establish a timeline of events leading up to the stampede at Sandhya Theatre. Investigators aim to gather detailed information to assist in preparing the chargesheet. Three VHP leaders were arrested in Palakkad in connection with one incident, and authorities are continuing their search for additional suspects.
Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi criticized the selection process for the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). At a recent meeting, they labeled the process "fundamentally flawed" and accused it of being a "pre-determined" exercise. They suggested Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Kuttiyil Mathew Joseph as possible candidates. However, V Ramasubramanian, a former Supreme Court judge, was appointed as the NHRC chairperson on Monday, despite their objections.
Goa may face a beef shortage as meat vendors went on strike to protest "harassment" after an altercation with members of a cow protection group in Margao. Three vendors were injured during the incident, leading to a shutdown of vendors at the SGPDA market complex. The traders cited safety concerns and called for police protection for beef transporters. The strike is expected to continue, and vendors are demanding the government take action against vigilante groups targeting them.
France has formed a new government under Prime Minister François Bayrou, marking the fourth administration of 2024. The appointment follows the collapse of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government due to disagreements over budget reforms. Bayrou, leader of the centrist MoDem group allied with President Macron, is tasked with stabilizing the country and passing the 2025 budget. Macron hopes the new government will navigate the political and economic challenges facing France amid ongoing crises.
This was the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
During the festive season, people across the country come together to celebrate, with food—sweet, savory, and deep-fried—often taking center stage. While these treats are fine in moderation, we often indulge more than we should. But how much is too much, and are there ways to make our celebrations healthier?
To explore these questions, we speak to Dr Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head, Nutrition And Dietetics, Max Super Speciality Hospital (Delhi).
(Note: We kick-off our year-ender series tomorrow).
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 23rd of December and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the central government’s efforts to provide ‘lakhs of government jobs in the last 1.5 years’. Addressing a Rozgar Mela virtually today, PM Modi said that his government set a “record” by giving permanent government jobs to almost 10 lakh people in the course of the last 18 months. PM Modi stated, quote, “There is a campaign going on to provide government jobs in various ministries, departments and institutions of the country. Today also, more than 71,000 youths have been given appointment letters,” unquote.
Meanwhile, Three members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force, who were allegedly involved in grenade attacks at police establishments in border areas of Punjab, were killed in an encounter in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district today. The encounter was jointly conducted by the police forces from Punjab and UP. While the Punjab Police said in the morning that the men had been arrested, police in UP confirmed later that the men had died a little before 10 am. The deceased have been identified as Gurvinder Singh, Virendra Singh alias Ravi, and Jasan Preet Singh alias Pratap Singh, all residents of Gurdaspur.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said today that six Bangladeshis have been apprehended by the Assam Police for entering the Indian territory illegally and handed over to the authorities of the neighbouring country, He, however, did not mention the sector of the India-Bangladesh border, where they were held. The chief minister said on X, quote ‘No place for illegal infiltration in Assam, carrying out their strict monitoring against infiltration attempts, Assam police apprehended 6 Bangladeshi nationals and pushed them across the border,” unquote.
Meanwhile, the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor said today they arrested the main accused in the abduction of comedian Sunil Pal and actor Mushtaq Mohammed Khan after an encounter late Sunday. While the police arrested the main accused Lavi Pal, his accomplice Himanshu managed to escape during the cross-firing. Lavi Pal was carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head and had been absconding since being booked by the Meerut and Bijnor police for abduction or ransom of Mushtaq Khan on 20th of November and Sunil Pal on 2nd of December.
On the global front, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan, an aide of billionaire Elon Musk and Microsoft’s ex-employee, as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social said, quote “Sriram Krishnan will focus on ensuring continued American leadership in AI and help shape and coordinate AI policy across Government, including working with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.” unquote.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express' Arun Sharma explains why the Katra ropeway project in Jammu is facing opposition. He talks about the project, the changes it will bring and how it will impact the trek to the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine. He also shares the reasons behind the protests and how it may impact the project.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Bijin Jose who breaks down the recently launched o3 model of AI by OpenAI. He shares what makes this model the most advanced OpenAI model yet and how it is different from all the previous existing AI models. (9:58)
Finally, we talk about PM Modi being awarded the highest national award of Kuwait. (20:13)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 20th of December and here are the headlines.
The ‘One Nation, One Election Bill’ was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with strong opposition from Congress and Samajwadi Party. The bill, supported by 269 MPs, aims to synchronize elections across India. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal defended it, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it unconstitutional, warning of its impact on democracy. The bill seeks to amend three Constitution articles, based on recommendations from a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the 'Sanjeevani Yojana' on Wednesday, promising free medical care for all citizens over 60, in both government and private hospitals. The scheme is seen as a counter to the BJP-led Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Kejriwal aims to attract senior voters ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
In the wake of an altercation on Parliament premises, Congress MPs, led by Pramod Tiwari, filed a complaint with the Sansad Marg police station accusing BJP MPs of manhandling Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Priyanka Gandhi, witnessing the incident, described how Kharge fell after being pushed, with a CPIM MP also collapsing on him. She expressed concern that Kharge might have been seriously injured. The confrontation follows tensions between NDA and INDIA MPs during parliamentary proceedings.
Meanwhile, an Indian Navy craft, which was undergoing trials for a newly fitted engine, experienced malfunction and crashed into a passenger ferry boat, off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday that killed 13 people. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the incident but it is believed that the engine malfunction led to the rider losing control of the craft, resulting in the collision. After the Mumbai ferry accident, boat operators are pointing to the lack of regulation and monitoring in one of India’s busiest harbours. They said the Navy generally conducts its boat testing during non-peak hours, primarily in the mornings.
On the global front, Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Ireland after Dublin supported a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israeli policies” for backing the case. In response, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stated that Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, emphasizing Ireland's commitment to international law.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Vikas Pathak discusses the ongoing row over Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and tell us about the relationship between Ambedkar, the Congress, and the RSS.
Next, The Indian Express’ Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath talks about the recent anti-Muslim remarks made by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav during an event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (14:30).
Finally, The Indian Express’ Ritika Chopra provides an update about a 19-year-old B.Tech student who duped a top US university but was later exposed after bragging about it (25:05).
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 19th of December, and here are the headlines:
Telangana ACB Files Case Against KTR Over Formula E Race Irregularities
Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a case against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao (KTR), the son of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, over alleged irregularities surrounding the Formula E car racing event in Hyderabad. KTR, a former minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, was named the primary accused. The case involves mismanagement of funds during his tenure, with former MAUD secretary Arvind Kumar and ex-HMDA chief engineer BLN Reddy also implicated. The event took place in February 2023.
Congress Claims BJP MPs Blocked and Attacked Opposition in Parliament
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP MPs of blocking and attacking opposition members attempting to enter Parliament on Thursday. Kharge said BJP MPs physically stopped them at the gate, even pushing female MPs, while BJP MP Pratap Sarangi claimed Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, injuring Sarangi. Gandhi denied the allegation, stating BJP MPs were the aggressors. The incident follows an ongoing clash between NDA and INDIA MPs, with Congress lodging a formal complaint against the BJP at the Sansad Marg police station.
Congress Files Complaint Over Misbehaviour in Parliament Scuffle
In the wake of an altercation on Parliament premises, Congress MPs, led by Pramod Tiwari, filed a complaint with the Sansad Marg police station accusing BJP MPs of manhandling Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Priyanka Gandhi, witnessing the incident, described how Kharge fell after being pushed, with a CPI(M) MP also collapsing on him. She expressed concern that Kharge might have been seriously injured. The confrontation follows tensions between NDA and INDIA MPs during parliamentary proceedings.
13 Dead in Mumbai Ferry Collision: Lack of Safety Regulations Blamed
A tragic collision between an Indian Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near the Gateway of India on Wednesday resulted in 13 deaths, including Navy personnel and civilians. Boat operators in Mumbai have criticized the lack of safety regulations and monitoring in the harbor. Although Navy personnel claim the accident was due to losing control during testing, they stated no specific testing location exists. An investigation is ongoing, while operators highlight that such tests are typically conducted in non-peak hours for safety.
French Court Sentences Dominique Pelicot to 20 Years in Landmark Abuse Case
Dominique Pelicot, 72, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife, Gisele, over a decade, while also allowing dozens of other men to assault her. A French court found 50 men guilty, though most received shorter sentences than the prosecution's recommendations. The case, which came to light in 2020, uncovered disturbing footage of the abuse on Pelicot’s computer. Gisele, who waived anonymity, has spoken out to help other survivors, saying her fight is for all rape victims.
This was the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express' Damini Nath explains 'One Nation One Election' at length. She shares the details of the amendments required to implement it, the reaction that it received in the Lok Sabha and all the recent developments.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Abhinaya Harigovind who shares the recommendations of the high level committee that was created post the NEET UG paper leak. She talks about the ways recommended by the committee in which the entrance exam process can be made more like the election process. (13:27)
Finally, we talk about a Navy craft losing control and hitting a ferry off the Mumbai coast causing 13 deaths. (23:23)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 18th of December, and here are the headlines:
Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Adjourned Amid Ruckus Over Amit Shah's Comments
Proceedings in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Tuesday following a ruckus over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about Dr. BR Ambedkar. The Congress strongly criticized the introduction of the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, calling for its immediate withdrawal. Despite this, the bill was introduced after a vote in the Lok Sabha via an electronic voting system, with Speaker Om Birla overseeing the process.
Modi Defends Amit Shah, Slams Congress Over Ambedkar Remarks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Opposition's accusations that Union Minister Amit Shah insulted Dr. BR Ambedkar, claiming Congress's "rotten ecosystem" spread malicious lies to cover up its misdeeds. Modi said the Congress, led by a single dynasty, had humiliated Ambedkar's legacy and the SC/ST communities. His remarks, posted on X, accused Congress of trying to erase Ambedkar’s contributions and criticized its tactics to hide its past failures.
Kejriwal Announces ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’ Ahead of Delhi Elections
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the 'Sanjeevani Yojana' on Wednesday, promising free medical care for all citizens over 60, in both government and private hospitals. The scheme is seen as a counter to the BJP-led Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides secondary and tertiary healthcare to economically vulnerable families. Kejriwal aims to attract senior voters ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
CAG Report Finds Undue Benefits to Maharashtra Road Contractors
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that Maharashtra road contractors received undue benefits worth Rs 203 crore due to reduced penalties imposed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). An audit found that NHAI violated concession agreements in projects in Nanded and Thane districts, which resulted in lower damage recoveries than stipulated. The CAG report, tabled in Lok Sabha on December 16, highlighted violations of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines by NHAI.
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane. The 38-year-old spinner, who played in the second Test in Adelaide, revealed his decision following an emotional chat with former India captain Virat Kohli. Ashwin, who is India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 wickets, thanked the fans and expressed that his appearance in Brisbane would be his last day representing India on the international stage.
This was the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Suanshu Khurana joins us to discuss the legacy of the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away at a hospital in San Francisco on Sunday.
Next, The Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath explains the Supreme Court’s latest directive to the district court regarding the Places of Worship Act (15:20).
Finally, The Indian Express’ Jagdeep Singh Deep discusses the tragedy in Georgia, where 11 Indian nationals lost their lives (24:02).
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