Episodios
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 10th of February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four-day trip to France and the US, starting today. In France, Modi will co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron from February 10 to 12. During his visit, he will also inaugurate India’s first consulate in Marseille and pay tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. Before embarking on his visit Modi referred to both Macron and US President Donald Trump as his "friends" and emphasized strengthening international cooperation in the fields of technology and diplomacy.
In another headline making news, Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, resigned last night, setting off discussions about his replacement. The BJP's central leadership is expected to take time in finalizing a consensus candidate. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has asked Singh to remain in office until alternative arrangements are made. Meanwhile, Singh recommended suspending the Assembly, allowing time for MLAs to agree on a new leader. With no clear majority support for a successor, the Centre may consider imposing President's Rule. The resignation led to the nullification of an earlier order to convene the Assembly.
From one CM resigning to another, the BJP is set to select Delhi’s first Chief Minister from the party in nearly 30 years, with caste being a significant factor in the decision-making process. The choice comes amid an organizational shake-up, including the appointment of a new national president and team. RSS and BJP leaders will soon meet to discuss key positions, including the CM, Deputy CM, Assembly Speaker, and Council of Ministers. These discussions are expected to occur in the coming week, shaping the future leadership of Delhi.
On the global front, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, adding to existing duties. He intends to unveil the new metal tariffs, with reciprocal tariffs to follow tomorrow and day after tomorrow, targeting all countries. The tariffs are designed to match the rates imposed by other nations on US imports, possibly leading to repercussions, such as India potentially facing higher prices on steel and aluminium exports to the US.
In other news from across the country, YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia apologized after his comments on stand up comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show, India’s Got Latent, sparked controversy. Allahbadia admitted his remarks were inappropriate and unfunny, expressing regret in a video statement. Earlier, a police complaint was filed against Ranveer, Raina, and fellow YouTubers Ashish Chanchalani and Apoorva Mukhija, accusing them of using abusive language on the show. The complaint, lodged with the Mumbai Commissioner and Maharashtra Women’s Commission, calls for legal action, though no FIR has been registered yet.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
Despite the Aam Aadmi Party’s emphasis on developmental initiatives and its promise of good governance, voter dissatisfaction was evident in the Delhi Assembly elections as the BJP is now set to form a government in the national capital after 27 years.
The Indian Express' Mallica Joshi and Jatin Anand help us dissect the BJP's campaign that looked on track to unseat Arvind Kejriwal’s reign and the factors that are likely to guide the BJP’s decision while picking its Chief Minister.
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 7th of February and here are the headlines.
Day after a United States military aircraft landed in Amritsar with 104 deported Indian nationals, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Parliament Budget Session of Day 5 said the Centre is engaging with the US government to ensure that deportees are not ill-treated. EAM also said, quote, “It’s the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if found to be living illegally abroad,” unquote. Jaishankar also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him over the issue.
Meanwhile, the high-stakes Delhi election was concluded in 70 Assembly constituencies. In the triangular contest between the AAP, the BJP, and the Congress, the ruling party aims for a third consecutive term, while the saffron party hopes to make a return to power after 25 years, and the grand old party strives to make a comeback. The polling saw a total turnout of 60.44 per cent, according to Election Commission data. Meanwhile, police force was deployed in large numbers outside a polling booth in Seelampur after the BJP alleged fake votes were being cast.
In other news, India and the US are expected to start negotiations for a free trade agreement in the coming weeks as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the US to meet President Donald Trump between the 12th and 14th of February. The Prime Minister, who will travel to France and co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris between 10th - 11th of February, is also expected to travel to Marseille on 12th of February. From there, he is likely to travel to the US to meet President Trump.
In another news making headline, a civilian truck driver was killed in a firing incident involving Army personnel on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway near Sopore in Kashmir. The Army said the truck jumped a checkpoint, after which it was chased for over 23 km. According to the Army statement, its personnel fired at the tyres of the truck to deflate them, and the truck came to a halt. Subsequently, they took the injured driver to a hospital where he was declared dead. Police sources said they have begun an investigation into the incident.
On the global front, China announced retaliatory tariffs on United States imports after the US imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. Beijing will levy 10-15 per cent tariffs on US products including crude oil, agricultural machinery, and liquefied natural gas. Coal and LNG imports will face a 15 per cent tariff, while items like pickup trucks and large-engine cars will incur a 10 per cent tariff. The measures will take effect on 10th of February, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we speak with The Indian Express' Udit Misra about how tariffs work, the ongoing tariff war between the US and China, and what it could potentially mean for India.
Next, we discuss why the Supreme Court has criticized the Assam government over the continued detention of 63 inmates at the Matia "transit camp" with The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah.
And lastly, we talk about the Indian nationals who were deported for residing illegally in the United States.
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Written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
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 6th of February and here are the headlines.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding the deportation of 104 Indian citizens from the U.S. He assured that the Indian government is engaging with U.S. authorities to prevent ill-treatment of the deportees. Jaishankar emphasized that all countries must take back their nationals living illegally abroad and explained that using restraints during deportation is standard procedure by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since 2012.
In a speech on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Modi criticized the Congress party for prioritizing "family first," stating that expecting “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” from Congress would be a mistake. He also remarked that though the Congress government had not awarded the Bharat Ratna to B.R. Ambedkar, they are now compelled to acknowledge his legacy by saying “Jai Bhim.”
Harwinder Singh, one of 104 Indian deportees, shared his painful experience aboard the U.S. military flight that returned them to India. He described being handcuffed, chained, and confined to their seats for 40 hours. Despite repeated requests, deportees were only allowed limited bathroom breaks. Singh recounted the physical and emotional toll, adding that the crew was indifferent to their plight, though one kind crew member offered them fruits. The journey, he said, was “worse than hell.”
The death of Makhan Din, a Gujjar youth from Kathua’s Billawar area, is under investigation after claims of torture in police custody emerged. On Wednesday, Kathua District Magistrate Dr. Rakesh Minhas ordered a magisterial inquiry. Police say Din died by suicide after consuming insecticide on Tuesday evening. They denied accusations of custodial killing, noting Din’s familial ties to a Pakistan-based militant. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, directed the military on Thursday to devise a plan allowing for the voluntary departure of Gaza residents. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial announcement that the U.S. would take control of Gaza, resettle its 2 million Palestinians, and turn the region into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Katz praised Trump’s proposal, which has drawn widespread condemnation for its potential implications on Palestinian rights and the region’s future.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Arun Sharma about the 17 mysterious deaths that have happened in Jammu's Baddal village. The cause of the deaths couldn't be identified. Arun shares how the deaths have stumped the doctors and how the state administration has responded to the issue.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt who explains why packaged drinking water has been added to the high risk food category in a recent notification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). (8:14)
Finally, we talk about US President Donald Trump saying that US will take over the Gaza Strip. (14:41)
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 5th of February and here are the headlines.
A military aircraft from the United States carrying over 100 deported Indian immigrants landed at Amritsar’s Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport this afternoon. The deported individuals include 25 women, 12 minors, and 79 men. In addition to the deported Indian nationals, the aircraft also had 11 crew members and 45 US officials on board. Besides Punjab, the deported individuals are from Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Among the deportees, 33 are from Gujarat, while 30 belong to Punjab.Two deportees each are from Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh, while three are from Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, the high-stakes Delhi election is underway in 70 Assembly constituencies. In the triangular contest between the AAP, the BJP, and the Congress, the ruling party aims for a third consecutive term, while the saffron party hopes to make a return to power after 25 years, and the grand old party strives to make a comeback. As of 1 pm today, the voter turnout stood at 33.31 per cent. Meanwhile, police force was deployed in large numbers outside a polling booth in Seelampur after the BJP alleged fake votes were being cast.
In other news, India and the US are expected to start negotiations for a free trade agreement in the coming weeks as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the US to meet President Donald Trump between the 12th and 14th of February. The Prime Minister, who will travel to France and co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris between 10th - 11th of February, is also expected to travel to Marseille on 12 of February. From there, he is likely to travel to the US to meet President Trump.
In another news headline, After submitting a Letter of Intent to host the 2036 Olympics last October, India is learnt to have opened an “informal” dialogue with the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the centenary edition in 2030 — 20 years after the country first held it. Officials involved in the process told The Indian Express, that unlike 2010, when the Games were hosted in New Delhi, Ahmedabad has emerged as the frontrunner, with Bhubaneswar also in the mix. On the sidelines of the National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun, Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins also met Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha where the possible Indian bid was discussed.
Meanwhile, OpenAI founder Sam Altman during a fireside chat today said that India is the second biggest market for ChatGPT, where it has tripled its user base in the last year. Altman is on a whirlwind world tour and landed in India late on Tuesday night. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with a number of the country's start-ups and venture capital funds. During the chat Altman said, quote, “India is an incredibly important market for AI in general and OpenAI in particular. It is our second biggest market, we tripled our users here in the last year.”
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor, Shubhajit Roy, about the US' massive crackdown on illegal migrants and the first-of-its-kind deportation of Indian migrants since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Next, The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt talks about the Guillain-Barré Syndrome, whose spread has intensified in Pune, with over 150 suspected cases and five suspected deaths.
Finally, we talk about a child from Kerala who sparked discussions about anganwadi meal programs in the state, attracting attention from Kerala’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Veena George.
Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Ichha Sharma and 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 4th of February and here are the headlines.
In his reply to the Motion of Thanks in the parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the House for the 10th time. He highlighted that 25 crore people had overcome poverty due to NDA-led government schemes. PM Modi emphasised that the government’s focus was on providing water connections to the people, with 75 per cent of households lacking tap water before the NDA's tenure.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s claims regarding the border issue with China. Rahul had quoted the Army Chief, suggesting Chinese forces were inside Indian territory, while Prime Minister Modi denied such claims. Rajnath clarified that Rahul had misquoted the Army Chief, reaffirming the government’s stance on the border situation, and emphasising that the military continues to address the issue diplomatically.
In another headline making news, the United States has started deporting Indian migrants as part of US President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement strategy. A C-17 aircraft carrying 205 Indian nationals departed from San Antonio, Texas. A US embassy spokesperson in Delhi confirmed that the deportation, emphasised the administration’s stance on tightening immigration laws and sends a message against illegal migration, which affects an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
In news from the national capital, Delhi Police filed a case against Chief Minister Atishi for violating prohibitory orders a day before the Delhi Assembly elections. Atishi, who is the AAP candidate from Kalkaji, was reportedly involved in a gathering with party volunteers in Govindpuri. Police claimed that despite the requests to disperse under the Model Code of Conduct, the crowd persisted. Two AAP workers were also charged for allegedly assaulting a police officer during the incident.
In global news today, China announced retaliatory tariffs on United States imports after the US imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. Beijing will levy 10-15 per cent tariffs on US products including crude oil, agricultural machinery, and liquefied natural gas. Coal and LNG imports will face a 15 per cent tariff, while items like pickup trucks and large-engine cars will incur a 10 per cent tariff. The measures will take effect on 10th of February, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
As Delhi goes to polls tomorrow, that is the 5th of February, we are dedicating today's episode to discussing the Aam Aadmi Party's progress and schemes over the last decade, why are these elections crucial for the BJP, where does the Congress stand and what are the major narratives dominating the polls. To help us unpack all this, we have the Indian Express' Mallica Joshi joining us.
Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced by Niharika Nanda, Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
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 3rd of February and here are the headlines.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, alleged that 70 lakh voters were added to Maharashtra's electoral rolls between the Lok Sabha and state elections. He demanded that the Election Commission provide voter data to opposition parties. Gandhi questioned the integrity of the 2022 Maharashtra polls and expressed doubt that the EC would release the requested details. He emphasized that the Constitution relies on secure votes, without which its significance is diminished.
In his reply to the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi criticized both the UPA and NDA governments for failing to provide a clear employment plan for India’s youth. He expressed dissatisfaction with President Murmu’s inaugural address, calling it similar to past speeches. Gandhi emphasized that the country’s future hinges on young people and highlighted that any proposals should address their concerns and challenges, urging the Opposition bloc to focus on this issue.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to Rahul Gandhi’s claims regarding his U.S. visit in December 2024. Gandhi had alleged that Jaishankar went to the U.S. to secure an invitation for PM Modi’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration. Jaishankar denied the accusation, stating that his visit was for meetings with U.S. officials and to chair a consuls general gathering. He clarified that the Prime Minister typically does not attend such events and India is represented by special envoys.
The Supreme Court called the January 29 stampede at the Maha Kumbh “unfortunate” but directed the petitioner to approach the Allahabad High Court, where a judicial commission had already been set up to investigate the incident. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, hearing the case, stated that the matter was concerning but advised that the High Court be approached. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi confirmed that the judicial commission was already in place to address the issue.
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staffers were instructed to stay out of the agency’s Washington headquarters after Elon Musk claimed he and President Trump had agreed to shut down USAID. Over 600 employees were locked out of USAID’s computer systems, and those still in the system received emails about the closure. Musk, who is leading a review of the federal government with Trump’s approval, said the two agreed on shutting down the agency, which has been active for over six decades.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
On Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the twelfth Union Budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
This budget came at a time when India has been struggling to achieve its desired growth rate while grappling with challenges like unemployment and rising prices. After introducing reforms such as GST and implementing various ease-of-doing-business measures in the past, the government this time announced an unprecedented tax break for the middle class, hoping it would provide a much-needed boost to the economy.
To break down the key takeaways, what this could mean for India's growth story, and other major highlights from the Union Budget, The Indian Express’ Udit Misra joins us.
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Additional help from Ichha Sharma -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 31st of January and here are this week’s headlines.
The Indian government has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission, a 16,300 crore rupees initiative to reduce country’s dependency on foreign mineral imports on Wednesday. The mission focuses on domestic exploration, mining, and processing of essential minerals to support technological growth and industrial needs. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of securing India’s mineral future as the nation seeks to strengthen its economic infrastructure and ensure sustainability in key industries.
Meanwhile, the Joint Committee of Parliament has adopted its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, despite criticism from Opposition MPs about the rushed process and lack of sufficient review time. The bill, which proposes changes to the management of Waqf properties, has sparked disagreement within the committee. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the short notice to review the 655-page report, accusing the government of undermining parliamentary procedures in the final stages of the bill's consideration.
Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday dared leaders from BJP and Congress to drink the water of Yamuna river after the Election Commission responded to the Aam Aadmi Party chief amid the ongoing row over Yamuna, asking the former Delhi chief minister not to mix the issue of increased ammonia in Yamuna with his allegation of river poisoning. The EC gave Kejriwal another chance to explain his charges against the Haryana government. The EC further asked Kejriwal to provide factual evidence with specific and pointed response to type, quantity, nature and manner of poisoning of Yamuna.
On the global front, an American Airlines passenger plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided and crashed near Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday. The passenger jet, carrying 64 people, was on approach to the airport when the incident occurred. Initial reports indicate that at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the river, with search and rescue operations ongoing amid challenging cold weather conditions. Emergency responders, numbering over 300, are actively engaged in the recovery efforts, which have been complicated by the frigid temperatures. The airport has suspended all operations until at least 11 a.m. EST on Thursday. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, officials have confirmed that fatalities are expected.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump signed his first piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act, during his second term, which allows for the pre-trial detention of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes such as theft, burglary, and assault. Additionally, a group of Republican Senators introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 in the US Senate, aiming to restrict birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. Trump’s administration also rescinded a controversial memo that temporarily froze federal spending on loans and grants just two days after its issuance, leading to widespread confusion and legal challenges.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Maulshree Seth about the stampede that happened at the Maha Kumbh Mela. She shares details of the casualties, rescue operations and how changes and arrangements have been made after this incident.
Next, The Indian Express' Bijin Jose talks about the newly launched Chinese AI models by Deepseek. He shares how the models were developed, why they are being liked by people worldwide and why the US feels these models could pose a threat. (13:01)
Finally, we talk about a tragic accident where an American Airlines regional passenger jet with 64 people aboard collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport.(24:29)
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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 30th of January and here are the headlines.
The Indian government has announced its plan to create a domestic large language model under the IndiaAI Mission, a Rs 10,370 crore initiative. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the development today. To support this, 10 companies, including Yotta, Jio Platforms, and Tata Communications, will supply 18,693 GPUs. Yotta alone will provide nearly half of these chips, totaling 9,216 units, to help build the AI model.
Arvind Kejriwal has challenged BJP and Congress leaders to drink Yamuna river water after the Election Commission intervened in his claims about river poisoning. The EC had asked Kejriwal to clarify his accusations of ammonia pollution and provide factual evidence of the alleged poisoning. The commission is also seeking more specific details about the nature, quantity, and source of contamination, with Kejriwal facing scrutiny for his allegations.
A Canadian report dismissed claims of foreign involvement in the disinformation campaign surrounding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar. Relations between India and Canada soured after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being behind Nijjar's murder in June 2023. India strongly rejected the accusations, calling them politically motivated, which led to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries, further damaging bilateral ties.
A political controversy erupted in Goa after the BJP government ordered South Goa SP Sunita Sawant to relinquish her charge. The Congress party accused the transfer of being politically motivated due to Sawant’s inquiry about Bajrang Dal leaders. The government has temporarily assigned Tikam Singh Verma, SP of the anti-narcotics cell, to oversee South Goa. Sawant was appointed in February 2024, and an official transfer order has yet to be issued.
A tragic collision occurred between an American Airlines plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. The plane, carrying 64 people, collided with the helicopter, which had three soldiers aboard. President Trump was briefed on the accident, and emergency operations were launched. All flights were suspended, and rescue teams, including firefighters, were engaged in operations on the Potomac River. 18 fatalities were confirmed, though details remain unclear.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie tells us how, despite the ongoing sexual harassment trial against former Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the WFI continues to function from his bungalow in Delhi.
Next, The Indian Express’ Jayprakash Naidu explains why a man from Chhattisgarh has been struggling to bury his father in his village (11:24).
Finally, The Indian Express’ Sohini Ghosh reports on a Delhi couple whose bank accounts were frozen for over three years without explanation—until they discovered the reason (17:45).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Additional help from Ichha Sharma
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 29th of January and here are the headlines.
Following a stampede-like incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the tragedy, offering condolences and ensuring the injured are receiving treatment. Opposition parties criticized the government for mismanagement and the prioritization of VIPs over common devotees. Despite these tensions, Adityanath assured the public that the situation is under control, urging pilgrims to remain cautious as the mela continues.
The Haryana government has decided to file a case against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for his claims that the BJP government is poisoning Delhi's water supply. The statement has sparked panic across both states, prompting Haryana officials to take legal action. Kejriwal faces further backlash as Haryana's Chief Minister demands an apology or faces a defamation suit, intensifying political tensions between AAP and the BJP in both Haryana and Delhi.
The Indian government has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), a Rs 16,300 crore initiative to reduce the country’s dependency on foreign mineral imports. The mission focuses on domestic exploration, mining, and processing of essential minerals to support technological growth and industrial needs. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of securing India’s mineral future as the nation seeks to strengthen its economic infrastructure and ensure sustainability in key industries.
The Joint Committee of Parliament has adopted its report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, despite criticism from Opposition MPs about the rushed process and lack of sufficient review time. The bill, which proposes changes to the management of Waqf properties, has sparked disagreement within the committee. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the short notice to review the 655-page report, accusing the government of undermining parliamentary procedures in the final stages of the bill's consideration.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone by completing its 100th satellite launch, placing the NVS-02 navigational satellite in orbit. This success underlines India’s growing space capabilities, with ISRO having launched 548 satellites, including a significant number of foreign satellites. The milestone highlights India’s increasing role in global space exploration and its commitment to advancing its navigation systems, further cementing ISRO's reputation as a leader in space technology.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Kanchan Vasdev about the drug problem that exists in Punjab. She shares the seriousness of the situation and why the government of Punjab has asked for Rs 600 crore from the centre for dealing with the spread of substance abuse.
Next, The Indian Express' Divya A shares details of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She talks about the discussion that they had regarding irregular immigration and how around 20,000 Indians might get deported on the grounds of them being illegal immigrants. (10:07)
Finally, we talk about five Indian fishermen getting injured after Sri Lankan Navy opened fire on them near Delft Island. (21:44)
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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 28th of January and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will no longer rely on exporting raw materials to be processed abroad and sold back as finished goods. Speaking at Odisha’s Utkarsh Odisha conclave, Modi emphasized that India’s economic growth must focus on innovation and quality manufacturing. He also highlighted recent Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as proof of the potential for live events to boost the economy, underscoring the shift towards a self-sufficient, value-added production ecosystem.
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal urged PM Modi to introduce a nationwide law banning loan waivers for billionaires. He criticized the government for waiving loans of the wealthy while ordinary citizens bear high taxes. Kejriwal suggested that ending these waivers could lower income tax, GST rates, and remove taxes on essential goods. He called the practice a scandal and demanded an end to what he called "unfair financial relief for the rich."
Five Indian fishermen were injured when the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire near Delft Island on Tuesday. Two of the fishermen sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized in Jaffna, while three others suffered minor injuries. India lodged a strong protest with the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, and the Indian High Commission in Colombo also raised the issue with the Sri Lankan government. The remaining fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Maharashtra’s long-awaited civic elections will be delayed further as the Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing on petitions regarding OBC reservations for February 25. The delay has disappointed political parties and aspirants preparing for the polls. The Pune Municipal Corporation has been under an administrator since the previous body’s term ended in 2022. Parties are now facing additional uncertainty as the civic polls remain stalled due to ongoing legal challenges over reservations.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that PM Narendra Modi is likely to visit the White House in February following a phone conversation between the two leaders. Trump described the relationship between the US and India as “very good” and said they discussed various issues, including illegal immigration. While India has not officially confirmed the visit, Trump said Modi would “do what’s right” regarding immigration matters, signaling potential discussions during the upcoming visit.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
In light of the Uttarakhand government implementing the Uniform Civil Code yesterday, we are revisiting an episode that originally aired last year (8 February, 2024), when the state first passed it in the Assembly. In this episode, we discussed in detail the changes it proposes, the concerns it raises, and why the BJP chose Uttarakhand as the first state for its implementation.
Guests: The Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath, Avaneesh Mishra, and Liz Mathew
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar - Mostrar más
