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We are taking a break from our regular programming today to present a special feature story about a woman who might just have the most unique job in the world — Melody G Fanai, who through her voice, mends relationships and brings people together.
Reported by Tora Agarwala
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
(This episode was originally published on the 3rd of November, 2023) -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 22th of November and here are this week’s headlines.
Karnataka’s Anti-Naxal Force shot and killed fugitive Naxal leader Vikram Gowda in a gunbattle on Monday night in Udupi. The 44-year-old had been a key member of the banned CPI (Maoist) group, considered one of the last remaining major Naxal leaders from Karnataka. His death follows the 2021 arrest of another top leader, B.G. Krishnamurthy. With Gowda’s death, the remaining underground Naxals in Karnataka come down to just seven, including four women.
Delhi’s air quality hit alarming levels early Tuesday, with an AQI of 492, placing the capital in the "severe-plus" category. Certain areas, including Alipur and Anand Vihar, surpassed the 500 mark. This means Delhi residents are breathing in pollutants equivalent to 50 cigarettes a day, posing serious health risks to everyone, not just those with pre-existing conditions. The government has implemented its highest emergency measures, and the Supreme Court has ordered these actions to remain in place until further notice. Additionally, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a 50% work-from-home policy for both private and government offices due to severe air pollution.
As polling concluded in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, urban voter ahpathy remained a challenge for the Election Commission, which frequently ran campaigns to encourage people to come out in large numbers and vote. Despite being the state’s largest city and the country’s financial and entertainment hub, Mumbai recorded the lowest vote turnout at 51.27 per cent, just 1 per cent higher than 48.4 per cent turnout in 2019. Meanwhile, Gadchiroli saw the highest turnout at 69.63 per cent. In Jharkhand, Jamtara recorded the highest turnout at 76.16 per cent, while Bo-ka-ro had the lowest at 60.97 per cent. After casting his vote in Thane, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his confidence in securing a thumping victory in the ongoing Assembly polls. Shinde said, quote “People have seen their two-and-a-half years of rule vis-a-vis the work done by us in the same amount of time. People will vote for development and for the work done by us,” unquote.
In a major legal development, US prosecutors have indicted Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, along with seven others, accusing them of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme. The charges allege the group bribed Indian officials to secure power contracts in India. Alongside the indictment, the US SEC is seeking penalties and a jury trial for Adani and his associates, citing their operations in the US and impact on American investors. The political war over the Adani bribery case heats up as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Indian government of supporting Gautam Adani, who was indicted in the US for allegedly offering over $200 million in bribes. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, accusing Congress of destabilizing Indian markets with false propaganda. He questioned why Congress-ruled states had welcomed Adani’s investments despite the controversy.
On the global front, Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from its southern Astrakhan region in an attack against Ukraine. Kyiv’s air force said this is the first time since the war broke out that Russia has used a long-range missile. Meanwhile, Ukraine on Wednesday said that Russia hit it with a “a massive information-psychological attack” by dispersing fake warning, alledgedly from Ukrainian military intelligence, about an imminent mass air attack. Following the Main Directorate of Intelligence’s statement Reuters reported, quote “This message is a fake, it contains grammatical errors typical of Russian information and psychological operations,” unquote
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
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First, The Indian Express' Shubhangi Khapre shares details of the incident that led to the accusations that BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde was distributing cash for votes on the eve of Maharashtra assembly elections. She shares the facts of what happened, Vinod Tawde's reaction and more.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the developments at the COP29 conference being held at Baku in Azerbaijan. He shares the agenda of the conference, the major topics of discussion and the expectations of the outcome. (13:34)
And in the end, we talk about Delhi's slightly improved AQI and the predictions for the upcoming week. (24:44)
Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda 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 21st of November and here are the headlines.
1. US Indicts Adani Group Executives for Bribery Scheme
In a major legal development, US prosecutors have indicted Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, along with seven others, accusing them of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme. The charges allege the group bribed Indian officials to secure power contracts in India. Alongside the indictment, the US SEC is seeking penalties and a jury trial for Adani and his associates, citing their operations in the US and impact on American investors.
2. Adani Bribery Scheme Details Revealed in US Court Filing
A US court filing reveals that over $228 million was allegedly paid in bribes to an unnamed high-ranking Andhra Pradesh official to secure solar power contracts. The bribe was part of a deal to help the Solar Energy Corporation of India purchase seven gigawatts of solar power. The filing doesn’t name the official or the companies involved, but details indicate this official served in Andhra Pradesh from May 2019 to June 2024.
3. Rahul Gandhi vs. BJP on Adani Indictment
The political war over the Adani bribery case heats up as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Indian government of supporting Gautam Adani, who was indicted in the US for allegedly offering over $200 million in bribes. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, accusing Congress of destabilizing Indian markets with false propaganda. He questioned why Congress-ruled states had welcomed Adani’s investments despite the controversy.
4. Supreme Court on Yasin Malik’s Trial in Tihar Jail
The Supreme Court of India raised concerns about conducting a fair trial for separatist leader Yasin Malik, currently serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail. The court suggested setting up a courtroom within the prison for his trial in a 1989 kidnapping case. Justice Oka reminded that even Ajmal Kasab received a fair trial in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to due process, despite the challenges posed by remote hearings.
5. Ukraine Claims Russia Launched ICBM at Dnipro
In a shocking escalation, Ukraine reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro city. If confirmed, this would mark Russia's first use of an ICBM in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s air force said the missile was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region. In response, Ukrainian forces intercepted six out of nine incoming missiles, marking a significant moment in the war as both sides intensify their military operations.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
Last week, Manipur witnessed what was perhaps the worst flare-up of violence since the initial days of the conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zomi community, which began on the 3rd of May, 2023.
In this episode, The Indian Express’ Sukrita Baruah and Deeptiman Tiwary join us to discuss what triggered the recent killings, how the administration has responded, and what this reveals about the ongoing crisis and the state’s failure to resolve it.
Hosted, written 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 20th of November and here are the headlines.
Maharashtra and Jharkhand Elections Update
As of 3 pm, voter turnout in Maharashtra stands at 45.53%, while Jharkhand’s Phase 2 polling has recorded 61.47%. Maharashtra's 288 Assembly seats are in play, with the Mahayuti coalition facing off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi. In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeks re-election while the BJP hopes to disrupt his plans. Voter engagement is key in these crucial contests, as both states head toward pivotal elections shaping the future of their leadership.
Bitcoin Allegations in Maharashtra Elections
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole have filed complaints with cyber police and the Election Commission over Bitcoin misappropriation allegations. Former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil accused them of using misappropriated Bitcoins to influence the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP has released voice notes, claiming a conspiracy, intensifying the controversy on the eve of voting. The investigation into these serious claims is now underway.
Delhi Air Quality and Work-from-Home Orders
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a 50% work-from-home policy for both private and government offices due to severe air pollution. The air quality index (AQI) hit a dangerous 430 on Wednesday, with areas like Mundka reaching 464. While slight improvements were noted, the city remains in a crisis. In response, Gurgaon has also implemented similar measures, urging residents to protect themselves from the ongoing hazardous air conditions.
Suicide Bombing in Pakistan
A suicide bomber attacked a security post in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan, killing 12 security personnel and injuring several others. The bombing, one of the deadliest in recent months, occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Pakistani military responded to the attack, killing six militants from the Pakistani Taliban, or "khwarij," in the ensuing exchange of fire. This deadly assault marks a significant escalation in violence in the region.
US Embassy Closure in Kyiv
The US Embassy in Kyiv closed on Wednesday, citing concerns of a "potential significant air attack." Embassy employees were instructed to shelter in place as a precautionary measure. The closure follows heightened tensions after Ukraine's missile strike on Russia using US-provided ATACMS. The embassy's warning underscores the ongoing risks in the region, as the US and Ukraine face rising threats amid the ongoing conflict.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Shubhajit Roy shares details of the Trump administration 2.0, and talks specifically about the leaders whose appointment will impact the US India relations.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Ritu Sharma about a severe case of ragging that happened in a medical college in Gujarat, where a first year student died upon being subjected to ragging by his seniors. (11:00)
Finally, we talk about Indian news agency ANI suing OpenAI accusing the ChatGPT creator of using its published content without permission to help train the artificial intelligence chatbot, something that OpenAI says it has stopped doing. (22:02)
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 19th of November and here are the headlines.
Delhi’s Dangerous Air Quality: Inhalation Equivalent to 50 Cigarettes
Delhi’s air quality hit alarming levels early Tuesday, with an AQI of 492, placing the capital in the "severe-plus" category. Certain areas, including Alipur and Anand Vihar, surpassed the 500 mark. This means Delhi residents are breathing in pollutants equivalent to 50 cigarettes a day, posing serious health risks to everyone, not just those with pre-existing conditions. The government has implemented its highest emergency measures, and the Supreme Court has ordered these actions to remain in place until further notice.
Political Tensions Escalate in Maharashtra Ahead of Polls
Tensions flared in Virar, Maharashtra, just a day before state elections, as Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) workers accused BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde of distributing cash to sway voters. Election officials recovered nearly Rs 10 lakh from Tawde’s hotel room. After a three-hour standoff, a press conference involving political leaders was halted by the Election Commission for violating rules. An FIR has been filed, and the matter is under investigation, with political tensions continuing to rise in the lead-up to the polls.
Karnataka Police Kills Fugitive Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda
Karnataka’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) shot and killed fugitive Naxal leader Vikram Gowda in a gunbattle on Monday night in Udupi’s Kabbinale forest. Gowda, 44, had been a key member of the banned CPI (Maoist) group, considered one of the last remaining major Naxal leaders from Karnataka. His death follows the 2021 arrest of another top leader, B.G. Krishnamurthy. With Gowda’s death, the remaining underground Naxals in Karnataka number just seven, including four women.
Tirumala’s New Plans to Improve Temple Experience and Operations
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) under its new chairman, B.R. Naidu, has proposed several changes to improve operations at the Lord Venkateswara temple. Key decisions include setting up a panel to reduce darshan waiting times to just 2-3 hours, banning political statements within the temple, and ensuring the use of higher-quality ghee for laddoos. Additionally, the TTD aims to streamline temple operations using AI to manage the flow of devotees. These decisions follow the recent change in state leadership.
Putin Revises Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine Amid Growing Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new nuclear doctrine declaring that any conventional attack on Russia, backed by a nuclear power, will be considered a joint assault on Russia. This revision of Russia's nuclear strategy comes on the 1,000th day of the war in Ukraine. The move follows U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use longer-range missiles supplied by the U.S. to strike targets inside Russia, further escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
As Maharashtra prepares to head to the polls tomorrow, The Indian Express’ Shubhangi Khapre joins us to explore what makes this election unprecedented, the strategies parties have used to engage with voters, and how an overcrowded field is causing confusion among them.
Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
The headlines of the day from The Indian Express.
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First, The Indian Express' Sophiya Mathew shares details about the implementation of GRAP stage IV in Delhi, starting today. She shares the severity of the pollution and smog situation in Delhi and the measures being adopted by the state government and Delhi police to improve the conditions.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Avaneesh Mishra about a horrific accident that caused the death of six people who were in a car that crashed into a container. (16:21)
Finally, we talk about a severe case of ragging in a Medical college in Gujarat where a student died while he was allegedly being ragged by some seniors. (25:25)
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 15th of November and here this week’s headlines.
The first phase of Jharkhand’s Assembly elections, covering 43 seats, recorded a voter turnout of 66 per cent. The seats are in the tribal-dominated South Chotanagpur, northern Pala-mu, and Kolhan regions, with 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes and six for Scheduled Castes. While the BJP has offered 25 promises as part of its Sankalp Patra, the INDIA bloc has underlined seven “guarantees” in the fields of education, domicile policy, social justice, food, Maiyya Samman Yojna, jobs, and farmers’ welfare, replicating its model in Karnataka and Telangana.
Over 2 lakh new beneficiaries above the age of 70 received cards under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana within the first week of Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolling out the expanded version of the flagship health insurance scheme to cover all elderly. According to data available till 7th of November with the National Health Authority, Kerala has registered the highest number of new beneficiaries under the extended version, with nearly 89,000 cards issued for the elderly. The data also shows that 32,000 additional beneficiaries above the age of 70 have re-registered to avail the cover of Rs 5 lakh provided in the extended version with no income limit.
In response to escalating violence in Manipur, the central government has deployed 20 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces to the state. The forces, comprising around 2,000 personnel from CRPF and BSF, will be stationed until 30th of November to maintain order. This follows recent clashes, including the killing of suspected militants in Jiribam and the continued disappearance of six individuals from the May-tee community, including three children, after the violence on Monday.
Delhi's air quality reached hazardous levels, with an AQI of 423, prompting serious disruptions at the Indira Gandhi Airport. 151 flights were delayed, and 282 departures faced delays averaging 45 minutes. Environment Minister Gopal Rai called for stricter enforcement of GRAP II measures to combat pollution. He noted an expected improvement in air quality due to rising wind speeds, as the capital continues to struggle with pollution-related issues affecting public health and daily operations.
On the global front, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least six people, including three young siblings, as the conflict in the region intensifies. In Lebanon, an Israeli strike on an apartment building near Beirut killed six and injured 15. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has decided not to restrict weapons transfers to Israel, citing limited progress in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. These actions come amid ongoing violence and international calls for increased humanitarian support for Gaza's civilians.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’s Asad Rehman discusses the Supreme Court’s ruling on the practice of ‘bulldozer justice’ and how Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath popularized it.
Next, The Indian Express’s Sohini Ghosh explains mediation centers, how they help people in the middle of personal legal disputes, and how they reduce the court’s caseload (10:35).
And finally, a quick update on the controversy involving an independent candidate from Rajasthan slapping a sub-divisional magistrate (19:48).
Hosted, written 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 14th of November and here are the headlines.
At a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted Congress, accusing some of viewing the killer of Sambhaji Maharaj as a messiah. He questioned if such individuals were against Maharashtra’s pride and identity. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responded, mocking BJP claims about his “red book” with blank pages. Gandhi defended his use of the book, while BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis alleged it was a tactic to gain support from urban Naxals and anarchists.
Delhi's air quality reached hazardous levels, with an AQI of 423 at 11 am, prompting serious disruptions at Indira Gandhi Airport. 151 flights were delayed, and 282 departures faced delays averaging 45 minutes. Environment Minister Gopal Rai called for stricter enforcement of GRAP II measures to combat pollution. He noted an expected improvement in air quality due to rising wind speeds, as the capital continues to struggle with pollution-related issues affecting public health and daily operations.
Rajasthan Police arrested Congress rebel Naresh Meena after violent clashes between his supporters and the police, leaving over 50 injured and 60 vehicles torched. Meena, who contested the Deoli-Uniara bypolls as an Independent, was filmed allegedly slapping the local SDM during voting. He claimed the SDM allowed fake voters at a polling station, prompting a standoff with police. Meena's actions sparked protests, and his arrest followed a night of tensions in Tonk district.
The Argentinian delegation has withdrawn from COP29, reportedly on the orders of President Javier Milei. The move, just days into the conference, raised concerns about Argentina’s stance on climate action, especially given Milei’s ties with US President-elect Donald Trump. Speculation about Argentina’s potential exit from the Paris Agreement intensified, although no official confirmation was made. The decision marks a significant shift in the country's international climate policy as Milei consolidates power since taking office in November.
Sri Lankans are voting in a crucial parliamentary election, pivotal for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's government. Dissanayake’s September presidential win, marking a rejection of traditional parties, has fueled hopes for economic recovery. However, his failure to secure over 50% of the vote has raised doubts about his party's future success in the election. As the Marxist-leaning president seeks to solidify power, the results will determine his ability to implement economic reforms and navigate the island nation's political landscape.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express' Parthasarathi Biswas shares details on the two crops that are socio-politically and economically the most important crops of Maharashtra and can impact the upcoming Assembly elections.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Divya Goyal about the PM-SHRI scheme and its implementation in Punjab. She shares why the scheme took so long to get implemented in the state, what was the impact of the delay and the current update regarding the same. (12:47)
Finally, we talk about Delhi entering the severe category of the Air Quality Index causing massive smog and flight diversions. (22:50)
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 13th of November and here are the headlines.
The Supreme Court ruled that demolishing properties without due process, based solely on allegations of crime, violates the rule of law. The court emphasized that executive authorities cannot act as judges, punishing individuals by demolishing their property. Such actions were deemed an overreach of authority. The court directed that specific procedures be followed before demolitions occur. The ruling came during a hearing on petitions challenging property demolitions by state authorities as punishment for alleged criminal involvement.
The first phase of Jharkhand’s Assembly elections, covering 43 seats, recorded a voter turnout of 46.25% by 1 pm. The seats are in the tribal-dominated South Chotanagpur, northern Palamu, and Kolhan regions, with 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes and six for Scheduled Castes. The Chatra and Simaria constituencies, located in a backward district, are also voting today. Bypolls are being held in several states, including Kerala, where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is making her electoral debut in Wayanad.
In response to escalating violence in Manipur, the central government has deployed 20 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to the state. The forces, comprising around 2,000 personnel from CRPF and BSF, will be stationed until November 30 to maintain order. This follows recent clashes, including the killing of suspected militants in Jiribam and the continued disappearance of six individuals from the Meitei community, including three children, after the violence on Monday.
The Pakistan government has instructed its cricket board not to accede to India's request to shift the 2025 Champions Trophy games to Dubai. The BCCI had asked for India's matches to be moved due to security concerns. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that, as the host, it will not relocate any games outside Pakistan. The ICC had informed the PCB about India’s decision, but the PCB maintains its stance on hosting the event in Pakistan.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least six people, including three young siblings, as the conflict in the region intensifies. In Lebanon, an Israeli strike on an apartment building near Beirut killed six and injured 15. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has decided not to restrict weapons transfers to Israel, citing limited progress in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. These actions come amid ongoing violence and international calls for increased humanitarian support for Gaza's civilians.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express’ Abhishek Angad discusses the overarching narrative in this year's Jharkhand Assembly elections, highlighting what the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the BJP are promising to voters.
Next, The Indian Express’ Divya A talks about Canada ending its popular fast-track student visa program and how this decision will impact Indian students (18:05).
Finally, we provide a quick update on why the Kerala government has suspended two IAS officers (27:48).
Hosted and written by Shashank Bhargava
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 12th of November and here are the headlines.
On Tuesday morning, police recovered the bodies of two Meitei men from houses in Jiribam, Manipur, a day after security forces killed 10 suspected militants. Six people from a relief camp are missing after the gunfight on Monday. The clashes, involving armed Hmar militants and security forces, erupted after CRPF and Borobekra police stations were attacked. The militants reportedly targeted homes and shops in Meitei settlements earlier. The violence occurred near Pherzawl district, bordering Hmar-majority areas.
Mumbai police arrested Faizan Khan, a lawyer from Raipur, on Tuesday for allegedly threatening Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Khan demanded Rs 50 lakh from Khan last week, and the arrest followed a failure to attend a summons from the police. The threat was made via a call on Tuesday, and police have yet to clarify the motive behind the threat. Faizan Khan, 42, is being transferred to Mumbai for further legal proceedings.
On Monday, the Kerala government suspended two IAS officers, K Gopalakrishnan and N Prasanth, amid controversies. Gopalakrishnan faced backlash for a WhatsApp group called "Mallu Hindu Officers," while Prasanth stirred conflict by posting derogatory content against another senior officer. The suspensions followed recommendations by Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasizing that officials must adhere to proper norms and procedures. Minister K Rajan reaffirmed the government's stance on administrative conduct.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Monday night killed at least 14 people, including two children and a woman, in a humanitarian zone. One strike hit a makeshift cafeteria for displaced people in Muwasi, killing 11, including the children. Palestinian medical officials confirmed the deaths. This comes as Israel faces pressure from the Biden administration to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, with a deadline this week to comply or face possible restrictions on U.S. military funding.
President-elect Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, according to reports. Noem, a Republican leader with national recognition, is serving her second term after winning re-election in 2022. She became prominent for her stance against a statewide mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noem's appointment marks a key decision in Trump’s cabinet selections as he prepares for his upcoming administration.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt explains the new expanded Ayushman Bharat Scheme. She talks about the scheme's launch, the reason behind its expansion and its distribution across states.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sujit Bisoyi about the myth that there is a secret chamber in the treasure trove of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. He shares the logic behind the myth, why it persisted for so many years, the survey that was done to find out if it was true or not and what was revealed. (9:46)
Finally, we talk about a massive fire that was followed a blast at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery in Vadodara district’s Nandesari town. (17:44)
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 Niharika Nanda
Today is the 11th of November and here are the headlines.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice D Y Chandrachud. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna during the ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Among the few judges who were elevated to the Supreme Court even before becoming the Chief Justice of any high court, Justice Khanna will super annuate in May 2025, after a tenure of a little over six months. He was part of several Constitution Bench rulings, including the one upholding the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and striking down the 2018 electoral bonds scheme, among others.
Over 2 lakh new beneficiaries above the age of 70 received cards under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana within the first week of Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolling out the expanded version of the flagship health insurance scheme to cover all elderly. According to data available till 7th of November with the National Health Authority, Kerala has registered the highest number of new beneficiaries under the extended version, with nearly 89,000 cards issued for the elderly. The data also shows that 32,000 additional beneficiaries above the age of 70 have re-registered to avail the cover of Rs 5 lakh provided in the extended version with no income limit.
Over the last four years, the J-K administration has terminated 74 government employees under Article 311(2)(C) of the Constitution, which allows the government to act without seeking an explanation or holding an inquiry into their conduct. Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti has written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking an immediate review of the termination of government employees dismissed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Mufti demanding that the government set up a committee to review the termination cases wrote, quote “The abrupt dismissal of government employees without due process, a pattern that started since 2019, has left many families devastated and, in some cases, destitute.” unquote
Meanwhile, Supreme Court instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to establish a special cell to enforce the firecracker ban. The top court also said the police have not taken the ban in the national capital seriously and stated that “What the Delhi government did is a mere eyewash.” It added quote, "The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. We are of the view that no religion promotes any activity that promotes pollution or compromises with health of the people," unquote. The top court further asked the Delhi government to decide before 25th of November on a "perpetual" firecracker ban after consulting stakeholders.
On the global front, The US President-elect Donald Trump held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and conveyed his intention not to escalate the Ukraine war, as President Joe Biden plans to lobby with Trump not isolate Ukraine in the war. A Reuters report said that Trump spoke with Putin in recent days. Earlier during the presidential campaign, Trump had criticised the scale at which the US military and financial aid was being provided to Kyiv. When asked about the Trump and Putin’s call, Ukraine’s foreign ministry stated that they weren’t aware of any advance call being made between them and declined to object or endorse it.
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