Episoder
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First, we talk to Indian Express’ Divya Goyal about the protests that have been going on at the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law. She shares that the students want the Vice Chancellor to resign and also the reasons behind it.
Next, Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt informs us about a massive surge in dengue cases world wide. She talks about the increase, why it's happening and how one can prevent it. (9:12)
And in the end, we talk about Kangana Ranaut and her comments on the farm laws. (18:27)
Hosted, written and produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I am Flora Swain.
Today is the 25th of September and here are the headlines.
With the second phase of polling for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly kicking off today, a group of diplomats from 16 foreign missions arrived in Srinagar to “observe” the voting. Former CM and senior National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, however, termed them as “guided tourists”. “If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections… Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists,” he said. Second phase of voting is underway across 26 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, including 15 constituencies in the Kashmir division and 11 in Jammu.
The Supreme Court said today calling any part of India “Pakistan” is contrary to the country’s territorial integrity as it heard a matter over the remarks made by a Karnataka High Court judge earlier this month. Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said this while hearing the matter in which it had taken suo motu cognisance of video clips of the comments made by the Karnataka High Court judge. The bench perused the report which said the judge tendered a public apology on September 21. THe court said and I quote, “Bearing in mind the apology which has been tendered by the judge of the high court, in the course of the open court proceedings on September 21, 2024, we consider it in the interest of justice and the dignity of the institution to not pursue these proceedings further."
Kerala Police today arrested Malayalam actor Edavela Babu on rape charges. The actor will be released on bail soon since he had secured anticipatory bail from a district court in Ernakulam earlier this month. The rape allegations against Babu came earlier this year against the backdrop of the release of the Hema Committee report on the working conditions of women in the Malayalam movie industry. Until he resigned in June, Babu had served as the general secretary of Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) for several years.
Hours after she asserted that her statement on the repealed farm laws were her personal views, Himachal Pradesh MP and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut today withdrew her statement, adding that she stands with the party. Ranaut had stirred yet another row with her remarks urging farmers to ask the Prime Minister to reinstate the three repealed farm laws of 2020. In a video posted on X, she said and I quote, “Many people are upset and disappointed by my remarks. When the three farmers laws were proposed, a lot of us supported it. But with a lot of sensitivity and sympathy, our PM repealed these laws. It’s the responsibility of all the party workers to treat his words with dignity. I also have to keep in mind that I am no longer just an actor but also a BJP member. My opinions can’t be personal, they have to reflect the party’s stand."
Hezbollah hurled dozens of projectiles into Israel early Wednesday, including a missile aimed at Tel Aviv that was the militant group's deepest strike yet and marked a further escalation after Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed hundreds of people.The Israeli military said it intercepted the surface-to-surface missile, which set off air-raid sirens in Tel Aviv and across central Israel. There were no reports of casualties or damage.
This was the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
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First, Indian Express’ Mohamed Thaver explains how, despite a warning from the Supreme Court last year, authorities in Maharashtra have yet to take action in several hate speech cases across the state.
Next, Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy shares the key highlights from the recently concluded Quad summit, including U.S. President Joe Biden’s hot mic moment and how India addressed the concerns of the group (12:28).
Finally, Indian Express Sujit Bisoyi tells us about the alleged assault and sexual abuse case that took place inside a police station in Odisha, which has sparked nationwide outrage and a political storm (22:10).
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 24th of September and here are the headlines.
Shortly after the High Court dismissed his plea, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today called the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam case a “sham”, and “revenge politics of the BJP and JDS”. This comes after the high court dismissed a petition filed by Siddaramaiah against an approval granted by Governor Thawarchand Gehlot to three private individuals to file cases of corruption against him over a MUDA land grant to his wife. Siddaramaiah asserted and I quote, “This is a fight against the revenge politics of Narendra Modi-led BJP government. Our judicial struggle against this revenge politics of BJP and JDS will continue. I have faith in the court."
The Supreme Court today dismissed the Punjab government’s appeal challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court order quashing its decision to expand the definition of ‘NRI quota’ for undergraduate medical admissions to include relatives of non-resident Indians. The apex court was hearing appeals challenging the high court’s September 10 order quashing the notification issued by the Punjab government on August 20. The notification expanded the NRI quota to include even distant relatives “such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins” of NRIs for admissions under the 15 per cent quota for this group in admissions in medical colleges.
Actor-legislator M Mukesh was formally arrested today on rape charges but released on bail later on the back of an anticipatory bail he secured from an Ernakulam court earlier this month. The development came hours after the Kerala High Court denied anticipatory bail to fellow actor and former Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) general secretary Siddique on similar allegations. In her complaint, a former woman actor in the Malayalam film industry had alleged that Mukesh, a two-time Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA from Kollam Assembly constituency, had raped her in 2010 at his flat in Kochi promising a membership in the actors’ association AMMA.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has instructed authorities to initiate a ‘Dust-free Delhi’ drive within 7-10 days to combat air pollution ahead of the winter season. Key agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Public Works Department, and the Delhi Jal Board, have been tasked with addressing road dust, a major contributor to air pollution, particularly due to dried-up mud and silt following a lack of rainfall. MCD, IFCD and DJB are required to coordinate and move out the silt or mud for disposal.
Harini Amarasuriya was officially sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister today, marking a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold the office since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000. The ceremony took place in the capital, Colombo, where the 54-year-old leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) took her oath of office administered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dissanayake also appointed a new cabinet of four members, including himself. In her new role, Amarasuriya has been assigned several crucial portfolios that include Justice, Education, Labour, Industries, Science and Technology, Health, and Investment.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, we talk to Indian Express’ Amit Kamath about the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest where the Indian team gave an incredible performance. He decodes the win and shares more about the 'Golden Generation' of Chess.
Next, Indian Express’ Sweety Adimulam informs us about a massive infrastructural project that is coming up in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Ring Road project is said to decongest Mumbai and make commute much easier. (15:45)
And in the end, we talk about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three day visit to the US and his speech at the UN Summit of the Future. (25:11)
Hosted, written 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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 23rd of September and here are the headlines.
The Indian Express has obtained exclusive details about Mumbai’s Ring Road masterplan, developed by MMRDA, which outlines an extensive network of road connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This ambitious plan stretches from the Vadodara border in Gujarat to Alibaug in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, encompassing Navi Mumbai and Thane. The intricate network includes roads, flyovers, reclaimed coastal routes, bridges, and underwater tunnels, all designed to alleviate the city’s notorious traffic bottlenecks by 2029. Once completed, this infrastructure project is expected to significantly transform the island city and its surrounding areas. It will not only reduce congestion but also enhance public transport accessibility, making travel more convenient for residents and commuters alike.
Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya said today that the Centre is looking into the recent incident involving the death of an employee of Ernst & Young (EY) India and has sought information from state authorities. The report is expected to be submitted in the next 7-10 days, following which the government will take any action, he said. He further added, “We will have to study the results of the report. We have already sought information from the state officers. We’ll be able to tell more about it when the report comes."
The Supreme Court today set aside the Madras High Court order which said that merely storing child pornographic material without any intention to transmit it would not constitute an offence under the POCSO Act. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said the High Court “committed an egregious error in passing the impugned judgment.” The judgement also called upon Parliament to “seriously consider to bring about an amendment to the POCSO for the purpose of substituting the term “child pornography” with “child sexual exploitative and abuse material” (CSEAM) to “reflect more accurately on the reality of such offences”.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi took charge as Delhi’s eighth Chief Minister, becoming the youngest leader to do so. While assuming her post, she said that she will work as a caretaker CM, like “Bharat did for Ram in Ramayana”. Pointing towards an empty chair placed beside her, she added: “this is the Chief Minister’s seat and it will remain empty till Kejriwal becomes CM again.” The BJP decried the move, asking Kejriwal if he will “run the government with a remote control”.
The Film Federation of India, the apex body responsible for selecting India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Film Category at the 97th Academy Awards, announced Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards at an event in Chennai on Monday. Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, Laapataa Ladies chronicles the story of two young newlywed brides, who get exchanged during a train ride to their husband’s homes. The film starred Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava and Nitanshi Goel. Twelve Hindi films, 6 Tamil and 4 Malayalam films were among the 29 films vying for the honour of being India’s official entry for 97th Oscar ceremony.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy discusses the recent coordinated attacks in Lebanon, where thousands of pagers and hand-held radios exploded, resulting in at least 37 deaths and over 3,500 injuries. He explains the implications for the region and the concerns it raises for New Delhi.
Next, Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt highlights the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance and addresses common misconceptions about antibiotics (10:36).
Finally, we hear from Indian Express’ Nihal Koshie talks about Olympic wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s transition into politics (21:25).
Further listening: Vinesh Phogat transitions from mat to political stage
Hosted and written by Shashank Bhargava
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma -
As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Central Square Foundation - we bring to you the second part of this five part series where we will speak to experts in the field of EdTech to understand, how access to educational technology solutions can transform learning in the classroom and aid in shaping the overall learning and development of a child in school and at-home.
Findings from a recent household-level survey conducted across families from low-income settings by Central Square Foundation, showed that EdTech reach in rural households was at 85 per cent, with nearly one-third of the households having access to ONE smartphone. Growing smartphone penetration, and India's position as the largest mobile data consumer in the world, make it an ideal ground for using technology to support learning.
In this episode, Niharika Nanda will be in conversation with Gouri Gupta, Project Director for EdTech at CSF, Sashwati Banerjee, the Founder of Top Parent and Priyanka Aggarwal, a parent from Haridwar, Uttarakhand who has been using EdTech for over two years to support her child's learning at home.
Hosted and produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Link to episode 1 of our five part series with CSF:
https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/the-rss-bjp-rift-rise-in-indian-asylum-seekers-and-a-bid-to-muzzle-press/9550762/ -
As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Central Square Foundation - we're excited to bring to you the second part of this series where we will speak to experts in the field of EdTech to understand, how access to educational technology can transform overall learning in the classroom and at-home. In order to ensure learning outcomes for all children are met CSF has been working towards system-led reforms to ensure quality access to school education to children across India.
The episode will be out tomorrow, the 21st September. The conversation will be available on our website indianexpress.com and everywhere you get your podcasts. Make sure you listen. To listen to the first episode, check out the link provided in the description.
Now, on with the show.
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 20th of September and here are the headlines of the week.
Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned on Tuesday, paving way for Atishi to be the third woman CM of the national capital. CM-designate Atishi handed over the letter of support from the Aam Aadmi Party MLAs to L-G VK Saxena, staking claim to head the government. After party members chose her to lead the government, an emotional Atishi thanked Kejriwal for his trust in her, saying such opportunities are unique to AAP, where a first-time politician can rise to this level. She also reiterated the party’s confidence in the outgoing chief minister, saying, quote “Delhi has only one CM and his name is Arvind Kejriwal.” unquote.
The Union Cabinet has cleared the proposal to hold simultaneous elections in India, as recommended by a high-level committee headed by ex President Ram Nath Kovind. Addressing media persons, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said simultaneous polls would be held in two phases. In the first phase, Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections will be conducted simultaneously, while the second phase will cover local body elections, within 100 days of general elections. The Kovind committee had recommended that the government take a “one-time transitory measure”, which would require the Union government to identify an “appointed date” immediately after a Lok Sabha election. All state assemblies that go to poll after the said date would have their terms expire with the Parliament.
As junior doctors’ protests continue, decorators on Wednesday night were seen removing tents, bamboo sticks, and pedestal fans from the protest site in front of Swasthya Bhavan. Protestors now claim that “external pressure” is causing decorators, who had installed fans for them, to now take them down. A junior doctor exclaimed “It could be an effort to demoralise us,”, “but we would like to clearly say that for a protest, we don’t need all this. We can protest from anywhere and in any possible way.” Junior doctors announced their decision to continue their protest and cease work after a six-hour meeting with government officials on Wednesday night.
Choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master in the Telugu film industry, was arrested from Goa on Thursday days after he was accused of sexual assault by a junior choreographer who worked with him, An FIR was registered against him under rape charges on 16th of September in Hyderabad. A day later, sections of the POCSO Act were added to the case on the basis of claims that the complainant was a minor when he allegedly sexually assaulted her for the first time.
On the global front, two months after former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot at in a rally, the FBI foiled what appeared to be a second assassination attempt on Sunday while Trump was golfing on his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to the Secret Service, agents spotted a person with a firearm near the golf club and immediately opened fire. CNN, Fox News and The New York Times have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Row-th of Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
First, we talk to Indian Express’ Damini Nath about the implementation of One Nation, One Election. She talks about the recommendations of the Ramnath Kovind committee and when and how will simultaneous polls be held in India now that the Union Cabinet has approved the committee’s recommendations.
Next, Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar informs us about a gas and oil exploration project that received it's first stage clearance for an exploration drilling in Assam's eco-sensitive zone. (8:33)
And in the end, we talk about India’s response to a media report on the diversion of defense exports to Ukraine. (17:33)
Hosted, written and produced by Niharika Nanda
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Central Square Foundation - we're excited to bring to you the second part of this series where we will speak to experts in the field of EdTech to understand, how access to educational technology can transform overall learning in the classroom and at-home. In order to ensure learning outcomes for all children are met CSF has been working towards system-led reforms to ensure quality access to school education to children across India.
The episode will be out this Saturday, the 21st September. The conversation will be available on our website indianexpress.com and everywhere you get your podcasts. Make sure you listen. To listen to the first episode, check out the link provided in the description.
Now, on with the show.
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 19th of September and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing an election rally in Srinagar reiterated his government’s promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, assuring the people that the BJP would fulfil this commitment. He emphasized BJP’s commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir free from terror. “The bumper voting in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has rejected the parties that sympathise with stone pelting and terrorism.” He assured the crowd of his government’s focus on generating local employment, stating, “It’s my pledge that the new generation will not suffer under the rule of three families.”
As junior doctors’ protests continue, decorators on Wednesday night were seen removing tents, bamboo sticks, and pedestal fans from the protest site in front of Swasthya Bhavan. Protestors now claim that “external pressure” is causing decorators, who had installed fans for them, to now take them down. “It could be an effort to demoralise us,” said a junior doctor, “but we would like to clearly say that for a protest, we don’t need all this. We can protest from anywhere and in any possible way.” Junior doctors announced their decision to continue their protest and cease work after a six-hour meeting with government officials Wednesday night.
Days after the family of a 26-year-old employee alleged that “work pressure” at her firm led to her death, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje Thursday said that the Labour Ministry has taken up the complaint and is investigating the claims. Anna Sebastian Perayil was a CA who worked with S R Batliboi, a member firm of Ernst and Young (EY) Global, at Pune’s Yerawada. She died on July 20 while undergoing treatment at a city hospital, where she was admitted after she felt uneasy and complained of exhaustion.
Choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master in the Telugu film industry, was arrested from Goa days after he was accused of sexual assault by a junior choreographer who worked with him, officers said Thursday. An FIR was registered against him under rape charges on September 16 in Hyderabad. A day later, sections of the POCSO Act were added to the case on the basis of claims that the complainant was a minor when he allegedly sexually assaulted her for the first time.
Continuing with the restrictions on international work permits, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday announced a new set of restrictions for international students. He wrote on X and I quote, “We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that number’s going down by another 10%. Immigration is an advantage for our economy — but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down. We’re reducing the number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers and shortening the duration of their work terms. We adjusted the program after the pandemic, but the labour market has changed. We need businesses to invest in Canadian workers.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.
Link to episode 1 of our five part series with CSF:
https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/the-rss-bjp-rift-rise-in-indian-asylum-seekers-and-a-bid-to-muzzle-press/9550762/ -
First, Indian Express' Apurva Vishwanath explains why Umar Khalid remains in jail four years after his arrest under the stringent UAPA.
Next, following the recent wolf attacks in UP’s Bahraich district, Indian Express' Jay Mazoomdar discusses the history of such attacks in India and what experts recommend to manage these conflicts (16:56).
And finally, we provide an update on the J&K assembly elections that began yesterday, with Indian Express' Naveed Iqbal sharing the significance of these polls (27:52).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Further listening - A special segment with the Central Square Foundation -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 18th of September and here are the headlines.
The Union Cabinet has cleared the proposal to hold simultaneous elections in India, as recommended by a high-level committee headed by ex President Ram Nath Kovind. Addressing media persons, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said simultaneous polls would be held in two phases. In the first phase, Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections will be conducted simultaneously, while the second phase will cover local body elections, within 100 days of general elections. The Kovind committee had recommended that the government take a “one-time transitory measure”, which would require the Union government to identify an “appointed date” immediately after a Lok Sabha election. All state assemblies that go to poll after the said date would have their terms expire with the Parliament.
India has sent a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review of the Indus Water Treaty, according to sources. India and Pakistan signed the IWT on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory to the pact. It set out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two sides on the use of the waters of several cross-border rivers. Sources said the notice was issued to Pakistan on August 30 and the notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various articles of the treaty.
Junior doctors in Kolkata today sought another meeting with the state government over their unfulfilled demands, including suspensions, security in hospitals, and the resignation of the state Health Secretary. After their last meeting on Tuesday, they sent a fresh letter to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to request another. In a press conference last night, the West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front also announced that they will continue their cease work until “all demands are met”.
Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh announced today that the party's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who resigned as the Delhi chief minister, will “live among the common people” after vacating the official residence at Civil Lines in 15 days. Addressing a press conference, Singh said Kejriwal would also give up all other facilities such as security, car, driver, and staff. He, however, did not share where Kejriwal and his family would move after vacating the Civil Lines residence. As the head of a national political party, Kejriwal can avail of an accommodation provided by the government.
A day after multiple pagers exploded across Lebanon and Syria, killing at least 12 people, officials stated that Israel had tampered with pagers imported to Lebanon. The company behind the pagers has said that while its brand was on the devices, they were manufactured by a Budapest-based company. According to a report in the New York Times, around 1 to 2 ounces of explosive material was implanted next to the battery in each pager. Officials said that a switch was also embedded that could be triggered remotely to detonate the explosives.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy talks to us about the India and China border situation. He shares what foreign minister S. Jaishankar has to say about the disengagement of troops on the border and what happened when Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Next, Indian Express’ Bijin Jose informs us about OpenAI's new AI model called OpenAI o1. He shares what makes the model so special and how it will impact jobs and research. (10:35)
And in the end, we talk about Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal resigning from the post and appointing AAP's minister Atishi for the same. (17:25)
Hosted, written 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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 17th of September and here are the headlines.
Delhi minister and senior AAP leader Atishi is set to take over the reins of Delhi from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The announcement was made by the party on Tuesday following deliberations with MLAs and the decision-making body of AAP. Atishi, who currently holds the portfolio of education, finance, law, tourism and several other departments, will be the third woman to hold the post after Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit.
In the first sign of a breakthrough, more than a month after protests began on August 9 over the rape-and-murder of a junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government on Tuesday named Manoj Kumar Verma as the new Kolkata Police Commissioner. Verma replaces Vineet Kumar Goyal, who has been transferred and posted as ADG and IGP, Special Task Force, West Bengal. The development comes a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced the removal of senior police and health officials, including Kolkata Police Commissioner Goyal.
The Supreme Court today turned down the West Bengal government’s request to stop live streaming of the court proceedings in the case of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. While presiding over a three-judge bench Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud told Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who is representing the Bengal Government and made the request, “We will not stop this”. Sibal told the bench, also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, “I have great concern at what’s happening. Your Lordships took suo motu cognisance of the matter to find out what is happening on the ground. Now what happens is if you livestream matters like this…which have emotive implications, huge emotive implications. We are not for the accused, we don’t stand for the accused, we are only called upon to tell you what the state has done”.
The three Maha Vikas Aghadi allies will hold seat-sharing talks from September 18 to 20 for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, according to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. Talking to reporters he said deliberations will be held on the seats to be contested, and the formula once decided during this meeting will be final. This comes after ruling Mahayti alliance declared yesterday that they shall contest elections on almost 80 percent of the total 288 assembly seats in the state. Meanwhile, the procession of the famous Lalbaugcha Raja idol, which attracts maximum number of devotees, celebrities and prominent personalities during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is near to immersion or Visarjan on the final day of Ganesh festivities today.
In global news today, Israel announced that halting Hezbollah's attacks in northern Israel has become a formal war objective. This new focus aims to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents and is part of a broader consideration of a more extensive military operation that could escalate into a full-scale regional conflict. The decision follows a series of high-level meetings within Israel’s security Cabinet, which convened late into the night to reassess the nation’s strategic goals.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express. -
First, Indian Express’ Mallica Joshi discusses why Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has chosen to resign at this moment and how this decision impacts the BJP’s narrative against him.
Next, Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt explains the significance of the Union Cabinet’s decision to expand the government’s flagship health insurance scheme to include everyone over the age of 70, regardless of income level (11:36).
Finally, in light of the government renaming Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram, Indian Express’ Vikas Pathak talks about the broader political implications of renaming states and cities (21:08).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
his is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 16th of September and here are the headlines.
Highly placed sources told The Indian Express that Congress managed to get chairs for three committees in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha as negotiations for the Parliamentary Standing Committees between the government and the Opposition came to end. In the Lok Sabha, the Congress will get chairs for the External Affairs Standing Committee, Standing Committee on Agriculture and the Standing Committee on Rural Development. While, in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition party will get the Standing Committee for Education.
Meanwhile, days after walking out of Tihar jail following a nearly six-month stint in custody in connection with the excise policy case, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced he would step down from the post in two days. Calling for early polls, Kejriwal also said someone from the AAP will take his place until polls are held. While AAP sources say ministers Atishi, Gopal Rai and Kailash Gahlot are being named as potential successors, Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia among other AAP leaders of its Political Affairs Committee will meet this evening to finalise the name of the interim CM.
Rallies and demonstrations demanding justice over the rape-murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital swept through the city on Sunday. The state government once again called junior doctors for a meeting at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence. Chief Secretary Manoj Panth sent an email to junior doctors to join the meeting scheduled at 5 pm today and it was communicated that quote, “this is the fifth and final time we are reaching out”, and “there will be no live streaming or videography of the meeting… Instead, the minutes of the meeting will be recorded and signed by both parties”, unquote.
Speaking to The Indian Express in an exclusive interview, newly appointed Israeli ambassador Reuven Azar said it’s for India to decide the extent to which it wants to be involved in resolving the Gaza war. This is the first time that Israel has sought New Delhi’s assistance in the construction sector, and the decision comes in the wake of the ban on Palestinian workers following the Hamas attack last October.
On the global front, two months after former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot at in a rally, the FBI foiled what appeared to be a second assassination attempt on Sunday while Trump was golfing on his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to the Secret Service, agents spotted a person with a firearm near the golf club and immediately opened fire. CNN, Fox News and The New York Times have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Row-th of Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
First, Indian Express' Atri Mitra talks to us about the Kolkata R G Kar Medical College rape and murder case. He talks about the communication that happened between CM Mamata Banerjee and the junior doctors and also shares why the CM talked about resigning.
Next, Indian Express’ Saurabh Parashar informs us about protests that have been happening in Sanjauli, Shimla. He shares the actual incident that led to the protests and why people want a certain mosque in the area demolished.
And in the end, we talk about Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his announcement to resign from his post.
Hosted, written 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 13th of September and here are the headlines.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to resign for the sake of the people, saying she too wanted justice for the young doctor raped and murdered at RG Kar hospital. During a press briefing, she apologised to the people of West Bengal for the ongoing impasse with junior doctors, and said that 27 lives had been lost and seven lakh patients were suffering due to their strike. Banerjee reiterated her commitment to dialogue, asserting that while she desires justice, she will not take punitive action against the agitating doctors. Mamata further appealed to the doctors to return to work and said, quote, “I will not take action against them…they are young and we will pardon them…I wanted a meeting with an open mind.”.
Sitaram Yechury, the affable, soft-spoken and popular Communist leader passed away on Thursday after brief hospitalisation.The CPIM general secretary emerged as a bright young spark in the party’s firmament in the 1970s, to the last nearly a decade that he headed the frontline Left party. A firebrand student leader who fought against the Emergency in the 1970s, he joined the CPIM when he was a university student, and was just 32 when he was made a Central Committee member – one of the youngest to be accepted at the CPIM high table.
A showpiece bilateral jobs scheme, under which Indians would be taken to Israel to work in the construction sector, after over 1 lakh Palestinian workers were banned in the wake of the Hamas attack of 7th of October last year, is threatening to unravel. An Indian Express investigation has revealed that the key reason is a glaring skill mismatch after an assessment process that over-promised and under-delivered when it came to workers’ abilities. Israel has since taken the unprecedented step of allowing these workers to be re-deployed in unskilled or industrial jobs in non-construction sectors to avoid “damage” to “important relations” between both countries.
Meanwhile, in his first visit abroad as the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi attacked the Narendra Modi led government, accusing it of trying to undermine the Constitution and standing in the way of holding a nationwide caste census, themes that defined the Opposition’s campaign in the parliamentary elections. On the three-day visit to the US, Gandhi, accused the BJP government of stifling free speech; indulging in crony capitalism; attacking federalism; capturing Indian institutions, including the media; depriving the Opposition of a level playing field; and spreading communalism in an attempt to destroy India’s pluralism.
On the global front, what started off with a handshake turned into a fierce battle as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris faced each other on Tuesday night during the Presidential debate for the first, and possibly, the last time ahead of the November polls. Inflation, abortion, immigration and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza were some of the issues that took centrestage in the debate moderated by ABC News anchors David Me-oh and Linsey Davis.The early pleasantries set the tone for the 90-minute exchange, with Harris baiting Trump with jabs over the economy during his presidency, while the latter retorted with jibes similar to his debate with Joe Biden.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express -
First, Executive Editor (News and Investigations) at The Indian Express Ritu Sarin talks about her latest investigation that looks into how the showpiece bilateral jobs scheme, under which Indians would be taken to Israel to work in the construction sector, is threatening to unravel.
Next, Indian Express' Sadaf Modak tells us how a goat tied outside a mutton shop sparked a legal dispute over alleged religious offense and animal cruelty, and how a man's statement has now given this case a strange twist (10:58).
And in the end, Indian Express’ Amitabh Sinha tells us about the first ‘legally binding’ international treaty on artificial intelligence (15:14).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar - Se mer
