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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 19th of February and here are the headlines.
In a major development, Bharatiya Janata Party today confirmed after the legislature party meeting that senior leader and Shalimar Bagh MLA Rekha Gupta has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, New Delhi MLA Parvesh Verma is set to become the Deputy CM, and Rohini MLA Vijender Gupta was appointed as speaker of the Delhi Assembly. The BJP returned to power in Delhi after 27 years, having won a clear majority of 44 out of 70 seats in the Assembly election, the results of which were declared on 8th of February. The swearing-in ceremony for the new chief minister is scheduled for tomorrow 20th of February at Ramlila Maidan.
Moving on to another major story, with many Nepali students who were asked to leave the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology University campus in the aftermath of the suicide of an engineering student yet to return to their hostels. The Indian Express has learnt that senior Nepal embassy officials have raised concerns over their safety and security. Two senior officials from the Nepal embassy in Delhi are in Bhubaneswar to hold discussions with Odisha government representatives over the death of 20-year-old Prakriti Lamsal, an engineering student at Odisha’s KIIT, and the safety of protesting Nepali students. Lamsal, who is from Nepal’s Kathmandu, died on campus Sunday evening, sparking a standoff between Nepali students and the university administration.
In another news making headline, the National Green Tribunal rapped the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Uttar Pradesh government for not submitting adequate details on faecal coliform and other water quality parameters, such as oxygen levels, in the river Ganga in Prayagraj. It granted the state government a week to place on record the latest water quality analysis reports from different points of the river at the Maha Kumbh Mela site in Prayagraj. A bench of NGT was hearing the matter on the compliance of a December order, wherein it had directed the UP government and the Central Pollution Control Board to ensure that water quality in rivers Ganga and Yamuna was fit to drink and bathe in during the Kumbh.
Meanwhile, in the news from the North, The Uttarakhand Cabinet today approved a new draft law banning people from outside the state from buying agricultural and horticultural land in 11 of the state’s 13 districts. The new draft law will be tabled in the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly. In a tweet, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called it a “historic step”. Under the new draft law, people from outside the state, except for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, will not be allowed to purchase horticultural and agricultural land, and district magistrates will no longer have the authority to approve land purchases.
On the global front, US President Donald Trump defended the Department of Government Efficiency’s decision to cancel a 21-million-dollar grant intended to support voter turnout in India today. Questioning the necessity of such financial aid, Trump cited India’s economic growth and high tariffs as reasons why US taxpayer money should not be allocated for this purpose. Trump during a press conference remarked, quote “Twenty-one million for voter turnout in India — why are we giving them this money?” unquote.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, Varinder Bhatia details The Indian Express investigation, conducted in collaboration with CBC News, to track Simran Preet Panesar, one of the key figures in Canada's biggest gold heist.
Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about space mission technologies developed by ISRO that can be utilized in everyday life. (09:45)
Lastly, we discuss Ranveer Allahbadia's Supreme Court plea hearing and what the apex court had to say about his 'obscene' remarks. (19:02)
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Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 18th of February and here are the headlines.
The Supreme Court granted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia interim protection from arrest over alleged objectionable comments on his YouTube show, "India’s Got Latent." Despite this, the court condemned his language, describing it as perverse and shameful. Justice Surya Kant criticized Allahbadia's choice of words, saying they would embarrass parents, brothers, sisters, and society at large. He expressed disgust, asking what other standard of obscenity would apply in this country. Allahbadia’s lawyer was reprimanded for defending the program's language, while the court made strong remarks on the perverted content.
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister, criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over the handling of the Maha Kumbh, calling it a "Mrityu Kumbh" (Death Kumbh). She claimed that bodies had been hidden to reduce the death toll and pointed out the lack of proper arrangements for the poor at the event. Banerjee emphasized the need for better planning, stating that while VIPs had tents worth Rs 1 lakh, the poor were left unassisted. She called for measures to prevent stampedes and ensure safety at such religious gatherings.
The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha has faced criticism after a 20-year-old engineering student from Nepal died by suicide. The university terminated two security staff members and suspended two hostel officials and an administrative officer. The student had earlier complained about mistreatment from a batchmate, a 21-year-old from Lucknow, who has been arrested. The situation escalated with protests against the university's handling of the incident and allegations of racial behavior. Over 500 Nepali students were initially evicted but were reinstated after intervention from the Nepal embassy.
President Droupadi Murmu has authorized the prosecution of AAP leader and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain in a money-laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. The sanction was requested by the Ministry of Home Affairs, citing adequate evidence. Jain, 60, will face prosecution under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which deals with the prosecution of public servants for crimes committed during official duties. The move follows a thorough investigation by the Enforcement Directorate regarding allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.
Following extensive talks in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Russia have agreed on four principles to restore diplomatic relations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that both countries aim to reestablish functional missions in Washington and Moscow. A high-level team will be appointed to help negotiate a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The discussions will also explore potential geopolitical and economic cooperation once the conflict ends. Rubio emphasized that ongoing engagement would continue to ensure progress on these issues, with both sides committed to a productive resolution.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra explains what led to the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station and how it could have been prevented.
Next, we speak with The Indian Express' Raakhi Jagga about the controversy surrounding US deportation flights carrying Indian deportees to Punjab and why Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the Centre of maligning the state.
And finally, we discuss with The Indian Express' Parthasarthi Biswas the rise in crop insurance among Maharashtra’s farmers as they try to protect themselves against erratic weather conditions.
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Produced and 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 17th of February and here are the headlines.
Protests erupted at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar after 20-year-old Nepalese student Prakriti Lamsal was found dead in her hostel room. Lamsal, a B.Tech student in computer science, was suspected to have committed suicide. Police detained a batchmate in connection with the case and filed an FIR under abetment to suicide. Investigations are ongoing, while the university and local authorities face growing scrutiny following the incident.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice regarding a plea to hold Uttar Pradesh authorities in contempt for demolishing part of the Madni mosque in Kushinagar. The plea claims the demolition violated the court's November 2024 ruling, which required prior notice. The court has also barred further demolition at the site until further orders. The case draws attention to the clash between local authorities and religious community leaders over the mosque's fate.
The Assam Police have filed a case against a Pakistani climate policy expert, following allegations of her involvement in India’s internal affairs. The case follows comments by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who raised concerns over Elizabeth Gogoi, wife of Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, and her past work with the Climate Development and Knowledge Network. Sarma and BJP officials have questioned her foreign ties and a 2015 meeting between Gaurav Gogoi and the Pakistani High Commissioner to India.
A Sessions Court in Goa sentenced Vikat Bhagat to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a British-Irish backpacker in 2017. Bhagat was convicted under sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence). The victim, a 28-year-old dual citizen, was found near a Goa beach during a holiday with a friend. She had previously studied at Liverpool John Moores University and was from Buncrana, Ireland, traveling on a British passport.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of talks with Russian officials, focused on ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Rubio's visit follows discussions between U.S. and Russian officials, including a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Alongside national security adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Rubio will meet with Russian officials to address global tensions, including the war and prisoner swaps, during this diplomatic mission.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump met for their first bilateral meeting last week after Trump returned to office. The two leaders discussed new initiatives and issues at length, across various fields, from trade and defence to peace and war, marking the start of a new chapter in US-India relations.
In today's episode we are joined by The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy to dicuss the key takeaways from PM Modi's visit to the US.
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Produced and written 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 Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 14th of February and here are this week’s headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four-day trip to France and the US, starting Monday. In France, Modi co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron from 10 to 12 of February. During his visit, he also inaugurated India’s first consulate in Marseille and paid 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.
Meanwhile, Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, resigned, 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.
In another news making headline, Ranveer Allahbadia, founder of the popular YouTube channel ‘Beer Biceps’, has become the subject of a Mumbai police probe for the allegedly obscene comments he made during a guest appearance on Samay Raina YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’. Maharashtra cyber police summoned several celebrities, including comedian Tanmay Bhatt, actor Rakhi Sawant, and influencer Uorfi Javed.Meanwhile, Samay Raina's lawyer sought more time for her client as he is travelling overseas, but the state cyber police refused to give any time and served him a second notice asking him to remain present before them on 17th of February.
In other news, the Uttarakhand High Court addressed concerns about the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, particularly regarding live-in relationships. The court emphasized the importance of self-respect and privacy, especially for children born from such relationships. Chief Justice G Narender questioned the regulation of live-ins and the declaration of such marriages as void or criminal. The petition challenging these provisions highlights concerns about the infringement of religious rights and the adverse impact on individuals involved in live-in relationships.
Meanwhile, in news from the parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the new Income Tax bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday. The new Income Tax Bill will replace the six-decade old Income Tax Act and will likely come into effect from 1st of April, 2026. With no major structural changes in the new Bill, experts say its majorly a simplification exercise and its key features are — crisp language, removal of extra provisos and explanations along with expanded definition of income. In the new I-T Bill, virtual digital assets have been included in the definition of property to be counted as a capital asset of the assessee and several provisions have been provided in tabular format such as TDS provisions, presumptive taxation rates, assessment time limits among others.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, in light of multiple FIRs being filed against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, including charges of “obscene acts,” The Indian Express' Ajoy Sinha Karpuram explains what actually constitutes obscenity and how laws surrounding it have evolved over the years.
Next, The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi discusses scientists' groundbreaking efforts to produce a "lab-grown baby" using only stem cells. (14:08)
Finally, The Indian Express' Aditi Raja tells us about a municipality in Gujarat that transformed a massive amount of single-use plastic into a valuable civic amenity. (21:02)
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Produced 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 13th of February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold talks with US President Donald Trump, after his meeting with the country’s intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard. PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to the United States, landing in Washington DC after wrapping up his visit to France where he co-chaired the Paris AI Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. PM Modi is set to be the third foreign leader to be hosted by the White House since President Trump took office on January 20 for the second term.
Meanwhile, in news from the parliament, Union Minister for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the new Income Tax bill in Lok Sabha. The new Income Tax Bill will replace the six-decade old Income Tax Act and will likely come into effect from April 1, 2026. With no major structural changes in the new Bill, experts say its majorly a simplification exercise and its key features are — crisp language, removal of extra provisos and explanations along with expanded definition of income. In the new I-T Bill, virtual digital assets have been included in the definition of property to be counted as a capital asset of the assessee and several provisions have been provided in tabular format such as tax deducted at source provisions, presumptive taxation rates, assessment time limits among others.
In other news, The Adani Group has withdrawn from a 484 megawatt wind project in northern Sri Lanka after the government in Colombo allegedly moved to renegotiate the terms of the project. Adani Green Energy Ltd told Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment yesterday that it would “respectfully withdraw” from the wind project following discussions with officials who indicated that fresh committees would be formed to “renegotiate the project proposal”. The wind project has been under intense scrutiny since the election of Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in September last year, after he promised to cancel the “corrupt” project in the runup to the elections.
Meanwhile, facing growing revenue and fiscal deficits and a mounting debt, the Mamata Banerjee government diverted some of its spending on social welfare from its flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to one for building rural houses, in the Budget tabled yesterday. The Chief Minister, who has accused the Centre of not releasing “a single paisa” for the PM Awas Yojana in Bengal, had announced the Banglar Bari housing scheme in December last year.
In news from Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi today amid speculations of trouble within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra after NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar recently felicitated Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray, the former Maharashtra minister, is also likely to meet AAP national convenor and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal later in the day.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express -
First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Nikhila Henry about the revelations in the TDP adulterated prasadam at the Tirupati temple case. She talks about a blacklisted and disqualified firm that was supplying ghee for the prasadam via its proxies.
Next, The Indian Express' Raakhi Jagga shares details of Potash reserves being discovered in Punjab and significance it holds for India. (9:54)
Finally, we talk about PM Modi's visit to France and his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. (19:42)
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Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar -
This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 12th of February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France focused on deepening the Indo-French relationship, with discussions on trade, AI, and security with President Emmanuel Macron. Modi paid tribute to fallen Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery and interacted with the Indian diaspora. He also inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille, a long-awaited move celebrated by the local Indian community. The visit highlighted growing ties and collaborative efforts between the two countries in various sectors.
The Supreme Court expressed concerns about governments and political parties announcing freebies before elections, stating it discourages work and is depleting the labor force in states like Maharashtra. The bench, hearing a plea on shelter homes, was told that policies benefit the rich, neglecting the poor and homeless. The court criticized this imbalance, noting that addressing homelessness is often sidelined, while compassion appears reserved for the wealthy, highlighting a lack of priority for marginalized communities.
Maharashtra cyber police have summoned several celebrities, including comedian Tanmay Bhatt, actor Rakhi Sawant, and influencer Uorfi Javed, over a controversial question asked by Ranveer Allahbadia on Samay Raina's ‘India’s Got Latent’ show. The police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident. The summoned individuals are popular YouTubers, influencers, and comedians who were judges on the show. The investigation highlights the growing concern over online content and its implications for public figures.
The Uttarakhand High Court addressed concerns about the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, particularly regarding live-in relationships. The court emphasized the importance of self-respect and privacy, especially for children born from such relationships. Chief Justice G Narender questioned the regulation of live-ins and the declaration of such marriages as void or criminal. The petition challenging these provisions highlights concerns about the infringement of religious rights and the adverse impact on individuals involved in live-in relationships.
In Kottayam, Kerala, police arrested five nursing students from a government college after first-year students reported severe ragging incidents over the past two months. The arrested students have been charged under various sections of the BNS and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act. The victims, who complained to the police, described their traumatic experiences. The accused students, from Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kottayam, will be produced in court following the investigation, which highlights ongoing issues of ragging in educational institutions.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express. -
First, we speak with The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about India's shifting stance on its climate change goals and what it believes developing countries should prioritise.
Next, The Indian Express' Aditi Raja helps us understand the Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat, which has been at the center of challenges faced by minorities in the region.
Lastly, we discuss popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia's controversial remark that led to multiple complaints from across India
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 11th of February and here are the headlines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, co-chairing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris, highlighted AI’s transformative potential and called for global governance to address its challenges. He stressed that AI is “writing the code for humanity in the 21st century,” acknowledging both its immense promise and inherent biases. Modi urged collective global efforts to shape AI’s future and promote innovation while tackling risks. He emphasized the need for global collaboration to ensure AI benefits humanity and upholds shared values.
The Mumbai police have contacted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia and YouTuber Samay Raina for an inquiry regarding controversial remarks made by Allahbadia during Raina’s 'India’s Got Latent' show. Allahbadia, known for his BeerBiceps channel, made a joke that sparked nationwide controversy after the video went viral on social media. The remarks, widely criticized as insensitive and vulgar, led to backlash from viewers. The Mumbai police confirmed they are investigating the incident, and Allahbadia, along with other guests, is being questioned regarding the matter.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the latest Union Budget, claiming it is designed to benefit the wealthy, including industrialists. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Yadav stated that the budget’s focus is on the rich, rather than on creating a roadmap for India’s development. He expressed concerns over the lack of a long-term vision for the country’s growth, adding that recent budget announcements seem tailored to elites rather than addressing the needs of the general population. He criticized the budget’s priorities and questioned its impact on India’s future.
The Indian stock market took a hit on Tuesday, with the Sensex dropping over 1,000 points and Nifty falling by 1.3% amid concerns over Donald Trump’s tariff announcements and weak corporate earnings. The Sensex was trading at 76,259, down 1,047 points, while Nifty50 was down by 303.5 points, trading at 23,078. Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25% and announced plans for reciprocal levies on several countries, shaking market sentiment and triggering a decline on Dalal Street.
Following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s top security agencies have compiled a list of 12 gangsters based in the United States. Sources reveal that this list may be shared with U.S. authorities during Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the U.S. The list includes notorious criminals like Anmol Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. While central agencies have long tracked criminals abroad, the recent directive focuses specifically on gangsters based in the U.S., aiming to address their legal status and facilitate international cooperation.
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First, we speak with The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah, who explains the possible reasons behind N. Biren Singh's resignation as Chief Minister nearly two years after the ethnic conflict in Manipur began.
Next, The Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda joins us to discuss why the Sports Ministry has decided to stop awarding cash prizes to junior athletes who win international medals.
Lastly, we talk about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France to co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Produced, written and hosted 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 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.
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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 -
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)
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