3 Things

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 th

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 BhargavaEdited 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 admiss

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 NandaEdited 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 th

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 stageHosted and written by Shashank BhargavaProduced 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 w

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

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 NandaEdited 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 restor

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 BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarFurther 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. I

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 NandaEdited 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

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 BhargavaEdited 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

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 NandaEdited 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 genera

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 BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.Today is the 12th of September and here are the headlines.The Union Cabinet is expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to provide health coverage to people aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income level. Currently, the scheme is income-based and provides 5 lakh rupees shared annual coverage to all members of eligible families irrespective of their age. According to a government statement, an additional 6 crore people in this age group, from 4.5 crore families, are expected to benefit. The eligible beneficiaries will be issued a new card under PM-Jan Arogya Yojana.Two young Army officers were assaulted and one of their two women friends was allegedly gangraped by a group of six men who attacked them in the early hours of Wednesday near Jam Gate along the Mahow-Mand lesh war Road in Madhya Pradesh. Police said two of the six assailants had been arrested and a search is underway for the others. DIG Nimish