This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 2nd of May and here are the headlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the second Cabinet Committee on Security meeting following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed at least 26 people. Key ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S. Jaishankar attended. Modi also led meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs and the Cabinet Economic Affairs Committee. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and emphasized that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice.

Additionally, Pakistan violated the ceasefire for the seventh consecutive night, firing across the Line of Control in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded in a controlled and measured manner. The ongoing violations come amid heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. On Tuesday, the DGMOs of both countries held a hotline discussion, during which India warned Pakistan about repeated unprovoked ceasefire breaches. The situation remains volatile as Pakistan continues to provoke along both the LoC and the International Border.

The next decennial Census of India is set to break new ground by including a detailed enumeration of caste—something that hasn’t been attempted since the British-era census of 1931. With the Centre indicating its willingness to capture OBC data, this marks a significant policy shift with far-reaching social and political implications. The most crucial question the government must now address — and one that will ultimately be a political call, much like the decision to enumerate caste itself — is which list to use while enumerating OBCs. In the last Census, for SCs and STs, the proforma relied on the official lists notified under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. These lists — currently comprising 1,170 castes under SC and 890 communities under ST — are periodically updated through amendments passed by Parliament.

Communal tensions erupted in Nainital, Uttarakhand, after the family of a minor girl filed a rape complaint against a 65-year-old contractor, Usman. The incident allegedly occurred on April 12. The accused was arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act. That night, mobs vandalized shops and eateries belonging to the minority community and protested outside a mosque and police station. Videos show shop staff being slapped. Police confirmed the situation is under control, but the incident has inflamed already sensitive communal sentiments in the area.

The United States and Ukraine signed a major agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves, including titanium, lithium, and uranium. Known as the U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, the deal aims to boost Ukraine’s post-war recovery while attracting global investors. The pact also sends a strong message to Russia, showing the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the fund represents a long-term partnership focused on rebuilding Ukraine as a free and prosperous nation.

This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Aishwarya Raj about the threats that Kashmiris have been facing across the country since the Pahalgam attack, and especially in Uttarakhand where two Kashmiri shawl sellers were assaulted by locals, and students were heckled and harassed.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about India not only stepping up security and intensifying its efforts to track down the terrorists, but also launching a strong diplomatic offensive against Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack. He shares how New Delhi is actively engaging with its strategic partners, seeking support and pushing for strong international condemnation of the attack. (11:29)

Lastly, we speak about the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited, a seaport project that is providing employment to the local fisherman community of Kerala. (21:56)

Produced and Hosted by Niharika Nanda 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 1st of May and here are the headlines.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and emphasized that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice. Rubio expressed sorrow over the attack and reaffirmed U.S. support in combating terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in South Asia. The U.S. had earlier condemned the attack, with officials reiterating their commitment to cooperation with India in counterterrorism efforts.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire for the seventh consecutive night, firing across the Line of Control in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded in a controlled and measured manner. The ongoing violations come amid heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. On Tuesday, the DGMOs of both countries held a hotline discussion, during which India warned Pakistan about repeated unprovoked ceasefire breaches. The situation remains volatile as Pakistan continues to provoke along both the LoC and the International Border.

3. Supreme Court Rejects Judicial Probe Plea
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined a plea seeking a judicial probe by a retired judge into the Pahalgam terror attack. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. K. Singh said this was not the time to make demands that could demoralize security forces. They stressed that judges are meant to resolve legal disputes, not investigate terror incidents. The Public Interest Litigation had also requested the formation of a judicial commission. The court, however, emphasized national unity during this “crucial hour” of fighting terrorism.

Communal tensions erupted in Nainital, Uttarakhand, after the family of a minor girl filed a rape complaint against a 65-year-old contractor, Usman. The incident allegedly occurred on April 12. The accused was arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act. That night, mobs vandalized shops and eateries belonging to the minority community and protested outside a mosque and police station. Videos show shop staff being slapped. Police confirmed the situation is under control, but the incident has inflamed already sensitive communal sentiments in the area.

The United States and Ukraine signed a major agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves, including titanium, lithium, and uranium. Known as the U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, the deal aims to boost Ukraine’s post-war recovery while attracting global investors. The pact also sends a strong message to Russia, showing the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the fund represents a long-term partnership focused on rebuilding Ukraine as a free and prosperous nation.

That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary discusses the challenges being faced by the security forces after the Pahalgam terror attack and what we’ve learned so far about the attackers.

Second, we talk to The Indian Express' Omkar Gokhale about a legal case of a woman's plea for surrogacy which puts the contemporary surrogacy laws in India on the radar. (17:00)

In the end, we talk about a fire break out in Kolkata's hotel which claimed 14 lives and the probe that is underway. (26:45)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
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 30th of April and here are the headlines.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the second Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed at least 26 people. Key ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S. Jaishankar attended. Modi also led meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Economic Affairs Committee (CCEA). A cabinet briefing is scheduled for 4 PM. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army continued “unprovoked firing” across Jammu and Kashmir’s LoC for the sixth night, with the Indian Army responding proportionately, officials told PTI.


A newly constructed wall at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, collapsed early Tuesday, killing seven and injuring six. The collapse followed heavy rain and occurred during the Akshaya Tritiya festival, with crowds gathering from 4 AM. Officials said the wall gave way when people leaned on it near a ticket counter. Home Minister V Anita noted the toll could have been higher if many hadn’t stepped back after noticing the wall weakening. The structure had been built recently near the temple’s special entrance staircase.


The Supreme Court, citing the right to digital access as part of life and liberty, ordered changes to digital KYC norms to aid people with vision impairment and acid attack survivors. The ruling came from Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan in response to two writ petitions. The court directed authorities to revise KYC procedures to ensure accessibility and inclusion for those with visual disabilities, emphasizing that digital rights must be inclusive. The decision marks a step toward equitable access to essential digital identification systems in India.


The Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch filed an FIR against former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former PWD Minister Satyendar Jain over alleged corruption in constructing 12,748 classrooms during AAP’s rule. The scam is reportedly worth Rs 2,000 crore. ACB chief Madhur Verma confirmed the FIR, stating major cost escalations, delays, and deviations were observed. None of the works were completed on time. Officials alleged the contracts were awarded to parties close to the AAP. The investigation highlights serious irregularities in infrastructure development under the previous administration.


Former US President Donald Trump held a rally in Warren, Michigan, to mark 100 days since returning to office. Addressing a large crowd, he celebrated what he called major economic achievements and attacked Democrats, especially Joe Biden, over immigration. Trump said he missed the campaign trail and used the Michigan rally—his first major public event since January 20—to reignite his base. The location was symbolic, being a center of the auto industry, where Trump emphasized jobs, the economy, and America-first policies during his address.

That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi about a crackdown on illegal immigrants from Bangladesh as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He shares how around 890 residents were rounded up by the Ahmedabad City Police from a settlement near Chandola Lake and subjected to identity checks.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Hamza Khan about former BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja who was expelled by the party recently because he 'purified' a temple after the leader of opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly visited it. (11:31

Lastly, we speak about the Jammu and Kashmir government shutting down certain tourist destinations due to security concerns. (21:51)

Produced and Hosted by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 29th of April and here are today's headlines.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has closed nearly 50 tourist destinations and trekking routes in the Valley following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Citing inadequate security, popular sites like Gurez Valley, Bangus, Verinag, Yusmarg, and Dodapathri are now off-limits to tourists. The decision comes after an attack last Tuesday left 25 tourists and one local dead. Authorities said the closures are temporary and based solely on tourist safety. Destinations with adequate security, including parts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg, remain open, though movement within them will be closely monitored.

India lashed out at Pakistan at the UN over the recent Pahalgam attack, citing Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s public admission of supporting terror groups. Speaking at the launch of VoTAN, Ambassador Yojna Patel criticized Pakistan for using the UN platform for baseless propaganda. She pointed to Asif’s TV confession as further evidence of Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. Patel called Pakistan a “rogue state” that fuels global instability and urged the global community to stop turning a blind eye to its actions, especially in light of recent attacks targeting Indian civilians.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Modi to convene a special Parliament session to address the Pahalgam terror attack. In a letter, Kharge said the move would show united political resolve against terrorism. Meanwhile, ceasefire violations along the LoC continued for the fifth straight night, with Pakistan extending unprovoked fire from Kupwara and Baramulla to Poonch and Akhnoor. The Congress call and border flare-ups come amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, following the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, including 25 tourists.

The Supreme Court said there’s nothing inherently wrong with a country using spyware for national security, but the key issue is against whom it's used. Justice Surya Kant made the remark while hearing petitions linked to the 2021 Pegasus spyware controversy. Petitioners alleged the Israeli-made surveillance tool was used on journalists, politicians, and activists. Senior Advocate Dinesh Dwivedi argued that even if phones weren’t hacked, the government’s possession of such spyware raises serious concerns. The case continues to raise critical questions about privacy and the limits of state surveillance in a democracy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party won Canada’s federal election but fell short of a clear majority, needing 172 of 343 seats. The campaign, shadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation remarks and trade tension, ended with Carney needing coalition support to govern. India’s PM Narendra Modi congratulated Carney on X, reaffirming strong ties rooted in democracy and rule of law. With a minority mandate, Carney faces challenges in pushing reforms through Parliament, setting the stage for complex political negotiations in the days ahead.

That's all for today. This was the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, we speak to the Indian Express' Diplomatic Affaris Editor Shubhajit Roy about the resumption of the Yatra after a five-year gap, a significant step toward normalizing India-China ties since the 2020 border standoff.

Second, The Indian Express Nikhila Henry talks about why Rahul Gandhi is pushing for a new anti-discrimination law, Rohith Vemula Act, in the Congress ruled states. (12:04)

In the end, we discuss the Indian government's crackdown on Pakistani YouTube channels in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. (19:40)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
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 28th of April and here are today's headlines.

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire for the fourth time on Sunday night, resorting to "unprovoked" firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara and Poonch districts. According to Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal, the firing occurred between April 27-28, 2025, initiated by Pakistan Army posts. Indian troops responded promptly and effectively. Thankfully, there were no casualties, and further details are being verified. The firing follows a recent Brigade Commander meeting on April 10, highlighting ongoing tensions along the LoC.

The Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major outlets like Dawn News and Geo News, for spreading provocative and misleading content following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommended the ban after the attack, which claimed 26 lives. These channels, with a collective 63.08 million followers, were found disseminating false narratives against India. Additionally, India strongly protested the BBC India referring to terrorists as "militants," signaling heightened scrutiny of media reporting amid rising tensions.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly convened a special session, adopting a resolution condemning attempts to disrupt communal harmony. Moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, the three-page resolution emphasized defeating those aiming to destabilize the region. It called the attack a direct assault on Kashmiriyat, India’s constitutional values, and national unity. The resolution also cautioned the media and society against being manipulated by those inflaming public emotions through inflammatory rhetoric.
Jammu & Kashmir CM Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people on April 22. In a heartfelt speech during the special session of the assembly, Abdullah expressed deep regret, calling the attack the largest in Baisaran in 21 years. He acknowledged his failure to protect the tourists and apologized to the victims’ families. “As the host, it was my responsibility to ensure their safety, and I couldn’t,” he said, expressing sorrow for the tragic loss of lives in his region.

The United States has expressed concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. In a statement, a US State Department spokesperson urged both nations to work toward a “responsible solution” to the evolving situation. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 people and wounded several others. While condemning the attack, the US affirmed solidarity with India but refrained from directly criticizing Pakistan, maintaining diplomatic engagement with both governments.

That's all for today. This was the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the Indus Waters Treaty which was put on hold by India a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. In this segment, Amitabh talks about the treaty, the significance that it holds and what this means for both the countries.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra about the upcoming Rishikesh - Karnaprayag railway line. He shares what makes this railway line stand out, talks about an important milestone and how it will improve the economy and tourism of certain remote areas in Uttarakhand. (16:40)

Lastly, we speak about the central government’s decision to revoke visas of Pakistan nationals residing in India. (25:22)

Produced and Hosted by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar