This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 4th of April and here are the headlines.

The Trump administration’s new tariffs on global trade partners, including a 27% duty on imports from India, will affect sectors like diamonds, smartphones, solar PV modules, and apparel. While certain products like critical minerals, energy products, and pharmaceuticals may be exempt, most of India’s top exports, including pharmaceuticals worth $8 billion, are not. Petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals could benefit, but tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unchanged. These measures could reshape trade relations with India, despite limited relief for some sectors.

After nearly 12 hours of debate in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion yesterday. BJP MPs accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam criticized the Bill as cultural vandalism, accusing the Centre of seeking excessive control over Waqf. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. The amendment now awaits a decision in the Rajya Sabha after being tabled by Kiren Rijiju.

The Indian Army accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch’s Krishna Ghati sector. According to Army PRO Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, Pakistani forces intruded across the LoC and triggered a mine blast on April 1, followed by unprovoked firing. Indian forces responded in a "controlled and calibrated manner," keeping the situation under close watch. Tensions have risen despite the ceasefire agreement, with the Army asserting that India's borders remain secure and that further developments are being monitored.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned the statement by Bangladesh interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus, who claimed that Bangladesh is "the only guardian of the ocean" for Northeast India. Yunus had stated that Bangladesh holds a unique position to benefit from the economic possibilities of the region. Sarma called the remark offensive, highlighting its connection to India’s vulnerable "Chicken Neck" corridor, which connects the Northeast with the rest of India, emphasizing India’s territorial integrity and strategic concerns.

Bajinder Singh, a self-proclaimed Christian pastor, was sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case dating back to 2018 by a Mohali court. Singh had been convicted for luring a woman under the pretext of helping her settle abroad, only to rape her and threaten to post a video of the act online. The court convicted him under IPC sections related to rape, voluntary hurt, and criminal intimidation. Singh had been arrested at Delhi airport in 2018 and released on bail until his recent conviction.

This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Udit Mishra about the US President Donald Trump launching a Reciprocal Tariff Regime, under which he imposed sweeping tariffs on major trading partners, including India.

Next, The Indian Express' Parthasarathi Biswas talks about the ongoing controversy about the control over the Mahabodhi temple in Gaya and the religious practices that are conducted there. (13:52)

Lastly, we speak about the protest and relay hunger strike started by the students of the University of Hyderabad against the auction of 400 acres of land in the village adjoining the university. (26:07)

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 3rd of April and here are today's headlines.


The Trump administration’s new tariffs on global trade partners, including a 27% duty on imports from India, will affect sectors like diamonds, smartphones, solar PV modules, and apparel. While certain products like critical minerals, energy products, and pharmaceuticals may be exempt, most of India’s top exports, including pharmaceuticals worth $8 billion, are not. Petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals could benefit, but tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unchanged. These measures could reshape trade relations with India, despite limited relief for some sectors.

After nearly 12 hours of debate in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion. BJP MPs accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam criticized the Bill as cultural vandalism, accusing the Centre of seeking excessive control over Waqf. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. The amendment now awaits a decision in the Rajya Sabha after being tabled by Kiren Rijiju.

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi criticized the government over the border row with China and tariffs imposed by the U.S. He claimed China had taken over 4,000 sq km of Indian territory, stating that the government’s actions, including a cake-cutting ceremony with the Chinese ambassador, were inappropriate. Gandhi stressed that normalcy could not proceed without restoring status quo and recovering lost land. He emphasized that the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers should be honored, and their sacrifices should not be undermined by diplomatic gestures.

The Supreme Court reprimanded Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy over his comments regarding bypolls in the state Assembly. The two-judge bench questioned whether they erred in letting him off last August when he made allegedly contemptuous remarks. The bench was hearing cases about the delay in disqualifying BRS MLAs who had joined the Congress. This development highlights ongoing tensions over political defections and the role of the judiciary in overseeing the actions of state lawmakers and their impact on public affairs.

After the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to dismiss over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff hired illegally by West Bengal schools, Opposition parties criticized the ruling TMC. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her disagreement, suggesting political influence from the CPI(M) and BJP. She questioned the judicial process, pointing out the contrasting decisions from different Chief Justices. The dismissal followed the 2016 illegal recruitment by the School Service Commission, requiring the affected staff to return salaries with interest, marking a significant blow to the state’s education sector.

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

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt who talks about the new weight loss drug entering the Indian market, Mounjaro.

Next, The Indian Express' Sweety Kumari discusses the Trinamool Congress' MP Abhishek Banerjee's Diamond Harbour Model and his political ascent in West Bengal. (14:00)

Lastly, we discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 which sparked debates upon being tabled in Parliament yesterday.(26:53)

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 2nd of April and here are the headlines.


Lok Sabha Session Sparks Controversy Over Waqf Bill
The Lok Sabha opened to heated debate as Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi fiercely opposed the bill, calling it an attack on the Constitution and an attempt to marginalize minority communities. He accused the NDA government of curbing religious freedoms. Meanwhile, Rijiju clarified that the bill does not interfere with religious practices or mosque management. The bill’s introduction has deepened political divisions, setting the stage for intense discussions in Parliament.

Indian Army Reports Pakistan's Ceasefire Violation in Poonch
The Indian Army accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch’s Krishna Ghati sector. According to Army PRO Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, Pakistani forces intruded across the LoC and triggered a mine blast on April 1, followed by unprovoked firing. Indian forces responded in a "controlled and calibrated manner," keeping the situation under close watch. Tensions have risen despite the ceasefire agreement, with the Army asserting that India's borders remain secure and that further developments are being monitored.

India, US Move Forward on Bilateral Trade Agreement
A day before US reciprocal tariffs took effect, India agreed to the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US, following intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office. The ToR lays the foundation for negotiations, which will see India lowering tariffs on American goods in exchange for US trade concessions. Talks had stalled until US negotiators left India after four days of discussions. With both sides now aligned, formal negotiations are set to begin, signaling a major shift in trade relations.

Seven-Year-Old Strangled Over TV Remote in Delhi
A seven-year-old girl in Outer North Delhi was allegedly strangled to death by her father’s friend over a dispute involving a TV remote. The accused, 35-year-old laborer Ranjeet Singh, had been drinking with the child’s father before being left alone with her. Police say Singh admitted to slapping the girl after she tried to take the remote, causing her to fall and bleed. Fearing the consequences, he allegedly strangled her. The crime was discovered when a constable noticed a crowd outside the victim’s home, leading to Singh’s arrest.

Trump Administration Lays Off 10,000 Health Workers
The Trump administration has begun restructuring the US health sector, laying off 10,000 workers across multiple federal health agencies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed job cuts affecting the FDA, CDC, and NIH. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the move aligns with President Trump and Elon Musk’s broader plan to shrink the federal government under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Hundreds of employees were denied office entry on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the administration’s cost-cutting policies in public health.

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

For the citizens of Delhi, the Yamuna, the city's most prominent river, has become one of the many symbols of just how polluted their city is. Despite it being a hot topic during every election that the city sees, the change is hardly ever visible. However, even with the existing pollution levels, the river remains to be a lifeline for those who live on its banks.

Today, The Indian Express' Sophiya Mathew and Devansh Mittal join us to talk about everything that they witnessed as they travelled from Palla, where the Yamuna enters Delhi from Haryana, to Okhla where the river flows into Uttar Pradesh.

Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced and written 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 April and here are the headlines.

Domestic Stock Market Crashes Ahead of Trump's Tariff Announcement
On Tuesday, Indian stock markets experienced a sharp decline due to massive selling, driven by uncertainty over the upcoming US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs set to be implemented on April 2. The BSE Sensex plunged by 1.69%, losing 1,313 points, while the Nifty fell by 1.41%, down 332 points. Investors are awaiting details on how these tariffs will impact various sectors globally, with market reactions likely hinging on the specifics of the tariff announcement tomorrow, said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments.

Assam CM Condemns Bangladesh Official’s Statement on Northeast India
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned the statement by Bangladesh interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus, who claimed that Bangladesh is "the only guardian of the ocean" for Northeast India. Yunus had stated that Bangladesh holds a unique position to benefit from the economic possibilities of the region. Sarma called the remark offensive, highlighting its connection to India’s vulnerable "Chicken Neck" corridor, which connects the Northeast with the rest of India, emphasizing India’s territorial integrity and strategic concerns.

Ruckus in Lok Sabha Over Question Hour Adjournment
A heated scene unfolded in the Lok Sabha after the Question Hour concluded, with Samajwadi Party MPs protesting the decision and demanding that Akhilesh Yadav be allowed to speak. Despite Speaker Om Birla assuring that Yadav would get time during Zero Hour, the MPs continued with slogans and placards, leading to the adjournment of the House until 2 pm. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge called for an immediate decadal census and caste census, highlighting the delay’s impact on welfare schemes. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is scheduled for discussion tomorrow.

Mohali Court Sentences Pastor to Life for 2018 Rape Case
Bajinder Singh, a self-proclaimed Christian pastor, was sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case dating back to 2018 by a Mohali court. Singh had been convicted for luring a woman under the pretext of helping her settle abroad, only to rape her and threaten to post a video of the act online. The court convicted him under IPC sections related to rape, voluntary hurt, and criminal intimidation. Singh had been arrested at Delhi airport in 2018 and released on bail until his recent conviction.

Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs Could Lead to Uncertainty in Global Trade
As trade tensions escalate, all eyes are on the US President’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs scheduled for April 2. Trump’s plan to impose tariffs matching those charged by other countries has raised concerns about how the levies will be rolled out. With over 200 trading partners and thousands of tariff categories, the US could face an administrative nightmare. The initial focus is likely on the 20 countries the US has trade agreements with, with some speculating a blanket tariff could simplify the process but complicate global trade relations.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah who tells us about the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar following his coverage of a protest against a government-affiliated bank in Assam.
Next, The Indian Express' Nikhil Ghanekar discusses the parliamentary report highlighting the severe underutilisation of funds allocated for pollution control. (13:42)

Lastly, we speak to The Indian Express' Parul Kulshrestha who talks about an initiative that has helped hundreds of people with disabilities in Rajasthan's Salumber district. (22:19)

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 31st of March and here are the headlines.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday said there is “no need to search” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successor as he will continue to hold the top post again in 2029. The statement came in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claim that the RSS is set to pick Modi’s successor. Earlier in the day, Raut said Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday was to convey the message to Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat that he is retiring. “There is no need to search for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue,” Fadnavis said, speaking to reporters in Nagpur.

Kashmir’s chief priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday condemned the decision of the Valley authorities to “not allow” Eid prayers at the sacred spaces of Eidgah and Jama Masjid and said it showcases the “oppressive and authoritarian approach that prevails in Kashmir today”. In a video statement on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, he also claimed that he has been placed under house arrest ahead of the prayers. “Eidgah and Jama Masjid belong to the people. Barring them from these sacred spaces even on Eid reflects an oppressive and authoritarian approach that prevails in Kashmir today,” Mirwaiz said in a post on X.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the Centre’s decision to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar. Urging the government to cancel the tenders issued for the offshore mining blocks, Gandhi asserted that rigorous scientific studies must be undertaken to assess the environmental as well as socio-economic impact of offshore mining. “But most importantly, all stakeholders, especially our fisherfolk must be consulted before any major decision is taken. Their lives are intertwined with the fate of our oceans. Let us work collectively towards building a sustainable future for all,” the Congress leader has written in the letter.

US President Donald Trump has said that he is “very angry” and “pissed off” with Russian President Vladimir Putin after attempting to broker a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, and said he would impose sanctions on buyers of Russian oil if he feels that the Kremlin is blocking the deal negotiation.

Citing a telephone interview with NBC News, it’s reported that Trump was angry with Putin after he raised doubts over the credibility of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership last week. The US president even threatened to impose a 50% tariff on countries buying Russian oil if Putin doesn’t agree to a ceasefire deal. Trump’s frustration grew due to a lack of movement in the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire agreement, as he said that he could impose new trade restrictions on Russia within a month. The war began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday rejected direct negotiations with the United States over the nuclear program, offering Tehran’s first response to President Donald Trump’s explosive letter wherein he threatened to bomb Iran if it doesn’t negotiate over the nuclear deal. President Pezeshkian said that the response of Iran via the sultanate of Oman still has the possibility of indirect negotiations with Washington. During Trump’s first term in 2018, he had unilaterally withdrawn America from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers. “We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far. They must prove that they can build trust,” Pezeshkian said. The US State Department, in its response to President Pezeshkian, stated that America cannot allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi about the demolitions happening in Gujarat. He shares why the authorities have been tearing down illegally-constructed homes, offices, shops and other establishments that are on the state police’s list of “anti-social elements”.

Next, The Indian Express' Himanshu Harsh talks about Jharkhand's State Migrant Control Room. He shares how the SMCR rescued 47 migrant workers from the Central African country of Cameroon. (10:24)

Lastly, we speak about the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Superfast Express getting derailed and leading to one death and multiple people getting injured. (17:40)

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