First, The Indian Express' Arun Sharma explains why the Katra ropeway project in Jammu is facing opposition. He talks about the project, the changes it will bring and how it will impact the trek to the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine. He also shares the reasons behind the protests and how it may impact the project.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Bijin Jose who breaks down the recently launched o3 model of AI by OpenAI. He shares what makes this model the most advanced OpenAI model yet and how it is different from all the previous existing AI models. (9:58)

Finally, we talk about PM Modi being awarded the highest national award of Kuwait. (20:13)

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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 20th of December and here are the headlines.

The ‘One Nation, One Election Bill’ was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with strong opposition from Congress and Samajwadi Party. The bill, supported by 269 MPs, aims to synchronize elections across India. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal defended it, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it unconstitutional, warning of its impact on democracy. The bill seeks to amend three Constitution articles, based on recommendations from a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the 'Sanjeevani Yojana' on Wednesday, promising free medical care for all citizens over 60, in both government and private hospitals. The scheme is seen as a counter to the BJP-led Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Kejriwal aims to attract senior voters ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

In the wake of an altercation on Parliament premises, Congress MPs, led by Pramod Tiwari, filed a complaint with the Sansad Marg police station accusing BJP MPs of manhandling Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Priyanka Gandhi, witnessing the incident, described how Kharge fell after being pushed, with a CPIM MP also collapsing on him. She expressed concern that Kharge might have been seriously injured. The confrontation follows tensions between NDA and INDIA MPs during parliamentary proceedings.

Meanwhile, an Indian Navy craft, which was undergoing trials for a newly fitted engine, experienced malfunction and crashed into a passenger ferry boat, off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday that killed 13 people. An inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the incident but it is believed that the engine malfunction led to the rider losing control of the craft, resulting in the collision. After the Mumbai ferry accident, boat operators are pointing to the lack of regulation and monitoring in one of India’s busiest harbours. They said the Navy generally conducts its boat testing during non-peak hours, primarily in the mornings.

On the global front, Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Ireland after Dublin supported a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israeli policies” for backing the case. In response, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stated that Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, emphasizing Ireland's commitment to international law.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Vikas Pathak discusses the ongoing row over Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and tell us about the relationship between Ambedkar, the Congress, and the RSS.

Next, The Indian Express’ Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath talks about the recent anti-Muslim remarks made by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav during an event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (14:30).

Finally, The Indian Express’ Ritika Chopra provides an update about a 19-year-old B.Tech student who duped a top US university but was later exposed after bragging about it (25:05).

Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 19th of December, and here are the headlines:

Telangana ACB Files Case Against KTR Over Formula E Race Irregularities

Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a case against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao (KTR), the son of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, over alleged irregularities surrounding the Formula E car racing event in Hyderabad. KTR, a former minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, was named the primary accused. The case involves mismanagement of funds during his tenure, with former MAUD secretary Arvind Kumar and ex-HMDA chief engineer BLN Reddy also implicated. The event took place in February 2023.

Congress Claims BJP MPs Blocked and Attacked Opposition in Parliament

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP MPs of blocking and attacking opposition members attempting to enter Parliament on Thursday. Kharge said BJP MPs physically stopped them at the gate, even pushing female MPs, while BJP MP Pratap Sarangi claimed Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, injuring Sarangi. Gandhi denied the allegation, stating BJP MPs were the aggressors. The incident follows an ongoing clash between NDA and INDIA MPs, with Congress lodging a formal complaint against the BJP at the Sansad Marg police station.

Congress Files Complaint Over Misbehaviour in Parliament Scuffle

In the wake of an altercation on Parliament premises, Congress MPs, led by Pramod Tiwari, filed a complaint with the Sansad Marg police station accusing BJP MPs of manhandling Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Priyanka Gandhi, witnessing the incident, described how Kharge fell after being pushed, with a CPI(M) MP also collapsing on him. She expressed concern that Kharge might have been seriously injured. The confrontation follows tensions between NDA and INDIA MPs during parliamentary proceedings.

13 Dead in Mumbai Ferry Collision: Lack of Safety Regulations Blamed

A tragic collision between an Indian Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near the Gateway of India on Wednesday resulted in 13 deaths, including Navy personnel and civilians. Boat operators in Mumbai have criticized the lack of safety regulations and monitoring in the harbor. Although Navy personnel claim the accident was due to losing control during testing, they stated no specific testing location exists. An investigation is ongoing, while operators highlight that such tests are typically conducted in non-peak hours for safety.

French Court Sentences Dominique Pelicot to 20 Years in Landmark Abuse Case

Dominique Pelicot, 72, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife, Gisele, over a decade, while also allowing dozens of other men to assault her. A French court found 50 men guilty, though most received shorter sentences than the prosecution's recommendations. The case, which came to light in 2020, uncovered disturbing footage of the abuse on Pelicot’s computer. Gisele, who waived anonymity, has spoken out to help other survivors, saying her fight is for all rape victims.

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

First, The Indian Express' Damini Nath explains 'One Nation One Election' at length. She shares the details of the amendments required to implement it, the reaction that it received in the Lok Sabha and all the recent developments.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Abhinaya Harigovind who shares the recommendations of the high level committee that was created post the NEET UG paper leak. She talks about the ways recommended by the committee in which the entrance exam process can be made more like the election process. (13:27)

Finally, we talk about a Navy craft losing control and hitting a ferry off the Mumbai coast causing 13 deaths. (23:23)

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

This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 18th of December, and here are the headlines:

Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Adjourned Amid Ruckus Over Amit Shah's Comments
Proceedings in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Tuesday following a ruckus over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about Dr. BR Ambedkar. The Congress strongly criticized the introduction of the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, calling for its immediate withdrawal. Despite this, the bill was introduced after a vote in the Lok Sabha via an electronic voting system, with Speaker Om Birla overseeing the process.

Modi Defends Amit Shah, Slams Congress Over Ambedkar Remarks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Opposition's accusations that Union Minister Amit Shah insulted Dr. BR Ambedkar, claiming Congress's "rotten ecosystem" spread malicious lies to cover up its misdeeds. Modi said the Congress, led by a single dynasty, had humiliated Ambedkar's legacy and the SC/ST communities. His remarks, posted on X, accused Congress of trying to erase Ambedkar’s contributions and criticized its tactics to hide its past failures.

Kejriwal Announces ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’ Ahead of Delhi Elections
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the 'Sanjeevani Yojana' on Wednesday, promising free medical care for all citizens over 60, in both government and private hospitals. The scheme is seen as a counter to the BJP-led Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides secondary and tertiary healthcare to economically vulnerable families. Kejriwal aims to attract senior voters ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

CAG Report Finds Undue Benefits to Maharashtra Road Contractors
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that Maharashtra road contractors received undue benefits worth Rs 203 crore due to reduced penalties imposed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). An audit found that NHAI violated concession agreements in projects in Nanded and Thane districts, which resulted in lower damage recoveries than stipulated. The CAG report, tabled in Lok Sabha on December 16, highlighted violations of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines by NHAI.

Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane. The 38-year-old spinner, who played in the second Test in Adelaide, revealed his decision following an emotional chat with former India captain Virat Kohli. Ashwin, who is India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 wickets, thanked the fans and expressed that his appearance in Brisbane would be his last day representing India on the international stage.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Suanshu Khurana joins us to discuss the legacy of the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away at a hospital in San Francisco on Sunday.

Next, The Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath explains the Supreme Court’s latest directive to the district court regarding the Places of Worship Act (15:20).

Finally, The Indian Express’ Jagdeep Singh Deep discusses the tragedy in Georgia, where 11 Indian nationals lost their lives (24:02).

Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day from The Indian Express.

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Ajoy Sinha Karpuram about Telugu actor Allu Arjun's arrest by the Hyderabad police. He talks about the incident that happened on the eve of the release of Allu Arjun starrer Pushpa 2: The Rule, that led to charges being filed against the actor.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra who talks about the Railways Amendment Bill 2024. He shares how similar or different it is from the pre-existing railway acts. He also explains the new bill and how it can be beneficial. (9:37)

Finally, we talk about Cyclone Chido, which is being considered the most powerful cyclone in nearly a century to hit the French archipelago of Mayotte. (19:13)

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

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 16th of December and here are the headlines.

Kharge Accuses Modi of Misleading the Nation on Nehru’s Letter
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused Prime Minister Modi of distorting facts about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s letter on reservation, demanding an apology. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on India’s constitutional journey, Kharge also criticized BJP leaders for their "bhakti" towards Modi, claiming it was leading India towards dictatorship. He called for a return to democratic values and the safeguarding of the Constitution's spirit.

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake Reaffirms Commitment to India’s Security
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured Prime Minister Modi on Monday that Sri Lanka’s territory will not be used for actions harmful to India. After their meeting in Delhi, Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India’s support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, with Modi highlighting the USD 4 billion in aid. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, covering areas such as defense, infrastructure, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Letter Requests Return of Nehru Papers Taken in 2008
Historian Rizwan Kadri has written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, requesting his help in retrieving important Nehru papers taken by a representative of Sonia Gandhi in 2008. The papers include Nehru’s correspondence with notable figures such as Edwina Mountbatten, Albert Einstein, and JP Narayan. The matter was raised in the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society’s meeting in February. Kadri emphasized the historical significance of these documents for public access and preservation.

Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Dies at 73
Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, a five-time Grammy Award winner, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Hussain, a celebrated figure in Indian classical music, received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He was also honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, one of the highest lifetime honors for artists in India.

Israel to Close Embassy in Ireland Over Genocide Case Support
Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Ireland after Dublin supported a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israeli policies” for backing the case. In response, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stated that Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, emphasizing Ireland's commitment to international law.

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