3 Things

First, The Indian Express’ National Legal Editor Apurva Vishwanath discusses the controversy surrounding the Sambhal mosque and the concerns it raises.

Next, in light of Australia proposing to ban social media for children and young adults,  The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt tells us about the technology’s harmful effects and what studies have revealed about it (09:00).

Finally, we provide an update on the Adani controversy and the Congress' latest statement regarding the matter (17:42).

Hosted by Shashank Bhargava
Written and 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 27th of November and here are the headlines.


Parliamentary Protests
The proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were adjourned after Opposition MPs raised slogans demanding discussions on issues like the Adani bribery case, Sambhal violence, and rising crime in Delhi. In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar rejected 18 notices for a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani bribery charges and other matters. As protests escalated, MPs began shouting slogans, leading to the adjournment. Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will meet today to review suggestions, but Opposition members are asking for more time to finish their work.

Adani Group's Clarification
Adani Green Energy (AGEL) clarified that neither Chairman Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, nor Managing Director Vneet Jaain have been charged under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The statement comes after reports suggested charges against the trio. Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi also confirmed that neither Gautam nor Sagar Adani face charges in the serious counts of the US prosecutors’ five-count indictment. AGEL's clarification aims to clear any confusion about the involvement of its top executives in alleged violations.

Delhi Air Quality Update
Delhi’s air quality remains in the “very poor” category with an AQI of 301, improving slightly from Monday’s 392. Areas like Mundka and Bawana recorded the worst levels. Due to the pollution, schools in Delhi switched to a hybrid model with both in-person and online classes, as mandated by the Supreme Court. The temperature dipped to 11.6°C, and visibility at the airport was reduced to 1,600 meters. Authorities have forecast a mainly clear day ahead, though pollution concerns persist.

Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect, following an agreement brokered by the US and France. Hamas expressed support for Lebanon’s efforts to protect its people and hopes for a broader deal to end the Gaza war. While international peace efforts remain stalled, Lebanon’s military is preparing to deploy in the south to help maintain the ceasefire, urging residents near the border to stay away until the Israeli military retreats. This marks a tentative step toward reducing tensions in the region.

Pakistan Protest Update
Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former PM Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, called off a planned sit-in protest in Islamabad. The decision came after violent clashes between security forces and protesters. The PTI had attempted to march towards the D-Chowk, but security forces used tear gas to disperse them. PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur, urged protesters to return home, citing a temporary pause in the movement.


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

First, Flora Swain speaks to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha who shares his experience of the COP29 conference that was held in Baku, Azerbaijan. He talks about the agreements that were made and the main takeaways from the conference. 

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anjali Marar about the European Space Agency's upcoming mission Proba-3. The mission is being conducted to study the sun and will be made possible with the help of ISRO. (13:40)

Finally, we talk about the Supreme Court's response to a PIL regarding replacing Electronic Voting Machines with ballot papers. (22:06)

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 26th of November and here are the headlines.


75 Years of the Indian Constitution
On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar marked 75 years of the Indian Constitution's adoption. President Murmu quoted Dr Rajendra Prasad, highlighting that the Constitution’s success depends on how it’s implemented. Vice-President Dhankhar reminded Parliamentarians of Dr B R Ambedkar's warning to prioritize the nation over party interests. Murmu praised the Constituent Assembly's efforts, noting how its deliberations shaped India’s unity. She acknowledged key figures like Dr Prasad, Ambedkar, and B N Rau, calling the Constitution the country’s 'holiest text.'

India’s Concern Over Arrest in Bangladesh
India expressed deep concern over the arrest of Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh on Tuesday. Prabhu, a prominent member of ISKCON and the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group, was detained at Dhaka airport, facing charges of sedition after leading a rally in Chattogram. He’s accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag. India urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities in the country, calling for Prabhu’s immediate release.

Maharashtra Government Resignation
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde resigned on Tuesday, marking the end of the 14th Assembly’s term. Shinde, along with deputy CMs Fadnavis and Pawar, met Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhawan. As caretaker CM, Shinde will oversee the formation of a new government. The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition won a clear mandate in the Assembly elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats. Ajit Pawar was also elected leader of the NCP, setting the stage for key decisions in the coming days.

Violent Protests in Pakistan
In Pakistan, violent protests erupted on Tuesday after supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan clashed with security forces. Six people were killed, including four paramilitary personnel, and over 100 injured. The protests, calling for Khan’s release, spiraled out of control, prompting the government to deploy the army in Islamabad. With 'shoot at sight' orders in place, the nationwide demonstrations, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters, have challenged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, showing no signs of abating.

World Chess Championship: Game 2
In the World Chess Championship, Gukesh and Ding Liren faced off in Game 2 on Tuesday after Ding claimed victory in the first game. Gukesh, playing with black pieces, started strong in the first game but faltered in the middle, ultimately resigning after 42 moves. Ding now leads 1-0 in this best-of-14 series. In Game 2, Gukesh faces a 30-minute time disadvantage as Ding picks up the pace, leaving his chair for strategic consultations. The race to 7.5 points continues.

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

At a time when the news about the environment seems to be worsening by the day, historian Ramachandra Guha's latest book, Speaking with Nature, sheds light on India's early environmentalists. These pioneers raised alarms about ecological concerns at a time when the focus was on industrialization as a means to alleviate poverty for millions. Their stories reveal how environmentalism in India evolved in a distinctly different way from the Western models prevalent today. This week, Guha joins us to share some of these fascinating stories.

The Sandip Roy Show

Produced 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 25th of November and here are the headlines.


Parliament's Winter Session Starts with a Bang: The Winter Session of Parliament kicked off with chaos, forcing both Houses to adjourn for the day. Opposition MPs clashed over the Adani issue, while PM Modi took a swipe at parties rejected by voters, accusing them of disrupting proceedings. The BJP aims to push key Bills, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and 16 others, with discussions on vital financial and legal issues scheduled for the session.

Clashes in Sambhal Spark FIR Against SP Leaders: After deadly clashes during a mosque survey in Sambhal, an FIR has been filed against Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rahman Barq and an MLA’s son. Four people have died, including a 19-year-old from gunshot wounds, and over 20 police personnel were injured. Tensions escalated when a court-ordered survey team entered the Shahi Jama Masjid, reigniting a simmering dispute in western UP.

Governor's Bust Unveiling Sparks Political Storm: West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose is embroiled in controversy after unveiling a bust of himself at the Indian Museum. The museum hailed it as part of his cultural vision, but the ruling Trinamool Congress and other political parties slammed the move as "unbecoming" for someone in his position, igniting a fierce debate on decorum and self-promotion.

Scam Accused Found Dead, Alleges CID Harassment: Jeeva S, accused in the Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation scam, was found dead in a suspected suicide, leaving behind a note accusing CID officer Kanakalakshmi of physical and mental harassment. Jeeva claimed the officer disrobed her during questioning and demanded a bribe. Her tragic death has triggered a police investigation, adding a new twist to the high-profile scam.

Bumrah Leads India to Stunning 295-Run Win Over Australia: India dominated Australia in the first Test at Optus Stadium, winning by 295 runs. Chasing 534, Australia folded for 238, with Bumrah, Siraj, and Sundar sharing the spoils. Bumrah claimed eight wickets, while Jaiswal and Kohli’s centuries powered India’s second-innings total. The victory puts India in a commanding position as they take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.


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

We are taking a break from our regular programming today to present a special feature story about a woman who might just have the most unique job in the world — Melody G Fanai, who through her voice, mends relationships and brings people together.

Reported by Tora Agarwala

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

(This episode was originally published on the 3rd of November, 2023)

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 22th of November and here are this week’s headlines.

Karnataka’s Anti-Naxal Force shot and killed fugitive Naxal leader Vikram Gowda in a gunbattle on Monday night in Udupi. The 44-year-old had been a key member of the banned CPI (Maoist) group, considered one of the last remaining major Naxal leaders from Karnataka. His death follows the 2021 arrest of another top leader, B.G. Krishnamurthy. With Gowda’s death, the remaining underground Naxals in Karnataka come down to just seven, including four women.

Delhi’s air quality hit alarming levels early Tuesday, with an AQI of 492, placing the capital in the "severe-plus" category. Certain areas, including Alipur and Anand Vihar, surpassed the 500 mark. This means Delhi residents are breathing in pollutants equivalent to 50 cigarettes a day, posing serious health risks to everyone, not just those with pre-existing conditions. The government has implemented its highest emergency measures, and the Supreme Court has ordered these actions to remain in place until further notice. Additionally, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a 50% work-from-home policy for both private and government offices due to severe air pollution.

As polling concluded in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, urban voter ahpathy remained a challenge for the Election Commission, which frequently ran campaigns to encourage people to come out in large numbers and vote. Despite being the state’s largest city and the country’s financial and entertainment hub, Mumbai recorded the lowest vote turnout at 51.27 per cent, just 1 per cent higher than 48.4 per cent turnout in 2019. Meanwhile, Gadchiroli saw the highest turnout at 69.63 per cent. In Jharkhand, Jamtara recorded the highest turnout at 76.16 per cent, while Bo-ka-ro had the lowest at 60.97 per cent. After casting his vote in Thane, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his confidence in securing a thumping victory in the ongoing Assembly polls. Shinde said, quote “People have seen their two-and-a-half years of rule vis-a-vis the work done by us in the same amount of time. People will vote for development and for the work done by us,” unquote.

In a major legal development, US prosecutors have indicted Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, along with seven others, accusing them of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme. The charges allege the group bribed Indian officials to secure power contracts in India. Alongside the indictment, the US SEC is seeking penalties and a jury trial for Adani and his associates, citing their operations in the US and impact on American investors. The political war over the Adani bribery case heats up as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Indian government of supporting Gautam Adani, who was indicted in the US for allegedly offering over $200 million in bribes. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, accusing Congress of destabilizing Indian markets with false propaganda. He questioned why Congress-ruled states had welcomed Adani’s investments despite the controversy.

On the global front, Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from its southern Astrakhan region in an attack against Ukraine. Kyiv’s air force said this is the first time since the war broke out that Russia has used a long-range missile. Meanwhile, Ukraine on Wednesday said that Russia hit it with a “a massive information-psychological attack” by dispersing fake warning, alledgedly from Ukrainian military intelligence, about an imminent mass air attack. Following the Main Directorate of Intelligence’s statement Reuters reported, quote “This message is a fake, it contains grammatical errors typical of Russian information and psychological operations,” unquote

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

First, The Indian Express' Shubhangi Khapre shares details of the incident that led to the accusations that BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde was distributing cash for votes on the eve of Maharashtra assembly elections. She shares the facts of what happened, Vinod Tawde's reaction and more.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the developments at the COP29 conference being held at Baku in Azerbaijan. He shares the agenda of the conference, the major topics of discussion and the expectations of the outcome. (13:34)

And in the end, we talk about Delhi's slightly improved AQI and the predictions for the upcoming week. (24:44)

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 21st of November and here are the headlines.

1. US Indicts Adani Group Executives for Bribery Scheme

In a major legal development, US prosecutors have indicted Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, along with seven others, accusing them of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme. The charges allege the group bribed Indian officials to secure power contracts in India. Alongside the indictment, the US SEC is seeking penalties and a jury trial for Adani and his associates, citing their operations in the US and impact on American investors.

2. Adani Bribery Scheme Details Revealed in US Court Filing

A US court filing reveals that over $228 million was allegedly paid in bribes to an unnamed high-ranking Andhra Pradesh official to secure solar power contracts. The bribe was part of a deal to help the Solar Energy Corporation of India purchase seven gigawatts of solar power. The filing doesn’t name the official or the companies involved, but details indicate this official served in Andhra Pradesh from May 2019 to June 2024.

3. Rahul Gandhi vs. BJP on Adani Indictment

The political war over the Adani bribery case heats up as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Indian government of supporting Gautam Adani, who was indicted in the US for allegedly offering over $200 million in bribes. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, accusing Congress of destabilizing Indian markets with false propaganda. He questioned why Congress-ruled states had welcomed Adani’s investments despite the controversy.

4. Supreme Court on Yasin Malik’s Trial in Tihar Jail

The Supreme Court of India raised concerns about conducting a fair trial for separatist leader Yasin Malik, currently serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail. The court suggested setting up a courtroom within the prison for his trial in a 1989 kidnapping case. Justice Oka reminded that even Ajmal Kasab received a fair trial in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to due process, despite the challenges posed by remote hearings.

5. Ukraine Claims Russia Launched ICBM at Dnipro

In a shocking escalation, Ukraine reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro city. If confirmed, this would mark Russia's first use of an ICBM in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s air force said the missile was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region. In response, Ukrainian forces intercepted six out of nine incoming missiles, marking a significant moment in the war as both sides intensify their military operations.

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