3 Things

First, The Indian Express'  Parthasarathi Biswas shares details on the two crops that are socio-politically and economically the most important crops of Maharashtra and can impact the upcoming Assembly elections.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Divya Goyal about the PM-SHRI scheme and its implementation in Punjab. She shares why the scheme took so long to get implemented in the state, what was the impact of the delay and the current update regarding the same. (12:47)

Finally, we talk about Delhi entering the severe category of the Air Quality Index causing massive smog and flight diversions. (22:50)

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 13th of November and here are the headlines.

The Supreme Court ruled that demolishing properties without due process, based solely on allegations of crime, violates the rule of law. The court emphasized that executive authorities cannot act as judges, punishing individuals by demolishing their property. Such actions were deemed an overreach of authority. The court directed that specific procedures be followed before demolitions occur. The ruling came during a hearing on petitions challenging property demolitions by state authorities as punishment for alleged criminal involvement.


The first phase of Jharkhand’s Assembly elections, covering 43 seats, recorded a voter turnout of 46.25% by 1 pm. The seats are in the tribal-dominated South Chotanagpur, northern Palamu, and Kolhan regions, with 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes and six for Scheduled Castes. The Chatra and Simaria constituencies, located in a backward district, are also voting today. Bypolls are being held in several states, including Kerala, where Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is making her electoral debut in Wayanad.


In response to escalating violence in Manipur, the central government has deployed 20 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to the state. The forces, comprising around 2,000 personnel from CRPF and BSF, will be stationed until November 30 to maintain order. This follows recent clashes, including the killing of suspected militants in Jiribam and the continued disappearance of six individuals from the Meitei community, including three children, after the violence on Monday.


The Pakistan government has instructed its cricket board not to accede to India's request to shift the 2025 Champions Trophy games to Dubai. The BCCI had asked for India's matches to be moved due to security concerns. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that, as the host, it will not relocate any games outside Pakistan. The ICC had informed the PCB about India’s decision, but the PCB maintains its stance on hosting the event in Pakistan.


Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least six people, including three young siblings, as the conflict in the region intensifies. In Lebanon, an Israeli strike on an apartment building near Beirut killed six and injured 15. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has decided not to restrict weapons transfers to Israel, citing limited progress in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. These actions come amid ongoing violence and international calls for increased humanitarian support for Gaza's civilians.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Abhishek Angad discusses the overarching narrative in this year's Jharkhand Assembly elections, highlighting what the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the BJP are promising to voters.

Next, The Indian Express’ Divya A talks about Canada ending its popular fast-track student visa program and how this decision will impact Indian students (18:05).

Finally, we provide a quick update on why the Kerala government has suspended two IAS officers (27:48).

Hosted and written by Shashank Bhargava
Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 12th of November and here are the headlines.

On Tuesday morning, police recovered the bodies of two Meitei men from houses in Jiribam, Manipur, a day after security forces killed 10 suspected militants. Six people from a relief camp are missing after the gunfight on Monday. The clashes, involving armed Hmar militants and security forces, erupted after CRPF and Borobekra police stations were attacked. The militants reportedly targeted homes and shops in Meitei settlements earlier. The violence occurred near Pherzawl district, bordering Hmar-majority areas.

Mumbai police arrested Faizan Khan, a lawyer from Raipur, on Tuesday for allegedly threatening Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Khan demanded Rs 50 lakh from Khan last week, and the arrest followed a failure to attend a summons from the police. The threat was made via a call on Tuesday, and police have yet to clarify the motive behind the threat. Faizan Khan, 42, is being transferred to Mumbai for further legal proceedings.

On Monday, the Kerala government suspended two IAS officers, K Gopalakrishnan and N Prasanth, amid controversies. Gopalakrishnan faced backlash for a WhatsApp group called "Mallu Hindu Officers," while Prasanth stirred conflict by posting derogatory content against another senior officer. The suspensions followed recommendations by Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasizing that officials must adhere to proper norms and procedures. Minister K Rajan reaffirmed the government's stance on administrative conduct.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Monday night killed at least 14 people, including two children and a woman, in a humanitarian zone. One strike hit a makeshift cafeteria for displaced people in Muwasi, killing 11, including the children. Palestinian medical officials confirmed the deaths. This comes as Israel faces pressure from the Biden administration to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, with a deadline this week to comply or face possible restrictions on U.S. military funding.

President-elect Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, according to reports. Noem, a Republican leader with national recognition, is serving her second term after winning re-election in 2022. She became prominent for her stance against a statewide mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noem's appointment marks a key decision in Trump’s cabinet selections as he prepares for his upcoming administration.

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

First, The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt explains the new expanded Ayushman Bharat Scheme. She talks about the scheme's launch, the reason behind its expansion and its distribution across states.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sujit Bisoyi about the myth that there is a secret chamber in the treasure trove of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. He shares the logic behind the myth, why it persisted for so many years, the survey that was done to find out if it was true or not and what was revealed. (9:46)

Finally, we talk about a massive fire that was followed a blast at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery in Vadodara district’s Nandesari town. (17:44)

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 Niharika Nanda
Today is the 11th of November and here are the headlines.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice D Y Chandrachud. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Justice Khanna during the ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Among the few judges who were elevated to the Supreme Court even before becoming the Chief Justice of any high court, Justice Khanna will super annuate in May 2025, after a tenure of a little over six months. He was part of several Constitution Bench rulings, including the one upholding the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and striking down the 2018 electoral bonds scheme, among others.

Over 2 lakh new beneficiaries above the age of 70 received cards under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana within the first week of Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolling out the expanded version of the flagship health insurance scheme to cover all elderly. According to data available till 7th of November with the National Health Authority, Kerala has registered the highest number of new beneficiaries under the extended version, with nearly 89,000 cards issued for the elderly. The data also shows that 32,000 additional beneficiaries above the age of 70 have re-registered to avail the cover of Rs 5 lakh provided in the extended version with no income limit.

Over the last four years, the J-K administration has terminated 74 government employees under Article 311(2)(C) of the Constitution, which allows the government to act without seeking an explanation or holding an inquiry into their conduct. Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti has written to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking an immediate review of the termination of government employees dismissed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Mufti demanding that the government set up a committee to review the termination cases wrote, quote “The abrupt dismissal of government employees without due process, a pattern that started since 2019, has left many families devastated and, in some cases, destitute.” unquote

Meanwhile, Supreme Court instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to establish a special cell to enforce the firecracker ban. The top court also said the police have not taken the ban in the national capital seriously and stated that “What the Delhi government did is a mere eyewash.” It added quote, "The right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. We are of the view that no religion promotes any activity that promotes pollution or compromises with health of the people," unquote. The top court further asked the Delhi government to decide before 25th of November on a "perpetual" firecracker ban after consulting stakeholders.

On the global front, The US President-elect Donald Trump held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and conveyed his intention not to escalate the Ukraine war, as President Joe Biden plans to lobby with Trump not isolate Ukraine in the war. A Reuters report said that Trump spoke with Putin in recent days. Earlier during the presidential campaign, Trump had criticised the scale at which the US military and financial aid was being provided to Kyiv. When asked about the Trump and Putin’s call, Ukraine’s foreign ministry stated that they weren’t aware of any advance call being made between them and declined to object or endorse it.


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

Yesterday, DY Chandrachud retired after a tenure as the longest-serving Chief Justice of India in over a decade. Beginning his judicial career as a Bombay High Court judge in 2000, he played a pivotal role in landmark decisions, including recognizing the right to privacy, de-criminalizing homosexuality, and striking down the electoral bond scheme.

Last week, he reflected on his career in a conversation with The Indian Express’ Vandita Mishra and Apurva Vishwanath. Today, we bring you an excerpt from that discussion, part of Express Adda, a series featuring individuals at the forefront of change.

Produced by Shashank Bhargava
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 08th of November and here are the headlines.

A tragic accident occurred in Uttarakhand’s Almora on Monday, where at least 36 people died when a bus carrying 42 passengers lost control and fell into a gorge near Marchula. The bus was traveling from Kirath to Ramnagar when it went off the road. Initial reports indicated that the crash was so severe that several passengers were thrown from the vehicle.

Leaders of Canada’s three major federal parties condemned violent clashes that occurred during a visit by Indian consular officials to a Hindu temple in Brampton. Following the incidents, the High Commission of India expressed disappointment over the disruptions affecting routine consular work. Sikhs for Justice, a banned group advocating for Khalistan, claimed responsibility for the protests against the Indian officials, who were present to offer administrative services, including pension assistance for seniors.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump scripted history on Wednesday, becoming the first President in 120 years to return to power after being ousted after his first term. Addressing his supporters after winning three swing states of North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania, Trump laid the blueprint of his second term. With at least 51 Senate seats secured, Republicans will retake control of the chamber for the first time in four years. As soon as the results were officially declared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated American President Donald Trump on his election and stated, quote “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership,” unquote.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution for the restoration of its special status, calling upon the “Government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives” of the Union Territory to work out “constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions”, even as the BJP protested the move. The resolution said that the Assembly “reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal”. It further added that “any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.

Sharad Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party chief, hinted at retiring from active parliamentary politics, signaling his intention to pass the leadership baton to younger generations. Speaking about Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency, Pawar emphasized the importance of youth leadership for the next 30 years. While Pawar stated he would step back from electoral politics, he confirmed his continued involvement in public service. His message underscored his faith in his family’s legacy and the need for fresh leadership, urging support for Yugendra Pawar in the upcoming Assembly elections.

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

First, The Indian Express' Ajoy Sinha Karpuram talks about the Supreme Court's verdict on the Madarsa Act 2004. He shares everything you need to know about the act, the verdict and more.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Kiran Parashar who shares with us the story of a village in Karnataka where untouchability is still a practice. He talks about an incident that happened in 2014 and verdict that was given by the court regarding it, according to which 98 people were punished with life imprisonment. (14:35)

Finally, we talk about Canada introducing a change in its visa policy. (25:38)

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 07th of November and here are the headlines.

The Bandra police in Mumbai received a threatening call demanding Rs 50 lakh from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. The caller, who threatened to kill Khan, was identified as Faizan Khan from Raipur, Chhattisgarh. An FIR has been registered under sections related to extortion and criminal intimidation. Police teams have been dispatched to Raipur for his arrest. The call was made on Tuesday evening, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Supreme Court of India ordered the liquidation of Jet Airways under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), overturning a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decision that approved the transfer of ownership to the Jalan KalRock Consortium. The bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud ruled in favor of the lenders, including the State Bank of India. The consortium had proposed an Rs 4783 crore payment, but the liquidation order now takes precedence.

The Goa government issued a clarification responding to criticism of its tourism infrastructure, including comparisons to international destinations like Sri Lanka. The Department of Tourism emphasized that Goa is a state within India, and comparing it to foreign countries may give an inaccurate perspective. The clarification follows public discussions about the state’s tourism sector and infrastructure, defending Goa's position while addressing concerns raised about its current tourism offerings.

A Hindu temple priest in Brampton, Canada, has been suspended for spreading violent rhetoric during clashes between Khalistani supporters and other temple attendees. The incident, which occurred on November 3 at the Hindu Sabha temple, saw protestors carrying Khalistani flags clashing with attendees, leading to fistfights and pole strikes. Unverified videos circulating on social media show the altercations disrupting a consular event co-organized by the temple and the Indian Consulate.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, urging China and the US to improve dialogue and manage differences. Despite past tensions, including Trump labeling China as a “strategic rival,” Xi emphasized communication. Trump’s administration had imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, a policy he has indicated will continue in his new term. Both nations are expected to navigate complex trade and diplomatic challenges as they continue to assert their global positions.

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