3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 15th of October and here are the headlines.

India strongly refuted Canada's claims on Tuesday regarding evidence of Indian involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Government sources indicated that no specifics had been provided and criticized Canada for shifting the burden of proof onto India. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau previously informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the importance of their upcoming national security advisor meeting, but no progress was reported. Indian officials dismissed Canadian assertions as vague accusations, asserting that they are unfounded and misleading.

The Election Commission of India announced today that the Maharashtra assembly polls will be held on November 20, while Jharkhand will vote in two phases on November 13 and 20. Results for both elections will be revealed on November 23. The BJP aims to regain power in Maharashtra, where it partners with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and seeks to gain ground in Jharkhand as well.

Heavy rain across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, led to the cancellation of at least eight flights today, driven by a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The state government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai and surrounding districts. Waterlogging affected several areas, prompting IT companies to implement work-from-home orders from October 15 to 18. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed preparations and deployed disaster response forces. The IMD warns of extremely heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu and surrounding areas through October 17.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has arrived in Islamabad for the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years. This two-day meeting is taking place under heightened security due to recent militant activity. In response, Pakistani authorities have enforced a lockdown in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, declaring a three-day holiday to restrict movement and close key roads, with troops deployed and many businesses shut down to ensure safety for attendees.

Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 50 Palestinians as operations intensified around Jabalia, focusing on clashes with Hamas fighters. Palestinian health officials reported that 17 people were killed near Al-Falouja in Jabalia, while a missile strike in Bani Suhaila claimed 10 lives. An earlier airstrike in the Sabra suburb of Gaza City destroyed three houses, killing two, with 12 others unaccounted for. Additionally, eight fatalities occurred from a strike in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

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

First, The Indian Express' Ajoy Sinha Karpuram explains the significance of the Supreme Court striking down a series of rules from several state prison manuals across the country that reinforced caste differences and targeted members of marginalized communities.

Next, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy discusses India's concern over aligning itself against Israeli military actions that wounded two UN peacekeepers in Lebanon (13:16).

Finally, The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary shares the highlights of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Vijayadashami speech (20:06).

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

(Correction: In the first segment, the guest mistakenly referred to "Article 19(1)(g)" of the Indian Constitution as guaranteeing the right of citizens to move freely throughout the country. The correct reference is "Article 19(1)(d)". We sincerely regret the error.)

The headlines of the week from the Indian Express.

First, we talk to Indian Express’ Damini Nath about the second version of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which is called Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. It focuses on making cities garbage free under which its main target is clearing legacy landfills.

Next, Indian Express’ Divya A talks to us about Overseas Citizens of India or OCI cardholders. Some of the OCI cardholders had recently raised a concern regarding the rules and regulations that they need to follow on their visits to India. She explains who all fall under the ambit of OCI, its benefits, restrictions and more. (7:15)

And in the end, we talk about how quick commerce sites like Zomato, Blinkit, Swiggy and Myntra use AI for enhancing consumer experience. (18:50)

Hosted, written and produced 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 11th of October and here are the top stories of the week.

The results of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls were declared by the ECI on Tuesday. The ruling BJP secured a historic third term in Haryana, winning 48 Assembly seats. The Congress, meanwhile, won 37 seats, Independents stood at 3 and the INLD won 2 seats. In the JK UT, The NC-Congress alliance crossed the 46-seat majority mark, securing 49 seats . The NC won the highest number of seats at 42, the Congress took six, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which was also part of the alliance, secured one. Meanwhile, the BJP won 29 seats and the PDP bagged three. Seven Independents were declared victorious. The AAP and Jammu & Kashmir People Conference secured one seat each.

The final rites of Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, were performed with full state honors on Thursday evening. Tata, 86, breathed his last on Wednesday night at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Among those who paid respects to the business tycoon are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed that a Bharat Ratna be awarded to Tata, posthumously.

Setting the stage for a new tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the L-G office, the CMO on Wednesday claimed that Chief Minister Atishi was “forcibly vacated” from the residence at Civil Lines, which was previously occupied by Arvind Kejriwal. “Delhi CMs residence was forcibly vacated at the behest of the BJP as Lt Governor V K Saxena wants to allot it to a saffron party leader,” the CMO said. This comes two day after Atishi was asked to vacate the bungalow by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD)- a department under her own charge. The Aam Aadmi Party claims that Atishi followed all formalities before moving in, but the PWD says that an official “handover” of the property from Kejriwal to the department is yet to take place. The house has now been sealed.

Maldives President Muhammad Muizzu reached New Delhi Sunday on his first bilateral State visit and was received at the airport by Minister of State (External Affairs) Kirti Vardhan Singh. During his five-day visit — from October 6 to 10 — he travelled to Agra, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Both Modi and Muizzu launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a call on Wednesday amid tensions with Iran. The 30-minute call was the first known chat for Biden and Netanyahu since August and coincides with a sharp escalation of Israel's conflict with Iran and the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah, but with no sign of an imminent ceasefire to end the conflict with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza. The call was "direct and very productive," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, while acknowledging the two leaders have disagreements and are open about them.

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

First, Loksatta editor Girish Kuber discusses the legacy of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business leaders, who passed away on Wednesday.

Next, The Indian Express' Jay Mazoomdaar explains why the government has delayed the release of the latest elephant census and why its findings are concerning. (16:51)

Finally, The Indian Express' Parthasarthi Biswas sheds light on the reasons behind the recent surge in tomato prices. (29:00)

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 10th of October and here are the headlines.

The mortal remains of Ratan Tata – philanthropist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons arrived at the Worli crematorium today where his last rites are slated to be carried out. Tata, 86, breathed his last on Wednesday night at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed that a Bharat Ratna be awarded to Tata, posthumously. The proposal, which has been approved at the state level, will be sent to the Central government. The Maharashtra and Gujarat governments have declared a day of mourning to pay tributes to the iconic industrialist. India and global icons mourn the titan of India Inc.

As the labour strike at Samsung’s plant on the outskirts of Chennai enters its second month, threatening Tamil Nadu’s business-friendly reputation and exposing cracks in the ruling DMK’s political alliance, there appears to be no immediate resolution to the stalemate. Early Wednesday morning, Tamil Nadu police detained 11 key union leaders and allegedly dismantled protest tents. Since September 9, more than a thousand workers affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have been pressing for recognition of their newly formed union and improved working conditions.

37 years after they were accused of glorifying the death of Roop Kanwar, India’s last known case of sati, a Jaipur special court today acquitted eight persons giving them the benefit of doubt. Along with several others, the eight had allegedly held an event glorifying Roop Kanwar around the first anniversary of her alleged sati act. Sati Niwaran court special judge Akshi Kansal acquitted Mahendra Singh, Shrawan Singh, Nihal Singh, Jitendra Singh, Uday Singh, Dasrath Singh, Laxman Singh and Bhanwar Singh. All eight were out on bail.

Spain’s tennis legend Rafael Nadal retirement: Rafael Nadal on Thursday has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The 38-year-old will make his final appearance for Spain at November’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. In a video message released on Thursday, Nadal said: “I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially.”

Less than two years after she became the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association, legendary athlete PT Usha could face a vote of no-confidence during its Special General Meeting on October 25. According to point number 26 of the meeting’s agenda issues by the Executive Council, the IOA will ‘discuss and consider a motion of No Confidence against the President in light of alleged constitutional violations and actions potentially detrimental to Indian sports.’ Usha has been involved in a prolonged tussle with the IOA’s Executive Council members, with allegations flying from both sides. The legendary athlete, the first woman to head the IOA, has issued show cause notice to multiple Executive Council members for allegedly violating eligibility norms.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Asad Rehman explains how a robbery in UP has sparked a political slugfest, reigniting the ‘Thakur versus Yadav’ debate in the state.

Next, The Indian Express’ Sohini Ghosh discusses a case involving the inheritance of cryogenically preserved sperm and its implications for reproductive rights (09:18).

Finally, The Indian Express’ Avaneesh Mishra shares the story of two mountaineers who were rescued after being stranded for over 60 harrowing hours in extreme weather conditions without access to essential supplies (17:50).

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 9th of October and here are the headlines.

A day after Congress leaders rejected the Haryana Assembly poll results, the Election Commission today wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge saying the statements were “far from a legitimate part of free speech” and a step towards “undemocratic rejection of the will of the people”. As the results emerged on Tuesday, giving the BJP a clear victory, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh raised questions over the counting process. Addressing a press conference, he said that polling booths with electronic voting machines that had 99 per cent battery charge saw BJP wins while those with 60-70 per cent charge had Congress victories.

The body of the Territorial Army personnel, who was abducted by militants a day ago from the Kokernag forests in South Kashmir, has been recovered by the Army during a search operation this morning. According to the sources in the security establishment, the personnel abducted by the militants was a 26-year-old resident of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The Army’s Chinar Corps, earlier in the day, had said via a post on X: “Based on intelligence input, a joint counter operation was launched by Indian army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies in Kazwan forest on 8th October. Operation continued overnight as one soldier of the Territorial Army was reported missing. Massive search operation is in progress.”

Calling the proposed auction of the skull of a Naga person in the United Kingdom “dehumanising” and “continued colonial violence”, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking his intervention in the matter. A ‘19th century horned Naga skull’ had been listed as one of the items on sale by prominent auction house The Swan at Tetsworth for an auction set to take place on October 9. It had been valued at £3,500-4,500. However, after objections arose over this, the item was no longer listed online as being up for auction as of Tuesday evening.

In the latest twist to the ongoing row over the possession of the Delhi chief minister’s residence, CM Atishi was on Wednesday asked to “remove her personal belongings” from the Civil Lines home she shifted to just two days ago. The house has been sealed, PWD officials said. Former CM, Arvind Kejriwal was staying in the house till last week and vacated it around three weeks after he resigned from his post. Atishi, according to PWD officials, was in the possession of the keys but was not given an official allotment letter for the premises.

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, with discussions focused on Israel’s potential response to a recent missile attack from Iran. This anticipated call marks the first known direct communication between the leaders since August, amidst escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Tensions have surged following a missile strike carried out by Iran last week, which Tehran claimed was retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. While the attack did not result in any casualties in Israel and was deemed ineffective by US officials, it has intensified fears of further escalation in the region.

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

The Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results were announced yesterday. From BJP securing a rather unexpected win in Haryana to the National Conference and Congress alliance achieving a majority in Jammu and Kashmir, in this episode of 3 Things we will be decoding what happened in the results of the assembly elections in the state and the union territory at length.

Guests: Indian Express’ Varinder Bhatia, Manraj Garewal Sharma, Parveen K Dogra, Asad Rehman, Liz Mathew, Deeptiman Tiwary, and Arun Sharma

Hosted and written by Niharika Nanda
Produced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Additional help from Flora Swain and Parveen K Dogra