3 Things

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer who is a part of the Axiom mission 4, a flight to space. He is the second Indian to go to space after Rakesh Sharma and the first to go to the International Space Station.
Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about the high cost of drugs for rare diseases. Some Indian rare disease patients are now reaching out to the court to try and solve this problem. (13:49)

Lastly, we speak about the tragic Mumbai train accident that left five passengers dead. (26:00)

Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced and written by Niharika Nanda, Ichha Sharma and Shashank Bhargava.
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

The headlines of the day by The Indian Express.

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Deeptiman Tiwary about the Centre’s newly notified regulations for Ladakh, why key demands like Sixth Schedule protections remain unmet, and how Ladakhis are responding to the move.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Ankita Upadhyay about an emerging health crisis among Indian children - metabolic malnutrition, the hidden health risks, and the signs schools and parents should be watching out for. (13:45)

And in the end, we discuss Canada’s invitation to India for the upcoming G7 Summit and why this outreach signals a possible thaw in diplomatic ties between the two countries after years of strain. (21:45)

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 Niharika Nanda.
Today is the 6th of June and here are the headlines.

PM Modi Flags Off Vande Bharat Trains, Inaugurates Chenab Bridge
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off two Vande Bharat trains between Katra and Srinagar and inaugurated two key rail bridges—India’s first cable-stayed bridge over Anji Khad and the world’s highest rail bridge over the Chenab River. At a rally in Katra, he asserted that any obstruction to Jammu and Kashmir’s development would face him first. Modi launched several infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,000 crore in the Union Territory, reaffirming his government’s commitment to accelerating growth and connectivity in the region.

Karnataka CM's Aide Removed After Stadium Stampede Kills 11
Following the tragic stampede near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 and injured 56, MLC K Govindaraj, political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has been removed. Police Commissioner B Dayananda and four other top officers were suspended for crowd control lapses. The state government has ordered a judicial inquiry and announced that RCB officials involved will be arrested. The incident, linked to mismanagement during a free ticket distribution event, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability at the highest levels of administration.

Starlink Gets Key Licence to Launch Services in India
Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink has cleared a crucial regulatory hurdle after receiving a licence from India’s telecom ministry, sources told Reuters. The move brings Starlink a step closer to rolling out commercial operations across India. It becomes the third satellite broadband provider to get approval from the Department of Telecommunications, after OneWeb and Reliance Jio. The licence marks a significant development in India’s push to expand rural and remote connectivity through space-based internet services, especially in underserved regions.

RBI Slashes Repo Rate by 50 Basis Points to Boost Growth
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee cut the repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.50%, surprising markets and marking the third rate cut in 2025. The move is aimed at reviving economic growth as inflation remains below the 4% target. Borrowers, especially homeowners, will benefit from lower EMIs, but depositors may see reduced returns. Additionally, the RBI lowered the cash reserve ratio by 100 basis points to 3%, injecting ₹2.5 lakh crore of lendable funds into the banking system to spur credit flow.

Trump-Musk Twitter Feud Goes Viral Over Policy Clash
A fiery online clash erupted late Thursday between US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk over a proposed domestic policy dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” What started as a disagreement quickly spiraled into a digital spectacle, with both leaders exchanging jabs in real-time. The feud dominated social media, inspiring memes, satirical headlines, and viral quotes. Musk had openly criticized the bill, prompting Trump’s sharp response. The spat highlights ongoing tensions between tech moguls and political leaders in a highly polarized digital age.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Sanath Prasad about the stampede that was caused at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru after Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced a victory parade post their first IPL win. He talks about how it all happened, the causes and the government's response. 

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Shubham Tigga about a tiger safari that is being planned by the Jharkhand government on the fringes of the Barwadih Western Forest Range, which is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve. He shares the details of the plan and the concerns that have been brought up by the communities who reside there. (15:27)

Lastly, we speak about TMC MP Mahua Moitra tying the knot with Supreme Court lawyer and former BJD MP Pinaki Misra. (27:16)

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 5th of June and here are the headlines.

1. Karnataka HC Seeks Report on RCB Victory Parade Stampede
The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed report on the tragic stampede at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory parade, which killed 11 and injured 33. The court seeks clarity on causes, preventability, and future safeguards. CM Siddaramaiah ordered a magisterial probe led by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner. Overcrowding—2–3 lakh attendees in a stadium built for 35,000—caused chaos. Compensation of ₹10 lakh and free treatment was announced.

2. Rafale Jet Fuselages to Be Made in India by Tata
In a significant move for India's defence sector, Tata Advanced Systems will produce Rafale fighter jet fuselages in Hyderabad under a new deal with France’s Dassault Aviation. This marks the first time Rafale components will be manufactured outside France. The Hyderabad plant will build key sections including front, central, and rear fuselages. Production will start by FY 2027-28, with capacity to deliver two fuselages per month. The facility will serve both Indian and international markets.

3. Mahua Moitra Marries Former BJD MP Pinaki Misra
TMC MP Mahua Moitra, known for her strong speeches in Parliament, has married Supreme Court lawyer and former BJD MP Pinaki Misra. The couple tied the knot in a quiet ceremony in Berlin, Germany, on May 30. Moitra confirmed the marriage to The Indian Express. A photograph of the newlyweds at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate has surfaced and was published by The Telegraph, drawing attention to their low-profile union amid Moitra’s high-profile political life.

4. Trump Reinstates Controversial Travel Ban on 12 Nations
US President Donald Trump has reinstated a sweeping travel ban impacting citizens from 12 countries, including Iran, Yemen, and Somalia, while tightening restrictions on seven others. Effective from Monday, the rollout includes a short grace period to avoid past chaos. The updated ban builds on a version upheld by the US Supreme Court. Additional curbs now apply to travellers from countries like Cuba, Laos, and Venezuela. Trump cited national security as the key reason for the move.

5. Trump Suspends Harvard Exchange Visas in Escalating Dispute
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation suspending foreign nationals enrolled in exchange programs at Harvard University, escalating tensions between the White House and the Ivy League institution. The directive also asks the State Department to consider revoking visas of some current international students. Harvard alleges political retaliation after it resisted federal pressure to alter its governance and curriculum. The suspension is part of Trump’s broader push to regulate academic institutions seen as ideologically opposed.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Tanushree Bose takes us through the case of the 22-year-old law student who has been arrested by the Kolkata Police over her “objectionable” social media post.

Next, amid the ongoing debate over the size of the Indian economy, The Indian Express’ Udit Misra breaks down what global rankings actually reveal,  and whether India is really the fourth-largest economy (10:38).

And finally, we bring you updates on the grim flood situation in Assam, where at least 12 people have lost their lives in just 24 hours (24:40).

Hosted, written and 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 4th of June and here are the headlines.


1. Multi-party Delegation Briefs EAM on Anti-Terror Diplomacy Tour
A multi-party delegation led by BJP leader Baijayant Panda met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after returning from visits to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria to rally support against Pakistan-backed terrorism. The team included MPs and leaders across party lines, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Ghulam Nabi Azad. The delegation briefed Jaishankar on their findings, highlighting India's global rise under PM Modi. They said India's economic and diplomatic strength is helping forge international partnerships on trade and counterterrorism. Jaishankar lauded their outreach efforts.

2. Monsoon Session of Parliament Set to Begin July 21
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 21 and run until August 12. The session was recommended by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will convene at 11 a.m. after a three-month recess. The session’s announcement comes amid calls by opposition parties for an urgent special session to discuss Operation Sindoor—India’s major military strike on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this year.

3. Punjab YouTuber Held for Links to Pakistan Spy Network
Punjab Police arrested Jasbir Singh, a YouTuber from Rupnagar, for alleged involvement in a Pakistani spy network. Singh, who runs the channel ‘Jaan Mahal’, was nabbed by the State Special Operations Cell in Mohali. Authorities say he is linked to Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, a Pakistani intelligence operative, and maintained close ties with Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra—previously arrested on similar charges—and a Pakistani High Commission official. The espionage network is believed to be terror-backed. Investigations are ongoing into the extent of Singh's involvement and communication with Pakistan-based handlers.

4. RCB Victory Parade Cancelled, Celebration at Stadium Instead
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cancelled its IPL victory parade on Wednesday, originally planned from Vidhan Soudha to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bengaluru Traffic Police confirmed the cancellation, stating the team would instead meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhan Soudha. A celebration is now scheduled at the stadium. RCB had earlier announced the parade on social media, thanking fans for their unwavering support over 18 seasons. The franchise won its first IPL title this year, prompting city-wide excitement. Fans can now attend the celebration directly at the stadium later today.

5. Trump Doubles Tariffs on Global Steel, Aluminium Imports
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday doubling tariffs on nearly all steel and aluminium imports to 50 percent, citing national security concerns. The hike—effective Wednesday—follows his 2018 move imposing 25 percent tariffs under the Trade Expansion Act’s Section 232. The UK, which recently signed a trade deal with the U.S., is exempt and will maintain the current 25 percent rate. Trump’s decision marks a significant escalation in his administration’s trade policy, as Washington continues to pressure nations for fairer deals and increased domestic metal production.


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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Amit Kamath about Gukesh Dommaraju's win against Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess Tournament. Amit who is in Norway covering the tournament, shared the details of the game, reactions given by both the players and what this result meant to them.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra about the Bairabi-Sairang railway line that finally connected Mizoram's capital Aizawl to the national railway network. He shares the significance of this line and how it will impact Mizoram. (14:16)

Lastly, we speak about the backlash being faced by Kamal Haasan regarding his comment about Kannada language. (21:41)

Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava.
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar