3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 20th of May and here are the headlines.

1. India’s Global Anti-Terror Diplomacy Drive

India has launched a major diplomatic outreach, sending seven multi-party delegations to 32 countries to highlight its fight against terrorism, particularly from Pakistani soil. Briefed by the Ministry of External Affairs, the teams will explain India’s military response after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. PM Modi framed the doctrine as part of a global anti-terror campaign, stating there will be zero tolerance for terror sheltered by “nuclear blackmail.” The goal: convince the world not to equate India, a terror victim, with Pakistan, a terror perpetrator.

2. TMC Replaces Yusuf Pathan With Abhishek Banerjee

After initially rejecting the Centre’s move to include Yusuf Pathan in its foreign outreach delegations, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has nominated Abhishek Banerjee instead. The switch came after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju spoke to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. Abhishek, the party’s general secretary, will now join the anti-terror diplomatic push. Separately, TMC is sending its own delegation, led by Manas Bhunia, to Jammu and Kashmir to support victims of cross-border terror. Earlier, Pathan, a cricketer-turned-MP, had been named without TMC’s consultation, prompting the initial protest.

3. Heavy Rains Disrupt Bengaluru; Red Alert Issued

Bengaluru faced severe disruptions on Tuesday after intense pre-monsoon thundershowers caused widespread flooding and traffic chaos. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for the city and Karnataka, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning through May 26. Commuters struggled, with some taking two hours to travel just 7 km. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre has echoed warnings of extremely heavy rainfall and advised caution. The relentless downpour left several areas waterlogged, reigniting concerns over the city’s poor infrastructure and monsoon preparedness.

4. Veteran Nuclear Scientist M R Srinivasan Dies at 95

M R Srinivasan, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and a pioneer of India’s nuclear program, passed away on Tuesday at age 95. He is survived by his wife and daughter. Srinivasan played a key role in developing India’s indigenous nuclear capabilities, working alongside legendary scientist Dr Homi Bhabha. Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, his death marks the end of a historic era in Indian science. District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru paid floral tributes to the distinguished scientist’s mortal remains.

5. Netanyahu Offers Conditional End to Gaza War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he’s willing to end the Gaza war if Hamas agrees to strict terms, including disarming. His statement comes amid rising international pressure, with the UK, France, and Canada threatening sanctions over Israel’s latest Gaza offensive. Netanyahu slammed these nations for demanding a Palestinian state, calling it a reward for “genocidal attacks on Israel.” In a joint statement, the Western leaders criticized Israel’s denial of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, warning that it could violate international law if continued.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Vidheesha Kuntamala about the arrest of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad over comments allegedly disparaging women officers in the Indian armed forces. 

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Dheeraj Mishra about a new high-speed highway approved to connect Shillong and Silchar, offering an alternative to connect to the Northeast. (19:04)

And in the end, we go over the details disclosed by the Indian Army about Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks where there was an attempted strike on the Golden Temple. (19:51)

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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 19th of May and here are the headlines.


1. Supreme Court Rejects Minister’s Apology Over Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah’s apology over offensive remarks allegedly directed at Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter and stayed Shah’s arrest until a status report is submitted on May 28. Criticizing Shah, the bench said, “The entire nation is ashamed.” Shah made controversial comments during a speech near Mhow, indirectly referencing Qureshi. The SIT, to be led by an IG-rank officer, must be formed by 10 am Tuesday, per SC instructions.

2. India Foils Drone, Missile Attack on Golden Temple by Pakistan
The Indian Army revealed Monday that Pakistan attempted a drone and missile strike on Amritsar’s Golden Temple and cities across Punjab on May 7–8, following Indian strikes on terrorist camps under Operation Sindoor. At a press event in Amritsar, the Army displayed debris from intercepted drones and missiles. Indian air defense systems, including upgraded L-70 guns and AKASH missiles, neutralized the threats. Officials emphasized the target was religious and civilian sites, underlining Pakistan’s retaliatory intent following India’s counter-terrorism operation inside Pakistani territory and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

3. BCCI Pulls Out of ACC Events Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the BCCI has decided to withdraw from upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments, including the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup and Men’s Asia Cup. The ACC is currently chaired by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, which sources say contributed to India’s decision. The move reflects India’s intent to diplomatically isolate Pakistan’s cricket board. The decision could impact the Asia Cup’s feasibility, given the financial weight India brings to global cricket events. Sponsors and broadcasters may also reconsider deals if India stays out of the tournament.

4. Bengaluru Faces Waterlogging After Year’s Heaviest Rainfall
Heavy rain lashed Bengaluru for over six hours on Sunday night, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across the city. Residents described it as the most intense rainfall of the year. Kengeri recorded the highest with 132 mm, according to the Karnataka State Disaster Monitoring Cell. The IMD has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for the week, warning of more rain. Traffic police issued advisories for areas in northern Bengaluru including New Bel Road, Yelahanka Circle, Nagawara, and Allalasandra, as commuters dealt with long delays and flooded roads.

5. Former President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, his office confirmed Sunday. Doctors reported a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating metastasis to the bones, but added that the cancer appears hormone-sensitive, offering some treatment hope. Biden, who left office in January, is undergoing evaluations for further management. Global leaders, including Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed their support. Biden's diagnosis adds a personal and public health dimension to the global conversation on cancer awareness.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the domestic defence technology used in Operation Sindoor. He talks about the role played by these indigenously created technologies and how they helped make the operation a success.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Parthasarthi Biswas about the 3 fold challenge being faced by Maharashtra during its Rabi harvest season - heat, unseasonal rain and a shortage of labour and how this presents a larger agricultural challenge.  (14:27)

Lastly, we speak about the three people who have been arrested by the police on the grounds of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan. (25:18)

Hosted by Niharika Nanda
Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Ichha Sharma
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Asserting that no place in Pakistan remained safe for terrorists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told soldiers at the Adampur air base in Punjab that India’s drones, and missiles gave sleepless nights to Pakistan. His speech came a day after his first public address since India launched Operation Sindoor. PM Modi also reiterated the new 3-point doctrine he had unveiled a day earlier, including that New Delhi will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail. During his early morning visit to Adampur, the Prime Minister hailed the Indian Air Force personnel, saying that they made every Indian proud, and had created history. Modi got briefed by the Air Force personnel on the situation, and also interacted with jawans. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a key briefing with military chiefs on Tuesday, with the CDS, Army Chief, Navy Chief, Vice Air Chief and Defence Secretary in attendance.

India’s Operation Sindoor precision strikes destroyed nearly 20% of Pakistan Air Force infrastructure and multiple fighter jets, official sources said Tuesday. The strikes targeted key bases like Sargodha and Bholari, which housed F-16s and JF-17s, in retaliation to Pakistani drone and missile attacks. Over 50 people, including Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf, were killed in Bholari. India also hit ammunition depots and several other airbases across Pakistan. Satellite imagery confirmed major damage. The strikes mark a significant strategic and psychological blow to Pakistan’s military capabilities.

In a verdict six years in the making, the Mahila Court in Coimbatore on Tuesday convicted all nine accused in the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case and awarded them life imprisonment. The nine men were found guilty of multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, gangrape, and extortion. The incident, which came out just weeks before the 2019 general elections, led to Tamil Nadu’s then ruling AIADMK getting politically cornered with allegations of inaction and links to the accused. 

President Droupadi Murmu has sought the Supreme Court’s opinion under Article 143(1) on whether timelines can be legally imposed on the President and Governors for acting on state Bills. This comes after the Court, in April, set a three-month deadline for the President to act on Bills referred by Governors, despite no such timeline existing in Article 201 of the Constitution. The Court stated that delays beyond this period must be explained to the concerned state. The President now seeks clarity on whether these directives are justiciable.

Following India’s move to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has shown willingness for talks for the first time. Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza has reportedly responded to India’s notification and offered to discuss New Delhi’s specific objections. India’s decision came in response to the attack, which heightened diplomatic tensions. The IWT, signed in 1960, governs water sharing between the two nations. Pakistan’s response marks a rare shift, potentially opening the door to dialogue amid ongoing hostilities.

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt about the growing concerns around autism research and treatment in the US and how this rhetoric might affect other countries, including India.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Pavneet Singh Chadha about a new fact-finding report on the recent Goa temple stampede that killed six and injured over 100 which was "entirely preventable". (17:10)

And in the end, we take a closer look at President Droupadi Murmu’s decision to refer a set of constitutional questions about a recent ruling to the Supreme Court. (27:04)

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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 15th of May and here are the headlines.

President Droupadi Murmu has sought the Supreme Court’s opinion under Article 143(1) on whether timelines can be legally imposed on the President and Governors for acting on state Bills. This comes after the Court, in April, set a three-month deadline for the President to act on Bills referred by Governors, despite no such timeline existing in Article 201 of the Constitution. The Court stated that delays beyond this period must be explained to the concerned state. The President now seeks clarity on whether these directives are justiciable.

The Supreme Court declined immediate relief to Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over a plea challenging the FIR ordered against him for comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Chief Justice B R Gavai stressed that ministers must act responsibly, stating that public officials must uphold constitutional values, especially during sensitive times. The Court will hear the case on Friday. Shah’s remarks allegedly demeaned Colonel Qureshi, a key figure during the India-Pakistan military standoff. The court emphasized that words from ministers carry weight and must be chosen with care.

Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered a court-monitored investigation against Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah over remarks he made about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The court criticized the FIR filed by Indore police as unconvincing and directed stricter oversight. Shah had referred to Colonel Qureshi as a "sister of terrorists," linking her to the Pahalgam attack—remarks the court called “cancerous and dangerous.” The court had earlier directed police to register the FIR by Wednesday evening. Shah's statements have triggered major backlash and legal scrutiny over their inflammatory nature.

Following India’s move to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has shown willingness for talks for the first time. Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza has reportedly responded to India’s notification and offered to discuss New Delhi’s specific objections. India’s decision came in response to the attack, which heightened diplomatic tensions. The IWT, signed in 1960, governs water sharing between the two nations. Pakistan’s response marks a rare shift, potentially opening the door to dialogue amid ongoing hostilities.

US President Donald Trump said he asked Apple CEO Tim Cook to stop building factories in India, criticizing Apple’s shift away from China. Speaking during a visit to Qatar, Trump said Cook agreed to increase production in the US instead. He also called out India’s high tariffs, though noted the country may lower them to ease trade. Apple had planned to import most US-bound iPhones from India by next year, but Trump’s remarks may disrupt that move. Currently, Apple manufactures most iPhones in China and none in the United States.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Udit Misra about the IMF’s recent decision to release $1 billion to Pakistan amid ongoing India–Pakistan tensions and why this move has raised concerns.

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Arun Sharma about a new threat faced by residents of Jammu and Kashmir’s border villages, unexploded munitions, and what the authorities are doing to address the danger. (14:10)

In the end, we break down what India has officially revealed about the scale and impact of Operation Sindoor and the return of a BSF jawan who had crossed the border during the crisis. (21:55)

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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 14th of May and here are the headlines.

BSF jawan Poornam Kumar Shaw, who accidentally crossed into Pakistan during a patrol on April 23 near Punjab’s Ferozepur sector, was handed back to India on Wednesday morning via the Attari Joint Check Post. A resident of West Bengal, Shaw was in Pakistani custody for 21 days, during a time of heightened border tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The 73rd battalion of the BSF is deployed in the area. His return marks a resolution to the cross-border incident that had drawn national concern.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar clarified on Tuesday night that no merger discussions have taken place between his faction and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Speaking at a weekly party meeting in Mumbai, Ajit Pawar addressed his legislators directly, urging them not to believe merger rumors. He emphasized transparency and assured them there was no confusion on his stance. The clarification comes amid growing speculation about reunification, which has sparked political buzz ahead of upcoming elections in Maharashtra.

India’s Operation Sindoor precision strikes destroyed nearly 20% of Pakistan Air Force infrastructure and multiple fighter jets, official sources said Tuesday. The strikes targeted key bases like Sargodha and Bholari, which housed F-16s and JF-17s, in retaliation to Pakistani drone and missile attacks. Over 50 people, including Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf, were killed in Bholari. India also hit ammunition depots and several other airbases across Pakistan. Satellite imagery confirmed major damage. The strikes mark a significant strategic and psychological blow to Pakistan’s military capabilities.

US President Donald Trump met Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh after unexpectedly lifting all sanctions on Syria’s Islamist-led government. The move, revealed Wednesday, represents a sharp turn in US foreign policy. Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who ousted Assad and later renounced extremism, has led Syria since December. The meeting occurred during Trump’s Gulf tour, which also included $600 billion in Saudi investment pledges and $142 billion in arms deals. The shift has drawn criticism from Israel and US officials concerned about Sharaa’s militant past.

At least 48 people, including 22 children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Jabaliya in northern Gaza between Tuesday night and early Wednesday. Hospitals, including the Indonesian Hospital, reported high casualties from strikes that hit residential zones. The attacks followed the release of an Israeli-American hostage by Hamas, briefly raising hopes of de-escalation. Israel had issued evacuation warnings, citing Hamas military targets in the area. However, many civilians remained. The Israeli military declined to comment. The strikes have intensified international concerns about rising civilian casualties in Gaza.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Legal Affairs Editor Apurva Vishwanath about the Justice Yashwant Varma case. She shares how allegations against him regarding the half burnt wads of cash found at his residence have been found to be true and everything that has happened since.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sandip G about Virat Kohli announcing his retirement from test cricket. The conversation explores the highlights of his career, his captaincy years, and the legacy he leaves behind. (10:43)

Lastly, we speak about BJP’s 11 day long Tiranga Yatra that started yesterday. (24:07)

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