3 Things

The UN Security Council held a closed-door consultation Monday to discuss rising India-Pakistan tensions after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. The meeting, initiated by Greece and requested by Pakistan, saw calls for de-escalation and “tough questions” reportedly posed to Islamabad. Though no official statement was issued, Pakistan claimed its goals were “largely served.” UN official Khaled Khiari briefed members on the volatile situation and emphasized dialogue and peaceful resolution. The UNSC's 15 members discussed the issue amid growing concern over regional stability following the deadly attack.

The Indian Army on Tuesday apprehended a Pakistani national near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch’s Chakkan Da Bagh area, amid surging India-Pakistan tensions. Army officials said the man is under interrogation. His capture follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and a local, triggering frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan across the LoC. The Indian Army has responded with retaliatory fire as border hostilities intensify. Military officials say heightened vigilance continues along the volatile frontier, which has seen firing in multiple sectors over the past few days.

Amid fears of an Indian military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Centre on Monday instructed northern and western states and Union Territories to test civil defence readiness. The Ministry of Home Affairs directed mock drills for May 7 across J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. States were asked to activate air raid sirens, implement blackout protocols, train civilians in safety drills, and practice evacuation plans. The alert comes as cross-border tensions spike and India braces for possible retaliation, with the Line of Control witnessing daily ceasefire violations since the attack.

The Supreme Court warned Indraprastha Apollo Hospital on March 25 that AIIMS may take over its management if it continues to violate land lease terms requiring free treatment for poor patients. Over 12 years, Apollo reportedly allocated only 17% of its mandated Economically Weaker Section (EWS) beds, with some years as low as 12%. The court’s rebuke follows a review of internal records revealing chronic underperformance. The hospital was granted land at concessional rates with the condition of providing EWS care, a commitment it now risks losing if non-compliance continues.

The Trump administration has introduced a controversial new policy encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily. According to The New York Times, migrants will be offered $1,000 and a plane ticket home if they choose to self-deport. Payment is issued after departure is verified through the CBP Home app. Officials claim the policy will reduce deportation costs, which typically involve locating, detaining, and flying individuals out via government resources. The policy is being framed as a cost-saving measure amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and border control.

First, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy discusses India's second set of measures against Pakistan as part of its diplomatic offensive in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Sophiya Matthew about the alarming sharp hike in school fees across cities and Delhi's recent major pushback ahead of the protests. (12:07)

Lastly, we talk about escalating tensions in Israel-Gaza war, where Israel’s military campaign intensifies. (27:28)

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Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava, 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 5th of May and here are the headlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Monday, following a briefing by Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on India’s military preparedness after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The meeting focused on potential retaliatory measures against Pakistan. Additionally, the UN Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting regarding the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan calling for an emergency session. India has already taken actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrading diplomatic ties.

Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing across eight forward sectors along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, violating ceasefire agreements. This marks the 11th consecutive night of such violations, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The unprovoked firing has been widespread, with violations now affecting multiple sectors along the LoC, a shift from past occurrences, which typically focused on southern Pir Panjal. India retaliated to protect its borders and maintain peace in the region amidst rising tensions with Pakistan.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir discovered a militant hideout in the border district of Poonch on Monday. During a search operation in the Surankote forest area, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group recovered five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two wireless sets. The search followed intelligence reports. The IEDs, weighing between 0.5 kg and 5 kg, were destroyed in a controlled explosion at the site. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to neutralize militant threats in the region, especially amid rising tensions with Pakistan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the Pahalgam terror attack during a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. He expressed deep condolences for the victims and reiterated Russia’s full support for India’s fight against terrorism. Putin emphasized that the perpetrators and their supporters must be brought to justice. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Additionally, Modi extended greetings to Putin on Russia’s 80th Victory Day anniversary, highlighting the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations.

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

First. The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak discusses the BJP-led central government's step to include caste data in India’s national census and what does it mean for the Congress and the INDIA bloc.

Second, we talk to the Indian Express' Kanchan Vasdev who talks about the tensions between Punjab and Haryana over a directive to release an additional water to Haryana. (15:42)

Lastly, we discuss Air India’s move to suspend flights to Israel prompted by rising instability in the region. (27:24)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written 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 Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 2nd of May and here are the headlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the second Cabinet Committee on Security meeting following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed at least 26 people. Key ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S. Jaishankar attended. Modi also led meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs and the Cabinet Economic Affairs Committee. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and emphasized that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice.

Additionally, Pakistan violated the ceasefire for the seventh consecutive night, firing across the Line of Control in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded in a controlled and measured manner. The ongoing violations come amid heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. On Tuesday, the DGMOs of both countries held a hotline discussion, during which India warned Pakistan about repeated unprovoked ceasefire breaches. The situation remains volatile as Pakistan continues to provoke along both the LoC and the International Border.

The next decennial Census of India is set to break new ground by including a detailed enumeration of caste—something that hasn’t been attempted since the British-era census of 1931. With the Centre indicating its willingness to capture OBC data, this marks a significant policy shift with far-reaching social and political implications. The most crucial question the government must now address — and one that will ultimately be a political call, much like the decision to enumerate caste itself — is which list to use while enumerating OBCs. In the last Census, for SCs and STs, the proforma relied on the official lists notified under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. These lists — currently comprising 1,170 castes under SC and 890 communities under ST — are periodically updated through amendments passed by Parliament.

Communal tensions erupted in Nainital, Uttarakhand, after the family of a minor girl filed a rape complaint against a 65-year-old contractor, Usman. The incident allegedly occurred on April 12. The accused was arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act. That night, mobs vandalized shops and eateries belonging to the minority community and protested outside a mosque and police station. Videos show shop staff being slapped. Police confirmed the situation is under control, but the incident has inflamed already sensitive communal sentiments in the area.

The United States and Ukraine signed a major agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves, including titanium, lithium, and uranium. Known as the U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, the deal aims to boost Ukraine’s post-war recovery while attracting global investors. The pact also sends a strong message to Russia, showing the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the fund represents a long-term partnership focused on rebuilding Ukraine as a free and prosperous nation.

This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Aishwarya Raj about the threats that Kashmiris have been facing across the country since the Pahalgam attack, and especially in Uttarakhand where two Kashmiri shawl sellers were assaulted by locals, and students were heckled and harassed.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about India not only stepping up security and intensifying its efforts to track down the terrorists, but also launching a strong diplomatic offensive against Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack. He shares how New Delhi is actively engaging with its strategic partners, seeking support and pushing for strong international condemnation of the attack. (11:29)

Lastly, we speak about the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited, a seaport project that is providing employment to the local fisherman community of Kerala. (21:56)

Produced and Hosted 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 1st of May and here are the headlines.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and emphasized that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice. Rubio expressed sorrow over the attack and reaffirmed U.S. support in combating terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in South Asia. The U.S. had earlier condemned the attack, with officials reiterating their commitment to cooperation with India in counterterrorism efforts.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire for the seventh consecutive night, firing across the Line of Control in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded in a controlled and measured manner. The ongoing violations come amid heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. On Tuesday, the DGMOs of both countries held a hotline discussion, during which India warned Pakistan about repeated unprovoked ceasefire breaches. The situation remains volatile as Pakistan continues to provoke along both the LoC and the International Border.

3. Supreme Court Rejects Judicial Probe Plea
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined a plea seeking a judicial probe by a retired judge into the Pahalgam terror attack. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. K. Singh said this was not the time to make demands that could demoralize security forces. They stressed that judges are meant to resolve legal disputes, not investigate terror incidents. The Public Interest Litigation had also requested the formation of a judicial commission. The court, however, emphasized national unity during this “crucial hour” of fighting terrorism.

Communal tensions erupted in Nainital, Uttarakhand, after the family of a minor girl filed a rape complaint against a 65-year-old contractor, Usman. The incident allegedly occurred on April 12. The accused was arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act. That night, mobs vandalized shops and eateries belonging to the minority community and protested outside a mosque and police station. Videos show shop staff being slapped. Police confirmed the situation is under control, but the incident has inflamed already sensitive communal sentiments in the area.

The United States and Ukraine signed a major agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves, including titanium, lithium, and uranium. Known as the U.S.-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, the deal aims to boost Ukraine’s post-war recovery while attracting global investors. The pact also sends a strong message to Russia, showing the U.S. remains committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the fund represents a long-term partnership focused on rebuilding Ukraine as a free and prosperous nation.

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

First, The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary discusses the challenges being faced by the security forces after the Pahalgam terror attack and what we’ve learned so far about the attackers.

Second, we talk to The Indian Express' Omkar Gokhale about a legal case of a woman's plea for surrogacy which puts the contemporary surrogacy laws in India on the radar. (17:00)

In the end, we talk about a fire break out in Kolkata's hotel which claimed 14 lives and the probe that is underway. (26:45)

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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 30th of April and here are the headlines.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the second Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed at least 26 people. Key ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S. Jaishankar attended. Modi also led meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Economic Affairs Committee (CCEA). A cabinet briefing is scheduled for 4 PM. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army continued “unprovoked firing” across Jammu and Kashmir’s LoC for the sixth night, with the Indian Army responding proportionately, officials told PTI.


A newly constructed wall at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, collapsed early Tuesday, killing seven and injuring six. The collapse followed heavy rain and occurred during the Akshaya Tritiya festival, with crowds gathering from 4 AM. Officials said the wall gave way when people leaned on it near a ticket counter. Home Minister V Anita noted the toll could have been higher if many hadn’t stepped back after noticing the wall weakening. The structure had been built recently near the temple’s special entrance staircase.


The Supreme Court, citing the right to digital access as part of life and liberty, ordered changes to digital KYC norms to aid people with vision impairment and acid attack survivors. The ruling came from Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan in response to two writ petitions. The court directed authorities to revise KYC procedures to ensure accessibility and inclusion for those with visual disabilities, emphasizing that digital rights must be inclusive. The decision marks a step toward equitable access to essential digital identification systems in India.


The Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch filed an FIR against former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and former PWD Minister Satyendar Jain over alleged corruption in constructing 12,748 classrooms during AAP’s rule. The scam is reportedly worth Rs 2,000 crore. ACB chief Madhur Verma confirmed the FIR, stating major cost escalations, delays, and deviations were observed. None of the works were completed on time. Officials alleged the contracts were awarded to parties close to the AAP. The investigation highlights serious irregularities in infrastructure development under the previous administration.


Former US President Donald Trump held a rally in Warren, Michigan, to mark 100 days since returning to office. Addressing a large crowd, he celebrated what he called major economic achievements and attacked Democrats, especially Joe Biden, over immigration. Trump said he missed the campaign trail and used the Michigan rally—his first major public event since January 20—to reignite his base. The location was symbolic, being a center of the auto industry, where Trump emphasized jobs, the economy, and America-first policies during his address.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Brendan Dabhi about a crackdown on illegal immigrants from Bangladesh as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He shares how around 890 residents were rounded up by the Ahmedabad City Police from a settlement near Chandola Lake and subjected to identity checks.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Hamza Khan about former BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja who was expelled by the party recently because he 'purified' a temple after the leader of opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly visited it. (11:31

Lastly, we speak about the Jammu and Kashmir government shutting down certain tourist destinations due to security concerns. (21:51)

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