3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 29th of April and here are today's headlines.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has closed nearly 50 tourist destinations and trekking routes in the Valley following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Citing inadequate security, popular sites like Gurez Valley, Bangus, Verinag, Yusmarg, and Dodapathri are now off-limits to tourists. The decision comes after an attack last Tuesday left 25 tourists and one local dead. Authorities said the closures are temporary and based solely on tourist safety. Destinations with adequate security, including parts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg, remain open, though movement within them will be closely monitored.

India lashed out at Pakistan at the UN over the recent Pahalgam attack, citing Defence Minister Khwaja Asif’s public admission of supporting terror groups. Speaking at the launch of VoTAN, Ambassador Yojna Patel criticized Pakistan for using the UN platform for baseless propaganda. She pointed to Asif’s TV confession as further evidence of Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. Patel called Pakistan a “rogue state” that fuels global instability and urged the global community to stop turning a blind eye to its actions, especially in light of recent attacks targeting Indian civilians.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Modi to convene a special Parliament session to address the Pahalgam terror attack. In a letter, Kharge said the move would show united political resolve against terrorism. Meanwhile, ceasefire violations along the LoC continued for the fifth straight night, with Pakistan extending unprovoked fire from Kupwara and Baramulla to Poonch and Akhnoor. The Congress call and border flare-ups come amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, following the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, including 25 tourists.

The Supreme Court said there’s nothing inherently wrong with a country using spyware for national security, but the key issue is against whom it's used. Justice Surya Kant made the remark while hearing petitions linked to the 2021 Pegasus spyware controversy. Petitioners alleged the Israeli-made surveillance tool was used on journalists, politicians, and activists. Senior Advocate Dinesh Dwivedi argued that even if phones weren’t hacked, the government’s possession of such spyware raises serious concerns. The case continues to raise critical questions about privacy and the limits of state surveillance in a democracy.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party won Canada’s federal election but fell short of a clear majority, needing 172 of 343 seats. The campaign, shadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation remarks and trade tension, ended with Carney needing coalition support to govern. India’s PM Narendra Modi congratulated Carney on X, reaffirming strong ties rooted in democracy and rule of law. With a minority mandate, Carney faces challenges in pushing reforms through Parliament, setting the stage for complex political negotiations in the days ahead.

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

First, we speak to the Indian Express' Diplomatic Affaris Editor Shubhajit Roy about the resumption of the Yatra after a five-year gap, a significant step toward normalizing India-China ties since the 2020 border standoff.

Second, The Indian Express Nikhila Henry talks about why Rahul Gandhi is pushing for a new anti-discrimination law, Rohith Vemula Act, in the Congress ruled states. (12:04)

In the end, we discuss the Indian government's crackdown on Pakistani YouTube channels in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. (19:40)

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 28th of April and here are today's headlines.

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire for the fourth time on Sunday night, resorting to "unprovoked" firing across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara and Poonch districts. According to Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal, the firing occurred between April 27-28, 2025, initiated by Pakistan Army posts. Indian troops responded promptly and effectively. Thankfully, there were no casualties, and further details are being verified. The firing follows a recent Brigade Commander meeting on April 10, highlighting ongoing tensions along the LoC.

The Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major outlets like Dawn News and Geo News, for spreading provocative and misleading content following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommended the ban after the attack, which claimed 26 lives. These channels, with a collective 63.08 million followers, were found disseminating false narratives against India. Additionally, India strongly protested the BBC India referring to terrorists as "militants," signaling heightened scrutiny of media reporting amid rising tensions.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly convened a special session, adopting a resolution condemning attempts to disrupt communal harmony. Moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, the three-page resolution emphasized defeating those aiming to destabilize the region. It called the attack a direct assault on Kashmiriyat, India’s constitutional values, and national unity. The resolution also cautioned the media and society against being manipulated by those inflaming public emotions through inflammatory rhetoric.
Jammu & Kashmir CM Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people on April 22. In a heartfelt speech during the special session of the assembly, Abdullah expressed deep regret, calling the attack the largest in Baisaran in 21 years. He acknowledged his failure to protect the tourists and apologized to the victims’ families. “As the host, it was my responsibility to ensure their safety, and I couldn’t,” he said, expressing sorrow for the tragic loss of lives in his region.

The United States has expressed concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. In a statement, a US State Department spokesperson urged both nations to work toward a “responsible solution” to the evolving situation. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 people and wounded several others. While condemning the attack, the US affirmed solidarity with India but refrained from directly criticizing Pakistan, maintaining diplomatic engagement with both governments.

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 Indus Waters Treaty which was put on hold by India a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. In this segment, Amitabh talks about the treaty, the significance that it holds and what this means for both the countries.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Dheeraj Mishra about the upcoming Rishikesh - Karnaprayag railway line. He shares what makes this railway line stand out, talks about an important milestone and how it will improve the economy and tourism of certain remote areas in Uttarakhand. (16:40)

Lastly, we speak about the central government’s decision to revoke visas of Pakistan nationals residing in India. (25:22)

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

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I am Ichha SHarma
Today is the 25 th of April and here are the headlines

At least 25 tourists and a Valley resident were shot dead on Tuesday at a meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in the deadliest terror attack on civilians in the country since the Mumbai 26/11 shootings. On Wednesday, India put on hold the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelled diplomats and top defence officials from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, cancelled all visas granted to Pakistan nationals and directed them to leave the country in 48 hours, and shut the Attari-Wagah border after Resistance Front (TRF) is an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Meanwhile, yesterday Islamabad said it “shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.” The reaction from Pakistan came after the country’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee. 

In the first high-level visit from the White House since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January, US Vice-President J D Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and both sides “welcomed the significant progress” in negotiations towards a India-US bilateral trade pact, framing it as a “new and modern trade agreement.” Vance on Tuesday praised India’s heritage and strategic partnership with the US, saying, “I believe there is much that the US and India can accomplish together.” Speaking in Jaipur, he noted that both nations are working toward a bilateral trade agreement based on shared priorities. Referring to past policies, Vance said, “We are not here to preach,” and highlighted President Trump’s vision to “rebalance global trade” and “build a bright new world” with partners like India.

Pope Francis passed away after prolonged illness in Rome today, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo announced, quote  “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” unquote.  Pope Francis was hospitalised on 14th February, following complications from bronchitis and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia four days later. He spent over a month in medical care before returning to his residence to continue his recovery.

After the recent Supreme Court order which annulled the appointments of over 25,000 West Bengal school staff but said that “untainted” teachers could remain in service until 31st of December this year, confusion had remained as to who the “untainted” teachers are. Now, a district-wise list of “untainted” teachers of Classes IX-X and XI-XII has reached the offices of District Inspectors (DIs) of schools. A verification process has begun. The SC had found that the 2016 recruitment process by the SSC was “tainted”. School headmasters have been asked to submit a list of their teachers’ names, designations, subjects they teach, transfer histories, and confirmations that the names are in the “untainted” list.

A wildfire in New Jersey has forced residents to evacuate the area and shut down a stretch of a major highway on Tuesday as the wildfire grew to more than 3,200 acres, officials said. One of the busiest highways in New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway, saw closures due to the spread of wildfire and the stretch between Barnegat and Lacey townships was closed and the traffic was diverted, Associated Press reported. According to New Jersey Forest Fire Service, over 3,000 residents have been evacuated from the area of the Jones Road Fire in Ocean County and about 1,320 structures remain threatened. The fire service added that 5% of the wildfire has been contained till now.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary about the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India's strict measures in response to it. He also shares the reaction that has been received from Pakistan and how all this will impact the ties between the two nations.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about the Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre set up by the Central University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, to study how clouds form and turn into rain. (12:04)

And lastly, we talk about a series of devastating air attacks launched by Russia on Ukraine and US President Trump’s reaction to it. (26:10)

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

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I am Ichha SHarma
Today is the 24 th of APril and here are the headlines

A day after India took several diplomatic measures against Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack, Islamabad said today it “shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.” On Wednesday, India put on hold the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan, expelled diplomats and top defence officials from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, cancelled all visas granted to Pakistan nationals and directed them to leave the country in 48 hours, and shut the Attari-Wagah border. The reaction from Pakistan came after the country’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee.

Months before elections in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today quickly switched to English in the middle of his speech in Madhubani to promise stringent action against the terrorists and the “backers” involved in the attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The PM’s switch to English in a speech largely focused on the state was meant to address the world, promising that the government would “identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers”, and thanking all nations who stood with India at this time of grief. Modi also made a pitch for national integration beyond linguistic boundaries — the linguistic divide has been in the news for some time now — underlining that those who lost their lives spoke different Indian languages and belonged to different states and that the nation stood firm with all of them.

Following a threat video by the Hindu Raksha Dal demanding that Kashmiri Muslims leave Uttarakhand on Wednesday, Dehradun police say they have amped up security and taken down 25 “inciting posts” from social media. A video has gone viral on social media in which Lalit Sharma, a Hindu Raksha Dal leader, says, “The incident in Pahalgam has hurt us… If we see any Kashmiri Muslim in the state after 10 am tomorrow, we will give them the right treatment.”A student at Doon PG College told The Indian Express that at least five students have left for the airport.

After the recent Supreme Court order which annulled the appointments of over 25,000 West Bengal school staff but said that “untainted” teachers could remain in service until 31st of December this year, confusion had remained as to who the “untainted” teachers are. Now, a district-wise list of “untainted” teachers of Classes IX-X and XI-XII has reached the offices of District Inspectors (DIs) of schools. A verification process has begun. The SC had found that the 2016 recruitment process by the SSC was “tainted”. School headmasters have been asked to submit a list of their teachers’ names, designations, subjects they teach, transfer histories, and confirmations that the names are in the “untainted” list.

US President Donald Trump responded today to the overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Kyiv, saying he is “not happy,” and asked President Vladimir Putin to ‘stop’. Trump wrote in a social media post quote “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,” unquote,  a day after expressing frustration that it was Ukraine’s leader who was hampering peace talks on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine does not “see strong pressure on Russia now” nor new sanctions against Moscow, despite its unwillingness to progress the talks.

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Naveed Iqbal who breaks down the events leading up to terror attack in Pahalgam, and the larger security implications for the Valley. 

Next, we speak to The Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar about the status of India’s cheetah relocation project, what are the logistical hurdles involved, and what this shift means for Project Cheetah. (09:01)

And in the end, we talk about the Supreme Court’s ultimatum to Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji in a high-profile money laundering case, and what it could mean for his future in public office. (19:05)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha Sharma
Edited and Mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I am Ichha SHarma
It is the 23rd of April and here are today’s headlines.

Expressing anguish over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed at least 26 people, Union Minister Amit Shah on X said, quote “Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared. With a heavy heart, pay last respects to the deceased.” unquote. Shah also met the survivors and assured them that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be brought to justice. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for each deceased’s family; Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh for injured victims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a key meeting with the Cabinet Committee on Security in the first half of the day, wherein India will formulate its response and defence strategy.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khwaja Asif claimed today that they have nothing to do with the incident in which at least 25 tourists were killed and several others were injured. Indian officials, however, are not convinced by Pakistan’s denial since the initial probe has suggested the presence of foreigners as part of the group of militants who opened fire at the civilians. At least 25 tourists and a Valley resident were shot dead Tuesday at a meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in the deadliest terror attack on civilians in the country since the Mumbai 26/11 shootings. Asif told a Pakistan TV channel about the Pahalgam attack. “We have absolutely nothing to do with it. We reject terrorism in all its forms and everywhere.” 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation last week demolished most of the Digambar Jain temple in Vile Parle in the city’s western suburbs, triggering outrage and protests among members of the community, as well as politicians across parties. Under pressure, the civic administration transferred the assistant municipal commissioner in charge of the BMC’s K/East ward office, which had carried out the demolition. Civic and court records accessed and evaluated by The Indian Express show that the first notice for demolishing the allegedly illegal structure was issued to the temple trust back in 2005. Since then, the BMC made nine attempts to raze the alleged illegal structure – and finally carried out the action on April 16.

Amid its ongoing crusade against drugs, Punjab has become the first state in the country to ban energy drinks in and around schools to keep the children away from caffeine addiction. A notification to this effect was issued by the government on Tuesday, banning the sale of energy drinks in school canteens and outside school premises. The notification, issued by Dilraj Singh Sandhawalia, Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Punjab, states that it is “just and necessary” to prohibit the consumption of caffeinated energy drinks by children. The notification says that energy drinks are heavily marketed to children and young adults and others and manufacturers compare the effects of the drinks to the use of drugs like cocaine.

A wildfire in New Jersey has forced residents to evacuate the area and shut down a stretch of a major highway on Tuesday as the wildfire grew to more than 3,200 acres, officials said. One of the busiest highways in New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway, saw closures due to the spread of wildfire and the stretch between Barnegat and Lacey townships was closed and the traffic was diverted, Associated Press reported. According to New Jersey Forest Fire Service, over 3,000 residents have been evacuated from the area of the Jones Road Fire in Ocean County and about 1,320 structures remain threatened. The fire service added that 5% of the wildfire has been contained till now.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about US Vice President JD Vance's visit to India and what it means for the Indo-US ties, especially in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's tariff regime.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Nayonika Bose about an Olive Ridley turtle that took a remarkable journey and travelled 4500kms, all the way from India's east to west coast. (15:05)

And lastly, we talk about the Maharashtra School Education Department announcing that Hindi will no longer be a mandatory third language. (24:24)

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