3 Things

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I am Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 22nd of April and here are today’s headlines.

En route to Jeddah today for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the nation as “one of India’s most valued partners — a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally”. He also said that the partnership between the two countries has “limitless potential”. Modi is set to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tonight, where both leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in an array of crucial areas, such as energy, defence and trade, besides expediting Riyadh’s $100 billion investment plan for India. Besides bilateral ties, the two leaders will also exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including the overall situation in West Asia.

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 today 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. 

At least eight people, including tourists, were injured in a suspected militant attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam today. Sources said two of the injured are critical. According to sources, militants opened fire on tourists at Baisaran, an off-the-road meadow in Pahalgam. Baisaran is a popular destination among tourists. Police sources said that at least eight people, including tourists, were injured in the shootout. Police sources said the number of injured could increase.

A few days after warning against judicial overreach, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasised today that Parliament is supreme, and elected representatives are the final arbiters of the Constitution. Addressing a gathering at an event called ‘Kartavyam’ in Delhi University, marking 75 years of the Constitution, Dhankhar said, “There is no visualisation in Constitution of any authority above Parliament… elected representatives… They are the ultimate masters as to what (the) Constitution content will be.” He referred to Indira Gandhi’s imposition of the Emergency in 1975 and her electoral defeat in 1977 to underscore how elected representatives are most accountable to the public.

Gold prices are glittering above the Rs 1 lakh-level per 10 gm for the first time as the international prices surged after US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to overhaul the Federal Reserve. Gold consolidated its position as the best safe haven asset in the volatile global financial markets. The price of 24-karat gold (999 fineness) was quoted at Rs 1,00,000 per 10 gm in the Mumbai bullion market today. The price of 22 karat gold was quoted at Rs 91,600 per 10 gm on Tuesday as global markets continued to remain jittery over the Trump’s tariff plans and his threat to revamp the US Fed that could lead to a spike in inflation and interest rates.

US President Donald Trump is facing a significant dip in his economic approval ratings, with his performance on the economy registering the lowest numbers of his presidency. According to the latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey, broad discontent over issues like tariffs, inflation, and government spending has contributed to this decline. The surge of economic optimism that followed Trump’s election in 2024 has all but disappeared, with more Americans now predicting that the economy will worsen, a stark shift from the hopeful outlook that marked earlier years. The survey revealed a sharp turn towards pessimism about the stock market as well, with many feeling uncertain about future economic prospects.

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

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Harikishan Sharma about the status of the Jal Jeevan Mission, a plan to provide tap connections to rural households and its implications.
Next, The Indian Express' Pragynesh talks about the Delhi building collapse which claimed 11 lives. (13:50)

Lastly, we remember Pope Francis' papacy that began in March 2013 and came to an end on April 21. (24:51)

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

This is is the catch up on 3things by The Indian express and I am Niharika Nanda.
Today is the 21st of April and here are today’s headlines

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the policies that his government is working on are going to shape the future of the next 1,000 years. Addressing an event organised on the occasion of Civil Services Day, Modi said the holistic development of India means no village, no family and no citizen is left behind. He said quote “The policies we are working on today and the decisions we are making are going to shape the future of the next 1,000 years,” unquote.

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.

Police in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district arrested two people allegedly involved in the killing of the father-son duo in neighbouring West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during the violence over the Waqf law. The two arrested persons are Bani Israel and Sefaul Haque, residents of Sulitala village under Samserganj police station area of Murshidabad district. On April 11, Hargobindo Das (72) and Chandan Das (40), were allegedly hacked to death in Samserganj block of Murshidabad district.

Today, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that ISRO successfully performed the second docking of satellites as part of its Spadex missions. He said more experiments are planned in the next two weeks. The PSLV-C60 / Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission was successfully launched on 30th December 2024. Thereafter the satellites were docked for the first time on 16th January, 16 and successfully undocked on 13th March.

China has warned that it would take “resolute and reciprocal” countermeasures against countries that strike trade deals with the United States at the expense of Chinese interests, in the latest escalation of tensions between the world’s two largest economies.  The warning came from China’s Ministry of Commerce in response to reports that the Trump administration is pressuring nations seeking tariff relief from the US to reduce trade ties with China.  the ministry said in a statement that China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests.

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

First, The Indian Express Deeptiman Tiwary discusses Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the Punjab National Bank loan fraud, was arrested in Belgium.

Second, we talk to The Indian Express' Vidheesha Kuntamalla about the frequent US visa revocations of the Indian students and its implications. (10:59)

Lastly, we speak about why BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is again at the center of a controversy. (18:55)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
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 Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 18th of April and here are this week’s headlines.

Fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request by India, according to sources. Choksi is wanted by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. He had been residing in Antwerp on a residency card after previously living in Antigua and Barbuda. Earlier this year, India, via the Ministry of External Affairs, formally requested Belgium to extradite him. Choksi’s wife, Preeti, holds Belgian citizenship, and the legal process for extradition is now underway.

The Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case. Special Judge Vishal Gogne reviewed the chargesheet on April 9 to consider cognisance and scheduled further proceedings for April 25. Other individuals named include senior Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. The case, which has long been politically contentious, involves allegations of financial irregularities linked to the now-defunct National Herald newspaper, formerly owned by Congress-linked entities. The ED’s action intensifies legal scrutiny on the Gandhi family and Congress leadership.

The Supreme Court strongly criticized the recent violence linked to amendments in the Waqf Act. During a hearing on related petitions, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna remarked that the unrest was "very disturbing" and stressed the matter is now under judicial review. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta agreed, warning of a growing trend to pressure legal institutions. The three-judge bench’s focus was both on assessing the legality of the amendments and addressing the troubling nationwide unrest, which has sparked political and public concern amid ongoing legal deliberations.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has formally recommended Justice B R Gavai as his successor in a letter to the Union Law Ministry. Once approved, Justice Gavai, currently the second-most senior judge in the Supreme Court, will become India’s 52nd Chief Justice. Elevated to the top court in May 2019, Justice Gavai, now 64, will assume office following Justice Khanna’s retirement on May 13, 2025. His tenure is expected to last until November 23, the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court judges being 65 years.

In a dramatic escalation of the U.S.–China trade war, the Trump administration has imposed 245% tariffs on all Chinese imports. The announcement, made via a late-night White House fact sheet, came after Beijing retaliated against earlier U.S. tariffs, sparking global market jitters. Citing unfair taxation by foreign nations, Trump had previously levied 10% tariffs on all such countries, which were later paused to encourage trade talks. The revived tariff blitz, unveiled on Liberation Day, underscores rising tensions and signals a hardened U.S. trade stance under Trump’s leadership.

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

First, The Indian Express' Varinder Bhatia discusses the Robert Vadra and DLF land case amid ED's recent summons.

Second, we talk to The Indian Express Nikhila Henry about Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi being at the center of another controversy. (11:25)

Lastly, we discuss the Assam panchayat elections' recent electoral conduct debate. (17:04)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and Written by Shashank Bhargava, 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 17th of April and here are today's headlines

The Supreme Court declined to stay changes to the Waqf law after the Centre assured no recruitment would occur in Waqf boards and councils, and that Waqf properties would not be denotified until the next hearing. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna took note of the Centre's statement. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured that a short response would be filed within seven days, and after a brief hearing, the bench set the next date for further proceedings.

The Supreme Court will examine if a Muslim individual can choose the Indian Succession Act, 1925, over Shariat law for inheritance matters. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar tagged the petition by Naushad K K, a Kerala lawyer, with a case filed by ex-Muslim Safiya PM. Safiya seeks a declaration that Muslims who renounce their faith should be governed by the Indian Succession Act instead of Muslim personal law.

In response to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir's claim that Kashmir is Pakistan's "jugular vein," India stated the only link is Pakistan’s illegal occupation of part of Kashmir, which must end. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the remark, emphasizing that Kashmir is a union territory of India. Munir had reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and defended the two-nation theory, asserting Pakistan's ongoing claim over the region.

Chinmay Deore, a 21-year-old computer science student at Wayne State University, faces deportation after US immigration authorities terminated his F-1 student visa. Deore and three other international students filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, claiming their visa terminations were unlawful. Represented by the ACLU of Michigan, they allege they were not notified in advance about the revocation, which jeopardized their education, research, and career prospects, as detailed in their complaint.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged Cambodia to resist protectionism as he concluded a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia. With US tariffs impacting both countries’ economies, Cambodia, a major exporter to the US, faces high tariffs on its goods. Xi's comments, published in Cambodian media, stressed the importance of opposing “hegemonism” and “protectionism.” He had delivered similar messages earlier during his visits to Vietnam and Malaysia, emphasizing cooperation amidst global trade challenges.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Udit Misra who discusses the impact of the Trump administration on the US' global reputation amid the geopolitical tensions.

Next, The Indian Express' Deeptiman Twary talks about ED's recent chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and the leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. (14:54)

Lastly, we talk about the Supreme Court's observations on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. (20:52)

Hosted by Shashank Bhargava
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 Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 16th of April and here are this week’s headlines.

The Supreme Court strongly criticized the recent violence linked to amendments in the Waqf Act. During a hearing on related petitions, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna remarked that the unrest was "very disturbing" and stressed the matter is now under judicial review. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta agreed, warning of a growing trend to pressure legal institutions. The three-judge bench’s focus was both on assessing the legality of the amendments and addressing the troubling nationwide unrest, which has sparked political and public concern amid ongoing legal deliberations.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has formally recommended Justice B R Gavai as his successor in a letter to the Union Law Ministry. Once approved, Justice Gavai, currently the second-most senior judge in the Supreme Court, will become India’s 52nd Chief Justice. Elevated to the top court in May 2019, Justice Gavai, now 64, will assume office following Justice Khanna’s retirement on May 13, 2025. His tenure is expected to last until November 23, 2025, the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court judges being 65 years.

NCERT defended its decision to name English textbooks after Indian classical ragas and instruments, saying the move honors the nation’s diverse musical traditions. The response came after Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty criticized the Hindi-titled books as undermining India’s federal structure and linguistic diversity. NCERT emphasized that the titles were not about imposing Hindi but reflecting shared cultural heritage. Sivankutty had argued that changing decades-old English titles was “absolutely wrong” and went against the spirit of linguistic inclusion enshrined in the Constitution.

In a dramatic escalation of the U.S.–China trade war, the Trump administration has imposed 245% tariffs on all Chinese imports. The announcement, made via a late-night White House fact sheet, came after Beijing retaliated against earlier U.S. tariffs, sparking global market jitters. Citing unfair taxation by foreign nations, Trump had previously levied 10% tariffs on all such countries, which were later paused to encourage trade talks. The revived tariff blitz, unveiled on Liberation Day, underscores rising tensions and signals a hardened U.S. trade stance under Trump’s leadership.
Harvard Rejects Trump Administration’s ‘Academic Freedom Ultimatum’

Harvard University has rejected sweeping demands from the Trump administration, which threatened to withhold federal funds unless the institution dismantled diversity programs, reformed hiring practices, and cooperated with immigration enforcement. In an April 11 letter, the government accused Harvard of tolerating antisemitism and failing to meet conditions for federal support, demanding 10 specific reforms. The move echoed previous pressure on Columbia University. Harvard, however, stood firm, defending its academic autonomy and rejecting what it saw as political coercion. The standoff highlights growing tensions between elite universities and Trump’s education policies.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Sweety Kumari about the violent protests that broke out in West Bengal's Murshidabad. Last week, protests against the Waqf Amendment Act in Murshidabad got violent, leading to three deaths. Sweety talks about what happened, the families of the deceased, and the current situation in the area.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about a new blood test developed by the doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) that may help monitor the effectiveness of cervical cancer treatment. (16:22)

And lastly, we talk about Omar Abdullah being hopeful that statehood will soon be restored for Jammu and Kashmir. (27:32)

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