3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 8th of April and here are today's headlines.

Nations are taking different stances toward US President Donald Trump’s rising tariffs. China has vowed firm retaliation, rejecting Trump’s threat of adding 50% more duties unless Beijing backs off its 34% counter-tariff. China’s Commerce Ministry pledged strong countermeasures. Japan, in contrast, is opting for diplomacy, preparing to send a trade negotiation team to Washington. Trump confirmed speaking with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba about this move. The contrast highlights a global divide — between confrontation and cautious cooperation — in response to America’s increasingly aggressive trade policies.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi’s decision to reserve 10 re-passed Bills for Presidential consideration as illegal. The court held that the Governor showed scant respect for judicial precedent and unduly delayed action. Using Article 142, the bench declared that the 10 Bills are deemed to have received assent, overriding the governor’s withholding. This rare step sends a strong message about constitutional propriety and reinforces legislative autonomy amid growing tensions between elected governments and appointed constitutional heads.

Pandemonium broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as NC members demanded discussion on the Waqf Act, which the Speaker had already dismissed through an adjournment motion. Tensions peaked when PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para approached the Well of the House, insisting he had filed a fresh resolution. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary accused the Chair of silencing opposition voices. Para was marshalled out as disorder continued, highlighting growing friction in the Assembly and the sensitivity surrounding the Waqf Act debate in the politically tense region.

Former Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik is facing internal dissent over the party’s sudden U-turn on the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. Despite long-standing opposition to the Bill, the BJD chose not to issue a voting whip, leaving the decision to individual MPs' conscience. The move triggered unrest within the party, reminiscent of a 2002 rebellion when six of its 10 Lok Sabha MPs challenged Patnaik’s leadership. With the BJD lacking Lok Sabha representation but wielding influence in the Rajya Sabha, the shift has raised eyebrows.

President Trump on Monday claimed the US and Iran are set for direct nuclear talks, but Tehran quickly clarified the dialogue would remain indirect. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed high-level indirect talks in Oman on Saturday, calling it both an “opportunity and a test.” His remarks came after Trump warned of severe consequences if the negotiations fail. Iran has previously rejected Trump’s demand for direct talks under threat of bombing. The announcement revives fragile diplomatic hopes amid deep mistrust and escalating nuclear tension.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Sweety Kumari about the Supreme Court judgement that has rendered over 25,000 government teachers and staff jobless in West Bengal.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Rural Affairs Editor Harish Damodaran about India's cotton economy that currently is in a state of crisis with this year’s output projected to be the lowest in nearly 16 years. (13:40)

Lastly, we speak about the Indian stock market taking a hit due to the tariffs imposed by the US President Donald Trump. (22:02)

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 7th of April and here are today's headlines.


Domestic benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty plummeted over 5 per cent this morning, following a sharp decline in US futures triggered by United States President Donald Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs last week. The BSE’s 30-share Sensex nosedived 5.19 per cent, dropping 3,914 points to open at 71,449.94. Meanwhile, the broader Nifty slipped 5 per cent, or 1,146.05 points, opening at 21,758.4.

How Asian markets opened? As trading resumed Monday, Asian stock markets crashed and the sell-off was widespread with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 dropping nearly 8%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 falling over 6%, and South Korea’s Kospi shedding 4.4%. Oil prices also continued their downward slide, with the US benchmark crude dropping 4 per cent. The sharp declines followed a massive meltdown on Wall Street on Friday, as Trump’s tariffs and retaliatory measures from China stoked fears of a full-blown trade war and heightened concerns over a potential global economic recession. US companies with significant exposure to China saw some of the steepest losses.


Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Monday said that he will take a call on listing petitions challenging the changes made to the waqf law. The CJI conveyed this to senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who brought up the matter before a Supreme Court bench presided by him. Sibal said that a petition had been filed by Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, a body of Muslim clerics. The CJI pointed out that a system is already in place to request listing of cases by emailing the court and said it should be followed and oral mentioning should be avoided. Sibal said he had sent the email request, following which the CJI said that he will examine it in the afternoon.

As Indian stock markets plunged 5 per cent, the Congress Monday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that both United States President Donald Trump and he are experts in causing “self-inflicted wounds” to their respective economies. The bloodbath tracking Asian markets came in the wake of concerns over escalation in trade wars following the reciprocal tariff announcements by the US. In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh wrote: “It is no wonder that Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump describe themselves as good friends. Both are experts in giving their economies self-inflicted wounds.”

Ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to citizens of 14 countries. The government will refrain from the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas until mid-June 2025, which coincides with the conclusion of Hajj. The ban comes amid efforts to manage overcrowding associated with the Hajj pilgrimage and to prevent individuals from attempting to perform Hajj without proper registration, as stated by Saudi officials. This measure aims to avert a recurrence of last year’s Hajj stampede, which resulted from extreme heat and the influx of unregistered pilgrims. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has directed authorities to enhance visa regulations. According to the revised rules, the final day to apply for an Umrah visa this year is April 13, 2025. Furthermore, no new Umrah visas will be issued until after Hajj concludes.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Vidheesha Kuntamalla who discusses the findings by the IIT Delhi committee that was formed to examine the institutional environment for students.

Next, The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha talks about what IMD has predicted for this summer, and the extent to which India is prepared for it. (11:23)

Lastly, we discuss the release of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan government amid PM Modi's recent visit to the island nation. (27:09)

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 4th of April and here are the headlines.

The Trump administration’s new tariffs on global trade partners, including a 27% duty on imports from India, will affect sectors like diamonds, smartphones, solar PV modules, and apparel. While certain products like critical minerals, energy products, and pharmaceuticals may be exempt, most of India’s top exports, including pharmaceuticals worth $8 billion, are not. Petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals could benefit, but tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unchanged. These measures could reshape trade relations with India, despite limited relief for some sectors.

After nearly 12 hours of debate in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion yesterday. BJP MPs accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam criticized the Bill as cultural vandalism, accusing the Centre of seeking excessive control over Waqf. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. The amendment now awaits a decision in the Rajya Sabha after being tabled by Kiren Rijiju.

The Indian Army accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch’s Krishna Ghati sector. According to Army PRO Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, Pakistani forces intruded across the LoC and triggered a mine blast on April 1, followed by unprovoked firing. Indian forces responded in a "controlled and calibrated manner," keeping the situation under close watch. Tensions have risen despite the ceasefire agreement, with the Army asserting that India's borders remain secure and that further developments are being monitored.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned the statement by Bangladesh interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus, who claimed that Bangladesh is "the only guardian of the ocean" for Northeast India. Yunus had stated that Bangladesh holds a unique position to benefit from the economic possibilities of the region. Sarma called the remark offensive, highlighting its connection to India’s vulnerable "Chicken Neck" corridor, which connects the Northeast with the rest of India, emphasizing India’s territorial integrity and strategic concerns.

Bajinder Singh, a self-proclaimed Christian pastor, was sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case dating back to 2018 by a Mohali court. Singh had been convicted for luring a woman under the pretext of helping her settle abroad, only to rape her and threaten to post a video of the act online. The court convicted him under IPC sections related to rape, voluntary hurt, and criminal intimidation. Singh had been arrested at Delhi airport in 2018 and released on bail until his recent conviction.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Udit Mishra about the US President Donald Trump launching a Reciprocal Tariff Regime, under which he imposed sweeping tariffs on major trading partners, including India.

Next, The Indian Express' Parthasarathi Biswas talks about the ongoing controversy about the control over the Mahabodhi temple in Gaya and the religious practices that are conducted there. (13:52)

Lastly, we speak about the protest and relay hunger strike started by the students of the University of Hyderabad against the auction of 400 acres of land in the village adjoining the university. (26:07)

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 3rd of April and here are today's headlines.


The Trump administration’s new tariffs on global trade partners, including a 27% duty on imports from India, will affect sectors like diamonds, smartphones, solar PV modules, and apparel. While certain products like critical minerals, energy products, and pharmaceuticals may be exempt, most of India’s top exports, including pharmaceuticals worth $8 billion, are not. Petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals could benefit, but tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unchanged. These measures could reshape trade relations with India, despite limited relief for some sectors.

After nearly 12 hours of debate in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion. BJP MPs accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam criticized the Bill as cultural vandalism, accusing the Centre of seeking excessive control over Waqf. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. The amendment now awaits a decision in the Rajya Sabha after being tabled by Kiren Rijiju.

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi criticized the government over the border row with China and tariffs imposed by the U.S. He claimed China had taken over 4,000 sq km of Indian territory, stating that the government’s actions, including a cake-cutting ceremony with the Chinese ambassador, were inappropriate. Gandhi stressed that normalcy could not proceed without restoring status quo and recovering lost land. He emphasized that the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers should be honored, and their sacrifices should not be undermined by diplomatic gestures.

The Supreme Court reprimanded Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy over his comments regarding bypolls in the state Assembly. The two-judge bench questioned whether they erred in letting him off last August when he made allegedly contemptuous remarks. The bench was hearing cases about the delay in disqualifying BRS MLAs who had joined the Congress. This development highlights ongoing tensions over political defections and the role of the judiciary in overseeing the actions of state lawmakers and their impact on public affairs.

After the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court’s decision to dismiss over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff hired illegally by West Bengal schools, Opposition parties criticized the ruling TMC. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her disagreement, suggesting political influence from the CPI(M) and BJP. She questioned the judicial process, pointing out the contrasting decisions from different Chief Justices. The dismissal followed the 2016 illegal recruitment by the School Service Commission, requiring the affected staff to return salaries with interest, marking a significant blow to the state’s education sector.

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

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt who talks about the new weight loss drug entering the Indian market, Mounjaro.

Next, The Indian Express' Sweety Kumari discusses the Trinamool Congress' MP Abhishek Banerjee's Diamond Harbour Model and his political ascent in West Bengal. (14:00)

Lastly, we discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024 which sparked debates upon being tabled in Parliament yesterday.(26:53)

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 2nd of April and here are the headlines.


Lok Sabha Session Sparks Controversy Over Waqf Bill
The Lok Sabha opened to heated debate as Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi fiercely opposed the bill, calling it an attack on the Constitution and an attempt to marginalize minority communities. He accused the NDA government of curbing religious freedoms. Meanwhile, Rijiju clarified that the bill does not interfere with religious practices or mosque management. The bill’s introduction has deepened political divisions, setting the stage for intense discussions in Parliament.

Indian Army Reports Pakistan's Ceasefire Violation in Poonch
The Indian Army accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch’s Krishna Ghati sector. According to Army PRO Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, Pakistani forces intruded across the LoC and triggered a mine blast on April 1, followed by unprovoked firing. Indian forces responded in a "controlled and calibrated manner," keeping the situation under close watch. Tensions have risen despite the ceasefire agreement, with the Army asserting that India's borders remain secure and that further developments are being monitored.

India, US Move Forward on Bilateral Trade Agreement
A day before US reciprocal tariffs took effect, India agreed to the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US, following intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office. The ToR lays the foundation for negotiations, which will see India lowering tariffs on American goods in exchange for US trade concessions. Talks had stalled until US negotiators left India after four days of discussions. With both sides now aligned, formal negotiations are set to begin, signaling a major shift in trade relations.

Seven-Year-Old Strangled Over TV Remote in Delhi
A seven-year-old girl in Outer North Delhi was allegedly strangled to death by her father’s friend over a dispute involving a TV remote. The accused, 35-year-old laborer Ranjeet Singh, had been drinking with the child’s father before being left alone with her. Police say Singh admitted to slapping the girl after she tried to take the remote, causing her to fall and bleed. Fearing the consequences, he allegedly strangled her. The crime was discovered when a constable noticed a crowd outside the victim’s home, leading to Singh’s arrest.

Trump Administration Lays Off 10,000 Health Workers
The Trump administration has begun restructuring the US health sector, laying off 10,000 workers across multiple federal health agencies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed job cuts affecting the FDA, CDC, and NIH. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the move aligns with President Trump and Elon Musk’s broader plan to shrink the federal government under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Hundreds of employees were denied office entry on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the administration’s cost-cutting policies in public health.

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

For the citizens of Delhi, the Yamuna, the city's most prominent river, has become one of the many symbols of just how polluted their city is. Despite it being a hot topic during every election that the city sees, the change is hardly ever visible. However, even with the existing pollution levels, the river remains to be a lifeline for those who live on its banks.

Today, The Indian Express' Sophiya Mathew and Devansh Mittal join us to talk about everything that they witnessed as they travelled from Palla, where the Yamuna enters Delhi from Haryana, to Okhla where the river flows into Uttar Pradesh.

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