3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma
Today is the 26th of March and here are the headlines.

In a late-night order on Tuesday, former Enforcement Directorate chief Sanjay Kumar Mishra was appointed a full-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The EAC-PM, an independent advisory body, has had one vacancy since the death of its former chairman Bibek Debroy in November 2024. The former Ed chief had a high-profile stint, and somewhat ignominious end, as the ED Director. After he took over in 2018, the agency went about pursuing money laundering investigations at a break neck pace. By 2022, 65% of all asset attachments carried out by the ED in the previous 17 years had been made under his signature, with the agency carrying out more than 2,000 raids.

The Assam police arrested journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar last night after detaining him for several hours following his coverage of a protest against the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank (ACAB). Hussain is a reporter with the Assam-based digital media portal The CrossCurrent, known for its investigative reportage on the state government. He is also the assistant general secretary of the Guwahati Press Club. The grounds for his arrest, which were presented to his family hours after he was detained, state that he was arrested for alleged criminal intimidation and violation of provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for “offensive remarks” against the complainant.

A spate of chain-snatching incidents in Chennai, executed within an hour on yesterday culminated in the fatal police shooting of one of the suspects near Taramani railway station today. Police said the men, part of a notorious gang, targeted elderly women and morning walkers in neighbourhoods along East Coast Road, Adyar and Besant Nagar. According to the police, two suspects, both from Uttar Pradesh, were intercepted at Chennai International Airport as they attempted to board a flight to New Delhi.

A day after what Donald Trump termed as “the only glitch in two months”, US National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, said he took full responsibility for leak of military plans in a Signal chat. He said quote, “I take full responsibility. I built the group. My job is to make sure everything is coordinated,” unquote in an interview with Fox News, in which he conceded: “it’s embarrassing”. Waltz’s comments came a day after Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, revealed that he was added to a group on Signal, a private messaging app, that included vice-president JD Vance, defense secretary Pete Hegseth, secretary of state Marco Rubio and other high-profile figures discussing “operational details” of US airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen.

South Korea’s government has been held responsible for multiple human rights violations for fabricating birth records, falsely reporting that children had been abandoned over decades for a programme which sent about 200,000 children and babies abroad for adoption, a landmark enquiry by the truth commission has found. Private agencies were able to export babies and children due to government’s lack of oversight and the agencies were driven by profit which enabled the “mass exportation of children” and numerous examples of coercion, false records and fraud have been found in the scheme.

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

An investigation by The Indian Express has revealed that tiger poaching is once again on the rise in India. Officials from five states, four central agencies, and Interpol are currently tracking poaching networks, with over a dozen arrests made this year alone. According to arrest records and investigation findings reviewed by the paper, the illegal trade has claimed "100 to any number" of tigers since 2022 from various parts of India.

In this episode, we are joined by The Indian Express' Jay Mazoomdaar, who led the investigation, to discuss its key findings, what government agencies are up against, and the internal challenges they face in trying to stop this practice.

Hosted, Produced and Written by 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 25th of March and here are the headlines.


Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2025-26 Reply
In her reply to the Finance Bill debate, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the 2025-26 Union Budget offers "unprecedented tax relief" to honor taxpayers and aims to boost domestic production and enhance export competitiveness. She emphasized the introduction of provisions and reforms via the Finance Bill, hoping for their discussion in the upcoming Monsoon session. Sitharaman also noted that the new Income Tax Bill will be taken up for detailed discussion during Parliament's next Monsoon session.

Mumbai Police Summon Comedian Kunal Kamra Over Eknath Shinde Remarks
Amid controversy over comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Mumbai police have summoned Kamra for questioning. The remarks, calling Shinde a ‘traitor’ during a stand-up show, sparked public debate. Kamra, who lives in Puducherry, has been asked to appear before the Khar police by 11 am Tuesday. In response, Shinde acknowledged the importance of freedom of expression but stressed that satire should have its limits. Shiv Sena workers also vandalized the Mumbai studio where Kamra performed.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Unveils BJP's First Budget in 26 Years
On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the BJP’s first budget for the national capital in 26 years. With a record allocation of ₹1 lakh crore for 2025-26, the budget reflects a 31.5% increase over the previous year. Gupta focused on key areas like infrastructure, roads, water, and electricity, aiming to transform Delhi into a "Viksit Delhi." Criticizing the AAP government’s record, she promised modern expressways and congestion-free corridors, vowing to reshape Delhi’s infrastructure.

Second Body Found in SLBC Tunnel Collapse in Telangana
Rescue teams on Tuesday recovered a second body from the site of the SLBC tunnel collapse in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district. The body was found 50 meters from the original collapse site, where eight workers were trapped on February 22. One body was recovered on March 9, identified as Gurpreet Singh from Punjab. The Telangana government had decided to continue search operations, leading to the discovery of the second body the following day, though the identity remains unknown.

Journalist Accidentally Added to US Military Strike Chat on Signal
In a major security breach, journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was accidentally added to a private Signal chat about secret US military plans targeting the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The chat included senior Trump administration officials, such as Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussing classified operations. Although Signal is encrypted, it's not approved for sharing sensitive government information. Goldberg deleted the sensitive material, but the incident raised questions about security and accountability in government communications.

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

First, The Indian Express' National Legal Editor, Apurva Vishwanath, breaks down the controversy involving Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma — including the Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision to make the timeline public, the unanswered questions, and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar reigniting the debate around the NJAC.

Next, The Indian Express' Kanchan Vasdev talks about the farmers' protests and how the Punjab Police carried out the crackdown at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. (19:35)

Lastly, we take a look at the Kunal Kamra controversy and the series of events that led to police action and political confrontation. (28:44)

Hosted by Shashank Bhargava
Written and produced 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 24th of March and here are the headlines.

Devendra Fadnavis vs Kunal Kamra
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized comedian Kunal Kamra for mocking Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling him a "gaddar" (traitor) during a program in Khar. Fadnavis stated that while satire is acceptable, it shouldn't insult individuals. He emphasized that freedom of speech shouldn't be misused. Kamra's remarks, made to the tune of a song from Dil To Pagal Hai, sparked political controversy. Fadnavis affirmed that action would be taken against Kamra for crossing the line in political commentary.

Shashi Tharoor on Parliament Disruptions
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the BJP-led government's handling of Parliament, calling it "shocking" after both houses were adjourned shortly after the session began. He accused the ruling party of deliberately disrupting the proceedings, failing to fulfill its responsibility. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also from Congress, expressed concerns, suggesting that the government had intentionally obstructed the House’s functioning, using excuses to create a ruckus and avoid legislative business. The adjournments triggered further political tensions.

Surge in US Student Visa Denials
US student visa rejections reached a decade-high in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with 41% of F-1 visa applications denied. This represents nearly double the rejection rate seen in 2014. A total of 6.79 lakh applications were processed, with 2.79 lakh refusals. This marks a rise from 2022-23 when 36% of applications were rejected. Data on country-specific refusals remains unavailable, though Indian applicants have faced significant declines, with student visa issuances falling by 38% compared to the previous year.

Kannur Court Sentences Eight CPI(M) Workers
A district sessions court in Kannur sentenced eight CPI(M) workers, including the brother of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s press secretary, to life imprisonment for the 2005 murder of BJP worker Elambilayi Sooraj. Another accused was given a three-year sentence. The court convicted the group for Sooraj’s brutal murder on August 7, 2005, in Muzhappilangad village. Among the sentenced was T K Rajeesh, already serving life for the 2012 murder of Marxist leader T P Chandrasekharan.

Canada Calls for Snap Election
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a snap election for April 28, aiming for a strong mandate to address the economic threat posed by US President Trump’s trade and tariff policies. In a press briefing, Carney discussed strategic foreign policy moves, including a defense agreement with Australia, strengthened ties with France and the UK, and new trade talks with the EU. Carney also scrapped the carbon tax, seeking to end divisions and unify the nation as he called for Parliament’s dissolution.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Ajoy Sinha Karpuram who discusses the X (formerly Twitter) and Indian government's legal battle over the content blocking provisions in the IT Act.

Next, The Indian Express' Rahul V Pisharody talks about the protests following Telangana government's plan to set the urban forest land of Kancha Gachibowli up for auction. (11:24)

Lastly, we discuss Kashmir's Kaman bridge's reopening after six years of Pulwama attack for repatriation of bodies who drowned in the Jhelum River. (19:11)

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 Ichha Sharma
Today is the 21st of March and here are the headlines.

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai was arrested by Chennai police on Monday morning, just before leading a protest against financial irregularities at TASMAC. Annamalai, who planned the demonstration outside TASMAC’s headquarters in Egmore, was detained near his Akkarai residence while attempting to leave. Several senior BJP leaders, including Tamilisai Soundararajan, Vanathi Srinivasan, and Saraswathi, were also taken into custody at different locations across Chennai. The arrests came amid growing tensions over the state's liquor retailing practices.

Intelligence leaders from the US, UK, New Zealand, and other nations met in New Delhi on Sunday to discuss security cooperation. The conference, hosted by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, included Tulsi Gabbard (US), Jonathan Powell (UK), and Andrew Hampton (New Zealand), along with top intelligence officials from various countries. The meeting, organized by the National Security Council Secretariat, is part of the Raisina Dialogue, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, with New Zealand's PM Christopher Luxon as the chief guest.

The Cyberabad police in Telangana booked 25 people on Sunday, including Tollywood actors and social media influencers, for allegedly promoting illegal betting, gambling and casino apps, causing financial losses to the public. Among the 25 named in the FIR are actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha and Nidhi Agarwal. Named accused 1 and accused 2, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj are alleged to have promoted Junglee Rummy through pop-up ads. Vijay Devarakonda is accused of promoting A23 Rummy, Manchu Lakshmi Yolo247, Praneetha Fairplay Live, and Nidhi Agarwal Jeet Win, all by way of pop-up ads, the police said.

After spending nine months at the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov successfully return to Earth through Elon Musk’s Space X Dragon capsule. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed back the NASA astronauts and lauded their grit and courage, calling their return a testament to the human spirit. PM Modi expressed pride in their perseverance and the dedication of those who ensured their safe return to Earth.

Israel launched major airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, as reported by hospital officials. The airstrikes targeted Hamas positions, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks stalled. Israel's military vowed to continue its offensive against Hamas, accusing the group of rejecting multiple ceasefire proposals. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel would intensify its military response.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Paveneet Singh Chaddha about two coastal villages in Karnataka where fishermen have been protesting proposed commercial ports.

Next, The Indian Express' Sohini Ghosh discusses Jamia Millia Islamia revoking the suspension of students who took part in the remembrance day of the anti-CAA protests. (09:24)

Lastly, we also talk about the allegations that were levied against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray (20:08)

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

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma
Today is the 20th of March and here are the headlines.

Both Houses of Parliament were marred by protests staged by the DMK over the delimitation issue, with the presiding officers calling their behaviour unbecoming of the dignity of Parliament. Lok Sabha was adjourned within two minuates after it met at 11 am, as DMK MPs came wearing identical T-shirts as a mark of protest against the proposed delimitation. Speaker Om Birla said they cannot come to the House wearing T-shirts and protest in ways that lower the dignity of the House, and adjourned Lok Sabha till noon. The delimitation is expected after 2026 following the decennial census unless the Parliament extends the freeze yet again by amending the Constitution.

The Cyberabad police in Telangana booked 25 people on Sunday, including Tollywood actors and social media influencers, for allegedly promoting illegal betting, gambling and casino apps, causing financial losses to the public. Among the 25 named in the FIR are actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Devarakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha and Nidhi Agarwal. Named accused 1 and accused 2, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj are alleged to have promoted Junglee Rummy through pop-up ads. Vijay Devarakonda is accused of promoting A23 Rummy, Manchu Lakshmi Yolo247, Praneetha Fairplay Live, and Nidhi Agarwal Jeet Win, all by way of pop-up ads, the police said.

Billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Government, challenging the creation of a “parallel” and “unlawful” content censorship regime through a provision under the Information Technology Act. In its petition filed in the Karnataka High Court earlier this month, the company has contended that through the use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, multiple government departments and agencies are now issuing content takedown notices to social media companies like X, “attempting to bypass the multiple procedural safeguards” prescribed under Section 69A of the IT Act, which also allows for content blocking.

A jawan and 22 Maoists were killed in two encounters in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region today. One encounter broke out at 7 am while security forces were undertaking an operation based on intelligence indicating the presence of Maoists in the jungles under the jurisdiction of Gangaloor police station in Bijapur district near the Dantewada border. The encounter involved intermittent firing for hours, said Sundarraj P, Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range. A jawan from the Bijapur District Reserves Guard (DRG) and 18 Maoists were killed in the firing. “We have recovered explosives and weapons. Search operations are going on,” the officer said.


An Indian researcher at Georgetown University, Badar Khan Suri, has been detained by US immigration authorities days after another Indian national’s student visa was cancelled over accusations of supporting Hamas. According to a report in Politico that cited court documents, the US government has accused Suri, an Indian national and postdoctoral fellow, of allegedly having connections with Hamas — a Palestinian group that the US and several other Western countries have designated as a terrorist organisation. This comes just days after the student visa of Columbia University student Ranjani Srinivasan was revoked by the Donald Trump administration.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Shubhangi Khapre who discusses the violence in Nagpur following the controversy over the Aurangzeb tomb demolition demand.

Next, The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha talks about Chandrayaan-3's new findings indicating the presence of water-ice on the Moon's polar regions. (18:07)

Lastly, we speak to The Indian Express' Arun Sharma about the 17 mysterious deaths in Jammu's village last month and the impending investigation. (27:57)

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