3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 5th of March and here are the headlines.


Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin led an all-party meeting that unanimously rejected the upcoming Parliamentary constituency delimitation process, set for 2026. The resolution passed in Chennai argued that the process would weaken Tamil Nadu and threaten India’s federal structure. It claimed that basing the delimitation solely on the upcoming census population data would harm the political representation of Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states, especially those with successful population control measures.

US President Donald Trump targeted India’s high tariffs during his speech to Congress, signaling limited room for concessions in ongoing trade talks. He specifically criticized the auto sector, where India charges tariffs exceeding 100%. Trump announced that reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, would penalize India for high tariffs by imposing equivalent trade barriers. He emphasized a tit-for-tat approach, accusing India of using non-monetary methods to limit US market access.

Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a raid at her residence, recovering jewellery valued at ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash. Rao, 33, is the stepdaughter of a senior Karnataka IPS officer and was intercepted after returning from Dubai, a frequent destination for her trips.

Kolkata police revealed that a debt of ₹16 crore triggered the triple murder of Sudeshna Dey, her sister-in-law Romi Dey, and Romi’s 14-year-old daughter. Prasun Dey, Romi's husband and a businessman, confessed to killing the three, whose bodies were found in a house in the Tangra area. The investigation indicated that the financial burden drove Prasun to commit the murders, which occurred on February 19 in a shocking crime that has rocked the city.

After the US imposed new tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called President Trump’s decision “a very dumb thing to do.” In a speech, Trudeau expressed disagreement with Trump’s policies, criticizing the tariffs and warning that they would only play into the hands of global adversaries. Canada retaliated with tariffs on $30 billion worth of US goods and threatened further measures within 21 days. Trudeau confirmed Canada would challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Vikas Pathak about the BJP presidential elections. He shares the reasons behind the delay, the different levels at which the elections take place and more.

Next, The Indian Express' Nikhila Henry gives us details of the impact of USAID funds being paused by US President Donald Trump. She shares the story of Mitr, the first comprehensive transgender health clinic which had to shut down due to a lack of funds. (12:10)

Lastly, we speak about a software professional from Hyderabad who was found dead at her home. (23:30)

Produced and hosted 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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 4th of March and here are the headlines.

Supreme Court Discharges Man Accused of Hurting Religious Sentiments
The Supreme Court has discharged Hari Nandan Singh, who was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of a government official by calling him “miyan-tiyan” and “Pakistani.” While the Court acknowledged the remarks were in poor taste, they did not meet the threshold of the alleged offence. The court overruled the Jharkhand High Court’s decision to proceed with the case, emphasizing that the statements did not qualify as an offence under Section 298 IPC.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar Criticizes Asianet News’ Maha Kumbh Remarks
BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar condemned remarks made on the Maha Kumbh by the Malayalam TV channel Asianet News, which he owns. In a Facebook post, he reminded the channel’s management that "faith is important for every Hindu." The controversial remarks were made during the program Cover Story, aired on March 1, which allegedly mocked Keralites attending the Kumbh Mela and taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam.

Maharashtra MLA’s Son Detained After Argument Over Driving
Abu Farhan Azmi, son of Maharashtra MLA Abu Azmi, was detained by Goa police after an altercation with two locals over driving behavior in North Goa’s Candolim. Azmi and the two locals, Zeon and Joseph Fernandes, were detained for disturbing the peace. The argument reportedly started when Azmi’s vehicle, a Mercedes SUV, made a lane change without signaling. The incident, which occurred near Newton Super Market, led to public complaints, but all involved were later released after police formalities.

Odisha Man Kills Parents and Sister in Fit of Rage
A 22-year-old man allegedly killed his parents and sister in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district by striking them with a heavy stone early Tuesday. The accused, who had been under severe stress due to family arguments, told police his father had assaulted him, accusing him of drug use. He said his father had broken his tooth during the altercation. Police believe the killings occurred in a moment of anger triggered by these ongoing family tensions.

Trump's Tariffs Trigger Trade War with Canada and Mexico
New 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 20% tariff hike on Chinese goods have sparked trade tensions between the US and its top three trading partners. Canada quickly retaliated, announcing tariffs on $20.7bn worth of US goods, with further measures planned if Trump’s tariffs remain. China also imposed additional 10%-15% tariffs on US imports, alongside export restrictions on US entities, escalating the trade conflict. These tariffs came into effect immediately, adding strain to global trade.

Trump Orders Pause in Military Aid to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary pause in military aid to Ukraine following a confrontation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The pause affects US military equipment not yet in Ukraine, including weapons in transit to Poland. While the halt is described as temporary, it reflects growing tensions between the two countries. US officials indicated that the pause would continue until further decisions are made about Ukraine's commitment to peace talks with Russia.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Udit Misra explains what the latest GDP estimates reveal about the state of the Indian economy and why they raise concerns about the accuracy and reliability of such data.

Next, The Indian Express’ Divya Goyal discusses what the Punjab Police’s investigation has uncovered about the global network of agents facilitating illegal immigration of Indians into the US (13:00).

Finally, The Indian Express’ Apurva Vishwanath talks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent claim that a colonial era persisted even 75 years after independence (21:22).

Hosted, written and produced 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 3rd of March and here are the headlines.

Influencer Ranveer Allahbadia has asked the Supreme Court to allow him to continue airing his shows, calling it his "only source of livelihood." This request comes as the court hears pleas to consolidate FIRs linked to the ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy. The court granted him interim protection from arrest but ordered him to surrender his passport and seek approval before leaving India. The controversy began when Allahbadia made controversial remarks about parents on comedian Samay Raina's show, sparking public outrage and multiple FIRs.

The BJP criticized Congress on Monday after INC spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s now-deleted X post fat-shamed Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma. Bhandari, BJP national spokesperson, condemned Congress for targeting Sharma, saying, “Shame on Congress! Are they expecting Rahul Gandhi to play cricket after his political failures?” Mohamed’s post, which criticized Sharma’s weight during the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match, called him “fat for a sportsman” and questioned his capabilities as captain. The post quickly garnered backlash before being deleted.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed his government’s commitment to restoring full statehood for the union territory. Speaking at the opening of the Budget Session, he acknowledged the emotional and political significance of statehood to the people of J&K and emphasized ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders. Sinha stated that the government is working to address the people’s desires while ensuring peace, stability, and progress. His remarks come as political activity in J&K intensifies, with opposition parties challenging the government on sensitive issues like Article 370.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to sign a minerals deal with the United States, despite not finalizing it during his visit to Washington. Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenges of his meeting with US President Donald Trump but reaffirmed Ukraine's openness to constructive dialogue. He emphasized that Ukraine’s position needs to be heard. The minerals deal was seen as a step towards strengthening security ties between the two nations. However, tensions over peace talks with Russia have led to growing frustrations between the US and Ukraine.

The 97th Academy Awards celebrated the best in filmmaking, with “Anora” emerging as the biggest winner of the night. The romantic comedy-drama from Sean Baker took home five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his role in “The Brutalist.” “Emilia Pérez” led nominations with 13, but it was “Anora” that dominated the evening. The ceremony also featured memorable moments, including the award for Best Film Editing and Best Original Screenplay for “Anora.”

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

First, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy discusses the showdown between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington D.C.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign for India’s rising obesity epidemic

Lastly, we discuss the ongoing rescue efforts for Uttarakhand's avalanche that struck a project site.

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 28th of February and here are this week’s headlines.

First, in news from the capital, the Delhi Government suffered a loss of Rs 2,002 crore due to the flawed excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The policy aimed to eliminate monopolies, ensure fair liquor distribution, and prevent bootlegging. However, it was withdrawn after corruption allegations led to the arrests of key AAP leaders, including former CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, by the CBI and ED. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted these losses in a recent Assembly report.

In another news making headline, India abstained from voting on two resolutions at the UN General Assembly, marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The resolutions were supported by the US, Ukraine, and Europe, and both passed with 93 votes in favor. While India did not support the resolution demanding Russian withdrawal, it did not oppose the motion on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India was one of 65 countries that chose not to vote on the European-backed resolution.

Meanwhile, the central government opposed petitions seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections, arguing in the Supreme Court that a six-year disqualification is not unconstitutional. In its affidavit, the Centre stated that various penal laws impose penalties for a limited time to ensure deterrence while avoiding excessive harshness. The submission was in response to Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay’s plea challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Section 8 mandates a six-year disqualification post-release for those convicted of specified offences.

In news from the North, the Uttarakhand High Court reviewed provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) amid a public interest litigation. The court questioned the state’s ability to make changes to the UCC, particularly regarding mandatory live-in registrations. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover argued that the UCC imposes unnecessary surveillance, as information about individuals is sent directly to local police stations. The court also questioned whether the UCC grants police powers for domiciliary visits, which it found to be a potential violation of rights.

In global headlines this week, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on European Union imports, particularly targeting cars. Trump criticized the EU, claiming it was "formed to screw the United States." He pointed out the EU’s higher tariffs and value-added taxes, which are significantly steeper than those in the US. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and the EU, with officials raising concerns over European taxation policies.

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

First, we talk to Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about the resolutions put forward on the 3rd anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war and the details of the deliberations that happened.

Next, The Indian Express' Parul Khulshrestha talks about the complexities of a sexual exploitation case in Rajasthan’s Bijainagar town (15:50)

Lastly, we discuss a case that has ignited discussions on the inefficiencies of visa policies in times of crisis, leaving a grieving father desperate. (26:08)

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced 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 Flora Swain.
Today is the 27th of February and here are the headlines.

The Uttarakhand High Court reviewed provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) amid a public interest litigation. The court questioned the state’s ability to make changes to the UCC, particularly regarding mandatory live-in registrations. Senior advocate Vrinda Grover argued that the UCC imposes unnecessary surveillance, as information about individuals is sent directly to local police stations. The court also questioned whether the UCC grants police powers for domiciliary visits, which it found to be a potential violation of rights.

Congress leader Sam Pitroda caused controversy with a speech where he claimed to have spoken at the "Indian Institute of Technology-Ranchi." The Ministry of Education fact-checked his statement, clarifying there is no IIT in Ranchi but an IIIT, which Pitroda had not been invited to. The ministry condemned his remarks, asserting they were reckless and could damage the reputation of the prestigious institute. Legal action was warned for any attempt to malign its image.

A probationary primary teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Jehanabad, Bihar, was suspended after videos of her making derogatory comments about Bihar went viral. The teacher criticized her posting in Bihar, calling it “unacceptable” and disparaging the people of the state. She claimed Bihar’s citizens lacked civic sense and blamed the state for India’s development struggles. The video sparked outrage, with many questioning the appropriateness of such remarks from an educator.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on European Union imports, particularly targeting cars. Trump criticized the EU, claiming it was "formed to screw the United States." He pointed out the EU’s higher tariffs and value-added taxes, which are significantly steeper than those in the US. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and the EU, with officials raising concerns over European taxation policies.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed the couple’s deaths, along with their dog, but stated that no foul play was suspected. Hackman, known for iconic roles in films like The French Connection, had lived in the Santa Fe Summit community. Sheriff Adan Mendoza assured that while the investigation is ongoing, foul play is not considered a factor in their deaths.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about artificial intelligence, the changes brought by DeepSeek and how important it is for India to create its own large language model.
 
Next, The Indian Express' Man Aman Singh Chhina gives us details of the grenade attacks that have been happening in Punjab since December. He talks about the causes and shares how the police have responded to it. (15;47)

Lastly, we speak about the government opposing petitions seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections. (24:29)

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