3 Things

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Nikhila Henry about the revelations in the TDP adulterated prasadam at the Tirupati temple case. She talks about a blacklisted and disqualified firm that was supplying ghee for the prasadam via its proxies.

Next, The Indian Express' Raakhi Jagga shares details of Potash reserves being discovered in Punjab and significance it holds for India. (9:54)

Finally, we talk about PM Modi's visit to France and his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. (19:42)

Produced and hosted by Niharika Nanda
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 12th of February and here are the headlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France focused on deepening the Indo-French relationship, with discussions on trade, AI, and security with President Emmanuel Macron. Modi paid tribute to fallen Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery and interacted with the Indian diaspora. He also inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille, a long-awaited move celebrated by the local Indian community. The visit highlighted growing ties and collaborative efforts between the two countries in various sectors.

The Supreme Court expressed concerns about governments and political parties announcing freebies before elections, stating it discourages work and is depleting the labor force in states like Maharashtra. The bench, hearing a plea on shelter homes, was told that policies benefit the rich, neglecting the poor and homeless. The court criticized this imbalance, noting that addressing homelessness is often sidelined, while compassion appears reserved for the wealthy, highlighting a lack of priority for marginalized communities.

Maharashtra cyber police have summoned several celebrities, including comedian Tanmay Bhatt, actor Rakhi Sawant, and influencer Uorfi Javed, over a controversial question asked by Ranveer Allahbadia on Samay Raina's ‘India’s Got Latent’ show. The police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident. The summoned individuals are popular YouTubers, influencers, and comedians who were judges on the show. The investigation highlights the growing concern over online content and its implications for public figures.

The Uttarakhand High Court addressed concerns about the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, particularly regarding live-in relationships. The court emphasized the importance of self-respect and privacy, especially for children born from such relationships. Chief Justice G Narender questioned the regulation of live-ins and the declaration of such marriages as void or criminal. The petition challenging these provisions highlights concerns about the infringement of religious rights and the adverse impact on individuals involved in live-in relationships.

In Kottayam, Kerala, police arrested five nursing students from a government college after first-year students reported severe ragging incidents over the past two months. The arrested students have been charged under various sections of the BNS and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act. The victims, who complained to the police, described their traumatic experiences. The accused students, from Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kottayam, will be produced in court following the investigation, which highlights ongoing issues of ragging in educational institutions.

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

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha about India's shifting stance on its climate change goals and what it believes developing countries should prioritise.

Next, The Indian Express' Aditi Raja helps us understand the Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat, which has been at the center of challenges faced by minorities in the region.

Lastly, we discuss popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia's controversial remark that led to multiple complaints from across India

Hosted by Ichha Sharma
Produced and written by Ichha Sharma 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 11th of February and here are the headlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, co-chairing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris, highlighted AI’s transformative potential and called for global governance to address its challenges. He stressed that AI is “writing the code for humanity in the 21st century,” acknowledging both its immense promise and inherent biases. Modi urged collective global efforts to shape AI’s future and promote innovation while tackling risks. He emphasized the need for global collaboration to ensure AI benefits humanity and upholds shared values.

The Mumbai police have contacted podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia and YouTuber Samay Raina for an inquiry regarding controversial remarks made by Allahbadia during Raina’s 'India’s Got Latent' show. Allahbadia, known for his BeerBiceps channel, made a joke that sparked nationwide controversy after the video went viral on social media. The remarks, widely criticized as insensitive and vulgar, led to backlash from viewers. The Mumbai police confirmed they are investigating the incident, and Allahbadia, along with other guests, is being questioned regarding the matter.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the latest Union Budget, claiming it is designed to benefit the wealthy, including industrialists. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Yadav stated that the budget’s focus is on the rich, rather than on creating a roadmap for India’s development. He expressed concerns over the lack of a long-term vision for the country’s growth, adding that recent budget announcements seem tailored to elites rather than addressing the needs of the general population. He criticized the budget’s priorities and questioned its impact on India’s future.

The Indian stock market took a hit on Tuesday, with the Sensex dropping over 1,000 points and Nifty falling by 1.3% amid concerns over Donald Trump’s tariff announcements and weak corporate earnings. The Sensex was trading at 76,259, down 1,047 points, while Nifty50 was down by 303.5 points, trading at 23,078. Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 25% and announced plans for reciprocal levies on several countries, shaking market sentiment and triggering a decline on Dalal Street.

Following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, India’s top security agencies have compiled a list of 12 gangsters based in the United States. Sources reveal that this list may be shared with U.S. authorities during Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the U.S. The list includes notorious criminals like Anmol Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. While central agencies have long tracked criminals abroad, the recent directive focuses specifically on gangsters based in the U.S., aiming to address their legal status and facilitate international cooperation.

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

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah, who explains the possible reasons behind N. Biren Singh's resignation as Chief Minister nearly two years after the ethnic conflict in Manipur began.

Next, The Indian Express' Mihir Vasavda joins us to discuss why the Sports Ministry has decided to stop awarding cash prizes to junior athletes who win international medals.

Lastly, we talk about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France to co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Produced, written and hosted 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 10th of February and here are the headlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a four-day trip to France and the US, starting today. In France, Modi will co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron from February 10 to 12. During his visit, he will also inaugurate India’s first consulate in Marseille and pay tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. Before embarking on his visit Modi referred to both Macron and US President Donald Trump as his "friends" and emphasized strengthening international cooperation in the fields of technology and diplomacy.

In another headline making news, Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, resigned last night, setting off discussions about his replacement. The BJP's central leadership is expected to take time in finalizing a consensus candidate. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has asked Singh to remain in office until alternative arrangements are made. Meanwhile, Singh recommended suspending the Assembly, allowing time for MLAs to agree on a new leader. With no clear majority support for a successor, the Centre may consider imposing President's Rule. The resignation led to the nullification of an earlier order to convene the Assembly.

From one CM resigning to another, the BJP is set to select Delhi’s first Chief Minister from the party in nearly 30 years, with caste being a significant factor in the decision-making process. The choice comes amid an organizational shake-up, including the appointment of a new national president and team. RSS and BJP leaders will soon meet to discuss key positions, including the CM, Deputy CM, Assembly Speaker, and Council of Ministers. These discussions are expected to occur in the coming week, shaping the future leadership of Delhi.

On the global front, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports, adding to existing duties. He intends to unveil the new metal tariffs, with reciprocal tariffs to follow tomorrow and day after tomorrow, targeting all countries. The tariffs are designed to match the rates imposed by other nations on US imports, possibly leading to repercussions, such as India potentially facing higher prices on steel and aluminium exports to the US.

In other news from across the country, YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia apologized after his comments on stand up comedian Samay Raina’s YouTube show, India’s Got Latent, sparked controversy. Allahbadia admitted his remarks were inappropriate and unfunny, expressing regret in a video statement. Earlier, a police complaint was filed against Ranveer, Raina, and fellow YouTubers Ashish Chanchalani and Apoorva Mukhija, accusing them of using abusive language on the show. The complaint, lodged with the Mumbai Commissioner and Maharashtra Women’s Commission, calls for legal action, though no FIR has been registered yet.

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

Despite the Aam Aadmi Party’s emphasis on developmental initiatives and its promise of good governance, voter dissatisfaction was evident in the Delhi Assembly elections as the BJP is now set to form a government in the national capital after 27 years.

The Indian Express' Mallica Joshi and Jatin Anand help us dissect the BJP's campaign that looked on track to unseat Arvind Kejriwal’s reign and the factors that are likely to guide the BJP’s decision while picking its Chief Minister.

Produced, written and hosted by Niharika Nanda
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 7th of February and here are the headlines.

Day after a United States military aircraft landed in Amritsar with 104 deported Indian nationals, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Parliament Budget Session of Day 5 said the Centre is engaging with the US government to ensure that deportees are not ill-treated. EAM also said, quote, “It’s the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if found to be living illegally abroad,” unquote. Jaishankar also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him over the issue.

Meanwhile, the high-stakes Delhi election was concluded in 70 Assembly constituencies. In the triangular contest between the AAP, the BJP, and the Congress, the ruling party aims for a third consecutive term, while the saffron party hopes to make a return to power after 25 years, and the grand old party strives to make a comeback. The polling saw a total turnout of 60.44 per cent, according to Election Commission data. Meanwhile, police force was deployed in large numbers outside a polling booth in Seelampur after the BJP alleged fake votes were being cast.

In other news, India and the US are expected to start negotiations for a free trade agreement in the coming weeks as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to the US to meet President Donald Trump between the 12th and 14th of February. The Prime Minister, who will travel to France and co-chair the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris between 10th - 11th of February, is also expected to travel to Marseille on 12th of February. From there, he is likely to travel to the US to meet President Trump.

In another news making headline, a civilian truck driver was killed in a firing incident involving Army personnel on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway near Sopore in Kashmir. The Army said the truck jumped a checkpoint, after which it was chased for over 23 km. According to the Army statement, its personnel fired at the tyres of the truck to deflate them, and the truck came to a halt. Subsequently, they took the injured driver to a hospital where he was declared dead. Police sources said they have begun an investigation into the incident.

On the global front, China announced retaliatory tariffs on United States imports after the US imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. Beijing will levy 10-15 per cent tariffs on US products including crude oil, agricultural machinery, and liquefied natural gas. Coal and LNG imports will face a 15 per cent tariff, while items like pickup trucks and large-engine cars will incur a 10 per cent tariff. The measures will take effect on 10th of February, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.

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

First, we speak with The Indian Express' Udit Misra about how tariffs work, the ongoing tariff war between the US and China, and what it could potentially mean for India.

Next, we discuss why the Supreme Court has criticized the Assam government over the continued detention of 63 inmates at the Matia "transit camp" with The Indian Express' Sukrita Baruah.

And lastly, we talk about the Indian nationals who were deported for residing illegally in the United States.

Hosted and produced by Shashank Bhargava
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 6th of February and here are the headlines.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding the deportation of 104 Indian citizens from the U.S. He assured that the Indian government is engaging with U.S. authorities to prevent ill-treatment of the deportees. Jaishankar emphasized that all countries must take back their nationals living illegally abroad and explained that using restraints during deportation is standard procedure by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since 2012.

In a speech on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Modi criticized the Congress party for prioritizing "family first," stating that expecting “sab ka saath, sab ka vikas” from Congress would be a mistake. He also remarked that though the Congress government had not awarded the Bharat Ratna to B.R. Ambedkar, they are now compelled to acknowledge his legacy by saying “Jai Bhim.”

Harwinder Singh, one of 104 Indian deportees, shared his painful experience aboard the U.S. military flight that returned them to India. He described being handcuffed, chained, and confined to their seats for 40 hours. Despite repeated requests, deportees were only allowed limited bathroom breaks. Singh recounted the physical and emotional toll, adding that the crew was indifferent to their plight, though one kind crew member offered them fruits. The journey, he said, was “worse than hell.”

The death of Makhan Din, a Gujjar youth from Kathua’s Billawar area, is under investigation after claims of torture in police custody emerged. On Wednesday, Kathua District Magistrate Dr. Rakesh Minhas ordered a magisterial inquiry. Police say Din died by suicide after consuming insecticide on Tuesday evening. They denied accusations of custodial killing, noting Din’s familial ties to a Pakistan-based militant. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, directed the military on Thursday to devise a plan allowing for the voluntary departure of Gaza residents. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial announcement that the U.S. would take control of Gaza, resettle its 2 million Palestinians, and turn the region into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Katz praised Trump’s proposal, which has drawn widespread condemnation for its potential implications on Palestinian rights and the region’s future.

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