3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 23rd of January and here are the headlines.

The Indian stock market has seen a significant downturn since the Sensex hit an all-time high of Rs 85,978.84 on September 27 last year. Over the past four months, the benchmark index has dropped by 10,000 points, or 11.79%, causing major losses for investors. The NSE Nifty Index also fell by 12.38%. Large-cap stocks experienced the biggest losses, with a 13.27% decline, driven by heavy selling from foreign investors, marking a sharp reversal in market fortunes.

A SIM card from the village of Bara Andulia in West Bengal’s Nadia district, near the Bangladesh border, was linked to Shariful Islam, the man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan. While it may seem surprising, villagers aren’t shocked, as many locals work in Mumbai’s hotels and bars, where Shariful also found employment. His father, Md Ruhul Amin Fakir, revealed that Shariful entered India illegally through a middleman last year, worked in West Bengal, and then moved to Mumbai.

Before taking over as chairperson of ISRO, Dr. V Narayanan visited his hometown, Melakattuvilai in Tamil Nadu, where nearly 600 people gathered to celebrate his achievements. Coming from a farming family, he studied under kerosene lamps until his house was electrified in ninth grade. Narayanan played a key role in developing India’s cryogenic engine program, which powers the LVM3 launch vehicle. Speaking to The Indian Express, he shared insights on his journey and upcoming ISRO missions, marking seven years at LPSC.

Six days after a 35-year-old woman went missing in Hyderabad, her husband Wednesday claimed he had killed her and disposed of her body parts at different locations, including the neighbouring Jillellaguda lake, the police said. The police, however, said they are verifying the claims by the 45-year-old ex-serviceman from the Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, who said he dismembered his wife’s body after killing her and cooked the parts in a pressure cooker. The man, identified as Gurumurthy, works as an outsourced security guard at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) facility in Kanchan Bagh. They said they had not found any body parts of the woman, P Venkata Madhavi, said to have been dumped by Gurumurthy.

For the second time in a month, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the H1B visa program, emphasizing the need for "very competent" people. Speaking at a White House press conference with Oracle CTO Larry Ellison, Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Trump stated that while he appreciates both sides of the argument, he values skilled individuals entering the U.S., even if they train others with fewer qualifications, stressing that it’s not limited to engineers but applies to all levels.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Divya A explains how US President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of parents without legal status could impact the Indian community living in the US.

Next, The Indian Express’ Ajoy Sinha Karpuram explores the factors courts consider when imposing the death penalty (09:20).

Finally, The Indian Express’ Sujit Bisoyi examines the significance of the latest archaeological findings in Odisha’s Ratnagiri (18:35).

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 22nd of January and here are the headlines.

At least 11 passengers were killed and 11 injured on Wednesday after they jumped off the Pushpak Express in panic following rumors of a fire onboard. The passengers were run over by the Karnataka Express traveling on an adjacent track in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Around 30-35 people are suspected to have jumped. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep grief, paying tribute to the victims. Rescue operations were launched with ambulances and railway vans deployed at the scene.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was discharged from the hospital after a stabbing attack, has increased his security by hiring actor Ronit Roy’s firm. Roy was seen accompanying Khan after his release from Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. Khan was attacked last Thursday at his Bandra residence by a Bangladeshi national, who entered the property by scaling the complex wall while the guards slept. The police reconstructed the crime scene to reveal details of the attack.

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its manifesto with a focus on middle-class welfare. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal highlighted seven demands to be included in the Union Budget, urging transformative reforms in education, healthcare, and senior citizen welfare. Kejriwal emphasized the need to prioritize the middle class, proposing changes to taxation and policies that would improve quality of life for Delhi's working families and address their pressing concerns.

The Supreme Court issued a split verdict on a plea by former AAP councillor and Northeast Delhi riots accused Tahir Hussain, seeking interim bail to campaign for Delhi Assembly elections. Hussain, who is contesting as an AIMIM candidate, requested bail for election purposes. Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ahsanuddin Amanullah gave differing opinions; Justice Mithal rejected the plea, while Justice Amanullah favored granting bail, leaving the final decision uncertain.

US President Donald Trump, shortly after assuming office, signed an executive order pardoning all those convicted for involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots. Hundreds of rioters, many accused of violent crimes, were released from prison with charges dropped. Speaking at the White House, Trump condemned the conditions of imprisonment, calling them inhumane. While the pardons brought relief to the rioters, they did not receive monetary compensation for their time served.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Sweety Kumari about the verdict that has been given by a court in Kolkata's Sealdah regarding the brutal rape and murder of a female junior doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. 

Next, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Shubhajit Roy shares details of the Trump administration 2.0, and talks specifically about the leaders whose appointment will impact the US India relations. (16:42)

Finally, we talk about Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan being discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital following the knife attack at his Bandra residence. (24:50) 

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 Floar Swain.
Today is the 21st of January and here are the headlines.

Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital after being attacked at his Bandra home on January 16. The actor, who sustained multiple stab wounds during an alleged robbery attempt, was photographed leaving the hospital and visiting the site of the attack. His wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and daughter Sara Ali Khan were seen at the hospital. Saif underwent two surgeries—neurosurgery and plastic surgery—after the intruder’s knife injured his thoracic spine, requiring surgery to remove knife fragments.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is confident that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will win the upcoming elections. In an interview, she emphasized the party’s ability to remain stable despite fears after Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. She also expressed optimism that the "obstructionist" tactics of Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena would diminish if AAP returns to power. Atishi believes the biggest achievement of her four-month tenure has been maintaining governance stability, despite the political challenges posed by the LG.

Chalapati, a 62-year-old Maoist leader, was killed in an encounter with security forces near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. Known for his rapid rise through the ranks, Chalapati orchestrated several high-profile attacks, including the 2018 killing of TDP MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, he was believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly attack in Araku Valley, which also targeted former MLA Siveri Soma. His wife, Aruna, allegedly led the Maoist group involved in the murders.

On his first day as U.S. President, Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting immigration laws, including birthright citizenship. The new policy restricts automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil, requiring at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or military member. This change may impact millions of Indian-Americans, complicating their pursuit of permanent residency, as birthright citizenship was a crucial pathway to citizenship for many foreign-born children.

Elon Musk faced backlash for a hand gesture during a celebration of Donald Trump's inauguration, which some online users compared to a Nazi salute. However, a leading antisemitism tracker clarified that the gesture appeared to be one of enthusiasm. Musk dismissed the criticism, calling it a "tired" attack. During the event at Washington’s Capital One Arena, Musk energetically pumped his arms and shouted "Yesssss," drawing cheers from the crowd, while the hand gesture sparked controversy online.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Brendan Dabhi tells us the state of a railway overbridge in Ahmedabad, which highlights the extent of mismanagement within the government.

Next, The Indian Express’ Raakhi Jagga provides the latest updates on the farmers’ protests, including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal accepting medical assistance from the government and agreeing to a meeting with them (08:22).

Finally, we bring you a quick update on the RG Kar case verdict delivered by the Sealdah court (16:50).

Hosted and written by Shashank Bhargava
Produced 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 Floar Swain.
Today is the 20th of January and here are the headlines.

Sealdah Court Sentences Sanjay Roy to Life for Doctor's Murder
A Sealdah court sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for raping and murdering a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August. Roy was convicted on Saturday, nearly six months after his arrest. The court imposed a Rs 50,000 fine and ordered the West Bengal government to pay Rs 1.7 million in compensation to the victim’s family. While the judge considered a possible death sentence, junior doctors at RG Kar expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict.

Supreme Court Rules on Custody of Bengaluru Techie's Son
 The Supreme Court ruled that the minor son of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash will remain in the custody of his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, who faces charges of abetting his suicide. The court denied a request from Subhash’s mother, Anju Devi, to grant her custody, citing the child’s lack of familiarity with her. Justice Nagarathna remarked that Anju Devi was "virtually a stranger" to the child, solidifying the court’s decision in favor of Singhania.

Complaint Filed Against Kejriwal Over Alleged Election Malpractices
A complaint has been filed against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly distributing chairs and sweeping machines in his constituency. Election officials in New Delhi will forward the complaint to Delhi Police for further action. With the Delhi Assembly elections less than two weeks away, political campaigns have intensified. Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticized the ongoing battle between AAP’s city government and the BJP-led central government, claiming his party offers a better option for the people.

Trump's Second Inauguration Amid Freezing Temperatures
Crowds are gathering in Washington, DC, as Donald Trump prepares for his second presidential inauguration. Due to freezing temperatures, the ceremony has been moved indoors. Trump will deliver a speech following the oath and attend three inaugural balls, with approximately 200,000 supporters expected. A day before the inauguration, Trump rallied at Capitol One Arena, discussing topics like Middle East Ceasefire, TikTok, and his Day 1 Actions. He also mentioned plans to visit Los Angeles later this week.

Hyderabad Man Shot Dead During Food Delivery in Washington, DC
Koyyada Ravi Teja, 26, was shot dead outside a building in Washington, DC, while delivering a food order for his part-time job. Teja, who had recently completed his master’s in the U.S., was reportedly confronted by robbers as they tried to escape, and was shot point-blank. He suffered two bullet wounds and died on the spot. Teja had been looking forward to marriage and settling down, according to his family from Green Hills Colony, Hyderabad.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Mohamed Thaver about Saif Ali Khan being stabbed in his own house. He shares the details of the investigation, how the accused was identified, found and arrested and the current status of the case. 

Next, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy speaks to us about the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. He shares the various stages of the agreement, how it unfolded on Sunday and what is in store for the near future. (15:20)

Finally, we talk about a massive fire that broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj that engulfed nearly 20 tents. (25:40)

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 Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 17th of January and here are this week’s headlines.

An estimated 40 crore people are expected to descend on the banks of the Ganga in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela, which commenced on Monday and will end on February 26. Besides this, 50 lakh pilgrims and sadhus plan to stay in camps for the entire duration of the event. The spiritual festival, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees who gather to bathe at the sacred Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers converge. It is the world’s biggest religious gathering, with deep links to Hindu mythology wherein participants seek forgiveness for their sins and aspire for Moksha, or spiritual liberation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel at Sonamarg, a strategic infrastructural project that is key to all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. The tunnel has been renamed as Sonamarg tunnel, after the famous tourist resort that will have round-the-year connectivity after this project. PM Modi inspected the 6.5-kilometre tunnel and interacted with workers who played a role in its construction. The soft-opening of the tunnel was carried out in February last year, but Assembly elections delayed the project’s official inauguration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully docked its SpaDeX satellites on Thursday, after bringing them within 3 meters of each other. Following the docking, ISRO confirmed the satellites were functioning as a single unit. The space agency mentioned that undocking and power transfer checks would follow in the coming days. The docking process had previously been delayed twice, on 7th and 9th of January, due to technical issues. The satellites were launched on 30th December.

On the global front, Los Angeles firefighters faced high winds over the week as they battled two massive wildfires that have caused extensive destruction, killing at least 24 people. The fires, which have scorched an area the size of Washington D.C., were egzazzerbated by Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 75 mph. Over 8,500 firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blazes and prevent further spread, as authorities issued a red flag warning for dangerous conditions in the region.

Meanwhile, a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israeli negotiators is set to end the 15-month Gaza conflict, with the deal taking effect on January 19. The agreement, brokered by US President Joe Biden, includes swapping hostages for imprisoned Palestinians in Israel. Biden, who played a pivotal role in the negotiations, views this achievement as a significant foreign policy legacy. While he is credited with ending the bloodiest phase of the Israel-Gaza conflict, he shares this accomplishment with his successor, Donald Trump.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Pavneet Singh Chadha explains why the Goa tourism minister has been speaking out against social media influencers and what data reveals about the current state of tourism in the state.

Next, The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt discusses a new method proposed by a Lancet commission for calculating and defining obesity (14:08).

Finally, The Indian Express’ Abhinaya Harigovind examines why several non-BJP-ruled states are opposing the draft UGC Regulations, 2025 (21:15).

Hosted, written, and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar