3 Things

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 16th of January and here are the headlines.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) 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 January 7 and 9, due to technical issues. The satellites were launched on December 30.

Saif Ali Khan, after undergoing surgery for stab wounds sustained in a home attack, is now in stable condition, according to doctors at Lilavati Hospital. The attack occurred early Thursday when an intruder stabbed Khan multiple times, including a serious wound near his spine. Police believe the attacker may be linked to a domestic worker who allowed him entry. The intruder was briefly locked in a room but managed to escape. Theft is suspected as the motive.

Nearly 50,000 international students failed to show up at Canadian colleges and universities in March-April 2024, with Indian students making up a significant portion. Of the 20,000 “no-shows,” 5.4% were from India, representing a sizeable portion of the country’s study permit holders. This data, compiled under the International Student Compliance Regime, highlights the non-compliance of 6.9% of international students, prompting educational institutions to report on enrolment twice a year to ensure adherence to study permits.

Hindenburg Research, the US-based short seller whose allegations caused significant financial turmoil, including for India's Adani Group, has announced its closure. The decision to disband the firm came shortly after US Congressman Lance Gooden wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland, asking for clarification on the US Department of Justice's case against Adani. The letter highlighted concerns over the investigation's focus on a foreign company while Hindenburg's own role in global financial disruptions has been scrutinized.

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, we talk to The Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar about the relocation of 337 metric tonnes of hazardous waste from Bhopal’s Union Carbide factory that was generated during pesticide production between 1969 and 1984 and was dumped on the premises.

Next, The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt speaks to us about the second phase of the Genome India project, which was approved by the government in 2020 with the aim of creating a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations found in the Indian population. (13:28)

Finally, we talk about Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioning three advanced Naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer. (22:41)

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 15th of January and here are today's headlines.

Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on RSS and BJP
On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, accused the BJP and RSS of “capturing every single institution” in India. He criticized RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his controversial remarks on India’s Independence and called them treasonous. Gandhi argued that India is witnessing a clash between the visions of the Congress and RSS. He stated that Congress is now fighting both the BJP, RSS, and the Indian state itself, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.

PM Modi Commissions New Naval Combatants
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday commissioned three advanced Naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Calling the occasion a “giant leap forward” for the Navy’s empowerment, Modi celebrated India's growing defence self-reliance. Designed and built entirely in India, these combatants enhance India's naval capabilities. They have undergone rigorous trials and are now fully operational, marking a significant milestone in the country’s indigenous shipbuilding and defence production.

Meta Apologizes for Zuckerberg's Election Remarks
Meta India apologized on Wednesday for CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claim about several governments, including India’s, losing power in post-COVID elections. Meta clarified that the statement was an "inadvertent error." In a message to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Meta’s Shivnath Thukral explained that while the remark applied to many countries, it was incorrect regarding India. The apology came after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey announced that a Parliamentary panel would summon Meta to seek an apology for the controversial comments.

Committee Recommends Action in Khalistan Plot Case
A high-powered committee set up by the Union government has recommended legal action against an individual in connection with an alleged plot to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The committee's report follows inputs from US authorities regarding Vikash Yadav, a former Indian official, accused of directing a foiled assassination attempt in New York City. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Yadav is no longer employed by the Indian government, and legal action is now being considered based on the findings.

South Korean President Arrested Amid Impeachment
On Wednesday, South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from his residence, following a weeks-long standoff with law enforcement. Yoon, who had previously declared martial law in December, was impeached by the parliament. In a pre-recorded message, Yoon claimed that his arrest was illegitimate and the investigation illegal. He explained that he stopped resisting to avoid a violent confrontation. Yoon's controversial actions and impeachment have sparked political turmoil in the country.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Sukrita Baruah tells us how several workers got trapped inside a rat-hole mine in Assam last week, and the political slugfest it has led to.

Next, The Indian Express’ Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy talks about why India has now chosen to increase its engagement with the Taliban and what was discussed in their latest bilateral meeting (16:50).

Finally, we discuss Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching Mission Mausam, which aims to upgrade the capabilities of India’s weather department in forecasting, modeling, and dissemination (26:02).

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 14th of January and here are today's headlines.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 150th anniversary celebration of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), praised the country’s meteorological advancements for enhancing disaster management and limiting casualties. Modi emphasized how India’s accurate weather forecasts have benefited both the region and the world, contributing to the nation’s global image. He highlighted how these advancements have minimized economic losses, underscoring that scientific progress is a reflection of a country's overall development.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who chairs the Communications and Information Technology Committee, announced plans to summon Meta over CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s statement regarding the electoral defeat of incumbent governments post-Covid. Zuckerberg’s comment about 2024 elections prompted Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to refute the claim. Vaishnaw emphasized India’s progress under PM Modi, highlighting free vaccines, food distribution, and India’s growth as the fastest-growing economy, contradicting the claim that Modi's third term victory was unlikely.

The Telangana government's crackdown on BRS Huzurabad MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and other party leaders sparked controversy. The incident followed an altercation between Kaushik and Congress MLA Sanjay Kumar. Kaushik was arrested on charges of physical abuse and obstruction, later released on bail. Subsequently, senior BRS leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Kumar, were placed under house arrest. Kaushik criticized Congress’s stance on constitutional rights, alleging consistent violations in Telangana's politics.

Delhi Police filed an FIR against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for using images of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Shah in social media posts. The complaint, filed by BJP office secretary Brijesh Rai, accuses AAP of misusing these images in their posts on X. Investigations are ongoing, with elections in Delhi approaching on February 5. The FIR was filed at the North Avenue police station, where AAP’s posts are under scrutiny during the pre-election period.

Los Angeles firefighters faced high winds overnight 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 exacerbated 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.

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Saurabh Parashar about the Himachal scholarship scam. He shares how the scam was uncovered, what all has been revealed in CBI's investigation, and how an ED assistant director allegedly was involved in the case.

Next, The Indian Express' Anonna Dutt speaks to us about ISRO's SpaDex Mission which was launched at the end of 2024. She talks about the project, its importance and how it will massively impact future missions like Chandrayaan 4. (9:46)

Finally, we talk about the efforts being made by the government to control and reduce financial fraud and cyber-crimes and how the centre was able to decline six lakh fraudulent transactions and save Rs 1,800 crore. (20:26)

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 Niharika Nanda.
Today is the 13th of January and here are the 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 today 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.

Today. 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 Sonamarg tunnel, after the famous tourist resort that will have round-the-year connectivity thanks to this project. 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.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, while speaking on the disengagement efforts along the India-China border, said that the situation across the LAC is “sensitive but stable.” The army chief further said that patrolling and grazing in traditional areas has started in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh is taking place as per routine. General Dwivedi further stated quote, “Our deployment is balanced and robust; we are capable of handling any situation.” unquote. While talking about the future of LAC, the army chief said that they are currently focused on boosting border infrastructure and capability development.

The Indian Express exclusively reported that after unprecedented footfall in 2023 the Capital’s mohalla clinics saw a 28 per cent dip in 2024 to 1.39 crore appointments. An application filed under the Right to Information Act and official documents sourced by The Indian Express have revealed that the decline, health department officials, doctors and experts say, is primarily due to a drug shortage that the mohalla clinics faced last year. Mohalla clinics, the centrepiece of the Aam Aadmi Party government’s health infrastructure, were first set up in October 2015. Since then, the clinics, which are meant to be the first point of contact for patients with basic illnesses, have caught the attention of many from across the world.

The death toll in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 24, the LA County Medical Examiner confirmed today. As forecasters predict a return of strong winds this week, authorities warn that the toll is likely to rise, as per news agency Reuters . Firefighters continue to scramble to make headway with search and rescue operations against the blazes that have destroyed thousands of homes. The Palisades fire has burned through 23,723 acres and is only 13 per cent contained, while the Eaton fire, near Pasadena, has scorched 14,117 acres and is 27 per cent contained. Authorities report that at least 24 people are still missing, and the scale of destruction across the region is vast, with more than 12,000 structures damaged.

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

First, The Indian Express's Udit Misra explains why the 'First Advance Estimates' of India’s GDP for the current financial year are a cause for concern.

Next, The Indian Express's Amitabh Sinha discusses what 2024 breaching the 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit really means and what it reveals about our climate change preparedness (15:40).

Finally, we take a look at how Old Ahmedabad is witnessing the rise of ‘terrace tourism’ in anticipation of the upcoming Uttarayan (24:34).

Further reading: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/as-kite-festival-draws-near-terrace-tourism-takes-flight-in-old-ahmedabad-9773845/

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 10th of January and here are this week’s headlines.

After news of respiratory infections caused by human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, at least seven cases of the virus were detected during routine surveillance by ICMR’s (Indian Council of Medical Research) network of laboratories. Clarifying the status of the virus, the Union Health Ministry issued a statement that read “HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.” It added that there was no history of international travel in the two cases that were picked up during surveillance, meaning that these infections have no connection to the reported surge in respiratory infections in China.

The Chhattisgarh police Sunday arrested the alleged main accused Suresh Chandrakar in connection with the murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in the state’s Bijapur district from Telangana. Last Saturday, the police arrested three people, including Suresh’s brothers Ritesh Chandrakar and Dinesh Chandrakar, and construction supervisor Mahendra Ramteke, in connection with the murder case, and the district administration also razed alleged “illegal property” belonging to the key accused. A freelancer, Mukesh worked with media houses such as NDTV and News 18, and hosted a YouTube channel, Bastar Junction, with 1.59 lakh subscribers.

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist and American citizen, has stated that since his extradition from the Czech Republic to the US seven months ago, he has not been contacted by anyone from the Indian government. Gupta expressed to The Indian Express that despite his family's multiple requests for assistance, there has been no communication from Indian officials regarding his situation. Gupta, currently being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, was responding to a set of questions from The Indian Express. His replies were shared through an intermediary who has been in regular contact with him.

Although Ahmedabad is the primary focus of India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, discussions are underway to expand the event's reach across the country. The government is considering hosting various sports in different cities to foster a nationwide movement. Proposed venues include hockey in Bhubaneswar, rowing in Bhopal, canoeing and kayaking in Pune, and cricket in Mumbai. India has been actively engaging with the International Olympic Committee's Future Hosts Commission since submitting a Letter of Intent last October. This proposal aims to showcase India's diverse sporting capabilities and will be presented to the IOC soon. An official noted that while the final structure of the plan is still being developed, there is a strong desire to involve multiple regions in this significant event, making it a collective national effort.

On the global front, a new wildfire has reportedly erupted in the Hollywood Hills scrubland, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley announced, as five other blazes continued to devastate the county. The powerful Santa Ana winds, typically associated with high wildfire risks, fanned the flames and hindered firefighting operations. Raging wildfires have surrounded Los Angeles, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes as more than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate. Pacific Palisades, home to celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis and Mark Hamill, saw widespread destruction, forcing evacuations. Homes and properties worth millions were consumed by the flames, with more than 1,000 structures destroyed

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

First, we talk to The Indian Express’ Maulshree Seth about the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 which is being held in Prayagraj. She talks about the arrangements being made and what makes this year special.

Next, The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy speaks to us about Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his resignation from his post and what happens now. (14:42)

Finally, we talk about the stampede caused at Tirupati on the festival of Vaikunta Ekadasi. (25:46)

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