This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I am Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 22nd of April and here are today’s headlines.

En route to Jeddah today for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the nation as “one of India’s most valued partners — a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally”. He also said that the partnership between the two countries has “limitless potential”. Modi is set to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tonight, where both leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in an array of crucial areas, such as energy, defence and trade, besides expediting Riyadh’s $100 billion investment plan for India. Besides bilateral ties, the two leaders will also exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including the overall situation in West Asia.

In the first high-level visit from the White House since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January, US Vice-President J D Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and both sides “welcomed the significant progress” in negotiations towards a India-US bilateral trade pact, framing it as a “new and modern trade agreement.” Vance today praised India’s heritage and strategic partnership with the US, saying, “I believe there is much that the US and India can accomplish together.” Speaking in Jaipur, he noted that both nations are working toward a bilateral trade agreement based on shared priorities. Referring to past policies, Vance said, “We are not here to preach,” and highlighted President Trump’s vision to “rebalance global trade” and “build a bright new world” with partners like India. 

At least eight people, including tourists, were injured in a suspected militant attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam today. Sources said two of the injured are critical. According to sources, militants opened fire on tourists at Baisaran, an off-the-road meadow in Pahalgam. Baisaran is a popular destination among tourists. Police sources said that at least eight people, including tourists, were injured in the shootout. Police sources said the number of injured could increase.

A few days after warning against judicial overreach, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasised today that Parliament is supreme, and elected representatives are the final arbiters of the Constitution. Addressing a gathering at an event called ‘Kartavyam’ in Delhi University, marking 75 years of the Constitution, Dhankhar said, “There is no visualisation in Constitution of any authority above Parliament… elected representatives… They are the ultimate masters as to what (the) Constitution content will be.” He referred to Indira Gandhi’s imposition of the Emergency in 1975 and her electoral defeat in 1977 to underscore how elected representatives are most accountable to the public.

Gold prices are glittering above the Rs 1 lakh-level per 10 gm for the first time as the international prices surged after US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to overhaul the Federal Reserve. Gold consolidated its position as the best safe haven asset in the volatile global financial markets. The price of 24-karat gold (999 fineness) was quoted at Rs 1,00,000 per 10 gm in the Mumbai bullion market today. The price of 22 karat gold was quoted at Rs 91,600 per 10 gm on Tuesday as global markets continued to remain jittery over the Trump’s tariff plans and his threat to revamp the US Fed that could lead to a spike in inflation and interest rates.

US President Donald Trump is facing a significant dip in his economic approval ratings, with his performance on the economy registering the lowest numbers of his presidency. According to the latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey, broad discontent over issues like tariffs, inflation, and government spending has contributed to this decline. The surge of economic optimism that followed Trump’s election in 2024 has all but disappeared, with more Americans now predicting that the economy will worsen, a stark shift from the hopeful outlook that marked earlier years. The survey revealed a sharp turn towards pessimism about the stock market as well, with many feeling uncertain about future economic prospects.

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