This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 13th of December and here are the headlines.

Bangladesh confirmed on Tuesday that 88 incidents of communal violence targeting minorities, mostly Hindus, occurred after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Interim government spokesman Shafiqul Alam said 70 people were arrested in connection with the attacks. This announcement came after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raised concerns about the safety of minorities during talks with Bangladeshi officials, calling the incidents regrettable. The violence has drawn significant international attention and criticism.

In a tragic incident in Mumbai, a BEST bus crashed into 22 vehicles, killing seven and injuring 49. The accident took place near Anjuman-E-Islam School in Kurla West around 9:30 pm. Investigators revealed that the driver, Sanjay More, hit cars, two-wheelers, and even a police van. Police are still determining whether more vehicles were involved. The accident, one of the city's worst, has shocked locals and raised questions about traffic safety in crowded areas.

After 13 years of civil war and decades of Assad family rule, Syria’s rebel group, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has taken control of the country’s governance. A meeting between rebel leaders and outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali confirmed the handover of power to the rebel-led Salvation Government. This momentous shift offers hope to Syrian refugees abroad, although uncertainty looms over the country’s future stability as it transitions from decades of autocratic rule. The situation remains fragile, with global eyes on Syria’s next steps.

18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju upstaged China’s Ding Liren in the final game of their best-of-14-games to become the youngest ever world chess champion on Thursday in Singapore. In 2018, Gukesh became the third-youngest grandmaster in history at 12 years and seven months. In April, earlier this year, Gukesh stunned the world by winning the eight-man Candidates tournament in Toronto and became the youngest ever challenger for the world championship.

The Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval to two Bills, one of which is a nod to the “one nation, one election” plan of the BJP-led Central government. Since coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating for the plan to hold elections to Lok Sabha, all state Legislative Assemblies, and urban and rural local bodies at the same time. A high-level committee, headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind, in March this year recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days.

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

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Asad Rehman about the protests being carried out by the Opposition in the Parliament to get the government to discuss the Gautam Adani bribery case. Congress has adopted varied methods of protests, Asad talks about them and shares how they are executed.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Parul Kulshreshtha who explains why the farmers of Punjab and Rajasthan have been protesting. She shares their concerns regarding the pollution of Buddha Nullah, a stream that drains into the Sutlej and how it is impacting people's health and crops. (9:27)

Finally, we talk about India's D Gukesh becoming the youngest World Chess Champion. (18:00)

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 December and here are the headlines.

In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court directed that civil courts cannot hear cases challenging the ownership and title of places of worship. This includes major disputes like the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. The court clarified that no new suits can be filed, and no interim or final orders, including surveys, will be allowed until further hearings. Several similar suits are pending in different locations across India.

On Thursday, the Union Cabinet approved two crucial bills related to holding simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. One bill proposes a constitutional amendment, while the other seeks to align assembly elections in Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. These bills are expected to be introduced in the current Parliament session. This development follows months of discussions after the Kovind-led committee's recommendations on simultaneous elections.

Thursday saw chaos in both Houses of Parliament. The Lok Sabha was adjourned after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey raised allegations about Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s alleged ties to billionaire George Soros. Opposition MPs protested fiercely, even climbing the Speaker's dais. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned after a disruption over a motion by Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, leading to further tension in the parliamentary proceedings for the day.

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal announced that the Mahila Samman Rashi Scheme will increase the monthly allowance for women to Rs 2,100, up from Rs 1,000, if AAP is re-elected. The scheme, approved by Chief Minister Atishi's Cabinet, is aimed at supporting women’s financial empowerment. The announcement is seen as part of the AAP's strategy to secure women’s votes in the upcoming elections.

In a clash between security forces and alleged Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, seven Maoists were killed early Thursday. The encounter, which lasted over seven hours, took place in the dense jungles of Abujhmad, a heavily forested and un-surveyed area. The police are continuing search operations to confirm the number of casualties and recover weapons. The region has long been a hotspot for Maoist insurgents, making security operations challenging.

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

First, in light of the recent tussle between the RBI and the government over the repo rate, The Indian Express’s Udit Misra explains the functions and limits of monetary policy.

Next, The Indian Express’s Shivani Naik discusses a Delhi High Court case in which a petitioner claims that horses, in equestrian sports, should be considered equipment (11:32).

Finally, The Indian Express’s Apurva Vishwanath explains why the opposition’s attempt to move a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar is largely a symbolic move (21:26).

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 11th of December and here are the headlines.

In Parliament, the Opposition is in full swing as tensions rise. Rahul Gandhi met Speaker Om Birla, pushing for a discussion on key issues, including the Adani row. He also requested that derogatory remarks made against him in the Lower House be expunged. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned after the Opposition demanded the removal of Vice President Dhankhar. On Tuesday, Opposition MPs filed a no-confidence motion, accusing him of partisan behavior. The situation continues to heat up with both sides standing firm.

In a creative protest, Opposition MPs greeted their BJP counterparts with the national flag and red roses, urging the House to continue its proceedings and discuss important issues, including the Adani row. This gesture included Congress, DMK, JMM, and Left party MPs. The protest took place at Parliament steps, with leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra showing their support for the cause. The move is a direct response to the political gridlock over ongoing matters in the House.

Bangladesh confirmed on Tuesday that 88 incidents of communal violence targeting minorities, mostly Hindus, occurred after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Interim government spokesman Shafiqul Alam said 70 people were arrested in connection with the attacks. This announcement came after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raised concerns about the safety of minorities during talks with Bangladeshi officials, calling the incidents regrettable. The violence has drawn significant international attention and criticism.

Actor Mushtaq Khan has shared his ordeal after claiming he was kidnapped in Meerut. Invited to an event, Khan was allegedly abducted, tortured for 12 hours, and demanded to pay a crore in ransom. His business partner stated that the kidnappers withdrew Rs 2 lakh from Khan’s and his son’s accounts. Khan managed to escape after hearing the morning azaan, thinking a mosque was nearby. This unsettling incident follows comedian Sunil Pal’s similar claims of abduction.

MIT’s suspension of Indian-origin research scholar Prahlad Iyengar has sparked controversy. Iyengar, a PhD student in Electrical Engineering, was suspended after writing a pro-Palestine essay for a student journal. His suspension has led to an open letter from university faculty demanding his reinstatement. Iyengar was barred from campus until January 2026, and the student magazine that published his essay has been banned. The suspension has raised questions about academic freedom and expression at prestigious universities.

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

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy who shares everything we need to know about the current situation in Syria. He talks about the fall of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, how and why it happened, he explains the history of conflict in Syria and how it impacts geopolitics.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Anjali Marar about Cyclone Fengal and how despite it being a low intensity cyclone, it caused massive destruction in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. (14:52)

Finally, we talk about a portion of a 180-year-old mosque being demolished in Uttar Pradesh. (22:24)

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 10th of December and here are the headlines.


No-Confidence Motion Against Vice-President Dhankhar

In a historic move, the Opposition today introduced a no-confidence motion against Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, marking the first such action in India’s parliamentary history. The motion, supported by 65 signatures, aims to protest the alleged denial of speaking opportunities in the House. While the motion is unlikely to succeed due to the ruling party’s strength in the Rajya Sabha, it signals growing dissatisfaction with the Chair’s conduct. The Opposition had considered such a motion back in August as well, highlighting its ongoing concerns.

Rajya Sabha Disruptions Over George Soros and Adani

For the second consecutive day, the Rajya Sabha was disrupted, with Congress’s alleged ties to billionaire George Soros sparking heated exchanges. The Opposition rebutted these accusations, demanding a debate on the BJP’s alleged ties to industrialist Gautam Adani. The House was first adjourned due to protest slogans, and when it reconvened, BJP's JP Nadda accused the Opposition of serving external forces aiming to destabilize India. This led to a further uproar, underscoring the rising tensions in the House over these political charges.

Former Karnataka CM SM Krishna Passes Away

SM Krishna, the former Karnataka Chief Minister and key figure in Bengaluru’s rise on the global stage, passed away at the age of 92. He died early Tuesday from age-related issues. With a career spanning nearly six decades, Krishna served in multiple high offices, including as chief minister, governor, and external affairs minister. He joined the BJP in 2017 and retired from active politics in 2023. Krishna’s legacy in Indian politics, particularly in Karnataka, is marked by his transformative leadership and contributions to state development.

Mumbai’s Tragic BEST Bus Accident

In a tragic incident in Mumbai, a BEST bus crashed into 22 vehicles, killing seven and injuring 49. The accident took place near Anjuman-E-Islam School in Kurla West around 9:30 pm. Investigators revealed that the driver, Sanjay More, hit cars, two-wheelers, and even a police van. Police are still determining whether more vehicles were involved. The accident, one of the city's worst, has shocked locals and raised questions about traffic safety in crowded areas.

Syria’s Power Shift After 13 Years of Conflict

After 13 years of civil war and decades of Assad family rule, Syria’s rebel group, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has taken control of the country’s governance. A meeting between rebel leaders and outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali confirmed the handover of power to the rebel-led Salvation Government. This momentous shift offers hope to Syrian refugees abroad, although uncertainty looms over the country’s future stability as it transitions from decades of autocratic rule. The situation remains fragile, with global eyes on Syria’s next steps.

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

First, The Indian Express’ Anonna Dutt shares insights from her investigation, revealing how a shortage of drugs is hindering India’s efforts to eliminate TB.

Next, The Indian Express’ Raakhi Jagga reports on the recent developments in the farmers’ protests, which marked 300 days yesterday (10:42).

Finally, we provide a quick update on the government’s appointment of a new Governor for the Reserve Bank of India (22:10).

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 9th of December and here are the headlines.

India called for a “peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process” which respects the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society, in its first statement today since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday. Bashar al-Assad fled Syria for Russia after Islamist rebels managed to advance and capture Damascus on Sunday. The Syrian conflict since 2011 had been frozen for the last few years and the Assad regime had managed to stave off any possible insurrection but that changed in the last few days, as the rebels advanced against the Syrian regime’s army.

The Lok Sabha faced disruptions amid slogans raised by Opposition MPs, leading to an adjournment. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House JP Nadda made a brief statement seeking a discussion on the Soros issue. Meanwhile, Congress has called for a comprehensive debate on the India-China ties, encompassing strategic and economic policies. This comes as a response to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent briefing in Lok Sabha on key developments in bilateral relations following the agreement on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control in easter Ladakh.

After the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s election was formally announced in the House today, the Assembly passed the confidence vote in favour of  Devendra Fadnavis led government by majority voice vote. BJP MLA Rahul Narvekar was elected as the Speaker unopposed after Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi parties refused to file nomination. The confidence motion in the assembly was accepted as ruling coalition has 237 MLAs in 288 member assembly. The Opposition MVA has placed a formal demand seeking the Leader of Opposition post and the Deputy Speaker post in the Assembly.

In its second list of candidates for the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled in February 2025, the Aam Aadmi Party today changed nominees in 20 of the 70 constituencies in the Capital. There are widespread changes in the AAP candidate list, with the ruling party dropping 13 of its sitting MLAs. Two sitting MLAs, Manish Sisodia and Rakhi Bidlan, have been fielded from new constituencies of Jundpura and Manipur, respectively. Avadh Ojha, a popular UPSC coaching teacher and motivational speaker who joined the AAP recently, replaced Manish Sisodia in Patparganj. 

Meanwhile, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said today that the alleged links between the Congress and Hungarian-American businessman should be considered “serious” and urged the opposition party  to fight unitedly against “anti-India forces”. He also said the matter should not be viewed through a “political lens.” The BJP minister’s statement comes a day after the BJP alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation and which has backed the idea of Kashmir as an independent nation.

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

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Diplomatic Affairs editor Shubhajit Roy who shares everything we need to know about the current situation of Indo-China relations. He talks about the status of the disengagement process, what External Affairs minister S Jaishankar had to say about ties between the two nations, the negotiations that happened and what lies ahead. 

Next, we talk to The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha who explains why a case has been filed at the International Court of Justice regarding climate change and how do we expect it to pan out. (11:49)

Finally, we talk about a technology which is successfully treating active landslide zones in Uttarakhand. (24:44)

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 6th of December and here are this week’s headlines.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister of Maharashtra on 5th of December along with two deputy chief ministers, Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, at a grand event held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.  The formation of the new government comes after two weeks of intense negotiations among the Mahayuti allies following the 23rd November poll results. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union ministers, and several chief ministers.

Meanwhile, India experienced its second warmest November in 123 years and this warming trend has continued since the post-monsoon season in October, and could contribute to making 2024 the warmest year ever on record, globally. According to meteorologists, there were two main reasons for the above normal temperatures in India, first the lack of strong western disturbances affecting the plains of northwest India, and second lack of cyclonic disturbances or low pressure systems — both of which kept the rainfall activity at its lowest across the country.

As allegations emerge against its director of “favouritism”, “vindictiveness in faculty selection”, and failure to build a hospital on campus, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, has responded by issuing show cause notices to as many as 85 faculty members, deepening the rift between the administration and teachers. The institute has also issued orders replacing three heads of departments, who were signatories to a mass petition. The conflict began in September, when the IIT Teachers’ Association wrote to the Union Education Ministry, accusing the institute of arbitrary recruitment and other irregularities under the tenure of its current director V K Tewari. 

The Trinamool Congress asked the Centre to appeal to the United Nations to send a peacekeeping force to Bangladesh on Tuesday where according to the party “the minorities and the Hindus are being tortured and being killed”. The party’s appeal in the Lok Sabha came a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a similar request in the state Assembly. Speaking during the Zero Hour, party MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay sought a statement in the House by Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar about the latest situation in Bangladesh. He added that the West Bengal government had adopted a resolution that it would work together with the Centre on the matter and stand by its decisions.

On the global front, France Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government has collapsed amid a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly and he has been forced to resign after three months into his term, sending the country into a political crisis. Like the former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal was asked to continue as the caretaker government, when President Macron dissolved the National Assembly following his party’s crushing defeat in the EU elections, PM Michel Barnier will also remain in power as a caretaker administrator.

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