Podcasts about Rajya Sabha

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 4th of June and here are the headlines.1. Multi-party Delegation Briefs EAM on Anti-Terror Diplomacy TourA multi-party delegation led by BJP leader Baijayant Panda met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after returning from visits to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria to rally support against Pakistan-backed terrorism. The team included MPs and leaders across party lines, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Ghulam Nabi Azad. The delegation briefed Jaishankar on their findings, highlighting India's global rise under PM Modi. They said India's economic and diplomatic strength is helping forge international partnerships on trade and counterterrorism. Jaishankar lauded their outreach efforts.2. Monsoon Session of Parliament Set to Begin July 21Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the Monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 21 and run until August 12. The session was recommended by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will convene at 11 a.m. after a three-month recess. The session's announcement comes amid calls by opposition parties for an urgent special session to discuss Operation Sindoor—India's major military strike on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this year.3. Punjab YouTuber Held for Links to Pakistan Spy NetworkPunjab Police arrested Jasbir Singh, a YouTuber from Rupnagar, for alleged involvement in a Pakistani spy network. Singh, who runs the channel ‘Jaan Mahal', was nabbed by the State Special Operations Cell in Mohali. Authorities say he is linked to Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa, a Pakistani intelligence operative, and maintained close ties with Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra—previously arrested on similar charges—and a Pakistani High Commission official. The espionage network is believed to be terror-backed. Investigations are ongoing into the extent of Singh's involvement and communication with Pakistan-based handlers.4. RCB Victory Parade Cancelled, Celebration at Stadium InsteadRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cancelled its IPL victory parade on Wednesday, originally planned from Vidhan Soudha to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bengaluru Traffic Police confirmed the cancellation, stating the team would instead meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhan Soudha. A celebration is now scheduled at the stadium. RCB had earlier announced the parade on social media, thanking fans for their unwavering support over 18 seasons. The franchise won its first IPL title this year, prompting city-wide excitement. Fans can now attend the celebration directly at the stadium later today.5. Trump Doubles Tariffs on Global Steel, Aluminium ImportsU.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday doubling tariffs on nearly all steel and aluminium imports to 50 percent, citing national security concerns. The hike—effective Wednesday—follows his 2018 move imposing 25 percent tariffs under the Trade Expansion Act's Section 232. The UK, which recently signed a trade deal with the U.S., is exempt and will maintain the current 25 percent rate. Trump's decision marks a significant escalation in his administration's trade policy, as Washington continues to pressure nations for fairer deals and increased domestic metal production.That's all for today. This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

•⁠ ⁠கடும் கட்டுப்பாடுகளுடன் Neet தேர்வு? •⁠ ⁠நீட் தேர்வில் மதுபானம் குறித்த கேள்வியால் சர்ச்சை?•⁠ ⁠நீட் தேர்வு எழுத வந்த மாணவியின் உடையிலிருந்த பட்டன்கள் அகற்றம்?•⁠ ⁠மகன் பொதுத்தேர்வில் தோல்வியடைந்ததைக் கொண்டாடிய பெற்றோர்!•⁠ ⁠நீட் தேர்வு பயந்து மாணவி தற்கொலை?•⁠ ⁠தேர்தலில் திமுக-வுக்கு மக்கள் தகுந்த பதில் அளிப்பர் - எடப்பாடி.•⁠ ⁠நீட் தேர்வை ரத்து செய்ய வேண்டும் - அன்புமணி •⁠ ⁠“மூக்குத்திக்குள்ள பிட் எடுத்துட்டு போக முடியுமா? என் மாநிலத்தில் மட்டும் ஏன் இந்த கொடுமை?” - சீமான்.•⁠ ⁠மதுரை ஆதீனம் கார் விபத்து; கொலை முயற்சியா? - காவல்துறை சொல்வது என்ன? •⁠ ⁠போலீஸ் அறிக்கை முரணாக உள்ளது: மதுரை ஆதீனம்•⁠ ⁠'அதிமுக - பாஜக - தமாகா' வெற்றி அணி, வெற்றி அணியில் இருக்க விரும்புபவர்கள் இந்த கூட்டணியில் சேரலாம் - ஜி.கே.வாசன்•⁠ ⁠ADMK vs DMDK: ``வாக்குறுதி கொடுத்தார்கள்... அப்படி ஒன்று நடக்கவே இல்லை'' - முற்றும் கூட்டணி மோதல்!? •⁠ ⁠திமுக ஆட்சியில் வணிகர்கள் மீது தாக்குதல் - இபிஎஸ்•⁠ ⁠விமான படை தளபதியுடன் மோடி ஆலோசனை?•⁠ ⁠தக்க பதிலடி கொடுப்பது எனது பொறுப்பு - ராஜ்நாத் சிங்.•⁠ ⁠"அனுமதி வாங்கி தான் பாகிஸ்தான் பெண்ணை திருமணம் செய்தேன்'' - டிஸ்மிஸ் ஆன CRPF வீரர் சொல்வதென்ன? •⁠ ⁠பஹல்காம் தாக்குதல் உள்நாட்டுச் சதி; பாகிஸ்தான் மேல பழியைப் போட்டு.. - காஷ்மீரிலிருந்து மன்சூர் அலிகான்•⁠ ⁠700 அடி ஆழத்தில் விழுந்த ராணுவ வாகனம்; மூன்று ராணுவ வீரர்கள் மரணம்!•⁠ ⁠மேற்கு வங்கத்தில் மத தீவிரவாதம் - ஆளுநர் அறிக்கை•⁠ ⁠Trump : 'தேச பாதுகாப்புக்கு அச்சுறுத்தல்' - அமெரிக்காவுக்கு வெளியே தயாரிக்கும் படங்களுக்கு 100% வரி

Sathya Sai - The Lighthouse of My LifeSri Ashok Chavan is the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He is the son of late Sri S B Chavan, who also served the State of Maharashtra as its Chief Minister twice. Currently, Sri Ashok Chavan is a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.The Chavan family's association with Bhagawan goes back more than six decades to the 1960s. Sri Ashok Chavan remembers having Bhagawan's darshan when he was barely six. Be it his electoral successes or struggles, or his personal tragedies or celebrations, Bhagawan has been his strength, support and succour at every step of his life. In overwhelming gestures of compassion, Swami has visited the house of Chavans too on multiple occasions. In this Satsangh, Sri Chavan recalls all those life-defining moments and reiterates how he still feels Bhagawan's strength and presence in every facet of his life.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 8th of April and here are today's headlines.Nations are taking different stances toward US President Donald Trump's rising tariffs. China has vowed firm retaliation, rejecting Trump's threat of adding 50% more duties unless Beijing backs off its 34% counter-tariff. China's Commerce Ministry pledged strong countermeasures. Japan, in contrast, is opting for diplomacy, preparing to send a trade negotiation team to Washington. Trump confirmed speaking with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba about this move. The contrast highlights a global divide — between confrontation and cautious cooperation — in response to America's increasingly aggressive trade policies.In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi's decision to reserve 10 re-passed Bills for Presidential consideration as illegal. The court held that the Governor showed scant respect for judicial precedent and unduly delayed action. Using Article 142, the bench declared that the 10 Bills are deemed to have received assent, overriding the governor's withholding. This rare step sends a strong message about constitutional propriety and reinforces legislative autonomy amid growing tensions between elected governments and appointed constitutional heads.Pandemonium broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as NC members demanded discussion on the Waqf Act, which the Speaker had already dismissed through an adjournment motion. Tensions peaked when PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para approached the Well of the House, insisting he had filed a fresh resolution. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary accused the Chair of silencing opposition voices. Para was marshalled out as disorder continued, highlighting growing friction in the Assembly and the sensitivity surrounding the Waqf Act debate in the politically tense region.Former Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik is facing internal dissent over the party's sudden U-turn on the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. Despite long-standing opposition to the Bill, the BJD chose not to issue a voting whip, leaving the decision to individual MPs' conscience. The move triggered unrest within the party, reminiscent of a 2002 rebellion when six of its 10 Lok Sabha MPs challenged Patnaik's leadership. With the BJD lacking Lok Sabha representation but wielding influence in the Rajya Sabha, the shift has raised eyebrows.President Trump on Monday claimed the US and Iran are set for direct nuclear talks, but Tehran quickly clarified the dialogue would remain indirect. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed high-level indirect talks in Oman on Saturday, calling it both an “opportunity and a test.” His remarks came after Trump warned of severe consequences if the negotiations fail. Iran has previously rejected Trump's demand for direct talks under threat of bombing. The announcement revives fragile diplomatic hopes amid deep mistrust and escalating nuclear tension.That's all for today. This was the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.Today is the 4th of April and here are the headlines.The Trump administration's new tariffs on global trade partners, including a 27% duty on imports from India, will affect sectors like diamonds, smartphones, solar PV modules, and apparel. While certain products like critical minerals, energy products, and pharmaceuticals may be exempt, most of India's top exports, including pharmaceuticals worth $8 billion, are not. Petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals could benefit, but tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unchanged. These measures could reshape trade relations with India, despite limited relief for some sectors.After nearly 12 hours of debate in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion yesterday. BJP MPs accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam criticized the Bill as cultural vandalism, accusing the Centre of seeking excessive control over Waqf. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. The amendment now awaits a decision in the Rajya Sabha after being tabled by Kiren Rijiju.The Indian Army accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch's Krishna Ghati sector. According to Army PRO Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal, Pakistani forces intruded across the LoC and triggered a mine blast on April 1, followed by unprovoked firing. Indian forces responded in a "controlled and calibrated manner," keeping the situation under close watch. Tensions have risen despite the ceasefire agreement, with the Army asserting that India's borders remain secure and that further developments are being monitored.Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned the statement by Bangladesh interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus, who claimed that Bangladesh is "the only guardian of the ocean" for Northeast India. Yunus had stated that Bangladesh holds a unique position to benefit from the economic possibilities of the region. Sarma called the remark offensive, highlighting its connection to India's vulnerable "Chicken Neck" corridor, which connects the Northeast with the rest of India, emphasizing India's territorial integrity and strategic concerns.Bajinder Singh, a self-proclaimed Christian pastor, was sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case dating back to 2018 by a Mohali court. Singh had been convicted for luring a woman under the pretext of helping her settle abroad, only to rape her and threaten to post a video of the act online. The court convicted him under IPC sections related to rape, voluntary hurt, and criminal intimidation. Singh had been arrested at Delhi airport in 2018 and released on bail until his recent conviction.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express

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This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 3rd of April and here are today's headlines.The Trump administration's new tariffs on global trade partners, including a 27% duty on imports from India, will affect sectors like diamonds, smartphones, solar PV modules, and apparel. While certain products like critical minerals, energy products, and pharmaceuticals may be exempt, most of India's top exports, including pharmaceuticals worth $8 billion, are not. Petroleum oils derived from bituminous minerals could benefit, but tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles remain unchanged. These measures could reshape trade relations with India, despite limited relief for some sectors.After nearly 12 hours of debate in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moved to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion. BJP MPs accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam criticized the Bill as cultural vandalism, accusing the Centre of seeking excessive control over Waqf. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 votes against. The amendment now awaits a decision in the Rajya Sabha after being tabled by Kiren Rijiju.On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi criticized the government over the border row with China and tariffs imposed by the U.S. He claimed China had taken over 4,000 sq km of Indian territory, stating that the government's actions, including a cake-cutting ceremony with the Chinese ambassador, were inappropriate. Gandhi stressed that normalcy could not proceed without restoring status quo and recovering lost land. He emphasized that the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers should be honored, and their sacrifices should not be undermined by diplomatic gestures.The Supreme Court reprimanded Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy over his comments regarding bypolls in the state Assembly. The two-judge bench questioned whether they erred in letting him off last August when he made allegedly contemptuous remarks. The bench was hearing cases about the delay in disqualifying BRS MLAs who had joined the Congress. This development highlights ongoing tensions over political defections and the role of the judiciary in overseeing the actions of state lawmakers and their impact on public affairs.After the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision to dismiss over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff hired illegally by West Bengal schools, Opposition parties criticized the ruling TMC. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her disagreement, suggesting political influence from the CPI(M) and BJP. She questioned the judicial process, pointing out the contrasting decisions from different Chief Justices. The dismissal followed the 2016 illegal recruitment by the School Service Commission, requiring the affected staff to return salaries with interest, marking a significant blow to the state's education sector.That's all for today. This was the CatchUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Waqf Bill clears Lok Sabha | Will Sail Through Rajya Sabha | Warning to Muslims| Bhau Torsekar, OCN

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 1st of April and here are the headlines.Domestic Stock Market Crashes Ahead of Trump's Tariff AnnouncementOn Tuesday, Indian stock markets experienced a sharp decline due to massive selling, driven by uncertainty over the upcoming US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs set to be implemented on April 2. The BSE Sensex plunged by 1.69%, losing 1,313 points, while the Nifty fell by 1.41%, down 332 points. Investors are awaiting details on how these tariffs will impact various sectors globally, with market reactions likely hinging on the specifics of the tariff announcement tomorrow, said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments.Assam CM Condemns Bangladesh Official's Statement on Northeast IndiaAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned the statement by Bangladesh interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus, who claimed that Bangladesh is "the only guardian of the ocean" for Northeast India. Yunus had stated that Bangladesh holds a unique position to benefit from the economic possibilities of the region. Sarma called the remark offensive, highlighting its connection to India's vulnerable "Chicken Neck" corridor, which connects the Northeast with the rest of India, emphasizing India's territorial integrity and strategic concerns.Ruckus in Lok Sabha Over Question Hour AdjournmentA heated scene unfolded in the Lok Sabha after the Question Hour concluded, with Samajwadi Party MPs protesting the decision and demanding that Akhilesh Yadav be allowed to speak. Despite Speaker Om Birla assuring that Yadav would get time during Zero Hour, the MPs continued with slogans and placards, leading to the adjournment of the House until 2 pm. In the Rajya Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge called for an immediate decadal census and caste census, highlighting the delay's impact on welfare schemes. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is scheduled for discussion tomorrow.Mohali Court Sentences Pastor to Life for 2018 Rape CaseBajinder Singh, a self-proclaimed Christian pastor, was sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case dating back to 2018 by a Mohali court. Singh had been convicted for luring a woman under the pretext of helping her settle abroad, only to rape her and threaten to post a video of the act online. The court convicted him under IPC sections related to rape, voluntary hurt, and criminal intimidation. Singh had been arrested at Delhi airport in 2018 and released on bail until his recent conviction.Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs Could Lead to Uncertainty in Global TradeAs trade tensions escalate, all eyes are on the US President's announcement of reciprocal tariffs scheduled for April 2. Trump's plan to impose tariffs matching those charged by other countries has raised concerns about how the levies will be rolled out. With over 200 trading partners and thousands of tariff categories, the US could face an administrative nightmare. The initial focus is likely on the 20 countries the US has trade agreements with, with some speculating a blanket tariff could simplify the process but complicate global trade relations.That's all for the today. This was the CatchuUp on 3 Things by The Indian Express

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 18th of March and here are the headlines.Tulsi Gabbard, Director of US National Intelligence, emphasized strengthening security ties with India at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. She highlighted collaboration in cybersecurity, emerging tech, and AI. Gabbard acknowledged India's security concerns and reaffirmed that “America first is not America alone.” She stressed the importance of continuing a long-standing partnership, taking advantage of the new administration's momentum to explore further opportunities for collaboration.Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis described the violence in Nagpur on Monday as a “planned incident.” It followed a protest by VHP and Bajrang Dal members demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. Police were attacked, vehicles set on fire, and tear gas was used to disperse crowds. The violence spread across several areas of Nagpur, leaving several injured.Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, calling it a milestone for an awakened nation. Speaking in Lok Sabha, he linked the event's success to the spirit of the nation, reflecting the progress towards the next 1,000 years. Modi also noted how the Ram Mandir ceremony last year foreshadowed the national collective consciousness, reinforcing the country's strength and unity.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the 'Make in India' initiative in the Rajya Sabha, stating it had gained significant momentum, contrary to Opposition claims. She highlighted the success of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which attracted Rs 1.5 lakh crore in investments and generated 9.5 lakh jobs, countering criticisms of the government's manufacturing policies.Israel launched major airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, as reported by hospital officials. The airstrikes targeted Hamas positions, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks stalled. Israel's military vowed to continue its offensive against Hamas, accusing the group of rejecting multiple ceasefire proposals. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office stated that Israel would intensify its military response.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

•⁠ ⁠PM SHRI திட்டம் என்றால் என்ன?•⁠ ⁠இந்தியாவில் பெண் முதல்வர்கள் அதிகம் இல்லாதது ஏன்?•⁠ ⁠9 மாதங்களாக விண்வெளியில் சிக்கிய Sunitha Williams -க்கு உணவு எப்படிக் கிடைக்கிறது?•⁠ ⁠கமல், வைகோ, பிரேமலதா... மாநிலங்களவை எம்.பி சீட்டுக்கு முட்டிமோதும் தலைவர்கள்!

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain. Today is the 11th of March and here are the headlines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Mauritius on Tuesday. Women performed the traditional Bihari cultural dance, Geet Gawai, to honor him. He was greeted by Mauritian PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who presented him with a garland at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Modi is in Mauritius for a two-day visit as the chief guest at the National Day celebrations. His trip includes inaugurating 20 India-funded projects, ranging from capacity building to community-linked infrastructure. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha resumed today at 11 am, with discussions centered around new bills and the Manipur budget. The Lok Sabha is set to discuss President's Rule in Manipur and hear the presentation of the Manipur budget by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. A new bill on immigration services was also introduced, sparking opposition debate. Congress leader Manish Tewari called the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, unconstitutional, while the government defended its legislative competence to introduce the bill under the Union list.Delhi remains the world's most polluted capital for the sixth consecutive year, with an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report. The report reveals that 13 of the 20 most polluted cities globally are in India, including Byrnihat and Faridabad. India ranks as the fifth most polluted country, with a concerning average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 μg/m3. This is ten times higher than the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline, highlighting India's ongoing air quality crisis.Gangster Aman Sahu was killed in an encounter on Tuesday morning in Jharkhand's Palamu district. Authorities said Sahu's gang attempted to free him while he was being transported from Raipur jail to Ranchi. Sahu was involved in over 100 criminal cases, including murder and extortion. Police also suspected ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. His death follows several convictions in criminal cases. The encounter occurred after an attempt to break him free from police custody during his transfer. Shares on Wall Street plunged on Monday, marking one of the worst trading days since 2022, fueled by concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies. Investors are worried that a trade war could push the US economy into a recession, with Trump expressing ambivalence about the prospect. Despite earlier responses to market movements, Trump now hints at economic pain in the short term. The tech-heavy NASDAQ dropped over 4%, with Tesla suffering the most, falling more than 10%, marking a sharp decline from its December peak.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain. Today is the 10th of March and here are the headlines.Proceedings in Lok Sabha resumed after being adjourned due to chaos over the PM SHRI scheme. Speaker Om Birla urged MPs to be seated and respect Parliament or face action. Meanwhile, the opposition staged a walk-out in the Rajya Sabha. Tensions are rising between the government and opposition, with concerns over electoral roll manipulation, violence in Manipur, and India's handling of the Trump administration. The government aims to secure Parliament's approval for grants, the Manipur budget, and the Waqf Amendment Bill.A fashion show in Kashmir's Gulmarg has sparked controversy, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying his government had no involvement. The event, held during Ramzan, was criticized by Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who called it “outrageous” and “obscene.” Abdullah, responding to the criticism, expressed that the show disrespected local sensitivities during the holy month. The fashion show, organized to mark the 15th anniversary of designer label Shivan & Narresh, took place on snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg on Friday. Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore, has links to a land deal in Karnataka. Rao was the majority shareholder of Ksiroda India, a company that received 12 acres of industrial land in Tumakuru from the BJP government in February 2023. Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, was arrested at Bengaluru airport on March 3 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). A special court later handed her over to DRI custody for further investigation. Mark Carney, former central banker in Canada and the UK, has won the Liberal Party's leadership race and will replace Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada. In his victory speech, Carney stated, “America is not Canada,” stressing the differences between the two nations. He criticized the U.S. for its resource-driven ambitions and vowed that Canada would never be part of the U.S. Carney's comments on Canadian sovereignty highlighted his commitment to protecting the country's identity and way of life. Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, vowed to hunt down Bashar al-Assad loyalists after over 830 civilians were killed in brutal massacres on Syria's west coast. The deaths occurred from Friday to Saturday and targeted Alawite communities. Sharaa, whose rebel group, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overthrew Assad's regime in December, promised to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. His speech, broadcast on TV and social media, marked a firm stance against Assad loyalists amid escalating violence in the region.  This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

Waqf Amendment UMEED Approved by Modi | Kejriwal for Rajya Sabha | Bihar | Abhishek Tiwari

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.

Welcome to The Indian Business Podcast! Today, we're joined by Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, Atishi Marlena, current Chief Minister of Delhi, Raghav Chadha, MP in Rajya Sabha, and Satyendar Jain, former Cabinet Minister of Delhi. In this special episode, we've taken a deep dive into governance and policies, steering clear of political drama or masala content. With high-stakes elections around the corner in February 2025, we've focused on decoding Aam Aadmi Party's transformative policies in education, healthcare, and public welfare. From world-class schools and hospitals to innovative governance models, this conversation is about understanding how impactful policies are shaping lives and setting benchmarks for the nation. Join us as we explore the finer details of governance and what it takes to bring meaningful change to millions.

This week on Cyrus Says, we have Mani Shankar Aiyar who’s known for his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic honesty, Aiyar offers a rare glimpse into the corridors of power, recounting his journey as a three-term Member of Parliament, India’s first Minister of Panchayati Raj, a UPA cabinet minister, and a Rajya Sabha member. True to form, Aiyar spares no one, not even himself. The panel delves into his candid recollections of political titans like Sonia Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Vajpayee, and Manmohan Singh, while also discussing his take on key issues like the BJP’s rise in Indian politics, the Kaveri Water Crisis, and the Harshad Mehta Scam. Through these anecdotes we discover realities of Indian politics and the personal cost of being a non-conformist in a system dominated by conformity. Don’t miss this engaging discussion that brings humor, wit, and sharp insights into the life and times of one of India’s most intriguing political figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

pWotD Episode 2795: Manmohan Singh Welcome to Popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 954,799 views on Thursday, 26 December 2024 our article of the day is Manmohan Singh.Manmohan Singh (Punjabi: [mənˈmoːɦən ˈsɪ́ŋɡ] ; 26 September 1932 – 26 December 2024) was an Indian politician, economist, academic, and bureaucrat, who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He was the fourth longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi. A member of the Indian National Congress, Singh was the first Sikh prime minister of India. He was also the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term.Born in Gah in what is today Pakistan, Singh's family migrated to India during its partition in 1947. After obtaining his doctorate in economics from Oxford, Singh worked for the United Nations during 1966–1969. He subsequently began his bureaucratic career when Lalit Narayan Mishra hired him as an advisor in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. During the 1970s and 1980s, Singh held several key posts in the Government of India, such as Chief Economic Advisor (1972–1976), governor of the Reserve Bank (1982–1985) and head of the Planning Commission (1985–1987).In 1991, as India faced a severe economic crisis, the newly elected prime minister, P. V. Narasimha Rao, inducted the apolitical Singh into his cabinet as finance minister. Over the next few years, despite strong opposition, he carried out several structural reforms that liberalised India's economy. Although these measures proved successful in averting the crisis, and enhanced Singh's reputation globally as a leading reform-minded economist, the incumbent Congress Party fared poorly in the 1996 general election. Subsequently, Singh was leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Parliament of India) during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government of 1998–2004.In 2004, when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance came to power, its chairperson Sonia Gandhi unexpectedly relinquished the prime ministership to Singh. His first ministry executed several key legislations and projects, including the National Rural Health Mission, Unique Identification Authority, Rural Employment Guarantee scheme and Right to Information Act. In 2008, opposition to a historic civil nuclear agreement with the United States nearly caused Singh's government to fall after Left Front parties withdrew their support. India's economy grew rapidly during his term.The 2009 general election saw the UPA return with an increased mandate, with Singh retaining the office of prime minister. Over the next few years, Singh's second ministry government faced a number of corruption charges over the organisation of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the 2G spectrum allocation case and the allocation of coal blocks. After his term ended, he opted out from the race for the office of prime minister during the 2014 Indian general election. Singh was never a member of the Lok Sabha but served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the state of Assam from 1991 to 2019 and Rajasthan from 2019 to 2024.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 02:07 UTC on Friday, 27 December 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Manmohan Singh on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Joanna.

This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 18th of December, and here are the headlines:Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha Adjourned Amid Ruckus Over Amit Shah's CommentsProceedings in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on Tuesday following a ruckus over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about Dr. BR Ambedkar. The Congress strongly criticized the introduction of the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, calling for its immediate withdrawal. Despite this, the bill was introduced after a vote in the Lok Sabha via an electronic voting system, with Speaker Om Birla overseeing the process.Modi Defends Amit Shah, Slams Congress Over Ambedkar RemarksPrime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Opposition's accusations that Union Minister Amit Shah insulted Dr. BR Ambedkar, claiming Congress's "rotten ecosystem" spread malicious lies to cover up its misdeeds. Modi said the Congress, led by a single dynasty, had humiliated Ambedkar's legacy and the SC/ST communities. His remarks, posted on X, accused Congress of trying to erase Ambedkar's contributions and criticized its tactics to hide its past failures.Kejriwal Announces ‘Sanjeevani Yojana' Ahead of Delhi ElectionsAam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the 'Sanjeevani Yojana' on Wednesday, promising free medical care for all citizens over 60, in both government and private hospitals. The scheme is seen as a counter to the BJP-led Centre's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides secondary and tertiary healthcare to economically vulnerable families. Kejriwal aims to attract senior voters ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.CAG Report Finds Undue Benefits to Maharashtra Road ContractorsThe Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that Maharashtra road contractors received undue benefits worth Rs 203 crore due to reduced penalties imposed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). An audit found that NHAI violated concession agreements in projects in Nanded and Thane districts, which resulted in lower damage recoveries than stipulated. The CAG report, tabled in Lok Sabha on December 16, highlighted violations of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines by NHAI.Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International CricketRavichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane. The 38-year-old spinner, who played in the second Test in Adelaide, revealed his decision following an emotional chat with former India captain Virat Kohli. Ashwin, who is India's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 wickets, thanked the fans and expressed that his appearance in Brisbane would be his last day representing India on the international stage.This was the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 16th of December and here are the headlines.Kharge Accuses Modi of Misleading the Nation on Nehru's LetterCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused Prime Minister Modi of distorting facts about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's letter on reservation, demanding an apology. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on India's constitutional journey, Kharge also criticized BJP leaders for their "bhakti" towards Modi, claiming it was leading India towards dictatorship. He called for a return to democratic values and the safeguarding of the Constitution's spirit.Sri Lankan President Dissanayake Reaffirms Commitment to India's SecuritySri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured Prime Minister Modi on Monday that Sri Lanka's territory will not be used for actions harmful to India. After their meeting in Delhi, Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India's support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, with Modi highlighting the USD 4 billion in aid. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, covering areas such as defense, infrastructure, and economic cooperation between the two countries.Letter Requests Return of Nehru Papers Taken in 2008Historian Rizwan Kadri has written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, requesting his help in retrieving important Nehru papers taken by a representative of Sonia Gandhi in 2008. The papers include Nehru's correspondence with notable figures such as Edwina Mountbatten, Albert Einstein, and JP Narayan. The matter was raised in the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Society's meeting in February. Kadri emphasized the historical significance of these documents for public access and preservation.Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Dies at 73Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, a five-time Grammy Award winner, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Hussain, a celebrated figure in Indian classical music, received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He was also honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, one of the highest lifetime honors for artists in India.Israel to Close Embassy in Ireland Over Genocide Case SupportIsrael has announced it will close its embassy in Ireland after Dublin supported a petition to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticized Ireland's “extreme anti-Israeli policies” for backing the case. In response, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stated that Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and supports a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, emphasizing Ireland's commitment to international law.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

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.

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

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 DhankharIn 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 AdaniFor 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 AwaySM 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 AccidentIn 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 ConflictAfter 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.

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.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 27th of November and here are the headlines.Parliamentary ProtestsThe proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were adjourned after Opposition MPs raised slogans demanding discussions on issues like the Adani bribery case, Sambhal violence, and rising crime in Delhi. In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar rejected 18 notices for a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani bribery charges and other matters. As protests escalated, MPs began shouting slogans, leading to the adjournment. Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will meet today to review suggestions, but Opposition members are asking for more time to finish their work.Adani Group's ClarificationAdani Green Energy (AGEL) clarified that neither Chairman Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, nor Managing Director Vneet Jaain have been charged under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The statement comes after reports suggested charges against the trio. Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi also confirmed that neither Gautam nor Sagar Adani face charges in the serious counts of the US prosecutors' five-count indictment. AGEL's clarification aims to clear any confusion about the involvement of its top executives in alleged violations.Delhi Air Quality UpdateDelhi's air quality remains in the “very poor” category with an AQI of 301, improving slightly from Monday's 392. Areas like Mundka and Bawana recorded the worst levels. Due to the pollution, schools in Delhi switched to a hybrid model with both in-person and online classes, as mandated by the Supreme Court. The temperature dipped to 11.6°C, and visibility at the airport was reduced to 1,600 meters. Authorities have forecast a mainly clear day ahead, though pollution concerns persist.Lebanon-Israel CeasefireA ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect, following an agreement brokered by the US and France. Hamas expressed support for Lebanon's efforts to protect its people and hopes for a broader deal to end the Gaza war. While international peace efforts remain stalled, Lebanon's military is preparing to deploy in the south to help maintain the ceasefire, urging residents near the border to stay away until the Israeli military retreats. This marks a tentative step toward reducing tensions in the region.Pakistan Protest UpdatePakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former PM Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi, called off a planned sit-in protest in Islamabad. The decision came after violent clashes between security forces and protesters. The PTI had attempted to march towards the D-Chowk, but security forces used tear gas to disperse them. PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur, urged protesters to return home, citing a temporary pause in the movement.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Subscribe to Grand Tamasha on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your favorite podcast app. I spoke with Kushagr Bakshi is a Michigan International and Comparative Law Scholar and an SJD candidate at the University of Michigan Law School, where he also received his LLM. He received his first law degree from NUJS in West Bengal. We discussed a chapter of his dissertation called “The Country Without a Post Office: Jammu and Kashmir and the Imaginations of Freedom Within a Federation. We talked about assymetrical federalism versus hetererarchy, constitutional values and imagination for federalism in India, and much more.  Recorded October 24th, 2024. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Connect with Ideas of India Follow us on X Follow Shruti on X Follow Kushagr on X Click here for the latest Ideas of India episodes sent straight to your inbox. Timestamps (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:06) - Grand Tamasha (00:04:12) - Asymmetric Versus Heterarchical Federalism (00:19:37) - Isn't this Asymmetric Federalism? (00:31:39) - Democracy in Local Governments (00:43:27) - Rethinking the Rajya Sabha (00:53:30) - Outro

Kumari Selja is an Indian politician and a Member of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament. She is a member of the Indian National Congress and has served as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Justice and Empowerment and Tourism during Manmohan Singh's premiership. Selja was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991 from Sirsa, a constituency that she retained in the 1996 elections. Following her election in 2009 to the Lok Sabha from Ambala, she was appointed the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Selja unsuccessfully contested the general elections in 2019 from Ambala, and following that made a return to state politics, being elected the president of the Haryana unit of the Congress party later that year. She was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2020. In the 2024 Indian general election, she was elected to the Lok Sabha again from the Sirsa parliamentary constituency.

his is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.Today is the 16th of September and here are the headlines.Highly placed sources told The Indian Express that Congress managed to get chairs for three committees in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha as negotiations for the Parliamentary Standing Committees between the government and the Opposition came to end. In the Lok Sabha, the Congress will get chairs for the External Affairs Standing Committee, Standing Committee on Agriculture and the Standing Committee on Rural Development. While, in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition party will get the Standing Committee for Education.Meanwhile, days after walking out of Tihar jail following a nearly six-month stint in custody in connection with the excise policy case, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced he would step down from the post in two days. Calling for early polls, Kejriwal also said someone from the AAP will take his place until polls are held. While AAP sources say ministers Atishi, Gopal Rai and Kailash Gahlot are being named as potential successors, Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia among other AAP leaders of its Political Affairs Committee will meet this evening to finalise the name of the interim CM. Rallies and demonstrations demanding justice over the rape-murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital swept through the city on Sunday. The state government once again called junior doctors for a meeting at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence. Chief Secretary Manoj Panth sent an email to junior doctors to join the meeting scheduled at 5 pm today and it was communicated that quote, “this is the fifth and final time we are reaching out”, and “there will be no live streaming or videography of the meeting… Instead, the minutes of the meeting will be recorded and signed by both parties”, unquote.Speaking to The Indian Express in an exclusive interview, newly appointed Israeli ambassador Reuven Azar said it's for India to decide the extent to which it wants to be involved in resolving the Gaza war. This is the first time that Israel has sought New Delhi's assistance in the construction sector, and the decision comes in the wake of the ban on Palestinian workers following the Hamas attack last October.On the global front, two months after former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot at in a rally, the FBI foiled what appeared to be a second assassination attempt on Sunday while Trump was golfing on his course in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to the Secret Service, agents spotted a person with a firearm near the golf club and immediately opened fire. CNN, Fox News and The New York Times have identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Row-th of Hawaii, citing unnamed law enforcement officials.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express

വിവിധ പ്രാദേശിക പ്രസ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടേയും ജനവിഭാഗങ്ങളുടേയും ഒരു കൂട്ടായ്മയുടെ സ്വഭാവം ഇന്ത്യയിൽ ശക്തിപ്രാപിച്ചുവരുന്ന പ്രതിപക്ഷത്തിന് തീർച്ചയായും ഉണ്ട്. അത്തരമൊരു കൂട്ടായ്മയെ ഇണക്കുന്ന കണ്ണിയായി വർത്തിക്കാൻ ഇടതുപക്ഷത്തിനും അതിന്റെ നേതാവായ യെച്ചൂരിയ്ക്കുമായിരിക്കും കഴിയുക. . Sitaram Yechury, an Indian Marxist politician, holds the position of General Secretary within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and has been a member of the CPI(M)'s Politburo since 1992. He represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha as a Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2017.

Mamata Banerjee dials Jawhar Sircar, urges him to reconsider Rajya Sabha resignation over Kolkata doctor murder, Will keep proving Brij Bhushan 'wrong': Vinesh Phogat, Democrats Issue Warnings to Kamala Harris Before Donald Trump Debate, Rishabh Pant returns as India announces squad for 1st Test against Bangladesh, Ravika, Ridhee or Rama? Fans prepare list of beautiful names for Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh's girl

Modi's Masterstroke on Waqf Act - JPC तो बहाना था - Rajya Sabha में बहुमत लाना था | Sanjay Dixit

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 7th of august and here are the headlines.In a heartbreaking twist of fate for Vinesh Phogat, the wrestler will be disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she could not make the weight on the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout. The IOA said in a statement, "It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh's privacy. I would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha to take necessary action regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from Paris Olympics 2024. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Mandaviya said, “IOA president PT Usha directed by PM Modi to take appropriate action. IOA has registered dissent with United World Wrestling regarding this matter.”NDIA bloc MPs today walked out of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Vinesh Phogat issue. This comes after Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the Lok Sabha regarding the wrestler's disqualification. Mandaviya said that the IOA has registered dissent with United World Wrestling regarding this matter, while adding that the IOA PT Usha has also been directed by the prime minister to take necessary action. In other news, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged the Centre to declare the Wayanad landslide, claiming 276 lives, a national disaster. “I appreciate the support from various quarters to alleviate the tragedy in Wayanad,” he said.Stating that it is “pained by the observations” in the July 17, 2024, order of Justice Rajbir Sehrawat of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Supreme Court today expunged those observations. “We are of the view that the observations which were made in the order…were totally unnecessary for the ultimate order which was passed. Gratuitous observations in regard to previous orders passed by the Supreme Court…are absolutely unwarranted. Compliance with orders passed by the Supreme Court is not a matter of choice, but a matter of bounden constitutional obligation bearing in mind the structure of the Indian legal system and the authority of the Supreme Court, which heads the process of judicial adjudication in the country,” a five-judge Constitution Bench which took suo motu cognisance of the matter said.Four Chinese tourists were among five people killed in Nepal today when a helicopter crashed in the mountains northwest region of Kathmandu. Police have recovered five dead bodies from the crash site in Ward No 7 of Shivapuri Rural Municipality, Nuwakot, Myrepublica newspaper reported. Nepal-based Air Dynasty helicopter, 9N-AJD, was en route to Rasuwa from Kathmandu when it crashed. The helicopter departed from Kathmandu at 1:54 PM and was en route to Syaphrubensi when it crashed. This crash comes just weeks after the Saurya Airlines plane crash at the Tribhuvan International Airport on July 24.This was the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 6th of August and here are today's headlines.The Bangladesh parliament dissolved today, the Parliament's office said as per news agency Reuters. Student protest coordinators had asked for the dissolving by 3 pm local today, pushing for the formation of a new interim government at the earliest. Warning of a “strict programme”, they had asked “revolutionary students to be ready”. Addressing the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing Bangladesh crisis, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said that the Indian government is “monitoring the situation with regards to the status of minorities… But will remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Our border forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally alert…” “We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions,” he said in the House. Earlier in the day, he briefed an all-party meeting in the Parliament on the matter.Amid the recent violent unrest in several British cities, the High Commission of India in the United Kingdom issued an advisory today urging Indian citizens visiting the country to remain vigilant. The advisory read, “Indian travellers would be aware of the recent disturbances in some parts of the United Kingdom. The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation. Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling to the UK." Far-right activists and anti-racism groups clashed in cities across the United Kingdom last week, following a stabbing attack at a dance class in northwest England earlier in the week, which resulted in three girls being killed and several others injured.Vinesh Phogat achieved a historic victory by defeating Olympic champion Yui Susaki in the ore-quarterfinals. This win is particularly significant as Susaki had not conceded a point during her gold medal run at Tokyo 2020 and remained unbeaten since 2010, only losing three matches to the same opponent until today. Neeraj Chopra qualified for the men's javelin throw final at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a season-best throw of 89.34 meters on his first attempt. This impressive performance, the best across both qualification groups, highlights Chopra's readiness to defend his Tokyo gold medal.Around a month after being discharged, senior BJP leader L K Advani was admitted to Delhi's Apollo Hospital again today. The 96-year-old is stable and under observation, according to sources in the know of the matter. Advani has been admitted under the care of neurologist Dr Vinit Suri. Days before his admission at Apollo Hospital last month, Advani was also admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today's the 29th of July and here are the headlines.The Delhi Police have arrested five more people in connection with the flooding of the basement of Rau's IAS Study Centre, including the driver of a vehicle who purportedly waded through the waterlogged road and contributed to breaking the gates of the coaching centre where three UPSC aspirants died. The owners of the basement are among the five arrested people, including the coaching centre's CEO, Abhishek Gupta, and coordinator, Deshpal Singh. All the five accused are expected to be produced in court on Monday.Days after three UPSC aspirants died when the basement of their coaching centre flooded in the National Capital, Rajya Sabha chairman allowed a short-term discussion on the matter after the question hour. While the chair did not agree to suspend the proceedings on the House for the discussion, members of the opposition applauded that the chair allowed for the discussion under another rule, adding that they hoped their request for similar discussions on NEET paper leak and Manipur violence will also be allowed.Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at the Union Budget of 2024-25 on Monday, calling it a ‘chakravyuh' created by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress leader said the ‘chakravyuh' that has captured India has three forces — the idea of monopoly capital and concentration of financial power; institutions and agencies such as the CBI, ED and IT department; and the political executive. Gandhi's reference was to the Mahabharat, according to which Abhimanyu was killed in a ‘chakravyuh' — a multi-tiered maze and formation — in which he was trapped. He further said the chakravyuh looks like a lotus (the BJP symbol).Days after some students from Nirmala College in Kerala's Muvattupuzha held protests demanding that they be allotted a room at the college to offer namaz, a prominent body of Islamic scholars have asked the students to desist from making such demands that could “create hatred” Dakshina Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Muhammed Thoufeeq Moulavi called the controversy “unfortunate”. Last Friday, a group of girls at Nirmala College in Muvattupuzha held protests demanding a room to offer their prayers but the college management had turned them down saying they were “free” to offer namaz at a mosque some 200 metres away. Significantly, the college is run by the Catholic Church.A passenger train carrying about 800 parrengers collided with a Kamaz truck, killing at least two and injuring up to 100 people on Monday, Russian media outlets reported, according to Reuters. As per the report, eight carriages were derailed, some of the carriages lay twisted and battered beside the railway track, they said. The train had been travelling from Kazan in Tatarstan to Adler on the Black Sea when it derailed in the southern Volgograd region near the Kotelnikovo station about 1,200 km (750 miles) south of Moscow, the emergencies ministry said.This was the Catchup on 3 Things on The Indian Express.

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 24th of July and here are today's headlines.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today met a delegation of farmer leaders in the Parliament complex who apprised him of the issues being faced by the tillers. After the meeting, Rahul said he would work with other INDIA bloc leaders to pressurise the government to make Minimum Support Price (MSP) a legal guarantee for farmers across the country. The Opposition in Rajya Sabha walked out today, a few minutes after the session began, in protest against the ‘discriminatory' Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman yesterday.Observing that there is a trust deficit between farmers and the government, the Supreme Court today proposed the constitution of an independent committee comprising eminent persons to reach out to the protesters to find a solution to their demands. A three-judge bench headed by Justice Surya Kant said there is a need for a “neutral umpire” who can inspire confidence between farmers and the government.The Bihar Assembly passed a bill today aimed at preventing question paper leaks and other malpractices in government recruitment exams in the state, PTI news agency reported. The Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, was presented by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and was passed with a voice vote despite the opposition's walkout. The new legislation aims at curbing malpractices in competitive examinations, including the leak of question papers, in the state, which has been at the center of the NEET 2024 question paper leak controversy.Eighteen people have died as a Saurya Airlines flight skid off the runway while taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu today. The plane was carrying two crew members and 17 technicians to Pokhara city for maintenance checks, the Airport Security Chief told news agency Reuters. Pilot Manish Shankya was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital and is undergoing treatment for a head injury. The rescue operations are being led by the Nepal army.Rush-hour traffic returned to the streets of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka today, as a curfew was eased after four days of nationwide shutdown that followed deadly protests led by university students against quotas in government jobs. Offices reopened and broadband internet was largely restored, although social media continued to be suspended, days after the clashes between protesters and security forces killed almost 150 people.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, Indian Express' Mallica Joshi discusses the allegations made by AAP's Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal against Bibhav Kumar, a close aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and how these allegations have affected the party's campaign leading up to the polls.Next, Indian Express' Bijin Jose explains what Artificial General Intelligence is and why many in the global tech community are apprehensive about it (15:35).And in the end, we provide a brief update on the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a helicopter crash (25:58).Hosted by Shashank BhargavaProduced Shashank Bhargava and Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarAudio clips sourced by Mahiyar Rohinton Patel and Kumar Siddhartha

First, Indian Express' Sujit Bisoyi discusses the reasons why, after parting ways 15 years ago, the BJP and BJD are coming together to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.Next, Indian Express' Harish Damodaran talks about the challenges India will face in meeting the rising demand for milk and ensuring that prices do not continue to rise (11:02).And in the end, Indian Express' Kiran Parashar tells us about  the nomination of author, philanthropist, and former chairperson of Infosys Foundation Sudha Murthy to the Rajya Sabha (21:16).Hosted, written and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 4th of March and here are today's headlines.The Supreme Court today overruled its 1998 majority ruling in the JMM bribery case in which the apex court had said that members of Parliament and state legislatures were immune from prosecution for accepting bribes for voting or speaking in a certain manner in the House. The court said, quote, “corruption and bribery by members of the legislature erode probity in public life”. The question had arisen in the context of bribery charges against Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Sita Soren in connection with the 2012 Rajya Sabha election to two seats from the state. Several senior BJP leaders todayy took to X and added ‘Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) in their social media handle usernames. This comes as a statement in solidarity with their party's top leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi after RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav's ‘no family' remark. The leaders who have done this so far include Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party president J P Nadda, Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari among others.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said today that a huge country like India cannot remain dependent on import of military hardware as such dependency can be “fatal” for its strategic autonomy. Singh added that the annual volume of domestic defence production has crossed the record figure of Rs 1 lakh crore which was nearly Rs 44,000 crore around 2014. He further stated that India had to face “trouble” in “difficult times” in the past due to its reliance on defence imports.Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to the Enforcement Directorate, saying that he was ready to answer the probe agency's questions. The ED had summoned the AAP leader for the eighth time today in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Seeking a date after 12th of March, Kejriwal said, quote “ED summons are legally invalid and illegal… I wrote letters to them but they haven't replied to any of my letters. As per law, ED proceedings are like judicial proceedings. I am ready to give answers through video conferencing.” Unquote.As many as 81 tourists stranded in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley due to closure of roads after heavy snowfall have been shifted to safer places. Meanwhile, over 650 roads, including five national highways, in the state remained closed for vehicular movement today following several avalanches and landslides caused by incessant rain and snow for the past three days, according to the state emergency operation centre.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express

With cross-voting in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, it has now got to the stage where some politicians will sell their votes, even if they know that they are going to be found out. It demonstrates that many of India's politicians are so motivated by greed — for money, for power, for office, etc. — that they will do anything at all that advances their interests. It also proves that ideology is dead. Watch Vir Sanghvi's weekly column to know more.----more----Read Vir Sanghvi's column here : https://theprint.in/opinion/sharp-edge/ideology-is-dead-rajya-sabha-cross-voting-shows-politics-is-a-livestock-market-now/1982812/

This week, Newslaundry's Abhinandan Sekhri, Raman Kirpal, and Jayashree Arunachalam are joined by The News Minute's executive editor Sudipto Mondal.On the cross-voting during Rajya Sabha polls in Karnataka, Sudipto points to the similarity in ideological stance of the state's three major political parties. “There is no difference between the average BJP guy, the average JDS guy and the average Congress guy,” he says. Raman adds that in Himachal Pradesh's RS polls, some members of the Congress knew beforehand that MLAs of their party would vote for the BJP.DiscussingDilip Mandal's article responding to Dhruv Rathee's video on India taking a turn towards dictatorship, Abhinandan says it's a weak critique since debunking an idea with “whataboutery” is a nihilistic argument. Sudipto believes that nihilism is an important form of critique for the oppressed classes who have been kept out of power systems for centuries.This and a lot more. Tune in!We have a page for subscribers to send letters to our shows. If you want to write to Hafta, click here. Check out the Newslaundry store and flaunt your love for independent media.Download the Newslaundry app.General elections are around the corner, and Newslaundry and The News Minute have ambitious plans. Click here to support us.Timecodes00:06:13 - Headlines00:31:44 - Rajya Sabha polls00:39:41 - Discussing Dilip Mandal's article01:06:06 - Letters01:32:07 - Recommendations Hafta letters, recommendations, songs and referencesCheck out our previous Hafta recommendations.Produced and recorded by Aryan Mahtta, edited by Hassan Bilal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 1st of March and here are the top stories of the week.The week began with the Rajya Sabha election show on Tuesday. Cross-voting by Congress and SP MLAs took centrestage which resulted in BJP victories and dramatic upsets for Congress and SP in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It was followed by the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh facing a risk of collapse after six of its MLAs voted in favour of the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh.The Trinamool Congress has decided to suspend for six years its party leader Shahjahan Sheikh, the main accused in the Sandeshkhali land-grab and sexual assault allegations. The TMC strongman in Sandeshkhali had been on the run for the last 55 days, and was arrested by the West Bengal Police early on Thursday. Following his court appearance, the TMC leader was brought to the CID headquarters at Bhavani Bhawan in Kolkata. According to sources, the case is likely to be handed over to the CID.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla as India's astronauts-designate for Gaganyaan, India's first crewed space mission. All four Indian Air Force officers have had extensive experience as test pilots and are currently in training for the mission. Modi, who bestowed them with the prestigious astronaut wings, described them as “four forces” who represent the aspirations and optimism of 1.4 billion Indians.Days after stating that the government was “actively pursuing” cases of Indians seeking discharge from the Russian Army, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said 20-odd people are stranded in the country. Asserting that the government was trying its level best for their early discharge, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indians in Russia have been advised not to venture into the war zone or get caught into situations which are difficult.The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved three chip-related projects worth around Rs 1.26 lakh crore, including what could be India's first semiconductor fabrication plant. The Tata Group will set up the foundry in partnership with Taiwan based Powerchip (PSMC) at an estimated cost of Rs 91,000 crore in Gujarat. The plant will have a capacity to produce 300 crore chips every year, which will cater to industries like high-performance computing, electric vehicles, defence, and consumer electronics, among other things.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Open defiance by 2 BJP MLAs — one of whom cross-voted & the other abstained — indicates simmering dissent within BJP ranks in the state, fuelling speculations of another round of exodus.

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 28th of February and here are the headlines.In a shock result, the BJP emerged victorious on Tuesday in the election for the single vacant Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress is in power, with 40 MLAs in the 68-member Assembly. While the defeat is embarrassing for the Congress, now there is a possibility of its government collapsing, should it fail to pass the Budget in the ongoing Session. Meanwhile, 15 BJP MLAs, including the Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Assembly, were suspended from the House by the Speaker today for alleged misbehaviour and shouting slogans.Around 3,300 kg of narcotic drugs were seized from an Iranian boat off Gujarat coast late on Tuesday and five men suspected to be Iranian nationals were apprehended in a joint operation by the Navy, the Narcotics Control Bureau and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad. The Defence Ministry said that this was the largest drug haul seizure in recent times. The seized contraband included 3,089 kg of charas, 158 kg of methamphetamine and 25 kg of morphine.Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for a new launch complex of ISRO in Tamil Nadu. The Rs 986 crore facility is set to accommodate 24 launches per year. ISRO Chairman S Somanath said acquisition for the launch complex has been completed and the construction of the launch complex is expected to be completed in two years.As the BJP staged a protest outside the Karnataka Assembly today, alleging that Congress supporters had raised ‘Pakistan Zindabad' slogans on Tuesday after their candidate Syed Nasir Hussain's victory in the Rajya Sabha polls, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said “strict action will be taken” if the allegations were proven true.Though Hussain denied the BJP's allegations and said some of his followers had raised “Nasir Saab Zindabad” slogans, Bengaluru city police registered a suo motu case over the alleged incident.Leader of Opposition of Kerala assembly today said that the Congress Party will contest 16 seats in Kerala in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and allocation of seats within the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) for the general elections has been finalised. Like in the previous polls, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest coalition partner in UDF, would contest in two seats.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 27th of February and here are the headlines.Across 15 states, 56 Rajya Sabha seats are up for grabs today. Heading into polling day, the ruling NDA had 109 MPs in the Upper House, 10 members short of the halfway mark in the 238 member Rajya Sabha. The Opposition INDIA bloc had 89 MPs. The stage is set for a high-octane RS election battle in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh today. Last week, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, BJP chief J P Nadda, new party entrant Ashok Chavan and Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and L Murugan were among the 41 candidates elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha.Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced the names of the four astronauts that will fly to low-Earth orbit as part of the ISRO's Gaganyaan. Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan and Shubanshu Shukla have been selected to be the astronauts on India's first crewed mission to space. They are all officers in the Indian Air Force and have extensive experience working as test pilots.The Enforcement Directorate today issued summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the eighth time in Delhi excise policy case. The ED has asked him to appear before it for questioning on the 4th of March. Kejriwal has not appeared for questioning for the last seven times but has responded to each summons in written. The Aam Aadmi Party said that “instead of sending summons daily, the ED should wait for the court's decision.” The matter is up for hearing in court on the 16th of March.External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India had to suspend the issuance of visas in Canada because Indian diplomats were “not safe going to work”. He further stated that that New Delhi expects action against the culprits involved in last year's attacks on its diplomatic premises in London, San Francisco and Ottawa, among other cities.As per local reports, a Pakistani court today indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra on charges that they allegedly received land as a bribe during his premiership. Khan is in jail since August in connection with other cases, and has previously denied the allegation.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things for the Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.It's the 16th of February and here are the top stories of the week.A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court gave its verdict on the legality of the electoral bonds scheme on Thursday, holding it “unconstitutional”. Prioritising voters' right to information regarding political parties' sources of funding, the Supreme Court struck down the EBS. Introduced by the Centre in 2018, EBS allowed individuals and corporations to anonymously fund political parties by purchasing electoral bonds from the State Bank of India.The Dilli Chalo march of the protesting farmers of Punjab and Haryana has been making headlines this week. While chaos ensued during the march on Wednesday, security personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowds. Delhi's borders were further fortified, with security personnel deployed in large numbers and barricades laid out across all possible entry points. Farmers staged ‘rail roko' at several locations across Punjab on Thursday.Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the World Governments Summit, inaugurated Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan temple,UAE's first Hindu stone temple and addressed a diaspora event on a two-day UAE trip this week. Post that, he visited Doha where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome and also held a bilateral meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday.Prior to the PM's visit, Qatar freed 8 ex-Indian Navy men jailed on espionage charges. Three months after they were sentenced to death, seven out of the eight former Indian Navy personnel were released from Qatar's custody and brought back to India. While seven sailors returned to India early Monday morning, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, whose death sentence was commuted but still received the harshest punishment of a 25-year life term, hasn't returned yet. He, too, is expected to be back in India soon.With the deadline to submit nomination papers for the February 27 Rajya Sabha elections over on Thursday, the BJP and Congress released their official list of candidates for the polls. Among the 28 names announced by the saffron party – the same as the number of seats held by it currently – 24 are new, with only four repeated. The Congress's current strength in the Upper House is 30, which will remain the same after the February 27 elections, with the party hoping to win 10 seats amid an equal number of its retiring MPs.This was the Catch-Up on the 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Modi today lauded Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha, who is among the 68 Rajya Sabha members retiring this year. We ask if former PM Manmohan Singh let Congress undermine his authority & that of his office-- Watch #ThePrint #NationalInterest with Shekhar Gupta. (Drawn from March 2015 Article) ----more----Read the National Interest published on 12 March 2015 here: https://theprint.in/national-interest/why-didnt-you-want-to-resign-dr-singh/544258/