3 Things

First, we talk to Indian Express’ Damini Nath about the second version of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which is called Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0. It focuses on making cities garbage free under which its main target is clearing legacy landfills.Next, Indian Express’ Divya A talks to us about Overseas Citizens of India or OCI cardholders. Some of the OCI cardholders had recently raised a concern regarding the rules and regulations that they need to follow on their visits to India. She explains who all fall under the ambit of OCI, its benefits, restrictions and more. (7:15)And in the end, we talk about how quick commerce sites like Zomato, Blinkit, Swiggy and Myntra use AI for enhancing consumer experience. (18:50)Hosted, written and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 11th of October and here are the top stories of the week.The results of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls were declared by the ECI on Tuesday. The ruling BJP secured a historic third term in Haryana, winning 48 Assembly seats. The Congress, meanwhile, won 37 seats, Independents stood at 3 and the INLD won 2 seats. In the JK UT, The NC-Congress alliance crossed the 46-seat majority mark, securing 49 seats . The NC won the highest number of seats at 42, the Congress took six, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which was also part of the alliance, secured one. Meanwhile, the BJP won 29 seats and the PDP bagged three. Seven Independents were declared victorious. The AAP and Jammu & Kashmir People Conference secured one seat each.The final rites of Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, were performed with full state honors on Thursday evening. Tata, 86, breathed his last on Wednesday night at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Among those who paid respects to the business tycoon are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed that a Bharat Ratna be awarded to Tata, posthumously.Setting the stage for a new tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the L-G office, the CMO on Wednesday claimed that Chief Minister Atishi was “forcibly vacated” from the residence at Civil Lines, which was previously occupied by Arvind Kejriwal. “Delhi CMs residence was forcibly vacated at the behest of the BJP as Lt Governor V K Saxena wants to allot it to a saffron party leader,” the CMO said. This comes two day after Atishi was asked to vacate the bungalow by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD)- a department under her own charge. The Aam Aadmi Party claims that Atishi followed all formalities before moving in, but the PWD says that an official “handover” of the property from Kejriwal to the department is yet to take place. The house has now been sealed.Maldives President Muhammad Muizzu reached New Delhi Sunday on his first bilateral State visit and was received at the airport by Minister of State (External Affairs) Kirti Vardhan Singh. During his five-day visit — from October 6 to 10 — he travelled to Agra, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Both Modi and Muizzu launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a call on Wednesday amid tensions with Iran. The 30-minute call was the first known chat for Biden and Netanyahu since August and coincides with a sharp escalation of Israel's conflict with Iran and the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah, but with no sign of an imminent ceasefire to end the conflict with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza. The call was "direct and very productive," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, while acknowledging the two leaders have disagreements and are open about them.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, Loksatta editor Girish Kuber discusses the legacy of Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business leaders, who passed away on Wednesday.Next, The Indian Express' Jay Mazoomdaar explains why the government has delayed the release of the latest elephant census and why its findings are concerning. (16:51)Finally, The Indian Express' Parthasarthi Biswas sheds light on the reasons behind the recent surge in tomato prices. (29:00)Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 10th of October and here are the headlines.The mortal remains of Ratan Tata – philanthropist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons arrived at the Worli crematorium today where his last rites are slated to be carried out. Tata, 86, breathed his last on Wednesday night at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed that a Bharat Ratna be awarded to Tata, posthumously. The proposal, which has been approved at the state level, will be sent to the Central government. The Maharashtra and Gujarat governments have declared a day of mourning to pay tributes to the iconic industrialist. India and global icons mourn the titan of India Inc.As the labour strike at Samsung’s plant on the outskirts of Chennai enters its second month, threatening Tamil Nadu’s business-friendly reputation and exposing cracks in the ruling DMK’s political alliance, there appears to be no immediate resolution to the stalemate. Early Wednesday morning, Tamil Nadu police detained 11 key union leaders and allegedly dismantled protest tents. Since September 9, more than a thousand workers affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have been pressing for recognition of their newly formed union and improved working conditions.37 years after they were accused of glorifying the death of Roop Kanwar, India’s last known case of sati, a Jaipur special court today acquitted eight persons giving them the benefit of doubt. Along with several others, the eight had allegedly held an event glorifying Roop Kanwar around the first anniversary of her alleged sati act. Sati Niwaran court special judge Akshi Kansal acquitted Mahendra Singh, Shrawan Singh, Nihal Singh, Jitendra Singh, Uday Singh, Dasrath Singh, Laxman Singh and Bhanwar Singh. All eight were out on bail.Spain’s tennis legend Rafael Nadal retirement: Rafael Nadal on Thursday has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The 38-year-old will make his final appearance for Spain at November’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. In a video message released on Thursday, Nadal said: “I am here to let you know I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, the last two especially.”Less than two years after she became the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association, legendary athlete PT Usha could face a vote of no-confidence during its Special General Meeting on October 25. According to point number 26 of the meeting’s agenda issues by the Executive Council, the IOA will ‘discuss and consider a motion of No Confidence against the President in light of alleged constitutional violations and actions potentially detrimental to Indian sports.’ Usha has been involved in a prolonged tussle with the IOA’s Executive Council members, with allegations flying from both sides. The legendary athlete, the first woman to head the IOA, has issued show cause notice to multiple Executive Council members for allegedly violating eligibility norms.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, The Indian Express’ Asad Rehman explains how a robbery in UP has sparked a political slugfest, reigniting the ‘Thakur versus Yadav’ debate in the state.Next, The Indian Express’ Sohini Ghosh discusses a case involving the inheritance of cryogenically preserved sperm and its implications for reproductive rights (09:18).Finally, The Indian Express’ Avaneesh Mishra shares the story of two mountaineers who were rescued after being stranded for over 60 harrowing hours in extreme weather conditions without access to essential supplies (17:50).Hosted, written, and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 9th of October and here are the headlines.A day after Congress leaders rejected the Haryana Assembly poll results, the Election Commission today wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge saying the statements were “far from a legitimate part of free speech” and a step towards “undemocratic rejection of the will of the people”. As the results emerged on Tuesday, giving the BJP a clear victory, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh raised questions over the counting process. Addressing a press conference, he said that polling booths with electronic voting machines that had 99 per cent battery charge saw BJP wins while those with 60-70 per cent charge had Congress victories.The body of the Territorial Army personnel, who was abducted by militants a day ago from the Kokernag forests in South Kashmir, has been recovered by the Army during a search operation this morning. According to the sources in the security establishment, the personnel abducted by the militants was a 26-year-old resident of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The Army’s Chinar Corps, earlier in the day, had said via a post on X: “Based on intelligence input, a joint counter operation was launched by Indian army along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies in Kazwan forest on 8th October. Operation continued overnight as one soldier of the Territorial Army was reported missing. Massive search operation is in progress.”Calling the proposed auction of the skull of a Naga person in the United Kingdom “dehumanising” and “continued colonial violence”, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking his intervention in the matter. A ‘19th century horned Naga skull’ had been listed as one of the items on sale by prominent auction house The Swan at Tetsworth for an auction set to take place on October 9. It had been valued at £3,500-4,500. However, after objections arose over this, the item was no longer listed online as being up for auction as of Tuesday evening.In the latest twist to the ongoing row over the possession of the Delhi chief minister’s residence, CM Atishi was on Wednesday asked to “remove her personal belongings” from the Civil Lines home she shifted to just two days ago. The house has been sealed, PWD officials said. Former CM, Arvind Kejriwal was staying in the house till last week and vacated it around three weeks after he resigned from his post. Atishi, according to PWD officials, was in the possession of the keys but was not given an official allotment letter for the premises.US President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, with discussions focused on Israel’s potential response to a recent missile attack from Iran. This anticipated call marks the first known direct communication between the leaders since August, amidst escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Tensions have surged following a missile strike carried out by Iran last week, which Tehran claimed was retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. While the attack did not result in any casualties in Israel and was deemed ineffective by US officials, it has intensified fears of further escalation in the region.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

The Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election results were announced yesterday. From BJP securing a rather unexpected win in Haryana to the National Conference and Congress alliance achieving a majority in Jammu and Kashmir, in this episode of 3 Things we will be decoding what happened in the results of the assembly elections in the state and the union territory at length.Guests: Indian Express’ Varinder Bhatia, Manraj Garewal Sharma, Parveen K Dogra, Asad Rehman, Liz Mathew, Deeptiman Tiwary, and Arun SharmaHosted and written by Niharika NandaProduced by Niharika Nanda and Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarAdditional help from Flora Swain and Parveen K Dogra

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Niharika NandaToday is the 8th of October and here are the headlines.In the Haryana Assembly elections, the BJP exceeded expectations, leading in over 46 seats and securing a third consecutive term. This success can be attributed to key strategies including consolidating non-Jat votes by naming Nayab Singh Saini as CM candidate, replacing 60 candidates to counter anti-incumbency, and highlighting development and Direct Benefit Transfers in campaigns. In response to the results, the Congress made an unprecedented move by refusing to accept the election results, alleging a “conspiracy” involving the manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines. This marks the first time a major party has rejected an electoral outcome citing EVM tampering. Meanwhile, The National Conference and Congress alliance is poised to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir after the first Assembly election in a decade for the Union Territory. National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah won decisively in both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies. Following Omar’s victory in Budgam, his father and NC Chief Farooq Abdullah stated that he will become the CM. The BJP on the other hand, achieved its highest-ever vote share in J&K assembly polls, winning a total of 29 seats.Moving on from the assembly polls, India's domestic aviation market continues to strengthen, recording an 8.1% year-on-year increase in September with 1.32 crore passengers, according to ICRA, which maintains a stable outlook for the sector. Passenger numbers were also 15.2% higher than pre-pandemic levels in September 2019. As the world's third-largest and fastest-growing aviation market, India’s aviation sector has staged a rapid recovery from the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.An eight-year-old boy was run over by a speeding BMC garbage dumper on Tuesday morning. The Shivaji Nagar police have registered an FIR against the driver, who has since been arrested. Local residents have raised concerns about the dangers posed by speeding dumper drivers near the dump yard and have called for speed breakers on the road. According to a Shivaji Nagar police officer, the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. in the Zakir Hussain Nagar area.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express

First, we talk to Indian Express’ Jayprakash S Naidu about the biggest Maoist encounter in the history of Chhattisgarh which led to the death of 31 Maoists. He shares how it happened, the intelligence tip that the security personnel received and more.Next, Indian Express’ Vikas Pathak talks to us about the Shivaji Maharaj statue that collapsed in August and how that has caused a political war of words, as a part of which Devendra Fadnavis accused Jawaharlal Nehru of insulting Shivaji. (7:57)And in the end, we talk about Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar retiring from gymnastics. (18:25)Hosted, written and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 7th of October and here are the headlines.India and Maldives agreed to elevate the ties to a comprehensive economic and strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the visiting President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu in New Delhi today. The two leaders witnessed the exchange of five pacts including one on currency swap and other on training of judicial officers, prevention of corruption, law enforcement training, sports and youth affairs. They also launched the Rupay card in the Maldives, handed over 700 social housing units and inaugurated a new airport runway at the Hanimaadhoo International Airport.The ED began a raid at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, confirmed a source from the Central agency, on Chandigarh Road in Ludhiana early today. The source from ED said the raid at Arora’s residence at Hampton Homes colony was in connection with a chunk of land that was allotted to him by the Punjab government some years ago. The source further said, “The land was allotted for an industrial project, but the agreement was breached, and the land was used for a residential project.”Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court granted bail today to Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad, his sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav in a money laundering case linked to the alleged land-for-jobs scam. The case, in which the accused were summoned after taking cognisance of a supplementary chargesheet, pertained to Group-D appointments made in the West Central Railway Zone in Jabalpur when Lalu was Railways Minister, allegedly in return for land parcels for his family and associates. All the accused were granted relief on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh each, noting that they were mentioned in the chargesheet, but not arrested. The matter will now be heard on October 23 and 24.Today marks a year of the war in West Asia which was sparked by the Hamas-led militant attacks on southern Israel. The attack which triggered Israel’s military assault on Gaza still continues to intensify putting West Asia on the brink of all-out war. News agency Reuters reported, the Palestinian militant group in Gaza fired four rockets into Israel today. The Israeli military said there were no  casualties as three rockets were intercepted and a fourth fell in an open area. The forces have also launched a wave of artillery and airstrikes overnight, targetting Hamas launch posts and underground militant infrastructure.Two Chinese nationals were killed in a blast near Paskistan’s Karachi airport on Sunday night, which the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan described as a “terrorist attack.” Pakistani broadcaster Geo News reported that at least ten people were injured in the explosion. As reported by news agency Reuters, the separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the explosion in a statement emailed to journalists. They stated that the attack was carried out using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeting Chinese nationals, including engineers.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Tomorrow, on October 8th, the Election Commission will reveal the results of the much-anticipated Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections — the first to be held in a decade. With voting spread across three phases, this election has seen a surge in political activity, with parties vying to reshape the region’s future.In today’s episode, The Indian Express’ Naveed Iqbal joins us to take a deep dive into how these elections have unfolded, the core issues driving voter sentiment, and what’s really at stake for the people of J&K. She provides on-ground insights into the key narratives and power dynamics that could define the region’s path ahead.Hosted and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

As part of our ongoing collaboration with Central Square Foundation - we bring to you the third part of this series of conversations where we will speak to experts in the field of Early Childhood Education to understand how play-based learning plays a significant role in fostering holistic development.In the play based learning approach, children engage in activities that allow them to explore, experiment and discover concepts through play, supporting their emotional, social and physical growth. Play can be both structured/guided and free play. Through play, children learn to collaborate, communicate and navigate different social situations, all while building resilience and creativity.In this episode, Niharika Nanda will be in conversation with Prof. Venita Kaul, Professor Emerita (Education), Ambedkar University, Delhi, Anustup Nayak, Project Director, Early Childhood Education, CSF and Suman, who is an Aanganwadi worker.Hosted and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar Episode 1Episode 2

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.Today is the 4th of October and here are the headlines.The Supreme Court on Monday stated the lab reports prima facie indicate that the samples of ghee tested belonged to the cooking medium which was not used in the preparation of the laddus at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, while hearing a clutch of petitions, the Bench also sought to know why Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu went public with the matter without waiting for the report of the investigation ordered by his government. The court asked the Centre to respond if the Special Investigation Team set up by the Andhra Pradesh Government should continue to probe the allegations.  The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls wrapped up on Tuesday as voting was underway for the final 40 seats in the third and largest phase of the elections. A voter turnout of 65.65 per cent was recorded on Tuesday. In contrast to the first two phases, the bulk of the seats in the third one totalling to 24 seats are in the Jammu division, while 16 are in Kashmir. According to the Election Commission, the second phase of the J&K polls on 25th of September recorded a voter turnout of 57.31 per cent and 61.38 per cent in the first phase. Results will be announced on 8th of October.The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that the guidelines it will lay down for demolitions of unauthorised constructions will be applicable pan-India and for all religions. The bench said it will make it clear that merely because a person is an accused or even a convict, it can’t be a ground for demolition of property. The court further added that it was not encouraging encroachments and cluttering of footpaths. The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions which have alleged that properties, including of those accused of crime, were being demolished. A bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud intervened in the case involving the Isha Yoga Foundation, presided over by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The Supreme Court has stayed a previous order from the Madras High Court that directed police to investigate criminal cases against the foundation and report on alleged illegal confinement of two women, daughters of a retired professor, who claimed they were being held against their will. During the proceedings, the bench emphasised that allowing police or military forces into such institutions could infringe on religious freedoms stating quote “you can’t let the Army or the police into an institution like this” unquote.After a day where Israel and Hezbollah troops clashed at close range in southern Lebanon, Israel bombed central Beirut in the early hours Thursday. The Israel Defence Forces said they had killed 15 Hezbollah members after a strike on a municipality building in Southern Lebanon.  Meanwhile, Lebanese security officials said three missiles also hit the southern suburb of Dahiyeh in early hours, where Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed last week, and loud explosions were heard. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sollivan in Washington DC and India, while calling for “restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians”, advised all its nationals to “avoid all non-essential travel to Iran”.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, The Indian Express' Deeptiman Tiwary discusses the allegations of money laundering against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and why the case is more complex than it appears.Next, The Indian Express' Kiran Parashar talks about the four Pakistani nationals who were caught living on the outskirts of Bengaluru last week and the reasons why they came to India (09:10). Finally, The Indian Express' Vidheesha Kuntamala covers the case of Atul Kumar, an 18-year-old student who cleared the JEE but lost his seat at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad due to an alleged technical glitch. She explains how he regained the seat with the intervention of the Supreme Court and why, unfortunately, his case is the only one (16:54).Hosted, written, and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarEpisode 3 for our series in association with CSF drops tomorrow.Here are parts 1 and 2:Further listening:CSF Episode 1CSF Episode 2

As part of our ongoing collaboration with Central Square Foundation - we're excited to bring to you the third part of this series where we will speak to experts in the field of Early Childhood Education to understand, how play-based learning is significant for fostering holistic development. In order to ensure learning outcomes for all children are met CSF has been working towards system-led reforms to ensure quality access to school education to children across India.The episode will be out this Saturday, the 5th of October. The conversation will be available on our website indianexpress.com and everywhere you get your podcasts. Make sure you listen. To listen to the first and the second episode, check out the link provided in the description.Episode 1: https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/the-rss-bjp-rift-rise-in-indian-asylum-seekers-and-a-bid-to-muzzle-press/9550762/Episode 2: https://indianexpress.com/audio/3-things/role-of-edtech-in-ensuring-continued-at-home-learning/9579623/ Now, on with the show.This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 3rd of October and here are the headlines.A bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has intervened in the case involving the Isha Yoga Foundation, presided over by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The Supreme Court has stayed a previous order from the Madras High Court that directed police to investigate criminal cases against the foundation and report on alleged illegal confinement of two women, daughters of a retired professor, who claimed they were being held against their will. During the proceedings, the bench emphasised that allowing police or military forces into such institutions could infringe on religious freedoms stating “you can’t let the Army or the police into an institution like this”.Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus-led government, as per Bangla daily Prothom Alo reported, has ordered five envoys, including its ambassador to India, to relinquish their posts and return to Dhaka immediately. The interim government has recalled its envoys in Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York. The major diplomatic reshuffle follows the recall of Saida Muna Tasneem, the high commissioner to Britain, who was asked to return in a similar way.A doctor was shot dead in what appears to be a targeted attack at a small nursing home located in Kalindi Kunj in South East Delhi in the early hours today. When the police team arrived at the scene, they found Dr Javed Akhtar, a Unani practitioner, slumped over his desk with a gunshot wound to the left side of his head. The police further added that the Forensic teams from the District Crime Unit and Forensic Science Laboratory at Rohini were called to the scene, and collected evidence for analysis. The ED today summoned cricketer-turned-politician Mohammed Azharuddin in relation to a money laundering case during his tenure as the president of Hyderabad Cricket Association. Sources said that the Congress leader has sought time to appear in front of the agency. As part of a Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) case, the ED is probing alleged financial irregularities in the HCA, for which it conducted searches in November last year.After a day where Israeli and Hezbollah troops clashed at close range in southern Lebanon, Israel bombed central Beirut in the early hours today. The Israel Defence Forces said they had killed 15 Hezbollah members after a strike on a municipality building in Southern Lebanon.  Lebanese security officials said three missiles also hit the southern suburb of Dahiyeh in early hours, where Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed last week, and loud explosions were heard. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington DC and India, while calling for “restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians”, advised all its nationals to “avoid all non-essential travel to Iran”.  This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, we talk to Indian Express’ Parul Kulshrestha about a series of leopard attacks in Udaipur. The attacks have taken seven lives and have left the villagers scared. She talks about the action taken by the forest department and the reason behind these incidents.Next, Indian Express’ Mohamed Thaver informs us about the complaint that has been filed against online ticketing platform Book My Show and the investigation that is taking place regarding the tickets for the concert of the renowned band Coldplay.  (8:44)And in the end, we talk about a helicopter crash in Pune that killed three. (18:31)Hosted, written and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 2nd of October and here are the headlines.Israel’s military Wednesday said it is engaged in “close-range” operations in southern Lebanon and dismantled Hezbollah’s infrastructure through precision-guided munitions. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) added that “over 150 terrorist infrastructure sites have been destroyed in air strikes, including Hezbollah’s HQ, weapon storage facilities, and rocket launchers.” Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it was clashing with Israeli troops in the border town of Maroun el-Ras after it had pushed back forces near another border town. The group said it had also fired rockets at military posts inside Israel. This comes at a time when the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated following Tehran firing a barrage of missiles at Tel Aviv on Tuesday.67 Indians trapped in job scams in Cambodia have now been rescued, the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh announced today. While 39 of them have already reached India, 28 others will be leaving Cambodia soon, it added. THe embassy in a statement declared: “The Embassy of India, Phnom Penh has been actively engaged in rescuing and repatriating Indian nationals trapped in fraudulent job offers obtained through fake agents, who lure them into cyber crime in scam compounds. On 22 September, following specific leads by the Embassy, the Cambodian Police rescued 67 such Indian nationals from Poipet."Three people were killed this morning when the helicopter they were flying in crashed in the Bavdhan area of Pune while on its way to Mumbai. Vinoykumar Choubey, Police Commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad, confirmed the deaths. According to the police, the deceased have been identified as Girishkumar Pillai, Pritamchand Bharadwaaj, and Paramjeet.Days after CPI(M) said it had “snapped all ties” with Left-backed legislator PV Anvar, another party-backed independent legislator and former minister KT Jaleel today said he would quit electoral politics after the term of the current Kerala Assembly ends in 2026. Addressing the media in Malappuram, Thavanur MLA Jaleel said: “I have no commitment to any party, be it CPI(M) or Congress. But I will continue to cooperate with the CPI(M). I agree with certain issues raised by PV Anvar. At the same time, I disagree with him on certain other issues”.The Centre has said that in emergencies where the state forest department lacks the necessary technical expertise, other government departments may be allowed to carry out forestry activities in forests to prevent natural disasters. The Union Environment Ministry on Tuesday issued guidelines detailing steps that can be taken to prevent or manage natural disasters in forest areas. The guidelines were issued after Uttarakhand’s chief secretary wrote to the ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority, asking them to explore and evolve effective measures for areas prone to frequent forest fires.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Even though Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most well known figures in Indian history, for many, especially the young, he has become a bit of a two dimensional figure. Someone who helped us get independence from the British, but also someone whose face is on the currency notes, and who has a lot of streets named after him.Though it is only when we read his letters to friends, family and opponents, or their accounts of encounters with him, we get a much more three dimensional picture of the Mahatma. Recently, his grandson, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the former governor of West Bengal, has compiled and edited, A Frank Friendship, that brings out these details. The book is about the Mahatma's long history with Bengal, a state that brought him great joy, but also tested his life's philosophy. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, he joins Sandip Roy to talk about the book, and how the state shaped the father of the nation.   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 1st of October and here are the headlines.The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls will wrap up today as voting is underway for the final 40 seats in the third and largest phase of the elections. A voter turnout of 44.08 per cent was recorded as of 1 pm. In contrast to the first two phases, the bulk of the seats in the third one totalling to 24 seats are in the Jammu division, while 16 are in Kashmir. According to the Election Commission, the second phase of the J&K polls on 25th of September recorded a voter turnout of 57.31 per cent and 61.38 per cent in the first phase. Results will be announced on 8th of October. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at a curtain raiser event today said that there had been “positive signalling” at the diplomatic level from both India and China regarding the ongoing military standoff between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control  in eastern Ladakh, and that military commanders from both sides would now sit together to see how this can be translated on the ground. General Dwivedi said that while the positive signalling came from the diplomatic sides, “when it comes to execution on the ground, it is dependent on the military commanders on both sides to take those decisions.”The Supreme Court today stated that the guidelines it will lay down for demolitions of unauthorised constructions will be applicable pan-India and for all religions. The bench said it will make it clear that merely because a person is an accused or even a convict, it can’t be a ground for demolition of property. The court further added that it was not encouraging encroachments and cluttering of footpaths. The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions which have alleged that properties, including of those accused of crime, were being demolished.A school bus in Thailand with about 44 students and teachers on board caught fire on the outskirts of Bangkok. News agency AP quoting government officials said, as many as 25 are feared dead in the accident.  Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said about 16 students and three teachers were sent to a hospital for treatment and further added that the cause of the incident was being investigated. Amid rising tensions across West Asia, the Israeli military today sounded air raid sirens in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, following its “limited” and “targeted” ground raids against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in southern Lebanon. Earlier in the day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began the targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against the group and the Israeli forces said that these targets are located in villages close to the border, and “pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.”This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

First, The Indian Express’ Deeptiman Tiwary discusses the rising demand to end government control over Hindu temples, exploring its origins, extent, and the reasons why the courts have been reluctant to address the issue.Next, The Indian Express’ Aditi Raja reports on the murder of a seven-year-old girl in Gujarat's Dahod district, an incident that has shaken the local community and caused them to lose trust in the word “teacher” (12:20).And finally, we take a quick look at the first case registered based on the Justice Hema Committee report, which was released last month and outlined the problems faced by women in the industry (23:05).Further listening: What the Justice Hema Committee report exposes about Malayalam film industryHosted, written and produced by Shashank BhargavaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar