3 Things

Trade tensions take center stage as new U.S. tariffs threaten India's diamond and pharmaceutical sectors, reshaping global trade dynamics. Meanwhile, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill sparks intense debate in Indian parliament, with accusations of cultural vandalism surfacing. Rahul Gandhi adds fuel to the fire by criticizing the government’s handling of the border dispute with China. The interplay of politics and economics paints a complex picture of current affairs.

A groundbreaking weight loss drug, Mounjaro, is making waves in India, promising innovative benefits compared to competitors. The podcast dives into the political landscape in West Bengal, spotlighting the Diamond Harbour Model and its influence on local governance. Listeners will also hear about the fiery debates surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill, grappling with issues like minority representation and government oversight. These topics weave together health, politics, and societal concerns, keeping listeners engaged and informed.

Political tensions heat up as the Lok Sabha debates the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, stirring accusations of minority marginalization. The Indian Army reports a ceasefire violation by Pakistan, sparking concerns over border security. Meanwhile, India moves closer to a significant bilateral trade agreement with the U.S., just as reciprocal tariffs loom. It’s a whirlwind of political drama and international relations that promises to shape future discussions.

Join Sophiya Mathew and Devansh Mittal from The Indian Express as they uncover the dire state of the Yamuna River. Both reporters share harrowing insights from their journey along the river, showcasing political failures and severe pollution levels. They discuss the stark contrasts of life along the riverbanks, where some engage in recreational activities despite environmental hazards. Additionally, the guests delve into the struggles faced by local farmers and the river's sacred significance in Hindu culture, creating a complex tapestry of life surrounding this vital waterway.

The podcast dives into the dramatic drop in the Indian stock market as investors brace for US tariffs set to hit on April 2. A notable 1.69% plunge sparked worries about global sector impacts. Political tensions also surface, with Assam's Chief Minister condemning comments from a Bangladesh official regarding Northeast India, stirring discussions on territorial integrity. The Lok Sabha sees heated debates, highlighting the charged atmosphere in Indian politics as trade tensions loom large.

In this episode, Sukrita Baruah discusses the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar in Assam, uncovering significant press freedom concerns amid political tensions. Nikhil Ghanekar reveals shocking statistics: 99% of pollution control funds in India remain untouched due to bureaucratic obstacles. Lastly, Parul Kulshrestha highlights a transformative initiative in Rajasthan's Salumber district, providing mobility aids to over 700 individuals with disabilities, showcasing community empowerment and the need for better support systems.

Political tensions abound as Maharashtra's Chief Minister backs Modi's leadership until 2029, dismissing speculation of a successor. In Kashmir, the religious leader condemns restrictions on Eid prayers, highlighting ongoing oppression. Concerns grow over offshore mining's environmental implications as Rahul Gandhi voices his opposition. Meanwhile, global discussions turn to ocean conservation and the fragile U.S.-Russia relationship regarding Ukraine, while Iran navigates complex nuclear negotiations.

Brendan Dabhi, a reporter for The Indian Express, dives deep into the demolition drive in Gujarat aimed at eliminating illegal constructions linked to gang violence. He explains how authorities are targeting over 8,000 offenders for serious crimes while emphasizing the legal complexities of these actions. The conversation also touches upon the rescue of 47 migrant workers from Cameroon, showcasing the vital role of the State Migrant Control Room. To wrap up, they discuss a tragic train derailment in Odisha, shedding light on the aftermath and ongoing relief efforts.

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha SharmaToday is the 2th of March and here are the headlines.Kunal Kamra, in a standup show, had taken a jibe at Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor) following which an FIR for defamation was registered against the comedian on Monday. Shiv Sena workers had vandalised the Habitat studio where the standup show was shot, with 12 of them being arrested and later released on bail. Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde on Thursday said that the breach of privilege motion filed against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been accepted and sent to the privilege committee of the legislative council.The Assam police arrested journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar on Tuesday night after detaining him for several hours following his coverage of a protest against the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank (ACAB). Hussain is a reporter with the Assam-based digital media portal The CrossCurrent, known for its investigative reportage on the state government. He is also the assistant general secretary of the Guwahati Press Club. The grounds for his arrest, which were presented to his family hours after he was detained, state that he was arrested for alleged criminal intimidation and violation of provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for “offensive remarks” against the complainant.Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy moved a resolution against delimitation in the legislative assembly on Thursday. The resolution read, quote “The house expresses its deep concern on the manner in which the impending delimitation exercise is being planned, without transparent consultations with stakeholders.” unquote. The resolution was later adopted by the House and passed. Reddy posted about it on X stating:quote “…People of Telangana and citizens of all other states of south India are united in protecting our rights” unquote.US President Donald Trump has decided to expand his trade war to the world’s most traded product — automobiles and auto parts — by announcing 25 per cent tariffs on them from April 3. This has raised the uncertainty over Indian exports of auto components worth nearly $7 billion to the US and their future growth potential in the North American market. Citing national security concerns, the White House said that automobiles would be subject to 25 per cent tariffs starting on April 3 — a day after US reciprocal tariffs are set to come into effect — while auto parts would face similar tariffs “no later than May 3 2025,” unless such actions are expressly “reduced, modified, or terminated.”South Korea’s government has been held responsible for multiple human rights violations for fabricating birth records, falsely reporting that children had been abandoned over decades for a programme which sent about 200,000 children and babies abroad for adoption, a landmark enquiry by the truth commission has found. Private agencies were able to export babies and children due to government’s lack of oversight and the agencies were driven by profit which enabled the “mass exportation of children” and numerous examples of coercion, false records and fraud have been found in the scheme.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Asad Rehman who discusses the concerns of the proposed changes in the Waqf Bill ahead of a parliamentary approval.Next, The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha talks about India's bioeconomy sector and the potential it holds for greater opportunities. (12:51)Lastly, we discuss the Member Private Bills tabled in Jammu and Kashmir's Assembly demanding the restoration of the region's statehood (25:24)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Niharika Nanda and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Sureah Pawar