The Catch Up: 3 February

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 3rd of February and here are the headlines.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, alleged that 70 lakh voters were added to Maharashtra's electoral rolls between the Lok Sabha and state elections. He demanded that the Election Commission provide voter data to opposition parties. Gandhi questioned the integrity of the 2022 Maharashtra polls and expressed doubt that the EC would release the requested details. He emphasized that the Constitution relies on secure votes, without which its significance is diminished.

In his reply to the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi criticized both the UPA and NDA governments for failing to provide a clear employment plan for India’s youth. He expressed dissatisfaction with President Murmu’s inaugural address, calling it similar to past speeches. Gandhi emphasized that the country’s future hinges on young people and highlighted that any proposals should address their concerns and challenges, urging the Opposition bloc to focus on this issue.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to Rahul Gandhi’s claims regarding his U.S. visit in December 2024. Gandhi had alleged that Jaishankar went to the U.S. to secure an invitation for PM Modi’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration. Jaishankar denied the accusation, stating that his visit was for meetings with U.S. officials and to chair a consuls general gathering. He clarified that the Prime Minister typically does not attend such events and India is represented by special envoys.

The Supreme Court called the January 29 stampede at the Maha Kumbh “unfortunate” but directed the petitioner to approach the Allahabad High Court, where a judicial commission had already been set up to investigate the incident. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, hearing the case, stated that the matter was concerning but advised that the High Court be approached. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi confirmed that the judicial commission was already in place to address the issue.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staffers were instructed to stay out of the agency’s Washington headquarters after Elon Musk claimed he and President Trump had agreed to shut down USAID. Over 600 employees were locked out of USAID’s computer systems, and those still in the system received emails about the closure. Musk, who is leading a review of the federal government with Trump’s approval, said the two agreed on shutting down the agency, which has been active for over six decades.

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