The Catch Up: 12 February

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 12th of February and here are the headlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France focused on deepening the Indo-French relationship, with discussions on trade, AI, and security with President Emmanuel Macron. Modi paid tribute to fallen Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery and interacted with the Indian diaspora. He also inaugurated the Indian Consulate in Marseille, a long-awaited move celebrated by the local Indian community. The visit highlighted growing ties and collaborative efforts between the two countries in various sectors.

The Supreme Court expressed concerns about governments and political parties announcing freebies before elections, stating it discourages work and is depleting the labor force in states like Maharashtra. The bench, hearing a plea on shelter homes, was told that policies benefit the rich, neglecting the poor and homeless. The court criticized this imbalance, noting that addressing homelessness is often sidelined, while compassion appears reserved for the wealthy, highlighting a lack of priority for marginalized communities.

Maharashtra cyber police have summoned several celebrities, including comedian Tanmay Bhatt, actor Rakhi Sawant, and influencer Uorfi Javed, over a controversial question asked by Ranveer Allahbadia on Samay Raina's ‘India’s Got Latent’ show. The police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident. The summoned individuals are popular YouTubers, influencers, and comedians who were judges on the show. The investigation highlights the growing concern over online content and its implications for public figures.

The Uttarakhand High Court addressed concerns about the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, particularly regarding live-in relationships. The court emphasized the importance of self-respect and privacy, especially for children born from such relationships. Chief Justice G Narender questioned the regulation of live-ins and the declaration of such marriages as void or criminal. The petition challenging these provisions highlights concerns about the infringement of religious rights and the adverse impact on individuals involved in live-in relationships.

In Kottayam, Kerala, police arrested five nursing students from a government college after first-year students reported severe ragging incidents over the past two months. The arrested students have been charged under various sections of the BNS and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act. The victims, who complained to the police, described their traumatic experiences. The accused students, from Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kottayam, will be produced in court following the investigation, which highlights ongoing issues of ragging in educational institutions.

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