Bihar Affairs
Record-Breaking Chhath Celebrations in Aurangabad
Aurangabad witnessed a record-breaking turnout for Chhath celebrations this year, with over 15 lakh devotees taking a holy dip in Surya Kund near Deo’s ancient sun temple. The district administration, which had anticipated a footfall of 10 lakh, reported a peaceful conclusion to the event. The success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the administration, Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Service Scheme, NCC, and local residents. The focus now shifts to ensuring a safe exit of vehicles and people from the fair site, with a large police presence deployed for the purpose. Devotees began arriving from Wednesday, with the flow continuing until late Thursday evening. The temple, built in Nagar architectural style, saw a massive influx of devotees until 2 pm on Friday. The celebrations extended beyond the sun temple, with festivities taking place across the district.
National and International Affairs
Indonesia’s Volcanoes Erupt, Displacing Thousands
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted again on Thursday, spewing ash columns as high as 8,000 meters, exceeding the intensity of Monday’s eruption that killed nine people and injured dozens. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the latest eruption as residents within the 7-kilometer danger zone had been evacuated. The volcano’s activity has been heightened since January, forcing the closure of the island’s airport and displacing thousands of people. Meanwhile, another active volcano, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, also erupted on Thursday, spewing ash and blanketing nearby villages. Indonesia, situated on the “Ring of Fire,” is prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes, making these eruptions a recurring threat to its large population.
Canada Suspends Faster Visa Program for International Students, Citing Fairness and Integrity
Canada has discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a program that expedited study permit applications for students from 15 countries, including India. This decision, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, aims to ensure fair and equal access to the study permit application process for all international students. The government cited concerns about program integrity and student vulnerability as reasons for the suspension. While applications received before November 8th will be processed under SDS, all future applications will be subject to the regular study permit stream, requiring students to submit a Guaranteed Investment Certificate and a provincial or territorial attestation letter. This move is likely to impact Indian students significantly, as they were among the largest beneficiaries of the SDS program.
Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’ Launched to Preserve and Promote India’s Military Heritage
On November 8, 2024, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan launched Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’, a joint initiative of the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India. This project aims to educate the public about India’s rich military history and heritage through various initiatives, including the annual Indian Military Heritage Festival. The festival, now in its second year, brings together global and Indian think tanks, corporations, and academicians to discuss national security, foreign policy, military history, and heritage. The event also features publications on military topics, exhibitions showcasing advancements in defense research, and participation by NCC cadets. The project seeks to bridge the gap between the public’s understanding of India’s military heritage and its contemporary security challenges, promoting national discourse and fostering self-reliance in military capabilities through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Ahmedabad Initiative Wins Innovation Award at Smart Cities Expo World Congress
The Ahmedabad-based community initiative aProCh, focused on creating safe environments for children, won the Innovation Award at the 2024 Smart Cities Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona, Spain. The award, shared with Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, recognizes urban solutions that prioritize human well-being for sustainable and inclusive cities. aProCh’s initiative transforms public spaces into child-friendly areas, empowering children to participate in a sustainable future. The SCEWC, themed “Live Better,” showcased innovations in mobility, economy, and other fields. The event also recognized Shenzhen as the Smart City of 2024 for its “Smarter City, Better Life” initiative and Milano Mayor Giuseppe Sala as the best leader. The Indian delegation at the SCEWC, including representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, received collaboration requests from other participants, highlighting the global interest in India’s smart city initiatives. The event also emphasized sustainability with a zero-waste initiative and the Czech Republic winning the Green Exhibitor Award for its sustainable pavilion built from recycled materials.
India’s Maritime Domain Awareness: A Watchful Eye on the Indian Ocean
India maintains a robust maritime domain awareness system, ensuring complete knowledge of activities in its area of interest, including those of China, according to Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. He dismissed concerns over China’s dual carrier operations in the South China Sea, stating that India has conducted similar operations for years and is confident in its ability to safeguard national interests. The Navy Chief emphasized India’s close monitoring of activities in the Indian Ocean region, particularly those involving China, and highlighted the Navy’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement. The Navy is also actively engaging with the public, particularly youth, through initiatives like the THINQ quiz competition, to promote awareness and understanding of its role in safeguarding national security.