Bihar Affairs
Chhath Puja Concludes with Sunrise Prayers in Bihar
The final day of Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Bihar, saw lakhs of devotees gather on Friday morning to offer prayers to the rising sun. The celebrations took place on the banks of the Ganga river and other water bodies across the state, with devotees offering ‘arghya’ (water offerings) to the sun god. Prominent figures like Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Minister Chirag Paswan also participated in the festivities. The Patna district administration implemented safety measures at various ghats along the Ganges, including medical camps and increased security personnel, to ensure a safe environment for the devotees. The four-day festival, which began on November 5th with the ‘nahay-khay’ ritual, concluded with the sunrise prayers on Friday, marking the end of the auspicious occasion.
National and International Affairs
Trump Appoints Susie Wiles as First Female White House Chief of Staff
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles, the manager of his successful campaign, as his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold this influential position. Wiles is widely recognized for her strategic leadership in Trump’s campaign, which was considered highly disciplined and well-executed. She earned Trump’s respect by effectively managing his impulses and guiding him towards successful outcomes. Wiles’s appointment marks a significant milestone in American politics and highlights her expertise in campaign management and political strategy. She is a seasoned Republican strategist with a proven track record of success in high-profile campaigns, including Trump’s 2016 and 2020 presidential bids. The chief of staff role is crucial for a president’s success, serving as a confidant, agenda executor, and gatekeeper, ensuring the president’s time and resources are effectively utilized. Wiles’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by Trump to bring stability and experience to his administration, particularly after the significant personnel churn in his first term.
Typhoon Yinxing Exacerbates Philippines’ Disaster Woes
Typhoon Yinxing, the 13th major storm to hit the Philippines this year, battered the northern region with floods and landslides, causing further damage to infrastructure and displacing thousands already affected by previous storms. The typhoon, which made landfall in Cagayan province, caused widespread damage, including flooded villages, toppled trees, and damaged houses and buildings. In Batanes, the typhoon’s strong winds and rain damaged seaports, airport terminals, and homes. This latest storm adds to the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoon Kong-rey, which left over 150 people dead and affected millions in recent weeks. The combined impact of these storms has resulted in significant infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, and ongoing displacement, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize recovery efforts over attending the APEC summit. The Philippines, known for its vulnerability to natural disasters, faces a challenging task in rebuilding and mitigating the effects of these recurring storms.
Supreme Court Limits Government’s Power to Acquire Private Property for “Common Good”
In a landmark 8-1 ruling, the Supreme Court of India has clarified the scope of Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which empowers the state to ensure the equitable distribution of “material resources of the community.” The court held that not all private property can be deemed “material resources” for acquisition and redistribution by the government. The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized that such an interpretation would be outdated and redundant in a modern, mixed economy. The court also affirmed that laws enacted to implement Article 39(b) are shielded from constitutional challenges under Article 31C, but stressed that any acquisition of private property must adhere to constitutional guarantees, including the right to equality and the right to property. Justice B.V. Nagarathna partially concurred, while Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia dissented, arguing that excluding privately-owned properties from the ambit of Article 39(b) could undermine the broader objectives of the Directive Principles of State Policy. The ruling reflects the evolving economic landscape of India and seeks to balance the state’s role in promoting social welfare with the protection of individual property rights.
The Hindu Wins Prestigious Asian Media Awards for Investigative Reporting
The Hindu has been recognized for its impactful journalism at the WAN-IFRA Asian Media Awards 2024. The publication received gold for “Making Sense of the Electoral Bonds Data,” a series of articles that analyzed data on electoral bonds, providing insights into political financing mechanisms. “Kota’s Crash Course,” a special Ground Zero report on the pressures faced by students in Kota’s coaching centers, won silver in the Best Feature Article category. This report, published during a time of tragedy in Kota, explored the intense academic pressures, the booming preparatory exam industry, and societal views on STEM education. These awards highlight The Hindu’s commitment to investigative journalism and its dedication to uncovering important societal issues.
Aligarh Muslim University Retains Minority Status: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court of India has ruled in a 4:3 majority decision that the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) will retain its minority status, despite being established by a statute. The court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, clarified that an institution established by a minority community remains a minority educational institution, even after being recognized through a statute. The onus lies on the community to prove that the institution was established to preserve their cultural fabric. The court emphasized that Article 30(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right of minorities to establish and administer their own educational institutions, extends to secular education as well. The court also ruled that the right to administer an institution does not necessarily require the managing board to be composed solely of members from the minority community, allowing for greater flexibility in managing professional colleges. This landmark decision upholds the rights of minority communities to establish and administer their own educational institutions, ensuring their cultural preservation and autonomy.
India and ASEAN: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the crucial role of collaboration between India and ASEAN in addressing contemporary global challenges, particularly in the areas of food and health security, and political issues like the situation in Myanmar. He emphasized the shared demographic strength of both regions, with their combined population exceeding a quarter of the world’s total, making them significant economic forces. Jaishankar stressed the importance of addressing shared challenges like climate change and pandemics through joint efforts, acknowledging the need for a stronger culture of self-help. He also emphasized the deep cultural and civilizational ties between India and ASEAN, highlighting the potential for further strengthening their partnership in areas like trade, tourism, education, and connectivity. The minister reiterated India’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s centrality and cohesion in the evolving Indo-Pacific region, advocating for respect for international law and norms as a foundation for achieving shared ambitions.