Morning Brief: Congress Moves SC To Defend Places Of Worship Act; Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal Hangs In Balance; China Claims 5 Per Cent GDP Growth In 2024

Catch up on the day’s must-read stories with Swarajya's roundup of the morning's headlines.

Congress Moves SC To Defend Places Of Worship Act

The Indian National Congress (INC), led by General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking intervention in a challenge to the Places of Worship Act of 1991. The party argued that the law reflects the will of the Indian people and preserves the character of religious places as they were on August 15, 1947, when India gained independence. INC, which played a pivotal role in passing the Act during the 10th Lok Sabha, emphasised its role alongside the Janata Dal in shaping the legislation. The party stated that the Act was part of its election manifesto and was crucial for secularism. This comes as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi faces criticism for saying that the party is fighting not only against the BJP and the RSS but also against the "Indian state."

Israel, Hamas Ceasefire Deal Hangs In Balance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a cabinet vote on the Gaza ceasefire deal, accusing Hamas of seeking last-minute changes to the agreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that the ceasefire would still begin on Sunday, despite the delay. The deal, reached after months of negotiations, cannot be implemented without approval from Israel's security cabinet and government. Hamas reportedly sought to add some of its members to the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released, while the delay followed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed over 80 people. Netanyahu’s office stated that the cabinet would not meet until Hamas accepted all elements of the deal.

China Claims 5 Per Cent GDP Growth In 2024

China's economy grew by 5 per cent year-on-year in 2024, with a notable boost in the final quarter as stimulus measures helped meet Beijing's growth target. The fourth-quarter GDP exceeded expectations, rising 5.4 per cent, compared to the 5.0 per cent growth predicted by economists. This marked an acceleration from the 4.6 per cent growth in Q3, 4.7 per cent in Q2, and 5.3 per cent in Q1. Full-year growth was lower than the 5.4 per cent seen in 2023, though the GDP growth for 2023 was later revised to 7.4 per cent. The statistics bureau cautioned about increasing external challenges and insufficient domestic demand, urging more proactive macroeconomic policies.

Other Developments

Allahabad HC Judge Defends Remarks At VHP Event

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has written to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, defending his remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event in Prayagraj and asserting they did not breach judicial conduct. This comes a month after the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, summoned him over the controversy. The High Court Chief Justice had sought Yadav’s response following a complaint from a law student and an IPS officer who was compulsorily retired. Justice Yadav claimed his speech was being distorted by individuals with vested interests. He urged for support from senior members of the judiciary.

Government Approves Eighth Pay Commission

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly election, the Narendra Modi government approved the establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission, fulfilling a demand from central trade unions and employees' organisations. The move will benefit around 50 lakh Union government employees and 65 lakh pensioners, including serving and retired defense personnel. Approximately four lakh Union government employees are based in Delhi. The recommendations of the new Pay Commission will guide wages in public sector undertakings and similar pay revisions in states, which is also expected to boost consumption and economic growth.

NEET-UG 2025 To Stick With Old Format

The National Testing Authority (NTA) announced on Thursday that the NEET-UG 2025 will follow the same format as previous years, with a pen-and-paper exam in a single shift and on a single day. This decision follows months of discussions between the education ministry, NTA, health ministry, and the National Medical Commission (NMC) about possible restructuring and a switch to computer-based testing. The decision comes nearly a year after controversy over alleged leaks in NEET-UG 2024, which led to the formation of a committee under K Radhakrishnan to recommend exam reforms. Despite suggestions for multi-stage testing, the NMC decided to maintain the current format, citing the need for sufficient time for students before implementing changes.

Adani Group Stocks Soar After Hindenburg Closes Down

Shares of Adani group companies saw a significant rally of up to 10 per cent on Thursday following the announcement that US short-seller Hindenburg Research would shut down. Nearly two years ago, Hindenburg had triggered a dramatic decline in Adani's stock prices after publishing a detailed report accusing the group of corporate misconduct, including stock manipulation and financial misreporting. Adani denied these allegations and had threatened legal action against Hindenburg in the US. On Thursday, in a generally flat market, the Adani group's total market value surged by Rs 28,000 crore, reaching Rs 12.9 lakh crore. Additionally, reports of a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict boosted sentiment, as Adani operates a major port in Israel.

BCCI Puts Players On Notice With Tough New Guidelines

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a set of 10-point disciplinary guidelines to improve team culture and professionalism. As part of the new rules, players are banned from traveling with personal staff such as cooks, hairdressers, stylists, or security guards during tours. Players will also be required to use team transport for commuting to practice sessions and matches, and family members will face strict restrictions on accompanying players. The decision follows a comprehensive review after India’s loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, which also addressed topics like the Mumbai Test’s pitch preparation and player management. 

From The States

Karnataka Congress Rift Resurfaces

Factionalism has resurfaced in the Karnataka Congress, with tensions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s camps. A purported power-sharing formula, under which Shivakumar would take over as CM after two-and-a-half years, remains a point of contention. Siddaramaiah’s supporters want him to complete his full term, while Shivakumar’s camp is pushing for a leadership change. At a recent Congress Legislature Party meeting, Shivakumar clashed with Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a Siddaramaiah ally. Siddaramaiah’s camp is also demanding Shivakumar step down as PCC chief, citing his dual roles.

Gujarat: Supreme Court To Hear Godhra Case On February 13

The Supreme Court will hear appeals in the 2002 Godhra train burning case on February 13. The Gujarat government and several convicts have filed appeals against the Gujarat High Court's October 2017 verdict, which upheld some convictions and commuted the death sentences of 11 individuals to life imprisonment. A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Aravind Kumar made it clear that no adjournment will be granted for the next hearing. The incident, in which 59 people were killed in a burning Sabarmati Express coach in Godhra, led to riots in Gujarat.

Follow along for more updates throughout the day.