12.11.2024

France is considering India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system as a potential replacement for its aging M270 rocket systems. A senior French Army officer, Brigadier General Stephane Richou, has confirmed that France will be conducting a detailed evaluation of the Pinaka system, along with other contenders, in the coming weeks. This interest stems from France’s need to modernize its rocket systems, particularly after the transfer of six M270 systems to Ukraine during the ongoing war. The Pinaka, developed indigenously in India, has already been exported to Armenia and has garnered interest from several other countries. The system boasts a range of 38 km and is currently undergoing trials for a guided extended range version with a potential range exceeding 75 km. While the procurement process is still in its initial stages, the French Army’s interest in the Pinaka signifies a growing trend of collaboration between India and France in the defense sector. This collaboration extends beyond the Pinaka, with ongoing negotiations for the purchase of Rafale-M fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines, as well as discussions for the co-development of a jet engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. The French Army’s visit to India for the 20th Army to Army staff talks further underscores the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, characterized by cooperation in various domains including capability development, education, training, and equipment sharing.

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov will visit India on November 11-12, 2024, to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations. During his visit, he will participate in the Russian-Indian Business Forum in Mumbai, focusing on expanding cooperation in areas like industrial collaboration, logistics, finance, digital technologies, and interregional relations. He will also co-chair the 25th Session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Indian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation in New Delhi with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations and explore new avenues for collaboration between Russian and Indian businesses.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. The ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan with dignitaries including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and other judicial figures in attendance. Justice Khanna’s six-month tenure will be marked by significant challenges, including a high case backlog, the increasing use of technology in court proceedings, and timely judicial appointments. He will also face the task of filling two immediate vacancies on the Supreme Court and addressing pending cases on crucial issues like the government’s use of the Money Bill route for legislation, the constitutional protection of essential religious practices, and the criminalization of non-consensual marital sexual intercourse. Justice Khanna’s legal career began in the Delhi district courts in 1983, and he has extensive experience in various fields of law, including constitutional, tax, and environmental law. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, skipping the traditional path of serving as a Chief Justice of a High Court. His tenure as Chief Justice will be closely watched for his approach to these critical issues and his leadership in guiding the Supreme Court’s future direction.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna assumed the role of India’s 51st Chief Justice on November 11, 2024, emphasizing the judiciary’s commitment to equal treatment, fair justice for all, and unbiased adjudication regardless of status. He highlighted the judiciary’s constitutional duty to ensure accessible justice for all citizens, emphasizing its role as a guardian of fundamental rights and a provider of justice. Chief Justice Khanna outlined his priorities, including making judgments comprehensible, promoting mediation, reforming criminal case management to reduce trial duration, and making litigation less burdensome. He identified case backlogs, affordability, and simplification of legal procedures as key challenges during his six-month tenure. His vision includes a citizen-centric approach, making courts more approachable and user-friendly, and adopting a self-evaluative approach responsive to feedback. The Khanna Collegium faces immediate vacancies in the Supreme Court, including the potential appointment of another woman judge. The Chief Justice will also have to address pending constitutional issues like the government’s use of the Money Bill route and the constitutional protection of essential religious practices. His allocation of cases and choice of benches will be closely watched, as past Chief Justices have faced criticism for these decisions.

Two Indian Navy officers, Lt. Cdr. Dilna K. and Lt. Cdr. Roopa A., aboard the INSV Tarini, have successfully completed the first leg of their global circumnavigation expedition, “Navika Sagar Parikrama-II.” After a challenging 39-day voyage covering 4,900 nautical miles from Goa to Fremantle, Australia, the crew arrived at their first port of call on November 9th. The journey saw them navigate various weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas, showcasing their resilience and expertise. The expedition, which is expected to last 240 days, will cover 23,000 nautical miles across four continents and three oceans, with stopovers for replenishment and maintenance. The second leg of the voyage is scheduled to commence around November 24th, with the crew aiming to reach Lyttleton, New Zealand. This expedition marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, highlighting the capabilities and dedication of its officers in challenging maritime endeavors.

Officials from Bangladesh and India are meeting to discuss infrastructure improvements and new avenues for trade and connectivity at land ports along their shared border. The 6th Subgroup meeting of the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) and the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) aims to strengthen existing land ports and explore opportunities for further development. This meeting highlights the commitment of both nations to bolstering cross-border infrastructure and facilitating smoother trade and travel. The Bangladesh delegation will visit the Rupaidiah land port in Uttar Pradesh, gaining firsthand insights into operational facilities and exploring potential for further infrastructure development at key cross-border points. This collaboration reinforces the dedication to regional economic integration and cross-border cooperation.