1. Justice Surya Kant Sworn In as 53rd Chief Justice of India
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Justice Surya Kant was administered the oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai upon his retirement.
- His 14-month tenure until February 2027 will prioritize reducing judicial pendency, enhancing case management, and addressing constitutional benchmarks like electoral reforms.
- Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019 from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Kant has contributed to landmark cases on Article 370 abrogation, Bihar electoral rolls, and Pegasus spyware.
- The appointment follows the collegium system under Article 124, emphasizing judicial independence and diversity in high court elevations.
- Concepts: Article 124(2): Outlines the appointment of Supreme Court judges, including the CJI, by the President after consultation with the collegium.
- Basic Structure Doctrine: Ensures judicial review as a core feature, relevant to upcoming cases on federalism and rights.
2. G20 Summit Yields Key Wins for India on Global Initiatives
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- At the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, India’s proposals for a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository and a skills multiplier initiative for Africa were endorsed, protecting indigenous innovations and training 10 million youth by 2030.
- The 28-Point Ukraine Peace Plan received backing, with India pushing for dialogue amid tensions, while the G20 Troika for 2025-26 was set as Brazil, South Africa, and the US.
- PM Modi highlighted India’s role in fostering multilateralism, including a global satellite data partnership and anti-drug-terror nexus measures.
- The summit declaration, adopted by consensus (excluding the US), reinforces India’s non-aligned stance on global security and climate agendas.
- Concepts: Article 51: Mandates promotion of international peace and security, aligning with India’s G20 diplomacy.
- Panchsheel Principles: Underpin India’s balanced approach to conflicts like Ukraine, emphasizing non-interference.
3. Bangladesh Presses India for Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Post-Death Sentence
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Bangladesh’s interim government formally requested India to extradite former PM Sheikh Hasina, convicted in absentia on graft charges, escalating bilateral strains since her August 2024 flight to India.
- India invoked non-refoulement principles, citing Hasina’s asylum status and urging democratic transitions with minority safeguards in Bangladesh.
- The Foreign Affairs Adviser emphasized legal reciprocity, while India highlighted extradition treaty limitations and Hasina’s role in past India-Bangladesh ties.
- This follows multiple trials against Hasina for protest suppressions, testing neighbourhood first policy amid regional instability.
- Concepts: Article 21: Extends to asylum seekers via international covenants on life and liberty.
- Non-Alignment 2.0: Guides India’s neutral mediation in South Asian disputes.
4. India-Italy Forge Anti-Terror Financing Pact at G20 Sidelines
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- During PM Modi’s talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Johannesburg, India and Italy launched a joint initiative to combat terrorism financing, enhancing intel sharing and regulatory alignment.
- Discussions spanned trade, defence, and security, building on recent exchanges to counter global threats like cyber-enabled terror.
- The pact underscores India’s growing G7 outreach role, focusing on Indo-Pacific stability and economic corridors.
- It complements bilateral ties in migration, renewable energy, and cultural exchanges, aiming for €100 billion trade by 2030.
- Concepts: Article 51(c): Promotes respect for international law in settling disputes.
- Multi-Alignment Strategy: Balances G20 engagements with strategic autonomy.
5. S&P Forecasts Robust 6.5% GDP Growth for FY26 Amid Global Headwinds
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- S&P Global Ratings projected India’s economy to expand at 6.5% in FY26 and 6.7% in FY27, driven by domestic demand and reforms, despite US tariff risks.
- Q2 FY26 GDP data due November 28 will reflect 6.8% growth per RBI estimates, up from 6.5% last year, with capex utilization targeting 95%.
- Urban consumption dipped 5-10% in Q2 due to inflation, but rural resilience at 4% supports overall momentum.
- Economists eye RBI rate cuts in December to sustain 7%+ trajectory, emphasizing fiscal consolidation at 4.9% deficit.
- Concepts: Article 266: Regulates Consolidated Fund for economic allocations.
- Fiscal Federalism: State partnerships vital for capex revival under GST.
