Digest for 14 May, 2025
Justice BR Gavai Sworn In as 52nd Chief Justice of India
Justice BR Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu. He will have a tenure of over six months, until November 23, 2025. Justice Gavai is notably the first Buddhist CJI and the second from the Dalit community to hold the nation's highest judicial office. His appointment marks a significant moment for the Indian judiciary, commencing his term with an oath administered in Hindi.
PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Committee on Security Amid National Concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in New Delhi, focusing on top-level discussions regarding national security. This meeting, preceding a Union cabinet gathering, was the 11th high-level security review led by the PM since April 23. These regular assessments underscore the government's sustained focus on addressing comprehensive national response measures and ongoing critical security challenges facing India.
India Condemns China's 'Preposterous' Arunachal Renaming Attempts
India strongly criticized China's repeated efforts to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, labeling them "preposterous." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) firmly stated that the northeastern state is an integral and inalienable part of India. This sharp response followed Beijing's announcement of Chinese names for places in the region, which China claims as 'Zangnan' or southern Tibet, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
India Blocks China's State-Affiliated Global Times X Account
India has blocked the X (formerly Twitter) account of Global Times, a Chinese state-affiliated media outlet known for its strong pro-Beijing rhetoric and frequent criticism of India. The publication has previously faced accusations of spreading disinformation. This action by New Delhi signifies a firm stance against certain Chinese media narratives, particularly amid ongoing bilateral tensions and concerns over information manipulation affecting national interests.
Pakistan Repatriates BSF Jawan to India
Pakistan handed over Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Shaw to Indian authorities. Shaw was apprehended by Pakistani Rangers on April 23 from along the India-Pakistan International Border in Ferozepur district. His capture occurred a day after the Pahalgam terror attack. The return of the jawan is a development in cross-border incidents, though circumstances of his apprehension and return remain key to understanding the dynamics.