Indian Space Research Organisation is preparing for a shared mission with Spadex, a private company which has already offered two satellites that are awaiting launch. It marks another step in India’s push to increase public-private partnerships in the space arena. The two satellites will be launched as part of ISRO’s efforts to support commercial space ventures, further expanding the role played by private players in space technology. This “space handshake” underscores progress in India’s space capabilities that push to expedite innovation and collaboration in satellite development and launch services.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he would not come to the summit of G20 since his presence might influence the way in which the meeting would be conducted. At the same time, he played down an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court regarding accusations over Ukraine by saying that it would have nothing to do with his decision to stay away from the summit. Putin said that his main reason for staying away from the summit is the risk of overshadowing the culmination and creating strains,. This is the latest in a recent string of omissions, skipping several international gatherings with the ongoing geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine casting a shadow.
The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh issued an arrest warrant against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, on charges of participating in crimes against humanity. The case pertains to the bitter repression of student-led protests sometime back this year. Several deaths were reported in that brutal repression. Bangladesh is said to be trying to extradite Hasina. However, for India, ties have a history with Hasina and diplomatic relations are rather complex. There have also been warrants issued by the tribunal against 45 more individuals connected to the incident. The incident has still increased the already tense political pressure in Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have inaugurated the country’s new Gwadar International Airport virtually on October 14, 2024. This new aviation facility is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects that could potentially fulfil two duties: improving regional connectivity and increasing trade and economic activities in and around the Gwadar port area. The Inauguration also hosted the signing of 13 agreements between the countries, that further added to bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Indeed, Hamas has recently confirmed the killing of its senior leader, Yahya Sinwar, in the latest Israeli airstrike. Sinwar is an important figure within the militant group who also contributed to its military strategy. His death has emerged in the midst of tussles between Hamas and Israel. Tensions have been rising in the region over time. This may serve as a catalyst to direct the course for the current conflict involving both parties. The two sides keep on exchanging fire and continue to incur causalities on both sides.
