Digest for 22 July, 2025
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns, Citing Health Reasons
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has unexpectedly resigned from his post, effective immediately, citing medical advice. His resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The move has triggered political speculation, with the Opposition suggesting deeper reasons beyond health. The Constitution mandates that an election to fill the vacancy must be held "as soon as possible," initiating the process to select India's next Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre, State Responses on Presidential Reference Regarding Bill Assent Timelines
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the central and all state governments on a Presidential reference concerning the timeline for governors and the President to assent to state-passed bills. A five-judge Constitution bench will examine 14 questions posed by President Droupadi Murmu, questioning whether the judiciary can impose deadlines on these constitutional functions. The reference follows a previous SC verdict that set a three-month timeframe, raising significant questions about the separation of powers and federal structure.
Maharashtra to Appeal as Bombay HC Acquits All 12 Accused in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts
The Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted for the 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts, which killed 189 people. The court ruled that the prosecution "utterly failed" to prove its case. This verdict overturns a 2015 trial court decision that sentenced five to death and seven to life imprisonment. In a swift response, the Maharashtra government has moved the Supreme Court to challenge the acquittal, with an urgent hearing scheduled for July 24.
Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash in Dhaka Kills 27, Including 25 Children
A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into a school and college campus in Dhaka, killing at least 27 people, including 25 children, and injuring over 170. The Chinese-made aircraft reportedly experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot, who also died, was hailed for attempting to steer the plane away from populated areas. The government has declared a national day of mourning and formed a high-level committee to investigate the tragic incident.
28 Nations, Including UK and Canada, Issue Joint Call for Gaza War to End Immediately
In a sign of Israel's growing diplomatic isolation, 28 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, have issued a joint statement demanding that the war in Gaza "must end now." The foreign ministers condemned the "inhumane killing of civilians" and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, labeling Israel's aid delivery model as dangerous and unacceptable. The statement calls for an immediate ceasefire and urges Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.