Digest for 12 September, 2025
Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Timelines for Governor's Assent to Bills
A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a Presidential reference concerning whether courts can set timelines for Governors and the President to assent to bills passed by state legislatures. The court questioned if it could "sit idle" when a constitutional authority fails its duty, highlighting a critical issue of separation of powers. The outcome will have significant implications for federalism and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches across Indian states.
US Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated at University Event
Charlie Kirk, a prominent 31-year-old conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The attack, described by the Utah Governor as a "political assassination," was carried out by a sniper who fired a single shot from a nearby building. The FBI has released photos of a person of interest and recovered a rifle believed to be the weapon used, as a manhunt for the shooter continues.
Ten Naxalites, Including Senior Cadre, Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
At least ten Naxalites were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district. The operation was launched based on intelligence about the movement of top Maoist leaders in the area. The encounter involved personnel from the state police's Special Task Force, district units, and the CRPF's CoBRA battalion. Police sources suggest a senior leader and Central Committee Member of the CPI (Maoist) may be among the deceased, marking a significant event in the state's ongoing anti-Naxal operations.
C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn In as India's 15th Vice President
C. P. Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office. Radhakrishnan, the former governor of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Telangana, succeeds Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned in July citing health reasons. As Vice President, Radhakrishnan will also serve as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. The election saw the NDA candidate defeat the opposition's nominee, B. Sudershan Reddy, by a margin of 152 votes.
HAL to Deliver First Two Tejas Mark-1A Jets to Indian Air Force Next Month
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is set to deliver the first two Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force in October. The delivery follows the receipt of GE404 engines from US-based GE Aerospace, which had caused previous delays. The government procured 83 of these indigenous single-engine fighters in a Rs 48,000 crore deal in 2021 to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet and bolster the IAF's squadron strength. An additional order for 97 more jets was approved last month.