India sees significant shifts in governance, defense, and environmental policy, from the Vice President’s unexpected resignation to the retirement of an iconic fighter jet, and strides in renewable energy, all while a new bill aims to reshape sports administration.
Vice President’s Resignation Fuels Political Speculation
India’s Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, recently tendered his resignation, a move that has sparked widespread discussion. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the resignation, the specific reasons behind it remain attributed to political dynamics.
Sources suggest Dhankhar’s acceptance of an Opposition-led motion to impeach Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma ruffled feathers within the government. The Opposition’s drive for signatures (50 needed in Rajya Sabha) reportedly preempted the government’s own plans for a similar motion in the Lok Sabha (100 signatures needed), which it hoped would be seen as a consensus decision.
Constitutionally, the Vice President holds the nation’s second-highest office and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. They serve a five-year term and can resign by submitting a letter to the President. Removal before term completion requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha with an absolute majority, approved by the Lok Sabha, following a 14-day notice.
MiG-21 ‘Flying Coffin’ to be Retired After Six Decades
After more than sixty years of service to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the legendary MiG-21 fighter jets are set for retirement in September. The last two active squadrons of the MiG-21 Bisons will be ceremonially decommissioned on September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase.
India acquired over 700 MiG-21 aircraft variants since their induction in 1963, playing a crucial role in all major conflicts. Although upgrades transformed some into the ‘Bison’ variant with improved avionics, engine performance and load capacity remained a limitation.
The phasing out, initially planned for 2022, was delayed due to slower induction of newer jets like the indigenous Tejas. While integral to India’s defense, the MiG-21 earned nicknames like “flying coffin” due to numerous crashes—estimates suggest over 400 jets lost and more than 100 pilots killed—underscoring persistent safety concerns.
New Sports Bill to Bring BCCI Under Government Scrutiny
The Indian government is set to introduce the National Sports Governance Bill, a move that could significantly impact the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Currently an autonomous body, registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, the BCCI does not fall under the 45 recognized National Sports Federations (NSFs).
The proposed Bill aims to bring the BCCI under government purview, requiring it to be recognized by a new National Sports Board. This Board, with members appointed by the central government, would oversee NSFs, ensuring athlete rights and fair elections. It also means NSFs, including potentially the BCCI, would come under the Right to Information Act.
Additionally, the Bill proposes a National Sports Tribunal to resolve disputes within the sporting ecosystem, though it would not handle anti-doping cases or issues from major international games. A controversial provision could raise the upper age cap for officials from 70 to 75, potentially allowing current BCCI President Roger Binny, who recently turned 70, to continue his tenure if international statutes permit.
India Achieves Key Climate Goal Five Years Early
India has announced a significant milestone in its climate commitments, achieving its 2030 target for non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity five years ahead of schedule. Non-fossil fuel sources now account for over 50% of the country’s total installed electricity capacity.
Government data shows that out of 484.82 GW installed capacity by June end, 242.78 GW comes from sources like large hydropower, nuclear power, and renewables such as wind and solar. This rapid growth, particularly in solar energy, has driven this achievement.
This is one of three major climate targets India set under the 2015 Paris Agreement. The other two, reducing emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels and creating a 2.5-3 billion tonnes carbon sink, are also progressing well and are expected to be met or are near completion. While installed capacity is high, actual electricity generation from renewables is intermittent, meaning the share of clean electricity produced is lower than the installed capacity percentage.
- Vice President Dhankhar’s resignation follows political friction over a judge’s impeachment motion.
- The Indian Air Force will retire the last MiG-21 fighter jets in September, marking the end of a long, albeit controversial, service.
- A new National Sports Governance Bill aims to bring all sports bodies, including the BCCI, under increased government oversight and transparency.
- India has surpassed its 2030 non-fossil fuel electricity capacity target five years ahead of schedule, showcasing significant progress in its climate commitments.
These developments underscore India’s dynamic political landscape, evolving defense strategy, ongoing governance reforms, and accelerated commitment to environmental sustainability.
