Digest for 24 October, 2025
At Least 12 Killed as Bus Catches Fire After Collision in Andhra Pradesh
A bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in at least 12 fatalities, including the biker. The fire reportedly ignited when the motorcycle was dragged under the bus. Many passengers were trapped as the bus door jammed due to a short circuit, and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. Authorities have launched an investigation, and financial aid has been announced for the victims' families.
Defence Ministry Clears Weapons Procurement Worth ₹79,000 Crore
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved proposals to procure military hardware worth ₹79,000 crore. The acquisitions are intended to boost the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key items include Nag anti-tank missiles and high-mobility vehicles for the Army, and amphibious warfare ships (Landing Platform Docks) and advanced torpedoes for the Navy, furthering India's focus on modernising its armed forces and promoting indigenous manufacturing.
India Limits Power to Order Online Content Takedowns After Spat with X
Following a legal battle with Elon Musk's X, the Indian government has revised its IT rules, reducing the number of officials authorized to issue online content takedown orders. The power is now restricted to senior bureaucrats and police officials of a certain rank. The move is seen as an attempt to introduce more accountability after X challenged the previous policy, where thousands of officials could demand content removal, arguing it stifled free speech. Orders must now also be reasoned and are subject to review.
Government Initiates Process to Appoint Next Chief Justice of India
The Union government has initiated the formal process for the appointment of the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). As per convention, the law ministry has asked the incumbent CJI, B.R. Gavai, who is set to retire on November 23, to recommend his successor. Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court after CJI Gavai, is next in line to head the Indian judiciary. He is expected to take office on November 24 and will have a tenure of nearly 15 months.
Vedanta Group Pledges ₹1,00,000 Crore Investment in Odisha
Mining conglomerate Vedanta Group has proposed a massive investment of ₹1,00,000 crore in Odisha to develop downstream industries. Following a meeting between Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the company announced plans for a ferro-alloys plant in Keonjhar and two new Aluminium Parks. These projects aim to produce high-grade alloys for aerospace, EV, and defence sectors, significantly boosting the state's economy and MSME sector. The state government has assured full support.