- Supreme Court Halts ED Probe into Tamil Nadu’s TASMAC
Subject: Polity/National Issues
- The Supreme Court of India has temporarily stayed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigation into alleged irregularities at Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).
- The stay was granted amid concerns raised by the Tamil Nadu government, alleging misuse of central agencies for political motives.
- The case involves allegations of financial mismanagement in TASMAC’s liquor procurement and sales operations.
- The court emphasized the need for a fair probe, directing the ED to submit a detailed report by June 10, 2025.
- This development highlights ongoing tensions between state and central governments over federal investigative powers.
- Concept: Cooperative Federalism – The balance of power between central and state governments under Article 246 of the Constitution.
- Context: The issue reflects broader debates on the autonomy of state-run enterprises and central oversight.
2. India Strengthens Defence Ties with Maldives via HADR Exercise
Subject: Defence/International
- Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda concluded a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) at Maafilaafushi Atoll.
- The exercise, held from May 4–10, 2025, focused on disaster response, search and rescue, and medical aid coordination.
- It aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and growth across the Indian Ocean Region.
- The drill included joint training to enhance preparedness for natural calamities, strengthening India-Maldives defence cooperation.
- India’s proactive role underscores its commitment to the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
- Concept: Soft Power Diplomacy – Leveraging humanitarian missions to build strategic partnerships.
- Context: The exercise comes amid efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
3. Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Push for Women’s Safety
Subject: Polity/National Issues
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin introduced amendment bills in the state assembly to strengthen laws protecting women.
- The bills propose harsher penalties for crimes against women, including stricter punishments for sexual assault and domestic violence.
- A key focus is on expediting trials through fast-track courts to ensure timely justice.
- The state government aims to integrate technology, like AI-based surveillance, to enhance public safety.
- These amendments align with the national push for gender justice under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Concept: Legislative Competence – State’s authority to enact laws on public order and police under List II of the Seventh Schedule.
- Context: The move responds to rising demands for robust legal frameworks to address gender-based violence.
4. India’s Economic Growth Faces Slowdown Concerns
Subject: Economy/National Issues
- Recent reports highlight a slowdown in India’s economic growth, with GDP growth projected to dip to 6.5% in FY25.
- Key factors include reduced consumer spending, global trade disruptions, and inflationary pressures.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is under scrutiny to balance inflation control with growth stimulus measures.
- The government is promoting schemes like the Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) across 14 sectors to boost manufacturing.
- Tamil Nadu is leveraging its Global Investors Meet to attract investments in semiconductors and green energy.
- Concept: Fiscal Policy – Government’s use of taxation and expenditure to influence economic growth.
- Context: India’s economic challenges are compounded by global uncertainties, including trade wars and geopolitical tensions.
5. Operation Sindoor: India’s Retaliatory Airstrike in PoK
Subject: Defence/International
- India conducted ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a joint airstrike by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on May 6–7, 2025.
- The operation was a response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 tourists.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the operation, signaling strong political resolve.
- The strike utilized drone technology, redefining India’s deterrence strategy without ground troop deployment.
- Global concerns have emerged over potential escalation, with the UN calling for de-escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
- Concept: Preemptive Strike – Military action to neutralize imminent threats, balancing national security and international diplomacy.
- Context: The operation escalates India-Pakistan tensions, impacting regional stability and India’s diplomatic leverage at forums like the IMF.
