- Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan Launched to Transform Indian Agriculture
Subject: Economy
- The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide agricultural campaign, was launched on May 29, 2025, to enhance farming practices and support farmers.
- Aims to promote sustainable agriculture, increase crop yields, and improve farmer livelihoods through modern techniques.
- Focuses on integrating technology, such as precision farming and AI-based crop monitoring, to boost productivity.
- Includes financial support schemes and subsidies for small and marginal farmers to adopt climate-resilient crops.
- Aligns with India’s goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2030, emphasizing cooperative farming models.
- Pilot projects launched in states like Tamil Nadu, focusing on millet and organic farming.
- Concept: Minimum Support Price (MSP): Ensures farmers receive a guaranteed price for crops, recently hiked for 14 Kharif crops for 2025-26.
2. Tamil Nadu’s Push for Smart Automotive Hubs Strengthens Economic Growth
Subject: Economy
- Tamil Nadu is emerging as a key hub for electric vehicle (EV) components and auto electronics under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- The state government announced incentives for EV manufacturing units at the Global Investors Meet 2025, attended by experts like Chris Miller.
- Investments focus on battery technology, mechatronics, and vehicle software to integrate Tamil Nadu into global value chains.
- Chennai’s automotive corridor is set to create 50,000 jobs, boosting the state’s economy.
- Aligns with India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, covering 14 sectors, including automobiles.
- Tamil Nadu’s policies emphasize skill development through the ‘Skill India’ program to support high-tech auto jobs.
- Concept: Global Value Chains (GVCs): Tamil Nadu’s integration into GVCs enhances export competitiveness and economic resilience.
3. India Conducts Mock Drill Along Pakistan Border for Security Preparedness
Subject: Defense
- A large-scale mock drill was conducted on May 29, 2025, in states bordering Pakistan, including Rajasthan and Punjab, to test security readiness.
- The exercise involved the Indian Army, Air Force, and Border Security Force to simulate responses to cross-border threats.
- Follows ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a joint airstrike on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in early May 2025.
- Project Kusha, India’s indigenous air defense system, was tested during the drill, enhancing strategic capabilities.
- Aims to strengthen coordination between agencies amid rising cross-border tensions.
- Concept: National Security: India’s defense strategy emphasizes self-reliance through indigenous systems like Project Kusha.
4. Tamil Nadu Governor’s Address Sparks Political Debate
Subject: Polity
- Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s absence from the Legislative Assembly on January 6, 2025, due to the non-playing of the national anthem, continues to stir debate.
- On May 29, 2025, the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to clarify the Governor’s role in state governance.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized the Governor’s actions as undermining federal principles, escalating Centre-State tensions.
- The resolution calls for amendments to Article 156 to limit gubernatorial overreach in state matters.
- Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu demand greater accountability from the Governor’s office.
- Concept: Federalism: The balance of power between the Centre and States, governed by Articles 356 and 156, remains a contentious issue.
5. India Pushes for SAARC Revival Amid Regional Tensions
Subject: International
- India advocated for reviving SAARC dialogues at a multilateral forum on May 29, 2025, to address shared economic and environmental goals.
- Focus on countering Pakistan’s interference in regional affairs, particularly terror financing networks.
- Tamil Nadu proposed hosting a SAARC cultural summit to foster regional unity, leveraging its Kashi Tamil Sangamam model.
- India emphasized the need for domestic consensus on national security to strengthen its regional stance.
- Aligns with India’s leadership in forums like BRICS and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
- Concept: Regional Cooperation: SAARC’s revival hinges on trust-building and addressing cross-border issues like terrorism.
