- TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL TO AMEND WOMEN’S PROTECTION LAWS
Subject: Polity
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed amendment bills to strengthen laws protecting women, introduced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
- The bills revise punishments for crimes against women, aiming to enhance deterrence and ensure stricter enforcement.
- Key provisions include increased penalties for sexual offenses and measures to expedite judicial processes.
- The amendments align with national efforts to address gender-based violence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Concepts: Article 15(3): Empowers the state to make special provisions for women.
- Federalism: States’ authority to legislate on law and order, a State List subject under the Seventh Schedule.
- The move has sparked debates on balancing punitive measures with rehabilitation and societal reform.
2. INDIA’S ECONOMY GROWS AT 7.1% IN Q4 FY 2024-25
Subject: Economy
- India’s Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) recorded a 7.1% growth rate in FY 2024-25, with 9.4% in Q4, reflecting robust investment.
- Gross Value Added (GVA) highlights strong sectoral contributions, particularly in manufacturing and infrastructure.
- The growth is driven by government initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors.
- Challenges include low R&D spending (0.7% of GDP) compared to global leaders like the U.S. (3%) and China (2.4%).
- Concepts: GDP vs. GVA: GDP measures demand-side economic activity, while GVA reflects supply-side contributions.
- Inflation and global commodity prices remain concerns, necessitating prudent fiscal management.
- The RBI projects sustained growth, supported by urban demand and infrastructure investments.
3. INDIA-SRI LANKA TIES STRENGTHENED WITH DEFENCE AND ENERGY MOUS
Subject: International
- India and Sri Lanka signed seven MoUs focusing on defence, energy, and digitization to counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
- Joint military exercises like SLINEX (Navy) and MITRA SHAKTI (Army) will expand under a new umbrella MoU.
- India is accelerating the Trincomalee Energy Hub development with UAE partnership to boost regional energy security.
- The agreements address Tamil Nadu fishermen disputes near Katchatheevu Island, seeking to resolve maritime tensions.
- Concepts: Bilateral Relations: India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy prioritizes strategic ties with Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka’s debt crisis and pro-China factions pose challenges to India’s regional influence.
- India’s $4 billion aid during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis underscores its role as a reliable partner.
4. OPERATION SINDOOR: INDIAN ARMED FORCES STRIKE TERROR INFRASTRUCTURE
Subject: Defence
- The Indian Armed Forces conducted “Operation Sindoor,” a joint airstrike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK.
- Launched on May 6-7, 2025, the operation retaliated against the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists.
- The strike involved the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The operation underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism.
- Concepts: National Security: Article 51A(g) emphasizes citizens’ duty to safeguard sovereignty and security.
- India’s defence modernization, including indigenous AI-powered systems, enhances operational capabilities.
- The strike has sparked international debates on sovereignty and preemptive military actions.
5. TAMIL NADU’S GLOBAL INVESTORS MEET FOCUSES ON SEMICONDUCTOR GROWTH
Subject: Economy
- Tamil Nadu hosted the Global Investors Meet, with semiconductor expert Chris Miller addressing youth and policymakers.
- The state aims to position itself as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, leveraging PLI schemes.
- Investments worth ₹5,000 crore were pledged for technology and renewable energy sectors.
- The meet emphasized skill development to support Tamil Nadu’s growing electronics industry.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat: Self-reliance in critical technologies like semiconductors.
- Tamil Nadu’s industrial policies align with India’s goal to reduce dependency on imports.
- Challenges include infrastructure gaps and competition from states like Karnataka and Telangana.
