- INDIA HOSTS 4TH INDIA-CENTRAL ASIA DIALOGUE IN NEW DELHI
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar hosted the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue on June 6, 2025, in New Delhi, with foreign ministers from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
- The dialogue focused on enhancing trade, connectivity, and cultural ties under the India-Central Asia Summit framework.
- Key initiatives discussed included the Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for regional connectivity.
- India reiterated its commitment to counter-terrorism and promote peace in Afghanistan.
- Concepts: Geopolitical Strategy – India’s outreach to Central Asia counters China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Soft Power Diplomacy – Leveraging historical and cultural ties to strengthen bilateral relations.
- Outcome: A joint statement emphasized cooperation in green energy and digital innovation.
2. RBI CUTS REPO RATE BY 50 BASIS POINTS TO BOOST ECONOMY
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the policy repo rate by 50 basis points to 6% on June 6, 2025, to stimulate economic growth.
- The decision aims to address slowing GDP growth, with FY25 nominal GDP growth at 9.8%, the sixth slowest since 1991.
- RBI maintained its growth forecast for 2025-26 at 6.5%, citing resilience in domestic consumption.
- Inflation remains a concern, with the gap between nominal and real GDP reflecting price pressures.
- Concepts: Monetary Policy – Repo rate adjustments influence liquidity and borrowing costs.
- Gross Value Added (GVA) – Measures sectoral contributions, with manufacturing GVA growing at a modest 4.04% since 2019-20.
- Impact: Lower borrowing costs expected to boost investment in infrastructure and MSMEs.
3. TAMIL NADU GOVERNOR’S WALKOUT FROM ASSEMBLY SPARKS CONTROVERSY
SUBJECT: POLITY (TAMIL NADU)
- Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi left the Legislative Assembly on January 6, 2025, without delivering his customary address, citing the absence of the national anthem before his speech.
- The incident has escalated tensions between the Governor and the DMK-led state government.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin criticized the Governor’s actions as undermining federal principles.
- Concepts: Cooperative Federalism – Balance of power between state and central appointees like Governors.
- Article 174 – Governs the summoning and functioning of state legislatures.
- Political Implications: The episode highlights ongoing friction over gubernatorial roles in non-BJP-ruled states.
- Public Reaction: Mixed, with some supporting the Governor’s stance on protocol and others viewing it as political posturing.
4. OPERATION SINDOOR: INDIA’S AIRSTRIKE ON TERROR INFRASTRUCTURE
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Armed Forces conducted Operation Sindoor, a joint airstrike by the Army, Navy, and Air Force targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK on May 6-7, 2025.
- The operation, monitored by PM Narendra Modi, was in retaliation for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
- It showcased India’s advanced precision-strike capabilities and inter-service coordination.
- Concepts: National Security Doctrine – India’s zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism.
- Surgical Strike – Targeted military action to neutralize threats without escalating to full-scale war.
- International Response: Mixed, with some nations urging restraint and others acknowledging India’s right to self-defense.
- Domestic Impact: Bolstered public confidence in India’s defence preparedness.
5. TAMIL NADU’S AMENDMENT BILLS TO PROTECT WOMEN
SUBJECT: POLITY (TAMIL NADU)
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin introduced amendment bills in the Tamil Nadu Assembly to enhance legal protections for women, focusing on stricter punishments for crimes.
- The bills aim to revise existing laws to address gaps in prosecution and victim support.
- Key provisions include faster trials and higher penalties for offenses like sexual assault and domestic violence.
- Concepts: Social Justice – Legislative measures to ensure gender equality and safety.
- Article 15(3) – Empowers states to make special provisions for women and children.
- Implementation: Tamil Nadu plans to set up dedicated fast-track courts for women-related cases.
- Significance: Aligns with national efforts to strengthen women’s safety amid rising crime rates.
