- Supreme Court to Hear Petition on Electoral Bonds Transparency
Subject: Polity
- The Supreme Court of India scheduled a hearing on June 11, 2025, to address a petition seeking greater transparency in electoral bonds funding political parties.
- The petition demands disclosure of donor identities to ensure accountability in political financing.
- Constitutional Context: The case invokes Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, arguing that voters have a right to know funding sources.
- The court is likely to examine the balance between donor privacy and public interest in transparent elections.
- The Election Commission has been directed to submit a report on the implementation of the 2024 Supreme Court ruling that scrapped the electoral bonds scheme.
- Political Impact: The outcome could reshape campaign finance regulations, impacting political parties ahead of upcoming state elections.
- Civil society groups have hailed the hearing as a step toward strengthening democratic accountability.
2. Tamil Nadu Launches Women’s Safety and Empowerment Scheme
Subject: Tamil Nadu
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the “Thozhi” scheme on June 11, 2025, aimed at enhancing women’s safety and economic empowerment in Tamil Nadu.
- The scheme provides subsidized loans for women entrepreneurs and free self-defense training programs across urban and rural areas.
- It includes a dedicated 24/7 helpline for women facing harassment or violence, integrated with police response systems.
- Legal Context: The initiative aligns with the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Policy, 2021, and complements national schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
- Over 10,000 women are expected to benefit from the initial phase, with a budget allocation of ₹500 crore.
- The scheme also introduces awareness campaigns in schools to promote gender sensitization among students.
- Social Impact: The initiative reinforces Tamil Nadu’s commitment to gender justice, addressing rising concerns over crimes against women.
3. India Strengthens Ties with ASEAN at Delhi Summit
Subject: International
- India hosted the India-ASEAN Summit in New Delhi on June 11, 2025, to mark 33 years of diplomatic relations with the ASEAN bloc.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $100 million fund to support digital connectivity and maritime security projects with ASEAN nations.
- The summit focused on countering China’s growing influence in the South China Sea, emphasizing a rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
- Geopolitical Context: The Act East Policy remains central to India’s strategy, with agreements signed for enhanced trade and cultural exchanges.
- Discussions included a free trade agreement review to boost economic ties, targeting $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
- India and ASEAN agreed to conduct joint naval exercises in 2026 to strengthen maritime cooperation.
- The summit also addressed climate change, with India pledging support for ASEAN’s renewable energy initiatives.
4. RBI Introduces Green Finance Framework to Boost Sustainability
Subject: Economy
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unveiled a Green Finance Framework on June 11, 2025, to promote sustainable economic growth.
- The framework incentivizes banks to provide low-interest loans for renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power.
- It includes guidelines for issuing green bonds to fund environmentally friendly infrastructure projects.
- Economic Context: The initiative supports India’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- The RBI also launched a pilot program for green credit scoring to encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
- The framework is expected to attract ₹2 lakh crore in green investments by 2030, boosting India’s renewable energy sector.
- Challenges include ensuring compliance and monitoring the environmental impact of funded projects.
5. India Tests Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vishal’s Combat Systems
Subject: Defence
- The Indian Navy successfully tested the combat systems of INS Vishal, India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier, on June 11, 2025, off the Kochi coast.
- The carrier, developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited, is equipped with advanced radar systems and missile defence capabilities.
- Defence Context: INS Vishal enhances India’s maritime strength under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing reliance on foreign naval assets.
- The ship is designed to carry 35 fighter jets, including the indigenous Tejas Naval variant, bolstering India’s blue-water navy ambitions.
- The test included successful integration with India’s satellite-based navigation system, NavIC, for enhanced operational precision.
- The carrier is expected to be fully operational by 2027, strengthening India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The achievement underscores India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities amid regional security challenges.
