- INDIA-US STRATEGIC DIALOGUE AMID GLOBAL TENSIONS
Subject: International
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with US President Donald Trump to strengthen India-US ties, focusing on defence and trade.
• Discussions addressed escalating Iran-Israel conflict and its impact on global energy markets.
• India reiterated its commitment to a rules-based international order and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
• The dialogue included cooperation on emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.
• Concepts: Strategic Autonomy – India’s policy of maintaining independent foreign relations while aligning with global powers.
• Quad Alliance – India’s role in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific alongside the US, Japan, and Australia.
• The talks aim to deepen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership established in 2020.
2. TAMIL NADU’S GST GROWTH SIGNALS ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
Subject: Economy
• Tamil Nadu reported a 12% rise in State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) collections for April-May 2025, reaching ₹15,000 crore.
• Key sectors driving growth include manufacturing, IT, and textiles, with Chennai and Coimbatore as major contributors.
• The state government attributed the surge to robust industrial policies and ease of doing business reforms.
• Tamil Nadu is pushing for GST rate rationalisation at the upcoming GST Council meeting.
• Concepts: Fiscal Federalism – Balance of revenue-sharing between Centre and states under GST framework.
• SGST – State component of GST, critical for funding state-level welfare schemes.
• The state aims to leverage this growth to fund infrastructure projects like the Green Energy Corridor-II.
3. TAMIL NADU GOVERNOR-CENTRE TUSSLE OVER UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS
Subject: Polity
• Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s delay in approving vice-chancellor appointments for state universities sparked a political row.
• The DMK government accused the Governor of overstepping his constitutional role, citing Article 171.
• The issue escalated after the state assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to clarify the Governor’s powers.
• The Madras High Court is hearing a related petition filed by the state government.
• Concepts: Cooperative Federalism – Centre-state coordination for effective governance.
• Article 171 – Governor’s role as chancellor of state universities, subject to state laws.
• The standoff reflects ongoing tensions between the DMK and the BJP-led Centre.
4. TAMIL NADU’S PUSH FOR KEEZHADI ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECOGNITION
Subject: National
• Tamil Nadu Minister Thangam Thennarasu accused the Centre of delaying the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) report on Keezhadi findings.
• Keezhadi excavations indicate a 4th millennium BCE Iron Age culture, challenging existing historical narratives.
• The state government demanded national recognition for Keezhadi as a site of cultural significance.
• The issue has fueled debates on Tamil identity and Dravidian contributions to ancient India.
• Concepts: Cultural Nationalism – Promoting regional heritage within the national framework.
• Archaeological Policy – Role of ASI in preserving and documenting India’s historical sites.
• Tamil Nadu plans to develop Keezhadi as a global heritage tourism destination.
5. INDIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AT G20 SUMMIT
Subject: Economy
• India presented its economic roadmap at the G20 Summit, targeting a $30 trillion economy by 2047 under Vikasit Bharat.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised green energy and digital transformation as growth drivers.
• India advocated for reforms in global financial institutions like the IMF to support developing nations.
• The summit discussed challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical conflicts.
• Concepts: Vikasit Bharat 2047 – India’s vision for a developed economy by its centennial independence.
• Global South – India’s leadership in representing developing nations’ interests.
• India’s G20 presidency legacy continues to shape discussions on sustainable development.
