- TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY SESSION FOCUSES ON WOMEN’S SAFETY LEGISLATION
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly convened a special session on June 21, 2025, to discuss amendments to enhance laws protecting women, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
- Proposed bills aim to increase penalties for crimes against women, focusing on stricter enforcement and faster judicial processes.
- The session also addressed demands for greater representation of regional languages in governance, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s push for linguistic inclusivity.
- Opposition parties raised concerns over the implementation of these laws, citing the need for better police training and victim support systems.
- Concept: Federalism – Tamil Nadu’s legislative autonomy under the Constitution allows it to enact state-specific laws on concurrent subjects like criminal justice.
- Concept: Article 15(3) – Enables the state to make special provisions for women to ensure equality and safety.
- The session is expected to pass at least two amendment bills before concluding, with debates ongoing about their impact on judicial backlog.
2. INDIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH FACES SLOWDOWN CONCERNS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Reports from June 21, 2025, highlight concerns over a slowdown in India’s economic growth, with GDP projections for Q2 2025 revised downward by the Reserve Bank of India.
- Key sectors like manufacturing and services are facing challenges due to global supply chain disruptions and reduced export demand.
- The government announced measures to boost MSMEs, including a ₹500 crore fund for technology upgradation in small-scale industries.
- Inflation remains a concern, with food prices rising due to unseasonal weather affecting agricultural output.
- Concept: Fiscal Policy – The government’s intervention through subsidies and funding aims to stimulate economic activity.
- Concept: Monetary Policy – RBI’s potential interest rate adjustments are under scrutiny to balance growth and inflation.
- Economists urge structural reforms to address long-term challenges like unemployment and rural distress.
3. INDIA-CROATIA STRENGTHEN BILATERAL TIES DURING PM MODI’S VISIT
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a historic visit to Croatia on June 21, 2025, signing four MoUs on agriculture, culture, technology, and establishing a Hindi Chair at Zagreb University.
- Both nations agreed to double bilateral trade to $28 billion by 2030, focusing on reliable supply chains.
- Discussions included cooperation in renewable energy, with Croatia expressing interest in India’s solar energy initiatives.
- The visit emphasized India’s growing role in Central Europe, with Croatia positioned as a strategic partner at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe.
- Concept: Soft Power Diplomacy – India’s promotion of cultural exchanges, like the Hindi Chair, enhances its global influence.
- Concept: Bilateral Trade Agreements – Strengthening economic ties to counter global market uncertainties.
- Modi’s visit is seen as a step toward expanding India’s diplomatic footprint in Europe amidst geopolitical tensions.
4. DEFENSE MINISTRY LAUNCHES INDIGENOUS WEAPONS TESTING PROGRAM
SUBJECT: DEFENSE
- On June 21, 2025, the Ministry of Defense announced a new program to test indigenous defense equipment, including drones and missile systems, to boost self-reliance.
- Sagar Defence Engineering’s autonomous surface vessel, which completed a 1,500-km journey, will be integrated into naval operations.
- The program includes collaboration with DRDO and private firms to develop next-generation weaponry, focusing on AI-based systems.
- India aims to reduce defense imports by 20% by 2027, with a focus on local manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.
- Concept: Atmanirbhar Bharat – Self-reliance in defense to enhance national security and reduce foreign dependency.
- Concept: Asymmetric Warfare – Investment in drones and autonomous systems to counter modern threats.
- The initiative aligns with India’s response to rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
5. TAMIL NADU’S KASHI TAMIL SANGAMAM 3.0 PROMOTES CULTURAL UNITY
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- Tamil Nadu’s cultural delegation participated in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0, concluding on June 21, 2025, in Varanasi, fostering Tamil-Kashi cultural ties.
- The event, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, promoted the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems into modern education.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized the event’s role in strengthening “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” through cultural exchanges.
- Over 1,000 Tamil Nadu students and artisans showcased Tamil heritage, including traditional crafts and performances.
- Concept: Cultural Federalism – Promoting unity through diversity by celebrating regional identities.
- Concept: National Integration – Initiatives like Sangamam aim to bridge cultural divides across states.
- The event also highlighted Tamil Nadu’s contributions to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, with a focus on Sage Agasthyar’s legacy.
