1. Supreme Court Reviews GM Crop Policy Framework
Subject: Polity / National Issues
- The Supreme Court, on June 25, 2025, heard a case challenging the environmental release of GM mustard (DMH-11), urging the government to finalize a transparent GM crop policy.
- The bench emphasized public consultation and independent safety assessments to address health and environmental concerns.
- Tamil Nadu’s farmers’ unions voiced support for stricter regulations, citing risks to organic farming in Coimbatore and Erode.
- Context: The case follows a 2024 split verdict on GM mustard, highlighting regulatory gaps in GM crop approvals.
- Legal Relevance: Aligns with Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Indian Constitution, which includes the right to a healthy environment.
- Key Focus: The court directed the government to engage stakeholders, including farmers and environmentalists, before approving GM crops.
- Outcome: A comprehensive GM policy is expected by December 2025 to balance innovation and safety.
2. India Strengthens Ties with ASEAN at 22nd Summit
Subject: International
- India participated in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta on June 25, 2025, reinforcing its Act East Policy.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced enhanced trade and defence cooperation, including a $500 million fund for digital connectivity.
- Tamil Nadu’s Role: Chennai-based IT firms are set to lead projects in ASEAN’s digital infrastructure development.
- Key Focus: Strengthening maritime security and countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Economic Impact: India-ASEAN trade reached $130 billion in 2024, with Tamil Nadu contributing through textile and automobile exports.
- Context: The summit aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, emphasizing regional stability.
- Outcome: A joint statement was issued to deepen strategic partnerships by 2030.
3. Tamil Nadu Launches Digital Literacy Mission for Rural Women
Subject: Polity / Social Issues (Tamil Nadu)
- On June 25, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the Digital Literacy Mission to empower 10 lakh rural women by 2026.
- The initiative, with a Rs. 200 crore budget, targets women in districts like Salem, Tirunelveli, and Villupuram.
- Key Features: Free training in digital banking, e-commerce, and cyber safety, partnered with NGOs and tech firms.
- National Context: The program supports the Digital India initiative, aiming to bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
- Impact: Expected to boost women’s participation in the digital economy, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s 4.5% female workforce growth in 2024.
- Legal Link: Supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on inclusive education.
- Challenges: Infrastructure limitations in remote areas require sustained investment.
4. DRDO Tests Indigenous Hypersonic Missile
Subject: Defence
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested an indigenous hypersonic missile off the Tamil Nadu coast on June 25, 2025.
- The missile, developed under the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) program, achieved speeds of Mach 6.
- Tamil Nadu’s Role: The test was conducted from the Abdul Kalam Island, with support from Chennai-based DRDO labs.
- Strategic Importance: Enhances India’s deterrence capabilities against regional threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
- Context: The test follows global advancements in hypersonic technology by China and the US.
- Impact: Positions India among the top five nations with hypersonic missile capabilities.
- Policy Link: Aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.
5. Tamil Nadu’s SGST Collections Surge in Q1 2025
Subject: Economy
- Tamil Nadu reported a 12% increase in State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) collections for Q1 2025, reaching Rs. 15,000 crore, as announced on June 25, 2025.
- Key Sectors: Textile exports from Tiruppur and IT services in Chennai drove the growth.
- Economic Impact: The state’s robust revenue supports infrastructure projects like the Chennai Metro Phase II.
- National Context: Tamil Nadu ranks among the top three states in SGST collections, alongside Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Challenges: Ensuring equitable distribution of funds to rural areas remains a priority.
- Policy Link: Aligns with the GST Council’s recommendations for fiscal federalism.
- Future Outlook: Tamil Nadu aims to sustain double-digit SGST growth through industrial diversification.
