1. Supreme Court’s Directive on Electoral Bonds Data Disclosure
Subject: Polity
- The Supreme Court of India directed the State Bank of India to fully disclose details of electoral bonds, including donor identities, by July 15, 2025.
- This follows the 2024 ruling declaring the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional, emphasizing transparency in political funding.
- The court reiterated the public’s right to know under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
- The directive aims to curb anonymous political donations, addressing concerns over potential misuse of funds in elections.
- Political parties are now required to submit detailed funding reports to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- Concept: Electoral transparency strengthens democratic accountability, aligning with the principle of free and fair elections.
- Tamil Nadu Context: The ruling may impact regional parties like DMK and AIADMK, which have significant funding through corporate donations.
2. Tamil Nadu’s New Coastal Zone Management Plan Approved
Subject: National Issues
- The Union Environment Ministry approved Tamil Nadu’s Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2025, aligning with CRZ Notification 2019.
- The plan identifies ecologically sensitive areas along Tamil Nadu’s 1,076 km coastline, including turtle nesting sites and mangroves.
- It restricts industrial activities in CRZ-I zones to protect biodiversity, impacting areas like Pulicat and Pichavaram.
- Local fishing communities in Chennai and Nagapattinam raised concerns over restrictions affecting their livelihoods.
- The plan promotes sustainable tourism and renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms, in CRZ-III zones.
- Tamil Nadu is mandated to conduct public consultations to finalize zoning by December 2025.
- Concept: Balancing development with environmental conservation under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
3. India Strengthens Ties with ASEAN at 2025 Summit
Subject: International
- At the ASEAN-India Summit 2025 held in Jakarta, India pledged $10 million for a new ASEAN-India Digital Cooperation Fund.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized enhancing connectivity through the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- The summit focused on countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, with India supporting ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea.
- A new trade agreement was proposed to boost exports, particularly in pharmaceuticals and textiles, to ASEAN nations.
- Tamil Nadu’s textile hubs, like Tiruppur, are expected to benefit from increased market access.
- Concept: India’s Act East Policy strengthens regional partnerships to promote economic and strategic cooperation.
4. RBI’s Financial Stability Report Highlights Banking Sector Resilience
Subject: Economy
- The Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Stability Report (June 2025) noted a decline in non-performing assets (NPAs) to 2.5%.
- Indian banks showed resilience despite global economic uncertainties, with capital adequacy ratios above 15%.
- The report flagged risks from rising digital frauds, urging banks to enhance cybersecurity measures.
- Tamil Nadu’s cooperative banks were commended for improved loan recovery rates, boosting rural credit access.
- RBI projected a 7.2% GDP growth for FY 2025-26, driven by domestic consumption and infrastructure spending.
- Concept: Financial stability is critical for economic growth, supported by robust monetary policies.
5. DRDO Tests Indigenous Long-Range Cruise Missile
Subject: Defence
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a 1,000-km range indigenous cruise missile off Tamil Nadu’s coast.
- The missile, developed under Project Nirbhay, enhances India’s precision strike capabilities against strategic targets.
- It features advanced navigation systems, including indigenous GPS and terrain mapping, reducing reliance on foreign technology.
- The test was conducted from the Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, with monitoring stations in Chennai.
- This strengthens India’s deterrence posture amid regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
- Concept: Self-reliance in defence technology aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
