1. India Strengthens Defence Ties with Japan at 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
Subject: International/Defence
- India and Japan held their third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi, involving foreign and defence ministers, to deepen strategic cooperation.
- Discussions focused on enhancing joint military exercises, including Malabar and Dharma Guardian, to counter regional security challenges.
- A new agreement was signed for co-development of advanced defence technologies, including AI-based drones and cyber warfare systems.
- Both nations emphasized a free and open Indo-Pacific, indirectly addressing China’s growing influence in the region.
- Concept: Indo-Pacific Strategy – India’s alignment with like-minded nations to ensure maritime security and regional stability.
- Japan pledged support for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- The dialogue included talks on expanding economic ties through investments in India’s semiconductor and green energy sectors.
2. Tamil Nadu Launches Amma Housing Scheme 2.0
Subject: Polity/National Issues
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the Amma Housing Scheme 2.0 to provide affordable housing for low-income families.
- The scheme aims to construct 50,000 houses across the state by 2027, prioritizing rural and semi-urban areas.
- It integrates with the PM Awas Yojana, with Tamil Nadu contributing ₹500 crore for the first phase.
- Special provisions include 30% reservation for women-headed households and priority for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
- Concept: Federalism – Collaboration between state and central governments in implementing welfare schemes.
- The scheme addresses urban migration and slum proliferation, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s sustainable development goals.
- Environmental measures inclde solar-powered lighting in housing complexes to promote clean energy.
3. RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 6.5%, Signals Cautious Economic Outlook
Subject: Economy
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% during its July 2025 monetary policy review, citing global economic uncertainties.
- Inflation remains a concern, with retail inflation projected at 4.8% for FY 2025-26, driven by food price volatility.
- The RBI introduced measures to boost digital payments, including expanding UPI access for small merchants in rural areas.
- Concept: Monetary Policy – RBI’s role in balancing inflation and economic growth through interest rate adjustments.
- Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector is expected to benefit from new RBI guidelines easing credit access for small businesses.
- The central bank emphasized strengthening cybersecurity in financial institutions to counter rising digital frauds.
4. India’s Global Diplomatic Push Post-G20 Summit Preparations
Subject: International
- India launched a diplomatic campaign to strengthen its position ahead of hosting the G20 Summit in November 2025.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met counterparts in Brazil and South Africa to align on climate finance and global trade reforms.
- India advocated for reforms in the UN Security Council, pushing for a permanent seat to reflect its growing global influence.
- Concept: Soft Power Diplomacy – Leveraging cultural and economic outreach to enhance India’s global standing.
- Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, including Kashi Tamil Sangamam, was highlighted as part of India’s soft power strategy.
- Discussions included promoting India’s renewable energy leadership, particularly in solar and wind energy, under the International Solar Alliance.
- The campaign aims to counter misinformation and build support for India’s counterterrorism policies.
5. Tamil Nadu’s Palar River Pollution Case: Supreme Court Issues Notice
Subject: National Issues/Polity
- The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government regarding industrial pollution in the Palar River, following a public interest litigation.
- The court directed the state to submit a report on measures to curb tannery-related pollution affecting local communities.
- Concept: Environmental Jurisprudence – Judicial intervention to balance industrial growth and environmental protection.
- Tamil Nadu announced a ₹100 crore plan to restore the Palar River, including setting up new effluent treatment plants.
- The case highlights tensions between economic development and environmental sustainability in industrial hubs like Vellore.
- Local farmers and environmentalists have demanded stricter enforcement of pollution control norms.
