1. Tamil Nadu Assembly Opposes One Nation, One Election Proposal
Subject: Polity
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution opposing the central government’s “One Nation, One Election” proposal, citing threats to federalism and state autonomy.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin argued that simultaneous elections could undermine regional diversity and disrupt state-specific governance cycles.
- The resolution urged the Centre to consult states extensively before pursuing constitutional amendments for this reform.
- Context: Article 1 defines India as a Union of States, with state elections managed by State Election Commissions, reinforcing federal principles.
- Tamil Nadu’s stance aligns with other states like Kerala and West Bengal, highlighting tensions in Centre-state relations.
- The proposal is expected to be tabled in Parliament by late 2025, potentially reshaping India’s electoral framework.
- This move strengthens Tamil Nadu’s advocacy for state rights against centralized policies.
2. India-Brazil Summit Bolsters Defence and Green Tech Cooperation
Subject: International
- India and Brazil signed agreements on defence and green technology during a summit in New Delhi, aiming to deepen strategic ties and counter China’s influence in the Global South.
- Key agreements include co-development of AI-based surveillance systems and collaboration on biofuels and solar energy projects.
- Both nations committed to enhancing trade, with Brazil pushing for agricultural exports and India seeking market access for pharmaceuticals and IT services.
- Context: India’s multi-alignment foreign policy strengthens ties with BRICS nations while maintaining strategic autonomy.
- A joint naval exercise in the Indian Ocean is planned for early 2026 to enhance maritime security cooperation.
- The summit aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, leveraging Brazil’s expertise in renewable energy.
- Both countries agreed to support each other’s bids for permanent UN Security Council seats, reinforcing their global leadership aspirations.
3. Union Budget 2025-26 Prioritizes Digital Economy and MSME Growth
Subject: Economy
- The Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹1.8 lakh crore for digital infrastructure and MSME development to boost India’s digital economy and job creation.
- Key measures include tax incentives for startups, expansion of 5G networks, and subsidies for MSMEs adopting AI and blockchain technologies.
- The budget aims to create 50 lakh jobs in digital and manufacturing sectors by 2030, supporting India’s $5 trillion economy goal.
- Context: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 emphasizes inclusive economic growth, which the budget addresses through technology-driven industrialization.
- Tamil Nadu will receive ₹10,000 crore for Chennai’s IT corridor and semiconductor manufacturing hubs, boosting its tech ecosystem.
- The budget proposes a new digital payment framework to enhance financial inclusion in rural areas, aligning with Digital India goals.
- Economists predict increased foreign investment in fintech and green technology, strengthening India’s global economic position.
4. Tamil Nadu Launches ₹500 Crore Cybersecurity Initiative
Subject: Defence
- Tamil Nadu unveiled a ₹500 crore cybersecurity initiative to protect critical infrastructure, including power grids and public services, from rising cyber threats.
- The initiative includes establishing a Cyber Command Centre in Chennai, equipped with AI-driven threat detection systems developed in collaboration with DRDO.
- It aims to counter cyberattacks on financial institutions and government databases, following recent incidents in the state.
- Context: India’s National Cyber Security Policy, 2013, encourages state-level cybersecurity frameworks to complement national efforts.
- The initiative will create 2,000 jobs in cybersecurity and train 10,000 professionals in ethical hacking and data protection by 2027.
- Tamil Nadu plans to collaborate with Israel and the US for technology transfer and capacity building in cybersecurity.
- This move supports the state’s role in India’s push for digital sovereignty under the Digital India program.
5. Supreme Court Upholds States’ Power to Regulate Industrial Alcohol
Subject: National Issues
- The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging its 9-judge bench verdict granting states the power to regulate industrial alcohol under the Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule).
- The ruling strengthens Tamil Nadu’s authority to impose taxes and regulations on industrial alcohol, boosting state revenue by an estimated ₹6,000 crore annually.
- Tamil Nadu, a major producer, welcomed the decision as a reinforcement of federal principles and state autonomy.
- Context: The Concurrent List allows both Centre and states to legislate on certain subjects, with states having significant regulatory powers over industries like alcohol.
- The verdict resolves a long-standing Centre-state dispute over regulatory control, dating back to conflicts in the 1990s.
- Industry experts predict the ruling will encourage states to develop localized policies for industrial alcohol production and trade.
- The decision aligns with recent judicial trends emphasizing cooperative federalism in India’s governance structure.
