1. Tamil Nadu Launches Digital Governance Initiative
Subject: Polity – Tamil Nadu
- The Tamil Nadu government launched the “Digital Tamil Nadu Mission” to enhance e-governance across the state.
- The initiative aims to digitize all public services, including land records and welfare schemes, by 2027.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated a unified digital platform for seamless access to government services.
- Over 10 lakh citizens in Chennai and Coimbatore will benefit from pilot projects starting in August 2025.
- The state allocated ₹500 crore for AI-driven grievance redressal systems.
- Concepts: E-Governance – Leveraging technology to improve transparency and efficiency in governance.
- Cooperative Federalism: Aligns with the central government’s Digital India initiative.
2. India Strengthens Defence Ties with ASEAN Nations
Subject: Defence – International
- India participated in the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Jakarta, focusing on maritime security and counter-terrorism.
- The meeting approved joint naval exercises in the South China Sea to enhance regional stability.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
- India proposed co-production of defence equipment, including missiles, with ASEAN countries.
- The talks addressed China’s growing influence in the region, emphasizing a rules-based order.
- Concepts: Look East Policy – India’s strategic outreach to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations.
- Maritime Security: Critical for safeguarding India’s trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.
3. NITI Aayog Releases Report on Sustainable Economic Growth
Subject: Economy – National
- NITI Aayog launched the “Vision 2047: Sustainable Economic Growth” report, outlining strategies for India’s $10 trillion economy goal.
- The report emphasizes green energy, with a target of 50% renewable energy by 2035.
- It highlights Tamil Nadu’s role in solar and wind energy, contributing 15% to India’s renewable capacity.
- Recommendations include increasing R&D investment to 2% of GDP and reducing import dependency on critical minerals.
- The report flags skill shortages, noting a 25% gap in green technology expertise in states like Tamil Nadu.
- Concepts: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability.
- Fiscal Federalism: States like Tamil Nadu play a key role in national economic strategies.
4. Supreme Court Addresses Pollution in Tamil Nadu’s Palar River
Subject: National Issues – Environment
- The Supreme Court issued directives to curb pollution in the Palar River caused by tanneries in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
- The court mandated stricter effluent treatment norms and regular monitoring by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.
- It imposed a ₹50 lakh fine on non-compliant industries to fund river restoration efforts.
- The ruling aligns with the National Green Tribunal’s guidelines on industrial waste management.
- Local communities in Vellore have been protesting for cleaner water sources, impacting agriculture.
- Concepts: Environmental Jurisprudence – Balancing industrial growth with ecological protection.
- Right to Clean Environment: A facet of Article 21 (Right to Life) under the Constitution.
5. BRICS Summit Criticizes EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Subject: International – Economy
- At the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, India and other members condemned the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
- The mechanism imposes tariffs on carbon-intensive imports, potentially impacting India’s steel and cement exports.
- India argued that CBAM unfairly targets developing nations, hindering their economic growth.
- The summit proposed a BRICS-led framework for fair trade practices in green transitions.
- Tamil Nadu’s industrial sectors, particularly steel, could face a 10% cost increase due to CBAM.
- Concepts: Trade Protectionism – Policies like CBAM that affect global trade dynamics.
- Global South: India’s advocacy for equitable economic policies for developing nations.
