1. India’s Economic Growth Projection Revised by IMF
Subject: Economy
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 to 6.8%, up from 6.5%, driven by robust domestic consumption.
- Strong rural demand and infrastructure investments are key contributors to this positive outlook.
- Inflation remains a challenge, with the RBI maintaining the repo rate at 6.5% to balance growth and price stability.
- India’s growing role in global supply chains, particularly in electronics and pharmaceuticals, was highlighted.
- Challenges include high import dependency on critical inputs like APIs from China, affecting trade balance.
- Concept: Economic indicators like GDP growth and inflation, monitored by institutions like the RBI and IMF.
2. India Strengthens Defence Ties with Singapore at Exercise Bold Kurukshetra
Subject: Defence
- The 14th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025, a bilateral military exercise between India and Singapore, began in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- The exercise focuses on mechanized warfare and UN peacekeeping operations, enhancing operational coordination.
- It includes a tabletop exercise and computer-based wargame to validate joint tactics.
- A ceremonial regimental flag handover symbolizes operational synergy between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces.
- The event showcases India’s indigenous defence equipment, reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Concept: Defence diplomacy and India’s strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. India Raises Concerns at Bonn Climate Talks 2025
Subject: International
- At the Bonn Climate Talks 2025, India reiterated its demand for equitable climate finance and technology transfers to developing nations.
- The talks, a precursor to COP30 in Brazil, saw limited progress due to disagreements over adaptation metrics and funding commitments.
- India emphasized the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities’ (CBDR) under the UNFCCC framework.
- The delegation stressed the need for developed nations to meet their $100 billion annual climate finance pledge.
- Tamil Nadu’s recent declaration of a Greater Flamingo sanctuary at Dhanushkodi aligns with India’s biodiversity conservation commitments.
- Concept: Climate justice and India’s role in global environmental governance.
4. Tamil Nadu’s Siddha Institute Sets New Guinness Record
Subject: National Issues
- The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, set a Guinness World Record for conducting the largest Varmam therapy session with 567 participants.
- Varmam therapy, a traditional Tamil healing practice, focuses on vital pressure points to treat ailments.
- The event highlights Tamil Nadu’s efforts to promote traditional medicine systems globally.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin hailed the achievement as a step toward integrating Siddha with modern healthcare.
- The state plans to establish more Siddha research centers to document and validate traditional practices.
- Concept: Promotion of indigenous knowledge systems under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
5. India Approves Procurement of K9-Vajra Howitzers
Subject: Defence
- The Ministry of Defence approved the procurement of 100 additional K9-Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers, manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with technology from South Korea’s Hanwha Defense.
- The 155 mm, 52-calibre howitzers will enhance the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities along border regions.
- The deal aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, emphasizing 100% indigenous sourcing.
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) also cleared proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore for other indigenous defence equipment.
- Tamil Nadu’s industrial ecosystem, including L&T’s manufacturing units, contributes significantly to defence production.
- Concept: Indigenous defence manufacturing and self-reliance in strategic sectors.
