1. Lok Sabha Speaker Initiates Removal Process for High Court Judge
Subject: Polity
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla admitted a motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court following allegations of corruption after burnt currency notes were found at his residence in March 2025.
- A three-member inquiry committee, including a Supreme Court judge, the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, and a senior advocate, has been formed under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
- The removal process requires a motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha or 50 Rajya Sabha members and must be passed by a special majority in both Houses.
- The case highlights the importance of judicial accountability while balancing judicial independence, critical for maintaining public trust in the higher judiciary.
- This is a significant development in ensuring zero tolerance for corruption in the judiciary, reinforcing transparent procedures.
- UPSC Concept: Article 124(4) and 218 of the Constitution govern the removal of judges for proved misbehavior or incapacity, emphasizing checks and balances in the judiciary.
- Tamil Nadu Relevance: The involvement of the Madras High Court Chief Justice in the inquiry committee underscores Tamil Nadu’s role in national judicial processes.
2. Retail Inflation Hits 8-Year Low of 1.55% in July
Subject: Economy
- India’s retail inflation dropped to 1.55% in July 2025, the lowest since June 2017, driven by a decline in food and beverage prices.
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, released on August 12, 2025, by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, showed deflation in the food and beverages category at -0.8%.
- Vegetable and pulse prices contracted by 21% and 14%, respectively, due to robust agricultural activity and a favorable base effect.
- Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) moderated to 4.1%, aligning closely with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% target.
- The low inflation rate eases pressure on households and provides the RBI with potential room for monetary easing, though geopolitical factors like restrictions on Russian oil imports could pose risks.
- Tamil Nadu Context: Tamil Nadu’s high agricultural productivity, particularly in vegetables, contributes to the national decline in food prices, supporting price stability.
- UPSC Concept: Inflation targeting under the RBI’s Monetary Policy Framework (2016) aims to maintain CPI inflation within a 2–6% band, critical for economic stability.
3. India-Australia Disarmament Talks Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Subject: International Relations
- The 7th round of the India-Australia Dialogue on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation, and Export Control was held in New Delhi on August 12, 2025, focusing on nuclear, chemical, and biological disarmament challenges.
- The talks emphasized enhancing bilateral cooperation to address global security issues, reinforcing India’s commitment to non-proliferation and regional stability.
- Australia’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN in September 2025 was noted, aligning with India’s support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- The visit of Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, to New Delhi from August 11–14, 2025, further strengthens defense and strategic engagement.
- Tamil Nadu Connection: Tamil Nadu’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, part of India’s defense corridor, benefits from such international collaborations, boosting local industry.
- UPSC Concept: India’s foreign policy prioritizes strategic autonomy and multilateralism, with disarmament talks reflecting its role in global governance frameworks like the UN.
- The dialogue underscores India’s growing influence in Indo-Pacific security dynamics, critical for UPSC aspirants studying international relations.
4. Cabinet Approves Semiconductor Manufacturing Units
Subject: Economy
- The Union Cabinet approved Rs. 4,600 crore for four semiconductor manufacturing projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) on August 12, 2025.
- These projects, by SiCSem, CDIL, 3D Glass Solutions Inc., and ASIP Technologies, aim to enhance India’s semiconductor ecosystem, supporting defense, electric vehicles, AI, and consumer electronics.
- The initiative is part of a larger Rs. 1.6 lakh crore investment across 10 projects in six states, boosting employment and technological self-reliance.
- India’s electronics manufacturing sector has grown sixfold in the last 11 years, with mobile phone exports surging 127 times to Rs. 2 lakh crore.
- Semicon India 2025, to be held in New Delhi from September 2, will see participation from Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
- Tamil Nadu Relevance: Tamil Nadu’s existing defense corridor and electronics manufacturing hub position it to benefit from spillover effects of the semiconductor push.
- UPSC Concept: The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative drives self-reliance in critical sectors like semiconductors, aligning with India’s economic and strategic goals.
5. Tamil Nadu Releases New State Education Policy
Subject: Polity
- The Tamil Nadu government released its new State Education Policy on August 13, 2025, focusing on state autonomy in education and inclusive learning frameworks.
- The policy emphasizes regional language promotion, skill development, and equitable access to education, addressing concerns raised by Tamil Nadu MPs during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
- It aims to counterbalance the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, prioritizing Tamil Nadu’s unique cultural and educational needs.
- Key features include increased funding for public schools, teacher training, and digital education infrastructure in rural areas.
- The policy aligns with Tamil Nadu’s advocacy for federalism, as seen in parliamentary debates on state autonomy in education and health sectors.
- UPSC Concept: Federalism under Article 246 and the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution governs the division of powers between the Centre and states, with education being a concurrent subject.
- Significance: The policy strengthens Tamil Nadu’s role in shaping its educational landscape, potentially setting a model for other states.
