TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 16.08.2025

Subject: Polity

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will launch the ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar on August 17, 2025, to protest the alleged assault on voting rights through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The yatra aims to raise awareness about electoral transparency and voter inclusion, focusing on marginalized communities.
The Congress alleges discrepancies in voter list revisions, claiming they disproportionately affect opposition strongholds.
This move is seen as a strategic effort to mobilize support ahead of upcoming state elections.
Concept: Article 326 of the Constitution ensures adult suffrage, guaranteeing voting rights for citizens above 18.
The Election Commission’s role in maintaining free and fair elections under Article 324 is under scrutiny.
The yatra may influence public discourse on electoral reforms and voter suppression issues

2. National: Governors’ Role Defended by Centre in Supreme Court

Subject: Polity

The Union government told the Supreme Court that Governors cannot be treated as “aliens” or have their discretionary powers curtailed by imposed timelines.
This submission was made in a Presidential Reference hearing before a Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, starting August 19, 2025.
The Centre, via Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, emphasized Governors’ roles as checks on hasty state legislation.
The issue stems from disputes over Governors delaying assent to state bills, raising federalism concerns.
Concept: Article 200 governs the Governor’s powers to assent, withhold, or reserve bills for the President’s consideration.
The debate highlights tensions in Centre-State relations under India’s federal structure.
This could impact ongoing cases involving states like Tamil Nadu, where Governors’ delays have sparked controversies

3. Tamil Nadu: State MPs Raise Federal Funding Concerns

Subject: Polity

Tamil Nadu MPs, during the Monsoon Session of Parliament (ended August 12, 2025), raised concerns over inadequate federal funding for education and health sectors.
They criticized the Centre for encroaching on state autonomy, particularly in rejecting the National Education Policy’s (NEP) three-language formula.
Tamil Nadu’s 2025 Education Policy retains the two-language formula and abolishes Class 11 board exams to promote inclusive education.
MPs highlighted the state’s push for technology-driven education reforms to enhance learning outcomes.
Concept: The Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule) allows both Centre and States to legislate on education, often causing friction.
Tamil Nadu’s stance reflects its commitment to linguistic and cultural identity under federal principles.
These discussions may influence future budget allocations and Centre-State negotiations.

4. International: India Faces Uncertainty Over U.S. Tariffs on Russian Oil Imports

Subject: International

U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that India stopped buying Russian oil is inaccurate, as India imported 2 million barrels per day in August 2025, comprising 38% of its crude imports.
The U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports from August 1, 2025, escalating trade tensions over India’s Russian oil purchases.
Trump’s decision to hold off secondary sanctions offers temporary relief, but tougher measures loom if India continues its imports.
India is negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S., with the 6th round of talks set for August 25, 2025.
Concept: Balance of Payments and trade diplomacy are critical for India’s energy security and economic stability.
India’s neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict complicates its relations with Western allies.
The outcome of these talks could impact India’s trade deficit, which hit $27.35 billion in July 2025.

5. Economy: GST 2.0 Overhaul Proposed with Two-Slab Structure

Subject: Economy

The Centre proposed a two-slab GST structure with 5% and 18% rates, and a 40% tax on sin goods like tobacco, effective by Q3 FY 2025-26.
Most common-use goods will shift from 12% to 5%, and aspirational items like TVs from 28% to 18%, aiming to boost consumption.
The reform addresses inverted duty structures, simplifies classifications, and introduces automated refunds for compliance ease.
The Congress demanded a discussion paper on GST 2.0, criticizing the current system as a “Growth Suppressing Tax.”
Concept: GST under Article 279A aims to unify India’s tax regime but faces criticism for complexity.
The overhaul could reduce the fiscal burden on consumers and stimulate economic growth.
Tamil Nadu, a major manufacturing hub, may benefit from streamlined GST compliance.