1. International: India Strengthens Ties with ASEAN
Subject: International Relations
- India participated in the ASEAN-India Summit, focusing on trade and maritime security amid concerns over regional geopolitical dynamics.
- The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement review continues, with India pushing for better market access for its agricultural exports.
- India emphasized its Act East Policy, aiming to deepen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations.
- Discussions included digital trade cooperation, with India advocating for data sovereignty and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Tamil Nadu’s role as a manufacturing hub was highlighted, with potential export opportunities to ASEAN markets.
- The talks reflect India’s strategy to enhance its regional influence through economic and diplomatic engagement.
2. Economy: Digital Payment Infrastructure Expands
Subject: National Economy
- The Reserve Bank of India reported a surge in digital transactions, with UPI handling over 150 million transactions daily as of August 2025.
- Tamil Nadu’s e-governance initiatives, integrating UPI in public services, have boosted financial inclusion in rural areas.
- Efforts are underway to link UPI with international payment systems to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions.
- This growth supports India’s vision of a $5 trillion economy by enhancing digital infrastructure and reducing cash dependency.
- Small businesses in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Coimbatore and Chennai, benefit from UPI’s low-cost transaction model.
- Cybersecurity measures are being strengthened to address rising concerns over digital fraud.
3. Defence: Indigenous Drone Technology Advances
Subject: Defence Technology
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested an upgraded version of the indigenous Aura stealth drone in Odisha.
- The drone, equipped with AI-driven target identification, enhances India’s tactical warfare capabilities in strategic regions.
- The test aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing reliance on imported unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- Tamil Nadu contributes through components manufactured by ISRO-linked vendors in Chennai and Hosur.
- The drone’s advanced sensors enable day-night surveillance, critical for border security.
- This development strengthens India’s position in global defence markets, with potential exports to allied nations.
4. Tamil Nadu: Legislative Push for Women’s Safety
Subject: State Polity
- Tamil Nadu introduced amendments to enhance legal protections for women, focusing on stricter penalties for gender-based violence.
- The bills aim to streamline judicial processes and increase conviction rates in cases of crimes against women.
- The state’s Women’s Safety Task Force launched awareness campaigns in Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
- These measures build on the Tamil Nadu Women’s Policy, emphasizing gender equality and empowerment.
- The amendments align with national initiatives addressing social justice and women’s safety.
- Community policing in rural areas is being strengthened to improve safety for women and girls.
5. Tamil Nadu: Economic Growth Through SGST Collections
Subject: State Economy
- Tamil Nadu reported a 12% increase in State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) collections for 2024-25, driven by industrial growth in Chennai and Hosur.
- The state’s focus on electronics and automobile manufacturing has boosted tax revenues, supporting infrastructure projects.
- Investments in the Tamil Nadu Space Industrial Policy 2025 are expected to further enhance economic growth.
- Funds have been allocated for skill development programs to support the growing space and defence sectors.
- Tamil Nadu’s economic policies align with national goals for sustainable development.
- The SGST growth reflects improved compliance and digital tax collection systems.
