- Criminalisation of Politics
Subject: Polity
- The Supreme Court has emphasized addressing the criminalisation of politics, urging reforms to prevent candidates with criminal records from contesting elections.
- The issue is critical for UPSC aspirants under topics like ethics in governance and electoral reforms.
- Data: Over 40% of MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha have declared criminal cases, per ADR reports.
- Proposed reforms include fast-tracking cases against politicians and barring those with serious charges.
- Concepts: Representation of the People Act, 1951, governs candidate eligibility; electoral integrity is vital for democratic trust.
- Tamil Nadu context: Political parties urged to adopt stricter vetting for candidates to curb criminal influence.
2. Project Aarohan: Empowering Toll Plaza Workers’ Children
Subject: National Issues
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched Project Aarohan to support education for children of toll plaza workers.
- Provides scholarships of ₹12,000 annually for 500 students (Class 11 to graduation) in FY 2025–26.
- 50 high-achieving students will receive ₹50,000 for postgraduate studies.
- Implemented with SMEC Trust’s Bharat Cares, in collaboration with Vertis Infrastructure Trust.
- Aims to bridge socio-economic gaps and promote equal access to quality education.
- Tamil Nadu impact: Toll plaza workers in the state benefit, enhancing local community welfare.
3. India-China Relations: Steps Toward Rebuilding Ties
Subject: International
- PM Modi expressed optimism about improving India-China relations, focusing on border stability, trade, and resuming flights.
- Discussions align with stabilizing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) post-2020 tensions.
- Key areas: Trade agreements, resuming direct flights, and addressing border disputes diplomatically.
- Concepts: India’s foreign policy emphasizes strategic autonomy and peaceful coexistence.
- Tamil Nadu’s role: The state’s industrial hubs, like Chennai, benefit from enhanced trade with China.
- Challenges: Balancing economic cooperation with national security concerns remains critical.
4. GST Reforms and Economic Measures
Subject: Economy
- PM Modi announced GST reforms to simplify compliance for MSMEs, a key economic driver.
- Tamil Nadu, a hub for MSMEs, stands to gain from streamlined tax processes and reduced compliance costs.
- Concepts: GST as a unified tax regime under Article 279A; fiscal federalism in India.
- Additional measures: ₹1 lakh crore fund proposed for youth employment, boosting economic growth.
- Economic impact: Reforms aim to enhance India’s global competitiveness in data quality and trade.
- Challenges: Ensuring equitable distribution of benefits across states and sectors.
5. Defence Modernization and Sudarshan Chakra Mission
Subject: Defence
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at Ran-Samwad 2025 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, announced by PM Modi on Independence Day.
- Focuses on integrating advanced technology, intelligence, and diplomacy in future warfare.
- Tamil Nadu’s role: DRDO facilities in Chennai contribute to indigenous defence tech development.
- Concepts: Self-reliance in defence aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat; hybrid warfare strategies.
- Recent example: Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores the need for adaptive military strategies.
- Future plans: Modernizing forces to counter evolving geopolitical threats.
