1. Polity: Supreme Court Elevations and Electoral Reforms
Subject: Polity
- Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Vipul Pancholi were elevated to the Supreme Court by President Droupadi Murmu, strengthening the apex court’s bench amid rising caseloads.
- This brings the total number of Supreme Court judges to 34, including the Chief Justice, addressing vacancies under Article 124 of the Constitution.
- The elevations highlight the collegium system’s role in judicial appointments, with recommendations from the Chief Justice of India and senior judges.
- In Tamil Nadu, ongoing debates surround the Governor’s delays in assenting to state bills, raising federalism concerns under Article 200.
- The Election Commission is revising electoral rolls ahead of state elections, with Rahul Gandhi criticizing the process for potential disenfranchisement.
- Concepts: Article 124 governs Supreme Court appointments; Federalism balances Centre-state relations, crucial for understanding gubernatorial powers.
- These developments underscore the need for judicial reforms to ensure timely justice and electoral integrity.
2. National Issues: State Energy Efficiency Index and Environmental Conservation
Subject: National Issues
- The Union Ministry of Power released the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, ranking Maharashtra first among 36 states and UTs for FY 2023-24.
- Tamil Nadu ranked among the top performers in energy efficiency, driven by initiatives like the Green Tamil Nadu Mission for mangrove restoration.
- The index assesses progress in sectors like buildings, industry, transport, and agriculture, promoting sustainable development.
- In Tamil Nadu, the Forest Department established a second ‘Mahout Village’ at Kozhikamuthi elephant camp in Anamalai Tiger Reserve to support wildlife conservation.
- National efforts include addressing access to safe water and sanitation, with WHO-UNICEF reporting progress but persistent challenges in rural areas.
- Climate change impacts on Himalayan glaciers, like reduced snowmelt in Gangotri, highlight national resilience needs.
- Concepts: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) link energy efficiency to poverty reduction and environmental protection.
3. International: PM Modi’s Japan Visit and SCO Summit Preparations
Subject: International
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan on August 29-30, 2025, receiving a Daruma doll as a cultural symbol during bilateral talks.
- The visit focused on deepening India-Japan ties in defence, economy, and Indo-Pacific stability, amid discussions on AI and disaster preparedness.
- Modi emphasized India-China’s role in global economic order, ahead of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, on August 31.
- The SCO Heads of State Council Summit will address political, economic, and security cooperation among eight permanent members, including India.
- Japan’s AI-generated video simulating a Mount Fuji eruption underscores collaborative needs in volcanic risk management.
- Concepts: Indo-Pacific Strategy promotes regional stability; SCO fosters multipolarity and anti-terrorism efforts under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
- These engagements align with India’s Act East Policy, enhancing connectivity with ASEAN and countering geopolitical challenges.
4. Economy: Forex Reserves Dip and GST Rationalization
Subject: Economy
- India’s forex reserves dipped by $4.38 billion to $690.72 billion, reflecting global economic pressures and import dynamics.
- The Group of Ministers accepted proposals to scrap 12% and 28% GST slabs, aiming for a two-slab structure to simplify taxation.
- Tamil Nadu’s industries, especially MSMEs, stand to benefit from reduced compliance burdens under the revamped GST.
- TCS announced major IT reforms, positioning India as a global leader in digital services amid a projected $2.81 billion market by 2030.
- Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh led in energy efficiency, boosting economic sustainability per the SEEI 2024 report.
- The Department of Posts partnered with MapmyIndia for DIGIPIN implementation, enhancing digital address infrastructure.
- Concepts: Fiscal Federalism ensures Centre-state revenue sharing; Ease of Doing Business drives GDP growth through simplified regulations.
5. Defence: Gallantry Awards and Operational Enhancements
Subject: Defence
- On Independence Day 2025, 1,090 personnel received gallantry and service medals, including 127 awardees under Operation Sindoor.
- The Ministry of Defence approved new joint doctrines for armed forces integration, emphasizing tri-service synergy.
- Ajaya Babu Valluri won gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, highlighting defence-linked sports development.
- India’s defence architecture must rely on indigenous capabilities, as stated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, reducing foreign dependence.
- The Indian Air Force is retiring MiG-21 squadrons, transitioning to advanced systems like Tejas for enhanced air superiority.
- Tamil Nadu’s coastal security benefits from mangrove restoration, acting as natural barriers against threats.
- Concepts: Article 51A promotes defence preparedness; Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence aims for self-reliance under the Make in India initiative.
