1. Polity
CP Radhakrishnan Sworn In as India’s 15th Vice President
- CP Radhakrishnan officially assumed office as the 15th Vice President of India on September 12, 2025, after his election victory on September 9.
- He defeated Justice B. Sudershan Reddy in a closely contested poll, marking a significant shift in the Rajya Sabha’s leadership.
- Radhakrishnan, a former Kerala Governor, brings experience in federal governance and tribal welfare to the role.
- His swearing-in ceremony was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- The event underscores the constitutional process under Article 66 for Vice Presidential elections.
- In Tamil Nadu, political reactions highlighted the importance of regional representation in national leadership.
- Concept: Article 63 – Establishes the office of the Vice President as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. National Issues
Tamil Nadu Launches “Oraniyil Tamil Nadu” Campaign for State Rights
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the “Oraniyil Tamil Nadu” pledge campaign on September 12, 2025, to be launched on September 15, coinciding with C.N. Annadurai’s birth anniversary.
- Over 1 crore families across 68,000 DMK booths will pledge to protect Tamil Nadu’s soil, language, dignity, and rights.
- The campaign opposes delimitation exercises that could reduce the state’s Lok Sabha seats and electoral roll revisions.
- It also resists NEET and demands increased education funding, emphasizing youth welfare.
- This initiative aims to mobilize public support against perceived central encroachments on state autonomy.
- In Tamil Nadu, it has garnered support from DMK cadres, focusing on cultural preservation and federal balance.
- Concept: Federalism – Article 246 delineates Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, highlighting state rights in education and language.
3. International
India-Mauritius Bilateral Ties Enhanced with New Agreements
- On September 12, 2025, India and Mauritius signed multiple pacts during a high-level visit, focusing on health, education, and maritime security.
- Key agreements include support for Mauritius’ national hospital expansion and establishment of an AYUSH Centre of Excellence.
- India pledged $680 million in aid, including lines of credit for infrastructure in the Indian Ocean region.
- The deals strengthen cultural exchanges and counter-terrorism cooperation amid regional geopolitical shifts.
- Tamil Nadu’s diaspora in Mauritius benefits from enhanced educational collaborations, promoting Tamil language programs.
- This partnership aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.
- Concept: Soft Power – India’s strategic use of aid and cultural diplomacy to bolster influence in the Indo-Pacific.
4. Economy
India Signs $126.4 Million Loan with ADB for Uttarakhand Tourism Development
- On September 12, 2025, India inked a $126.4 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to boost sustainable tourism in Uttarakhand.
- The funds will support eco-friendly infrastructure, skill development, and digital promotion of hill stations and adventure sites.
- This initiative aligns with India’s tourism sector growth, targeting 15% GDP contribution by 2030.
- Tamil Nadu’s tourism stakeholders expressed interest in similar ADB models for promoting coastal and heritage sites.
- The project emphasizes green jobs and community involvement to mitigate environmental impacts.
- It complements national efforts like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for regional economic diversification.
- Concept: Sustainable Development – Multilateral financing under SDG 8 for decent work and economic growth.
5. Defence
India Participates in Russia-Hosted Exercise Zapad 2025
- India joined the multilateral Exercise Zapad 2025, conducted by Russia from September 10-15, 2025, focusing on conventional warfare and counter-terrorism.
- The exercise involves troop maneuvers, AI-integrated simulations, and joint operations in multinational scenarios.
- Indian Army contingents from Eastern Command participated, enhancing interoperability with Russian and other partner forces.
- It underscores India’s balanced defence diplomacy amid QUAD and SCO engagements.
- Tamil Nadu’s defence corridor contributes to indigenous tech showcased, including drone systems.
- The drill tests high-intensity operations, vital for border security readiness.
- Concept: Joint Military Exercises – Bilateral/multilateral drills under Article 51(c) to promote international peace and security.
