1. Drafting of India’s First National Security Strategy Nears Completion
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• India’s inaugural National Security Strategy (NSS) is in its final drafting phase under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), aiming for completion by December 2025, covering defence, cyber threats, and internal security.
• The strategy emphasizes a unified approach to counter emerging threats like cyberattacks, terrorism, and regional instability, strengthening India’s geopolitical stance.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) flags rising ground-level ozone pollution in urban hubs, with Delhi-NCR recording critical levels, urging stricter vehicular and industrial emission norms.
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs introduces Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ), pairing cities like Chennai and Coimbatore for collaborative waste management to enhance urban sustainability.
• Significant natural gas reserves found near Andaman and Nicobar Islands by ONGC, projected to boost domestic energy production and reduce import reliance by 10%.
• Election Commission removes 474 political parties from its registry for non-compliance, aiming to streamline electoral processes and curb fraudulent registrations.
• Dairy sector faces fodder shortages due to erratic monsoons, with experts advocating climate-resilient agricultural practices to sustain rising milk consumption trends.
2. Tamil Nadu Strengthens Public Event Regulations Post-Karur Tragedy
SUBJECT: POLITY
• Tamil Nadu government, led by CM M.K. Stalin, announces comprehensive guidelines for public gatherings after the Karur stampede, focusing on crowd control, venue safety, and organizer accountability.
• Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan expresses condolences for the Karur incident, which claimed 41 lives, and calls for improved policing and emotional restraint at mass events.
• Madras High Court fast-tracks a petition to limit Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rallies, citing safety concerns linked to the ongoing Karur stampede investigation.
• Discussions on judicial appointment reforms intensify, with legal experts revisiting the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) to enhance transparency in judge selections.
• Election Commission completes voter list updates for Tamil Nadu’s upcoming local polls, with digital verification tools deployed to ensure accuracy and transparency.
• ASHA workers’ reforms gain traction in Tamil Nadu, with proposals for fixed salaries and formal recognition to address exploitation in rural healthcare delivery.
3. U.S. Unveils Gaza Peace Plan with India’s Support
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
• U.S. President Trump launches the Gaza Peace Plan, proposing conditional Palestinian statehood and a ceasefire, with India endorsing the multilateral effort for Middle East stability.
• India champions reforms in South-South and Triangular Cooperation on UN Day, emphasizing its role in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals globally.
• Nepal’s political unrest escalates with Gen Z protests following PM Oli’s resignation; India monitors potential cross-border impacts along the Indo-Nepal frontier.
• Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact raises concerns, but India’s USD 42.9 billion trade with Riyadh ensures balanced diplomatic ties in the Gulf region.
• Spain’s recognition of Palestine as a G7 nation shifts global dynamics; India reiterates its two-state solution stance while navigating diplomatic pressures.
• Venezuela’s political crisis prompts India to diversify oil imports, mitigating risks from U.S. sanctions and global supply chain disruptions.
4. India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Takes Effect
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
• India implements the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EFTA bloc (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) from October 1, targeting USD 100 billion in exports over 15 years in electronics, pharma, and auto sectors.
• Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rises 3.5% year-on-year in July 2025, driven by a 5.4% manufacturing surge, with HSBC PMI at 59.3 signaling strong economic momentum.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reaches USD 81.04 billion in FY25, up 14% annually, with 18% growth in manufacturing due to Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
• Indian Rupee falls to a record low of 88.30 against USD amid U.S. tariff hikes; a ₹1,500 crore mineral recycling scheme is proposed to stabilize critical supply chains.
• Inefficient e-waste recycling leads to losses of valuable metals like gold and copper; unorganized sector dominance hampers India’s circular economy goals under ESG frameworks.
• PM E-Drive scheme expands EV charging infrastructure in Tamil Nadu’s NCAP cities like Chennai, aiming to reduce emissions and create green jobs through PSU partnerships.
5. Indian Air Force Retires MiG-21 Fleet
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
• Indian Air Force decommissions its last MiG-21 jets, transitioning to indigenous Tejas fighters to enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
• India secures a contract with the International Seabed Authority for polymetallic sulphide exploration in Carlsberg Ridge, strengthening strategic deep-sea resource access.
• Exercise Zapad 2025 concludes in Russia, with Indian troops showcasing expertise in counter-terrorism and joint warfare, reinforcing India-Russia defence ties.
• Agni-Prime missile test success highlights advanced precision strike capabilities, integrating with tri-service commands for Indo-Pacific deterrence.
• INS Nistar, India’s first indigenous diving support vessel, is commissioned, boosting underwater operational capabilities and maritime domain awareness.
• Border Wing Home Guards in Tamil Nadu and northeastern states receive advanced training modules amid AFSPA extension to strengthen internal security.
