1. Tamil Nadu Launches Comprehensive Mugger Crocodile Census in Coastal Zones
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• The Tamil Nadu Forest Department initiated a statewide mugger crocodile population survey on October 3, 2025, using drones and eDNA sampling across 500 km of coastal wetlands.
• Targeting habitats like Point Calimere and Pichavaram mangroves, the census addresses rising human-wildlife conflicts, with 300+ sightings reported in 2024.
• Part of Project Crocodile, it aims to upgrade the species from ‘Vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List through habitat restoration and anti-poaching tech.
• WWF-India partnership funds community eco-tourism, generating ₹50 crore annually for conservation in 10 districts.
• The effort ties into coastal defense via NCC green units, monitoring smuggling routes alongside biodiversity.
• Preliminary data suggests a 15% population rise, supporting the National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-2031.
• Concepts: Wildlife Protection Act 1972—Schedules muggers under Appendix I; Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2019—Protects sensitive mangrove ecosystems.
2. Tamil Nadu Economic Survey 2024-25 Reveals Robust 8.2% GSDP Growth
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
• Tamil Nadu’s Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled on October 2, 2025, reported an 8.2% GSDP growth, outpacing national averages despite global supply disruptions from Red Sea conflicts.
• Retail inflation eased to 4.8% by January 2025, below the national 4.9%, driven by stable food prices and MSME export booms in electronics and automobiles.
• Urban inflation dropped to 4.5%, bolstered by schemes like Naan Mudhalvan for skill upgradation of 5 lakh youth annually.
• The survey credits FTAs with EU and ASEAN for $50 billion non-oil exports, while highlighting challenges like labor shortages in Tier-2 cities.
• Fiscal discipline under the Tamil Nadu Fiscal Responsibility Act maintained a 3% deficit, with ₹2 lakh crore allocated to infrastructure.
• Green initiatives, including 10 GW solar capacity, align with SDG 8 for decent work and economic growth.
• Concepts: Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act—State-level adaptations; Atmanirbhar Bharat—State contributions to national self-reliance.
3. Chennai Set to Host Global Aerospace and Defence Expo GADM 2025
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• Tamil Nadu will host the Global Aerospace and Defence Meetings (GADM) in Chennai from October 7-9, 2025, spotlighting the state’s Defence Industrial Corridor for international collaborations.
• Attracting 500+ delegates from 20 countries, the event eyes ₹10,000 crore investments in nodes like Coimbatore, Hosur, and Trichy, building on 253 MoUs worth ₹53,439 crore.
• Focus areas include UAV manufacturing and avionics R&D, synergizing with the Tamil Nadu Aerospace Policy 2025 for 50,000 jobs.
• Five corridor nodes have already secured ₹8,658 crore by February 2025, emphasizing MSME integration in global supply chains.
• The expo features B2B matchmaking and tech demos, promoting exports under the Defence Production Policy.
• It underscores Tamil Nadu’s 13% share in India’s defense production, targeting $5 billion in aerospace turnover.
• Concepts: Defence Industrial Corridors Initiative—DPIIT’s nodal scheme; Make in India—Offsets 30% indigenization in contracts.
4. Tamil Nadu RTE Admissions Portal Goes Live for 2025-26 Academic Year
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• The Tamil Nadu School Education Department launched online RTE admissions on October 1, 2025, for 1.5 lakh seats in private unaided schools, prioritizing economically weaker sections from October 6.
• Mandated by Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education Act 2009, the process reserves 25% seats with 100% reimbursement, using a transparent lottery system via the unified portal.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed real-time grievance redressal helplines, addressing past reimbursement delays that affected 20% of claims.
• This aligns with the 86th Constitutional Amendment, bridging urban-rural education gaps in districts like Chennai and Madurai.
• Objection periods post-lottery ensure inclusivity, with focus on SC/ST and girl child quotas.
• The initiative targets 95% enrollment rates, integrating with Samacheer Kalvi curriculum reforms.
• Concepts: Article 21A—Fundamental right to free education; 11th Schedule—Panchayats’ role in elementary education implementation.
5. DRDO Accelerates Hypersonic Glide Vehicle ‘Dhvani’ to Full-Scale Trials
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced advancement of the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) ‘Dhvani’ to full-scale testing by late 2025 on October 3, elevating India’s strategic missile arsenal.
• Achieving Mach 6+ velocities, Dhvani integrates with Agni-V boosters for 5,000 km ranges, featuring maneuverability to bypass missile defenses like THAAD.
• Developed under the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) program, it slashes reaction times to 10 minutes for Indo-Pacific threats.
• The project invites private firms via iDEX challenges, targeting 40% indigenous components and exports by 2030.
• Collaborations with US (via COMCASA) and Russia accelerate scramjet engine tech, with trials at Abdul Kalam Island.
• Dhvani enhances credible minimum deterrence, complementing BrahMos-II hypersonic cruise missiles.
• Concepts: Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)—Regulates hypersonic exports; Strategic Forces Command—Manages nuclear-capable delivery systems.
