1. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns Amid Political Speculation
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu under Article 67(a) of the Constitution, marking the third premature exit by a VP after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman.
- He cited personal reasons for stepping down before completing his term, though speculation points to internal NDA tensions and coalition dynamics post-2024 elections.
- Dhankhar’s departure comes amid heightened scrutiny over his role in parliamentary disruptions and ties to the BJP’s ideological base.
- The Rajya Sabha’s functioning may face interim leadership challenges until a successor is elected under Article 65.
- Analysts view this as a potential flashpoint for opposition demands on constitutional offices’ independence.
- Concepts: Article 63-71: Outline the Vice-President’s election, powers, and resignation provisions in India’s parliamentary framework.
2. Launch of State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) 2025
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The Ministry of Mines unveiled the inaugural SMRI 2025, ranking states on mining sector reforms to enhance ease of doing business and sustainability.
- Jharkhand topped the index, followed by Odisha and Rajasthan, based on parameters like policy framework, digital adoption, and environmental compliance.
- The index fulfills a Union Budget 2025-26 commitment, aiming to attract ₹1 lakh crore in investments by streamlining approvals.
- It evaluates non-coal minerals, promoting transparency and reducing illegal mining amid rising global demand for critical minerals.
- States like Tamil Nadu ranked mid-tier, highlighting gaps in auction processes and community engagement.
- Concepts: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: Governs mining leases and resource allocation for federal equity.
3. RBI Highlights Fiscal Imbalances in State Finances Report 2025
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The RBI’s latest report flags widening Centre-state fiscal gaps, with states handling 52% of health and education spending but receiving only 41% of revenues.
- Post-GST compensation cessation in July 2025, vulnerable states face heightened exposure to shocks without adequate buffers.
- Cesses and surcharges in the 2025-26 Budget total ₹4.23 lakh crore, excluded from the divisible pool, exacerbating devolution disputes.
- Opposition-ruled states decry conditional grants as fiscal leverage, urging reforms for equitable tax-sharing.
- The report recommends integrating cesses into the Finance Commission framework to restore balance.
- Concepts: Article 280: Empowers the Finance Commission to recommend tax devolution for fiscal federalism.
4. Election Commission on TVK Party’s Status in Madras HC
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The ECI informed the Madras High Court that actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) lacks formal recognition, amid a PIL seeking derecognition over a rally stampede killing 41.
- The court reserved orders on the plea, emphasizing accountability for political events under the Representation of the People Act.
- TVK’s unregistered status bars it from reserved symbols, forcing independent contesting in upcoming polls.
- This highlights ECI’s scrutiny on new parties’ compliance with organizational norms and financial disclosures.
- The case underscores tensions between celebrity politics and electoral integrity in Tamil Nadu.
- Concepts: Section 29A, RPA 1951: Regulates political party registration and symbol allotment.
5. National Sports Governance Bill 2025 Introduced
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Centre tabled the Bill in Lok Sabha to overhaul sports bodies, mandating transparency, athlete representation, and anti-doping measures.
- It establishes a National Sports Regulatory Board to oversee federations, curbing administrative overreach seen in past scandals.
- Provisions include 30% athlete quotas in decision-making and mandatory ethics officers in national bodies.
- The Bill aligns with Olympic Charter reforms, aiming to boost India’s medal tally post-Paris 2024.
- States like Tamil Nadu welcome it for empowering regional sports councils.
- Concepts: Article 51A(h): Promotes excellence in sports as a fundamental duty.
6. Monsoon Session of Parliament Kicks Off
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The session opened with debates on fiscal federalism and AI governance, amid opposition pushes for quorum on key Bills.
- Agenda includes amendments to the Banking Laws Act 2025, notified for enhanced consumer protections and digital banking norms.
- Speaker Om Birla urged consensus on 73rd/74th Amendments’ implementation for panchayat devolution.
- Protests over state funding delays marked Day 1, with adjournments in both Houses.
- The session precedes Bihar polls, amplifying regional voices on governance.
- Concepts: Article 110: Defines money Bills, central to fiscal policy debates.
7. India-MERCOSUR Upgrade Preferential Trade Agreement
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India and MERCOSUR nations agreed to elevate their PTA, targeting a full FTA conclusion within a year to double bilateral trade to $50 billion.
- Focus areas include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, reducing tariffs on 90% of goods.
- MERCOSUR’s Protocol of Ouro Preto (1994) enables this, building on 2009 ties with Brazil, Argentina, and others.
- The pact counters US tariff hikes, diversifying India’s South American exports amid global fragmentation.
- PM Modi hailed it as a step toward South-South cooperation at BRICS margins.
- Concepts: WTO’s Enabling Clause: Permits preferential trade among developing nations.
8. Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri Joins IN-RoKN Exercise in Busan
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- INS Sahyadri docked in Busan for the inaugural India-Republic of Korea Navy (IN-RoKN) bilateral drill, emphasizing Indo-Pacific interoperability.
- The exercise features anti-submarine warfare, live-fire drills, and maritime domain awareness against non-traditional threats.
- It strengthens QUAD+ ties, with South Korea as a key defence partner under 2025 MoUs.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s concurrent Brazil visit explored similar naval collaborations.
- The port call underscores India’s SAGAR vision for regional security.
- Concepts: UNCLOS Article 98: Mandates maritime assistance and cooperation
