1. CJI Surya Kant Advocates for Uniform National Judicial Policy
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized the need for a standardized national judicial policy to address inconsistencies in rulings across High Courts and Supreme Court benches.
- This call comes amid growing concerns over varying interpretations of key laws, including those on federalism and fundamental rights.
- The proposal aims to enhance judicial efficiency and uniformity, potentially reducing case backlogs through coordinated reforms.
- Concepts: Article 141 – Establishes Supreme Court judgments as binding precedents on all courts; Judicial Federalism – Balances state and central judicial autonomy under the Constitution.
- Implementation could involve amendments to the Judges (Transfer) Rules or a new national framework for judicial training.
- This aligns with ongoing debates on judicial independence versus accountability in a diverse federal structure.
2. India Joins WorldSkills Asia Competition for the First Time
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship flagged off a 23-member Indian contingent to the WorldSkills Asia event in Chinese Taipei, marking India’s debut participation.
- The team, selected through national trials, will compete in 21 skill categories, showcasing vocational expertise in engineering and digital technologies.
- This initiative aims to boost youth employability and align with global standards for workforce development.
- Concepts: National Education Policy 2020 – Emphasizes skill-based learning; Article 21A – Right to education extended to vocational training.
- Success could enhance India’s position in international labor markets and attract FDI in skill sectors.
- Domain experts from Sector Skill Councils will mentor the participants during the competition.
3. Ahmedabad Selected as Host for 2030 Commonwealth Games
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- The Commonwealth Sports General Assembly in Glasgow ratified Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as the host for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games after a vote by 74 member nations.
- The bid leverages infrastructure like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and Narendra Modi Stadium, aligning with India’s 2036 Olympics ambitions.
- This marks India’s return to hosting after the 2010 Delhi Games, focusing on inclusive sports and legacy development.
- Concepts: Commonwealth of Nations – Voluntary association of 56 countries promoting shared values; Soft Power Diplomacy – Enhances India’s global image through cultural and sporting events.
- Expected economic impact includes boosted tourism and job creation in sports infrastructure.
- Nigeria’s Abuja was the competing bidder, highlighting competitive bidding processes.
4. IMF Projects India to Reach $5 Trillion Economy by FY29
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The International Monetary Fund revised its outlook, forecasting India to hit $5 trillion GDP in FY29, delayed by one year due to rupee depreciation and softer nominal growth.
- India is expected to cross $4 trillion in FY26, with real GDP growth at 6.5% in FY25 supported by public investment.
- The report praises sound policies but flags FX restrictions and structural reforms as hurdles.
- Concepts: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) – Adjusts GDP for cost differences; Viksit Bharat @2047 – Aims for developed economy status.
- Domestic market resilience buffers against global shocks, with limited export exposure.
- Recommendations include accelerating labor reforms for inclusive growth.
5. Rajnath Singh Co-Chairs India-Indonesia Defence Dialogue
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on maritime security and joint exercises.
- Discussions emphasized countering non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region through enhanced interoperability.
- Outcomes include potential co-production of defence equipment and intelligence sharing.
- Concepts: Act East Policy – Strengthens ties with ASEAN nations; Quad Framework – Supports regional stability.
- This builds on bilateral defence pacts for joint patrols and capacity building.
- It aligns with India’s vision of a free, open Indo-Pacific.
