1. SUPREME COURT ISSUES STERN WARNING TO META OVER WHATSAPP PRIVACY POLICY
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, issued a sharp warning to Meta regarding its controversial 2021 WhatsApp privacy update, questioning the “genuine nature” of user consent.
- The Bench is hearing appeals against a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order which imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta for “take-it-or-leave-it” terms that impacted user choice and competition.
- The Court highlighted that for millions of Indians, WhatsApp functions as a public utility, and any policy that forces data sharing with other Meta-owned platforms could violate the Right to Privacy.
- Legal experts suggest this case will set a precedent for how Big Tech companies operate under India’s evolving digital governance and data protection frameworks.
- The government informed the court that the new Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act rules, effective from April 2026, will further tighten oversight on such “predatory” data practices.
- Concepts: Article 21 – Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right (Puttaswamy Judgment); Doctrine of Essentiality – In the context of digital services becoming essential for democratic participation.
2. TAMIL NADU AND KARNATAKA REIGNITE PENNAIYAR RIVER WATER DISPUTE
SUBJECT: NATIONAL / REGIONAL ISSUES
- Tensions have escalated between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the construction of check dams and diversion structures on the Pennaiyar River (South Pennar) by the Karnataka government.
- The Tamil Nadu government has moved the Supreme Court, claiming these structures will drastically reduce water flow to the northern districts of the state, affecting irrigation for thousands of farmers.
- The Pennaiyar River, the second-longest river in Tamil Nadu, is vital for the drinking water needs of districts like Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Cuddalore.
- Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre reported that while the river dispute continues, the tail-end areas of the basin in Cuddalore are seeing a rise in water levels due to recent seasonal rains.
- Environmentalists have raised concerns over the “riparian rights” of downstream states and the lack of a permanent Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal for the Pennaiyar.
- Concepts: Article 262 – Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers; Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 – Legal framework for resolving water sharing.
3. INDIA-US HISTORIC TRADE DEAL: TARIFFS SLASHED TO 18%
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- India and the United States have officially finalized a landmark Trade Deal, with Washington reducing reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, effective immediately.
- The deal follows a high-level phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, ending months of trade friction and “tariff wars.”
- In a strategic move, India has reportedly agreed to diversify its energy basket by significantly increasing imports of US crude oil, LNG, and coal, while reducing reliance on Russian oil.
- The agreement includes a commitment from India to purchase approximately $500 billion worth of U.S. technology, agricultural products, and energy over the next few years.
- Diplomats describe this as the “biggest victory” in bilateral ties in the last year, providing a major boost to “Made in India” exports like textiles, steel, and electronics.
- Concepts: Reciprocal Tariffs – Trading partners imposing matching taxes; Strategic Autonomy – Balancing energy needs between global powers like the US and Russia.
4. FINANCE MINISTER FORECASTS EXPORT SURGE FOLLOWING US TARIFF CUTS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the US tariff reduction is a “good auguring” for India, predicting a significant surge in Indian exports and a narrowing of the trade deficit.
- Following the announcement, the Indian Rupee rallied by 119 paise to reach 90.30 against the US dollar, reflecting market optimism over the trade breakthrough.
- The 16th Finance Commission simultaneously issued a cautionary note to states regarding fiscal risks, noting that “unconditional cash transfers” now make up over 20% of state subsidies.
- The Union Budget 2026-27 has introduced the “Biopharma SHAKTI” scheme with a ₹10,000 crore outlay to transition India from a generic drug manufacturer to a global biopharma hub.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured that sensitive sectors, particularly dairy and agriculture, have been protected under the new trade agreement despite pressure for market access.
- Concepts: Employment Elasticity – The measure of how employment changes with economic growth; JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) – The backbone of India’s direct benefit transfer system.
5. ADANI-LEONARDO TIE-UP AND INDIGENOUS ‘KAMIKAZE DRONES’ BOOST DEFENCE
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Adani Defence & Aerospace signed a major MoU with Italy’s Leonardo to establish a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) ecosystem in India.
- The partnership aims to meet the Indian Armed Forces’ requirements for advanced helicopters like the AW169M, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision for self-reliance.
- In a significant boost to asymmetric warfare capabilities, the Indian Army received its third batch of JM-1 ‘Kamikaze Drones’ (loitering munitions) from Noida-based Johnnette Technologies.
- These drones, which proved critical during Operation Sindoor, are now being deployed across diverse terrains to provide precision-strike options against mobile targets.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has seen a surge in its budget allocation, with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) receiving a 68% increase to bolster internal security and counter-terrorism.
- Concepts: Loitering Munition – A weapon system category in which the munition “waits” around the target area; MALE UCAV – Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle.
