- Indian Navy Inducts Ancient Stitched Ship at Karwar
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Navy formally inducted a replica of a 5th-century CE stitched ship at Naval Base, Karwar, on May 21, 2025, presided over by Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- The ship, inspired by Ajanta Cave paintings, was constructed using traditional methods by Kerala artisans under master shipwright Babu Sankaran.
- This initiative showcases India’s maritime heritage and traditional shipbuilding techniques.
- The project aligns with the Navy’s efforts to promote cultural and historical awareness alongside defense capabilities.
- The stitched ship symbolizes India’s ancient maritime trade connections with Southeast Asia and beyond.
- Concepts: Maritime Heritage – India’s historical naval prowess; Project Sagarmala – Aims to enhance port-led development and maritime connectivity.
2. Tamil Nadu’s Federalism Debate Intensifies with Justice Kurian Joseph Committee
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin’s high-level committee, headed by Justice Kurian Joseph, held discussions on Centre-State relations, revisiting the Rajamannar Committee’s 1969 recommendations.
- The committee aims to address central overreach and enhance state autonomy in legislative, executive, and judicial domains.
- Key focus: Repeal of Article 356, criticized for enabling political manipulation of state governments.
- The initiative reflects Tamil Nadu’s push for cooperative federalism and resolving disputes through dialogue.
- Concepts: Article 263 – Provides for an Inter-State Council to foster cooperative federalism; Federalism – Balancing power between Centre and States.
- The committee’s findings may influence upcoming policy debates on fiscal federalism and state rights.
- Tamil Nadu’s move signals a broader demand for revisiting India’s unitary constitutional practices.
3. India-Mauritius Strengthen Bilateral Ties with INS Imphal’s Visit
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- INS Imphal, a Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, participated in Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, reinforcing India-Mauritius strategic ties.
- The visit included a marching contingent, naval band, and helicopter flypast, with PM Modi as the chief guest earlier in March 2025.
- India and Mauritius signed eight MoUs, covering maritime security, currency settlement, and public administration training.
- The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, funded by India, was inaugurated to train Mauritian civil servants.
- Concepts: Global South – India’s leadership in supporting developing nations; Soft Power Diplomacy – Strengthening ties through cultural and defense cooperation.
- The visit underscores India’s commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Bilateral trade and development partnerships were further solidified through these engagements.
4. Obesity Crisis in India: Economic and Health Implications
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- A World Heart Federation report highlighted that obesity rates in Indian adults have quadrupled since 1990, posing significant health and economic challenges.
- Tamil Nadu reports high obesity prevalence, straining public health infrastructure and increasing non-communicable disease burdens.
- Economic costs include reduced productivity and increased healthcare expenditure, impacting GDP growth.
- Government initiatives like Fit India Movement aim to promote healthier lifestyles but face implementation challenges.
- Concepts: Public Health Policy – Integrating preventive healthcare into national planning; Economic Burden – Impact of health crises on fiscal resources.
- Urbanization and changing dietary patterns are key drivers of the obesity epidemic in states like Tamil Nadu.
- Policy recommendations include stricter food regulations and public awareness campaigns.
5. Tamil Nadu Reallocates Endangered Species Conservation Fund
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Tamil Nadu reallocated its ₹50 crore Endangered Species Conservation Fund to the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) to expedite urgent conservation projects.
- The move aims to protect species like the Nilgiri Tahr and enhance biodiversity in the Western Ghats.
- Economic benefits include eco-tourism growth and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
- The fund supports research, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching measures, aligning with global biodiversity goals.
- Concepts: Sustainable Development – Balancing economic growth with environmental protection; Eco-Tourism – Leveraging biodiversity for economic gains.
- Tamil Nadu’s initiative strengthens its position as a leader in conservation-focused economic policies.
- Challenges include ensuring transparency in fund utilization and measurable conservation outcomes.
