- Justice B.R. Gavai Assumes Role as 52nd Chief Justice of India
Subject: Polity/National
- Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Droupadi Murmu on May 27, 2025.
- His tenure, lasting until November 23, 2025, is set to address critical cases, including the Places of Worship Act and Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
- As the first CJI from the Scheduled Caste Buddhist community, his appointment marks a historic milestone in India’s judiciary.
- Article 124(2) of the Constitution governs the appointment of Supreme Court judges, including the CJI.
- Justice Gavai is expected to uphold constitutional morality, emphasizing inclusivity and secularism in judicial rulings.
- His leadership will focus on judicial reforms to address case backlogs and enhance access to justice.
- Prior to this, he served as a Supreme Court judge since 2019, known for rulings on social justice and human rights.
2. Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Bill to Enhance Women’s Safety
Subject: Polity/National Issues
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly introduced amendments to strengthen laws protecting women, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
- The bill revises punishments for crimes against women, aiming to deter gender-based violence and ensure swift justice.
- It aligns with national efforts to address gender inequality, a persistent issue in education, employment, and safety.
- The state government plans to establish fast-track courts to expedite cases related to women’s safety.
- Public consultations were held to incorporate inputs from women’s rights groups and civil society.
- The amendments are expected to complement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, enhancing inclusivity.
- Tamil Nadu’s proactive stance sets a model for other states in addressing gender-based challenges.
3. India Strengthens Defence Ties with France Through AI and Nuclear Collaboration
Subject: International/Defence
- India and France signed a declaration of intent on Advanced Modular Reactors and Small Modular Reactors during PM Modi’s recent visit.
- The India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence was launched, focusing on collaborative AI technology development.
- Both nations reiterated the need for UN Security Council reform to address global security challenges.
- The agreement strengthens India’s defence capabilities through joint research in nuclear and AI-driven military technologies.
- This collaboration aligns with India’s strategic vision under initiatives like MAHASAGAR for maritime security.
- The partnership is expected to enhance India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
4. NITI Aayog Releases Fiscal Health Index Report 2025
Subject: Economy/National
- NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index Report 2025 ranks Odisha at the top for fiscal discipline, followed by Tamil Nadu.
- The report evaluates states on revenue generation, expenditure management, and debt sustainability.
- Tamil Nadu’s strong performance is attributed to its robust industrial growth and effective tax collection mechanisms.
- The report recommends including coking coal in the critical minerals list to boost industrial growth.
- It emphasizes fiscal reforms to support India’s $5 trillion economy goal by 2030.
- States like Tamil Nadu are urged to invest in renewable energy to sustain economic momentum.
- The findings will guide the allocation of Fifteenth Finance Commission grants for 2025–26.
5. Operation Sindoor: Indian Armed Forces Conduct Airstrike in Response to Terror Attack
Subject: Defence/National Issues
- The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a joint airstrike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK on May 6–7, 2025.
- The operation, monitored by PM Narendra Modi, was a retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 tourists.
- It involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, showcasing integrated military capabilities.
- The operation aligns with the ongoing push for Integrated Theatre Commands to enhance joint operations.
- India raised concerns at the IMF about Pakistan’s misuse of funds linked to terrorism financing.
- The strike underscores India’s zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism, amid strained India-Pakistan relations.
- Domestic consensus on national security remains critical to avoid politicization of such operations.
6. Tamil Nadu Hosts Global Investors Meet, Focuses on Semiconductor Industry
Subject: Economy/International
- Tamil Nadu’s Global Investors Meet 2025, held in Chennai, featured Chris Miller, author of Chip War, to discuss semiconductor policies.
- The state aims to position itself as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, aligning with India’s PLI scheme for electronics.
- The event attracted investments in 14 sectors, including electronics and renewable energy, boosting Tamil Nadu’s economy.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized sustainable industrial growth and job creation for the youth.
- The meet fostered international partnerships, with MoUs signed with global tech firms to enhance innovation.
- Tamil Nadu’s policies align with India’s self-reliance goals under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.
- The state’s proactive approach strengthens its position as a leader in India’s industrial landscape.