- Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Bill to Enhance Women’s Safety
Subject: Polity (Tamil Nadu)
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin introduced amendments to strengthen laws protecting women in the state assembly.
- The bill revises punishments for crimes against women, aiming to deter offenders and ensure swift justice.
- It includes provisions for stricter penalties and faster judicial processes for gender-based violence.
- The amendments align with the state’s commitment to gender equality and safety.
- Concepts: Legislative competence under Article 246 allows states to enact laws on public safety.
- The bill reflects Tamil Nadu’s proactive approach to addressing social issues through policy reform.
- Opposition parties supported the bill, emphasizing bipartisan consensus on women’s safety.
2. India Strengthens Defence Ties with ASEAN Nations
Subject: Defence (International)
- India participated in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta, focusing on regional security.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Discussions included joint military exercises and counter-terrorism cooperation with ASEAN nations.
- India proposed sharing expertise in cybersecurity and maritime security.
- Concepts: India’s Act East Policy strengthens strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The meeting aligns with India’s growing role in global defence diplomacy.
3. RBI Introduces New Liquidity Stress Testing Framework for Banks
Subject: Economy (National)
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a cash flow analysis framework for liquidity risk stress testing of Scheduled Commercial Banks.
- The framework assesses banks’ ability to meet obligations under extreme but plausible stress scenarios.
- It aims to ensure resilience and stability in the banking sector’s liquidity positions.
- Banks like Canara Bank have removed average monthly balance requirements, easing customer burdens.
- Concepts: Monetary policy tools like liquidity management are critical for financial stability.
- The move reflects RBI’s proactive approach to mitigating economic risks.
4. India-Chile Bilateral Talks Yield Four MoUs
Subject: International (National)
- India and Chile signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during Chilean President Gabriel Boric’s visit to India.
- The agreements cover trade, cultural exchange, renewable energy, and agricultural cooperation.
- Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade, with a focus on Chilean fruit exports to India.
- The talks emphasized India’s role as a key partner in Latin America.
- Concepts: Bilateral agreements strengthen India’s global economic and diplomatic ties.
- The MoUs align with India’s strategy to diversify trade partners.
5. Operation Sindoor Targets Terrorist Infrastructure
Subject: Defence (National)
- The Indian Armed Forces conducted “Operation Sindoor,” a joint airstrike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).
- The operation, monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025.
- It involved the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, showcasing coordinated military strength.
- The strike aimed to dismantle terrorist networks threatening India’s security.
- Concepts: National security and preemptive strikes are key to counter-terrorism strategies.
- The operation reinforces India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.