TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 20.06.2025

Subject: Polity

The Lok Sabha began discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on June 20, 2025, aiming to reform the management of Waqf properties.
The bill proposes mandatory registration of Waqf properties and enhanced oversight by district collectors to curb mismanagement.
Opposition parties raised concerns over potential infringement on religious autonomy, citing Article 26 (freedom to manage religious affairs).
The government emphasized transparency and accountability to benefit marginalized Muslim communities.
Concept: Separation of Powers – Balancing legislative reforms with constitutional protections for religious rights.
The bill is expected to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further scrutiny.
Public consultations across states are planned to address stakeholder concerns.

2. India Hosts G20 Sherpa Meeting in New Delhi

Subject: International

India hosted the first G20 Sherpa meeting under Brazil’s presidency on June 20, 2025, in New Delhi, focusing on global economic recovery.
Discussions centered on climate finance, digital inclusion, and reforms in multilateral institutions like the UN.
India advocated for the Global South’s priorities, including debt relief for low-income nations.
Concept: Multilateral Diplomacy – India’s role in shaping global governance frameworks.
The meeting saw consensus on accelerating SDG progress, with India pushing for green technology transfers.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to G20’s inclusive agenda.
The next G20 Summit is scheduled for July 2025 in Rio de Janeiro.

3. GST Council Recommends Rate Rationalization

Subject: Economy

The 54th GST Council meeting, held on June 20, 2025, in New Delhi, recommended rationalizing GST rates to simplify compliance.
Rates on essential goods like medicines and sanitary products were proposed to be lowered from 12% to 5%.
The council deferred a decision on taxing online gaming and luxury goods, pending further analysis.
Concept: Fiscal Federalism – Collaborative tax policy-making between Centre and states.
Tamil Nadu’s Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu welcomed the rate cuts but urged compensation for revenue losses.
The changes are expected to boost consumption and ease inflationary pressures.
A detailed report on GST reforms will be presented in the next meeting in August 2025.

4. India Tests Indigenous Hypersonic Missile

Subject: Defence

On June 20, 2025, India successfully test-fired a domestically developed hypersonic missile off the Odisha coast, marking a milestone in defence technology.
The missile, developed by DRDO, achieved speeds exceeding Mach 6, enhancing India’s strategic deterrence.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a step toward self-reliance in advanced weaponry.
Concept: Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Promoting indigenous defence manufacturing to reduce import dependency.
The test strengthens India’s position in the global hypersonic arms race, alongside nations like the US and China.
The missile is designed for precision strikes against high-value targets, bolstering national security.
Further trials are planned to integrate the missile into India’s armed forces by 2027.

5. Tamil Nadu Launches Coastal Conservation Project

Subject: State-Specific (Tamil Nadu)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched a ₹250-crore coastal conservation project in Nagapattinam on June 20, 2025, to combat erosion and protect marine ecosystems.
The project includes mangrove restoration, artificial reefs, and community-led conservation initiatives.
It aims to safeguard livelihoods of over 10,000 fishing families affected by climate change.
Concept: Environmental Governance – Integrating local communities in sustainable coastal management.
The state partnered with IIT Madras for technical expertise in coastal protection measures.
The project aligns with Tamil Nadu’s climate action plan, targeting carbon neutrality by 2040.
Similar initiatives are planned for Chennai and Cuddalore districts by 2026.