1. India Elected to UN Economic and Social Council for 2026-28 Term
Subject: International
- India secured a position in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2026-28 term with overwhelming global support on June 23, 2025.
- ECOSOC serves as a central platform for policy dialogue on economic, social, and humanitarian issues, promoting global cooperation.
- India’s election highlights its growing influence in shaping international socio-economic policies and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The term will involve India contributing to discussions on poverty reduction, health crises, and cultural cooperation.
- Key Focus: India aims to advocate for equitable economic policies and human rights, aligning with its global leadership aspirations.
- Context: This aligns with India’s recent ranking among the top 100 countries in the UN SDG Index, reflecting progress in health and well-being.
- Constitutional Relevance: Article 1 of the Indian Constitution emphasizes equality, aligning with ECOSOC’s mission to promote social justice.
2. Launch of NAVYA Initiative for Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment
Subject: National / Social Issues
- The NAVYA initiative was launched on June 24, 2025, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to empower adolescent girls across India.
- The program focuses on education, health, and skill development for girls aged 10-19, targeting rural and marginalized communities.
- It includes partnerships with state governments, NGOs, and private sectors to provide mentorship and vocational training.
- Tamil Nadu has been selected as a pilot state, with Chennai and Coimbatore hosting initial skill development centers.
- Funding: Rs. 500 crore allocated for 2025-26, with provisions for digital literacy and health awareness campaigns.
- Objective: To reduce dropout rates and enhance female workforce participation, aligning with the Gender Parity Index (GPI) improvements (1.03 in primary education).
- Policy Link: Supports the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for inclusive education.
3. Tamil Nadu’s Inclusive Sports Manual Gains National Attention
Subject: Polity / Social Issues (Tamil Nadu)
- Tamil Nadu adopted an inclusive sports manual to nurture talents of differently-abled children, inspired by Kerala’s model, on June 23, 2025.
- The initiative, launched by the Tamil Nadu Sports Department, promotes participation of children with disabilities alongside others.
- Key features include accessible sports infrastructure, trained coaches, and awareness campaigns in schools across Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
- The state government allocated Rs. 50 crore for upgrading sports facilities in 2025-26.
- National Recognition: The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports praised Tamil Nadu’s model, planning to replicate it in other states.
- Legal Context: Aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, ensuring equal opportunities.
- Impact: Expected to foster inclusivity and boost Tamil Nadu’s representation in national para-sports events.
4. India’s Textile Exports Surge with Government Support
Subject: Economy
- India recorded a 7% rise in textile and apparel exports in FY 2023-24, with key markets in the USA, EU, and UK, as reported on June 23, 2025.
- Government schemes like PM MITRA Parks, Production Linked Incentive (PLI), and National Technical Textiles Mission are driving growth.
- Tamil Nadu, a major textile hub, contributed significantly, with Tiruppur and Coimbatore accounting for 20% of India’s textile exports.
- Measures like MSP for cotton and zero-duty on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton enhance competitiveness.
- Economic Impact: The sector supports 4.5 crore jobs, with Tamil Nadu employing over 10 lakh workers in textile industries.
- Challenges: Global competition and the need for sustainable practices remain key concerns.
- Policy Link: Aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost indigenous manufacturing and exports.
5. Operation Sindoor: Indian Armed Forces Strike Terrorist Infrastructure
Subject: Defence
- The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a joint airstrike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) on June 23, 2025.
- Conducted by the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, the operation was monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- It was a retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 tourists.
- Objective: To dismantle terrorist training camps and enhance border security.
- Tamil Nadu’s Role: The Indian Navy’s INS Chennai, based in Kochi, played a critical role in maritime surveillance during the operation.
- Strategic Importance: Reinforces India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and strengthens its defence posture.
- International Context: The operation drew global attention, with India briefing UNSC members on its counter-terrorism measures.
6. Global Science-Policy Panel on Chemical Pollution Convened
Subject: International / Environment
- India participated in a global science-policy panel on chemical pollution in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from June 15-18, 2025, with discussions concluding on June 23, 2025.
- The panel aims to address chemical pollution’s impact on health and the environment, with India advocating for sustainable agricultural practices.
- Tamil Nadu’s Contribution: The state shared its organic farming initiatives, like the Jaiva Gramam campaign, as a model for reducing chemical pesticide use.
- Global Impact: The initiative supports the UN’s SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
- Challenges: Balancing agricultural productivity with environmental safety remains a key issue.
- Policy Link: Aligns with India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002, emphasizing biodiversity conservation.
- Outcome: India committed to adopting stricter regulations on pesticide use by 2027.
7. NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index Ranks Tamil Nadu High
Subject: Economy / Polity
- NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index Report 2025, released on June 24, 2025, ranked Tamil Nadu among the top states for fiscal discipline.
- Tamil Nadu’s strong performance is attributed to effective revenue management and investment in infrastructure, including Chennai’s metro expansion.
- Key Metrics: The state achieved a fiscal deficit of 2.9% of GSDP, below the national average.
- Investments: Rs. 10,000 crore allocated for renewable energy projects, including solar plants in Ramanathapuram.
- National Context: Tamil Nadu’s model is being studied for replication in other states to improve fiscal health.
- Challenges: Rising debt for welfare schemes remains a concern, requiring balanced expenditure.
- Policy Link: Supports the Finance Commission’s recommendations for state-level fiscal reforms.
