1. Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution for Caste-Based Census
Subject: Polity
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution urging the Union Government to conduct a caste-based census alongside the delayed 2021 Census.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized that the census would ensure equitable resource allocation and social justice.
- The resolution aligns with Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian model of governance, prioritizing inclusive policies.
- Opposition parties, including AIADMK, supported the resolution, highlighting bipartisan consensus.
- The move addresses demands from marginalized communities for better representation in welfare schemes.
- Concept: Article 246 of the Constitution places the census under the Union List, empowering the central government to conduct it.
- Tamil Nadu’s resolution strengthens its advocacy for federal autonomy in social policy matters.
2. India Strengthens Ties at BRICS Summit 2025
Subject: International Relations
- India participated in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, on June 26, 2025, focusing on economic cooperation and counter-terrorism.
- PM Narendra Modi proposed a BRICS Digital Innovation Hub to foster technology-driven development among member nations.
- India pushed for reforms in global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank to amplify the Global South’s voice.
- The summit addressed de-dollarization, with India advocating for local currency trade to reduce forex risks.
- Tamil Nadu’s IT sector, particularly in Chennai, is poised to benefit from BRICS tech collaboration initiatives.
- Concept: BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) promotes multilateral cooperation for economic and strategic alignment.
- India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was reiterated, emphasizing diplomatic resolutions.
3. RBI Launches Digital Rupee Pilot Expansion
Subject: Economy
- The Reserve Bank of India expanded the Digital Rupee pilot on June 26, 2025, integrating it with UPI for seamless retail transactions.
- The initiative targets 10 million users by December 2025, focusing on rural and semi-urban areas.
- Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore and Madurai are among the pilot cities for testing offline digital rupee transactions.
- The move aims to reduce cash dependency and enhance financial inclusion in underserved regions.
- The RBI projects a 15% reduction in transaction costs for small businesses using the digital currency.
- Concept: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) under the RBI Act, 1934, aims to modernize India’s financial ecosystem.
- The expansion aligns with India’s Digital India mission to promote a cashless economy.
4. DRDO Tests Indigenous Anti-Satellite Missile System
Subject: Defence
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested an indigenous anti-satellite (ASAT) missile from Abdul Kalam Island, Tamil Nadu, on June 26, 2025.
- The test strengthens India’s space defence capabilities, positioning it among elite nations with ASAT technology.
- The missile system enhances India’s ability to counter satellite-based threats in modern warfare.
- The project supports the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with 90% indigenous components.
- Tamil Nadu’s coastal infrastructure played a key role in facilitating the test’s logistics.
- Concept: Mission Shakti (2019) established India as a space power, with ASAT capabilities ensuring strategic deterrence.
- The test underscores India’s focus on securing its space assets amid global competition.
5. Tamil Nadu Launches Coastal Restoration Project
Subject: Environment and National Issues
- Tamil Nadu announced a Rs. 500 crore Coastal Restoration Project on June 26, 2025, to combat erosion and protect marine ecosystems along its 1,076-km coastline.
- The project includes mangrove restoration and artificial reef deployment in districts like Nagapattinam and Chennai.
- It aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement to promote climate resilience.
- Local fishing communities will receive training for sustainable practices, boosting livelihoods.
- The initiative addresses rising sea levels, a critical national issue impacting coastal states.
- Concept: Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, governs sustainable coastal development in India.
- Tamil Nadu’s proactive measures enhance its leadership in environmental conservation.
