1. Tamil Nadu Launches Pilot Project for Essential Commodity Delivery
Subject: Polity/Social Welfare
- The Tamil Nadu State government initiated a pilot project in Chennai to deliver essential commodities directly to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
- The initiative, launched under the state’s welfare scheme, aims to enhance accessibility and support vulnerable populations.
- It involves collaboration with local cooperatives to ensure timely delivery of essentials like groceries and medical supplies.
- The project aligns with the state’s broader vision of inclusive governance and social equity.
- Plans are in place to expand the scheme to other districts, including Coimbatore and Madurai, based on the pilot’s success.
- The initiative supports the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized that the project reflects Tamil Nadu’s commitment to social justice and welfare-driven governance.
2. India Elected to UN Economic and Social Council for 2026–28 Term
Subject: International Relations
- India secured a position in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2026–28 term with overwhelming global support.
- ECOSOC serves as a central platform for discussing economic, social, and humanitarian policies, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals.
- India’s election highlights its growing influence in shaping global socio-economic policies and promoting human rights.
- The country aims to advocate for poverty reduction, job creation, and cultural cooperation during its tenure.
- This development strengthens India’s role in the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- India’s diplomatic campaign post-Pakistan conflict contributed to garnering international support for its ECOSOC bid.
- The election aligns with India’s vision of a multipolar world and equitable global governance.
3. RBI Signals Potential Jumbo Rate Cut to Boost Economy
Subject: Economy
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to announce a 50 basis points (bps) repo rate cut during its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on July 6, 2025.
- This would mark the third consecutive rate cut to stimulate economic growth amid low inflation and global uncertainties.
- The decision aims to enhance credit flow, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and manufacturing sectors.
- The move is expected to lower borrowing costs, potentially boosting consumer spending and investment.
- Economists highlight that the cut reflects India’s robust economic position as the 4th largest global economy with a $4.3 trillion GDP.
- The RBI’s strategy also addresses global financial volatility influenced by U.S. fiscal policies and debt ceiling debates.
- This policy shift is anticipated to support India’s target of meeting 25% of global energy demand by 2047.
4. DRDO Advances Indigenous Defence Communication Systems
Subject: Defence
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted field trials of two advanced communication systems developed by the Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) in Dehradun.
- These systems enhance secure, real-time communication for the Indian Armed Forces across multiple operational domains.
- The trials are part of India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- The systems are designed to counter electronic warfare threats, including those from drones, highlighted during recent India-Pakistan tensions.
- The technology supports joint operations, as demonstrated in the success of Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
- DRDO plans to integrate these systems into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force by mid-2026.
- The development strengthens India’s defence capabilities amid growing regional security challenges.
5. SPREE 2025 Initiative Enhances Social Security Coverage
Subject: Polity/Social Welfare
- The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) launched SPREE 2025 to expand social security coverage under the ESI Act.
- Approved during ESIC’s 196th meeting, the initiative targets unorganized sector workers, including those in Tamil Nadu’s textile and manufacturing hubs.
- It aims to provide affordable healthcare and insurance benefits to low-income workers, enhancing social equity.
- Tamil Nadu, with its significant industrial workforce in cities like Coimbatore and Tiruppur, is a key focus area for SPREE 2025.
- The initiative supports India’s broader goal of universal social security as part of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.
- It includes digital tools for easier enrollment and claim processing, aligning with the Digital India initiative.
- The program is expected to benefit over 3.5 crore workers nationwide, with Tamil Nadu playing a pivotal role due to its large labor base.
