1. TAMIL NADU DESIGNATES DHANUSHKODI AS GREATER FLAMINGO SANCTUARY
Subject: Polity and Environment
- The Tamil Nadu government has officially notified Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary, covering 524.7 hectares within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
- The sanctuary was inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on World Environment Day (June 5, 2025) to protect migratory birds and marine biodiversity.
- It aims to safeguard Greater Flamingos and other wetland birds along the Central Asian Flyway, enhancing Tamil Nadu’s biodiversity conservation efforts.
- The notification was issued via a Government Order on June 4, 2025, under the state’s environmental governance framework.
- This move aligns with India’s commitments to global biodiversity frameworks like SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- The sanctuary strengthens Tamil Nadu’s eco-tourism potential while promoting sustainable coastal management.
- Concept: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Empowers states to declare sanctuaries for the protection of flora and fauna, reflecting cooperative federalism in environmental policy.
2. INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TESTS EXTENDED RANGE ANTI-SUBMARINE ROCKET
Subject: Defence
- India conducted successful user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti on July 10, 2025, showcasing advanced naval capabilities.
- Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), ERASR targets hostile submarines with high precision.
- The rocket is launched from Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRLs) installed on Indian naval warships, reducing reliance on foreign defense imports.
- This development promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in high-tech defense manufacturing, aligning with India’s strategic maritime needs.
- The trials demonstrate India’s growing expertise in producing battle-ready technologies for underwater threats.
- Concept: Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Governs indigenous procurement, emphasizing self-reliance and modernization of armed forces.
- The ERASR enhances India’s maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, a region of increasing geopolitical significance.
3. INDIA-UK FREE TRADE AGREEMENT DISCUSSIONS ADVANCE
Subject: International Relations and Economy
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on June 7, 2025, to discuss the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with progress noted on July 10, 2025.
- The FTA aims to boost bilateral trade, which is currently valued at over $20 billion annually, by reducing tariffs and enhancing market access.
- Key sectors include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and technology, with India seeking better access for its professionals in the UK.
- The agreement is expected to strengthen economic ties and support India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy.
- Discussions also covered defense manufacturing and maritime domain awareness, reflecting a strategic partnership.
- Concept: Bilateral Trade Agreements: FTAs facilitate economic integration while balancing national interests, governed by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- The FTA aligns with India’s Act East Policy and its growing role in global trade frameworks.
4. TAMIL NADU’S SPACE INDUSTRIAL POLICY GAINS TRACTION
Subject: Economy
- Tamil Nadu’s Space Industrial Policy, unveiled in April 2025, is attracting significant investments, with updates reported on July 10, 2025.
- The policy aims to attract ₹10,000 crore in investments over the next five years, positioning Tamil Nadu as a hub for space technology.
- Key focus areas include satellite manufacturing, launch services, and space research, leveraging Tamil Nadu’s industrial ecosystem.
- The policy supports job creation, aiming to generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the space sector.
- Tamil Nadu collaborates with ISRO and private players to establish space-tech clusters in Chennai and Coimbatore.
- Concept: Industrial Policy Framework: State-level policies complement national initiatives like the Indian Space Policy 2023 to boost economic growth.
- This initiative aligns with India’s bioeconomy goals, integrating technology and sustainable development.
5. DEFENCE ACQUISITION COUNCIL APPROVES ₹1.05 LAKH CRORE FOR INDIGENOUS PROCUREMENT
Subject: Defence and Polity
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore on July 10, 2025, under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
- Proposals include Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Submersible Autonomous Vessels, and Super Rapid Gun Mounts.
- The DAC also cleared the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (Prachand) from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for ₹62,700 crore.
- These approvals enhance India’s defense capabilities through 100% indigenous sourcing, reducing import dependency.
- The DAC’s decisions align with the Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for a 15-year defense modernization roadmap.
- Concept: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): Established post-Kargil War (1999), it ensures time-bound, cost-effective, and capability-driven procurement.
- This move strengthens India’s strategic autonomy and supports the Make in India initiative.
