1. TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL TO ENHANCE WOMEN’S SAFETY
Subject: Polity (Tamil Nadu)
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed amendments to strengthen laws protecting women, introduced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
- The bill revises punishments under existing laws, increasing penalties for crimes against women and introducing stricter provisions for repeat offenders.
- It includes measures to expedite trials in cases of gender-based violence, aiming to ensure faster justice delivery.
- The amendments align with Tamil Nadu’s ongoing efforts to improve gender safety and align with national women empowerment policies.
- Concept: Legislative competence under the Concurrent List (List III, Seventh Schedule) allows states to enact laws on criminal justice.
- The bill responds to rising demands for stronger legal frameworks to address gender-based violence in the state.
- Tamil Nadu’s proactive legislative measures set a precedent for other states to strengthen women’s safety laws.
2. COAL PRODUCTION SURGES, BOOSTING ENERGY SECURITY
Subject: Economy (National)
- India achieved a record coal production of over 1 billion tonnes in FY 2024–25, reinforcing energy security and reducing import dependency.
- The success is attributed to reforms in the coal sector, involving public sector units (PSUs), private players, and over 5 lakh mine workers.
- Coal sector reforms have saved $5.43 billion in foreign exchange by December 2024, with imports significantly reduced.
- The Ministry of Coal is focusing on sustainable mining practices to balance economic growth with environmental concerns.
- Concept: Energy security as a pillar of economic stability underpins India’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) initiatives.
- The surge supports industrial growth, particularly in power and steel sectors, critical for economic development.
- Challenges remain in transitioning to greener energy sources while maintaining coal’s economic contributions.
3. INDIA-UK DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENED AT AERO INDIA 2025
Subject: Defence (International/National)
- India and the UK signed multiple defense agreements at Aero India 2025, launching the Defence Partnership–India (DP-I).
- A key agreement includes establishing an ASRAAM missile assembly facility in Hyderabad, a collaboration between MBDA UK and Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
- The partnership involves joint development of next-generation weapons, including Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) and STARStreak high-velocity missiles.
- A Statement of Intent was signed for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) systems for Indian Navy ships, enhancing maritime capabilities.
- Concept: Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense promotes indigenous production and reduces reliance on foreign imports.
- The agreements strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and bolster ties with the UK, a key Quad ally.
- The Hyderabad facility marks a milestone in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, supporting local employment and technology requirements.
4. TEXTILE EXPORTS RECORD 7% GROWTH IN FY 2023–24
Subject: Economy (National)
- India recorded a 7% rise in textile and apparel exports in FY 2023–24, with major markets in the USA, EU, and UK.
- Government schemes like PM MITRA Parks, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI), and National Technical Textiles Mission drive this growth.
- Measures such as MSP for cotton and zero-duty on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton enhance sector competitiveness.
- The textile sector employs millions, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, contributing significantly to rural economies.
- Concept: Export-led growth is a key driver of India’s economic strategy under the $5 trillion economy goal.
- Challenges include global competition and dependency on imported raw materials like specialty fibers.
- Tamil Nadu’s textile hubs, such as Coimbatore and Tiruppur, play a pivotal role in this export surge.
5. INDIA’S FDI INFLOWS SHOW REGIONAL DISPARITIES
Subject: Economy (National/International)
- India recorded $81.04 billion in FDI inflows in FY 2024–25, a 14% growth, the highest in three years.
- Maharashtra and Karnataka attracted 51% of total FDI, while Tamil Nadu’s share declined from 11% to 7%.
- Improved infrastructure and policy stability in Maharashtra and Karnataka are key factors driving investor preference.
- Tamil Nadu’s decline highlights the need for enhanced industrial policies to compete with other states.
- Concept: FDI as a non-debt financial resource is critical for economic development under DPIIT regulations.
- Regional disparities underscore the need for balanced development to ensure equitable economic growth.
- The government is focusing on streamlining regulatory clearances to boost FDI across states.
