1. Union Cabinet Approves Expansion of Digital India Initiative
Subject: Polity and National Issues
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a ₹50,000 crore expansion of the Digital India Initiative to enhance digital infrastructure and literacy by 2030.
- The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, with a focus on Tamil Nadu’s remote districts like Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri.
- Key components include 5G connectivity expansion, AI-driven governance tools, and digital skill training for 10 crore citizens.
- Tamil Nadu’s e-Governance model, including the Arasu e-Sevai centres, will be integrated into the national framework.
- The program aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to promote digital learning in schools.
- Concerns raised about data privacy, with calls for stricter implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
- Expected to create 2 crore jobs, boosting formal employment in tech-driven sectors.
2. India Strengthens Defence Ties with France at Talisman Sabre 2025
Subject: Defence and International
- India participated in the Talisman Sabre 2025, a multinational military exercise hosted by Australia, alongside France, the US, and 16 other nations.
- The Indian Navy deployed INS Tabar, a Talwar-class frigate, showcasing advanced stealth and missile capabilities.
- Tamil Nadu’s Chennai-based INS Adyar provided logistical support for India’s participation.
- The exercise focused on interoperability, maritime security, and countering non-conventional threats in the Indo-Pacific.
- India and France signed an agreement to co-develop advanced drone technology for maritime surveillance.
- This strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China’s 5,000 km radar deployment.
- Discussions held on integrating Tamil Nadu’s defence manufacturing corridor into global supply chains.
3. Tamil Nadu Unveils ₹2,000 Crore Green Energy Project
Subject: Economy and Environment
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched a ₹2,000 crore green energy project in Tirunelveli to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2030.
- The project includes 500 MW of solar and wind energy capacity, supported by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
- It aims to create 15,000 jobs, focusing on MSMEs in Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy sector.
- The state’s Space Industrial Policy (April 2025) will complement this by fostering green tech innovation.
- Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy push aligns with India’s 70% round-the-clock clean electricity goal by 2030.
- Challenges include land acquisition delays and the need for advanced grid storage solutions.
- The project supports India’s global credibility as a clean energy leader, as noted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
4. India Opposes US Reciprocal Tariffs at WTO Meet
Subject: International and Economy
- India strongly opposed the US’s proposed reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump at the WTO ministerial meeting in Geneva.
- The tariffs, targeting Indian exports like textiles and pharmaceuticals, could impact Tamil Nadu’s ₹1.2 lakh crore textile industry.
- India argued that the tariffs violate WTO principles and could disrupt global trade stability.
- The Ministry of Commerce is exploring retaliatory measures while seeking exemptions for MSMEs.
- Tamil Nadu’s PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar, approved with ₹1,894 crore, aims to counter trade challenges by boosting textile exports.
- India proposed strengthening the India-US Trade Policy Forum to resolve disputes bilaterally.
- Experts warn of a potential trade war escalation, affecting India’s $81.04 billion FDI inflows in FY 2024–25.
5. Tamil Nadu’s Anti-Hindi Agitation Resurfaces in Language Policy Debate
Subject: Polity and National Issues
- Tamil Nadu’s political parties reignited the anti-Hindi agitation, protesting the Centre’s push for Hindi in official communications.
- The Dravidian movement emphasized Tamil’s cultural and linguistic pride, citing Article 343 of the Constitution, which recognizes regional languages.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced ₹50 crore for Tamil language promotion, including digital archives and global Tamil conferences.
- The Union Home Minister’s Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag (BBA) initiative aims to balance regional languages with administrative efficiency.
- Protests in Chennai and Madurai demanded equal status for Tamil in central government offices.
- The issue reflects broader regionalism concerns, with Tamil Nadu advocating for state autonomy in language policy.
- The Supreme Court urged dialogue to prevent linguistic chauvinism while upholding constitutional values.
