1. India and Japan Sign Defence Technology Pact
Subject: Defence
- India and Japan signed a defence technology cooperation agreement during a bilateral meet in Tokyo, focusing on co-developing unmanned systems.
- The pact includes joint research on drones and cybersecurity, with Tamil Nadu’s defence firms in Chennai invited to collaborate.
- It aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The agreement strengthens India’s Make in India initiative in defence manufacturing.
- Training programs for Indian Navy personnel will be conducted in Japan.
- Concepts: Strategic Partnership – Bilateral cooperation for mutual security; Indigenous Technology – Promoting local R&D in defence.
2. Lok Sabha Passes Finance Bill 2025
Subject: Economy
- The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2025, introducing tax reforms to boost MSMEs and startups, with a budget allocation of ₹2 lakh crore.
- Key provisions include tax exemptions for startups in tier-2 cities like Coimbatore and reduced GST rates for eco-friendly products.
- Tamil Nadu’s textile and leather industries are expected to benefit from new export incentives.
- The bill addresses fiscal deficit concerns, targeting a reduction to 4.5% of GDP by 2026.
- Opposition parties criticized the bill for inadequate relief for rural economies.
- Concepts: Fiscal Policy – Government spending and taxation strategies; MSME Growth – Supporting small and medium enterprises for economic development.
3. India Opposes WTO’s Fisheries Subsidies Proposal
Subject: International
- At the WTO ministerial meeting in Geneva, India opposed the fisheries subsidies proposal, citing threats to its coastal communities.
- The proposal aims to curb subsidies that contribute to overfishing, but India argues it disadvantages developing nations.
- Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities in Chennai and Nagapattinam raised concerns over livelihood impacts.
India proposed alternative measures to support sustainable fishing practices.
- The issue highlights India’s push for equitable global trade policies.
- Concepts: Trade Justice – Fair trade policies for developing nations; Livelihood Security – Protecting economic interests of vulnerable communities.
4. Tamil Nadu Assembly Debates Anti-Conversion Law
Subject: Polity
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly discussed a proposed Anti-Conversion Law to regulate religious conversions, sparking heated debates.
- The DMK government emphasized protecting individual rights while addressing forced conversions.
- Opposition parties argued the law could infringe on religious freedom under Article 25.
- The bill includes penalties for coerced conversions, aiming to maintain social harmony.
- Public consultations are planned in Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy before finalization.
- Concepts: Freedom of Religion – Constitutional right under Article 25; Secularism – State neutrality in religious matters.
5. Indian Navy Commissions New Stealth Frigate
Subject: Defence
- The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nilgiri, a stealth frigate built indigenously at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai, with trials conducted off Chennai’s coast.
- The frigate enhances India’s maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
- It features advanced radar systems and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- Tamil Nadu’s shipbuilding industry is set to benefit from future naval projects.
- The commissioning aligns with India’s goal of a 200-ship navy by 2035.
- Concepts: Maritime Security – Protecting national interests at sea; Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Self-reliance in defence production.
