1. CENTRE-TAMIL NADU TUSSLE OVER EDUCATION POLICY INTENSIFIES
Subject: Polity/National Issues
- Policy Dispute: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on July 28, 2025, reiterates opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, advocating for a state-specific education framework.
- Key Concerns: The state argues that NEP’s push for a three-language policy undermines Tamil linguistic identity and centralizes education control.
- State Initiatives: Tamil Nadu launches a ₹3,000 crore scheme to modernize government schools, focusing on bilingual education and digital infrastructure.
- Centre’s Response: The Union Education Ministry defends NEP, emphasizing its flexibility and alignment with national development goals.
- Federal Tension: The disagreement highlights broader Centre-state conflicts over education, a Concurrent List subject under Schedule VII.
- Concepts: Cooperative Federalism: Balancing state autonomy with national policy objectives.
- Impact: The outcome could influence education policy frameworks across other states, shaping India’s federal structure.
2. INDIA-UK FTA IMPLEMENTATION BEGINS
Subject: International/Economy
- Trade Milestone: The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) takes effect on July 28, 2025, boosting bilateral trade to $50 billion annually.
- Key Sectors: The agreement reduces tariffs on Indian textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services, while facilitating UK investments in India’s renewable energy sector.
- Tamil Nadu Benefits: The state’s textile and auto component industries, especially in Coimbatore and Chennai, are expected to see a 20% export surge.
- Strategic Alignment: The FTA strengthens India’s Act West Policy, enhancing economic ties with Europe amidst global trade uncertainties.
- Challenges: Domestic industries express concerns over potential import surges impacting local manufacturing.
- Concepts: Economic Diplomacy: Leveraging trade agreements to enhance global economic influence.
- Significance: The FTA positions India as a key player in global trade, fostering economic resilience.
3. TAMIL NADU PROTESTS AGAINST CUSTODIAL DEATH
Subject: Polity/National Issues
- Public Outrage: A massive protest in Chennai, led by actor-politician Vijay on July 28, 2025, demands justice for a recent custodial death in Sivagangai district.
- Case Details: The victim, a temple guard, allegedly died due to police brutality, prompting a CBI investigation ordered by the Madras High Court.
- Government Response: Tamil Nadu government announces ₹25 lakh compensation and a judicial inquiry to address public concerns.
- Policy Implications: The incident reignites debates on police reforms and the enforcement of Article 21 (Right to Life).
- Public Sentiment: Civil society groups call for stricter implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
- Concepts: Rule of Law: Ensuring accountability in law enforcement to uphold fundamental rights.
- Impact: The protests could push for systemic changes in police accountability mechanisms.
4. INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TESTS DRONE-LAUNCHED MISSILE
Subject: Defence
- Technological Breakthrough: India tests a UAV-launched precision-guided missile in Andhra Pradesh on July 28, 2025, under DRDO’s supervision.
- Strategic Advantage: The missile enhances India’s capability for targeted strikes in modern warfare, reducing reliance on manned missions.
- Indigenous Innovation: The test aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing advancements in domestic defence technology.
- Global Context: India strengthens its position among nations like the US and Israel in UAV-based warfare systems.
- Applications: The missile is designed for anti-terror operations and border security, with potential naval integration.
- Concepts: Defence Modernization: Integrating advanced technology for national security.
- Future Plans: DRDO aims to deploy the system with the Indian Air Force by 2026.
5. TAMIL NADU’S ECONOMIC GROWTH PROJECTIONS REVISED UPWARD
Subject: Economy
- Growth Forecast: Tamil Nadu’s economy is projected to grow at 10.2% in 2025-26, driven by manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, as per a state report on July 28, 2025.
- Key Drivers: Investments in electronics (Chennai) and green energy (Madurai) contribute to the state’s trillion-dollar economy goal by 2032.
- Budget Allocation: The state allocates ₹8,000 crore for industrial infrastructure, including new IT parks in Coimbatore.
- Employment Impact: The growth is expected to create 10 lakh jobs, particularly in MSMEs and startups.
- Challenges: Supply chain disruptions and skill shortages pose risks to sustained growth.
- Concepts: Inclusive Growth: Balancing economic development with employment generation.
- Significance: Tamil Nadu’s economic momentum reinforces its role as a leading industrial hub in India.
