1. India-Philippines Naval Exercise in South China Sea
Subject: International Relations/Defence
- On August 9, 2025, India and the Philippines held a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea to bolster maritime security cooperation.
- The exercise involved Indian Navy ships INS Vikramaditya and INS Viraat, focusing on interoperability and joint operational tactics.
- It strengthens India’s Act East Policy, countering China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Both nations explored expanding defence ties, including potential arms exports from India to the Philippines.
- The exercise underscores India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, enhancing regional stability.
- Concept: Indo-Pacific Strategy – India’s naval engagements promote maritime security and balance geopolitical dynamics in the region.
2. Tamil Nadu’s Export and Handloom Sector Growth
Subject: Economy (Tamil Nadu)
- Tamil Nadu ranks third among Indian states in exports, behind Gujarat and Maharashtra, driven by textiles and electronics sectors.
- The state also holds the third position in the handloom industry, following Assam and West Bengal, contributing to India’s textile economy.
- Schemes like Naan Mudhalvan are enhancing skill development to boost export competitiveness in cities like Coimbatore and Tiruppur.
- Investments in AI-driven textile innovations are meeting global demand for sustainable fabrics.
- The PM MITRA Textile Park in Tamil Nadu is expected to attract investments and create employment opportunities.
- Concept: Economic Diversification – Tamil Nadu’s focus on exports and handlooms strengthens its economic resilience through state-led industrial policies.
3. Nagasaki Day and India’s Nuclear Disarmament Stance
Subject: International Relations
- August 9, 2025, marked Nagasaki Day, commemorating the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki, observed globally to promote peace.
- India reiterated its commitment to global nuclear disarmament, emphasizing its “No First Use” nuclear policy in international forums.
- The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted India’s advocacy for non-proliferation treaties like the NPT.
- Events in New Delhi included seminars on nuclear disarmament, attended by diplomats and civil society groups.
- India’s stance is significant amid rising global tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Concept: Non-Proliferation – India’s push for a nuclear-weapon-free world aligns with its foreign policy of peace and strategic autonomy.
4. MS Swaminathan Honored with Commemorative Coin
Subject: National Issues (Tamil Nadu Connection)
- On August 9, 2025, a commemorative coin and postage stamp were released to honor MS Swaminathan, the architect of India’s Green Revolution.
- Swaminathan, a Tamil Nadu native, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024 for his contributions to agricultural self-sufficiency.
- The event in New Delhi, with parallel celebrations in Tamil Nadu, highlighted his role in the 1960s Green Revolution.
- His leadership in the National Commission on Farmers (2004) continues to shape agrarian policy reforms.
- The coin release underscores India’s focus on agricultural innovation and sustainability.
- Concept: Green Revolution – Swaminathan’s work transformed India into a food-surplus nation, influencing long-term agricultural policies.
5. Monsoon Session of Parliament Addresses Key Bills
Subject: Polity (National)
- The Monsoon Session of Parliament, concluding on August 12, 2025, addressed critical legislative and national issues.
- The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, was debated to reform sports administration and enhance transparency.
- Tamil Nadu MPs raised concerns over federal funding and state autonomy in education and health sectors.
- Discussions focused on economic stability, tax law modernization, and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
- The session highlighted India’s legislative priorities amid global economic and geopolitical challenges.
- Concept: Legislative Process – Article 107 governs the introduction and passage of bills, shaping national policy frameworks.
