1. Supreme Court Rejects Pleas on Preamble Words ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’
Subject: Polity
- The Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the inclusion of ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ in the Constitution’s Preamble, noting that the issue is under review by a larger bench.
- Petitions by Subramanian Swamy and others argued that these words, added via the 42nd Amendment (1976), altered the Constitution’s original framework.
- The court emphasized the need for comprehensive deliberation, with a future hearing to decide the matter.
- Concept: Article 368 allows amendments to the Constitution, including the Preamble, with a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
- Issue: The debate reflects tensions between constitutional originalism and evolving interpretations of India’s identity.
- Way Forward: A larger bench ruling is needed to clarify the legal and ideological implications of the Preamble’s wording.
- Relevance: This issue underscores the judiciary’s role in balancing constitutional amendments with foundational principles.
2. Retail Inflation Dips to 3.54% in July 2024
Subject: Economy
- India’s retail inflation (CPI) fell to a 59-month low of 3.54% in July 2024, driven by declining food and fuel prices.
- Tamil Nadu’s urban centers, like Chennai, reported stable vegetable prices, contributing to the trend.
- The drop provides the RBI scope to consider rate cuts, though the repo rate remains at 6.5%.
- Concept: RBI’s inflation targeting aims to maintain CPI at 4% (within a 2–6% band) under the Monetary Policy Framework.
- Issue: Balancing low inflation with economic growth amid global uncertainties.
- Way Forward: Enhance supply chains and monitor global commodity prices to sustain low inflation.
- Tamil Nadu Impact: Stable prices benefit consumers but may pressure agricultural incomes in rural areas.
3. Tamil Nadu Promotes Eco-Friendly Ganesha Idols
Subject: National Issues (Environment)
- The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board launched a campaign for eco-friendly Ganesha idols ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024.
- The initiative targets reducing water pollution from plaster-of-Paris idols in Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
- Subsidies are offered to artisans producing clay-based idols to encourage sustainable practices.
- Concept: Sustainable development aligns with India’s Paris Agreement commitments.
- Issue: Balancing cultural traditions with environmental conservation.
- Way Forward: Scale up awareness and incentivize eco-friendly idol production.
- Tamil Nadu Context: The state’s proactive environmental measures set a model for urban sustainability.
4. India Raises Concerns Over China’s Brahmaputra Dam
Subject: International Relations
- India protested China’s planned 10,000 MW hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, citing risks to downstream states like Assam.
- The dam could disrupt water flow and increase flood risks in Northeast India.
- India is accelerating its own hydropower projects to counter China’s moves.
- Concept: Transboundary river management requires cooperation under frameworks like the UN Watercourses Convention.
- Issue: Lack of data-sharing with China complicates water security planning.
- Way Forward: Pursue bilateral talks and multilateral forums for river governance.
- Relevance: Critical for India’s water security and regional stability.
5. Indian Navy’s Indo-Pacific Deployment
Subject: Defence
- The Indian Navy deployed INS Vikrant and INS Visakhapatnam for exercises in the South China Sea, reinforcing India’s Indo-Pacific presence.
- The deployment follows a joint exercise with Vietnam, strengthening ASEAN ties.
- Tamil Nadu’s Eastern Naval Command in Chennai coordinated key aspects of the mission.
- Concept: India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) emphasizes maritime security and regional cooperation.
- Issue: Navigating South China Sea tensions without escalating conflicts with China.
- Way Forward: Deepen naval cooperation with Quad and ASEAN partners.
- Tamil Nadu Context: Chennai’s naval base underscores the state’s strategic role in maritime defence.
