1. Supreme Court Reviews Electoral Bonds Case
Subject: Polity
- The Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the transparency of the Electoral Bonds Scheme, which was scrapped in February 2024.
- The court is examining the need for full disclosure of donor details to ensure accountability in political funding.
- Constitutional Context: The case involves Articles 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) and 21 (right to information), balancing transparency with donor privacy.
- The Centre argues that anonymity protects donors from political retaliation, while petitioners highlight risks of untracked corporate influence.
- The hearing follows the court’s 2024 ruling declaring the scheme unconstitutional, emphasizing clean electoral practices.
- The outcome may lead to new guidelines for political funding, impacting future elections.
- Exam Relevance: Key for questions on electoral reforms, transparency, and democratic governance.
2. National Conference on Women’s Reservation in Legislature
Subject: National Issues
- A national conference on the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, was recently held to discuss its implementation for the 2024 and upcoming elections.
- The Act reserves 33% of seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, effective post-delimitation.
- Challenges include delays in delimitation, lack of clarity on OBC sub-quotas, and political resistance in some states.
- The conference emphasized capacity building for women candidates and addressing socio-cultural barriers.
- Tamil Nadu’s representation highlighted its history of women’s political participation, citing leaders like J. Jayalalithaa.
- The issue aligns with India’s commitment to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and constitutional mandates under Article 15(3).
- Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on gender equality, federalism, and legislative reforms.
3. India–ASEAN FTA Review Gains Momentum
Subject: International Relations
- India and ASEAN are accelerating the review of their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade and address non-tariff barriers.
- The focus is on easing market access for Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products in ASEAN markets.
- Recent talks emphasized digital trade, services, and sustainable economic cooperation.
- Strategic Context: The review strengthens India’s Act East Policy and counters China’s dominance in regional trade.
- Tamil Nadu, a key exporter of auto components and textiles, stands to benefit significantly from liberalized trade terms.
- The FTA review aligns with India’s goal of achieving $300 billion in exports by 2030.
- Exam Relevance: Important for questions on India’s trade diplomacy and regional economic integration.
4. RBI’s Monetary Policy Tightening Signals
Subject: Economy
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to maintain a cautious monetary policy stance amid global inflationary pressures and domestic growth concerns.
- Retail inflation rose to 3.65% in July 2025, within RBI’s 4% ± 2% target, but food inflation remains a concern.
- The repo rate is expected to stay at 6.5%, with potential rate hikes if global commodity prices spike.
- Tamil Nadu’s industries, particularly MSMEs, face challenges from high borrowing costs, impacting manufacturing growth.
- RBI’s focus on digital payments and cybersecurity continues, with new guidelines for UPI transactions.
- The central bank is also promoting green finance to support India’s net-zero goals by 2070.
- Exam Relevance: Critical for questions on monetary policy, inflation control, and economic stability.
5. Indigenous Defence Manufacturing Push
Subject: Defence
- The Ministry of Defence approved contracts worth ₹30,000 crore for indigenous production of advanced weaponry, including light combat aircraft and drones.
- Tamil Nadu’s Defence Industrial Corridor is a key beneficiary, with projects like the Tejas Mark-1A production in Coimbatore.
- The initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, aiming for 70% indigenization by 2027.
- Recent trials of the Zorawar light tank, developed by DRDO, enhance India’s capabilities in high-altitude warfare.
- Strategic Context: Strengthens India’s deterrence against border tensions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Export Potential: India aims to double defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2030, with Tamil Nadu as a manufacturing hub.
- Exam Relevance: Key for questions on defence modernization and self-reliance.
