1. SEMICON India 2025 Kicks Off in New Delhi
Subject: Economy
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from September 2–4, focusing on building a robust semiconductor ecosystem.
- The conference aims to position India as a global semiconductor hub, attracting investments and fostering innovation.
- Over 20,750 attendees, including industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, are participating to discuss supply chain resilience.
- India’s Semiconductor Mission, launched 3.5 years ago, has gained global confidence, with five major projects underway.
- The event aligns with India’s economic strategy to reduce dependency on imported chips and boost domestic manufacturing.
- Tamil Nadu is highlighted for its potential in semiconductor manufacturing, with proposed chip fabrication units in the state.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), supply chain resilience, and industrial policy reforms.
2. India–US Yudh Abhyas Army Exercise Begins in Alaska
Subject: Defence
- The largest-ever Yudh Abhyas Army Exercise between India and the US commenced at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, on September 2, 2025.
- The bilateral exercise focuses on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and high-altitude warfare in subarctic conditions.
- Initiated in 2004, it strengthens India–US defence cooperation amid rising bilateral tariff tensions.
- Indian Army personnel will train alongside US counterparts, enhancing interoperability and joint operational capabilities.
- The exercise underscores India’s strategic shift towards assertive defence policies and regional security collaboration.
- Concepts: Integrated Theatre Commands, jointness in military operations, and strategic autonomy in defence.
- Tamil Nadu’s defence corridor is noted for contributing equipment used in such joint exercises.
3. India Rejects SCO Statement Over Pahalgam Terror Attack Omission
Subject: International
- India’s Defence Minister refused to sign the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) draft statement in China on September 2, 2025, due to its exclusion of the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The statement highlighted a Pakistan train hijacking but omitted India’s concerns, prompting India to reaffirm its anti-terror stance.
- India’s move counters China’s diplomatic influence within SCO, showcasing strategic autonomy.
- The rejection reflects India’s policy that terrorism and normal diplomatic ties cannot coexist.
- Tamil Nadu’s coastal security measures are relevant, given India’s focus on counter-terrorism in the region.
- Concepts: Strategic autonomy, counter-terrorism diplomacy, and India’s role in multilateral forums like SCO.
- This aligns with India’s broader push for consistent global counter-terror narratives.
4. Tamil Nadu Leads in PM MITRA Textile Parks Initiative
Subject: Economy
- Tamil Nadu is one of seven states selected for the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks, aimed at bolstering the textile industry.
- Announced as part of India’s economic strategy, the initiative seeks to attract investments and create jobs in Tamil Nadu’s textile sector.
- The state’s robust industrial ecosystem and infrastructure make it a key player in this national project.
- The parks will integrate spinning, weaving, and garment manufacturing, enhancing export potential.
- Tamil Nadu’s textile industry, centered in Coimbatore and Tiruppur, is expected to see significant growth.
- Concepts: Industrial corridors, export-led growth, and employment generation through MSMEs.
- The initiative supports Tamil Nadu’s position as a manufacturing hub, complementing its semiconductor ambitions.
5. Fishermen Disputes Continue to Strain India–Sri Lanka Relations
Subject: International
- Frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen near Katchatheevu Island highlight ongoing maritime boundary disputes with Sri Lanka.
- On September 2, 2025, discussions on this issue were raised in bilateral talks, emphasizing livelihood tensions.
- India is pushing for a resolution through diplomatic channels while supporting Tamil Nadu fishermen with legal aid.
- The issue complicates India’s efforts to counter China’s influence in Sri Lanka, particularly in Trincomalee.
- Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities demand sustainable solutions, including fishing rights agreements.
- Concepts: Maritime diplomacy, India–Sri Lanka bilateral ties, and regional geopolitical balancing.
- India’s $4 billion aid during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis underscores its commitment to regional stability.
