1. 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill: Enhancing Accountability
Subject: Polity
- The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes automatic removal of Ministers, including the Prime Minister or Chief Ministers, if detained for 30 consecutive days for offenses punishable by five years or more imprisonment.
- Applicable to the Centre, States, Delhi, and Union Territories like Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir through separate legislation.
- Removal is triggered by custody, not conviction, raising concerns about potential political misuse and violation of the basic structure doctrine (Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973).
- The process involves the President (for Union Ministers, on PM’s advice) or Governor (for State Ministers, on CM’s advice), with PM/CM required to resign by the 31st day.
- Supporters argue it promotes constitutional morality and public trust in governance.
- Critics highlight risks to parliamentary democracy, as executive discretion could undermine judicial processes.
- The bill is under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee to address logistical and constitutional concerns.
2. Alleged Caste Discrimination in Tamil Nadu Village
Subject: National Issues (Social Justice)
- In Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, Dalit residents allege a 200-meter-long, 10-foot-high wall in Valangaiman restricts access to their settlements, termed an “untouchability wall.”
- The wall, erected three years ago, impacts over 1,000 Dalit families and 800 schoolchildren, limiting access to common pathways in Kovilpathu and Pathiripuram.
- It is claimed to be on private land but is seen as perpetuating caste-based discrimination, violating Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination).
- The issue breaches the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, prompting activist demands for demolition and state intervention.
- Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian model of governance faces scrutiny for gaps in addressing rural caste issues.
- Local authorities are investigating, with plans for community dialogues to promote social harmony.
- The incident highlights the need for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in Tamil Nadu.
3. India–Mauritius Strategic Partnership Deepened
Subject: International Relations
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi to strengthen bilateral ties in the Indian Ocean Region.
- India announced a $25 million special economic package to support Mauritius’s development initiatives.
- The first overseas Jan Aushadhi Kendra was established in Mauritius to promote affordable healthcare access.
- Agreements were signed for cooperation in health, education, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and the blue economy.
- India committed to supporting a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital and an AYUSH Centre of Excellence in Mauritius.
- The partnership includes supplying 100 electric buses to Mauritius, with 10 already delivered, aiding its green energy transition.
- Both nations aim to enhance maritime security and support Mauritius’s sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific.
4. India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)
Subject: Economy
- India signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
- EFTA countries pledged $100 billion in investments over 15 years, expected to create 1 million direct jobs in India.
- The agreement eliminates tariffs on 92.2% of tariff lines, covering 99.6% of India’s exports, boosting sectors like textiles, gems, jewelry, and organic chemicals.
- It fosters cooperation in IT, finance, health services, precision engineering, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
- TEPA supports India’s Net-Zero target by 2070, providing access to European green finance and clean technology.
- Tamil Nadu’s textile and IT hubs, particularly in Chennai and Coimbatore, are poised to benefit from enhanced export opportunities.
- The agreement strengthens India’s integration into global value chains, reducing reliance on traditional trade partners.
5. ISRO Transfers SSLV Technology to HAL
Subject: Defence and Science & Technology
- ISRO signed its 100th technology transfer agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in Bengaluru.
- Facilitated by INSPACe, HAL will manufacture SSLVs for Indian and global markets, with ISRO providing technical support and training.
- The SSLV can carry 500 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 300 kg to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO), designed for cost-effective launches.
- The three-stage solid propulsion rocket features a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) for precise orbital insertion.
- The first successful SSLV flight on February 10, 2023, launched EOS-07 and two customer satellites into orbit.
- This transfer bolsters India’s position in the global small satellite market, reducing dependence on foreign launchers.
- Tamil Nadu’s aerospace sector in Chennai will benefit from increased manufacturing and job creation.
