1. SAGAR KAVACH EXERCISE CONDUCTED ALONG COASTAL STATES
SUBJECT: DEFENCE/NATIONAL SECURITY
- The biannual ‘Sagar Kavach’ coastal security exercise commenced along India’s eastern seaboard, including Tamil Nadu districts like Cuddalore and Villupuram, to enhance multi-agency preparedness against maritime threats.
- Involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and state agencies, the drill simulates scenarios like terrorist infiltration, smuggling, and sabotage, testing integrated response mechanisms post-26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- Advanced tools such as AI-based surveillance, drones, and fast-interception crafts were deployed, aligning with Phase II of the national coastal security architecture for uniform threat assessment across 250+ ports.
- The exercise emphasizes information-sharing via platforms like the National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS), addressing gaps in professional security for the expanding Blue Economy.
- It fosters inter-state coordination and civilian involvement, with rising cargo movements demanding robust defenses against non-traditional threats like cyber intrusions on port infrastructure.
- Outcomes will refine protocols under the Colombo Security Conclave, promoting regional maritime stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Concepts: Coastal Security Architecture – Multi-layered framework with National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC); Blue Economy – Sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth and security.
2. MOSPI SURVEY REVEALS STARK DIGITAL DIVIDE IN INDIA
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- A new survey by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) exposed India’s deep digital divide, with 89% of Scheduled Tribes lacking basic ICT skills, alongside significant gender and rural-urban disparities.
- The findings, based on household data from diverse regions, highlight how technology access exacerbates inequalities, with only 40% of rural women proficient in digital tools despite national initiatives like Digital India.
- Marginalized communities face barriers in education, employment, and governance, as limited connectivity hinders participation in e-services, online learning, and financial inclusion programs.
- The report calls for targeted interventions like affordable devices, community digital centers, and skilling programs to bridge gaps, emphasizing inclusive policies to prevent technology from widening social fissures.
- It aligns with broader national goals under the National Education Policy 2020, urging investments in infrastructure for remote areas to empower underserved populations.
- Government response includes expanding BharatNet for broadband in villages and integrating digital literacy in schemes like PMGDISHA, aiming for equitable tech adoption by 2030.
- Concepts: Digital Divide – Gap between those with and without access to technology; ICT (Information and Communication Technology) – Tools enabling digital inclusion and socio-economic development.
3. SUPREME COURT RULING ON GOVERNOR’S BILL ASSENT POWERS IN TAMIL NADU CONTEXT
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Supreme Court, in a key advisory under Article 143, ruled against binding Governors or the President to strict judicial timelines for state bill assents, but stressed reasonable delays undermine federalism, directly impacting Tamil Nadu’s pending legislations.
- Stemming from Tamil Nadu’s petitions against Governor RN Ravi’s withholding of bills on local governance and prohibition, the verdict reinforces elected assemblies’ primacy while allowing discretionary review under Article 200.
- CM MK Stalin hailed it as a win for cooperative federalism, urging fixed processing norms to curb political interference and ensure swift legislative implementation in states like Tamil Nadu.
- The decision invokes judicial oversight of executive actions, balancing Centre-state dynamics in India’s quasi-federal structure and addressing accusations of gubernatorial overreach.
- Tamil Nadu Assembly responded by passing a resolution for timely assents on three withheld bills, linking to broader debates on constitutional morality and state autonomy.
- It sets precedents for similar disputes in Kerala and Punjab, promoting harmony in legislative processes amid rising federal tensions.
- Concepts: Article 200 – Governor’s discretion on state bills (assent, withhold, reserve for President); Cooperative Federalism – Collaborative governance model emphasizing mutual respect between Union and states.
4. SAGAR KAVACH EXERCISE LAUNCHED IN TAMIL NADU COASTAL DISTRICTS
SUBJECT: DEFENCE/NATIONAL SECURITY
- The ‘Sagar Kavach’ exercise kicked off in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore and Villupuram districts, involving Navy, Coast Guard, and local marine police in drills to counter sea-borne threats like infiltration and smuggling.
- Focused on post-26/11 enhancements, the biannual event tests AI surveillance, drone patrols, and rapid response, addressing vulnerabilities in the state’s 1,076 km coastline amid Blue Economy growth.
- Multi-agency coordination under the National Maritime Security Coordinator aims to standardize security at Tamil Nadu’s 13 major ports, integrating with central frameworks for holistic coastal defense.
- Local fisherfolk and communities participated in awareness sessions, highlighting the exercise’s role in building resilience against non-state actors and climate-induced risks.
- It aligns with regional initiatives like the Colombo Security Conclave, bolstering Tamil Nadu’s strategic position in the Bay of Bengal and IOR maritime domain.
- Outcomes will inform policy updates, including tech upgrades for marine police, to safeguard trade routes and livelihoods dependent on fisheries.
- Concepts: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) – Comprehensive surveillance of ocean activities; Sagar Kavach – Joint exercise for layered coastal security architecture.
5. TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION SEEKS NEET EXEMPTION
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to exempt the state from NEET for medical admissions, arguing it disadvantages rural and marginalized students by favoring coaching-centric urban elites.
- Backed by DMK and allies, the move revives long-standing demands, citing data showing a 20% drop in Tamil Nadu’s rural medical seats post-NEET, and calls for restoring Class 12-based selections under state quotas.
- Governor RN Ravi’s pending assent on related bills underscores federal friction, with the resolution invoking Article 246 for state rights over education lists.
- It highlights equity issues in access to higher education, linking to social justice principles embedded in Tamil Nadu’s reservation policies for backward classes.
- The debate featured opposition support from AIADMK, signaling cross-party consensus amid national standardization pushes, potentially heading to Supreme Court review.
- This positions Tamil Nadu as a vocal advocate for federal flexibility in exam policies, influencing similar pleas from other southern states.
- Concepts: Article 246 – Division of legislative powers between Centre and states; Social Justice – Affirmative action framework ensuring equitable opportunities in education and employment.
