1. POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Jan Vishwas Bill 2025: Major Legal Reforms
Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 tabled in Lok Sabha; 288 provisions decriminalised
Parliament introduces comprehensive criminal law reform bill decriminalising 288 provisions across various sectors.
Key Features:
- Over 40,000 regulations simplified or reduced and 3,500 provisions decriminalised
- Focus on ease of doing business
- Reduction of compliance burden
- Trust-based governance approach
- Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
Criminal Law Reform in India – Historical Context:
- Colonial Legacy: Indian Penal Code 1860, CrPC 1973
- Reform Committees:
- Malimath Committee (2003): Criminal justice system reforms
- Justice J.S. Verma Committee (2013): Sexual assault laws
- Law Commission Reports: 262nd, 277th on criminal law reforms
Decriminalisation Concept:
- Definition: Removing criminal penalties for certain acts
- Alternative Penalties: Civil penalties, administrative actions
- Global Trend: Reducing prison overcrowding
- Business Impact: Encouraging entrepreneurship
Constitutional Framework:
- Article 20: Protection against retrospective criminal laws
- Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty
- Entry 2, List III: Criminal law (Concurrent List)
- Entry 1, List I: Defence of India Act
Previous Decriminalisation Efforts:
- Companies Act 2013: 16 offences decriminalised (2018)
- LLP Act 2008: 12 compoundable offences
- SEBI Act: Administrative penalties instead of criminal prosecution
Exam Memory Trick: “JVB-288” (Jan Vishwas Bill – 288 provisions)
2. ECONOMY
India’s Economic Resilience: 6.5% Growth Amid Global Uncertainty
India’s economy remains fastest growing major economy with 6.5% GDP growth and Modi’s tax overhaul amid Trump tariff tensions
India maintains strong growth momentum despite global economic uncertainties and trade tensions.
Current Economic Indicators:
- GDP Growth: 6.5% (FY 2025-26 projection)
- Position: Fastest growing major economy globally
- Policy Response: Tax reforms to counter external pressures
- Trade Impact: Trade policies clarity expected by end of 2025
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
GDP Calculation Methods:
- Production Method: Value added by all sectors
- Income Method: Sum of all incomes earned
- Expenditure Method: C + I + G + (X-M)
India’s GDP Structure (2024-25):
- Services: 55% (IT, banking, telecom)
- Industry: 28% (manufacturing, construction)
- Agriculture: 17% (declining share, employment still high)
Major Economic Indicators – Static Framework:
- Nominal GDP: Current prices
- Real GDP: Constant prices (base year 2011-12)
- Per Capita Income: GDP/Population
- GNP: GDP + Net factor income from abroad
Global Economic Rankings:
- GDP (Nominal): 5th largest economy
- GDP (PPP): 3rd largest economy
- Ease of Doing Business: 63rd rank (2020)
- Global Competitiveness: 68th rank
Tax Reform Background:
- GST Implementation: July 1, 2017
- Corporate Tax Reduction: 30% to 25% (2019)
- Personal Income Tax: New vs Old regime
- Digital Services Tax: 6% on foreign companies
Economic Planning Evolution:
- Five Year Plans: 1951-2017 (12 plans completed)
- NITI Aayog: Replaced Planning Commission (2015)
- Vision 2030: $5 trillion economy target
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Self-reliance initiative
3. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
US-India Trade Relations: Navigating Tariff Tensions
India-US trade relationship faces challenges with new US trade policies affecting bilateral commerce.
Current Scenario:
- US Position: Reciprocal tariff policy implementation
- India’s Response: Tax reforms to support domestic economy
- Trade Volume: $190+ billion bilateral trade (2024)
- Strategic Impact: Affects defense, technology partnerships
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
India-US Trade Evolution:
- 1991: Economic liberalization begins
- 2005: Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative
- 2016: Major Defense Partner status
- 2020: Trade deal negotiations stalled
- 2025: Tariff tensions escalate
Bilateral Trade Structure: India’s Exports to US:
- IT Services (40%)
- Pharmaceuticals (15%)
- Textiles & Apparel (12%)
- Engineering goods (10%)
- Chemicals (8%)
India’s Imports from US:
- Crude oil (25%)
- Aircraft (20%)
- Electronic components (15%)
- Agriculture products (12%)
- Defense equipment (10%)
Trade Mechanisms & Organizations:
- WTO Framework: Multilateral trade rules
- USTR: US Trade Representative office
- DGFT: India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade
- Trade Policy Forum: Annual bilateral consultations
Strategic Partnerships:
- Quad Alliance: US, India, Japan, Australia
- I2U2: India, Israel, UAE, US
- IPEF: Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
- Critical Minerals Partnership
Tariff Classifications:
- MFN Tariffs: Most Favored Nation rates
- Preferential Tariffs: Reduced rates for partners
- Anti-dumping Duties: Protection against unfair pricing
- Countervailing Duties: Against subsidized imports
4. ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Mining Sector Reforms: Environmental and Economic Balance
Government introduces mining reforms balancing resource extraction with environmental protection.
Key Provisions:
- Easier lease expansion for deep-seated minerals
- Critical minerals charges waived
- Captive sale cap removal
- Mineral exchanges establishment
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
India’s Mineral Wealth:
- Iron Ore: World’s 4th largest reserves (Odisha, Chhattisgarh)
- Coal: World’s 2nd largest reserves (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh)
- Bauxite: 5th largest reserves (Odisha, Andhra Pradesh)
- Critical Minerals: Lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements
Mining Regulatory Framework:
- MMDR Act 1957: Mines and Minerals Development & Regulation
- Coal Mines Act 1952: Coal sector specific regulations
- Forest Conservation Act 1980: Forest clearance requirements
- Environment Protection Act 1986: Environmental clearances
Environmental Clearance Process:
- Category A: Projects requiring central clearance
- Category B: State-level clearance
- EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment mandatory
- Public Consultation: Mandatory for major projects
Critical Minerals List (2023):
- Energy Storage: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel
- Electronics: Rare Earth Elements, Gallium
- Defense: Titanium, Tungsten
- Renewable Energy: Silicon, Copper
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 297: Ownership of minerals vests in Union
- Entry 50, List I: Regulation of mines (Union List)
- Entry 23, List II: Regulation of mines (State List)
- Article 48A: Environmental protection (DPSP)
Tamil Nadu Mining Profile:
- Major Minerals: Lignite (Neyveli), limestone, bauxite
- Minor Minerals: Sand, gravel, clay
- NLC India Limited: Major lignite mining
- Environmental Challenges: Groundwater depletion, air pollution
5. GEOGRAPHY
Infrastructure Development and Regional Connectivity
Large-scale infrastructure and township development projects scheduled across multiple regions.
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
India’s Urban Development Framework:
- Smart Cities Mission: 100 cities selected
- AMRUT: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
- PMAY: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All)
- Swachh Bharat Mission: Sanitation and cleanliness
Township Development Models:
- Integrated Township: Residential + commercial + industrial
- Satellite Towns: Around major cities
- New Towns: Planned urban centers
- Industrial Townships: Manufacturing hubs
Urban Planning Concepts:
- Master Plan: 20-year development blueprint
- Zoning: Residential, commercial, industrial areas
- FAR: Floor Area Ratio regulations
- Green Building: GRIHA, LEED certifications
Tamil Nadu Urban Landscape: Major Cities by Population (2024):
- Chennai: 12+ million (metropolitan area)
- Coimbatore: 2.2 million
- Madurai: 1.6 million
- Tiruchirappalli: 1.2 million
- Salem: 1.1 million
Tamil Nadu Industrial Corridors:
- Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)
- East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC)
- Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor
- Coimbatore-Tirupur-Erode Industrial Belt
Geographic Classifications: Tamil Nadu Regions:
- Northern Region: Chennai, Vellore, Kanchipuram
- Western Region: Coimbatore, Erode, Salem
- Central Region: Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur
- Southern Region: Madurai, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari
Transportation Networks:
- National Highways: NH-44, NH-48, NH-32, NH-38
- State Highways: 280+ SH roads
- Railways: 4,450 km network
- Airports: 5 operational (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin)
6. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics 2025
The 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics recognised 13,508 physicists from four collaborative projects at CERN
Prestigious “Oscars of Science” award recognizes massive international collaboration in particle physics research.
Award Details:
- Recipients: 13,508 physicists from CERN projects
- Projects: Four collaborative initiatives
- Significance: Largest scientific collaboration ever recognized
- Prize Money: $3 million to be shared
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
CERN – Complete Profile:
- Full Form: European Organization for Nuclear Research (French: Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire)
- Establishment: September 29, 1954
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland (France-Switzerland border)
- Member States: 23 countries
- Budget: $1.2 billion annually
Major CERN Achievements:
- World Wide Web (1989): Tim Berners-Lee invention
- Higgs Boson Discovery (2012): “God particle” confirmation
- Large Hadron Collider (LHC): World’s largest particle accelerator
- Antimatter Research: Fundamental physics understanding
CERN Accelerator Complex:
- LHC: Large Hadron Collider (27 km circumference)
- SPS: Super Proton Synchrotron
- PS: Proton Synchrotron
- Linac: Linear accelerators
Four Major LHC Experiments:
- ATLAS: A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS
- CMS: Compact Muon Solenoid
- LHCb: Large Hadron Collider beauty
- ALICE: A Large Ion Collider Experiment
Breakthrough Prizes Categories:
- Fundamental Physics: $3 million prize
- Life Sciences: $3 million each (up to 3 prizes)
- Mathematics: $3 million prize
- New Horizons: $100,000 for early-career researchers
India’s Participation in CERN:
- Associate Member: Since 2016
- Indian Scientists: 100+ researchers
- Institutions: TIFR, VECC, BARC participation
- Computing Grid: Major contributor to LHC data processing
Particle Physics Fundamentals:
- Standard Model: Framework of fundamental particles
- Quarks: Six types (up, down, charm, strange, top, bottom)
- Leptons: Electron, muon, tau and their neutrinos
- Bosons: Force carriers (photon, W, Z, gluon, Higgs)
7. DEFENCE & INTERNAL SECURITY
Infrastructure Development and Border Security
Current Focus: Ongoing infrastructure projects and security preparedness
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
India’s Border Management:
- Total Land Borders: 15,106 km with 7 countries
- Coastal Border: 7,516 km
- Border Guarding Forces: BSF, ITBP, SSB, AR
Border Infrastructure Projects:
- Border Roads Organisation (BRO):
- Establishment: 1960
- Mandate: Strategic road construction
- Projects: 73 strategic roads completed (2024-25)
- Border Area Development Programme (BADP):
- Coverage: 111 border districts
- Focus: Infrastructure, healthcare, education
- Allocation: ₹784 crore (2024-25)
Maritime Security Framework:
- Indian Navy: 3 Commands (Eastern, Western, Southern)
- Coast Guard: 4 Regions with 150+ vessels
- Coastal Security Scheme: 73 police stations
Internal Security Challenges:
- Left Wing Extremism: 45 districts affected
- Terrorism: J&K, urban areas
- Cyber Security: Digital threats
- Border Infiltration: Systematic monitoring
Security Forces Structure:
- Central Armed Police Forces: 7 forces
- State Police: 29 states + UTs
- Intelligence Agencies: IB, R&AW, NIA
8. SOCIETY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Digital Governance and Social Inclusion
Current Focus: Government provided 10 lakh permanent government jobs in past two years
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
Employment Generation Schemes:
- MGNREGA: Rural employment guarantee
- PM-KISAN: Direct income support
- Stand-up India: SC/ST/Women entrepreneurship
- Mudra Yojana: Micro-finance scheme
Social Justice Constitutional Framework:
- Articles 14-18: Right to Equality
- Articles 19-22: Right to Freedom
- Articles 29-30: Cultural and Educational Rights
- Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests
Reservation System:
- SC: 15% reservation
- ST: 7.5% reservation
- OBC: 27% reservation (central government)
- EWS: 10% reservation (economically weaker sections)
9. AWARDS & HONOURS
National Sports Awards 2025
Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh and Praveen Kumar received Khel Ratna awards. 32 athletes honoured with Arjuna Award
Award Categories:
- Khel Ratna: Highest sporting honor
- Arjuna Award: Outstanding performance
- Dronacharya Award: Coaching excellence
- Dhyan Chand Award: Lifetime achievement
2025 Khel Ratna Recipients:
- Manu Bhaker: Shooting (Olympic Bronze medalist)
- D Gukesh: Chess (World Champion)
- Harmanpreet Singh: Hockey (Captain)
- Praveen Kumar: Para-athletics
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
National Sports Awards Evolution:
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1991-2020): Now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
- Prize Money: ₹25 lakh (Khel Ratna), ₹15 lakh (Arjuna)
- Selection Committee: Sports Ministry constituted panel
- Award Ceremony: August 29 (National Sports Day)
Complete Awards Structure:
- Khel Ratna: Maximum 5 per year
- Arjuna Award: Maximum 15 per year
- Dronacharya Award: Maximum 5 per year (regular + lifetime)
- Dhyan Chand Award: Maximum 3 per year
Previous Tamil Nadu Recipients:
- Khel Ratna: P.V. Sindhu (2016), Kidambi Srikanth (2021)
- Arjuna Award: 50+ recipients since 1961
- Coaching Awards: Multiple badminton and chess coaches
10. SPORTS
BCCI awarded ₹58 crore to Team India for winning ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with a 4-wicket victory over New Zealand in Dubai final
Tournament Details:
- Final: March 9, Dubai
- Result: India defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Performance: Remained undefeated throughout
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
ICC Champions Trophy History:
- First Edition: 1998 (as ICC KnockOut)
- Format: ODI tournament
- Frequency: Every 4 years
- Participants: Top 8 ODI teams
India’s ICC Tournament Record:
- Cricket World Cup: 1983, 2011
- T20 World Cup: 2007, 2024
- Champions Trophy: 2002, 2013, 2025
BCCI Prize Distribution:
- Total Amount: ₹58 crore
- Players: Individual rewards
- Coaching Staff: Performance bonuses
- Selectors: Recognition amount
11. PERSONS IN NEWS
D Gukesh – Youngest World Chess Champion
Current Recognition: D Gukesh receives Khel Ratna award
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
D Gukesh Profile:
- Full Name: Dommaraju Gukesh
- Born: May 29, 2006 (Chennai)
- Achievement: World Chess Champion (2024)
- Record: Youngest World Champion (18 years)
- Title: Grandmaster (2019)
Chess Champions from India:
- Viswanathan Anand: World Champion (2007-2013)
- D Gukesh: World Champion (2024-present)
Other Notable Achievers:
- Manu Bhaker: Olympic Bronze (Paris 2024)
- Harmanpreet Singh: Hockey Captain
- Praveen Kumar: Para-athletics World Record holder
12. IMPORTANT DAYS & EVENTS
National Sports Day – August 29
Significance: Birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand
EXCLUSIVE STATIC BACKGROUND:
Major Dhyan Chand (1905-1979):
- Sport: Field Hockey
- Olympics: Gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936)
- Goals: Over 1000 in career
- Nickname: “The Wizard” of hockey
August Important Days:
- August 15: Independence Day
- August 19: World Photography Day
- August 29: National Sports Day
- August 30: Small Industry Day