1. President Murmu Seeks Supreme Court Opinion on Governors’ Bill Assent Timelines
President Droupadi Murmu has invoked Article 143(1) of the Constitution to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether specific timelines should be imposed on Governors for granting assent to bills passed by state legislatures. This move addresses concerns over delays in the legislative process, as Articles 200 and 201 do not currently specify deadlines for gubernatorial action.
2. Tamil Nadu Surpasses Pakistan in GDP Growth
Tamil Nadu’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2025 has reached ₹17.23 lakh crore, overtaking Pakistan’s GDP of $397.58 billion. The state recorded an impressive 9.69% growth rate, the highest among Indian states this year. This economic milestone highlights Tamil Nadu’s rapid development and positions it as a leading economic powerhouse in the region.
3. Supreme Court Orders Urgent Establishment of Exclusive POCSO Courts
The Supreme Court of India has directed the urgent establishment of exclusive courts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act across the country. This move aims to ensure swift justice for victims of child sexual abuse and address the backlog of pending cases, marking a significant step towards child protection and judicial efficiency.
4. India Releases First Monthly Labour and Unemployment Data
For the first time, India has published monthly labour and unemployment data. According to the April 2025 report, the unemployment rate stands at 5.1% for individuals aged 15 and above, with rates of 5.2% for men and 5.0% for women. This real-time data initiative is expected to improve employment policy and job market monitoring nationwide.
5. Microsoft Lays Off Over 6,000 Employees Globally
Microsoft has announced the layoff of more than 6,000 employees worldwide as part of a restructuring effort to streamline operations and reduce middle management layers. The move is intended to improve operational efficiency, but has impacted many mid-level positions across various regions.
