1. Singapore Prime Minister’s Visit Strengthens India-Singapore Ties
Subject: International Relations
- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited India to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming trust-based partnership.
- Both nations agreed to institutionalize an Annual Ministerial Roundtable for reviewing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Key agreements include progress on the 3rd review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025.
- Support for India’s semiconductor industry and enhanced capital market connectivity were highlighted.
- Collaboration in space technology between IN-SPACe (India) and Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry was announced.
- UPI-PayNow linkage expansion for cross-border payments and a National Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, were key outcomes.
- A Green and Digital Shipping Corridor was established between the Port of Singapore and major Indian ports.
2. GST Reforms to Boost Economy and Rural Enterprises
Subject: Economy
- The 56th GST Council Meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, announced revised GST rates effective from September 22, 2025.
- The GST rate structure was simplified from four tiers (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to two rates (5%, 18%) with a special de-merit rate of 40%.
- Common household items like hair oil, soaps, toothbrushes, and bicycles reduced from 12%/18% to 5%.
- Food items such as UHT milk, paneer, and Indian breads (roti, paratha) now have nil GST, benefiting over 10 crore dairy farmers.
- Consumer goods like TVs, ACs, and small cars (≤350cc) reduced from 28% to 18%.
- Agricultural equipment like tractors and composting machines lowered from 12% to 5%, supporting rural economies.
- Lifesaving drugs (33 types) and cancer/rare disease medicines reduced to nil GST, enhancing healthcare affordability.
3. Tamil Nadu’s Green Hydrogen Pilot Project Launched
Subject: Environment and Economy (Tamil Nadu)
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at VOC Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, on September 6, 2025.
- The project aligns with India’s goal to become a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030.
- The minister paid tribute to freedom fighter VO Chidambaranar on his 154th birth anniversary during the event.
- Collaboration in green hydrogen and ammonia production was emphasized to promote sustainable energy.
- The initiative supports Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s sustainability goals under the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance.
- This project is expected to create job opportunities and boost Tamil Nadu’s green economy.
4. Shilp Samagam Mela Showcases India’s Craft Heritage
Subject: National Issues (Culture)
- The Shilp Samagam Mela 2025 opened in Bengaluru on September 6, 2025, organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The event celebrates India’s rich heritage of art, craft, and culture, promoting artisans from across the country.
- It provides a platform for rural and tribal artisans to showcase their products, boosting their economic prospects.
- The mela includes workshops and exhibitions to preserve traditional crafts and skills.
- This initiative aligns with India’s focus on cultural preservation and economic empowerment of marginalized communities.
- Tamil Nadu artisans are prominently featured, showcasing traditional crafts like Tanjore paintings and Kanchipuram silk.
5. India’s Strategic Defence and Security Enhancements
Subject: Defence and National Issues
- The “Sudarshan Chakra” initiative emphasizes national security as a foundation for prosperity, focusing on domestic and external security.
- India is developing an impregnable security shield through mission-mode operations.
- Collaboration with the UK on co-development of jet engines and cyber defence was discussed in recent dialogues.
- The National Police Reform Commission recommended AI-based crime tracking and better accountability systems.
- India’s defence sector is being empowered through increased indigenous production and modernization efforts.
- Tamil Nadu’s role in defence manufacturing is growing, with contributions to advanced manufacturing hubs.
