[1]. India–Singapore Cooperation Initiatives
India and Singapore are working together in several priority areas, including connectivity, financial cooperation, cybersecurity, and start-up collaborations. Key developments include expanding the UPI–PayNow linkage, promoting TradeTrust for e-Bills of Lading, and exploring artificial intelligence applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education. Both nations are also collaborating on water management, civil nuclear projects, climate change initiatives, food security, and joint participation in the International Solar Alliance.
Connectivity: Plans include enhancing maritime and aviation links, developing an India–Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, promoting sustainable aviation fuel, and sharing expertise in airport development and aerospace MRO.
Healthcare and Medicine: Cooperation focuses on digital health, disease surveillance, maternal and child health, regulatory facilitation, nursing skill development, and collaborative R&D in medical technologies.
People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges: Both countries are encouraging student and professional exchanges, parliamentary engagement, public service training, think tank collaboration, and cultural promotion.
Defence and Security Cooperation: Efforts include joint military exercises, maritime security initiatives, defence technology collaboration, counter-terrorism, and mutual legal assistance in criminal investigations.
[2]. p47 Protein: Protecting Cells against Mechanical Stress
In September 2025, researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) discovered the unique role of a lesser-known protein, p47, in maintaining protein stability under mechanical stress. Previously recognized as an accessory to the cellular machine p97, p47 was found to function independently as a mechanical chaperone, stabilizing proteins exposed to physical stress.
The team used single-molecule magnetic tweezers to simulate mechanical stress, confirming that p47 binds to mechanically stretched proteins and enhances their refolding ability. This “foldase-like” activity makes p47 the first cofactor protein with direct evidence of such behavior. The findings open up potential therapeutic applications in treating diseases linked to protein instability under mechanical strain.
[3]. IIT Madras Retains Top Spot in NIRF 2025 Rankings
On 4th September 2025, the 10th edition of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 was released, with IIT Madras once again ranked as India’s top higher education institute in the overall category, marking its seventh consecutive year at the top.
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Universities: IISc Bengaluru secured first place, followed by JNU (New Delhi) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
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Colleges: Hindu College, Delhi, retained first place, with Miranda House and Hansraj College ranked second and third.
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Engineering: IIT Madras led the list, followed by IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay.
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Management: IIM Ahmedabad was ranked the best management institute.
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Pharmacy: Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, topped the pharmacy category.
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Medical: AIIMS New Delhi maintained its position as the best medical institution.
[4]. Major GST Reform Announced
On 3rd September 2025, the Finance Minister introduced a major GST reform by merging the 12% and 18% tax slabs into a simplified dual-rate structure of 5% and 18%, while retaining 40% for sin goods.
Key highlights include:
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Relief for Consumers: Essentials and labour-intensive sectors will benefit, particularly farmers, healthcare, and agriculture.
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Daily Essentials at 5%: Hair oil, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bicycles, and kitchenware.
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Exemptions: UHT milk, paneer, chena, and Indian breads (roti, paratha).
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Food Products at 5%: Namkeen, noodles, sauces, pasta, chocolates, coffee, cornflakes, butter, and ghee.
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Durables at 18%: Air conditioners, dishwashers, small cars, and motorcycles up to 350 cc (reduced from 28%).
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Framework Improvements: Resolution of inverted duty structures, classification disputes, and simplification of registration, return filing, and refund processes.
[5]. Unified RERA Portal Launched
On 4th September 2025, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal launched the Unified RERA Portal during the 5th Central Advisory Council meeting in New Delhi. The portal consolidates information under a single digital platform to improve transparency and accountability in the real estate sector.
The new system empowers homebuyers with reliable access to registered projects, developers, and agents across States and UTs. It also integrates state-level portals to simplify compliance and ease RERA-related services for developers and stakeholders.
[6]. National Ayush Mission Summit
On 4th September 2025, the Ministry of Ayush concluded a two-day National Ayush Mission and Capacity Building Summit in New Delhi. Discussions focused on six areas: financial management, integration of Ayush with modern healthcare, human resource strengthening, infrastructure and service delivery, quality assurance of ASU&H medicines, and IT-enabled digital services.
During the closing session, the AYUSH Secretary emphasized the importance of large-scale behaviour change communication and the widespread adoption of Ayurveda-based lifestyles through the Har Ghar AyurYog initiative.