Current affairs 02 September 2025

Singapore ranked safest in Asia, 6th globally in Global Peace Index'25.

• Singapore ranked 6th globally & safest in Asia in GPI 2025.
• GPI assesses 163 countries on safety, conflict, and militarisation.
• Singapore’s peace score improved to 1.357, despite dropping one spot.
• Iceland topped globally, while India remained 115th with a score of 2.229.
• Asia’s top 5: Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Bhutan, and Mongolia.
• India stands at 115th with no change from last year.

India announces 100% FDI in insurance sector to boost foreign capital.

• Finance Ministry proposes 100% FDI in insurance, replacing 74% cap.
• New rules outlined in the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment Rules, 2025.
• IRDAI to verify FDI under the automatic route for transparency.
• Expected to attract global insurers, boost innovation & enhance capital.
• India’s insurance sector projected to grow at 7.1% annually.

Australia signs $267M deportation deal with Nauru for non-visa holders.

• Australia signs $267M deal with Nauru for relocating non-visa holders.
• Deal includes A$408M upfront and A$70M annually for deportees.
• Nauru, a small island nation, hosts Australia’s offshore refugee processing.
• The agreement follows Australia’s 2023 High Court ruling ending indefinite detention.
• Criticized by human rights groups as a violation of international refugee laws.

India launches first Multi-Lane Free Flow toll system in Gujarat.

• India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system launched at Choryasi Fee Plaza, Gujarat.
• System uses FASTag and VRN for barrier-less, electronic toll collection.
• Reduces congestion, travel time, fuel consumption, and emissions.
• Pilot implementation at Choryasi and Gharaunda Fee Plazas; 25 more sites planned.
• Initiative by IHMCL (NHAI) and ICICI Bank.

British Museum to loan 16th-century Vrindavani Vastra to Assam in 2027.

• British Museum to loan the 16th-century Vrindavani Vastra to Assam in 2027.
• A silk tapestry created under Srimanta Sankardeva’s guidance, depicting scenes of Lord Krishna.
• Commissioned by Koch king Nara Narayan, later acquired by the British in 1904.
• Represents Assam's Vaishnavite heritage, blending spirituality and artistry.
• Highlights the demand for repatriation of cultural artefacts.