Daily Current Affairs- 7th September 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 7th September 2025

Meitei Group Rejects Suspension of Operations Pact with Kuki-Zo Groups in Manipur

In the News: On September 5–7, 2025, the fragile peace process in Manipur took a major setback as both Meitei and Kuki-Zo community groups rejected key agreements announced by the central government. The agreements—seen as critical steps toward restoring stability—included the extension of a Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups and the reopening of National Highway-2 (NH-2). However, widespread dissent from civil society groups across both communities has cast doubt on their viability.

Key Points:

• Civil Society Rejection: The powerful Meitei umbrella organization, COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity), denounced the SoO extension as an “undemocratic, anti-people move.” They argued that the agreement undermined the democratic will—citing a March 2023 cabinet resolution and a February 2024 assembly vote to abrogate the SoO—and was illegitimate because the state was under President’s Rule at the time.
• Kuki-Zo Grassroots Opposition: At the same time, the Village Volunteers Coordinating Committee (VVCC), representing Kuki-Zo grassroots groups, rejected the reopening of NH-2. The committee stated that the decision bypassed public consensus and reaffirmed that Meitei civilians would not be allowed free movement in Kuki-Zo regions until their demand for a separate administration was addressed.
• Clarifications on Highway Access: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF)—groups that signed the SoO—clarified that NH-2 was never blocked and that their appeal for "free movement" applied only to essential traffic through the Kangpokpi stretch, not unrestricted movement across buffer zones. They emphasized that security on the highway remains the responsibility of central forces.
• Compliance vs. Consultation:: Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel affirmed that the government would honour the newly signed SoO agreement, which involves insurgent camps being relocated from sensitive areas and commitment to a structured peace dialogue. Despite official claims of compliance, both community groups challenged the legitimacy of the consultation process.
• Context of Violence and Governance:: These developments unfold against the backdrop of intense ethnic conflict since May 2023, which has displaced over 60,000 people and claimed hundreds of lives. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since early 2025, and civil society groups argue that the administration lacks the democratic mandate to make such significant decisions unilaterally.

47% of Ministers in India Face Criminal Cases According to ADR Report

In the News: The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released an analysis revealing that nearly 47% of India’s ministers across state assemblies, Union Territories, and the Union Council of Ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves in their election affidavits. This figure includes a substantial number facing serious criminal charges such as murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women.

Key Points:

• Scope of the Analysis: The report examined affidavits from 643 ministers representing 27 state assemblies, three Union Territories, and the Union Council of Ministers. Out of these, 302 ministers roughly 47% declared criminal cases. Importantly, 174 of them are facing serious criminal charges.
• Breakdown by Political Parties:
  • Among BJP ministers (336), 136 (40%) declared criminal cases, with 88 (26%) facing serious ones.
  • In the Congress (61 ministers), 45 (74%) have criminal cases, and 18 (30%) face serious allegations.
  • Among DMK ministers (31), 27 (87%) have cases against them, including 14 (45%) with serious charges.
  • The TDP stands out with 22 of its 23 ministers (96%) having criminal cases, and 13 (57%) facing serious offences.
  • In the AAP (16 ministers), 11 (69%) face criminal charges, with 5 (31%) serious ones.
  • TMC has 13 of 40 ministers (33%) with cases, including 8 (20%) serious.
• Regional Disparities: Eleven state assemblies—including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Puducherry—reported more than 60% of their ministers with criminal cases. In stark contrast, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand reported no ministers with criminal cases.
• Union Ministers’ Profile: Among the 72 Union Council ministers, 29 (40%) declared criminal cases.
• Contextual Legislative Move: The ADR report follows on the heels of three bills introduced in Parliament seeking automatic removal of sitting Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who are detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges (punishable by five years or more). These bills are now under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

New Technology and Innovation Conclave to Replace Science Congress

In the News: The government has decided to replace the historic Indian Science Congress (ISC) with a modern Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC). This shift reflects the need for innovation-driven scientific engagement better aligned with national priorities.

Key Points:

• A Symbolic Shift in Scientific Dialogue: The Indian Science Congress, established in 1914 and long regarded as the country's premier scientific platform, has been discontinued due to waning relevance, institutional friction, and controversies fertilizing calls for deeper innovation.
• Introduction of ESTIC: In its place, the government will host the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) for the first time. The inaugural event is scheduled for November 3–5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Event Features and Participants: ESTIC will include 11 thematic technical sessions covering frontiers such as quantum science, biotechnology, advanced materials, semiconductors, space technologies, AI, bio-manufacturing, emerging agriculture, climate and energy, health technologies, and the blue economy. Complementing these will be plenary talks by Nobel Laureates and international experts, an exhibition showcasing deep-tech start-ups, and B2B/B2G meetings.
• Strategic Objectives: The conclave aims to align with Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering applied research, bridging the innovation ecosystem between academia and industry, and positioning India prominently in global science and technology leadership. It will serve as a serious, policy-oriented forum—distinct from the science-popularization-focused India International Science Festival (IISF).
• High-Level Engagement: The event is organized by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) along with other science-related ministries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the conclave, underscoring its importance as a flagship annual event.

Finland to Sign Declaration on Two-State Solution for Israel and Palestinians

In the News: Finland announced its decision to join an international declaration supporting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The declaration stems from a United Nations conference in July 2025, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, aimed at reviving the peace process.

Key Points:

• Nature of the Declaration: The declaration calls for a peaceful resolution through the creation of two sovereign states. It outlines concrete, time-bound, and irreversible steps, beginning with ending the ongoing war in Gaza and paving the way for Palestinian statehood.
• Diplomatic Context: The plan was framed at a UN conference in New York in July 2025. It sets out a phased 15-month roadmap for establishing a Palestinian state, covering demilitarization, security guarantees, and post-war reconstruction.
• Finland’s Position: Finland described the declaration as the most significant international initiative in years for the two-state framework. However, Finland has not formally recognized Palestine, unlike countries such as Spain and Norway. This reflects political divisions within Finland’s governing coalition.
• Domestic Politics: President Alexander Stubb has indicated readiness to recognize Palestine if the government proposes it, but Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has clarified that such recognition is not imminent. The issue remains a point of contention within the right-leaning coalition.
• Global Alignment: Finland’s endorsement aligns it with countries such as France, Canada, and the UK, which are backing the initiative. Several European nations have also signalled readiness to recognize Palestine, linking such steps to reforms and international aid commitments.

Asia Cup Hockey: India Regains Crown with Big Win, Qualify for 2026 World Cup

In the News: On September 7, 2025, the Indian men’s hockey team emerged victorious in the Asia Cup finals held in Rajgir, Bihar, defeating defending champions South Korea 4–1. This momentous victory not only marked India’s return to the continental throne after an eight-year gap but also secured their direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Key Points:

• Final Match Highlights: India dominated the final match with key contributions from standout players—Dilpreet Singh scored a brace, while Sukhjeet Singh and Amit Rohidas each added one goal. South Korea managed just one goal via Dain Son, which served as a consolation. India’s commanding performance earned them the Asia Cup title and guaranteed their place at the 2026 World Cup.
• Historical Achievement: This triumph marks India’s fourth Asia Cup title, with previous victories in 2003, 2007, and 2017. The eight-year wait since their last win ended with this victory.
• Road to the Final: The tournament unfolded at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium in Rajgir from August 29 to September 7, 2025, featuring eight teams. India was grouped with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan in the opening round. Despite a draw against South Korea in the Super 4s, they secured convincing wins against Malaysia (4–1) and China (7–0) to reach the final.
• Significance of the Win: With this title, India became the eighth nation to qualify for the 2026 men’s FIH Hockey World Cup. The victory showcased India’s resurgence on the continental stage and reaffirmed its status as a formidable force in Asian hockey.
• Leadership and Praise: Team captain Harmanpreet Singh played a pivotal role, both as a leader and playmaker, orchestrating many of the goals during the final. His performance was widely praised.

Sabalenka Beats Anisimova to Win Second Straight U.S. Open Title

In the News: On September 6, 2025, Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka secured her second consecutive U.S. Open women's singles title by defeating America’s Amanda Anisimova 6–3, 7–6 (7–3) in the final held at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This victory added a fourth Grand Slam title to her career tally and made her the first woman since Serena Williams (2013–2014) to defend the U.S. Open crown.  

Key Points:

• Final Match Details: Sabalenka overcame a spirited challenge from Anisimova in straight sets, sealing the second set in a tense tiebreak. Her composed and strategic play under pressure was widely praised.
• Historical Significance: By defending her U.S. Open title, Sabalenka became the first woman to do so since Serena Williams. This win also represents her fourth Grand Slam singles title, reinforcing her status as a dominant force on hard courts.
• Emotional Resilience & Growth: Sabalenka credited her mental composure for the victory, having learned from past final defeats at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon earlier in 2025. Her ability to stay focused under pressure was highlighted as a key takeaway.
• Celebrations & Personal Moments: After the win, Sabalenka celebrated exuberantly with a champagne-drenched locker room party, complete with branded goggles. She also paused her victory speech to express heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, coach, family, and boyfriend.
• Anisimova’s Performance: Despite the loss, Anisimova’s campaign was commendable. She reached her second Grand Slam final in a year (after Wimbledon), continues to climb the rankings, and received post-match respect from Sabalenka.