Daily Current Affairs- 9th September 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 9th September 2025

India’s Literacy Rate Rises to 80.9% in 2023–24

In the News: India’s literacy rate has risen to 80.9 % in 2023–24, as reported by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a virtual address on International Literacy Day 2025. This marks significant progress from the 74 % literacy level recorded in 2011.

Key Points:

• Progress Over Time: The literacy rate in India increased from 74 % in 2011 to 80.9 % in 2023–24. This gain reflects sustained educational efforts over the past 13 years.
• Educational Programmes: The rise is credited in part to initiatives like the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, under which over 3 crore learners were enrolled and supported in achieving literacy.
• Definition of Literacy: Minister Pradhan emphasized that true literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write—it is a path toward dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance.
• Persistent Disparities: Despite the overall improvement, significant challenges remain:
  • Gender and Regional Gaps: Female literacy continues to lag behind male literacy. Urban areas also outperform rural regions substantially. Certain states—such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan—continue to trail behind the national average.
• Historical Progress: Since independence, India’s literacy rate has grown impressively. From about 12 % in 1947, it has reached 80.9 % today.

Army’s Operation Rahat Rescues 6,000 in Flood-Hit North

In the News: The Indian Army’s Western Command launched Operation Rahat in late August 2025 to assist flood-hit regions of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Over 6,000 individuals—including civilians and approximately 300 paramilitary personnel—were rescued through coordinated efforts involving 59 Army columns and 17 specialized engineer task forces.

Key Points:

• Operation Launch & Regions Covered : Western Command began Operation Rahat on August 26, 2025, targeting severely flood-affected areas across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
• Rescue and Medical Assistance : The operation led to the successful evacuation of more than 6,000 people, including about 300 paramilitary force members. Additionally, medical aid was extended to over 13,000 individuals, with critical cases receiving emergency evacuation and treatment.
• Deployment & Relief Deliveries : A total of 59 Army columns were mobilized, supported by 17 engineer task forces. Relief deliveries included 48 tonnes of food rations, potable water, and essential medicines, distributed via air drops and ground convoys.
• Infrastructure Restoration & Relief : Beyond rescue, the Army played a vital role in ensuring essential services and repatriation. Infrastructure repairs and distribution of basic necessities helped sustain affected communities during this high-risk period.

Himachal Declared Fully Literate with 99.3% Literacy

In the News: On International Literacy Day (September 8, 2025), the Government of Himachal Pradesh officially declared the state fully literate, with an impressive literacy rate of 99.3 %, surpassing the national benchmark of 95%.

Key Points:

• Historic Milestone: Himachal Pradesh has become the fourth fully literate state in India, joining the ranks of Goa, Mizoram, and Tripura under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative.
• Consistent Educational Progress: The state’s literacy rate jumped from just 7 % in 1951 to 99.3 % in 2025, showcasing decades of sustained policy efforts and educational outreach.
• Exceeding Benchmarks: Himachal’s literacy rate of 99.3 % significantly exceeds the standard threshold of 95 %, placing it at the top nationally. The state also leads in the student–teacher ratio, ensuring quality education.
• Celebratory Context: The announcement came during the 'Puran Sakshar Himachal Samaroh' and ULLAS Mela–2025 events, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasizing the state’s remarkable educational journey and attributing the success to collective reform and dedication.
• Forward-Looking Vision: Education Minister Rohit Thakur marked the day as a “golden day” for the state, highlighting a near-zero dropout rate and strong administrative focus on making Himachal a center for educational excellence.

MHA’s Twin Decisions: SoO Renewal and NH-02 Reopening in Manipur

In the News: The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken decisive steps to ease tensions in Manipur by renewing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki insurgent groups and reopening National Highway-02 (NH-2). These moves are seen as key in restoring peace and mobility ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the state.

Key Points:

• SoO Renewal : A tripartite agreement was signed between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo umbrella groups—Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF)—to renew the Suspension of Operations (SoO). The revised pact emphasizes Manipur's territorial integrity and encourages a political dialogue toward a long-term solution.
• NH-2 Reopening : The Kuki-Zo Council agreed to reopen National Highway-02 (Imphal–Dimapur), a vital lifeline for trade and daily activities, following discussions with the MHA. The move is expected to revitalize transportation of people and essential goods across Manipur.
• Revised Ground Rules : Under the renewed SoO, militant groups have agreed to relocate seven designated camps from fringe areas, reduce the total number of camps, transfer weapons to CRPF/BSF facilities, undergo strict physical verification, and issue identity cards. A Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) will enforce compliance, with violations potentially triggering a review of the agreement.
• Mixed Reactions : Despite the government’s intentions, both Meitei and Kuki-Zo community groups have rejected the developments. Critics argue the agreements fail to address deeper grievances and risk legitimizing armed groups without delivering a sustainable solution.

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India

In the News: Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India are experiencing booming growth—spurred by multinational firms seeking to tap India's talent pool and innovation ecosystem. The sector, valued at approximately USD 64.6 billion in FY 2024, is expected to nearly double to USD 99–105 billion by 2030, with GCCs expanding from around 1,700 to 2,100–2,200, collectively employing up to 2.8 million professionals. This transformation is being accelerated by shifts from traditional outsourcing models to high-value innovation hubs, particularly in areas such as AI, analytics, and R&D.

Key Points:

• Quantitative Growth & Strategic Evolution
  • India currently hosts over 1,700 GCCs, employing around 1.9 million professionals. This ecosystem is projected to grow to 2,100–2,200 centers by 2030, employing an estimated 2.5–2.8 million people
  • GCCs have matured from traditional back-office support functions to strategic hubs driving innovation, digital transformation, and R&D initiatives, with an increasing share of their operations reshaping global parent companies.
• Drivers & Enablers
  • GCCs benefit from India’s deep talent pool, cost advantages, and its 24/7 time-zone edge, reinforced by government initiatives such as Digital India and ease-of-doing-business reforms.
  • GCCs contribute significantly to tech employment and exports; currently, they drive around 23% of India's IT exports, with strong concentrations in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR.
• Emerging Opportunities
  • The GCC sector is pivoting toward AI-led services and innovation, especially as multinationals grapple with talent shortages at home. Companies across sectors—from tech giants to insurers—are establishing India-based GCCs to maintain global competitiveness and operational continuity.
  • By FY 2030, GCC revenue is expected to reach USD 99–105 billion, driven by expanding roles in AI, analytics, engineering, and advanced operations.
• Key Challenges
  • Talent Retention: High attrition in core GCC hubs poses a growing concern.
  • Regulatory Complexities: GCCs must navigate complex frameworks spanning corporate law, taxation, intellectual property, data protection, labour rules, and more.
  • Cultural Integration & Governance: Aligning GCC operations with global headquarters, maintaining consistent governance, and building inclusive cultures remain key managerial challenges.

Vice President Election 2025: Process to elect Vice President of India, who can contest, powers, perks

In the News: On September 9, 2025, C. P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate, was elected as the 15th Vice President of India, defeating Opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy in the Vice Presidential election. Radhakrishnan secured 452 votes against Reddy’s 300, winning by a margin of 152 votes.

Key Points:

• • Background of Winner: C. P. Radhakrishnan is a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, and was serving as the Governor of Maharashtra before his election.
• Election Process: The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College comprising elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha—using a proportional representation system with a single transferable vote, conducted by secret ballot. This ensures a fair and representative outcome.
• Eligibility Criteria:  A candidate must be:
  • A citizen of India
  • At least 35 years of age
  • Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha
  • Must not hold any office of profit under the central or state governments.
• Role & Powers: The Vice-President serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and steps in as Acting President in cases of presidential vacancy, with full presidential powers during that period. While largely ceremonial in nature, the office is crucial for legislative continuity.
• Term Length and Removal: The Vice-President holds office for five years and may be re-elected. Removal is possible via a resolution passed by an effective majority in the Rajya Sabha and a simple majority in the Lok Sabha, subject to a 14-day notice. All electoral disputes come under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
• Perks & Entitlements: The Vice-President receives a salary as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, along with residential, medical, and travel benefits. During any period acting as President, the Vice-President is entitled to all presidential privileges and salary, even though formally no separate salary exists for the VP post itself. A pension equal to 50% of the salary is also provided post-tenure.

India Leads Agenda at 28th Universal Postal Congress

In the News: At the 28th Universal Postal Congress held in Dubai (September 2025), India took a leadership role, with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia heading the delegation. The major highlight was the launch of the UPI–UPU Integration project, aimed at revolutionizing cross-border remittances by linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Universal Postal Union’s Interconnection Platform. India also hurled forward its candidature for key leadership roles within the UPU.

Key Points:

• Landmark Initiative—UPI–UPU Integration: India unveiled a transformative integration of UPI with the UPU's interconnection platform, promising faster, secure, and more affordable remittances for the Indian diaspora. The initiative reflects a strategic fusion of digital finance and global postal infrastructure
• Strategic Engagement at UPU Congress: Minister Scindia delivered a keynote with a vision to advance an inclusive, technologically-enabled postal ecosystem. India engaged with delegates from 192 member countries and advocated for a future-forward agenda emphasizing technology, sustainability, and equitable service access.
• Strengthening Leadership at UPU: India declared its candidacy for two vital bodies—Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council—demonstrating commitment to steering global postal governance and digital transformation.
• Financial Commitment & Power of Inclusion: A $10 million contribution was pledged to boost innovation in e-commerce and digital payments. The address also highlighted India’s inclusion model—driven by Aadhaar, Jan Dhan accounts, India Post Payments Bank—and its role in serving over 900 million parcels and letters annually.
• Global Outlook & Postal Evolution: The Congress serves as the UPU’s supreme policymaking body, shaping the 2026–2029 strategy that will steer modernization of postal services, enhance service quality amid rising e-commerce, and drive postal sector resilience.

India, Israel Ink Bilateral Investment Agreement

In the News: India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi, formalizing new investment protections and signaling deeper economic ties between the two countries. The agreement was signed by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aiming to boost investor confidence and mutual investment flows. Israel becomes the first OECD member to enter such a “strategic agreement” under India’s revamped investment treaty model. The pact lays the foundation for a possible future Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Key Points:

• The Agreement’s Scope & Innovations : The BIA replaces an earlier 1996 treaty that was terminated during India's broader overhaul of investment frameworks. It provides investor safeguards such as minimum standards of treatment, protection against expropriation, transparent fund transfers, compensation mechanisms, and an independent arbitration route for dispute resolution.
• Investment Landscape & Strategic Positioning : Current bilateral investments stand at approximately USD 800 million. The treaty is expected to attract new flows by instilling greater certainty in both directions—Indian investors in Israel and vice versa. This also makes Israel a key partner in India's global economic strategy.
• Strategic and Policy Implications : The agreement is hailed as a landmark strategic step, especially as Israel joins as the first OECD nation under the new Indian investment model. Both sides emphasized cooperation in key sectors like fintech, digital payments, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and financial regulation—while preserving India’s sovereign policy space.

BRIC virtual Summit 2025

In the News:  At the 2025 virtual BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, India—represented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar—made a strong case for fair, transparent, and resilient economic policies. Amid surging global tariff disruptions, particularly from the U.S., India reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation, fair trade practices, and a rules-based international economic order.
Key Points:

• Fair Trade Advocacy amid Tariff Turmoil : India, through Dr. Jaishankar, called for a global trade environment anchored in openness, predictability, and multilateral fairness—especially in response to protectionist measures like steep U.S. tariffs.
• Combatting Trade Deficits Through BRICS Platform : Jaishankar highlighted the role of BRICS in helping member nations reduce trade imbalances and advocated for sustainable, non-discriminatory economic cooperation that avoids punitive trade restrictions or policy linkages beyond trade itself.
• Upholding a Rules-Based International Order : India insisted the global trading system must rest on principles of transparency, equity, inclusivity, and differential treatment for developing economies, reinforcing its vision of a fair world order.
• Collective BRICS Response to Protectionism : Brazilian President Lula decried escalating duties—referring to U.S. practices as “tariff blackmail”—and called for tighter intra-BRICS trade integration to shield against unilateral economic coercion.

Camel International Award to Younus Ahamed

In the News: Non-resident Indian businessman Younus Ahamed from Palakkad was honoured with the Camel International Award 2025, an esteemed recognition presented in Dubai for exemplary leadership in global business. The award is presented by Arabian World Records, emphasizing outstanding entrepreneurial achievement.

Key Points:

• Recipient Profile : Younus Ahamed, an NRI entrepreneur based in Palakkad, Kerala, received the Camel International Award in 2025. The recognition celebrates his contributions to global business and leadership among the diaspora.
• About the Award : The Camel International Award is conferred by Arabian World Records, Dubai. It is a prestigious honour recognizing individuals who have made significant international impact through innovation, business acumen, and leadership.

Ceremony Details : The award ceremony took place in 2025—some reports indicate a key event in March in Kerala; others highlight a major gala held aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise in Dubai in August 2025.