THE HINDU - CURRENT AFFAIRS- 24 September 2025
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Introduction
Welcome to today's comprehensive current affairs analysis for competitive exam aspirants. Today's developments span across crucial areas including political reforms with the Election Commission's decision to delist non-active political parties, significant economic announcements by the Prime Minister regarding tax cuts and savings initiatives, and social progress indicators with improved literacy rates. These developments hold immense significance for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State competitive examinations as they touch upon governance reforms, economic policy, and social development indicators.
📰 News Categorization
🏛️ National, Politics & Governance
Election Commission Delists 474 Political Parties
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently de-listed 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for failing to contest elections over the last six years. This decisive action aims to clean up the political system and ensure only active political entities maintain their registration status.
Context & Background: The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides the legal framework for political party registration. Historically, India has seen a proliferation of political parties, many of which remain inactive after registration. The ECI periodically reviews party activities to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
Key Concepts: RUPP (Registered Unrecognised Political Party) - Political parties registered with ECI but not recognized at national or state level due to insufficient electoral performance. These parties don't enjoy privileges like reserved symbols or broadcast time on state media.
Significance & Exam Relevance: This topic is crucial for Polity sections in UPSC Prelims and Mains, covering Election Commission's powers, political party classification, and electoral reforms. Questions may appear about ECI's constitutional role and regulatory powers.
Stakeholders: Election Commission of India, delisted political parties, active political organizations, and the electorate. Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners play key roles in such decisions.
Impact/Implications: This action will streamline the political landscape, reduce administrative burden, and potentially encourage more serious political participation. It may also lead to legal challenges from affected parties.
🌍 International Relations & Diplomacy
India-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Developments
Recent diplomatic engagements between India and Mauritius have strengthened bilateral ties, focusing on maritime security cooperation and economic partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Context & Background: India-Mauritius relations date back to historical cultural connections. Mauritius serves as a strategic partner in India's Indian Ocean strategy, countering China's growing influence in the region through initiatives like the String of Pearls strategy.
Key Concepts: Indian Ocean Region (IOR) - Critical maritime zone for trade routes and energy security. String of Pearls - China's strategy of establishing naval facilities across Indian Ocean. SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) - India's vision for Indian Ocean cooperation.
Significance & Exam Relevance: Important for International Relations questions in UPSC Mains, covering India's neighborhood policy, maritime security, and strategic partnerships. May appear in Prelims as factual questions about bilateral agreements.
Stakeholders: Government of India, Government of Mauritius, Indian Navy, Mauritius Coast Guard, Indian diaspora in Mauritius, and regional maritime organizations.
Impact/Implications: Enhanced cooperation strengthens India's strategic position in the Indian Ocean, promotes trade relationships, and provides a counterbalance to Chinese influence in the region.
💰 Economy & Finance
PM Modi Announces Tax Cuts and Savings Festival
PM Modi announced a "savings festival" with GST and income tax cuts worth Rs 2.5 trillion, urging citizens to adopt swadeshi and boost Atmanirbhar Bharat through local goods.
Context & Background: This announcement comes amid global economic uncertainties and India's focus on self-reliance. The initiative builds upon previous economic reforms like GST implementation (2017) and various Atmanirbhar Bharat packages introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Concepts: GST (Goods and Services Tax) - Unified indirect tax system replacing multiple taxes. Atmanirbhar Bharat - Self-reliant India initiative promoting domestic manufacturing and consumption. Swadeshi - Economic strategy focusing on domestic goods and reducing imports.
Significance & Exam Relevance: Critical for Economic Survey questions in UPSC Mains, fiscal policy discussions, and tax structure queries in banking exams. May appear as questions about recent government initiatives and their economic impact.
Stakeholders: Central government, taxpayers, businesses, consumers, manufacturing sector, and financial markets. Key personalities include Finance Minister, RBI Governor, and economic advisors.
Impact/Implications: Expected to boost consumer spending, stimulate economic growth, support domestic manufacturers, and potentially increase government revenue through higher economic activity despite lower tax rates.
🔬 Science & Technology
Optical Computers Development
Recent advancements in optical computing technology represent a significant leap in processing capabilities, offering faster data transmission and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional electronic computers.
Context & Background: Traditional computers use electronic signals for data processing, which face limitations in speed and heat generation. Optical computers use photons (light particles) instead of electrons, enabling faster processing with less energy consumption.
Key Concepts: Photonics - Technology using photons for information processing. Quantum Computing - Computing using quantum mechanical phenomena. Silicon Photonics - Integration of optical components with silicon technology.
Significance & Exam Relevance: Important for Science & Technology sections in UPSC Prelims and Mains, covering emerging technologies, computer science fundamentals, and innovation in communication technology.
Stakeholders: Research institutions, technology companies, government research organizations like ISRO and DRDO, international scientific community, and tech industry leaders.
Impact/Implications: Could revolutionize computing industry, enhance data processing capabilities, improve energy efficiency in data centers, and accelerate scientific research and artificial intelligence development.
🌱 Environment & Ecology
New Coral Species Discovery
Scientists have discovered new coral species, highlighting the biodiversity richness of marine ecosystems and the importance of ocean conservation efforts amid climate change challenges.
Context & Background: Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, supporting about 25% of marine species. Climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution pose significant threats to coral ecosystems worldwide.
Key Concepts: Biodiversity - Variety of life forms in ecosystems. Ocean Acidification - Decrease in ocean pH due to CO2 absorption. Coral Bleaching - Loss of symbiotic algae due to stress, primarily from warming waters.
Significance & Exam Relevance: Relevant for Environment and Ecology questions in UPSC Prelims and Mains, marine conservation topics, and biodiversity preservation strategies. May appear in questions about climate change impacts.
Stakeholders: Marine biologists, conservation organizations, government environmental agencies, fishing communities, tourism industry, and international conservation bodies like IUCN.
Impact/Implications: Discovery enhances understanding of marine biodiversity, supports conservation efforts, provides insights for climate adaptation strategies, and contributes to marine ecosystem research.
👥 Social Issues & Schemes
India's Literacy Rate Achievement
India's Literacy Rate Rises to 80.9% in 2023–24, marking significant progress in educational development and human capital formation across the country.
Context & Background: India's literacy rate has shown steady improvement from 12% at independence (1947) to the current 80.9%. This progress reflects various government initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Right to Education Act (2009), and Digital India program.
Key Concepts: Literacy Rate - Percentage of population aged 7+ who can read and write. Right to Education (RTE) Act - Constitutional provision making elementary education a fundamental right. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan - Universal elementary education program.
Significance & Exam Relevance: Crucial for Social Justice and Human Development questions in UPSC Mains, education sector analysis in economics, and comparative statistics in Prelims. Important for State PSC exams focusing on development indicators.
Stakeholders: Ministry of Education, state education departments, teachers, students, parents, NGOs working in education, and international organizations like UNESCO.
Impact/Implications: Higher literacy rates contribute to economic growth, social development, gender empowerment, and overall human development index improvement. Creates better employment opportunities and informed citizenship.
📊 Quick Facts / Revision Notes
| Topic | Key Facts | Important Numbers |
| Political Party Delisting | ECI delists inactive parties after 6 years of non-participation | 474 RUPPs delisted |
| Tax Cuts Announcement | GST and Income Tax reductions under Savings Festival | ₹2.5 trillion worth of cuts |
| Literacy Progress | National literacy rate shows significant improvement | 80.9% in 2023-24 |
| Election Commission | Constitutional body under Article 324 | Established: 1950 |
| GST Implementation | Unified indirect tax system | Launched: July 1, 2017 |
| RTE Act | Fundamental right to elementary education | Enacted: 2009 |
🎯 Sample MCQs for Practice
| Question | Options | Answer |
| Which constitutional article empowers Election Commission to supervise elections? | A) Article 320 B) Article 324 C) Article 315 D) Article 280 | B) Article 324 |
| What is the minimum period of electoral inactivity after which ECI can delist political parties? | A) 4 years B) 5 years C) 6 years D) 8 years | C) 6 years |
| When was GST implemented in India? | A) July 2016 B) July 2017 C) April 2017 D) January 2018 | B) July 2017 |
📝 Important Schemes & Policies
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Self-reliance initiative launched in 2020, focusing on domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Universal elementary education program ensuring free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years
- Digital India: Technology-driven transformation program connecting rural areas with high-speed internet networks and digital literacy
- Swachh Bharat Mission: Cleanliness campaign aiming for Open Defecation Free (ODF) India and waste management improvement
- SAGAR Initiative: Security and Growth for All in the Region - India's vision for Indian Ocean cooperation and maritime security
🔍 Conclusion
Today's current affairs highlight crucial developments across governance, economy, social progress, and international relations. The Election Commission's decisive action in delisting inactive political parties demonstrates institutional strength and commitment to electoral integrity. Economic initiatives like tax cuts and savings festivals reflect the government's focus on boosting domestic consumption and supporting citizens amid global economic challenges.
The achievement of 80.9% literacy rate represents significant social progress and human development advancement. These developments are interconnected and reflect India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding these developments within broader policy frameworks and historical contexts is essential.
Key preparation tips: Focus on the interconnections between different news items, understand the stakeholders involved, and analyze both immediate and long-term implications. Regular practice with MCQs and essay writing on these topics will enhance exam performance across all competitive examinations.
Tomorrow's Focus Areas: Keep track of Parliamentary proceedings, Budget implementation updates, India's G20 and international summit participation, and any major policy announcements from key ministries.