Daily Current Affairs - 9th September 2025

Preparing for UPSC 2026 or State PCS? This compact roundup for 9 September 2025 brings you exam-ready current affairs with GS linkages, Prelims facts, and MCQ cues. Themes span Polity–Comparative Constitutions, IR & Trade, Economy/Exports, Science & Tech–Health, Space/Industry, Environment & Biodiversity, Governance–Digital Public Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity—helping you revise faster and write sharper answers.

In today’s edition, decode France’s government ouster and semi-presidential dynamics vis-à-vis India’s parliamentary–quasi-federal model (bicameralism, direct vs indirect presidency, confidence rules, laïcité vs India’s positive secularism). Map the India–Israel BIT reboot under the 2015 Model BIT (minimum standard of treatment, arbitration, State’s right to regulate; plus I2U2, Barak-8, trade surplus). Track Russia’s personalized mRNA cancer vaccine “Enteromix” and revise mRNA fundamentals. Chart India’s space economy trajectory to USD 44 bn by 2033 (IN-SPACe, NSIL, 100% FDI, downstream EO/Comms, NavIC limits, skills/regulatory gaps). Note EAM’s BRICS pitch for fair trade amid protectionism/CBAM and supply-chain risks; India’s levers (FTAs, Quad supply chains, Act East, Atmanirbhar).

Update Aadhaar jurisprudence (SC nod as 12th ID for SIR; Section 7, Puttaswamy privacy guardrails, metadata cap). Revisit export enablers via EEPC (SME-heavy ecosystem) and UPI–UPU postal-payments for cheaper remittances. Cover adult-literacy gains under ULLAS (HP joins Tripura/Mizoram/Goa/Ladakh). Add environment picks: first-ever photo of Pallas’s cat in Arunachal (IUCN: LC; WPA Schedule I) and SC stay in Goa’s Mhadei WLS (proposed Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats). Close with 2FA cyber hygiene basics and frontier S&T from INST Mohali’s cholesterol-based nanomaterials for quantum/spintronics.

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Political Turmoil in France Highlights Key Differences Between Indian and French Democratic Systems

1. Recently, the French Parliament voted to remove the government along with the Prime Minister, causing political instability in France.

2. As a result, France is set to appoint its 5th Prime Minister in less than two years, reflecting frequent political changes.

3. Both India and France share similarities in their political systems, as they are republics with elected heads of state.

4. Both countries have bicameral legislatures, meaning their parliaments consist of two houses.

5. Their political frameworks are based on democratic principles, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity.

6. However, there are notable differences between the Indian and French political systems.

7. India follows a parliamentary republic model, where the Prime Minister leads the executive, and the President's role is largely ceremonial.

   • In contrast, France has a semi-presidential system, featuring a dual executive structure with both a President and a Prime Minister.

8. The President of India is indirectly elected by an electoral college using a single transferable vote and secret ballot.

   • Meanwhile, the French President is directly elected by universal adult suffrage, meaning all eligible voters vote directly.

9. The Indian Prime Minister is elected by the Lok Sabha (lower house) and must maintain its confidence to stay in office.

   • In France, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President but must keep the confidence of the National Assembly (lower house).

10. Regarding federal structure, India is a quasi-federal country, blending federal and unitary features.

    • Conversely, France has a unitary system, with centralized authority and local governments acting as agents of the central government.

11. When it comes to secularism, India adopts a positive approach, where the state maintains neutrality but can intervene for reforms (e.g., abolishing untouchability).

    • France practices French laïcité, a strict form of secularism enforcing a complete separation of religion and state, including bans on conspicuous religious symbols in public institutions.

India–Israel Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) & Strategic Cooperation

1. Israel has become the first OECD country to sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with India.

   • The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation of high-income countries that promotes economic progress and world trade.

2. This agreement marks the revival of bilateral investment relations since the previous BIT between India and Israel (signed in 1996) was terminated in 2017.

3. The new India–Israel BIT aims to boost bilateral investments, which currently stand at approximately USD 800 million in total.

4. The BIT provides investor protection while ensuring the State’s right to regulate, by establishing a minimum standard of treatment for foreign investors.

   • A minimum standard of treatment is an international legal principle ensuring fair and equitable treatment to foreign investors, protecting them against arbitrary or discriminatory measures.

5. The BIT incorporates a dispute resolution mechanism through arbitration, which will facilitate smoother handling of investment-related disputes.

   • Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside courts where a neutral third party delivers a binding decision, often used in international agreements.

Broader India–Israel Cooperation Across Sectors

1. Beyond investment, economic relations have grown, with bilateral trade (excluding defence) reaching USD 6.53 billion in FY 2023–24.

2. During this fiscal year, India recorded a trade surplus, meaning India's exports to Israel exceeded its imports from Israel.

3. India and Israel also cooperate through regional platforms like the I2U2 Partnership, which includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the USA.

   • The first I2U2 summit was held in 2022, focusing on economic cooperation and strategic partnerships in sectors like energy, food security, and technology.

4. In science and technology, the India–Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund (I4F) was launched for a five-year period (2023–2027).

5. The I4F fund supports joint research and development projects, enhancing innovation-led collaboration between Indian and Israeli companies.

6. Defence collaboration includes co-development of high-end systems like the Barak-8 missile, an advanced surface-to-air missile system.

7. Regular Indian naval port calls at Haifa (Israel) also reflect strong defence and maritime cooperation.

8. In cultural and social sectors, both countries have signed a Cultural Exchange Programme, promoting people-to-people ties.

9. Additionally, MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) have been signed for cooperation in health, medicine, agriculture, and water resource management.

About Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) – Legal & Policy Context

1. A Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is a reciprocal legal agreement between two sovereign states to promote and protect investments made by investors from each other’s countries.

2. BITs are considered primary sources of obligations under public international law, falling under Article 38(1)(a) of the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

3. In 2015, India adopted a new Model BIT text, replacing the earlier Indian Model BIT of 1993, to better align with its policy priorities.

4. The new model BIT text reflects India’s focus on balancing investor protection with sovereign regulatory space, especially in public interest sectors like health, environment, and national security.

5. Following the updated framework, India has signed BITs with other countries such as Uzbekistan (2024), UAE (2024), and Kyrgyzstan (2025).

Russia's mRNA Vaccine "Enteromix" – Key Highlights

1. Russia has developed a new mRNA-based cancer vaccine named “Enteromix”.

2. Enteromix has shown 100% success in preclinical trials, demonstrating strong immune response in test models.

3. The vaccine uses mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic Acid) technology to stimulate immune responses specifically against cancer cells.

   • mRNA is a genetic molecule that carries instructions to the body’s cells to produce a specific protein.

4. Enteromix is initially targeting colorectal cancer, a type of cancer affecting the colon or rectum.

5. The vaccine is fully personalized, meaning each dose is tailored to a patient's individual tumor.

6. This personalization is achieved through mutation profiling, a process of identifying specific genetic mutations in a patient's tumor.

Understanding mRNA Vaccines

1. mRNA vaccines use synthetic mRNA to instruct human cells to make a protein specific to a pathogen (disease-causing agent).

2. The body recognizes this protein as foreign, triggering an immune response without using live or weakened virus.

   • For example, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine directed cells to produce the spike protein of the coronavirus, training the immune system.

3. Once cells produce the protein (antigen), the immune system recognizes it and activates antibodies and T-cells to fight it.

   • Antibodies are proteins that neutralize pathogens, and T-cells destroy infected or abnormal cells.

How mRNA Vaccines Work Inside the Body

1. The mRNA is delivered into the body using lipid nanoparticles, which are tiny fat-based particles.

2. These lipid nanoparticles protect the mRNA and help it enter the body's cells efficiently.

3. Inside the cells, the mRNA provides instructions to produce specific proteins that mimic parts of a pathogen, known as antigens.

4. Antigens are foreign molecules that trigger an immune response, helping the immune system learn and remember how to fight the real pathogen.

Advantages of mRNA Vaccines

1. One major advantage is rapid development, as mRNA vaccines can be designed quickly after identifying the genetic sequence of the target pathogen.

2. They induce a strong immune response, activating both antibodies and T-cells for broad protection.

3. No live virus is needed in mRNA vaccines, reducing the risk of causing the disease itself.

Challenges of mRNA Vaccines

1. A key limitation is their stringent storage requirement, often needing ultra-cold temperatures, which complicates global distribution.

2. Short-term side effects may occur, including fever, fatigue, and soreness at the injection site.

3. Being a relatively new technology, long-term safety data of mRNA vaccines is still under study and evaluation.

India’s Space Economy – Growth Outlook & Key Insights (CII–KPMG Report)

1. According to a joint report by CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) and KPMG, India's space economy is projected to grow fivefold by 2033.

2. The report estimates an increase from USD 8.4 billion in 2022 to USD 44 billion by 2033.

3. This growth will be driven by expanding satellite-enabled services and space technology exports.

4. As a result, India's share in the global space economy is expected to rise from around 2% to 8% by 2033.

Key Trends Identified in the Report

1. There is a strategic shift in the primary focus of space services toward monetizing downstream applications.

   • Downstream services refer to space-based solutions like Earth Observation (EO), Satellite Communication, and Navigation services used on Earth.

2. These downstream services are being increasingly integrated across multiple sectors, including telecommunication, agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and infrastructure monitoring.

Key Drivers and Enablers of India's Space Economy

1. A growing private sector ecosystem is a major enabler, with nearly 200 space-tech startups actively driving innovation.

   • Institutional reforms are supporting this growth, such as the establishment of IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).

2. IN-SPACe acts as a single-window agency to facilitate private sector participation and consolidate public demand for space-based services.

3. The linking of space-based inputs with governance platforms is also enhancing utility, as seen in the Bhoonidhi portal.

   • Bhoonidhi is a platform that provides access to satellite data for governance and development purposes.

Challenges Hindering the Space Economy

1. Limited global reach of Indian space systems is a key challenge, such as the regional design of NavIC, India’s navigation system.

2. NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) has limited international usability due to its current regional architecture.

3. The commercial market for Earth Observation (EO) data remains underdeveloped due to low enterprise awareness and fragmented demand.

4. Limited innovation in EO commercialization further constrains market expansion.

5. Private sector participation is still constrained due to high capital requirements and long technology incubation periods.

6. Regulatory uncertainty also discourages private investment, due to unclear rules and policies.

7. There is a shortage of skilled workforce, caused by skills mismatch and brain drain to foreign space economies.

8. Tax and regulatory ambiguities further impede growth, especially around GST, digital taxation, and Public–Private Partnership (PPP) revenue sharing.

9. Additional concerns include security and strategic risks, such as increased space debris from growing activity in orbit.

Government Initiatives to Boost Space Economy

1. The Indian Space Policy 2023 enables end-to-end participation of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in all space activity domains.

2. NGEs include private companies, academic institutions, and start-ups operating outside the government space agencies.

3. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) serves as the commercial arm of ISRO, focusing on promotion and commercialization of ISRO’s products and services.

4. 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is now permitted in space sector projects under automatic route, enabling easier foreign investment.

5. A ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) fund has been established to support Indian space start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Global Trade and India's Position – EAM at BRICS Summit

1. At a virtual BRICS summit held to discuss global trade disruptions, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) emphasized the need for a fair and transparent international trade system.

2. He stressed that economic practices must be grounded in fairness and transparency, especially amid rising global instability.

Emerging Challenges for Global Trade

1. One major challenge is the rise of protectionism, where countries impose barriers like tariffs to shield domestic industries.

   • For example, in 2025, the United States imposed 50% tariffs on imports from Brazil and India, undermining global trade norms.

2. Such actions threaten the rules-based multilateral system of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

   • Multilateralism is weakening due to institutional paralysis at the WTO and political gridlocks within the United Nations (UN), which delay long-needed reforms.

3. Another challenge is supply chain fragility, exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical conflicts like the Ukraine war, and selective economic sanctions.

4. Crises in critical maritime zones, such as the Red Sea, have further disrupted global trade and energy flows.

5. The global south faces additional pressure due to rising food, energy, and fertilizer insecurity.

6. Extreme climate events, combined with trade measures like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), add complexity to global trade.

7. The CBAM is a type of carbon border tax designed to prevent carbon leakage by taxing imports based on their carbon emissions.

India’s Proposed Way Forward

1. India advocates for building resilient and diversified supply chains to reduce dependence on any single country or region.

2. This is reflected in India's Act East Policy, which enhances economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asia.

3. India is also part of the Quad Supply Chain Initiative, aimed at promoting secure and sustainable supply networks among Quad nations (India, US, Japan, Australia).

4. India supports reforming multilateral institutions like the WTO and UN, especially the revival of the WTO Appellate Body, which has been non-functional.

5. The WTO Appellate Body is a key part of dispute resolution in global trade, currently stalled due to member disagreements.

6. India is also reconsidering and refashioning its trade ties with neighboring countries, particularly China, in light of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

7. The government aims to accelerate the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, focusing on easing business regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

8. A stable and predictable policy environment is being promoted to attract investment and support domestic industry.

9. India is actively negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries to expand market access.

   • FTAs are agreements between countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers like tariffs and quotas.

10. Export promotion strategies include exploring new markets beyond traditional destinations.

11. India also aims to strengthen its engagement with the Global South, ensuring their concerns are addressed in international trade policies.

Aadhaar – Recent Update and Legal Framework

1. The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to accept Aadhaar as the 12th identity document for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

2. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a targeted voter roll update process, usually undertaken in preparation for elections.

About Aadhaar

1. Aadhaar is a 12-digit random number issued to residents by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

2. It is designed to serve as a proof of identity and address, backed by biometric and demographic data.

3. The demographic data captured includes Name, Gender, Date of Birth, and Address.

4. The biometric data includes Fingerprints, Iris scans, and Facial Photograph.

Legal Provisions Related to Aadhaar

1. Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016 allows governments to mandate Aadhaar authentication for accessing subsidies, benefits, or services funded by the Consolidated Fund of India or State Consolidated Funds.

   • The Consolidated Fund refers to the primary government account where all revenues and loans are credited, and from which public expenditure is made.

2. The Supreme Court has ruled that Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than 6 months.

   • Metadata refers to information about when, where, and how Aadhaar was used, without revealing the actual identity or data.

Related Supreme Court Judgment

1. In the Puttaswamy Judgment (2018), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar.

2. The Court allowed Aadhaar to be used for government welfare schemes and services, ensuring targeted delivery of subsidies.

3. However, the Court imposed restrictions on its use for private services and emphasized data protection and privacy.

EEPC India: Empowering Engineering Exports for a Globally Competitive Future

1. The Engineering Exports Promotion Council (EEPC) is a premier trade and investment promotion organization.

2. It was established in 1955 under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.

3. The head office and registered office of EEPC are located in Kolkata.

4. EEPC represents the Indian engineering sector, which includes manufacturers and exporters of engineering goods, products, and services.

5. 60% of EEPC's members are SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), which are businesses with limited scale but vital to economic growth.

6. The organization actively promotes exports through trade fairs that provide a platform for showcasing Indian engineering products globally.

7. It organizes buyer-seller meets, which are networking events facilitating direct interaction between Indian exporters and foreign buyers.

8. EEPC also conducts market research to help members understand international market trends and opportunities.

9. The council provides export advisory services, offering guidance on procedures, documentation, and regulations for international trade.

10. It facilitates export credit, helping businesses access finance for their export operations through financial institutions.

11. The core goal of EEPC is to boost India’s global competitiveness in engineering exports.

12. It also strives to help India achieve higher engineering export targets, contributing to overall economic growth.

13. During its platinum jubilee celebrations (75 years), the President of EEPC urged citizens to work towards making India a global hub of business and knowledge.

UPI-UPU Integration: Revolutionizing Global Remittances Through Postal-Payment Synergy

1. The Union Minister for Communication recently unveiled the UPI-UPU Integration Project.

2. This project aims to transform cross-border remittances, making international money transfers faster, cheaper, and more accessible.

3. The integration links India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) network.

   • The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a key international organization for the postal sector.

4. The UPU was established in 1874, making it one of the oldest global institutions.

5. In 1948, it became a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), meaning it operates under the UN system with a specific mandate in postal services.

6. The headquarters of the UPU is located in Berne, Switzerland.

7. The UPU is the second oldest international organization, after the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which was established in 1865.

8. It has 192 member countries, including India, making it a truly global organization.

9. The primary function of the UPU is to act as a forum for cooperation among postal sector players like governments, postal operators, and regulators.

   • It works to ensure a universal postal network, meaning that people across the globe have access to reliable and standardized mail services.

   • The UPU also helps maintain up-to-date products and services, ensuring modern, efficient, and interconnected global postal systems.

ULLAS: Advancing Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning Across India

1. Himachal Pradesh was recently declared the fifth State/UT to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS scheme.

2. The states and UTs that achieved this milestone before Himachal Pradesh are Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh.

3. This achievement was made under the Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram, which is popularly known as ULLAS.

   • ULLAS stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.

4. The scheme was launched based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

5. ULLAS is a centrally sponsored scheme, meaning it is funded jointly by the central and state governments.

6. It operates under the umbrella of the New India Literacy Program, which is the official name of the scheme.

7. The Ministry of Education is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing ULLAS.

8. The scheme is designed to run for a five-year duration, covering the period from 2022 to 2027.

9. The aim of ULLAS is to empower all adults aged 15 years and above who did not have the opportunity to receive formal education.

10. The program enables adults to acquire basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills, which are foundational learning skills.

11. It also focuses on building critical life skills, such as financial literacy, digital literacy, health awareness, and legal rights.

WWF-India Captures First Photo of Pallas’s Cat in Arunachal Pradesh

1. A wildlife survey conducted by WWF-India recently captured the first-ever photograph of Pallas’s cat in Arunachal Pradesh.

2. The Pallas’s cat, scientifically known as Otocolobus manul, is a rare and elusive wild feline species.

3. It has distinctive physical features, standing about 30–35 cm tall and covered in a very dense fur coat.

4. This dense fur helps it survive in cold and harsh climates, making it well adapted to high-altitude regions.

5. Its natural habitat includes rocky steppes, montane grasslands, and shrublands—all of which are open, dry, and often elevated landscapes.

6. The species is found across Central Asia, including countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, and northern India.

7. Pallas’s cat is a carnivore and primarily preys on small mammals, such as marmots, pikas, ground squirrels, and voles.

8. In terms of conservation, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently facing a high risk of extinction globally.

9. However, in India, it receives the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

10. Schedule I provides absolute protection, prohibiting hunting, trade, or any harm to the species.

Supreme Court Stays Projects in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, a Proposed Tiger Reserve in Goa

1. The Supreme Court of India recently stayed ongoing projects in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. This sanctuary is also a proposed tiger reserve, aiming to provide special protection to tigers.

3. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary was officially proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary in 1999 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

   • The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is a key legislation that protects wildlife and their habitats in India.

4. The sanctuary is located in North Goa, situated along the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot.

5. It borders the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, linking important wildlife corridors.

6. The Mahadei (also called Mondovi) River flows through the sanctuary, supporting its diverse ecosystems.

7. The sanctuary hosts a rich variety of fauna, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, and sambar deer.

8. The flora predominantly consists of moist deciduous vegetation, which sheds leaves seasonally.

9. It also contains some evergreen species, such as the rare Ashoka tree, known for its peculiar saffron-coloured flowers.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhancing Digital Security by Adding an Extra Layer of Protection

1. Recently, Two-factor authentication (2FA) was highlighted in the news as an important security measure.

   • Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an identity and access management security method.

2. It requires users to provide two forms of identification to access resources or data.

3. The security mechanism works by combining two of three possible factors.

4. These factors are: something you know (like a password), something you have (such as a phone or security token), or something you are (biometric data like fingerprints).

   • For example, 2FA uses OTP codes (One-Time Passwords), which are temporary numeric codes sent to a device.

5. Other examples include authenticator apps that generate time-based codes, security keys (physical devices), and fingerprint scans.

6. The major benefit of 2FA is that it significantly reduces the risk of account breaches.

7. It also protects against phishing attacks where attackers trick users into revealing passwords.

8. Furthermore, 2FA helps prevent identity theft even if a password is compromised or stolen.

INST Mohali Develops Cholesterol-Based Nanomaterials for Quantum Technology and Spintronics

1. Scientists from INST Mohali have developed cholesterol-based nanomaterials as innovative platforms for future quantum technologies and spintronic applications.

   • Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like lipid that belongs to the steroid family of molecules.

2. It is naturally produced by the liver and can also be obtained from animal-based foods.

3. There are two main types of cholesterol relevant to health: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL).

   • LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol, can accumulate and build up in arteries, leading to blockages.

   • On the other hand, HDL, known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove excess LDL from the bloodstream.

4. Cholesterol plays vital roles such as being essential for hormone production.

5. It is also important for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health.

6. Additionally, cholesterol is a key component in building cell membranes, supporting cell structure and function.

7. However, high levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.

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