8 September is UNESCO international literacy day. From a historical perspective, literacy levels for the world population have risen drastically in the last couple of centuries. While only 12% of the people in the world could read and write in 1820, today the share has reversed: only 17% of the world population remains illiterate.

Despite large improvements in the expansion of basic education, and the continuous reduction of education inequalities, there are substantial challenges ahead.

According to UNESCO, South Asia has the lowest adult literacy rate (58.6%), followed by sub-Saharan Africa (59.7%). There is a clear connection between illiteracy and countries in severe poverty, and between illiteracy and prejudice against women.

And here at home, 53,798,329 people, or 99% of adult population are able to read and write. About 543,417 adults are illiterate.

Today's Blip ..... we're nearing the end of paint removal.