Daily PIB Highlights (26-05-2025)

TOPIC-1: National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme

GS-3: Economy

The context: A special event focused on the National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, was organized through the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on May 25, 2025, in Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh).

• • The aim of the scheme is to socially and economically empower the workers engaged in sanitation work, enabling them to have safe, dignified, and sustainable livelihoods.

Key Highlights of the Programme were:

• • Distribution of PPE kits to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
  • Handing over ERSU Safety Device under NAMASTE to Nagar Nigam.

During the programme, the Minister, on symbolic basis distributed 17 PPE Kits to the Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs). Further, the Minister also interacted with the Safai Karamcharis during the programme.

He appreciated the media representatives, social organizations, and citizens for participating in this public-sensitive program and becoming a part of this social change.

What is NAMASTE Scheme?

• • NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem.
  • It has been launched with an objective to ensure safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India as well as providing sustainable livelihood to these workers.
  • Ministries involved: It is launched as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
  • Implementing agency – National Safai Karamchari Financial Development Corporation (NSKFDC) would be implementing agency for NAMASTE.
  • Coverage: Five hundred cities (converging with AMRUT cities) will be taken up under this phase of NAMASTE. It will be implemented for the period 2022-26.

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: NITI Aayog Report: Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises

GS- 3: Economy

The context: NITI Aayog on 26^th May 2025 released a report titled “Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises”, offering a comprehensive roadmap for transforming medium enterprises into future growth engines of India’s economy. The report highlights the critical, yet under-leveraged role played by medium enterprises and outlines targeted interventions to unlock their full potential.

Key Highlight:

• • MSME sector contributes 29% to India’s GDP and employs over 60% of the workforce.

• • Medium enterprises are only 0.3% of MSMEs but contribute 40% of MSME exports.
  • Medium enterprises have immense untapped potential as future large enterprises and growth drivers for Viksit Bharat @2047.

• • 97% micro enterprises, 2.7% small enterprises, 0.3% medium enterprises.
  • Medium enterprises are innovation-led and scalable units critical for self-reliance and global competitiveness.
  • Medium enterprises can become key drivers of innovation, employment, and export growth.
  • Inclusive policy design and collaborative governance are essential.
  • The transformation supports India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.

Key Challenges for Medium Enterprises:

• • Limited access to tailored financial products.
  • Low adoption of advanced technologies and Industry 4.0.
  • Inadequate R&D support.
  • Lack of sector-specific testing and certification infrastructure.
  • Mismatch between skill development programs and enterprise needs.

Policy Recommendations / Priority Areas:

• • Tailored Financial Solutions:
    • Working capital financing linked to turnover.
    • ₹5 crore credit card facility at market rates.
    • Faster fund disbursal via retail banks under Ministry of MSME oversight.
  • Technology Integration and Industry 4.0:
    • Upgrade Technology Centers to sector-specific India SME 4.0 Competence Centers.
    • Promote adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies regionally and sectorally.
  • R&D Promotion Mechanism:
    • Establish a dedicated R&D cell in Ministry of MSME.
    • Use Self-Reliant India Fund for cluster-based projects of national importance.

Source: PIB

Topic- 3:  India Partners with WHO to Mainstream Ayush Globally

GS-3: Economy

The context: In a landmark development poised to transform the global standing of traditional medicine systems, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 24, 2025. The agreement marks the beginning of work on a dedicated Traditional Medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).

• • Highlighting the significance of this achievement during the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat “Friends, something has happened in the field of Ayurveda as well, this agreement, work has started on a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions. This initiative will help in making Ayush reach maximum number of people across the world in a scientific manner.”
  • The ICHI, complementing WHO’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), documents what treatments and health interventions are administered. With the inclusion of a traditional medicine module, therapies from Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, and Unani systems—such as Panchakarma, Yoga therapy, Unani regimens, and Siddha procedures—will now be recognized in globally standardized terms.

This will bring about multiple benefits:

• • Transparent billing and fair pricing for Ayush services.
  • Smoother integration of Ayush treatments in health insurance coverage.
  • Enhanced hospital management, clinical documentation, and health research.
  • Most importantly, greater global accessibility to Ayush interventions.

This development aligns with India’s vision of bringing its rich heritage of traditional wisdom into the global healthcare mainstream, backed by scientific classification and international standards.

• • The agreement, WHO Director-General Statements: “Pleased to sign an agreement for a $3 million contribution from India to WHO’s work on traditional medicine and the International Classification of Health Interventions. We welcome 🇮🇳’s continued commitment to #HealthForAll.”
  • The combined impact of ICD-11 for diseases and the new ICHI module for interventions will ensure that Ayush becomes an integral, evidence-based, and policy-recognized part of global healthcare systems.
  • This is more than a coding update—it is a transformative step toward affordable, accessible, and trusted healthcare through India’s traditional systems.

Source: PIB