Daily PIB Highlights (28-05-2025)

Topic- 1: ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ Web Portals

GS- 3: Economy

The context: The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, on 28^th May 2025 launched two transformative digital platforms ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’, marking a significant step towards the modernisation of India’s addressing system and geospatial governance.

• • These platforms were launched in alignment with the National Geospatial Policy 2022, which envisions the development of an advanced geospatial infrastructure to support digital governance and public service delivery.

About the Know Your DIGIPIN Web Application:

• • The DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number) is an open-source, interoperable, geo-coded, grid-based digital address system developed by the Department of Posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO.
  • It is a cornerstone of the Department of Posts’ vision to offer Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) — an array of services associated with address data management to support secure and efficient interactions between users, government entities, and private sector organisations.
  • This initiative simplifies location mapping, enhances logistics and emergency response, and ensures last-mile delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.
  • The DIGIPIN system, officially reviewed and adopted by the Thematic Working Group on Address under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, is now available to all Ministries, State Governments, institutions for integration into their workflows, and users for their own use.
  • Incorporating DIGIPIN as an additional address attribute enables the leveraging of GIS capabilities, laying the foundation for future GIS-based digitalisation of service delivery across various organisations in a cost-effective manner.
  • DIGIPIN will enhance location accuracy across multiple sectors by providing precise geographic coordinates, ensuring accurate service delivery and reducing emergency response times.
  • A complete repository of the DIGIPIN technical documentation and source code has been made available on GitHub, promoting open collaboration and nationwide adoption.

The ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ portal enables users to:

• • Retrieve their DIGIPIN based on precise geolocation.
  • Input latitude and longitude coordinates to fetch corresponding DIGIPINs and vice versa.

About the Know Your PIN Code Web Application:

• • The six-digit PIN Code system, introduced in 1972, has served as the backbone of India’s postal delivery. However, recognising the need to modernise and refine its geographic accuracy, the Department undertook a national geofencing exercise across all postal jurisdictions to geo-reference all the pin code boundaries of the country.
  • Based on this, the Department of Post has now launched the ‘Know Your PIN Code’ web application which uses GNSS location features to allow users to:
  • Identify the correct PIN Code based on the location.
  • Submit feedback on PIN Code accuracy for continuous refinement of pin code dataset.
  • The geo-fenced PIN Code boundaries dataset has also been uploaded on Open Government Data Platform under the title “All India PIN Code Boundary geo-json”.
  • A Unified Step Towards Digital India “The launch of these two applications reflects our Government’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation and precision governance. DIGIPIN, in particular, will redefine how we perceive addresses, ensuring that every citizen, even in the remotest part of the country, is digitally locatable and serviceable. These applications are a testimony to the Department’s continued efforts to modernise infrastructure and meet the evolving expectations of citizens and all other stakeholders”.

Public Participation and Continuous Improvement

• • The Department of Posts encourages citizens, developers, institutions, and other stakeholders to explore both portals and actively contribute to their refinement.
  • Both platforms include built-in options for submitting feedback on data accuracy and system usability.
  • This participatory approach will help continuously improve the quality and reliability of digital addressing across India, and ensure the solutions remain responsive to local realities.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC)

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House, Delhi on 27^th May 2025; the aim to further strengthen indigenous quantum capabilities for strategic and defence applications.

About the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC):

• • QRTC is equipped with state-of-the-art experimental set-ups designed to propel research and development in critical quantum domains.
  • The key capabilities of this centre include Characterisation of  Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers and Distributed Feedback Lasers; Test-beds for evaluating single-photon sources; Set-up for characterisation of Micro Fabricated Alkali Vapor Cell; and Experimental platforms for developing and validating Quantum Key Distribution techniques to enable ultra-secure communication and safeguard national security in the post-quantum era, spearheaded by Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), DRDO.
  • It aims to focus on foundational technologies including an Ultra-Small Atomic Clock based on Coherent Population Trapping for highly precise timekeeping in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments, an Atomic Magnetometer using optically pumped magnetometry for ultra-sensitive magnetic field detection, and Cutting-edge solid-state quantum devices and materials.
  • DRDO continues to lead India’s quantum initiatives across verticals such as quantum sensing, secure communications, and post-quantum cryptography.
  • As a key stakeholder in the National Quantum Mission, DRDO is committed to fostering indigenous innovation and developing sovereign quantum technologies to secure India’s strategic future.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 3: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context: On 27th May 2025, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Raksha Mantri approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme through an industry partnership approach. Under this framework, Indian companies will be allowed to bid independently, as joint ventures, or as consortia.

Key highlights of Indigenous Fifth-Generation Fighter Project Gets Green Light:

• • In a strategic boost to India’s self-reliant defence vision, the Ministry of Defence has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
  • The model offers equal opportunities to private and public sector entities on a competitive basis.
  • This decision marks a defining moment in India’s efforts to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet capable of meeting future warfare requirements and matching global standards in air combat technology.
  • Indian companies can bid independently, or as part of a joint venture or consortia, in compliance with national laws.
  • The ADA will soon issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase, marking a major step toward Aatmanirbharta in aerospace.
  • The plan is to produce five prototypesunder a budget exceeding  15,000 crore.
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the full-scale engineering development in 2024, with a projected delivery target of 2035.

About the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model:

• • It is India’s fifth-generation fighter multirole fighter jet.
  • It will be bigger than other fighters in the Indian Air Force inventory.
  • The aircraft will put India in a select group of nations that have their own fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
  • The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be the nodal agency for executing the programme and designing the aircraft.
  • It will be manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Features

• • Stealth: The 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft will have advanced stealth features to avoid detection by enemy radar.
  • Fuel & Weapons: The aircraft will have a large, concealed internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity, and an internal weapons bay for a range of weapons, including indigenous weapons, to be buried in its belly.
  • Engine
    • The AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US-built GE414 engine of the 90 kilonewton (kN) class.
    • The more advanced AMCA Mk2 will fly on the more powerful 110kN engine.
    • This will be developed indigenously by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with a foreign defence major.

Source: PIB

Topic- 4: Indian Meteorological Department Forecasts Above-Normal Southwest Monsoon Rainfall for 2025

GS-1& 3: Geography and Disaster Management

The context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its updated Long-Range Forecast for the 2025 Southwest Monsoon season (June–September), predicting above-normal rainfall across the country.

The Key Highlights:

• • The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has issued its updated Long-Range Forecast for the 2025 Southwest Monsoon season along with the Monthly Rainfall and Temperature Outlook for June 2025.
  • According to the forecast, the seasonal rainfall across the country as a whole is likely to be 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a model error of ±4%, indicating a high probability of above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season.
  • The rainfall is most likely to be above normal over Central India and the South Peninsular region, while Northwest India is expected to experience normal rainfall levels (ranging between 92-108% of LPA).
  • In contrast, Northeast India is likely to receive below-normal rainfall (<94% of LPA). The Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), which covers much of India’s rainfed agricultural land, is also forecast to receive above-normal rainfall, providing a favorable outlook for the Kharif cropping season.
  • Most regions of the country are expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall, except for parts of Northwest and East India, as well as many areas in Northeast India, which are likely to witness below-normal rainfall.
  • The countrywide rainfall is projected to be above normal (>108% of LPA). While most areas are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, certain southern parts of the Peninsular region, and parts of Northwest and Northeast India, are expected to have below-normal rainfall.
  • The IMD will continue to monitor and update forecasts to support planning in agriculture, water resource management, and disaster preparedness. Further updates and detailed reports are available on the official.

Source: PIB

Topic- 5: Eco-Fishing Ports

GS-3: Economy

The context: The recent focus on “Eco-Fishing Ports” stems from a significant technical dialogue held in New Delhi between India’s Department of Fisheries and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Eco-Fishing Ports: Sustainable and Inclusive Harbours – Key Highlights

• • The Department of Fisheries (MoFAH&D) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) convened a Technical Dialogue in New Delhi on Eco-Fishing Ports to explore the concept of environmentally sustainable, economically efficient, socially inclusive, and ecosystem-protective fishing harbours.
  • The dialogue emphasized best practices for healthier environments and safer fish handling, along with post-construction evaluation, maintenance, and continuous infrastructure improvement.
  • India’s vast marine resources and notable fisheries achievements in production, exports, and livelihood support were highlighted.
  • Challenges discussed included inadequate infrastructure and limited market linkages. The government has approved projects for construction/modernization/dredging of 117 Fishing Harbours (FHs) and Fish Landing Centres (FLCs) worth ₹9,832.95 crore (USD 1.15 billion).
  • Three smart and integrated fishing harbours are planned under PMMSY at Vanakbara (Daman & Diu), Karaikal (Puducherry), and Jakhau (Gujarat).
  • The importance of active stakeholder participation, effective impact assessments, and creating smart, green, socially responsive ecosystems was stressed for sustainable fisheries growth.
  • The dialogue featured four thematic technical sessions:

1. Eco Ports Concept & Development — sustainable design, smart integrated infrastructure, and global strategies like FAO’s Blue Port Initiative.

2. Community Dynamics — roles of stakeholders, co-management societies, private harbour models, and enhancing fisheries exports.

3. Environmental Sustainability — eco-friendly breakwater designs, hygiene, green fishing vessels, and environmental standards.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Maintenance — marine pollution, success models, performance indicators, cost-benefit analysis, and post-construction evaluation.

• • AFD shared international experience on blue economy governance models, climate-adaptive strategies, and community participation.
  • The dialogue aimed to align multi-stakeholder efforts to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, foster collaboration, build capacities, bridge communication gaps, and exchange cutting-edge technologies.

Background on India’s Fisheries Sector

• • India has 11,099 km coastline and rich aquatic biodiversity, offering huge potential for sustainable fisheries development.
  • It is the second-largest global fish producer, contributing about 8% of the world’s fish production.
  • India leads in aquaculture and shrimp exports, exporting seafood to over 132 countries.
  • Exports doubled from ₹30,213 crore (FY 2013-14) to ₹60,523.89 crore (FY 2023-24), mainly targeting markets in China, USA, EU, and Japan.
  • India plans to expand the export basket by adding value-added products and new seafood species for emerging markets.
  • The fisheries sector sustains millions of coastal livelihoods but faces growing threats from climate change.
  • The Department of Fisheries is modernizing infrastructure using sustainable and inclusive approaches that promote economic growth, ecological conservation, and community well-being.
  • A major focus is on enhancing Fishing Harbours and Fish Landing Centres, vital for safe landing, berthing, servicing of vessels, and efficient post-harvest handling, storage, and transport.

Blue Ports Initiative under PMMSY

• • The Government’s Blue Ports Initiative promotes sustainable, smart, and green principles in fishing harbour design and management.
  • In partnership with FAO, three model harbours are being developed under PMMSY.
  • Pilot projects for Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours include:
    • Rainwater harvesting systems
    • Energy-efficient lighting
    • Electric-powered equipment
    • Robust communication and surveillance systems
    • Advanced technologies like IoT devices, sensor networks, remote sensing, data analytics, and predictive modelling for real-time decision-making.
  • Environmental sustainability is addressed through:
    • Waste segregation, recycling, composting
    • Installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs)
    • Marine debris clean-up
    • Integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power
    • Use of hybrid energy management systems
  • These efforts emphasize building climate-resilient and future-ready fisheries infrastructure.

Source: PIB

Topic- 6: Electric Hansa (E-Hansa) aircraft

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context: On 27^th May 2025, India has initiated the process to develop Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer aircraft by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, while chairing a high-level monthly review meeting with the secretaries of all major science departments at the Science Centre.

• • The new aircraft is being indigenously developed by the CSIR institute of  “National Aerospace Laboratories” (NAL)

About Electric Hansa (E-HANSA) Aircraft: Green and Indigenous Aviation

• • The Electric Hansa (E-HANSA) trainer aircraft, developed by CSIR-NAL, is expected to cost significantly less than imported alternatives, possibly around Rs 2 crore.
  • This is roughly half the price of a comparable imported trainer aircraft.
  • The E-HANSA is part of the larger HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft program, which is designed to be a cost-effective and indigenous option for pilot training in India.
  • India’s E-Hansa aircraft will also mark a key step toward India’s green aviation goals and use of green or clean energy fuel in running our aircrafts.

The Key Highlights:

• • Further, the meeting focused on performance assessment, implementation status of prior decisions, and setting the course for transformative reforms in India’s science and technology ecosystem.
  • Stressing the need for commercialization of indigenous technologies, called for greater public-private partnerships (PPP). The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to emulate the successful models of DBT-BIRAC and IN-SPACe for technology transfer and private sector engagement.
  • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said “Private players should not just be knowledge partners, but also investment partners,” advocating a hub-and-spoke PPP model supported by AI-driven tech/IP exchange platforms and regional NTTOs to ensure wider sectoral and geographic outreach.
  • The importance of standardized tech transfer protocols, ease of doing business, and promoting Indian R&D under the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
  • Commending ISRO for the successful SPADEX mission, the docking and undocking capability tested is vital to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight. ISRO’s substantial role in Operation Sindoor, stating, “Every Indian is proud of you.”ISRO is currently collaborating with 40 Union Ministries and 28 State Governments, with a series of upcoming missions lined up.
  • To strengthen India’s biomanufacturing capabilities, the Minister proposed the creation of a “Global Science Talent Bridge” to attract the best global researchers and innovators. Highlighting the PM’s Mann Ki Baatannouncement that opened all 37 CSIR labs to students, he shared that an enthusiastic response had to be temporarily paused due to recent security concerns but would resume soon.
  • The global interest in setting up bilateral science collaboration centres, with countries like Switzerland and Italy exploring partnerships similar to the Indo-French and Indo-German Science Centres.

 

Source: PIB

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