Daily PIB Highlights (31-05-2025)

Topic- 1: India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

GS- 2 & 3: IR and Economy

The context:

On 30^th May 2025, the 1st Round of India-Chile CEPA Negotiation Concludes in New Delhi.

About India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):

• • The high-level dialogue between India and Chile, the Terms of Reference for negotiating the India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) were signed on 8th May, 2025.
  • The first round of negotiations commenced on 26th May, 2025, with the Opening Ceremony inaugurated by Commerce Secretary, in the presence of Ambassador of Chile to India.
  • The agreement will pave the way for a deeper economic partnership and the creation of strengthened global value chains between the two countries.
  • The launch of the CEPA negotiations was welcomed by both nations during the State Visit of the President of Chile.
  • India is a priority partner for Chile in the global economy and highlighted the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade between the two countries.
  • The initiation of negotiations towards a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial CEPA aimed at achieving deeper economic integration.
  • The Chilean negotiating team, comprising 17 delegates, was led by Chief Negotiator, Director for Asia & Oceanic at the Secretariat of International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile. The Indian delegation was headed by Chief Negotiator, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce.
  • Discussions during the round were held across 17 thematic tracks including: Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Movement of Natural Persons, Rules of Origin, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Initial Provisions and General Definitions, Core and Institutional Provisions, Final Provisions, Transparency, Dispute Settlement, Economic Cooperation, MSMEs, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Critical and Strategic Minerals Trade & Sustainable Development, Global Value Chains, Investment Promotion & Cooperation, and Intellectual Property Rights.
  • The CEPA aims to unlock the full potential of the trade and commercial relationship between India and Chile, boosting employment, bilateral trade, and economic growth. The modalities of negotiation will emerge through stakeholder consultations and industry feedback. Both sides are committed to a gainful and explorative approach to ensure a successful and meaningful agreement.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)

GS-2: Governance

The context:

Release of Policy document of DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) – The Digital Address DPI

About the DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address):

• • It is a national policy framework for creating a standardized, interoperable, and geocoded digital addressing system that supports secure, consent-based, and seamless sharing of address information. At its core is the concept of Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) — the array of services associated with address data management to support secure and efficient interactions between users, government entities, and private sector organizations.
  • It was launched in May 2025, by the Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications.
  • The initiative aims to recognize address information management as a foundational public infrastructure—vital for effective governance, inclusive service delivery, and enhanced user experience. It seeks to build a robust address data sharing and management ecosystem that ensures smooth integration across both public and private sectors. By giving users meaningful control over their address data, the policy promotes user autonomy, drives innovation, and supports ease of living.
  • DHRUVA seeks to foster a collaborative ecosystem in which public and private stakeholders co-create user-centric solutions built on a secure and trusted digital foundation. It aims to catalyze innovation across key sectors—such as governance, e-commerce, logistics, and financial inclusion—through broad-based adoption by ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders.
  • The Department of Posts is advancing a transformative initiative to establish a standardized, geo-coded addressing system in India, aimed at simplifying address solutions for citizen-centric delivery of public and private services.
  • The launch of Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN)– the National Addressing Grid, in this regard marked a significant milestone in this journey.
  • The DIGIPIN system serves as a strong and robust pillar of Geospatial Governance, enabling enhancements in public service delivery, emergency response, and logistics efficiency. It allows for logical location of addresses through a naming pattern with directional properties and is designed to be freely accessible in the public domain.
  • The Department invites all stakeholders to review the policy document and share their feedback. Constructive suggestions will be instrumental in refining the framework and ensuring that it remains inclusive, practical, and aligned with the evolving needs of citizens and service providers alike.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 3: IndiaAI Mission

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

On 30^th May 2025, India’s national compute capacity has crossed 34000 GPUs. Along with this, the selection of three new startups for building India’s own Foundation Model, the IndiaAI Mission has taken a significant leap toward strengthening indigenous AI capabilities.

IndiaAI Mission: Driving AI Innovation in India

• • The IndiaAI Mission was initially launched as a joint initiative between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Nasscom in 2023.

• • IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under MeitY, is the implementation agency for the IndiaAI Mission. It strives to democratize the benefits of AI across all strata of society, bolster India’s leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.

• • It has since evolved into a government-led initiative with an outlay of ₹10,371.92 crore.
  • The mission’s key goals are:
    • “Making AI in India” – Encouraging domestic AI development.
    • “Making AI Work for India” – Ensuring AI benefits various sectors in the country.
  • This initiative aims to bolster India’s AI ecosystem by making high-end computing resources accessible to startups and researchers.

The key Highlights:

• • The ‘IndiaAI- Make AI in India, Make AI work for India’ event held in New Delhi aimed at advancing India’s AI journey.
  • The IndiaAI Mission to aim for a top-five global position in their respective sectors. The vision of democratization of technology is “Technology should not be left in the hands of a few. It’s very important that a larger section of the society should be able to access technology, develop new solutions and get better opportunities. That’s the philosophy with which IndiaAI Mission was created. We are making significant progress in practically every pillar of the AI mission. Common compute is a very important principle of democratizing technology.”
  • IndiaAI Mission’s role in fostering reverse brain drain, and creating a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing foundational models, compute capacity, safety standards, and talent development initiatives.

Three More Indigenous Foundation Models

The IndiaAI Foundation Model pillar within the Mission aims to develop and deploy indigenous foundational models trained on India-specific data. Since the Call for Proposals launch, 506 proposals have been received till April 30, 2025. On 26^th April 2025, Sarvam AI has been selected to build India’s Sovereign LLM Ecosystem, developing an open source 120 billion parameter AI model to enhance governance and public service access through use cases like “2047: Citizen Connect” and “AI4Pragati”. This follows the earlier launch of the Sarvam-1 model (2 billion parameters) and Sarvam-M (24B parameters) model with hybrid reasoning capabilities.

In addition to Sarvam AI, three more proposals have been selected following a rigorous multi-stage expert evaluation:

1. Soket AI will develop India’s first open-source 120 billion parameter foundation model optimized for the country’s linguistic diversity, targeting sectors such as defense, healthcare, and education.

2. Gnani AI will build a 14 billion parameter Voice AI foundation model delivering multilingual, real-time speech processing with advanced reasoning capabilities.

3. Gan AI will create a 70 billion parameter multilingual foundation model targeting “Superhuman TTS(text-to-speech)” capabilities to surpass current global leaders.

Expansion of compute capacity

• • Union Minister announced the additional 15,916 GPUs to the existing 18,417 empanelled GPUs creating a total of 34,333 GPUs with support of industry partners. This expanded compute capacity on cloud will provide a common computational AI platform for training and inference, crucial to develop indigenous foundational models and AI solutions.

IndiaAI I4C CyberGuard AI Hackathon

• • Under the IndiaAI Applications Development Initiative, Union Minister announced the winners of the IndiaAI I4C CyberGuard AI Hackathon, jointly organised with Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Ministry of Home Affairs. The Hackathon resulted in the development of AI-based solutions to enhance the classification of cybercrime complaints and support the identification of emerging crime patterns, trends, and modus operandi on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). These models can interpret complex inputs such as handwritten FIRs, screenshots, and audio calls with improved speed and accuracy.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 4: TB and Measles-Rubella elimination in India

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

On 30^th May 2025, the Union Health Minister Chairs Series of High-Level meetings with 6 States/UTs to Assess Progress on TB and Measles-Rubella Elimination and Review Fund Utilization under PM-ABHIM and 15th Finance Commission and state governments on the Successful Implementation of the 100-day Intensified TB Elimination Drive.

• • TB Elimination Initiatives through Jan Bhagidari, Leadership Oversight, Strategic Campaign Revisions, Expanded NAAT Testing and Enhanced Adoption of Nutrition Schemes.
  • TB Incidence Must Drop to 47 per Lakh and Mortality to Below 3 per Lakh Through Early and Widespread Testing.
  • Its aim to screen and test the vulnerable population including migrant workers, slum dwellers, HIV patients, alcoholics and chain smokers.

Highlights Critical Role of Strengthened Immunisation Efforts in Achieving Measles-Rubella Elimination Targets:

• • The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare held high-level meetings with Health Ministers from 6 States/UTs.
  • The meetings reviewed progress on TB and Measles-Rubella elimination and fund utilization under PM-ABHIM and the 15th Finance Commission.
  • The Union Minister commended the active participation of states in the 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
  • During the campaign, 97 crore individuals were screened for tuberculosis.
  • Over 19 lakh TB cases were identified, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic individuals.
  • The campaign has now been expanded to cover all districts across the country.
  • Key performance indicators include examination of presumptive TB cases, NAAT coverage, treatment success rates, and nutrition support schemes
  • Under the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, states are using portable chest X-ray machines to screen vulnerable populations irrespective of symptoms.
  • Individuals with TB-suggestive findings undergo further testing using Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT).
  • The Union Health Minister stressed the importance of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in the TB elimination drive.
  • The national goal is to reduce the TB incidence rate to 47 per lakh population and mortality rate to below 3 per lakh population.
  • States were advised to revise and strengthen their TB elimination strategies, focusing on vulnerable and high-risk groups.
  • Emphasis was placed on enhancing the reach and impact of Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra initiative for TB patients and their families.
  • It was noted that engagement and benefits under these nutrition support schemes remain inadequate in several regions.
  • The Union Minister called for urgent and fast-tracked implementation of health infrastructure projects under PM-ABHIM and the 15th Finance Commission.
  • Only one year remains for effective utilization of the allocated funds for these health infrastructure projects.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 5: India’s First Indigenous Thrombectomy Device: S3V Vascular Technologies

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

On 30^th May 2025, the TDB-DST Funds India’s First Neuro-Intervention Integrated Manufacturing Plant for Stroke Treatment. In a significant boost to India’s medtech innovation landscape, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), has extended financial support to M/s S3V Vascular Technologies Limited, Mysuru, for their project titled “Integrated Manufacturing of Mechanical Thrombectomy Kit for Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke.” The board has sanctioned assistance to this pioneering initiative aimed at transforming stroke treatment through indigenous innovation.

The Key Highlight:

The project envisions the establishment of a state-of-the-art upstream integrated manufacturing facility at the Medical Devices Park, Oragadam, Sriperumbudur (Chennai), to develop and manufacture advanced mechanical thrombectomy kits—a life-saving intervention for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

Compared to conventional thrombolysis, thrombectomy offers significantly improved outcomes, reducing the risk of long-term paralysis and disability. Thus making a difference between “PARALYSIS and RECOVERY”.

What is S3V Vascular Technologies?

• • It is set to become the first Indian company to indigenously design and manufacture the complete suite of neuro-intervention devices, including microcatheters, aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent retriever systems in an upstream integrated facility. The company also intends to file patents for critical innovations such as the clot retriever head design, braid-over-coil aspiration catheter structures, and several advanced process technologies.
  • It is replacing expensive imported devices with high-quality, locally manufactured alternatives, this initiative is poised to enhance both affordability and accessibility of stroke care in India.
  • It aims to integrate these devices into government reimbursement programs such as Ayushman Bharat, thereby unlocking a domestic market estimated at 2 Billion USD.
  • It also plans to collaborate with leading hospitals to offer simulator-based training for young interventionalists—especially in Tier-II cities, where the stroke burden is high.
  • TDB is proud to support S3V’s vision of building India’s first comprehensive neuro-intervention manufacturing ecosystem. This project reflects our continued commitment to making India a global hub for affordable, high-end medical technology—especially in areas of critical public health need like stroke care.
  • Its focus on integrating these devices into Ayushman Bharat further aligns with the national goal of inclusive healthcare access.
  • Its integrated manufacturing facility will not only reduce dependency on imports of the finished medical devices used in Mechanical Thrombectomy  but also reduces Indias dependency on import of the raw materials used in manufacturing of these critical complex lifesaving medical devices.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 6: National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

On 30^th May 2025, the President of India confers National Florence Nightingale Awards 2025 to 15 Awardees at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This year, 15 nurses from various regions and healthcare settings were honoured for their exemplary service in strengthening public health delivery and their unwavering commitment to promoting the welfare of the community.

• • The National Florence Nightingale Award, instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, honours the dedication, compassion, and resilience that define the nursing profession.
  • These prestigious awards are presented to Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors serving across Central and State Governments, Union Territories, and voluntary organizations.
  • Each award includes a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, and a medal symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for the invaluable service rendered by these health warriors.
  • The Government of India, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has taken transformative steps to strengthen the nursing and midwifery profession across the country.
  • The recent enactment of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act will mark a significant milestone in modernizing nursing education and regulatory frameworks.
  • Additionally, the establishment of 157 nursing colleges co-located with medical colleges demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building a skilled and competent nursing workforce. These initiatives collectively pave the way for a robust healthcare system, ensuring better health outcomes for all citizens through a well-equipped and empowered nursing workforce.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 7: ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram

GS-3: Economy

The context:

On 30^th May 2025, Chief Minister of Goa officially declared the State of Goa to be officially fully literate under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards achieving full literacy by 2030, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

• • This makes Goa the second state of the country to cross the nationally prescribed 95% benchmark for full literacy. The announcement was made during the grand celebration of Goa’s 39th Statehood Day (May 30, 2025) at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Panaji.
  • According to the PLFS Report 2023-24, Goa’s literacy rate stands at 93.60%, one of the highest in the country, with strong performance across both male and female populations. However, as per Goa’s own survey, the state has surpassed this figure and attained full literacy.
  • To maximise outreach, the Government of Goa in this endeavour used the Whole-of-Government approach. The state government actively collaborated with multiple departments, including the Directorate of Panchayats, the Directorate of Municipal Administration, the Directorate of Social Welfare, the Directorate of Planning & Statistics, and the Directorate of Women & Child Development. These departments played a pivotal role in identifying non-literates within their respective jurisdictions.
  • Swayampurna Mitras were engaged in awareness campaigns, assisting learners in receiving literacy certification and facilitating their integration into learning modules. Field workers from the Social Welfare Department were also instrumental in the identification process.
  • The efforts of the Goa Education team, including SCERT, local administrations, school heads, and volunteers, were widely appreciated. Goa’s success showcases the potential of people-centric, volunteer-driven literacy campaigns, supported by inter-departmental cooperation and inclusive educational tools. It sets a precedent for other states to follow in achieving the national goal of full literacy by 2030.
  • The ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram continues to be implemented nationwide, and Goa stands as a beacon of progress, affirming the spirit of “Jan-Jan Sakshar”.

About the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme:

• • It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. The scheme, aligned with NEP 2020, targets adults (aged 15 years and above) who can’t go to school.
  • The scheme has five components – Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills and Continuing Education.
  • The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make India Jan Jan Saakshar and is based on the spirit of Kartavya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism.
  • Under the ULLAS scheme, more than 1.77 crore learners have appeared in the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) till now across the country.
  • More than 2.40 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers have been registered on the ULLAS Mobile app.

Source: PIB

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