Daily PIB Highlights (03-06-2025)

Topic- 1: Global Space-Aviation convergence

GS- 2 & 3: Governance and Economy

The context:

On 2^nd June 2025, PM of India addresses IATA’s 81st Annual General Meeting and plenary Session of World Air Transport Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

India’s Emerging Role in Global Space-Aviation Convergence:

• • India has become the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, witnessing historic advancements in the civil aviation sector over the past decade.
  • UDAN scheme hailed as a golden chapter in Indian aviation, benefiting over 15 million passengers and enabling first-time flyers.
  • India presents a major investment opportunity for global aviation companies due to its large market and progressive policies.
  • India is playing a key role not only as a market but also as a policy leader, innovator, and champion of inclusive development in the global aviation ecosystem.
  • The convergence of aviation and space technology reflects India’s readiness for commercial space flights and interplanetary travel integration into civil aviation.
  • Three foundational pillars of India’s aviation sector growth:
    • Vast, aspirational market.
    • Strong demographic and tech-savvy talent pool.
    • Supportive policy and regulatory ecosystem.
  • Indian airlines are witnessing double-digit growth, with 240 million passengers annually, projected to reach 500 million by 2030.
  • India transports 3.5 million metric tons of air cargo annually, expected to rise to 10 million metric tons by decade-end.
  • Airport infrastructure has expanded from 74 operational airports in 2014 to 162 in 2024.
  • Over 2,000 aircraft orders by Indian carriers signal rapid industry expansion.
  • Passenger handling capacity has reached 500 million, with a focus on technology, sustainability, and user experience.
  • India is transitioning to sustainable aviation fuels, green technologies, and carbon footprint reduction.
  • Digi Yatra app is a model of digital aviation using facial verification for paperless, ID-less airport travel—serving as an inspiration for the Global South.
  • India aims to be a global aviation manufacturing hub, supported by policies like Mission Manufacturing and the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, aligning with the Cape Town Convention.
  • The Indian Aircraft Act aligns national laws with global best practices, enhancing compliance, tax simplicity, and investment appeal.
  • The aviation sector is generating new jobs across pilots, engineers, ground staff, etc., with MRO emerging as a sunrise sector.
  • MRO facilities increased from 96 in 2014 to 154 now, with a $4 billion MRO hub goal by 2030 and 100% FDI under automatic route.
  • India is becoming an integral part of the global aviation supply chain, accelerating its pace of progress.
  • India’s aviation sector reflects inclusivity, with:
    • 15% women pilots, higher than the global average.
    • 86% women cabin crew, exceeding the global average of 70%.
    • Growing female participation in MRO sector.
  • Drone technology is driving financial, technological, and social inclusion, with applications in agriculture, delivery, and women’s empowerment.
  • India prioritizes aviation safety, aligning with ICAO standards; ICAO audit and Delhi Declaration reaffirm global recognition of India’s efforts.
  • India supports Open Skies policy and Global Connectivity, upholding the principles of the Chicago Convention for a more connected aviation world.

About the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS):

• • The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) is being held from 1st to 3rd June.
  • The last AGM in India was held 42 years ago in 1983.
  • It brings together more than 1,600 participants including top global aviation industry leaders, government officials and international media representatives.
  • The World Air Transport Summit will focus on key issues facing the aviation industry including Economics of the Airline industry, Air Connectivity, Energy Security, Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production, Financing Decarbonisation, Innovations among others.
  • The aviation leaders and media representatives from around the world will also get to witness India’s remarkable transformation in the aviation landscape and its contribution to the country’s socio – economic development.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: BharatGen Initiative

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

On 3^rd June 2025, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology launched ‘Bharat Gen’ – India’ s first of its kind Indigenously developed government funded AI based Multimodal LLM for Indian Languages at BharatGen Summit “—India’s largest Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and LLM summit and hackathon. BharatGen a national mission to create AI that is ethical, inclusive, multilingual, and deeply rooted in Indian values and ethos.

About BharatGen Initiative:

• • It is developed under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented through TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay, BharatGen aims to revolutionize AI development across India’s linguistic and cultural spectrum.
  • The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and brings together a robust consortium of leading academic institutions, experts, and innovators.
  • The platform integrates text, speech, and image modalities, offering seamless AI solutions in 22 Indian languages. AI Doctor Speaking in Regional Languages Revolutionizes Telemedicine in Remote Villages.
  • This initiative will empower critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance, delivering region-specific AI solutions that understand and serve every Indian.
  • It not only builds trust but has a placebo-like psychological effect, enabling better care in remote regions connected with superspeciality hospitals across India.
  • BharatGen aligns with the vision of “India’s Techade”—not just for innovation but for inclusion. India’s AI progress as a global benchmark, including CPGRAMS, now studied by several countries as a model grievance redressal system.
  • The launch of the Generative AI Hackathon 2025 marked a major step in engaging student innovators to solve real-world problems through AI.
  • The BharatGen initiative is being executed through a network of 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs), four of which have been upgraded to Technology Translational Research Parks (TTRPs). The Mission’s four pillars include technology development, entrepreneurship, human resource development, and international collaboration.

 

The Minister reiterated that Anusandhan NRF will further boost India’s R&D and innovation ecosystem, and highlighted the ongoing transformation through flagship schemes like PM MUDRA Yojana, PM SVANidhi, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which uplift street vendors, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs.

The transformative role of Generative AI in grassroots governance, citing the integration of multilingual feedback systems into platforms like CPGRAMS to enhance citizen engagement and grievance redressal. He underscored the inclusive vision of NEP 2020, which promotes interdisciplinary learning by enabling students to combine technical and humanities disciplines, thus enhancing their employability and innovation potential.

The success of over 3,000 Agri-tech StartUps, particularly those pioneering initiatives like lavender cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir, as evidence that innovation thrives beyond metros and IT sectors.

The summit also witnessed a significant MoU exchange ceremony aimed at deepening collaboration across government departments and research hubs.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 3: India and Japan agrees to deepen Maritime Relations

GS-2: International Relation (IR)

The context:

On 2^nd June 2025, India and Japan agrees to deepen Maritime Relations and both countries agree to discuss on boosting cooperation in Shipbuilding, Ports, Smart Islands, and Maritime Training for a globally sustainable future
“Japan interested in maritime collaboration; shipbuilding & seafarer training discussed positively”.

India-Japan Maritime Cooperation: Key Highlights

• • The meeting focused on expanding maritime relations, covering investment, port digitisation, green port initiatives, R&D, upskilling, and employment of Indian seafarers in Japan.
  • Both countries discussed on use of sustainable technologies, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity to enable Andaman Nicobar islands and Lakswadeep islands to be converted into Smart Islands. Acknowledging the rich expertise of Japan in developing island territories, “Japan’s expertise in this area is highly valued. The scope in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands, particularly in deploying renewable energy, smart mobility systems, and digital infrastructure. These initiatives will further our shared commitment to ecological conservation and regional maritime security.
  • The meeting also discussed about increasing partnership between Indian and Japanese shipyards including Greenfield investment such as Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh and others. Opportunities for co-development of ports and maritime industrial clusters as clean energy hubs were also gauged for mutual cooperation. India’s interest in leading Japanese shipbuilding companies such as Imabari Shipbuilding, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to explore joint ventures and collaborative arrangements with Indian yards.
  • Japan’s expertise in shipbuilding and ship repair is well recognised, and I see great scope for collaboration in this area. We also invite Japan’s Big Three maritime companies—NYK Line, MOL, and K Line—to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities in India’s growing maritime sector. With our strong bilateral relationship, India’s growing maritime industry present a unique opportunity for Japanese shipyards to invest in India in shipbuilding. Collaboration on port digitisation and green port initiatives will further strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our maritime logistics network.
  • Relations between India and Japan have a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilisational ties. Our collaboration under the Quad framework and the India-Japan-Australia Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional maritime security and economic integration. India appreciates Japan’s leadership in key initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). As India moves ahead to transform its maritime sector, India is advancing port infrastructure, green shipping, shipbuilding, and digitalisation under ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ and ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’. India seeks Japan’s participation in these transformative initiatives.
  • India and Japan have very intimate relationship. Japan has been engaged in railway infrastructure development with India but now ‘very interested in maritime sector’. Prospects of mutual collaboration in shipbuilding and training of seafarers were discussed and considered positively. He expressed satisfaction over the meeting.
  • On the meeting emphasized the need to deepen bilateral ties in maritime training and development, as well as cooperation in research and development, both sides agreed to further strengthen collaboration in the maritime sector, especially on sustainable maritime technologies and next-generation ship design. India’s interest for a MoU for a framework to avail promising avenues for collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Indian universities, and public agencies.
  • India currently has over 154,000 trained seafarers which is capable of support and supplement Japan’s maritime workforce. In order to build capacity with rich maritime knowledge of Japanese maritime sector, with a great opportunity for Japan’s maritime leaders in training, upskilling, and employing Indian seafarers, strengthening the cornerstone of our maritime cooperation. India is ready and keen to facilitate Japanese maritime player’s interest  in training Indian engineers and workers through structured programmes.
  • India is developing the National Maritime Heritage Museum (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat. It aims to showcase India’s rich maritime history and legacy. It also serves as a world-class centre for heritage tourism, education, and research in the maritime sector. India’s interest to have Japan as a partner for this project. It will bring together key stakeholders from the global maritime community to discuss and facilitate exploration of opportunities for investment, collaboration, innovation, and growth in the maritime sector.
  • The strong & deep Indo Japanese ties are rooted in mutual trust and shared values — democracy, freedom, and civilisational connection. Paved the way to elevate our maritime cooperation further. Japan is one of India’s most trusted investors. We deeply value this relationship. India aims to scale new heights with a target of five trillion yen (₹3.2 lakh crore) in investments with Japan by 2027. India will work closely with Japan toward a sustainable future, guided by our shared vision of advanced maritime cooperation that contributes meaningfully to global progress & mutual benefit for both countries.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 4: Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India

GS-3: Economy

The context:

On 3^rd June 2025, the Government of India (GoI) has approved a forward-looking scheme to promote the domestic manufacture of passenger cars, with a special focus on electric vehicles (EVs). This landmark initiative is aligned with India’s national goals of achieving net zero by 2070, fostering sustainable mobility, driving economic growth, and reducing environmental impact. It is designed to firmly establish India as a premier global destination for automotive manufacturing and innovation.

The key highlights:

• • Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has issued Notification regarding detailed guidelines for the “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India” (SPMEPCI / the Scheme)MHI had issued the Scheme notification on 15^thMarch 2024.
  • The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance had also issued the notification on 15^thMarch 2024 for reduced import duties in line with the provisions of the Scheme.
  • The Notice for inviting applications under the Scheme is proposed to be notified shortly, whereby the prospective applicants would be able to submit online applications.
  • The Schemeshall help toattract investments from global EV manufacturers and promote India as a manufacturing destination for e-vehicles. The Scheme will also help put India on the global map for manufacturing of EVs, generate employment and achieve the goal of “Make in India”.
  • To encourage the global manufacturers to invest under the Scheme, the approved applicants will be allowed to import Completely Built-in Units (CBUs) of e-4W with a minimum CIF value of USD 35,000 at reduced customs duty of 15% for a period of 5 years from the Application Approval Date.
  • Approved applicants would be required to make minimum investment of Rs. 4,150 crore in line with the provisions of the scheme.
  • The scheme is strategically crafted to position India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. With a minimum investment threshold of ₹4,150 crore, it provides an enabling policy environment for leading global and domestic players to establish long-term manufacturing footprints in the country. Through calibrated customs duty concessions and clearly defined domestic value addition (DVA) milestones, the scheme strikes a balance between introducing cutting-edge EV technologies and nurturing indigenous capabilities.
  • By mandating domestic value addition targets the scheme will further boost the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, while empowering both global and domestic companies to become active partners in India’s green mobility revolution.”

Custom Duty benefits:

• • The approved Applicants will be allowed to import CBUs of e-4W manufactured by global Group Companies with a minimum CIF value of USD 35,000 at reduced customs duty of 15% for a period of 5 years from the Application Approval Date.
  • The maximum number of e-4W allowed to be imported at the aforesaid reduced duty rate shall be capped at 8,000 nos. per year. The carryover of unutilized annual import limits would be permitted.
  • The maximum number of EVs to be imported under this Scheme shall be such that the total duty foregone will be limited to the lower of the following:

1. The maximum duty foregone per Applicant (limited to Rs.6,484 crore), or

2. Committed investment of the Applicant (minimum Rs. 4150 crore).

Total duty to be foregone shall be limited to lower of Rs. 6,484 crore or the Investment made under this Scheme.

Investment:

Minimum Investment Commitment in India during a 3 year window	Rs. 4,150 crore (equivalent to approx. USD 500 Mn)
Commencement of Operations	The Applicant is required to setup manufacturing facility and commence operations for manufacturing of Eligible product i.e. e-4W within a period of 3 years from Application Approval Date
Maximum Investment Commitment in India during a 3 year window	No Limit
Domestic Value Addition (DVA) criteria during manufacturing	Minimum DVA of 25% to be achieved within 3 years and minimum DVA of 50% to be achieved within 5 years from date of issuance of approval letter by MHI/ PMA

• • The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component (PLI Auto Scheme) would be followed to assess the DVA of the Eligible Product as required under the Scheme.
  • Certification of DVA of Eligible Product manufactured in India by the Approved Applicant would be done by testing agency(ies) approved by MHI.

• • Investment should be made for domestic manufacturing of Eligible Product. In case the Investment under the Scheme is made on brownfield project, a clear physical demarcation with the existing manufacturing facility(ies) should be made.
  • Expenditure incurred on new Plant, Machinery, Equipment and Associated Utilities, Engineering Research and Development (ER&D)would be eligible.
  • The expenditure incurred on Land will not be considered. However, Buildings of the mainPlant and Utilities will be considered as part of the investment provided it does not exceed 10% of committed investment.
  • Expenditure incurred on Charging Infrastructure would be considered upto maximum 5% of the committed investment.

Bank Guarantee:

• • The Applicant’s commitment to setup manufacturing facility(ies), achievement of DVA and compliance with conditions stipulated under the Scheme shall be backed by aBank Guarantee from a scheduled commercial bank in Indiaequivalent to the total duty to be forgone, or Rs4,150 crore, whichever is higher, during the scheme period.

 

The Bank Guarantee should be valid at all times during the tenure of the Scheme.

Application:

• • The window for receiving applications through the Notice Inviting Applications will be for a period of 120 days (or more). Further, MHI shall have the right to open the Application Window, as and when required till 15.03.2026.
  • A non-refundable application fee Rs. 5,00,000/- will be payable by the Applicant while filing the Application Form.
  • The Notice for inviting applications under the Scheme is proposed to be issued shortly, whereby the prospective applicants would be able to submit online applications. The above notice would be published on the website of Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Eligibility Criteria:

 

Source: PIB

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