Daily PIB Highlights (05-06-2025)

Topic- 1: New Ramsar Sites

GS- 3: Environment Conservation

The context:

On 4^th June 2025, the Government of India (GOI) hails addition of two New Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan. India’s continued progress in environmental conservation as two more wetlands—Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, both in Rajasthan, have been added to the prestigious list of Ramsar Sites. India now has a total of 91 Ramsar Sites.

The two more wetlands included in Ramsar Sites—Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur

• • Khichan (Phalodi District):
    • It is internationally famous for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes, making it a major birdwatching destination.
    • The wetland supports biodiversity, acting as a crucial habitat for migratory birds and maintaining ecological balance.

• • Menar (near Udaipur):
    • It is known as Rajasthan’s “Bird Village”, celebrated for its community-led conservation efforts.
    • It hosts rare birds like the cinereous vulture, Himalayan griffon, Dalmatian pelican, and black-tailed godwit.

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: The National Agro-RE Summit 2025

GS-3: Economy

The context:

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare attended the National Agriculture-Renewable Energy Conference 2025 (‘National Agro-RE Summit 2025’) organised by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) in New Delhi on 5^th June 2025.

The Key highlights:

• • The conference aimed to promote dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, experts, and farmers on integrating renewable energy into the agriculture sector.
  • Six key measures are being prioritized to ensure farmers’ prosperity: increasing production, reducing production costs, ensuring fair prices, providing compensation for losses, promoting crop diversification, and encouraging balanced fertilizer use to preserve soil health.
  • Organic farming was emphasized as essential for maintaining long-term soil fertility.
  • Since 2014–15, agricultural production has increased by 40%, with notable growth in wheat, rice, maize, and groundnut. However, there is a growing need to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds.
  • With around 50% of India’s population dependent on agriculture, integrated farming systems are necessary to meet contemporary challenges and enable marginal farmers to use their land more efficiently.
  • Solar panels have the potential to become a key source of electricity for farmers, and the PM-KUSUM scheme is supporting this goal to ensure their energy security.
  • The model of installing elevated solar panels over crop fields was highlighted as a transformative solution, allowing small and medium-scale farmers to become both food and energy producers.

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 3: Hall of Nuclear Power: Atoms Serving the Nation

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

The National Science Centre (NSC), Delhi, is set to unveil its newly revamped permanent gallery titled “Hall of Nuclear Power: Atoms Serving the Nation” on June 5, 2025. The inauguration will be graced by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

The Key highlights:

• • Originally inaugurated in 2016, the gallery has now been transformed with cutting-edge display technologies, user-friendly interfaces, and highly engaging interactive simulations.
  • This initiative, supported by NPCIL, aims to demystify nuclear energy and educate the public about its vital role in India’s energy landscape.
  • Spanning over 7,000 sq., the gallery features more than 56 interactive exhibits, including a 3D walkthrough of a nuclear power plant, artifacts from actual nuclear reactors, and immersive digital kiosks.
  • Visitors can explore a wide range of topics such as nuclear fission, reactor operations, radiation safety, nuclear waste management, and the contribution of nuclear energy towards achieving net-zero emissions.
  • The gallery also pays tribute to India’s nuclear journey and pioneers like Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, reinforcing the significance of nuclear energy as a clean, reliable, and sustainable power source for the future.
  • With India possessing vast thorium reserves and increasing energy demands, nuclear power is set to play a crucial role in ensuring long-term energy security.
  • The upgraded gallery is designed to inform, inspire, and raise awareness among the public—particularly students—about the science and potential of nuclear technology.
  • The gallery is open to the public at the National Science Centre, which operates seven days a week from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

About NPCIL

• • The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. NPCIL is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of India’s nuclear power plants, with a strong commitment to safety, environmental protection, and public education.

About National Science Centre, Delhi (NSCD)

• • The National Science Centre, Delhi, under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is one of Asia’s largest science centres. With over 7,00,000 annual visitors, including 4,00,000 students, NSCD promotes science literacy through interactive exhibits and extensive outreach programs.

About National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)

• • The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is India’s leading institution for science communication. Operating a network of 26 science centres and 48 mobile science exhibition units, NCSM plays a pivotal role in fostering scientific temper across both urban and rural India.

Source: PIB

Topic- 4: World Environment Day 2025

GS-3: Environment Conservation

The context:

Indian Coast Guard Leads Marine Conservation Efforts on World Environment Day 2025.

The Key Highlights:

• • On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) reaffirmed its leading role in marine conservation and sustainable maritime governance.
  • With over 58 major coastal clean-up operations removing more than 194 tonnes of plastic waste in the past year, the ICG has significantly contributed to this year’s global theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, under flagship campaigns such as Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, and Mission LiFE.
  • Operating along India’s extensive 11,000 km coastline, the ICG safeguards critical ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves, and nesting beaches that support coastal biodiversity and livelihoods.
  • The service also acts as the nation’s frontline defense against marine environmental hazards. With pollution control vessels like Samudra Prahari, Samudra Paheredar, and Samudra Pavak, the ICG leads swift response efforts against oil spills and chemical pollution, reinforced through large-scale NATPOLREX exercises involving over 50 national stakeholders.
  • Beyond pollution control, the ICG continues to play a vital role in wildlife conservation.
  • In 2025, Operation Olivia protected over 98 lakh olive ridley turtles nesting along Odisha’s coast. Anti-poaching efforts in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands further curbed the illegal trade of endangered marine species, including sea cucumbers and corals.

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 5: International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAC)

GS-3: Economy

The context:

India has been elected to the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) during elections held on June 3, 2025, in Brussels.

The Key Highlights:

• • India secured 87 votes, defeating Austria, which received 54 votes, in the election for the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS).
  • India will hold the Presidency of the IIAS for the term 2025–2028.
  • This victory marks a significant milestone in India’s engagement with global governance institutions and reaffirms its leadership in administrative reforms and public service innovation.
  • The hearings for the IIAS Presidency took place in February 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where four nations—India, South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain—submitted their nominations and participated in the selection process.
  • The Council of Administration of IIAS shortlisted India, South Africa, and Austria for the next round. South Africa later withdrew its candidacy in May 2025.
  • India’s candidacy received widespread support from across the IIAS membership.
  • Under India’s Presidency, IIAS will advance the Government of India’s vision of “Maximum Governance – Minimum Government,” emphasizing next-generation administrative reforms, digital empowerment of citizens, and institutional digital transformation.
  • The Indian Presidency will also aim to bridge the North–South divide, promoting unity and inclusivity in global administrative discourse.
  • This is the first time in the 100-year history of IIAS that the President was elected through a ballot process.
  • It is also the first time India has secured the historic mandate to lead the IIAS.
  • The acceptance speech delivered by the Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) to the Council of Administration has been officially recorded.

About the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAC):

• • It is a Federation of 31 Member Countries, 20 National Sections and 15 Academic Research Centres jointly collaborating for scientific research on public administration.
  • Key member countries include – India, Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, Morocco, Indonesia
  • The IIAS maintains a close working relationship with the United Nations, and participates in the UN’s Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) and the UN Public Administration Network (UNPAN). While the IIAS is not a formally affiliated body of the UN, it actively engages with the UN’s work in public administration.
  • The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances represents India as a Member State of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences since 1998.

Source: PIB

Topic- 6: India-Norway Bilateral Talks Focus on Green Maritime Technologies, Arctic Cooperation, and Sustainable Blue Economy

GS-2 & 3: International Relation (IR) and Economy

The context:

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) held bilateral meetings to explore possibilities of cooperation between India and Norway in multiple areas to further deepen the maritime relationship between the two countries in Oslo, 05^th June 2025.

Key Highlights: India–Norway Bilateral Maritime Talks

• • India and Norway held bilateral meetings during the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo to enhance cooperation on green maritime technologies.
  • India is advancing port infrastructure, green shipping, shipbuilding, and digitalisation under ‘Maritime India Vision 2030’ and ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’. India is on a bold mission to transform its ports into global investment hubs, leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Green Energy integration.
  • India and Norway explored joint efforts in smart logistics, digital port ecosystems, clean coastal shipping, and alternative fuels like LNG, hydrogen, and electric propulsion.
  • Collaboration was discussed under the Green Coastal Shipping Programme and Green Voyage 2050. India’s MAITRI initiative and Norway’s digital maritime innovations present strong synergies.
  • Both countries agreed to collaborate in manufacturing electric ferries, Green Shipping, Green Tug Transition, e-Methanol Bunkering, and hydrogen-powered vessels to meet global demand, with a special focus on optimising India’s inland waterways.
  • Discussions were held with Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, on ship recycling, seafarer training, sustainable fisheries, ocean renewable energy, and offshore hydrocarbons.
  • India and Norway agreed to combine Norway’s advanced ship design expertise with India’s shipyard capabilities to jointly produce eco-friendly vessels.
  • Norway has been a valued partner for India in the maritime domain and beyond. India’s long-standing cooperation reflects shared values, mutual respect and a strong commitment to sustainable development. The recent EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement marks a significant milestone and reaffirms our strong economic cooperation.
  • India and Norway share a legacy of shipbuilding collaboration. Both sides agreed to leverage Norway’s cutting-edge ship design expertise and India’s robust shipyard capacity to jointly produce world-class, eco-friendly vessels—driving a transformative shift in sustainable maritime transport. Discussions on the ship recycling sector focused on leveraging expertise and green technologies to promote sustainable ship-breaking practices, with an emphasis on improving environmental, health, and safety standards.
  • The Alang Ship Recycling Yard in Gujarat was identified as a key site for implementing sustainable ship-breaking practices using green technologies.
  • Both countries reaffirmed their shared vision for a sustainable Blue Economy, focusing on ocean resource management and economic growth through renewable energy and maritime technology.
  • India highlighted the ‘Saagar Mein Samman’ initiative, promoting gender equality in the maritime sector and the growing role of women seafarers.
  • India proposed to conduct a joint feasibility study for operationalising the Northern Sea Route (NSR) with Norwegian and Indian agencies. India expressed its keenness to work with Norway in Arctic navigation by collaborating on R&D in Arctic shipping, design and construction of ice-class vessels, advancement of navigational technologies.
  • India encouraged Norwegian firms to explore joint ventures in wind and tidal power, sustainable aquaculture, and deep-sea exploration.
  • Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive global maritime order, aligning with India’s Viksit Bharat vision and mutual goals of innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Source: PIB

Topic- 7: Population Census-2027

GS-1 & 2: Indian Society & Governance

The context:

India will conduct its next population census by March 1, 2027, after a historic 16-year gap, as announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. This will be India’s first digital census and the first post-Independence census to include caste enumeration.

India’s Next Census Scheduled for 2027:

• • The Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00.00 hours of the first day of October, 2026
  • It has been decided to conduct Population Census-2027 in two phases along with enumeration of castes.
  • The reference date for Population Census – 2027 will be 00:00 hours of the first day of March, 2027.
  • For the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the reference date will be 00.00 hours of the first day of October, 2026.
  • The notification for intent of conducting Population Census with the above reference dates will be published in the official gazette tentatively on 16.06.2025, as per provision of section 3 of Census Act 1948.
  • The Census of India is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. The last Census of India was conducted in 2011 in two phases, namely

1. Phase I – House Listing (HLO) (1 April to 30 September 2010) and

2. Phase II – Population Enumeration (PE) (09 February to 28 February 2011)  with reference date – 00:00 hours of the first day of March 2011, except for snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh for which it was conducted during 11 to 30 September 2010 with reference date as 00.00 hours of the first day of October 2010.

• • Census 2021 was also proposed to be conducted in two phases in a similar manner with phase I during April-September 2020 and second phase in February 2021.
  • All the preparations for the first phase of the Census to be conducted in 2021 were completed and field work was scheduled to begin in some States/UTs from April 1, 2020. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic across the country, the census work was postponed.

 

Source: PIB

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