Daily PIB Highlights (12-06-2025)

Topic- 1: Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Meet 2025

GS-3: Economy

The context:

Union Minister to Inaugurate Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet 2025; To Launch Reservoir Fisheries Cluster at Halali Dam on June 13th in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Inland Fisheries Hit 147 Lakh Ton in 2024-25, Register 140% Growth Over a Decade.

The Key Highlights:

• • The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is organizing an “Inland Fisheries & Aquaculture Meet 2025” focused on development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture on 13^thJune 2025 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. 
  • It is led by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D).
  • On this occasion, the Union Minister is inaugurated and lay the foundation stone for key fisheries projects for 7 Inland states and UTs with a total outlay of Rs.52 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
  • This includes the launch of the Reservoir Fisheries Cluster at Halali Damand the foundation stone laying of other PMMSY-supported projects, aimed at enhancing aquaculture infrastructure, boosting fish production, and generating livelihood opportunities across the inland regions.
  • Certificates will also be distributed by the Union Minister to the beneficiaries including fisheries Cooperatives, FFPOs and Fisheries Start-ups. Fishers will be awarded Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and aquaculture insurance as well aimed at targeted insurance coverage, integrated digital access, and focused support for marginalized communities.
  • Technical sessions will focus on key areas such as reservoir leasing policies, sustainable riverine and wetland fisheries, strengthening input supply, and unlocking the potential of cold-water fisheries.
  • The event will witness participation from fisheries ministers of inland states/UTs along with officials from the Department of Fisheries, State Fisheries Departments and ICAR Institutes.
  • The event will be conducted in hybrid mode. This meet will serve as a vital platform for addressing region-specific challenges, promoting modern, eco-friendly approaches tailored to inland ecosystems, and enhancing livelihood opportunities, productivity, and long-term economic development in the fisheries sector.

Transforming Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture in India

• • Since 2015, the Government has invested ₹38,572 crore in the fisheries sector, leading to a 104% increase in annual fish production, reaching 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25.
  • Inland fisheries and aquaculture now account for over 75% of total fish production, growing by 140% to 147.37 lakh tonnes.
  • These practices involve fish farming in freshwater and brackish water using methods like pond culture, cage farming, RAS, and Biofloc systems.
  • Inland aquaculture helps convert underutilised or saline-affected lands into productive assets, supporting rural incomes and livelihoods.
  • With support from ICAR institutions and schemes like PMMSY and Blue Revolution, 45,000 modern units have been set up, and drone technology is being piloted for sustainable fishery management.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 2: Aadhaar Authentication for Online Tatkal Bookings

GS-2: Governance

The context:

Only Aadhaar authenticated user can book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC Website and App from 1^st July 2025.

The Key Highlights:

• • With an aim to ensure fair and transparent access to Tatkal tickets and to safeguard the interests of genuine passengers, Indian Railways has announced key modifications in the Tatkal ticket booking system. These changes are aimed at enhancing user authentication and reducing misuse of the scheme.

The new provisions are as follows:

Aadhaar Authentication for Online Tatkal Bookings:

• • Effective 1st July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC’s official website and mobile app will be available only to users authenticated with Aadhaar.
  • Further, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings made online starting 15th July 2025.

System-Based OTP Authentication at PRS Counters and Agents:

• • Tatkal tickets booked at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised agents will require OTP authentication sent to the mobile number provided by the user at the time of booking.
  • This provision will also come into effect from 15th July 2025.

Booking Time Restriction for Authorised Agents:

• • To prevent bulk bookings during the critical opening period, authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways will not be permitted to book opening-day Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.
  • For AC classes, this restriction applies from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM,and for non-AC classes, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
  • These changes are being implemented to improve transparency in Tatkal bookings and to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach genuine end users.
  • CRIS and IRCTC have been instructed to make necessary system modifications and inform all Zonal Railways and concerned departments accordingly.
  • The Ministry of Railways urges all passengers to take note of these changes and encourages everyone to ensure Aadhaar linkage with their IRCTC user profiles to avoid inconvenience.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 3: International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA)

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

India Participates in 2nd Session of IALA Council as Vice President in Nice, France on 11^th June 2025.

The Key Highlights:

• • India, as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), actively participated in the 2nd Session of the IALA Council, held in Nice, France.
  • The IALA Council is the key decision-making body of the intergovernmental organization responsible for marine aids to navigation.
  • The Indian delegation was led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterway.
  • India’s longstanding association with IALA and its significant progress in marine aids to navigation and vessel traffic services.

The initiatives of the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), including:

• • Integration of vessel traffic services across 12 major ports.
  • Planned international training programs at the Marine Navigation Training Institute in Kolkata.

India extended a formal invitation to all member states to attend the 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 and the 21st IALA Conference in 2027, both to be held in Mumbai.

• • India has been a longstanding and committed member of IALA since its inception in 1957 and a Council member since 1980 through the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
  • India has actively contributed to harmonizing marine aids to navigation and building capacity to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime operations.
  • India’s election as Vice President of IALA during the 1st General Assembly in Singapore reflects its growing global influence and strategic maritime vision.
  • India’s proactive role was appreciated, with Council members welcoming its upcoming leadership in hosting major IALA events.
  • India’s active engagement reflects its commitment to maritime safety, innovation, and heritage preservation.

The Council discussed key technical matters, including:

• • Harmonization of marine aids to navigation
  • Conservation of lighthouse heritage
  • Emerging developments such as the Harmonised Internet of Things (IoT) protocol for visual AtoN
  • Maritime Service Registry specifications
  • Programme schedule for IALA activities planned for 2025 and 2026

About International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA):

• • It was established in 1957 as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
  • It officially changed its status from a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) to an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) based on a Convention ratified by 34 States in 2024.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 4: The Lokpal of India

GS-2: Polity and Governance

The context:

The Full Bench of the Lokpal of India adopted a new motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption”.

• • The new motto replaces the older one as part of efforts to enhance institutional visibility and public outreach.

About the Lokpal of India:

• • It is a statutory body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013.
  • Mandate: To inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters.

The Composition Structure:

• • It consists of a chair person and eight Members, out of whom four are Judicial Members.
  • The Chairperson should be either the former Chief Justice of India,or a former Judge of the Supreme Court, or an eminent person who fulfills the eligibility criteria as specified.
  • The judicial member of the Lokpal should be either a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of a High Court.
  • A minimum of fifty percent of the Members will be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities and women.
  • How are members appointed?
  • The Chairperson and the Members are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a selection committee composed of the Prime Minister as the Chairperson, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him/her, and one eminent jurist.
  • They hold office for a term of five years from the date on which they enter upon the office or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
  • The salary, allowances, and other conditions of services of the Chairperson are the same as that of the Chief Justice of India.
  • The salary, allowances, and other conditions of services of the members are the same as that of a Judge of the Supreme Court.

Jurisdiction:

• • It has jurisdiction to inquire into allegations of corruption against anyone who is or has been Prime Minister, a Minister in the Union government, or a Member of Parliament, as well as officials of the Union Government under Groups A, B, C, and D.
  • It covers chairpersons, members, officers, and directors of any board, corporation, society, trust, or autonomous body either established by an Act of Parliament or wholly or partly funded by the Union or State government.
  • It also covers any society, trust, or body that receives a foreign contribution above Rs 10 lakh.
  • A complaint under the Lokpal Act should be in the prescribed form and must pertain to an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against a public servant.
  • There is no restriction on who can make such a complaint.
  • When a complaint is received, the Lokpal may order a preliminary inquiry by its Inquiry Wing or any other agency or refer it for investigation by any agency, including the CBI, if there is a prima facie case.
  • The Lokpal, with respect to Central government servants, shall refer the complaints to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

Exceptions for Prime Minister:

• • Lokpal cannot inquire into allegations against the PM relating to international relations, external and internal security, public order, atomic energy, and space.
  • Also, complaints against the PM are not to be probed unless the full Lokpal bench considers the initiation of the inquiry and at least 2/3rds of the members approve it.

Powers of Lokpal:

• • It has powers to superintendence over and to give direction to the CBI.
  • If it has referred a case to the CBI, the investigating officer in such a case cannot be transferred without the approval of Lokpal.
  • Powers to authorize CBI for search and seizure operations connected to such cases.
  • The Inquiry Wing of the Lokpal has been vested with the powers of a civil court.
  • Lokpal has powers of confiscation of assets, proceeds, receipts, and benefits arisen or procured by means of corruption in special circumstances.
  • Lokpal has the power to recommend the transfer or suspension of public servants connected with the allegation of corruption.
  • Lokpal has the power to give directions to prevent the destruction of records during the preliminary inquiry.
  • In terms of Section 48 of the said Act, the Lokpal is required to present annually to the President a report on the work done by it, which is caused to be laid in both the Houses of the Parliament.

Source: PIB

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