Daily PIB Highlights (20-06-2025)

Topic- 1: Rajkot’s Sustainable Dumpsite Remediation (Nakrawadi Site)

GS-3: Economy

The context:

Recently, Rajkot Municipal Corporation undertook a major remediation project at the Nakrawadi dumping site, which had accumulated over 16 lakh tonnes of legacy waste. The initiative aimed not just at waste removal, but land reclamation and green transformation, aligning with the principles of the circular economy, climate change mitigation, and sustainable urban development.

The Key Highlights:

• • Rajkot transformed a 16 lakh tonne legacy waste dumpsite at Nakrawadi into a 20-acre green urban forest under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
  • The city, generating 700 tonnes of solid waste daily, remediated the site using the “Lakshya Zero Dumpsite” initiative of SBM-U 2.0.
  • Waste was segregated into RDF, semi-compost, and inert material using advanced machinery, with RDF sent to Jamnagar’s waste-to-energy plant.

• • Over 50,000 tonnes of semi-compost were used for land leveling, while inert waste was shifted to a Secured Landfill Facility.
  • Around 2.35 lakh native trees were planted using the Miyawaki method to convert the area into a biodiverse green forest.
  • A 12 km pipeline was laid to supply treated water from the Gauridad STP for irrigation, supplemented by drip systems and rainwater harvesting ponds.
  • Challenges included managing heavily contaminated, compacted waste, monsoon disruptions, and health hazards to workers and nearby residents.
  • The initiative follows a circular economy model by converting waste into resources, conserving raw materials, and enhancing biodiversity.
  • It promotes social welfare through improved air quality, employment via SHGs, and eco-tourism potential, fostering community engagement.
  • This financially, socially, and environmentally impactful model can be replicated across other Indian cities struggling with legacy waste issues.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: First-Ever Germanium Signature in Rare Extreme Helium Star A980

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

Recently, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, have discovered singly-ionized germanium (Ge II) in a rare Extreme Helium (EHe) star named A980, located in the Ophiuchus constellation, about 25,800 light years away. This is the first recorded detection of germanium in any EHe star, marking a significant advancement in stellar chemistry and astrophysics.

The Key Highlights:

• • Scientists at IIA discovered unusual stellar chemistry in A980, a rare star in the Ophiuchus Constellation, located 25,800 light years from Earth.
  • A980 was initially believed to be a hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) star but was later classified as an Extreme Helium (EHe) star, a rare class of stars formed by the merger of two white dwarfs.
  • Using the Hanle Echelle Spectrograph on the Himalayan Chandra Telescope in Ladakh, researchers analyzed A980’s spectrum and found it resembled another known EHe star, LS IV -14° 109.
  • The breakthrough discovery was the detection of singly-ionized germanium (Ge II) lines in A980’s spectrum—the first-ever such detection in any EHe star.
  • Germanium was found to be eight times more abundant in A980 than in the Sun, marking the first measurement of germanium abundance in this star type.
  • The presence of germanium suggests the action of the s-process (slow neutron-capture), typically occurring in the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) phase of stellar evolution.
  • A980 also showed a strong presence of s-process elements like barium and strontium, indicating complex chemical enrichment.
  • The star is likely the result of a merger between a helium white dwarf and a carbon-oxygen white dwarf, a process that may have enabled this unique chemical signature.
  • Researchers also noted the theoretical possibility of a Thorne-Żytkow Object (TŻO) origin, as TŻOs are known to produce germanium via the rp-process, although A980 does not fully match TŻO profiles.
  • This finding represents a milestone in astrophysics, expanding our knowledge of stellar chemistry and evolution, and highlighting India’s growing role in high-resolution space observations.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 3: The hidden healers in poisonous plants: A New Frontier in Ethnopharmacology

GS-3: Environment and Ecology

The context:

Recently, researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have highlighted the therapeutic potential hidden within poisonous plant species found in India’s biodiversity-rich regions like Assam.

The Key Highlights:

• • Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, have highlighted the dual nature of poisonous plants — as both harmful and medicinal.
  • The study reveals that many toxic plants produce phytochemicals essential for the plant’s survival, some of which can benefit human health when scientifically processed.
  • Led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee and Bhagya Lakhmi Rajbongshi, the research team identified 70 poisonous plant species traditionally used to treat ailments like fever, colds, skin diseases, and oedema.
  • These plants are already part of homeopathic and traditional Indian medicine systems, indicating their long-standing ethnopharmacological relevance.
  • The study, published in Toxicon: X (Elsevier), promotes the view that toxic plant-derived compounds, once isolated and modified, can serve as potent therapeutic agents.
  • The research emphasizes the scientific validation of traditional remedies, tracing the practices of indigenous communities in managing conditions like jaundice and snakebites.
  • The potential of these phytochemicals opens a promising avenue for drug discovery, particularly for diseases that lack effective treatment.
  • The study underlines the need for rigorous testing and toxicity assessment before any clinical or pharmaceutical application to ensure human safety.
  • Modern pharmacology is increasingly acknowledging ethnopharmacological knowledge as a source of new medicinal leads from traditionally used toxic plants.
  • This research marks a significant step towards integrating traditional knowledge with modern drug development, potentially revolutionizing future medical therapies.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 4: World Sickle Cell Day 2025

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day (19th June 2025), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and AIIMS Delhi jointly observed a national event to reaffirm India’s commitment to eradicating Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister of India under the National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia, launched on 1st July 2023 from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.

The Key Announcements & Initiatives:

• • Bhagwan Birsa Munda Prize for Drug Development:
    • A national-level prize for the development of new drugs for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
    • Funding of ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore will be provided for selected proposals.
    • Only one drug currently available; need for more, especially for cases like pregnancy or co-morbid conditions.
  • National Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia (2023–2047):
    • Launched by PM Modi on 1 July 2023 at Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Aim: Eradicate SCD by 2047, in line with the 100th year of Independence.
    • MoTA and MoHFW jointly implementing the mission.
    • 365 districts across 17 states targeted under the Mission.
  • Establishment of Advanced Tribal Health & Research Institute:
    • To be set up under AIIMS Delhi.
    • Will serve as a national reference centre for tribal health.
    • Will support policy formulation, clinical research, and specialized care for tribal populations.
    • Includes outpatient and inpatient care, with provisions for seamless referrals from tribal areas.
  • Centers of Competence (CoCs):
    • Being launched in 15 tertiary hospitals, including multiple AIIMS.
    • Aim: State-of-the-art diagnostics, ante-natal care, referrals, and SCD management.
    • To be functional by November 2025.

About the Sickle Cell Anemia:

• • It is an inherited blood disorder.
  • It affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body.
  • People with this disease have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.
  • These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.

What causes it?

• • The cause of Sickle cell disease is a defective gene, called a sickle cell gene.
  • A person will be born with sickle cell disease only if two genes are inherited—one from the mother and one from the father.

Symptoms:

• • Early stage: Extreme tiredness or fussiness from anemia, painfully swollen hands and feet, and jaundice.
  • Later stage: Severe pain, anemia, organ damage, and infections.
  • Treatments:
  • The only cure for this disease is bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
  • However, there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms, lessen complications, and prolong life.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 5: First National Consultation on Gender Budgeting; Launches ‘Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub’

GS-2: Governance and Social Justice

The context:

On 19th June 2025, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) organized the first-ever National Consultation on Gender Budgeting at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward gender-responsive governance under the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

• • The event saw participation from senior officers of 40 Central Ministries/Departments, 19 State Governments, as well as representatives from UN Women, ADB, and national-level institutions.

Key Highlights:

1. Launch of Gender Budgeting Knowledge Hub:

• • A dedicated portal developed by WCD Ministry.
  • A centralized digital repository for information, case studies, tools, and training materials related to gender budgeting processes.
  • Aimed at supporting ministries, departments, and state governments in implementing effective gender budgeting practices.

2. Rise in Gender Budget Allocation

• • FY 2025–26 Allocation: ₹4.49 lakh crore
  • 4.5x increase since FY 2014–15 (₹0.98 lakh crore).
  • 37% increase over previous year, demonstrating robust financial commitment to gender equality.

3. 20-Year Review of Gender Budgeting

• • Gender Budgeting introduced in 2005–06 as a fiscal reporting mechanism.
  • Now evolved into a strategic policy instrument for inclusive development and women’s empowerment.

4. Draft Training Manual on Gender Budgeting

• • Introduced as a capacity-building tool to help stakeholders understand and implement gender-responsive budgeting.

5. Minister’s Address – Vision and Commitment

• • Gender budgeting is not just about fiscal allocation, but a vision for equity and dignity.
  • It reinforces the nation-building role of women as leaders, innovators, and growth drivers.
  • The initiative is a collective commitment to equity, opportunity, and social justice.

What is Gender Budgeting?

• • Gender Budgeting is the process of ensuring that public policies and financial allocations are equitable and responsive to the differential needs of women and men. It integrates gender perspectives into policy planning, budgeting, and implementation.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 6: India – Croatia Relationship ties

GS-3: Economy

The context:

On 18 June 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to officially visit Croatia, at the invitation of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. This visit marked a historic moment in India–Croatia relations, aiming to strengthen diplomatic, economic, technological, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

Key Outcomes of the Visit:

• • The leaders held comprehensive discussions on advancing bilateral ties, India-EU strategic partnership, and multilateral cooperation.
  • They highlighted shared democratic values such as rule of law, pluralism, and equality as the foundation of India-Croatia relations.

Four key agreements were signed:

• • • MoU on Agricultural Cooperation,
    • Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology,
    • Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), and
    • MoU to establish a Hindi Chair at the University of Zagreb.
  • Connectivity, including through the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), was discussed as vital for trade and infrastructure cooperation.
  • Both nations agreed to enhance maritime cooperation, with Croatia potentially serving as a gateway to Central Europe.
  • They reaffirmed commitment to UNCLOS and freedom of navigation, ensuring maritime security and respect for sovereignty.
  • Joint R&D, youth researcher exchanges, and collaboration between scientific institutions were emphasized for STI development.
  • The 2023 MoU on Defence Cooperation was acknowledged, with intent to expand defence industrial cooperation and regular interactions.
  • Digital technology and start-up collaboration in areas like AI, Agri-tech, Clean-tech, and cybersecurity were identified as key sectors.
  • The two leaders agreed to strengthen the India-Croatia Start-up Bridge to boost innovation ecosystems in both countries.
  • Cultural engagement was reaffirmed for 2026–2030 as a tool to deepen people-to-people ties, supported by the signed CEP.
  • The leaders committed to finalizing an MoU on workforce mobility, recognising the role of skill development and personnel exchange.
  • Both condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack (April 2025), reiterated zero tolerance for terrorism, and emphasized UN & FATF mechanisms for counterterrorism, especially under UNSC 1267 sanctions.
  • Views were exchanged on global issues like the Ukraine war, Israel-Iran tensions, and Indo-Pacific peace, along with a call for UN reforms, especially expansion of the UNSC, and timely conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

 

Source: PIB

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