Daily PIB Highlights (27-06-2025)

Topic- 1: India’s Space Science Milestone: Vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vishwabandhu Bharat

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

India marks a historic space milestone as astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla conducts seven fully indigenous experiments aboard the ISS, reflecting the spirit of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vishwabandhu Bharat’, with global benefits in space sustainability, food security, health, and climate-resilient agriculture.

India’s Space Mission Highlights:

• • Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has reached the International Space Station (ISS). The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS.

• • The mission reflects India’s goals of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and global cooperation (Vishwabandhu Bharat).
  • India is now seen as a leader in space biosciences.
  • The mission reflects Vishwabandhu Bharat (India as a friend of the world) by committing to share scientific results for the global good, promoting international cooperation in space research.
  • Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla symbolizes India’s growing leadership in space biosciences, extending the nation’s presence from launch capabilities to pioneering space-based life sciences.
  • These experiments aim to address global challenges—such as sustainable space habitation, food security, and health solutions—demonstrating India’s rise as a responsible and innovative space power.
  • All seven space experiments aboard the ISS are fully indigenously developed, showcasing India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in cutting-edge space science and technology.

1. The first experiment studies edible microalgae to improve food and oxygen in space.

2. The second experiment tests how moong and methi seeds grow in space.

3. The third one looks at how muscles weaken in space and ways to stop it.

4. The fourth experiment studies tardigrades, tiny animals that can survive extreme conditions.

5. The fifth one checks how astronauts interact with screens in space.

6. The sixth experiment grows cyanobacteria using urea, useful for recycling and nutrition.

7. The seventh tests how space affects rice, cowpea, sesame, brinjal, and tomato seeds.

These experiments support future space farming and long missions.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: ‘Adamya’—First Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

Indian Coast Guard inducts ‘Adamya’, the first of eight FPVs built by Goa Shipyard Limited, featuring indigenous gearboxes and CPPs. Equipped with advanced systems, it boosts India’s maritime security and showcases self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

ICG Inducts ‘Adamya’ – Key Highlights

• • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted ‘Adamya’ on June 26, 2025.
  • ‘Adamya’ is the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) out of eight being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
  • It is the first ICG ship in its class to have Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and indigenous gearboxes.
  • CPPs improve maneuverability and performance at sea.
  • The vessel has advanced weapons, including a 30mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7mm remote-controlled guns with fire control systems.
  • It is equipped with modern systems like:

1. Integrated Bridge System (IBS)

2. Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)

3. Automated Power Management System (APMS)

• • These systems enhance efficiency, precision, and response during operations.
  • ‘Adamya’ was completely designed and built in India by GSL.
  • It reflects the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
  • The new FPVs will strengthen ICG’s capabilities in:

1. Coastal surveillance

2. Search and rescue

3. Maritime law enforcement

4. Protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 3: 21st Project Elephant

GS-3: Environment and Ecology

The context:

At the 21st Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant in Dehradun, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized community involvement, inter-agency coordination, and frontline staff welfare for mitigating human-elephant conflict, alongside updates on DNA profiling, railway mitigation, and conservation planning across key elephant landscapes.

Project Elephant – 21st Steering Committee Meeting: The Key Highlights

• • The meeting was chaired by Union Environment Minister at IGNFA, Dehradun.
  • The focus was on reviewing the progress of Project Elephant and discussing future plans.
  • Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) was identified as a major challenge to both human safety and elephant conservation.
  • The Minister stressed the need to make local communities active partners in managing human-wildlife conflict.
  • Institutions like SACON, IIFM, WII, and state forest training centres were urged to lead awareness programmes.
  • Emphasis was placed on better data collection, especially on elephant deaths due to train accidents, and sharing of best practices across states.

Key Progress Updates

• • Regional Action Plans for HEC in Southern and North-Eastern India are being developed.
  • Railway surveys covered 3,452.4 km, identifying 77 high-risk areas for elephant-train collisions.
  • DNA profiling of captive elephants completed for 1,911 elephants across 22 states.
  • Over 16,500 dung samples were collected in the North-East for population estimation.
  • A Model Elephant Conservation Plan (ECP) for Nilgiri Elephant Reserve is being finalized (by December 2025).

About Project Elephant in India

• • Project Elephant, launched by the Government of India in 1992, is a significant conservation initiative to protect the country’s elephant population and habitats.
  • The project focuses on safeguarding these majestic animals from threats such as poaching and habitat destruction while also working to mitigate conflicts between elephants and local communities.
  • By establishing and managing protected areas and wildlife corridors, Project Elephant ensures that elephants have safe and sustainable environments in which to thrive.
  • The initiative promotes research and monitoring to enhance our understanding of elephant behaviour, health, and population dynamics.

Objectives of Project Elephant:

• • To assist States in having wild elephant populations and ensuring the long-term survival of identified viable elephant populations in their natural habitats.
  • To address man-animal conflict.
  • To develop scientific and planned management measures for the conservation of elephants.
  • To protect the elephants from poachers, preventing illegal ivory trade and other unnatural causes of death.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 4: Operation Deep Manifest

GS-3: Economy and Internal Security

The context:

Under ‘Operation Deep Manifest’, DRI seized 39 containers of Pakistani-origin goods illegally routed via Dubai, violating India’s post-Pahalgam terror attack import ban. The crackdown highlights efforts to uphold trade policy, disrupt illicit financial flows, and safeguard national and economic security.

Operation Deep Manifest – Key Highlights

• • The DRI launched Operation Deep Manifest to crack down on illegal imports of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, especially via Dubai, UAE.
  • A total of 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods worth approximately ₹9 crore have been seized, and one importer has been arrested so far.
  • These imports were in violation of the ban imposed by the Government of India on May 2, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attacks, which prohibits direct or indirect imports from Pakistan.
  • The seized consignments, falsely declared as UAE-origin, were actually dry dates of Pakistani origin, with manipulated shipping documents to mask their source.
  • Investigations traced the cargo movement from Karachi port to Jabel Ali port in Dubai, and then onward to Indian ports using a separate set of containers and vessels.
  • Evidence of financial transactions and linkages with Pakistani entities was uncovered, raising red flags about illicit financial flows and national security risks.
  • The operation revealed a complex network involving Pakistani and UAE nationals, designed to obscure the true origin of the goods in violation of customs laws.
  • Under the broader intelligence framework of Operation Sindoor, DRI ramped up surveillance using data analytics and inter-agency coordination, reaffirming its role in safeguarding India’s economic and national security.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 5: India’s First Maritime NBFC — Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL)

GS-3: Economy

The context:

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated SMFCL, India’s first maritime-focused NBFC, to bridge financing gaps and boost port, shipping, MSME, and startup growth. Aligned with Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, it aims to transform maritime infrastructure and catalyse sustainable economic development.

What is SMFCL?

• • It is inaugurated by the Union Minister, India’s first dedicated Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) for the maritime sector. It was set up to provide financial support tailored to the needs of ports, shipping, and logistics.
  • Formerly known as Sagarmala Development Company Limited, SMFCL is now a Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE, registered with the RBI as an NBFC on June 19, 2025.
  • SMFCL has been launched to bridge financing gaps in the maritime ecosystem and provide sector-specific financial solutions to ports, MSMEs, startups, and educational institutions.
  • The launch represents a critical milestone in India’s maritime journey, with SMFCL expected to catalyze sustainable development and improve national logistics efficiency.

Objectives:

• • Fill financial gaps in maritime infrastructure and logistics.
  • Support MSMEs, startups, and maritime-related educational institutions.
  • Promote key sectors like shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and green energy.
  • Help India become a global maritime leader by 2047 under the Amrit Kaal Vision.

Functions:

• • Provide loans for short-, medium-, and long-term needs to port authorities and maritime businesses.
  • Fund innovative projects like green hydrogen, shipbuilding, and smart digital ports.
  • Act as a financial partner for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects.
  • Support startups, skilling programs, and research in the maritime field.

Why SMFCL is Important:

• • Addresses the need for a specialized financial body focused on the maritime sector.
  • Boosts India’s Sagarmala Programme aimed at port-led development.
  • Makes maritime infrastructure more investment-ready through tailored finance solutions.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 6: Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Annual Report 2024-2025

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, released the “Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Annual Report 2024-2025” during a meeting held on June 26, 2025, in New Delhi.

The report highlights:

• • The report showcases impactful innovations including EV charging infrastructure in Delhi/NCR, in (an AR/VR artisan marketplace), and the One Delhi digital transit app with over 3 lakh users.
  • Health-tech advancements such as diabetic foot screening mats, e-waste management systems, and pacemaker lead development at AMTZ Vizag were also highlighted.
  • Launched in 2020 under the guidance of PM-STIAC, the S&T Clusters initiative is a consortium-based model bringing together academia, R&D, industry, startups, and local governments.
  • The initiative addresses region-specific challenges through S&T-led solutions aligned with national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Emphasized the need for inter-cluster collaboration to replicate successful regional innovations on a national scale and strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
  • The industry engagement will be a crucial element in Phase 2.0 to align research outcomes with market and societal needs.
  • Currently, eight active S&T Clusters operate across India, including AMTZ Vizag, BeST Bengaluru, DRIIV Delhi, BCKIC Bhubaneswar, JCKIC Jodhpur, PI-RAHI Punjab, PKC Pune, and RICH Hyderabad.

 

Source: PIB

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