Topic- 1: Statistics Day
GS-3: Economy
The context:
On the occasion of the 19th Statistics Day celebrated on 29th June 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by releasing key publications under the National Indicator Framework (NIF).
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the following publications on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
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- Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2025
- Data Snapshot on Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework, Progress Report, 2025
- Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework, 2025
Endorsing India’s commitment to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while responding to national priorities, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF) for SDGs, in consultation with concerned Ministries/ Departments, UN Agencies and other stakeholders, to facilitate monitoring of the SDGs at national level. Based on the updated SDGs-NIF, every year on Statistics Day (i.e., on 29th June) Highlights of the Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2025
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- The population covered by social protection systems/floors has increased from 22% in 2016 to 64.3% in 2025, indicating substantial expansion in social security coverage in the country.
- The Gross Value Added in agriculture per worker (in Rs.) has increased from 61,247 in 2015-16 to 94,110 in 2024-25, indicating improved agricultural productivity and income per worker in the country.
- Percentage of population using an improved drinking water source in rural areas has increased from 94.57% in 2015-16 to 99.62% in 2024-25, indicating significant progress toward universal safe water access in rural India.
- The renewable energy share in the total installed electricity generation has increased from 16.02 in 2015-16 to 22.13 in 2024-25, indicating consistent progress toward cleaner and sustainable energy generation in the country.
- The installed renewable energy generating capacity in the country has increased from 04 watts per capita in 2014-15 to 156.31 watts per capita 2024-25, indicating a strong push toward sustainable energy development.
- Number of waste recycling plant installed have increased from 829 in 2019-20 to 3036 in 2024- 25, indicating a significant strengthening of waste management infrastructure.
- The number of start-ups recognised under start-up India have increased from 453 in 2016 to 34,293 in 2024, showing strong growth in entrepreneurship across the country.
- The Gini coefficient of household expenditure has decreased from 0.283 in 2011-12 to 0.237 in 2023-24 in rural areas. Also, for urban areas it has decreased from 0.363 in 2011-12 to 0.284 in 2023-24, showing a clear move toward more equal spending and reduced income inequality across both regions.
- The reduction in emissions intensity of GDP in 2020 over 2005 level is 36%, indicating significant progress toward a low-carbon economy.
- The total number of internet subscriptions (in millions) has increased from 302.36 in 2015 to 954.40 in 2024, showing a sharp rise in digital connectivity across the country.
- The percentage of waste processed has increased from 17.97% in 2015-16 to 80.7% in 2024-25, indicating significant progress in waste management efficiency in the country.
- The forest cover a percentage of total geographical area has increased from 21.34% in 2015 to 21.76% in 2023, showing a steady rise in the country’s forest areas.
Source: PIB
Topic- 2: Nationwide testing of an indigenous Cell Broadcasting (CB) system
GS-3: Disaster Management (DM)
The context:
Recently, a significant step toward bolstering India’s disaster preparedness infrastructure, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has initiated nationwide testing of an indigenously developed Cell Broadcast (CB) system to ensure rapid and reliable dissemination of public warnings during natural and man-made disasters.
About Cell Broadcasting System:
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- Nationwide testing of an indigenous Cell Broadcasting (CB) system is underway to ensure swift dissemination of warnings during natural and man-made disasters.
- Test messages in English and Hindi may be received on mobile phones during the validation phase, and no action is required from recipients.
- The CB system has been developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and is now operational across all 36 States and Union Territories.
- Alerts have already been issued in more than 19 Indian languages during natural disasters and weather events using the system.
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is enhancing mobile-enabled disaster communication systems to ensure timely information delivery.
- NDMA has operationalized the Integrated Alert System (SACHET), developed by C-DOT, based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- The alert system sends disaster-related SMS messages to geo-targeted areas, having issued over 6,899 crore messages during various emergencies.
- The Cell Broadcast technology complements SMS alerts and enables near real-time message dissemination to mobile phones in the affected area.
- Testing of the CB system is being conducted across India over a 2–4 week period to ensure efficacy and proper functioning before full rollout.
- During the testing period, CB test messages may be received multiple times by handsets with CB test channels enabled as part of a planned exercise to validate the network of Base Station Transceivers (BTS).
Source: PIB
Topic- 3: Ericsson’s first antenna manufacturing facility in India
GS-3: Science and Technology
The context:
Union Minister inaugurated Ericsson’s first antenna manufacturing facility in India at VVDN’s Global Innovation Park, Manesar, on July 2, 2025. This cutting-edge facility marks Ericsson’s foray into India-based production of passive antennas, aimed at both domestic deployment and global exports.
Key Highlights of the Inauguration:
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- The new facility marks Ericsson’s entry into local production of export-ready passive antennas for high-performing telecom networks in India.
- The inauguration included a live activation of the facility launch and a walkthrough of the advanced antenna production line.
- Minister Scindia described the launch as a key moment in India’s digital and manufacturing journey, positioning India as a global telecom manufacturing hub.
- The initiative reflects the convergence of global technology with Indian ingenuity under the evolving “Make for the World” vision of the Government of India.
- The facility is expected to begin shipments from July 2025 and will localize over 50% of antenna production to meet both domestic and international quality standards.
- The Minister highlighted global investments from companies like Ericsson, Apple, Google, and Qualcomm as transformative, bringing not just capital but advanced technology and global best practices to India.
- Ericsson’s India-based contributions such as network APIs, automation efforts, and its Global AI Accelerator in Bengaluru are enhancing India’s global value chain participation.
- The PLI scheme in the telecom sector has attracted investments of over ₹4,000 crore, generated ₹80,000 crore in production output, and created over 34,000 jobs, while FDI since 2000 has crossed USD 39 billion.
- To build local telecom talent, the DoT’s 5G Use Case Labs and Ericsson’s ‘Educate’ platform are training over 10,000 students in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and next-gen telecom systems.
Source: PIB
Topic- 4: First-Ever ‘At Sea Observer Mission
GS-2: International Relation
The context:
In a landmark development on 29th June 2025 to bolster maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever “QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission”, marking a significant milestone under the Wilmington Declaration.
About the First-Ever ‘At Sea Observer Mission:
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- It was launched by the QUAD Nations to Boost Maritime Cooperation.
- It is significant toward strengthening maritime security and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ under the Wilmington Declaration.
- As part of this mission, two officers—including women officers—from each QUAD country have embarked on the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton.
- This cross-embarkation mission is an unprecedented step in QUAD Coast Guard collaboration, aimed at improving joint readiness and operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific.
- The initiative seeks to advance maritime domain awareness and aligns with the shared QUAD commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.
- The mission reflects the strategic direction set at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and deepens operational ties among the Indian Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, US Coast Guard, and Australian Border Force.
- India’s involvement supports its SAGAR vision—Security and Growth for All in the Region—emphasizing inclusive maritime security and cooperation.
- The initiative also complements India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian assistance, and upholding maritime law.
- The mission marks a significant evolution in multilateral Coast Guard collaboration, moving beyond policy to operational synergy at sea.
- The ‘QUAD at Sea’ initiative lays the groundwork for a potential ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ enhancing mutual trust and coordinated maritime efforts.
- This development comes amid growing regional maritime challenges, reinforcing collective resilience and shared responsibility for Indo-Pacific security and stability.
Source: PIB
Topic- 5: MY Bharat 2.0 Platform: Empowering Youth through Technology for a Viksit Bharat by 2047
GS-1: Society
The context:
On 30th June 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India Corporation (DIC) under MeitY to develop MY Bharat 2.0—an upgraded, AI-powered, citizen-centric digital platform designed to harness youth energy and enable India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Key Features of MY Bharat 2.0.
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- MY Bharat 2.0 will feature advanced AI-driven tools such as a Smart CV Builder, AI-powered Chatbots, personalized Digital Profiles, and voice-assisted navigation, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
- The platform will be modular and scalable, built with a new architecture and supported by a fully functional mobile app for both Android and iOS users.
- MY Bharat 2.0 will integrate National Career Services, a Mentorship Hub, and a Fit India section, promoting employment readiness, personal growth, and wellness among India’s youth.
- Over 76 crore youth and more than 1.19 lakh organizations are already registered on the existing MY Bharat platform, reflecting its wide outreach and potential for meaningful youth engagement.
- The enhanced platform will be interoperable with national digital assets like Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Bhashini, and MyGov, ensuring a unified and secure digital environment.
- Integrated features like geo-tagging, location intelligence, and interactive learning modules will help youth discover nearby opportunities and participate in quizzes and events aligned to their interests.
- Backend support will include cloud services, call centres, training modules, and MIS systems to facilitate smooth operation and monitoring by institutions and government bodies.
- The platform is designed with strong emphasis on data protection and privacy, complying with the latest regulatory norms to ensure safe digital interactions for all users.
- Conceptualized with the spirit of ‘Seva Bhav’ and ‘Kartavya Bodh’, MY Bharat 2.0 aims to convert India’s demographic dividend into a developmental dividend by fostering civic responsibility, skill-building, and active youth participation.
About MY Bharat Platform
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- MY Bharat is a dynamic technology platform conceptualized by the Department of Youth Affairs (DoYA) and developed by the Digital India Corporation (DIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- It serves as an institutional framework to engage and mobilize the youth of India in a structured and meaningful manner. The platform was officially launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 31st October 2023.
- A variety of engagement initiatives, including Experiential Learning Programs (ELPs), are regularly hosted on the platform which also offers dedicated web space to various Ministries, organizations, industries, youth clubs, and other stakeholders to host youth engagement initiatives, volunteering programs, and capacity-building activities.
Source: PIB
Topic- 6: Startup Accelerator WaveX Launches ‘BhashaSetu’ Challenge to Develop Real-Time Multilingual AI Translation Solution
GS-3: Science and Technology
The context:
On June 30, 2025, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MoI&B) launched the ‘WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025’, under its flagship startup accelerator WaveX, inviting innovators to develop ‘BhashaSetu’, an AI-powered real-time multilingual translation platform.
The Key Highlights:
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- The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched the WAVEX Startup Challenge 2025 under its accelerator program, inviting startups to develop AI-powered multilingual translation solutions.
- The challenge, titled ‘BhashaSetu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’, aims to create real-time translation, transliteration, and voice localization tools for at least 12 Indian languages.
- The BhashaSetu challenge has no eligibility criteria, allowing startups at any stage—early, growth, or mature—to participate and innovate.
- Startups are encouraged to build scalable, affordable, and inclusive language technology solutions using open-source or low-cost AI models, though proprietary solutions are also accepted.
- The winning startup will receive incubation support through WaveX Accelerator, including mentorship, workspace, and end-to-end product development assistance.
- The deadline for prototype submission is July 22, 2025, and applications are currently open via the official WaveX portal.
- The challenge emphasizes development of emotion-aware and accessible AI communication tools, critical for reaching India’s diverse linguistic population.
About WaveX:
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- WaveX was launched under the WAVES initiative to support innovation in media, entertainment, and language technology sectors by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
- At the WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai, over 30 startups pitched directly to investors, government agencies, and industry leaders under the WaveX platform.
- WaveX continues to foster innovation through hackathons, targeted mentorship, and integration with national platforms, positioning India as a leader in multilingual AI solutions.
Source: PIB
Topic- 7: India Hosts First-Ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue to Strengthen Maritime and Tourism Ties
GS-2: International Relations (IR)
The context:
On July 1, 2025, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated the first-ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai. The historic event brought together maritime leaders and policymakers from 10 ASEAN nations and Timor Leste, setting the stage for deepening cruise tourism and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights of the ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue:
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- The event took place aboard the MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port and will continue in Mamallapuram, focusing on strengthening cruise connectivity and sustainable tourism.
- India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways and aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029 under the Sagar Mala initiative, backed by robust infrastructure and policy reforms.
- The ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue envisions an integrated cruise network linking Indian and ASEAN ports, supported by real-time tracking systems, modern terminals, and improved immigration and customs procedures.
- India’s efforts align with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aiming to create a sustainable cruise circuit among culturally rich coastal cities across the Indian Ocean.
- The dialogue includes two key thematic sessions: one on ASEAN–India Cooperation Fund: Trade & Investment, and another on Cruise Tourist Circuits: Cruise Tourism.
- Shri Sonowal emphasized that initiatives like the Cruise Bharat Mission, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aim to position India as a global leader in cruise tourism.
- The dialogue is expected to address connectivity gaps, regulatory best practices, and inclusive cruise tourism development while strengthening people-to-people connectivity in the region.
- Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur noted ASEAN as a key partner under India’s Act East Policy, with cruise tourism serving as a bridge to revive centuries-old maritime ties and bolster the blue economy.
- The two-day event also features heritage-led cruise tourism discussions, site visits to Mamallapuram’s UNESCO monuments, and aims to institutionalize the ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue as a recurring platform for regional maritime growth.
Source: PIB
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