Daily PIB Highlights (14-07-2025)

Topic- 1: WHO Highlights India’s Role in Shaping AI Applications in Traditional Medicine

GS-2 & 3: Governance and Sci & Tech

The context:

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first technical brief on the application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine, spotlighting India’s groundbreaking efforts in digitising and modernising its Ayush systems.

Key Highlights of the WHO Document

• • India’s Role:
    • First country to launch a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
    • Proposed the concept of AI in traditional medicine to WHO, leading to the first global roadmap in this field.
  • WHO Recognized Platforms and Projects:
    • Ayush Grid: Launched in 2018 as a comprehensive digital health platform.
    • SAHI Portal, NAMASTE Portal, and the Ayush Research Portal: Tools to digitize, validate, and promote research in Ayush.
    • Ayurgenomics: Integrates Ayurveda with genomics to offer personalised healthcare using Prakriti-based machine learning models.
    • AI-Driven Diagnostics: Use of machine learning in pulse reading, tongue examination, and constitution assessment (Prakriti) for improved diagnosis and preventive care.

Technological Innovations Recognized

• • Genomic and Molecular Analysis of herbal formulations.
  • AI tools for:
    • Semantic analysis of ancient texts.
    • Comparative studies across Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Unani.
    • Drug action pathway identification.
    • Development of artificial chemical sensors to analyze Ayurvedic parameters like Rasa, Guna, and Virya.

Economic & Global Impact

• • India’s Ayush market valued at US$43.4 billion.
  • WHO recognized India’s leadership in digital health and traditional medicine integration.
  • Promotes evidence-based, digitally enabled, and globally accessible healthcare.

India’s AI-driven Ayush innovations, recognized by WHO, exemplify a successful model of digital transformation in healthcare rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, enhancing global relevance and scientific credibility of traditional medicine.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: Railways to Install CCTV Cameras in Coaches for Passenger Safety

GS-3: Science and technology 

The context:

Recently, Indian Railways has announced the installation of CCTV cameras across all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives, following successful trials. These cameras will offer high-quality video in low light and at high speeds, and aim to deter criminal activity while preserving passenger privacy by focusing on common areas.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

• • Indian Railways will install CCTV cameras in all 74,000 coaches and 15,000 locomotives to improve passenger safety.
  • Each coach will have 4 CCTV cameras placed at both entrance areas to monitor common movement zones.
  • Every locomotive will be equipped with 6 CCTV cameras for full coverage, including front, rear, sides, and both driver cabs.
  • Special microphones will also be installed in loco cabs to enhance monitoring and security.
  • High-quality CCTV footage will be ensured even when trains are running at speeds over 100 kmph or in low-light conditions.
  • Cameras will be installed in a way that protects passenger privacy, focusing only on public areas.
  • Trials of CCTV installations in some trains have been successful, leading to this full-scale rollout.
  • The CCTV system will use the latest certified technology to ensure reliability and performance.
  • There are plans to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence on the CCTV footage for smarter security monitoring.
  • This move is part of broader efforts to make train travel in India more secure, modern, and passenger-friendly.

Technology Features

• • 360-degree surveillance for full coverage.
  • High-resolution cameras with low-light capability and functionality at speeds exceeding 100 kmph.
  • STQC-certified systems for quality assurance.
  • AI integration proposed for enhanced surveillance and analytics (in collaboration with IndiaAI mission).

Data Privacy & Security

• • Cameras to be placed only in public/common areas of coaches.
  • Emphasis on balancing surveillance with privacy.
  • Data protection protocols to be followed.

Significance

• • Part of broader modernization and safety upgrades under Indian Railways.
  • Aligns with Digital India and AI for Governance goals.
  • Supports Women’s safety, crime deterrence, and improved public service delivery.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 3: Workshop on Strengthening Indigenous Breed Development and Genetic Improvement

GS-3: Science and Technology 

The context:

On 12 July 2025, the “Workshop on Breed Development in India” was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh chaired by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj (FAHD&PR).

Objectives of the Workshop

• • Deliberate on strategies for:
    • Strengthening indigenous breed development.
    • Genetic improvement in livestock using advanced technologies.
  • Promote technology adoption and sustainable livestock practices.
  • Enable knowledge sharing among policymakers, scientists, private sector, and progressive farmers.

Key Announcements and Initiatives

• • Inauguration of Projects:
    • Artificial Insemination Training Institute, Gorakhpur.
    • Three infrastructure projects under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):
      • Gyandhara Industries Pvt. Ltd (Amethi)
      • Shri Chanchala Foods India Pvt. Ltd (Bareilly)
      • Brijwasi Keshav Milk Product (Mathura)
  • Launch of Framework for Breeders Associations:

• • • To organize breeder networks.
    • Strengthen breed conservation and improvement at the grassroots.

Technological Interventions Highlighted

• • Artificial Insemination (AI)
  • In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
  • Sex Sorted Semen (SSS)
  • Emphasis on performance recording and field-level breed selection.
  • Role of MAITRIs (trained AI workers) in doorstep delivery of services.

Significance:

• • Focus on increasing milk productivity and improving breed quality.
  • Stressed use of advanced reproductive technologies.
  • Highlighted the need for an FMD-free India.
  • Advocated for a sustainable dairy model.

• • UP’s goal to become FMD-free.
  • Promoted natural farming, hygiene, and climate-sensitive livestock care.
  • Cited women-led milk unions in Jhansi as successful rural economic models.
  • Emphasized Atma-Nirbharta (self-reliance) through indigenous breed development.

• • Livestock sector is critical for national development and SDG targets.
  • Outlined a regional and technology-driven strategy for breed improvement.
  • Aligns India’s livestock sector with global standards.
  • Advances animal productivity, income generation, and sustainability.
  • Strengthens rural economy and supports Doubling Farmers’ Income vision.
  • Promotes indigenous breeds and addresses climate resilience.

Focused on:

• • Genetic progress through modern breeding.
  • Performance recording and AI/IVF integration.
  • Speakers shared field-level innovations and policy directions.

Source: PIB

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