Daily PIB Highlights (15-07-2025)

Topic- 1: ODOP: A Unique Global Initiative Rooted in Local Legacy

GS- 3: Economy

The context:

The PIB release reflects a significant push by the Government of India, led by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to scale up the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative as a part of its broader economic strategy under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Amrit Kaal (2022–2047).

Key Announcements & Highlights:

Promotion of First-Time Exporters:

• • The Ministry is focusing on enabling new entrants into global trade, recognizing that supporting small and local producers in entering export markets is crucial for inclusive economic growth.
  • New guidelines are being drafted to facilitate exports of lesser-known products and help first-time exporters find access to international markets.

ODOP as a Growth Catalyst:

• • ODOP serves both economic and cultural objectives by promoting district-specific products with deep-rooted legacies.
  • The initiative is intended to drive employment, entrepreneurship, and rural industrialization, especially among artisans, weavers, farmers, and MSMEs.

Internationalization of ODOP:

• • The global expansion of ODOP, including ODOP Walls abroad and collaborations with Indian Missions, indicates the government’s aim to turn India’s traditional and handmade products into global brands.
  • The inclusion of ODOP products on e-commerce platforms and PM Ekta Malls further supports this export-driven approach.

Policy Integration and State Support:

• • States like Bihar are showcased as success stories, having integrated ODOP into their industrial policies and achieved full coverage.
  • This decentralized approach aligns with the Centre’s larger goal of empowering district administrations and state governments as partners in national development.

Quality, Branding, and Capacity Building:

• • The initiative is not just about promotion, but also about improving packaging, branding, and product sustainability, with support from premier institutes (like IITs and NID).
  • These enhancements are expected to make Indian products more competitive in global markets and contribute to the goal of making India a developed country by 2047.

Symbolism and Strategy:

• • India to an “oasis in a turbulent world” places the initiative in the context of global economic instability, where India is emerging as a resilient and growing economy.
  • The ODOP program ties into the ‘Panch-Pran’ or five resolutions announced by Prime Minister Modi, particularly the goal of building economic self-reliance and promoting national unity through local strength.

About the One District One Product (ODOP) Initiative:

• • It was launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in 2018.
  • Objective: To help districts reach their full potential, foster economic and socio-cultural growth, and create employment opportunities, especially, in rural areas.
  • This initiative aims to turn every district in India, into an export hub through promotion of the product in which the district specialises.
  • The initiative plans to accomplish this by scaling manufacturing, supporting local businesses, finding potential foreign customers and so on, thus helping to achieve the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
  • The ODOP Initiative has identified a total of 1102 products from 761 districts across the country.
  • This initiative is carried out with the ‘Districts as Exports Hub’ initiative by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce.

What is the process?

• • Under the ODOP initiative, all products have been selected by States/UTs by taking into consideration the existing ecosystem on the ground, products identified under Districts as Export Hubs (DEH), and GI-tagged products.
  • The finalized list is communicated to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) by the relevant Department of States/UTs.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: India’s Renewable Rise: 50% Non-Fossil Installed Capacity Achieved

GS-3: Economy  

The context:

India has reached a historic milestone in its clean energy journey by achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement (NDCs). This development is a major marker of India’s climate leadership, policy innovation, and inclusive energy transition.

The Key Highlights:

• • India has achieved 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its 2030 target under the Paris Agreement.
  • Union Minister Pralhad Joshi praised this as a proud moment, crediting Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in driving India’s green energy transition.
  • Government schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar have played a key role, helping farmers and households adopt solar energy solutions.
  • Solar parks and wind energy in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are supporting large-scale renewable power generation at affordable rates.
  • The bioenergy sector is growing fast, supporting rural jobs, clean energy, and a circular economy.
  • India’s clean energy efforts bring many benefits, including better public health, more jobs, reduced pollution, and stronger rural incomes.
  • India is one of the few G20 countries on track to meet or exceed climate goals, showing strong global leadership in sustainable development.
  • The focus now is on improving energy access and reliability, especially in rural areas, by using smart grids, storage systems, and efficient appliances.
  • Artificial Intelligence will help manage India’s renewable energy system, making grid operations smarter and more efficient.
  • Cybersecurity will be critical, as the digital transformation of the energy sector must be protected from threats to ensure safe and stable power supply.

Strategic Significance of the Achievement

• • Commitment to Climate Goals: India was committed under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve 50% non-fossil installed capacity by 2030. By reaching this target in 2025, India has outpaced most G20 nations and demonstrated real-time climate action.
  • Global Benchmark: Despite having low per capita emissions, India is now among the top countries globally leading in the clean energy shift, showing that economic development and decarbonisation can go hand-in-hand.

Policy Backbone Behind the Achievement

• • PM-KUSUM Scheme: Empowering farmers with solar pumps, promoting agrovoltaics, and boosting solar-based rural electrification.
  • PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (2024): Aimed to bring solar rooftops to 1 crore households, fostering decentralised energy generation.
  • Solar Parks & Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy: Enabled utility-scale projects with low tariffs and peak demand management.
  • Bioenergy Sector: Transformed from fringe to core contributor—helping with waste-to-energy, employment generation, and circular economy goals.

Broader Socio-Economic Impacts

India’s renewable revolution is delivering co-benefits beyond emissions reductions:

• • Rural employment & income generation
  • Improved air quality & health outcomes
  • Enhanced energy access & security
  • Decentralised, community-driven growth
  • Social equity in energy distribution

Leadership on Global Climate Platforms

India continues to champion:

• • Climate equity
  • Sustainable lifestyles (LiFE mission)
  • Responsible industrialisation

It has also held a leading voice at G20 and COP platforms, highlighting that countries with low historical emissions must be supported in building clean pathways without compromising development.

The Road Ahead: Future Focus Areas

• • Per capita clean electricity access, especially in rural areas
  • Smart and resilient energy infrastructure:
    • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
    • Pumped hydro for peak load balancing
    • Circularity in solar and wind tech materials
  • Green hydrogen as a fuel for industry and transport
  • AI and Digital Tech for:
    • Predictive grid management
    • Smart meter integration
    • Consumer empowerment via “prosumers”

However, this also demands cybersecurity readiness to protect energy systems from data breaches and digital vulnerabilities.

Strategic Implication: This milestone proves that India’s clean energy growth is real, scalable, and replicable. It positions India not only as a climate leader, but also as a model for balancing development with sustainability in the Global South.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 3: India’s First Bullet Train Tunnel Breakthrough: E10 Shinkansen Debut

GS-3: Science and Technology

The context:

India’s first undersea tunnel section for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has been opened between Ghansoli and Shilphata in Maharashtra, marking a major infrastructure milestone. The project will debut next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains, to be introduced simultaneously in India and Japan, signifying the deep strategic and technological partnership between the two nations.

About the E10 Shinkansen:

• • The E10 Shinkansen—a next-generation high-speed train—will be introduced in both India and Japan simultaneously.
  • India will be the first international adopter of E10 technology, highlighting Japan’s trust in the India-Japan partnership.
  • These trains will offer enhanced safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort, pushing the boundaries of high-speed rail experience.

High-Speed Rail Corridor Progress

• • 310 km of viaducts have already been constructed.
  • 15 river bridges are completed, and 4 more are nearing completion.
  • Out of 12 stations, 5 are complete and 3 more are approaching the final stage.
  • The BKC station in Mumbai is a key engineering marvel:
    • Located 32.5 meters underground
    • Designed to support a 95-meter high structure above ground

Significance of the Undersea Tunnel Breakthrough

• • A 21 km long undersea tunnel, part of the Mumbai–Thane stretch, represents a key engineering challenge and has now achieved partial completion.
  • The tunnel segment between Ghansoli and Shilphata is the first section to be opened.
  • The undersea tunnel is part of the broader 508 km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.

Strategic Role of Japanese Shinkansen Technology

• • The entire 508 km corridor is being developed with Japanese Shinkansen expertise—renowned globally for:
    • Unmatched speed
    • Proven safety record
    • Operational reliability
  • This technological cooperation reflects the strategic partnership between India and Japan in infrastructure, innovation, and connectivity.

Laying the Groundwork for Future Bullet Train Corridors

• • The successful implementation of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor is setting a template for future high-speed rail lines across India.
  • New corridors are under active consideration, potentially transforming inter-city travel and reducing carbon-intensive transportation.

Broader Implications for India’s Infrastructure Landscape

• • Demonstrates India’s growing ability to deliver world-class infrastructure.
  • Leverages international best practices while building domestic expertise in high-speed rail construction, operations, and management.
  • Reinforces India’s positioning as a rising economic power with modern transport systems.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 4: Quantum Surprise: Noise as a Friend, Not a Foe

GS- 3: Science and Technology

The context:

Indian researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), in collaboration with institutions across India and Canada, have revealed that quantum noise—long considered a disruptive force in quantum systems—can under specific conditions help generate and revive a lesser-known form of entanglement known as intraparticle entanglement.

The Key Highlights of Discovery:

• • Indian scientists have found that quantum noise, usually seen as harmful, can sometimes help quantum systems.
  • The study focuses on a strange quantum link called entanglement, especially a lesser-known kind called intraparticle entanglement—which happens within a single particle.
  • Researchers discovered that noise can actually create or revive intraparticle entanglement under certain conditions.
  • This behavior was observed mainly with a type of noise called amplitude damping, which mimics energy loss in a system.
  • In contrast, when noise was applied to normal entanglement between two separate particles (interparticle entanglement), the entanglement just faded away.
  • Intraparticle entanglement turned out to be stronger and more stable across all types of noise tested—amplitude damping, phase damping, and depolarizing noise.
  • Researchers created a mathematical formula to predict how this special kind of entanglement behaves under noise.
  • This finding may help build more reliable and practical quantum systems for technologies like quantum computing and communication.
  • The study used a new approach called the Global Noise Model, which treats the particle as a whole, making the results more realistic.
  • Experts say this breakthrough could lead to user-friendly, cost-effective quantum technology—even in noisy environments—by using the special strength of intraparticle entanglement.

What is Quantum Entanglement?

• • A phenomenon where two or more particles become linked such that the state of one instantly affects the other, even at a distance.
  • Described by Einstein as “spooky action at a distance”.

What is Intraparticle Entanglement?

• • Entanglement within a single particle, between its internal degrees of freedom (e.g., spin and path).
  • Unlike interparticle entanglement (between two particles), it is less vulnerable to noise.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 5: 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave: A Blueprint for Maritime Integration

GS-2: IR

The context:

Union Minister inaugurated the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, unveiling a bold vision to make the Bay of Bengal a global hub for trade, tourism, and sustainable maritime development. Emphasizing India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies, Sonowal positioned the conclave as a strategic platform to operationalize the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC) and foster port-led industrialization, cruise tourism, and digital integration among the seven BIMSTEC nations.

Key Highlights of the Conclave

Operationalising the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC) Agreement

• • India first to ratify the pact.
  • Aims to harmonise maritime policies, improve customs/logistics, and boost intra-regional trade.
  • Implementation supported by the upcoming BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre at Powai, Mumbai (under IOCE-SMarT).

Strategic Vision for Bay of Bengal

• • Port-led Industrialisation: Joint feasibility studies for Port-Linked Industrial Zones
  • Cruise Tourism: Focus on sustainable cruise routes and coastal economic zones
  • Green & Digital Innovation: Maritime digital integration, green shipping policies
  • Private Sector Investment: Emphasis on PPP models and regional investment platforms

Key Policy Areas Discussed

Theme	Key Actions
PPP in Port Infrastructure	Regional PPP facilitation platform, harmonised laws
Skill Development	Cross-border training, industry-academia collaboration
Multimodal Connectivity	Investment in logistics parks, SEZs, hinterland linkages
Cruise Tourism	Joint branding, regional cruise circuits
Digital Logistics	Regional Port Community System, seamless data integration

Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects

Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project

• • Connects India’s Northeast to Bay of Bengal via Myanmar.
  • Reduces trade time and cost; boosts Act East Policy.
  • Envisioned as a model for BIMSTEC-wide multimodal connectivity.

What is BIMSTEC?

• • BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional multilateral organization that connects South Asia and Southeast Asia.
  • Established through the Bangkok Declaration in 1997, it promotes economic and social progress in the region.

Member Countries

• • South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka.
  • Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand.

Key Features

• • Bridges South and Southeast Asia, linking the Himalayan region with the Bay of Bengal.
  • Focuses on economic growth, trade, technology, energy, security, and connectivity.
  • Acts as an alternative to SAARC for regional cooperation.

Evolution of BIMSTEC

• • Initially formed as ‘BIST-EC’ (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
  • Renamed ‘BIMST-EC’ after Myanmar joined in 1997.
  • In 2004, Nepal and Bhutan joined, leading to the current name: BIMSTEC.

India’s Role in BIMSTEC

• • Leading Initiatives in trade, security, maritime cooperation, and climate action.
  • Key proponent of BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement to enhance regional trade integration.
  • Advocates for stronger physical and digital connectivity between BIMSTEC nations.

India’s Strategic Vision in BIMSTEC

• • Neighbourhood First Policy: Prioritising economic and security ties with South Asian neighbors.
  • Act East Policy: Strengthening engagements with ASEAN and Southeast Asia.
  • MAHASAGAR Vision: Enhancing India’s role in global maritime security and economic growth.
  • This visit marks India’s continued commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, as well as its MAHASAGAR Vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 6: India Hosts Asia-Pacific Workshop on Data Ethics, Governance & Quality

GS-2: IR and Ethical Governance

The context:

India, through the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and its training arm NSSTA, is hosting a three-day regional workshop (14–16 July 2025) on “Data Ethics, Governance, and Quality in a Changing Data Ecosystem”, in collaboration with the UN Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (UN SIAP) and the UN Statistics Division (UNSD). The event brings together senior statisticians from 16 Asia-Pacific countries, reinforcing India’s commitment to ethical, trusted, and future-ready data ecosystems.

The Key Highlights Points:

• • India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is hosting a 3-day regional workshop on data ethics, governance, and quality for 16 Asia-Pacific countries.
  • The workshop is held in partnership with United Nations agencies like the UN Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (UN SIAP) and the UN Statistics Division (UNSD).
  • Chief statisticians and senior officials from countries including Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and others are participating.
  • This is the first time the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), under MoSPI, is organizing such a regional workshop.
  • The workshop focuses on the evolving role of National Statistical Offices (NSOs), modernization, quality assurance, and adopting new statistical technologies.
  • It aims to strengthen NSOs’ capacity to provide trusted, high-quality data essential for policymaking and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • The workshop emphasizes South-South cooperation to share best practices and address challenges in the fast-changing data ecosystem.
  • Secretary of MoSPI, highlighted the importance of embedding trust, quality, and ethical frameworks into data systems.
  • The UN Resident Coordinator in India praised India for being the first country to develop a subnational SDG indicator framework and appreciated India’s leadership in data stewardship.
  • The workshop includes technical sessions and discussions aimed at improving statistical governance and collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 7: Shalyacon 2025: Advancing Ayurvedic Surgery & Research

GS-3: Science & Technology

The context:

On the occasion of Sushruta Jayanti, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, inaugurated the third National Conference on Shalya Tantra, ‘Shalyacon 2025,’ at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi.

The Key Highlights Points:

• • The 3rd National Conference ‘Shalyacon 2025’ was inaugurated at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.
  • The conference was organized by the Department of Shalya Tantra at AIIA in collaboration with the National Sushruta Association as part of the 25th Annual Conference.
  • Over 500 participants, including Ayurvedic scholars, experts, researchers, surgeons, and students from India and neighboring countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka, took part in the event.
  • Emphasis was placed on advancing research in Ayurveda aligned with the national vision to establish the global efficacy of traditional medicine.
  • The Government of India has authorized Ayurvedic practitioners to perform 39 surgical procedures and 19 additional operations, supporting integrative healthcare.
  • Standardization of surgical protocols is essential to maintain quality and safety in Ayurvedic treatments.
  • India is demonstrating leadership in innovating Ayurveda through the integration of technology and artificial intelligence.
  • The conference included live surgical demonstrations covering laparoscopic, endoscopic, and anorectal surgeries, along with scientific sessions, poster presentations, and expert panel discussions.
  • AIIA’s Shalya Tantra department now handles over 2,000 patients daily and performs a variety of surgeries, highlighting Ayurveda’s growing role in integrative patient care.
  • The theme “Innovation, Integration, and Inspiration” reflects the country’s commitment to accelerating research, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing to strengthen Ayurvedic surgical practices and India’s leadership in integrative healthcare.

About AIIA

• • The All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) is the first of its kind, set up along the lines of AIIMS, dedicated to the Nation by the Prime Minister, on 2nd Ayurveda Day on 17th October, 2017 at New Delhi with the vision to be an outstanding Centre of Excellence for Ayurveda Tertiary Healthcare and set highest standards of Education, Research and Patientcare through Ayurveda for the benefit of humanity.
  • It is NABH accredited tertiary care hospital and post-graduate training and research Centre.
  • Under Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi has already made its mark in public healthcare system, in the form of a tertiary care hospital with holistic and integrated approach to patientcare.
  • Since its inception, it has benefited more than 30 lakh patients.

 

Source: PIB

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