Daily PIB Highlights (20th & 21st SEPTEMBER 2025)

Topic 1: Guidebook on Mapping of Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) Codes Released

GS Paper 3: Economy | GS Paper 2: Governance

Context: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, unveiled the Guidebook on Mapping of HSN Codes on 20th September 2025 during the event marking 10 Years of Make in India. Prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the guidebook allocates 12,167 HSN Codes to 31 Ministries/Departments, aiming to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem and trade facilitation.

Key Highlights

• • Purpose & Significance:

• • • Provides definitive ownership of products by Ministries/Departments to avoid misclassification as “Residual Products.”
    • Enables sharper policy interventions, efficient redressal of industry concerns, and smoother trade negotiations.
    • Aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision by fostering responsive governance.

• • Background & Process:
    • • Challenges: Unmapped codes during trade negotiations and import substitution efforts.
      • DPIIT’s Approach:
        • Value-chain and use-case analysis for all 12,167 codes (from CBIC Tariff Manual).
        • Review of Allocation of Business (AoB) Rules, 1961.

• • Operational Pillars of the Guidebook:

1. Manufacture in India – Policy alignment, value chain strengthening, workforce development.

2. Strengthen Brand India – Global quality recognition and image-building of Made in India.

3. Make for the World – Better trade negotiations, expanding India’s global market share.

Strategic Significance

• • Strengthens India’s domestic production capacity and sectoral growth.
  • Enhances ease of doing business through regulatory clarity.
  • Acts as a strategic tool for trade policy, boosting India’s position in global markets.
  • Provides a data-driven foundation for investment promotion and industrial reforms.

Conclusion:

The Guidebook on HSN Codes goes beyond classification—it is a strategic enabler of India’s industrial transformation and streamlined governance.

Topic 2: Foundation Stone of Shri Parasmal Bohra College for the Visually Impaired, Jodhpur

GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 1: Society

Context: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for Shri Parasmal Bohra College for the Visually Impaired and a hostel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Three projects worth ₹15 crore were launched, marking a major step towards empowering persons with disabilities (Divyangs). Rajasthan CM Shri Bhajanlal Sharma and Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were present.

Key Highlights

• • Changing Mindset:
    • PM Narendra Modi introduced the term Divyang in 2015, shifting the national perspective from pity to dignity, self-respect, and self-reliance for persons with disabilities.
    • Shri Shah emphasized that true welfare begins when differently-abled individuals are seen as symbols of divinity.

• • Institutional Contribution:
    • Parasmal Bohra College (est. 2022) is Rajasthan’s first college for the visually impaired.
    • Supported by five schools, two colleges, free hostels, Braille printing press, screen readers, computer labs, and audio-book libraries.
    • Founded on the life and service of Sushila ji, who has inspired thousands through dedicated work for the visually impaired.

• • Government Initiatives:
    • Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan:
      • ₹563 crore spent.
      • 1,314 Central Government buildings, 1,748 other buildings, and 90 airports made accessible.
    • Assistive Devices:
      • 7 lakh beneficiaries till 2014.
      • 31 lakh beneficiaries reached in the last 10 years through 18,000 camps.
    • Budgetary Support:
      • Allocation for Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities increased from ₹338 crore (2014) → ₹1,313 crore (2025).

• • Sports & Empowerment:
    • Until 2012: India won only 8 Paralympic medals.
    • Last three Paralympics: 52 medals → showcasing rising potential with government support.
    • Demonstrates success of platforms provided to Divyang athletes.

Strategic Significance

• • Promotes inclusive education and accessibility for the visually impaired.
  • Reflects the government’s focus on mainstreaming Divyangs into national development.
  • Strengthens India’s social justice framework by combining infrastructure, dignity, and opportunities.
  • Aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision by ensuring no one is left behind.

Conclusion:

The foundation of Shri Parasmal Bohra College represents a landmark in inclusive education and empowerment of Divyangs.

Topic 3: MoU for Technical Assistance under DAY–NRLM

GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 3

Context: The Ministry of Rural Development signed five MoUs with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad, and four State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs) of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Telangana. The initiative aims to strengthen interventions under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), focusing on digital innovations, social inclusion, and livelihood enhancement.

Key Highlights

• • Partnership Details:
    • MoUs signed on 19th September 2025.
    • Parties: Ministry of Rural Development, NIRD&PR, and SRLMs of AP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana.
    • States chosen for their pioneering work in digitisation; Bihar also recognised for Food, Nutrition, Health, and WASH (FNHW) interventions

• • Role of NIRD&PR:
    • Capacity building of SRLM functionaries and community cadres.
    • Creation of multi-thematic pool of resource persons.
    • Induction & leadership training.
    • Documentation and dissemination of best practices.
    • Strategic support to strengthen community institutions and deepen inclusion.

• • Digitisation & Innovations:
    • Strengthening of LokOS platform – digital governance tool for SHGs and federations.
    • Improves accountability, transparency, and financial integration in SHG operations.
    • Enhances delivery of livelihood and welfare services through technology.

• • Community Impact:
    • Expands livelihood opportunities for rural households.
    • Promotes self-reliant SHGs, women’s empowerment, and inclusive rural growth.
    • Aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047.

Strategic Significance

• • Institutionalises knowledge sharing and innovation in rural development.
  • Strengthens cooperative federalism through Centre–State partnerships in SRLMs.
  • Empowers rural women and SHGs with digital tools, expanding access to credit and services.
  • Enhances resilience of rural communities via social inclusion and digital governance.

Conclusion:

By linking SHGs to technology-driven solutions like LokOS, the initiative ensures inclusive and sustainable development in rural India.

Topic 4: NHRC–MEA ITEC Capacity Building Programme on Human Rights for NHRIs of the Global South

GS Paper 2: Governance

Context: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is organising a six-day ITEC Executive Capacity Building Programme on human rights for senior-level functionaries of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of the Global South in New Delhi from 22–27 September 2025. The initiative underscores India’s leadership in South-South cooperation and commitment to advancing rights-based governance.

Key Highlights

• • About the Programme:
    • Designed for senior-level NHRI officials from 12 countries: Mauritius, Jordan, Georgia, Philippines, Qatar, Fiji, Uzbekistan, Bolivia, Nigeria, Mali, Morocco, Paraguay.
    • Builds on feedback from three earlier ITEC human rights programmes.
    • Inauguration by Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, NHRC India.

• • Objectives:
    • Enhance capacity of NHRIs through training, advocacy, and institutional strengthening.
    • Share NHRC India’s three-decade experience in rights protection and enforcement.
    • Promote international perspectives on human rights and global best practices

• • Programme Structure:
    • Interactive sessions with eminent experts and practitioners.
    • Thematic modules on advocacy, enforcement, and institutional strengthening.
    • Cultural immersion and field visits for cross-learning.

• • Expected Outcomes:
    • Better understanding of international human rights dimensions.
    • Replication of NHRC India’s best practices by other NHRIs.
    • Stronger networking and collaboration among NHRIs in the Global South.
    • Enhanced capacity to contribute to regional and international human rights governance.

Strategic Significance

• • Reinforces India’s role as a global thought leader in human rights and ethical governance.
  • Strengthens South-South cooperation and international partnerships.
  • Promotes India’s vision of inclusive global governance and ethical diplomacy under ITEC.
  • Positions NHRC India as a knowledge hub in human rights advocacy and institutional building.

Conclusion:

The NHRC–MEA ITEC Programme by sharing India’s experience and fostering South-South collaboration, it strengthens the collective capacity of NHRIs to protect and promote rights worldwide.

 

Topic 5: Prime Minister Prays at Mata Tripura Sundari Temple, Udaipur (Tripura)

GS Paper 1: Indian Culture | GS Paper 2: Governance

Context: On the first day of Navratri 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi prayed at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura—one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India. He also reviewed ongoing development works at the temple complex, with an emphasis on enhancing facilities for pilgrims and promoting Tripura’s cultural and tourism potential.

Mata Tripura Sundari Temple – Udaipur, Tripura

Historical and Cultural Significance

• • The Mata Tripura Sundari Temple, located in Udaipur (Gomati district, Tripura), is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
  • The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and holds immense spiritual importance in Shaktism.
  • Locally called Matabari, it is considered the state’s holiest pilgrimage centre and attracts thousands of devotees, especially during Diwali Mela.

Architecture & Features

• • Built in the 16th century (1501 CE) by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, then ruler of Tripura.
  • The temple is constructed in the traditional Bengali Ek-Ratna (single-towered) architectural style with a square-shaped sanctum.
  • Houses the idol of Goddess Tripura Sundari (Mahishasuramardini) in black stone, about 5 feet tall, along with a smaller idol of Chhotima (smaller form of the goddess).
  • Situated on a small hillock near the scenic Kalyan Sagar Lake, where devotees feed sacred tortoises and fish as part of rituals.

Religious Importance

• • Recognised as one of the most prominent Shakti Peethas, it is believed that the right foot of Goddess Sati fell at this site.
  • Devotees believe that prayers here bring prosperity, protection, and well-being.
  • The temple is particularly significant during Navratri and Diwali, when lakhs of devotees visit for darshan and festivities.

Modern Developments

• • The temple complex is being developed under pilgrimage tourism initiatives to improve facilities for pilgrims.
  • Emphasis is on cultural heritage conservation, promoting spiritual tourism, and integrating Tripura into the broader tourism circuits of Northeast India.

Conclusion:

The Mata Tripura Sundari Temple is not only a revered Shakti Peetha but also a symbol of Tripura’s cultural heritage and spiritual identity.

Topic 6: India–Brazil Maitri 2.0 Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech

GS Paper 2: International Relations  | GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Innovation & Technology

Context: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the second edition of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech (Maitri 2.0) in New Delhi. The initiative builds on the ICAR–EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) MoU and aims to create a collaborative innovation ecosystem across the agri-food value chain.

Key Highlights

• • Institutional Leadership:
    • Event inaugurated by Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & DG, ICAR, and H.E. Mr. Kenneth Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil.
    • Supported by ICAR-IARI, innovation institutions, and agritech startups from both countries.
  • India–Brazil Agri Partnership:
    • 77 years of diplomatic ties, strong collaboration in BRICS and G20 platforms.
    • Maitri 2.0 strengthens the South–South cooperation model.
    • Shared focus on climate resilience, food security, and sustainable intensification.
  • ICAR’s Transformation & Innovation Push:
    • From 74 patents in 1996 → 1,800+ annually today.
    • Over 5,000 licensing agreements executed.
    • 400+ agri-startups supported by ICAR–IARI, showcasing commercialization of public-funded innovations.
    • Emphasis on technology transfer to farmers, not just revenue generation.
  • Programme Features (Maitri 2.0):
    • Two-way learning & co-creation platform for innovators from both countries.
    • Strengthening of incubator linkages and co-incubation models.
    • Promotion of digital technologies, sustainable agriculture, and value-chain development.
    • Exchange of best practices and new market opportunities for farmers and startups.
  • Brazil’s Perspective:
    • Ambassador Nobrega stressed Maitri 2.0 as part of the broader strategic partnership.
    • Initiative aligns with joint vision for food and nutritional security, agritech cooperation, and emerging technologies.

Strategic Significance

• • Enhances bilateral cooperation in agriculture, innovation, and technology.
  • Strengthens resilient food systems in both countries amidst global climate challenges.
  • Empowers farmers and startups through innovation, digital tools, and value-added agriculture.
  • Positions India and Brazil as global leaders in sustainable agri-innovation within BRICS and G20 frameworks.

Conclusion:

Maitri 2.0 is a landmark initiative by linking startups, incubators, and research institutions. It promotes a future-ready, sustainable, and inclusive agri-food ecosystem.

Topic 7: SPARSH Streamlines Defence Pension Administration

GS Paper 2: Governance/ e-Governance | GS Paper 3: Defence & Security

Context: Ministry of Defence highlighted the achievements of the System for Pension Administration – Raksha (SPARSH) in ensuring faster grievance redressal, resolving legacy discrepancies, and streamlining defence pension disbursal.

Key Highlights

• • Legacy Discrepancies Resolved: Out of 6.43 lakh cases, 5.60 lakh (87%) resolved—ensuring rightful entitlements to pensioners.
  • Grievance Redressal:
    • Average disposal time reduced from 56 days (Apr 2025) → 20 days (Sep 2025).
    • 31.54 lakh defence pensioners (India & Nepal) onboarded.
  • Outreach Efforts:
    • 211 SPARSH Outreach Programmes and 193 Raksha Pension Samadhan Ayojans (RPSAs) conducted.
    • Participation in 13th & 14th All India Pension Adalats: 260 + 252 grievances resolved on the spot.
  • Financial Impact:
    • ₹3.02 crore suo-moto disbursed to 48 pensioners (May 2025).
    • ₹1,57,681 crore defence pension budget disbursed real-time in FY 2024–25.
    • During OROP-III (July 2024): ₹1,224.76 crore transferred to 20.17 lakh beneficiaries within 15 days.
  • World’s Largest Defence Pension System:
    • 202 Defence Accounts Department (DAD) offices, 4.63 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs), and 5200+ bank branches serve as SPARSH service centres.

Significance

• • Efficiency: Moves pension administration from fragmentation to integration.
  • Transparency: Real-time monitoring and direct transfers reduce delays and leakages.
  • Inclusivity: Combines digital governance with physical outreach through CSCs and banks.
  • Empowerment: Provides dignity, security, and timely benefits to ex-servicemen and their families.

Conclusion:

SPARSH has emerged as a transformational reform in defence pension governance. By resolving legacy issues and reducing grievance redressal time, it strengthens trust in government systems and ensures social security for lakhs of defence veterans.

Topic 8: Buddha’s Holy Relics travel to Russia’s Kalmykia Republic for First Exposition

GS Paper 1: Art & Culture | GS Paper 2: International Relations & Cultural Diplomacy

Context: The sacred Relics of the Buddha, housed at the National Museum, New Delhi, will be taken to Russia’s Kalmykia Republic for the first time for an exposition at the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista, accompanied by senior Indian and international monks.

Key Highlights:

• • Event Theme: “Buddhism in the New Millennium.”
  • Location: Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, Elista, Kalmykia – the major Tibetan Buddhist centre in Europe.
  • Organisers: Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), National Museum, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
  • Delegation: Led by Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mr Keshav Prasad Maurya, senior monks including H.H. 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, H.E. 13th Kundeling Taktsak Rinpoche, H.E. 7th Yongzin Ling Rinpoche and 17 other senior monks.
  • Exhibitions & Events:
    • Three exhibitions of sculpture and art depicting the “Four Great Events in the Life of the Buddha.”
    • Display on the Sacred Legacy of the Shakyas – Excavation and Exposition of Buddha Relics from Piprahwa, Kapilavastu.
    • Exhibition titled “The Art of Stillness – Buddhist Art from its National Collection,” Delhi.
    • Artworks by Shri Vasudev Kamath, Padma Shri.
    • Demonstration of AI-based spiritual chatbot “Norbu – the Kalyana Mitta” in Russian.
    • Presentation of Holy ‘Kanjur’ – Mongolian religious texts (108 volumes) to nine Buddhist institutes and a university.

Significance:

• • Strengthens cultural diplomacy and spiritual ties with the only Buddhist republic in Europe.
  • Celebrates India’s historical and spiritual links with Buddhism.
  • Promotes global Buddhist dialogue with participation from over 35 countries.

Relic Expositions – Historical Context:

• • Piprahwa relics taken to Mongolia (2022).
  • Relics from Sanchi to Thailand (2024).
  • Relics from Sarnath to Vietnam (2025).
  • Recent Repatriation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the return of Piprahwa relics from Hong Kong, highlighting India’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage.

Background on Kalmykia:

• • Southwestern European Russia, bordering the Caspian Sea.
  • Home to the Kalmyks, descendants of Oirat Mongols; the only Mahayana Buddhist ethnic group in Europe.
  • Region features grasslands and desert areas; deeply influenced by nomadic culture.

Archaeological Significance:

• • Piprahwa, near Basti, Uttar Pradesh, identified as ancient Kapilavastu.
  • Excavations (1898 by W.C. Peppe; 1971–77 by K.M. Srivastava) revealed caskets with bone fragments, ashes, and jewels, dated 4th–5th century BCE.

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