Daily PIB Highlights (22nd & 23rd SEPTEMBER 2025)

Topic 1: 71st National Film Awards – Dadasaheb Phalke Award Conferred on Shri Mohanlal

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

Context: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi on 23rd September 2025. She also conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2023) on Shri Mohanlal, one of India’s most celebrated actors.

Key Highlights

• • Recognition of Shri Mohanlal
    • Referred to as the “Complete Actor” for his ability to portray diverse human emotions.
    • Honoured with the highest award in Indian cinema – Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023.
  • Women-centric Cinema
    • President Murmu highlighted the growing recognition of films focusing on women’s struggles and empowerment.
    • Awarded films covered themes like:
      • Mothers shaping moral values of children.
      • Women uniting against social stereotypes.
      • Challenges faced by women in family and society.
      • Courageous women raising voices against patriarchy.
  • Cinema as Cultural Identity
    • Indian cinema mirrors the diversity of Indian society and democracy.
    • Like Indian literature, films are created in multiple languages, dialects, and cultural contexts yet hold a shared Indian consciousness.
  • Role of Cinema in Nation-building
    • More than entertainment, cinema is a powerful medium of social awareness.
    • Films must balance popularity with public interest, especially for the youth.
    • Emphasis on creating content that garners global recognition while retaining Indian sensibilities.

Strategic Significance

• • Cultural Soft Power: Strengthens India’s image globally through cinema as a universal medium.
  • Social Sensitisation: Promotes awareness of issues like patriarchy, prejudice, and women’s empowerment.
  • National Integration: Connects diverse linguistic and regional identities under a common cultural fabric.
  • Youth Engagement: Encourages meaningful cinema that inspires values and social responsibility among the younger generation.

Conclusion:

The 71st National Film Awards reaffirm the role of cinema as not only an art form but also a catalyst of social change and cultural diplomacy. Honouring Shri Mohanlal with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award highlights India’s recognition of artistic excellence rooted in social responsibility.

Topic 2: Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on His Jayanti

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

Context: On 23rd September 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on his Jayanti, recalling his enduring contributions to Indian literature, freedom struggle, and the shaping of national consciousness.

About Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

• • Birth & Early Life: Born on 23 September 1908 in Simaria village, Begusarai district, Bihar.
  • Education: Studied history and political science at Patna University.
  • Influences: Deeply inspired by India’s cultural heritage, nationalist movements, and the freedom struggle.

Literary Contributions

• • Known as Rashtrakavi (National Poet) for his powerful patriotic and nationalist writings.
  • His poetry combined Veer Rasa (heroic sentiment) with social and political consciousness.
  • Major works include:
    • Rashmirathi – an epic poem based on Karna from the Mahabharata.
    • Urvashi – awarded Jnanpith Award (1972), a poetic exploration of love, beauty, and human emotions.
    • Parshuram ki Prateeksha, Renuka, Hunkar, Kurukshetra – works highlighting nationalism, social awakening, and moral values.
  • His writings reflected a blend of classical Sanskrit tradition with modern nationalist fervour, making him one of the most influential poets of 20th-century Hindi literature.

Role in Public Life

• • Actively participated in the freedom movement, using literature as a tool for mobilising public sentiment.
  • Served as a Rajya Sabha Member (1952–1964) and contributed to cultural and educational policies.
  • Recognised with Padma Bhushan (1959) for his literary achievements.

Strategic Significance

• • His poetry ignited patriotic spirit during colonial rule and post-independence nation-building.
  • Revived the heroic tradition of Sanskrit and Hindi literature for a modern audience.
  • Addressed issues of morality, justice, and human dignity through literary works.
  • Continues to inspire generations with values of courage, sacrifice, and national pride.

Conclusion:

Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar remains a towering figure of modern Indian literature. His poetry, blending heroism, nationalism, and humanism, continues to shape India’s cultural and moral consciousness.

Topic 3: CCRAS-led Initiatives Promote Women’s Health, Environmental Conservation, and Ayurvedic Wellness

GS Paper  II

Context: On the occasion of the 10th Ayurveda Day, the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), under CCRAS, Ministry of Ayush, organized nationwide programmes on the theme “Ayurveda for People and Planet”.

Key Highlights

1. Nationwide Outreach & Awareness

• • • Observance of Ayurveda Day with mass pledge for health & environment.
    • Ayurveda Expo (10 Sept–23 Oct 2025): IEC materials, Ayurveda books, and knowledge dissemination.
    • Lectures on geriatric care, women’s health, Panchkarma, nutrition, and mental well-being.

2. Women’s Health Focus (Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan 2025)

• • • Priority OPD treatment for women.
    • Ayurvedic medicines distributed to improve hemoglobin levels (35 female patients/day benefitted).
    • Awareness sessions on post-menopausal care, adolescent girls’ nutrition, and maternal health.

3. Preventive & Holistic Care

• • • Free Prakriti assessments with lifestyle guidance.
    • Promotion of Ayurvedic food as preventive medicine.
    • Free medical camps for bone and geriatric health, Hb and sugar testing.

4. Environmental Conservation

• • • Plantation drives and distribution of 200 Tulsi & Giloy plants for household herbal gardens.
    • Cleanliness drives in Ayurveda OPDs under “Ayurveda for People and Planet”.

5. Youth & Community Engagement

• • • Yoga camps and contests in schools; team-based events inspired by Panchmahabhutas (Agni, Vayu, Jala, Prithvi, Akash).
    • Drawing competitions with 50+ student participation.
    • Run for Ayurveda, walkathons, and awareness campaigns.

6. Special Sessions & Innovations

• • • Online session on “Ayurveda in Cancer Management and Supportive Care”.
    • Poshan Maah activities: tackling childhood obesity, awareness on balanced diet.
    • Brain health promotion through Shankhpushpi and Brahmi Rasayan distribution.

Strategic Significance

1. By mainstreaming Ayurveda into women’s and geriatric healthcare, CCRAS initiatives promote preventive healthcare and reduce disease burden.

2. Prioritizing female patients and addressing lifecycle-based health issues strengthens gender-responsive health systems.

3. Plantation drives and herbal garden promotion align Ayurveda with climate-sensitive lifestyle practices.

4. Engagement through schools, yoga contests, and nutrition drives nurtures Ayurvedic literacy among the next generation.

5. Focus on Ayurveda in cancer care and nutrition highlights integrative medicine potential in India’s health system.

Conclusion:

10th Ayurveda Day initiatives led by CCRAS showcase Ayurveda as not only a system of healthcare but also a holistic approach connecting individual well-being with planetary health.

Topic 4: MoU between CCRAS and PVNRTVU for Collaborative Research in Animal Health

GS III – Biotechnology, Animal husbandry

Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, signed a MoU with P.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University (PVNRTVU), Hyderabad to promote collaborative research and academic activities in veterinary sciences and Ayurveda. This partnership seeks to integrate traditional knowledge with modern veterinary science under the “One Health” approach.

Key Highlights

1. Collaborative Research & Academic Programs

• • • Joint projects on livestock management, nutrition, translational research, novel diagnostics, and therapeutics.
    • Emphasis on solutions for animal health and welfare through integrative approaches.

2. Knowledge & Infrastructure Sharing

• • • Access to animal facilities and research infrastructure of both institutions.
    • Joint Coordination Committee (CC) to oversee approvals and collaboration.

3. Faculty & Student Exchange

• • • CCRAS scientists may serve as adjunct faculty/co-guides for M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. scholars.
    • PVNRTVU students to gain exposure to Ayurvedic research labs, food sciences, One Health, and research methodologies.
    • UG and PG students to benefit from lectures, project work, and practical training.

4. Publications & Intellectual Property (IPR)

• • • Findings to be published in open-access journals with due credits.
    • Joint ownership of IP, with benefits shared proportionally according to contributions.

5. Duration & Nature

• • • Non-financial MoU, valid for 5 years initially.
    • Designed to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration between modern and traditional sciences.

Strategic Significance

1. By bridging Ayurveda with veterinary science, the initiative supports the human-animal-environment health nexus.

2. Research on nutrition, disease prevention, and livestock management can improve productivity and welfare of farm animals.

3. Faculty and student exchanges foster capacity building in veterinary Ayurveda research.

4. Joint diagnostics and therapeutics can enhance India’s leadership in integrative medicine and animal health.

5. Promote animal welfare, food safety, and eco-friendly practices aligned with SDGs.

Conclusion:

The CCRAS–PVNRTVU MoU focuses on joint research, student training, and innovation, thereby strengthening India’s pursuit of the One Health model, which addresses challenges in animal health, human well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Topic 5: Gram Panchayats Bag National e-Governance Awards 2025 for Pioneering Digital Service Delivery

GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 3: E-Governance

Context: At the 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Gram Panchayats were conferred with the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025 under a new category recognizing grassroots-level digital service delivery.

Award Winners – New Category “Grassroots-level initiatives in Gram Panchayats for deepening service delivery”

• • Gold Award: Rohini Gram Panchayat, Dhule (Maharashtra) – Sarpanch Dr. Anandrao Pawara
  • Silver Award: West Majlishpur Gram Panchayat, West Tripura (Tripura) – Sarpanch Smt. Anita Deb Das
  • Jury Award: Palsana Gram Panchayat, Surat (Gujarat) – Sarpanch Shri Pravinbhai Parshottambhai Ahir
  • Jury Award: Suakati Gram Panchayat, Kendujhar (Odisha) – Sarpanch Smt. Kautuka Naik

Incentives: Rs. 10 lakh (Gold) & Rs. 5 lakh (Silver), to be reinvested in citizen-centric initiatives.

Key Highlights of Award-Winning Panchayats

• • Rohini (Maharashtra):
    • First GP in Maharashtra with fully paperless e-Office.
    • Offers 1,027 online services, 100% digital literacy coverage.
    • Real-time grievance redressal, SMS-based citizen outreach.
  • West Majlishpur (Tripura):
    • Citizen Charter–driven Panchayat governance.
    • Online delivery of key services – birth/death/marriage certificates, trade licenses, property records, MGNREGS job cards.
    • Ensures timeliness, accountability, transparency.
  • Palsana (Gujarat):
    • Integration with Digital Gujarat & Gram Suvidha portals.
    • QR/UPI-based property tax payments, online grievance redressal.
    • 10,000+ citizens availing online services annually.
  • Suakati (Odisha):
    • Digitized services through OdishaOne & Seva Odisha.
    • 24/7 real-time tracking of service requests.
    • Focus on women’s leadership and inclusive access.

Institutional Significance

• • First-of-its-kind category, instituted by DARPG & Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
  • Reflects the vision: “Good Governance is best delivered through Digital Governance”.
  • Conference Theme: “Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation”.
  • Plenary session (23rd Sept) on “Gram Panchayats and Grassroots Innovations in e-Governance” chaired by Secretary, MoPR to showcase replicable models nationwide.

Significance

• • Empowers local governance through digital tools.
  • Enhances citizen-centric, transparent, and accountable governance at the grassroots.
  • Promotes replicable digital models for Panchayats across India.
  • Strengthens the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by integrating Panchayats into the digital transformation journey.

Topic 6: Visakhapatnam Declaration Charts Roadmap for India’s Digital Transformation

GS II & III

Context: The 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) was held at Visakhapatnam, co-hosted by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), and Government of Andhra Pradesh. It concluded with the adoption of the “Visakhapatnam Declaration” on e-Governance.

Key Highlights:

• • Theme: “Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation” aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and the principle of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.
  • DARPG Secretary V. Srinivas: Launched National e-Governance Awards 2026 website, highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s models like real-time governance & WhatsApp-based service delivery.

Core Focus of Declaration:

1. Civil Service Transformation:

• • • Whole-of-government approach to strengthen civil services with digital skills.
    • Data-driven, agile governance frameworks.

2. Emerging Tech in Governance:

• • • Use of AI, ML, Blockchain, GIS, IoT, Data Analytics for transparent & citizen-centric governance.
    • Scaling AI-driven platforms like Digital India BHASHINI, Digi Yatra, NADRES V2.
    • Ethical & transparent adoption of AI.

3. Cybersecurity & Trust:

• • • Adoption of Zero-Trust architecture, post-quantum security, AI-enabled monitoring systems.
    • Cyber resilience across transport, defence, and citizen services.

4. Replicable Models:

• • • SAMPADA 2.0 (Madhya Pradesh), eKhata (Bengaluru), Rohini Gram Panchayat (Maharashtra), DAMS by NHAI.
    • Expansion of Panchayat models from Rohini, West Majlishpur, Suakati, Palsana.

5. Inclusive Growth:

• • • Focus on digital literacy for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
    • Extension of NeSDA e-Services to North-East and Ladakh.

6. Agriculture & Rural Empowerment:

• • • Rollout of National Agri Stack for farmer access to credit, advisories, and markets.
    • Promotion of climate-smart, sustainable farming practices.

7. Collaboration & Innovation:

• • • Strengthening partnership among government, industry, academia, start-ups, civil society.
    • Vision to position Visakhapatnam as IT & innovation hub with IT zones and industry-academia linkages.

Significance:

• • Sets a forward-looking roadmap for India’s digital transformation.
  • Prioritizes inclusivity, cyber resilience, and innovation in governance.
  • Provides models for replication across states, fostering cooperative federalism in digital governance.

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