Daily PIB Highlights (24TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER 2025)

Topic 1: Cabinet Approves DSIR Scheme “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development” with Outlay of ₹2277.397 Crore

GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 3: Science & Technology

Context: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scheme on “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development” (CBHRD) with an outlay of ₹2277.397 crore for the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26). The scheme will be implemented by CSIR, covering R&D institutions, national laboratories, universities, and institutes of national importance across India.

Key Highlights

1. Scope & Beneficiaries

• • Provides a wide platform for young researchers in universities, industries, and national R&D labs.
  • Guidance from eminent scientists in STEMM disciplines (Science, Technology & Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences).

2. Sub-Schemes under CBHRD

1. 1. • Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships
      • Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist, and Bhatnagar Fellowship
      • Promotion of Excellence through Awards
      • Knowledge Sharing via Travel & Symposia Grants

3. Achievements & Impact

• • India ranked 39th in Global Innovation Index 2024 (WIPO).
  • Among top three globally in scientific paper publications (NSF, USA data).
  • Thousands of research scholars and scientists supported under DSIR programmes.
  • Scheme aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by increasing researchers per million population.

4. Historical Significance

• • Approved during CSIR’s 84th year of service in scientific and industrial research.
  • Marks a milestone in building a robust R&D-driven innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Significance

1. Expands India’s pool of high-quality researchers in STEMM, bridging the gap with global R&D leaders.

2. Supports India’s transition from a knowledge consumer to a knowledge producer and exporter of innovation.

3. Enhances India’s visibility in global indices and scientific contributions.

4. Promotes sustainable growth through science-driven solutions for health, technology, and environment.

5. Encourages collaborative research between academia, laboratories, and industry.

Topic 2: Cabinet Approves ₹69,725 Crore Package to Revitalize India’s Shipbuilding and Maritime Sector

GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 3: Infrastructure, Economy, Security

Context:The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved a comprehensive package worth ₹69,725 crore to strengthen India’s shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. The package introduces a 4-pillar approach to expand domestic shipbuilding, promote long-term financing, build greenfield and brownfield shipyards, enhance skilling, and reform legal and policy frameworks.

Key Highlights

1. Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS):

• • Extended until 31st March 2036 with a corpus of ₹24,736 crore.
  • Includes a Shipbreaking Credit Note with ₹4,001 crore allocation.
  • National Shipbuilding Mission to oversee implementation.

2. Maritime Development Fund (MDF):

• • Corpus of ₹25,000 crore for long-term financing.
  • Includes Maritime Investment Fund of ₹20,000 crore (49% Government participation).
  • Interest Incentivization Fund of ₹5,000 crore to reduce cost of debt and improve project viability.

3. Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS):

• • Outlay of ₹19,989 crore.
  • Expand domestic capacity to 4.5 million Gross Tonnage (GT) annually.
  • Establish India Ship Technology Centre under Indian Maritime University.
  • Support mega shipbuilding clusters, infrastructure expansion, and risk coverage (including insurance).

4. Expected Outcomes:

• • Unlock 4.5 million GT of shipbuilding capacity.
  • Generate 30 lakh jobs.
  • Attract investments of ~₹4.5 lakh crore.
  • Strengthen supply chain resilience and maritime security.

Strategic Significance

1. Stimulates growth in a sector handling 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value.

2. Nearly 30 lakh jobs, making shipbuilding a driver of industrial and social development.

3. Enhances resilience in critical supply chains, energy security, and food security.

4. Positions India as a major hub in international shipping and shipbuilding.

5. Creation of India Ship Technology Centre boosts R&D and skilling in marine engineering.

Topic 3 – India–Australia Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for Organic Products

GS Paper II – International Relations | GS Paper III – Agriculture, Economy

Context:On 24th September 2025, India and Australia signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for Organic Products at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi. This milestone strengthens the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) framework and reinforces the trust between the two nations’ organic certification systems.

Key Highlights

1. Signing Authorities: Witnessed by senior officials including Sh. Sunil Barthwal (Commerce Secretary), APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, and Australia’s DAFF First Assistant Secretary Tom Black.

2. Implementing Agencies:

• • • • India – Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
      • Australia – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

3. Scope of MRA: Covers:

• • • • Unprocessed plant products (excluding seaweed, aquatic plants, greenhouse crops).
      • Processed foods with organic plant ingredients (including third-country ingredients if processed domestically).
      • Wine.

4. Organic Standards Recognition: Simplifies compliance, ensures equivalence in certification, and reduces trade barriers.

5. India’s Organic Export Profile:

• • • • Exports to Australia: USD 8.96 million (FY 2024–25) with 2,781.58 MT volume.
      • Major exports: psyllium husk, coconut milk, rice.

Strategic Significance

• • Expands market access for Indian farmers and exporters, leveraging 30–40% premium pricing for organic produce.
  • Enhances farmer incomes through certification credibility and global demand expansion.
  • Promotes National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) as a transparent and rigorous certification framework.
  • Deepens India–Australia strategic partnership, aligning with supply chain diversification, sustainable trade, and shared environmental goals.
  • Advances India’s ambition to become the “Organic Food Basket of the World”.

Topic 4: India’s Historic Medal Wins at Speed Skating World Championships 2025

GS II:

Context: The Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated India’s medal-winning contingent from the 73rd Inline Speed Skating World Championships 2025, held in Beidaihe, China.

Key Highlights:

1. India secured its best-ever performance with 5 medals (3 Gold, 2 Bronze), finishing 5th overall among 40+ nations.

2. Marked by historic firsts:

• • • • First-ever Senior medal at a Speed Skating World Championship.
      • First-ever Junior Gold.
      • Highest-ever medal tally for India at the Worlds.

Star Performances:

1. Anandkumar Velkumar (22 yrs):

• • • • Gold – 1000m Sprint & 42,195m Marathon
      • Bronze – 500m Sprint

2. Krish Sharma (18 yrs): First-ever Junior Gold in 1000m Sprint.

3. Anish Raj (17 yrs): Bronze in Junior Men’s One Lap Sprint.

Topic 5: DoPT – Whole of Government Model, iGOT Karmayogi & Centre–State Integration

GS II: Polity & Governance

Context: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the two-day workshop for State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) organized by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) with LBSNAA.

Key Highlights:

1. Call for greater Centre–State integration to implement a “Whole of Government” model in administration & training.

2. Mission Karmayogi Transformation:

• • • • Shift from rule-based to role-based system.
      • 1.36 crore government employees enrolled on iGOT Karmayogi portal.
      • MoUs signed with 24 States/UTs to support ATIs as hubs of capacity building.

3. Mission Karmayogi 2.0: Integration of AI-driven tools for State & Departmental Capacity Building Plans (CBPs).

4. Science Administration Training: INSA to conduct a week-long residential programme for Science Administrators.

5. Future Vision: Dedicated DARPG Cell to benchmark reforms for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Other Highlights:

• • Rozgar Mela, Mission Karmayogi Prarambh, and Assistant Secretary programme for IAS recruits praised.
  • CBC expanding 350 courses in 22 Indian languages for inclusivity.
  • Jan Seva Programme launched to instill Seva Bhav among civil servants.

Significance:

• • Strengthens administrative capacity-building ecosystem.
  • Enhances federal synergy between Centre and States.
  • Prepares India’s civil services for future governance challenges through skilling, technology integration, and knowledge sharing.

 

Topic 6: PM’s Tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on His Jayanti

GS 1: Famous Personalities

Context: On the occasion of his Jayanti (25th September 2025), Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, highlighting his philosophy of Integral Humanism and his vision of Antyodaya (uplifting the last person).

PM’s Message:

• • Integral Humanism remains the guiding philosophy of India’s governance model.
  • Antyodaya aligns with government policies focused on inclusive growth, rural development, and welfare of marginalized communities.
  • Pandit Deendayal’s ideals continue to inspire India’s nation-building efforts.

About Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916–1968):

• • Born in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh; philosopher, economist, social thinker, and political leader.
  • Co-founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (precursor to BJP).
  • Propounded the philosophy of Integral Humanism (1965), advocating a balanced development model blending spiritual, social, and economic dimensions of life.
  • Championed Antyodaya – development for the most deprived, focusing on the welfare of the last person in society.
  • Stressed self-reliance, cultural rootedness, and decentralized economy as against blind imitation of Western models.

Significance Today:

• • Integral Humanism and Antyodaya resonate with India’s current welfare schemes such as PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
  • His vision provides a holistic framework for sustainable and inclusive governance in the 21st century.

Topic 7: Successful Launch of Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from Rail-based Mobile Launcher

GS III: Science & technology/Defence

Context: On 24th September 2025, DRDO, in collaboration with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), successfully launched the Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system under a full operational scenario. The launch demonstrates India’s technological advancement in strategic missile mobility and operational readiness.

Key Highlights

1. Agni-Prime Missile:

• • Range: Up to 2,000 km (Intermediate Range).
  • Advanced Features: Equipped with state-of-the-art communication systems, protection mechanisms, and independent launch capability.
  • Significance: Enhances India’s strategic deterrence and adds flexibility in deployment.

2. Rail-Based Mobile Launcher System:

• • Mobility: Capable of moving across the railway network without preconditions.
  • Operational Advantage: Enables cross-country mobility and short reaction time launches with reduced visibility.
  • Self-Sustained: Equipped with independent launch capability, communication systems, and protection features.
  • Innovation: First-of-its-kind integration of canisterized missile launch from a rail platform.

3. Mission Success:

• • Missile trajectory was tracked by multiple ground stations.
  • Launch met all operational objectives and was described as a textbook launch.
  • Complements the Road Mobile Agni-P system already inducted into service.

Strategic Significance

• • Rail mobility increases survivability of strategic assets.
  • Reduces vulnerability to pre-emptive strikes and improves deployment options.
  • Puts India among select nations with rail-based canisterized missile launch capability.
  • Paves the way for induction of rail-based systems into the armed forces.

Conclusion:

The successful rail-based launch of Agni-Prime represents a significant milestone in India’s strategic forces modernization, combining mobility, survivability, and rapid response, reinforcing national security and strategic autonomy.

Topic 8: India’s Sustained Economic Growth and Banking Sector Reforms

GS III: Economic growth/ Bank

Context: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah addressed the Financial Express India’s Best Banks Award 2025 in Mumbai, highlighting India’s robust growth story, banking reforms, and structural transformations under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Key Highlights

1. India’s Economic Growth:

• • India has sustained 7–8% growth despite global slowdowns, while many developed nations grow at 1–2%.
  • Maintained 14% FDI growth, attracting global investors.
  • Recognized globally for structural reforms, process reforms, digital governance, and welfare schemes.
  • Transitioning from a ‘back-end service nation’ to an ‘innovation nation’.
  • Prime Minister’s vision: India as a fully developed nation by 2047, leveraging youth potential.

2. Banking Sector Reforms:

• • Condition in 2014: Bad loans at 19%, poor transparency, and lack of inclusion.
  • Modi government initiatives:
    • 4-R Policy: Recognize, Recover, Recapitalize, Reform.
    • Mission Indradhanush: ₹3.10 lakh crore capital infusion in banks.
    • Reduction of NPAs: From 19% to 2.5%.
    • Opening of 53 crore bank accounts, promoting financial inclusion.
    • 86 major reforms over 10 years in banking alone.

3. Policy Reforms & Innovation:

• • Make in India & Make in India 2.0: Promote manufacturing, emerging sectors, and global competitiveness.
  • PLI Incentives, Industrial Corridors, Logistics Parks, Startup India: Strengthen economy and job creation.
  • Next-gen GST reforms: Major tax reductions implemented to ease business and boost growth.
  • National Education Policy 2020: Integrates skill development across disciplines, bridging skill gaps in science, engineering, and innovation.

4. Global Recognition & Digital Transformation:

• • India as a ‘bright spot’ in global economy amidst worldwide crises.
  • Digital transactions: Every second digital transaction worldwide in 2024–25 took place in India.
  • Banking sector now positioned for top 10 global ranking, emphasizing transparency, innovation, and robust governance.

Strategic Significance

• • Establishes India’s credibility and stability in the global economic and financial system.
  • Promotes inclusive development, bridging rural-urban and financial access gaps.
  • Strengthens investor confidence and facilitates innovation-driven growth.

Conclusion:

Through banking reforms, structural policies, and digital governance, India has transformed into a policy-driven, resilient, and inclusive economy, positioning itself for global leadership by 2047.

Topic 9: India’s First EV Truck Fleet with Swappable Batteries Flagged Off at JNPA

GS III: Technology development

Context: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, flagged off India’s first fleet of electric heavy trucks with swappable batteries at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), marking a key milestone in sustainable logistics and energy transition for the Indian maritime sector.

Key Highlights

1. EV Fleet and Conversion Targets:

• • JNPA aims to convert 90% of its 600-truck fleet to electric vehicles by December 2026.
  • Initially, 50 trucks were flagged off, expected to expand to 80 by year-end.
  • Supported by a heavy-duty battery swapping station for operational efficiency and reduced downtime.

2. Sustainability and Decarbonisation:

• • Initiative aligns with India’s net-zero target by 2070 and National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP).
  • Expected to reduce operational emissions, particulate pollution, and noise within the port ecosystem.
  • Demonstrates JNPA’s role in integrating sustainability with logistics efficiency, setting a national benchmark for other ports.

3. MoU with Ashoka University:

• • JNPA signed an MoU with Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP), Ashoka University to develop a tariff benchmarking framework for ports.
  • Aims to standardize port tariffs based on cost and operational efficiency across cargo types and commodities.

4. Strategic Significance:

• • Supports PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy objectives.
  • Positions JNPA as a global leader in sustainable port operations, leveraging innovation, green energy, and digitalization.
  • Reinforces India’s commitment to Maritime India Vision 2030 and Green Ports initiative.

5. Leadership Remarks:

• • Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized India’s ports are ready for global sustainability benchmarks.
  • JNPA Chairperson Unmesh Sharad Wagh highlighted the fleet as a paradigmatic leap toward cleaner and resilient port operations.

Topic 10: Release of Publication “Children in India 2025”

GS II: Social Justice

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the fourth edition of “Children in India 2025” during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO) on 25th September 2025 in Chandigarh. The publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the status and well-being of children in India, serving as a critical source for policy-making and evidence-based interventions.

Key Highlights

1. Infant and Child Mortality:

• • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Decreased from 44 in 2011 to 25 in 2023.
  • Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR): Improved from 30 in 2022 to 29 in 2023; rural areas 33 vs urban areas 20.

2. Education and Dropout Rates:

• • Overall dropout rate fell from 13.8% in 2022-23 to 8.2% in 2024-25.
  • Preparatory stage: 8.7% → 2.3%
  • Middle stage: 8.1% → 3.5%
  • Secondary stage: 13.8% → 8.2%
  • Gender Parity Index (GPI): National level shows parity across education stages, with secondary level at 1.1, indicating improved gender equality.

3. Child Marriage Trends:

• • Percentage of women aged 20–24 married before 18 decreased from 26.8% (2015–16) to 23.3% (2019–21).

4. Adoption Statistics:

• • Total in-country adoptions increased from 3,927 (2017–18) to 4,515 (2024–25).
  • Female children adopted more often than males, indicating possible gender preference trends.
  • Inter-country adoptions ranged between 360–653 annually.

5. Publication Features:

• • Structured in seven chapters: Overview, Population & Vital Stats, Health & Nutrition, Education & Development, Crimes & Child Protection, Policy & Legal Framework, and SDGs related to children.
  • QR codes provide access to detailed data tables in Excel.
  • Expert committee consulted to expand scope, improve data quality, and refine presentation.
  • Newly incorporated data includes causes of death, adoption statistics, performance comparisons, and mobile/device usage.

6. Policy Relevance:

• • Serves as a decision-making tool for Ministries, Departments, and Organizations to frame policies ensuring child rights, health, nutrition, education, and protection.
  • Provides evidence to address gender disparities and improve well-being outcomes.

Conclusion:

“Children in India 2025” highlights significant progress in child health, education, and protection, while identifying areas for continued improvement. It serves as a valuable resource for evidence-based policymaking, ensuring India’s children are supported toward holistic development and rights fulfillment.

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