Daily PIB Highlights (13TH & 14TH OCT 2025)

Topic 1: CCRAS Organizes “Manthan–2025” to Strengthen Research and Administrative Planning

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

Context:

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, organized a two-day planning and review meeting “CCRAS–Manthan–2025” from 13–14 October 2025 at the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Lucknow.

Key Highlights

1. Vision and Objective

• • To strengthen research–administrative synergy and institutionalize evidence-based planning in Ayurveda.
  • To align research priorities with national health needs and the Ayush Research Vision 2030.
  • Promote multidisciplinary and translational research that bridges traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific validation.

2. Leadership Perspective

• • (Vd.) Rabinarayan Acharya, DG, CCRAS, stressed inter-institutional collaboration and focus on translational research to enhance credibility and global reach of Ayurveda.
  • Called for integrating scientific rigour with traditional knowledge to achieve international standards in Ayurveda research.

3. Thematic Discussions: The deliberations covered 12 key domains:

• • Clinical Research, Drug Development & Pharmacology
  • Public Health and Medicinal Plant Research
  • Extramural Research (EMR) and Fundamental Research
  • Human Resource Development, Finance & Administration
  • Information Technology, Publications, and Quality Assurance

4. Institutional Mechanism

• • “Manthan” forms part of CCRAS’s annual planning cycle to review research output and administrative performance.
  • Builds on earlier initiative “Avalokana–2025” held in Jaipur, which focused on streamlining research coordination and efficiency.
  • CCRAS operates through a network of 30 peripheral institutes nationwide, generating scientific evidence, safety validation, and drug standardization.

5. Dignitaries Present

Inaugural session attended by Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany (Director, CSIR–NBRI), Sh. Deepak Kocchar (Deputy Director, Administration, CCRAS), and Dr. Narayanam Srikanth (Deputy Director General, CCRAS).

Strategic Significance

• • Reinforces India’s commitment to scientific validation, quality assurance, and translational research in traditional medicine.
  • Enhances coordination, monitoring, and accountability among research centres under CCRAS.
  • Integrates Ayurveda research within the framework of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @2047, contributing to health innovation and global wellness diplomacy.
  • Promotes interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research ecosystems, leveraging synergies between Ayurveda, pharmacology, and biotechnology.

Conclusion

“Manthan–2025” exemplifies the government’s commitment to making Ayurveda scientifically credible, globally recognized, and policy-integrated. By merging traditional knowledge with modern research methodologies, CCRAS is steering India towards an evidence-based, innovation-driven Ayush ecosystem contributing to the national goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Topic 2: Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches LEAPS 2025 to Benchmark Logistics Excellence in India

GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 3: Economy, Infrastructure & Industry

Context:

The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2025 during the 4th Anniversary of PM GatiShakti at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The initiative, launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aims to benchmark logistics excellence, enhance competitiveness, and align with the vision of the National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022 and PM GatiShakti.

Key Highlights

1. Vision and Objective

• • LEAPS 2025 seeks to recognize leadership, innovation, and best practices in logistics and supply chain management across India.
  • Aims to promote sustainability, transparency, and efficiency within the logistics ecosystem through government–industry–academia collaboration.
  • Aligns logistics reforms with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

2. Coverage and Participation

• • Open to stakeholders across air, road, sea, and rail freight, warehousing, multimodal transporters, MSMEs, startups, and academic institutions.
  • Applications are invited under 13 award categories across five segments:
    • Core Logistics: Air, Road, Maritime, Rail, Multimodal, and Warehousing (Industrial/Agriculture)
    • MSME & Startups: Logistics service and technology providers
    • Institutions: Educational initiatives in logistics
    • Special Categories: e-Commerce logistics and multimodal logistics service delivery

3. Key Features

• • Promotes ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration and Green Logistics for sustainable transport.
  • Encourages digital innovation, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making in logistics planning.
  • Registrations are open via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal till 15 November 2025.

4. Leadership Statement

• • Shri Piyush Goyal emphasized that LEAPS 2025 marks a new milestone by recognizing the collective efforts of logistics players in enhancing efficiency and reliability nationwide.

Strategic Significance

• • Supports the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM GatiShakti by improving India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking and reducing logistics costs (~13% of GDP).
  • Mainstreams ESG standards, sustainable freight solutions, and digital platforms to build a future-ready logistics ecosystem.
  • Encourages innovation and participation of emerging enterprises and academia, fostering an inclusive logistics innovation ecosystem.
  • Acts as a catalyst for Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring logistics becomes a strategic enabler of economic growth, exports, and manufacturing efficiency.

Conclusion

By rewarding best practices and aligning with PM GatiShakti and the National Logistics Policy, the initiative will accelerate India’s journey toward a world-class, efficient, and resilient logistics ecosystem essential for Viksit Bharat @2047.

Topic 3: PM GatiShakti – Offshore Launched to Strengthen Integrated Offshore Planning and Boost India’s Blue Economy

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

Context:

• • Launched by Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, on 4th Anniversary of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP), New Delhi
  • Digital platform for integrated planning and management of offshore development, supporting India’s Blue Economy, green energy transition, and sustainable coastal infrastructure development.

Key Highlights:

Objective:

• • Facilitate data-driven offshore planning and decision-making.
  • Promote sustainable development of offshore resources, including wind, solar, tidal, wave, and thermal energy.
  • Ensure holistic, multi-ministry coordination (Whole-of-Government approach).
  • Minimize project risks, streamline approvals, and optimize resource allocation.

Integration:

• • Consolidates geospatial datasets from multiple ministries and departments:
    • Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Power, Department of Telecommunications.
  • Covers sectors including Energy & Resources, Environment & Ecology, Infrastructure & Logistics, Oceanic & Hazard Data.

Key Functionalities:

• • Unified geospatial interface for planners, regulators, and investors.
  • Supports planning of offshore projects such as:
    • Wind farms, solar farms, tidal & wave energy projects, marine resource exploration, coastal infrastructure, subsea power transmission.
  • Enables multi-layered analysis: e.g., integrating seabed bathymetry, coral reefs, mangroves, turtle nesting zones, hydrocarbon blocks, fibre routes, marine traffic.
  • Streamlines environmental clearances and regulatory approvals.
  • Centralized repository of verified, authentic government data.

Example Use Case:

• • Planning HVDC subsea link to Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
    • Seabed depth optimization for cost-effective cable laying
    • Avoidance of ecologically sensitive zones
    • Coordination across multiple ministries for efficient routing

Strategic Significance:

• • Supports sustainable growth of offshore energy, fisheries, and marine infrastructure.
  • Minimizes delays, avoids regulatory overlaps, and improves planning precision.
  • Demonstrates Whole-of-Government approach, integrating multiple ministries for coordinated decision-making.
  • Showcases India’s capability in geospatial intelligence and strategic infrastructure planning.
  • Ensure environmentally compliant and technically feasible offshore projects.
  • Strengthens India’s green energy transition, coastal infrastructure, and contributes to Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Topic 4: C-DOT Launches Cohort-II of ‘Samarth’ Incubation Program at India Mobile Congress 2025

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

Context:

• • Organized by: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), autonomous R&D institution under Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
  • Event: Kick-off session of Samarth Cohort-II during India Mobile Congress 2025, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
  • Purpose: Incubation program to nurture startups in Telecom & ICT sector, supporting India’s digital transformation and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision

Key Highlights:

Program Objective:

• • Support startups and innovators in: telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT, quantum technologies
  • Promote indigenous telecom products/solutions through industry-startup co-creation
  • Foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development in ICT sector

Implementation & Partners:

• • Partners: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) & TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs)
  • Cohort Structure:
    • Two cohorts, each 6 months long
    • Up to 18 startups per cohort (36 total)
    • Cohort-I completed; Cohort-II launched in July 2025

Support Provided:

• • Financial grants: First tranche disbursed at ASPIRE Startup Stage, IMC 2025.
  • Infrastructure: Fully furnished office space, access to C-DOT labs at Delhi & Bengaluru.
  • Mentorship & Acceleration: Training in marketing, IPR, finance, legal, regulatory compliance.
  • Problem Statements: Cohort-II focused on AI, Li-Fi, Security, Drones.

Selection Process:

• • Applications assessed by Selection Committee (academia, industry, C-DOT, STPI).
  • Criteria: Innovation, idea relevance, execution capability, team strength, product potential, alignment with problem statements.
  • 18 startups selected for Cohort-II (includes Huebits Tech, Dawniens International, Khageshvara Aviation Tech, Revon Unmanned Systems, InventGrid India, Vayunotics Technologies, among others).

Vision:

• • Long-term plan to establish Academic Centres of Excellence in leading institutions
  • Embed innovation culture in India’s educational ecosystem.

Strategic Significance:

• • Accelerates adoption of advanced telecom and ICT solutions across India.
  • Encourages indigenous technology development and startup-led innovation.
  • Provides holistic support in technical, managerial, and regulatory domains.
  • Strengthens industry-academia-startup collaboration.
  • Nurtures next-generation leaders in ICT, contributing to technology-driven economic growth.

Topic 5: India Strengthens Cultural and Spiritual Bonds with Russia — Presentation of Holy ‘Mongolian Kanjur’ to Ketchenersky Khurul, Kalmykia

GS Paper II – International Relations

Context:

In a landmark initiative reflecting deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between India and Russia, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya presented the sacred 108-volume Mongolian Kanjur to the Ketchenersky Khurul, a prominent Buddhist temple in Kalmykia. The ceremony coincided with the first-ever exposition of Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics in Russia (11–18 October 2025), held at the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha Monastery in Elista.

About the Mongolian Kanjur

• • The Mongolian Kanjur is a revered 108-volume Buddhist canon, comprising discourses and teachings (sutras) of Lord Buddha.
  • Translated from Tibetan into Classical Mongolian, the term “Kanjur” means “Translated Words” — representing the spoken words of the Buddha.
  • Recognized as the most authoritative scripture in Mongolia, it provides vital insight into the cultural exchange spanning India, Tibet, and the Mongolian steppes.
  • The text was provided by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) under India’s Ministry of Culture.

Key Highlights

• • Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya handed over the sacred Kanjur to the Head Monk of the Ketchenersky Khurul, hailing it as a symbol of peace, compassion, and universal wisdom.
  • The Indian delegation visited Kalmyk State University, interacting with students and faculty to promote the principles of Buddha Dhamma in contemporary education.
  • A vibrant program in Elista celebrated Kalmyk folk traditions, reinforcing cultural unity between India and Russia.
  • Ministry of Culture (BTI Division) in partnership with IBC, National Museum, and IGNCA coordinated the visit.

Strategic Significance

• • Showcases India’s use of cultural heritage as a diplomatic bridge — a living demonstration of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
  • Strengthens India’s image as a civilizational partner, complementing strategic and economic ties through spiritual diplomacy.
  • Reinforces India’s role as the birthplace and protector of Buddhist heritage, deepening engagement with nations of shared spiritual traditions.
  • Encourages cross-cultural understanding and grassroots friendship beyond political frameworks.

Topic 6: India–Mongolia 3D Partnership — Democracy, Dharma, and Development as the New Pillars of Bilateral Ties

GS Paper II – International Relations

Context:

The President of Mongolia, H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, visited the Indian Parliament on 14 October 2025, where he was warmly received by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla at Makar Dwar. The occasion marked the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia, highlighting a deepening partnership rooted in Democracy, Dharma, and Development—a framework described by Shri Birla as the 3D Partnership.pib+2​

Key Highlights of the Visit

• • Both leaders held extensive discussions at the Parliament House, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple domains — defence, health, IT, and economic growth.
  • Shri Birla underlined that India and Mongolia’s relationship trace back to shared spiritual traditions of Buddhism. He reaffirmed that the teachings of Lord Buddha, especially the guiding mantra “Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya” (for the welfare and happiness of many), continue to shape India’s public policy and governance model.
  • Recalling his 2023 visit to Mongolia, the Speaker emphasized the significance of regular Parliament-to-Parliament exchanges and invited Mongolian lawmakers to train at the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE).
  • He highlighted India’s legislative progress through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, the first law enacted in the new Parliament Building, ensuring 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies
  • Shri Birla showcased the Buddhist-inspired design elements in the new Parliament Building, including the Dharma Chakra and verses like “Buddham Sharanam Gacchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gacchami, Sangham Sharanam Gacchhami”, symbolizing India’s commitment to dharmic governance.

Mongolian Perspective

• • President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa described India as Mongolia’s spiritual neighbour and a great friend, praising New Delhi’s commitment to democratic values and equitable global growth.
  • He lauded India’s rapid economic rise, calling it a stabilizing force in global politics, and applauded its leadership of the Global South.
  • The President reaffirmed Mongolia’s interest in collaborating with India on multilateral platforms, emphasizing mutual respect, shared benefit, and historical friendship.

Strategic Significance

• • The tri-pillar partnership—Democracy, Dharma, and Development—positions India–Mongolia relations as a unique blend of political cooperation, moral philosophy, and developmental synergy.
  • Strengthens democratic institutions through knowledge exchange and legislative training (PRIDE initiative).
  • Enhances India’s influence as the birthplace of Buddhism and a global beacon of spiritual humanism.
  • Expands opportunities in defence cooperation, energy security (via ongoing refinery projects), digital innovation, and healthcare partnerships.

Conclusion

By combining shared Buddhist heritage with strategic collaboration, both nations exemplify spiritual diplomacy and people-centric progress, advancing the global vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Topic 7: World Standards Day 2025 — Harmonising Quality and Innovation for Viksit Bharat

GS Paper III – Economy

Context:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated World Standards Day 2025 on 14 October under the theme “Shared Vision for a Better World – Partnerships for the Goals”, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Significance of Standards

• • Standards ensure safety, quality, and trust across goods and services, forming the foundation of a resilient economy.
  • They drive domestic and international trade, environmental sustainability, and global competitiveness.
  • The Prime Minister’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” underpins India’s movement toward products that are flawless in quality and eco‑friendly.

India’s Standardization Progress

• • 22,300+ standards currently in force; 94% harmonized with ISO and IEC benchmarks.
  • Number of new standards increased from 407 (2014) to 1,038 (2025).
  • Products under mandatory certification expanded from 106 products under 14 QCOs (2014) to 773 under 191 QCOs and two horizontal QCOs (2025).
  • These developments align India’s quality ecosystem with global norms while ensuring inclusivity for domestic industries, especially MSMEs.

Key Announcements and Initiatives

1. National Lighting Code (NLC) 2025:

• • Updated edition addressing LED transition, IoT‑based smart lighting, renewable integration, and human‑centric designs.
  • Covers specialized fields like healthcare, horticulture, tunnels, heritage sites, and solar‑powered illumination.

2. Pilot Project for Hallmarked Jewellery:

• • Digital capture of photographs and weight of hallmarked items across 25 assay centres, integrated into the BIS Care app for consumer transparency.

3. Integration of Testing Labs with LIMS:

• • Over 180 lab instruments digitally connected, enabling real‑time data transfer for testing accuracy and traceability.

4. Launch of BIS Learning Management System (LMS):

• • Online, self‑paced certification courses on Indian Standards and conformity assessment for industry professionals.

Ministerial Remarks

• • Shri Pralhad Joshi urged BIS to create practical and globally recognized standards, strengthen awareness, and engage industry in future‑ready frameworks.
  • He emphasized quality consciousness as key for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • Minister of State Shri B. L. Verma lauded the “Standardization Heroes of India” for contributing to ISO and IEC engagement, enhancing India’s reputation in global standardization.

Conclusion

World Standards Day 2025 reinforced India’s commitment to quality‑driven growth, global competitiveness, and sustainable industrial leadership under the vision of Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.

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