Daily PIB Highlights (27th & 28th October 2025)

Topic 1: Inauguration of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

GS Paper Relevance

• • GS Paper II – Governance, Cooperative Federalism
  • GS Paper III – Blue Economy, Fisheries, Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth

Context:

On 27 October 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Deep Sea Fishing Vessels under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at Mazgaon Dock, Mumbai. The event marks a major step in strengthening India’s blue economy and promoting cooperative-based development in the fisheries sector.

Key Highlights

• • Launch of Deep Sea Trawlers:
    • Two trawlers inaugurated; 14 trawlers to be provided initially.
    • Trawlers can stay in deep sea for 25 days, carry 20 tons of fish, and are equipped with living and dining facilities.
    • Larger ships planned for transport and coordination.
  • Cooperative Model for Fisheries:
    • Transition from salary-based employment to profit-sharing cooperative ownership.
    • Profits from fishing operations to reach fishermen households directly.
    • Inspired by successful cooperative models in dairy (Amul) and sugar mills.
  • Infrastructure & Support:
    • Plans for fish processing units, chilling centers, export vessels, and collection ships through cooperatives.
    • Ministry of Cooperation to lead efforts in maritime sector development.
  • Production Growth:
    • Fisheries production increased from 102 lakh tonnes (2014–15) to 195 lakh tonnes.
    • Freshwater fisheries grew by 119%; maritime production rose from 35 to 48 lakh tonnes.
  • Vision for Coastal Empowerment:
    • Focus on empowering poor coastal communities through economic self-reliance.
    • Emphasis on human-centric development, not just GDP metrics.

Strategic Significance

• • Strengthens India’s blue economy and marine resource utilization.
  • Promotes inclusive growth through cooperative ownership and profit-sharing.
  • Enhances fisheries infrastructure and export potential.
  • Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, PMMSY, and cooperative federalism.
  • Empowers coastal communities, contributing to rural prosperity and national development.

Conclusion:

By integrating infrastructure, technology, and community ownership, India is poised to transform its fisheries sector into a pillar of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Topic 2: Indian Navy Set to Commission ‘Ikshak’, the Third Survey Vessel (Large)

GS Paper Relevance

• • GS Paper II – Governance, Security Forces & Maritime Strategy
  • GS Paper III – Indigenisation of Defence, Disaster Management, Science & Technology

Context:

The Indian Navy will commission ‘Ikshak’, the third indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large), on 06 November 2025 at Naval Base Kochi. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The vessel represents a major milestone in India’s pursuit of hydrographic excellence and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Key Highlights

• • Indigenisation & Manufacturing:
    • Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
    • Over 80% indigenous content, showcasing collaboration between GRSE and Indian MSMEs.
    • Supervised by Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).
  • Capabilities & Roles:
    • Primary role: Hydrographic survey operations.
    • Dual-role capability: Functions as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform and Hospital Ship during emergencies.
    • First SVL ship with dedicated accommodation for women, reflecting inclusivity and future-readiness.
  • Symbolism:
    • Name ‘Ikshak’ means ‘The Guide’, symbolising its mission to chart unknown waters and ensure safe maritime navigation.

Strategic Significance

• • Enhances India’s maritime domain awareness and hydrographic capabilities.
  • Strengthens disaster response infrastructure and medical support in maritime emergencies.
  • Promotes gender inclusion in naval operations.
  • Reinforces India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
  • Contributes to blue economy and safe navigation for commercial and strategic maritime operations.

Conclusion:

The commissioning of Ikshak marks a significant step in India’s journey toward indigenous naval capability, inclusive defence infrastructure, and strategic maritime empowerment.

Topic 3: SECL Releases India Post Special Cover Commemorating Coal India’s Golden Jubilee and SECL’s Ruby Jubilee

GS Paper Relevance

• • GS Paper II – Governance, Public Sector Undertakings
  • GS Paper III – Energy, Infrastructure, Industrial Development

Context:

On 28 October 2025, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), released a Special Cover and Cancellation Cachet in collaboration with India Post, commemorating Coal India’s 50 years and SECL’s 40 years of contribution to India’s energy sector. The initiative was part of Special Campaign 5.0, focused on institutional achievements and public sector excellence.

Key Highlights

• • Ceremony attended by:
    • Shri P. M. Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Limited
    • Shri Harish Duhan, CMD, SECL
    • Functional Directors, Chief Vigilance Officer, and senior officials from India Post (Chhattisgarh Postal Circle).
  • Special Cover Significance:
    • A collectible philatelic item celebrating industrial milestones.
    • Symbolizes Coal India’s legacy and SECL’s operational excellence.
  • Coal India Achievements:
    • World’s largest coal-producing company.
    • Met over 70% of India’s coal demand since 1975.
    • Achieved record coal production in FY 2024–25, contributing to 1 billion tonnes milestone.
  • SECL Contributions:
    • Operates in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
    • Home to Gevra Mine, Asia’s largest coal mine.
    • Known for technological advancement, sustainable mining, and CSR initiatives in health, education, skill development, and ecological restoration.
  • Special Campaign 5.0 Context:
    • Focused on cleanliness, record management, and celebrating public sector achievements.

Strategic Significance

• • Reinforces the role of PSUs in nation-building and energy security.
  • Promotes institutional legacy through public engagement and philately.
  • Highlights India’s progress in sustainable industrial development.
  • Strengthens public awareness of coal sector contributions to economic growth.

Conclusion:

The release of the India Post Special Cover by SECL reflects the government’s commitment to honouring institutional excellence, fostering public sector pride, and advancing the vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Topic 4: Ministry of Coal to Launch “Koyla Shakti” – Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard

GS Paper Relevance

• • GS Paper II – Governance, E-Governance, Digital India
  • GS Paper III – Energy, Infrastructure, Technology in Public Services

Context:

The Ministry of Coal is set to launch “Koyla Shakti”, a Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard (SCAD), on 29 October 2025 at The Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi. The launch will be graced by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines. This initiative marks a major step in digital transformation and data-driven governance in the coal sector, aligning with the Digital India vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Key Highlights

• • Purpose: To provide a unified, real-time digital interface for monitoring coal production, transportation, and supply.
  • Stakeholder Integration:
    • Coal producing companies and private miners.
    • Ministries: Coal, Railways, Power, Finance, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Road Transport & Highways.
    • State Departments (e-Khanij platforms).
    • Power generation companies and industrial coal consumers.
    • Port authorities and private coal-handling terminals.

Key Features:

1. Unified Visibility: Integration of diverse data sources into one dashboard.

2. Real-Time Monitoring: Live tracking of coal operations.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making: Analytical tools for policy and operational decisions.

4. Incident Response: Alerts and notifications for timely issue resolution.

5. Standardization: Uniform metrics and reporting formats.

6. Operational Efficiency: Reduced manual errors and simplified reporting.

7. Scalability: Future-ready for integration with additional systems.

8. Transparency & Accountability: Performance visibility for all stakeholders.

9. Policy Planning & Forecasting: Insights for demand forecasting and strategic planning.

Strategic Significance

• • Enhances transparency, efficiency, and coordination in coal governance.
  • Supports evidence-based policymaking and operational oversight.
  • Strengthens India’s energy security and resource management.
  • Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India missions.
  • Builds public trust through technology-enabled governance.

Conclusion:

The launch of Koyla Shakti by integrating real-time analytics and multi-stakeholder data, the Ministry of Coal is setting a benchmark for smart resource management, reinforcing India’s commitment to digital empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Topic 5: WaveX Collaborates with T-Hub to Boost India’s Media-Tech Startup Ecosystem

GS Paper Relevance

• • GS Paper II – Governance, Government Initiatives, Startup Ecosystem
  • GS Paper III – Innovation, Technology, AVGC-XR Sector, Media & Entertainment

Context:

On 28 October 2025, WaveX, the startup accelerator under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, signed an MoU with T-Hub, the world’s largest startup hub, to strengthen India’s AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) ecosystem. The collaboration aims to foster innovation, mentorship, and global market access for media-tech entrepreneurs.

Key Highlights

• • MoU Signing:
    • Formalized between CEOs of WaveX and T-Hub.
    • Witnessed by Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of I&B, and Shri Sanjay Kumar, Special Chief Secretary, ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana.
  • WaveX Vision:
    • National accelerator platform under the WAVES initiative.
    • Supports startups in media, entertainment, and immersive tech.
    • Hosted over 100 startups at the WAVES Summit (May 2025) for pitching and networking.
  • T-Hub Role:
    • Anchor Institution for WaveX.
    • Supports 2,000+ startups through incubation, funding, and infrastructure.
    • Hosts programs like iDEX, AIC, and MATH.
  • Planned Expansion:
    • WaveX to establish 10 Innovation Hubs across India.
    • Focus on structured incubation, mentorship, and creator-to-enterprise transition.
  • Support for Creators:
    • Empowers young creators to scale globally.
    • Builds a scalable, inclusive ecosystem for India’s next-gen innovators.

Strategic Significance

• • Catalyzes growth in India’s creative economy and AVGC-XR sector.
  • Promotes startup innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
  • Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and Ease of Doing Business.
  • Strengthens India’s position as a global hub for media-tech innovation.

Conclusion:

The WaveX–T-Hub partnership marks a transformative step in building a robust, future-ready media-tech startup ecosystem.

 

Topic 6: President Murmu Addresses Eighth Session of the ISA Assembly

GS Paper Relevance

• • GS Paper II – International Relations, Global Institutions, India and Global South
  • GS Paper III – Environment, Renewable Energy, Science & Technology

Context:

On 28 October 2025, President of India, H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu delivered the first-ever presidential address at the Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event hosted representatives from 137 countries, including 30 Ministers and Vice Ministers, ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Key Highlights

• • President Murmu’s Address:
    • Called for inclusive solar development, ensuring no woman, farmer, village, or small island is left behind.
    • Urged ISA to link solar energy with job creation, women’s leadership, rural livelihoods, and digital inclusion.
    • Emphasized ecological balance, technology sharing, and people-centric metrics for solar progress.
  • India’s Solar Leadership:
    • India achieved 50% installed capacity from non-fossil sources 5 years ahead of its 2030 target.
    • Avoided ₹4 lakh crore in fossil fuel imports and pollution-related costs.
    • Produced over 1,08,000 GWh of solar electricity.
  • ISA Strategic Pillars:
    • Catalytic Finance Hub
    • Global Capability Centre & Digitisation
    • Regional & Country-Level Engagement
    • Technology Roadmap & Policy
  • Major Launches & Initiatives:
    • SUNRISE – Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement.
    • OSOWOG Programme – Driving regional solar interconnections.
    • Global Capability Centre – Hub-and-spoke model for solar innovation.
    • ISA Academy – AI-driven online learning platform for solar knowledge.
  • MoU for SIDS Procurement Platform:
    • Signed by 16 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in partnership with World Bank Group.
  • ISA Knowledge Products Released:
    • Ease of Doing Solar 2025
    • Solar PV Skills and Jobs in Africa
    • Solar Compass: Integrated PV Applications
    • Global Floating Solar Framework
    • Global Solar Trends & Outlook 2025

Strategic Significance

• • Positions India and ISA as global leaders in solar diplomacy and South–South cooperation.
  • Promotes inclusive, resilient, and sustainable energy transitions.
  • Strengthens India’s role in shaping global climate action ahead of COP30.
  • Demonstrates India’s commitment to technology sharing, capacity building, and solar innovation.

Conclusion:

Through ISA, India is transforming the voice of the Global South into actionable solutions, illuminating lives and empowering communities worldwide.

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