Daily PIB Highlights (16-06-2025)

Topic- 1: Policy Reforms to enhance the ‘Ease of Innovation’, ‘Ease of Research’ and ‘Ease of Science’

GS-3: Economy

The context:

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on 15^th June 2025 announced a set of policy reforms to enhance the “Ease of Innovation” and “Ease of Doing Research”, providing long-awaited relief to innovators, researchers scholars, scientists and institutions across the country.

The Key Highlights:

• • The government has announced major policy reforms to boost the ‘Ease of Innovation’, ‘Ease of Research’, and ‘Ease of Science’ in India’s academic and research ecosystem.
  • Directors of research institutions and Vice Chancellors of universities are now empowered to bypass the mandatory use of GeM for procuring specialized research equipment.
  • This move addresses long-standing concerns about delays and inefficiencies in the procurement process due to rigid rules and limited financial autonomy.
  • Heads of institutions can now approve Global Tender Enquiries (GTEs) up to ₹200 crore, a power previously reserved for central authorities.
  • Financial ceilings under the General Financial Rules (GFR) have been significantly raised to enable faster and more flexible procurement.
  • The direct purchase limit has been increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh, and the departmental committee purchase range has been revised from ₹1–10 lakh to ₹2–25 lakh.
  • The cap for limited tender enquiries and advertised tenders has also been raised from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore.
  • These reforms were based on extensive consultations by the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office with 13 IITs and several key research bodies.
  • The Minister emphasized that these decisions reflect the government’s trust in India’s science leaders and aim to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in research.
  • Drawing from the success of the rapidly growing $8 billion space sector, the reforms aim to stimulate similar growth and efficiency across the broader R&D landscape.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 2: Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP)

GS-3: Economy

The context:

Union Minister for Power visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) on 16^th June 2025 to review the progress of the nuclear power project being implemented by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy.

The Key Highlights:

• • The GHAVP project involves setting up 4 x 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) Once completed, 50% of the electricity generated will be allocated to the state of Haryana, significantly boosting the state’s energy capacity.

Current Status:

• • Unit-1 Milestones:
    • First Pour of Concrete is targeted by October 2025
    • First Criticality by June 2030
    • Commercial Operation expected by March 2031
  • Unit-2 will follow with a 6-month gap from Unit-1.

• • Upon completion, 50% of the electricity generated from the project will be allocated to Haryana, significantly strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure.
  • For Unit-1, the first pour of concrete is targeted for 2025, with first criticality expected by June 2030, and commercial operation projected by March 2031.
  • Unit-2 is scheduled to follow Unit-1 with a six-month gap between its key commissioning milestones.
  • The Minister was briefed on NPCIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which have already resulted in ₹75 crore being spent on community development.
  • CSR activities include infrastructure development such as roads, schools, and medical vans, as well as the construction of an Astro Turf Hockey Ground.
  • NPCIL has also undertaken skill development and awareness programs in schools, NCC camps, and civil service training centres.
  • The “Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van was showcased as a flagship public outreach initiative to raise awareness about nuclear energy and safety.
  • NPCIL’s initiatives and underlined the critical role of nuclear energy in delivering clean, reliable, and secure power for India’s future.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 3: Sakura Science High School Programme 2025

GS-3: Economy

The context:

Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, flagged off a group of 20 enthusiastic and excited school children, who have been invited to participate in Sakura Programme 2025 from India.

The Key Highlights:

• • The Sakura Science Programme offers a valuable opportunity for Indian students to explore Japan’s scientific innovations and cultural heritage.
  • The current cohort includes 20 Indian school students (7 boys and 13 girls) and 2 supervisors, participating from 15 to 21 June 2025.
  • These students hail from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Government Schools located in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Ladakh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
  • Japan, as a developed and friendly nation known for its technological advancements, is also a preferred destination for educational exposure.
  • Therefore, visiting a country like Japan is always enriching and provides an opportunity for the exploration of innovative practices.
  • India participated in the program for the first time in April 2016. So far, 619 students along with 91 supervisors have visited Japan under this programme. The most recent batch visited Japan in November 2024.
  • The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, while emphasizing the importance of Curriculum and Pedagogy in Schools, endorses that “Learning should be Holistic, Integrated, Enjoyable and Engaging in itself.
  • Furthermore, the NEP-2020, states that in all stages, experiential learning will be adopted as standard pedagogy within each subject, and with explorations of relationships among different subjects.
  • The Minister emphasized the transformative impact of this journey in shaping future innovators and enhancing Indo-Japanese scientific cooperation.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 4: Yoga for One Earth, One Health

GS-1: Society

The context:

Yoga Connect 2025 is a Hybrid Global Summit on ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ Inaugurated in Delhi today; Ministers, Masters and Masses Align for the International Day of Yoga 2025.  ‘Yoga Prabhava-Impact Assessment of Decade of International Day of Yoga’ released; Day long deliberations held on Yoga’s various application & Commercial advancement

The Key Highlights:

• • The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), Ministry of Ayush, organized “Yoga Connect” at Vigyan Bhawan as a lead-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.
  • The event was held under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizing Yoga’s role in personal well-being and global harmony.
  • A nationwide survey report assessing the decade-long impact of IDY was released during the event.
  • Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav highlighted studies showing Yoga’s benefits in managing diabetes, heart health, cancer recovery, and elderly care.
  • He emphasized Yoga’s growing relevance in skill development, employment, and India’s leadership in the global wellness movement.
  • Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called Yoga a journey from “Chiti (individual consciousness) to Rashtrachiti (national consciousness),” urging people to adopt it as a lifestyle.
  • The Minister noted that nearly 2 billion people in 200 countries practise Yoga, a number projected to grow to 5 billion, reflecting India’s cultural influence.
  • Spiritual leaders stressed that true Yoga must be a daily practice of mind, body, and awareness, promoting inclusivity and inner discipline.
  • Yoga Connect was attended by over 1,000 participants, including Yoga gurus, scientists, health professionals, policymakers, and influencers from India and abroad.
  • The event served as a platform for global collaboration, uniting diverse voices to promote scientific dialogue and holistic well-being through Yoga.

The event also witnessed the release of several impactful publications and knowledge resources:

• • “Yoga Prabhava” Survey Report by Central Council ForResearch In Yoga And Naturopathy (CCRYN) – presenting the impact Assessment of Decade of International Day of Yoga in India.
  • ​“Surveykshan” – assessing Yoga’s national influence
  • A Scientometric Analysis of Yoga’s Global Influence by Pahle India Foundation & CCRYN – mapping yoga-related research
  • “Bharatiya Vriksha Vaibhavam” by Sanskriti Foundation & CCRYN – celebrating India’s sacred tree heritage
  • ​E-book: “IDY – The Yogic Path of a Statesman’s Vision” – tracing a decade of International Day of Yoga
  • ​Yoga Samavesh Video – highlighting unity through yoga with mass participation

About the International Day of Yoga (IDY):

Date	21st June
Origin	Originated in 2014 when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a unanimous resolution declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga (IDY).
First Celebration	The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated worldwide on June 21, 2015.
Objective	To increase public awareness of the various advantages of Yoga practice.
Theme	The theme of International Day of Yoga varies each year, highlighting a specific aspect of Yoga and its benefits.(Theme of International Yoga Day 2024: “Yoga for Self and Society”)
Logo	The International Day of Yoga Logo consists of several elements that convey various aspects of yoga as a holistic practice.

• • These releases reinforce India’s leadership in the global wellness movement and showcase the nation’s commitment to scientific, cultural, and grassroots dimensions of Yoga.
  • “Yoga Connect” is a movement that unites spiritual wisdom, scientific insight, and cultural pride. It reaffirms Yoga’s enduring relevance as a tool for personal transformation and planetary healing. As the world prepares to observe IDY 2025 on June 21, the Ministry of Ayush calls upon every citizen to embrace yoga not just for a day, but as a way of life.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 5: India’s Maritime Forces Prevent Crisis as Fire-Hit Singaporean Vessel Towed to Safety

GS-3: Economy

The context:

In a major development in the firefighting and salvage operation of Singaporean Vessel MV Wan Hai 503, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), along with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, successfully transferred the tow of the distressed container vessel to the ocean-going tug Offshore Warrior on June 13, 2025.

The Key Highlights:

• • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had been holding the distressed container vessel Offshore Warrior away from the Kerala coast for several days.
  • Sudden worsening of weather and strong westerly winds caused the vessel to dangerously drift toward the shoreline.
  • Despite challenging weather that hampered aerial operations, a Navy Sea King helicopter from Kochi winched salvage crew onto the vessel on June 13.
  • The salvage team successfully connected a 600-metre tow rope to the ship about 20 nautical miles off the Kochi coast.
  • Offshore Warrior is now being towed westward at a speed of 1.8 knots and is currently nearly 35 nautical miles offshore.
  • Three ICG Offshore Patrol Vessels are escorting the distressed vessel while continuing firefighting efforts.
  • Only thick smoke and a few isolated hotspots remain onboard, reflecting the ICG’s successful firefighting measures.
  • These actions have helped prevent a potential large-scale environmental disaster.
  • The ICG is coordinating with the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure the vessel remains at least 50 nautical miles from the Indian coastline.
  • The arrival of additional firefighting tugs is expected to further stabilise the situation as decisions on the vessel’s fate await action by its owners.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 6: India’s strategy for the renewable energy sector

GS-3: Economy

The context:

On the occasion of Global Wind Day 2025, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi addressed a conference of stakeholders here in Bengaluru 15^th June 2025 and Wind Energy is at the centre of India’s strategy for the renewable energy sector.

The Key Highlights:

• • India aims to meet 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, with wind energy playing a central role in this strategy.
  • The Union Minister emphasized that renewable energy, especially wind, is key to India’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision and essential for becoming a global manufacturing hub.
  • As India’s manufacturing capacity continues to grow, ensuring sufficient renewable energy production, storage, and usage is critical to meeting future industrial energy demands.
  • India holds the fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world and ranks third in overall renewable energy production globally.
  • The minister highlighted India’s rapid rise in the renewable energy sector, noting that it has become the third-largest manufacturer of renewable energy within just a decade.

About status of wind energy in India

• • Global status: India has fourth largest wind power installed capacity and is third largest renewable energy producer in the world.
  • Significant growth: From 21.04 GW in  2014 to 51.5 in May 2025.
  • Role in Renewable Energy: Wind power is the second-largest contributor to India’s renewable energy mix following solar power.
  • Highest potential states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh etc.

Three Key Issues for the Wind Energy Sector as Highlighted by the Minister

1. Integration of Wind with Solar and Storage (BESS):

• • • • To deliver round-the-clock power and ensure grid stability, wind energy must be combined with solar energy and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

2. Reduction in Tariffs for Competitiveness:

• • • • Current tariff rates like ₹3.90 per unit are too high. There is a need to work collectively to bring down costs and make wind power more affordable and competitive.

3. Efficiency in Domestic Manufacturing and Export Focus:

• • • • India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities in wind energy must become more efficient.
      • This is essential to meet national renewable energy targets and boost exports by remaining globally competitive.

The National wind potential focusing on 5 priorities:

1. Expanding into new states like Madhya Pradesh,Telangana, and Odisha.

2. Launching the offshore sector with 4 GW of leasing areas identified in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu and tenders being readied.

3. Integrating wind into round-the-clock and firm green power strategies, through storage-linked business models.

4. Modernising the grid, investing in AI-based forecasting to manage variable renewable energy.

5. Boosting local manufacturing across the entire wind value chain

Wind Energy Roadmap and Manufacturing Roadmap at the event

• • It will serve as guiding frameworks for our journey ahead and reflect our collective ambition, strategic thinking, and commitment to building a strong and Aatmanirbhar wind energy ecosystem in India.
  • Best performing States in terms of Wind Capacity addition were also felicitated at the event. Karnataka was first with a wind capacity addition of 1331.48 MW followed by Tamil Nadu (1136.37 MW) and Gujarat  (954.76 MW).

About Global Wind Day

• • Global Wind Day is celebrated on 15th June to mark the development of wind energy and with the Government’s consistent policy support, the Wind Energy Sector has displayed substantial growth.
  • It is organised by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the event through the participation of key stakeholders from central and state government authorities, DISCOMs, CPSUs, the wind industry, academia, think tanks, etc aims to facilitate conversations on key aspects, including the country’s progress of wind energy development.
  • The event is also supported by Wind Independent Power Producers Associations (WIPPA), Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA), and Indian Wind Power Association (IWPA).

 

Source: PIB

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