Daily PIB Highlights (25-06-2025)

Topic- 1: NITI Aayog Unveils “India’s Data Imperative” Report to Enhance Data Quality for Digital Governance

GS-3: Internal Security and Science & Technology  

The context:

On 24th June 2025, NITI Aayog released the third edition of its quarterly Future Front series titled “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality.” The report emphasizes the critical need to improve data quality to support digital governance, strengthen public trust, and enhance service delivery efficiency.

The Key Highlights:

• • NITI Aayog released the third edition of its quarterly insights series Future Front, titled “India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality.”
  • The report emphasizes the urgent need for high-quality data to strengthen digital governance, build public trust, and enhance service delivery.
  • It critically examines the widespread challenges resulting from poor data quality in India’s governance systems.
  • The report introduces practical tools to improve data systems, including a Data-Quality Scorecard for tracking and measuring data attributes.
  • A Data-Quality Maturity Framework has also been developed to enable self-assessment and guide institutions in planning improvements.
  • The tools aim to provide easy-to-use solutions for ministries and departments to institutionalize better data practices.
  • The report aligns with India’s broader efforts to enhance institutional capacities for data-driven governance.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: NAVYA Vocational Training Initiative

GS-2: Social Justice & Governance   

The context:

On 24th June 2025, the Government of India launched the ‘Navya’ vocational training initiative in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh — one of NITI Aayog’s aspirational districts.

The Key Highlights:

• • The NAVYA vocational training initiative was launched in Uttar Pradesh, to empower adolescent girls aged 16 to 18 through skill development and holistic training.
  • The initiative is a joint program of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
  • NAVYA will be implemented across 27 aspirational districts in 19 states, with a pilot already underway in 9 districts across 9 states identified by NITI Aayog.
  • The initiative aims to make girls self-reliant by providing training in modern and non-traditional job roles such as Graphic Designer, Smartphone Technician, Drone Assembly Expert, and Makeup Artist under PMKVY 4.0.
  • A specially designed 7-hour supplementary module will train girls in interpersonal skills, communication, workplace safety (POSH and POCSO), and financial literacy.
  • Ministry emphasized that the initiative will not just prepare girls for jobs but also empower them to establish their own enterprises and highlighted that NAVYA is a milestone in equipping girls with life skills, enabling them to live with dignity and confidence.
  • The initiative includes strengthening District Skill Committees to link girls with local skilling schemes, job fairs, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

About the NAVYA vocational training initiative:

• • The NAVYA – Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent is the joint pilot initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), in convergence with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Features of NAVYA Initiative

• • It is a pilot initiative aimed at equipping adolescent girls aged 16–18 years with a minimum qualification of Class 10, with vocational training mainly in non-traditional job roles.
  • It will be implemented in 27 Districts of the country which include Aspirational districts and districts of North -eastern States spanning across 19 States, reflecting the Government’s inclusive and targeted approach to reaching underserved regions and vulnerable populations.
  • As part of the launch, both Ministries will formalize their collaboration to institutionalize convergence on skilling efforts for adolescent girls.
  • The program will draw upon the strengths of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and other flagship skill development schemes.
  • Through NAVYA, the Government of India will reaffirm its commitment to empowering girls with skills, confidence, and opportunities—ensuring that every young woman becomes a catalyst in India’s journey towards a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive future.

A specially designed 7-hour supplementary training module will also be provided under Navya, focusing on four key areas:

• • Interpersonal Skills – Hygiene, self-presentation, conflict management
  • Communication Skills – Active listening and effective communication
  • Workplace Safety – Knowledge of POSH and POCSO laws
  • Financial Literacy – Budgeting, earnings, and basic financial concepts

About the PMKVY 4.0:

• • The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 is a flagship skill development initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
  • Announced in the Union Budget 2023-24, the scheme aims to provide industry relevant skills to the Indian workforce, enabling better employment opportunities and economic growth.

Objectives of PMKVY 4.0

• • Equipping Youth with Future Ready Skills
  • Focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, and IoT.
  • Training in green energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and 3D printing.
  • Boosting Employment and Entrepreneurship
  • Bridging the industry demand and workforce skills gap.
  • Encouraging self employment and startups through skill based training.
  • Strengthening Industry Participation
  • Collaboration with industries and multinational companies for hands-on training.
  • Industry Led training programs to ensure high quality skilling.
  • Enhancing Accessibility through Digital Learning
  • Expansion of online training programs via the Unified Skill India Digital Platform.
  • Promotion of hybrid learning models (physical + digital training).

Key Features of PMKVY 4.0

PMKVY 4.0 focuses on high demand sectors, including:

• • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning – Preparing youth for AIdriven jobs.
  • Robotics & Automation – Catering to the growing demand in manufacturing and logistics.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) – Enhancing skills in smart technology applications.
  • Electric Vehicles & Green Energy – Training for the upcoming EV revolution.
  • Drones & Aerospace Technology – Boosting opportunities in defense, agriculture, and logistics.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 3: Tribal Empowerment Campaign — DhartiAabaJanbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)

GS-2: Social Justice and Governance

The context:

On 15th June 2025, the Government of India launched the DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) — the largest tribal outreach campaign in independent India’s history. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the month-long initiative (15 June–15 July 2025) aims to saturate welfare scheme coverage across over 1 lakh tribal villages and PVTG habitations spanning 31 States/UTs and 550+ districts.

About the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA):

• • It is India’s largest-ever tribal empowerment and outreach campaign, launched across 1 lakh+ tribal villages and PVTG habitations in 31 States/UTs. The month-long campaign (15 June–15 July 2025) aims to reach over 5 crore tribal citizens through saturation of welfare schemes and doorstep delivery of government services.
  • In the first 9 days, 22,000+ Tribal Empowerment Camps have been organized, reaching over 53 lakh tribal beneficiaries
  • The campaign has facilitated 38 lakh Aadhaar enrollments, 1.68 lakh Ayushman Bharat cards, and 46,000+ PM-Kisan registrations.
  • Over 22,000 tribal citizens have enrolled for the PM Ujjwala Yojana, and 32,000+ PM Jan Dhan accounts have been newly opened.
  • The mission emphasizes complete saturation of Union government welfare schemes in tribal areas using a converged, camp-based model.
  • It offers services like FRA (Forest Rights Act) claims, pension enrollments, nutrition aid, legal aid, and support for tribal start-ups.
  • DAJA is led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as a landmark step towards inclusive governance and participatory development.
  • The campaign is part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda (Dharti Aaba).
  • It reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” ensuring tribal communities are integral to India’s development journey.

The 5 Pillars of DAJA: A New Model of Governance

1. Janbhagidari – Led by tribal voices, powered by communities

2. Saturation – Every eligible household to receive entitlements

3. Cultural Inclusion – Using tribal languages and art to engage

4. Convergence – Ministries, CSOs, youth groups working as one

5. Last-Mile Delivery – Reaching the remotest hamlets with services

Nationwide Mobilisation: A People’s Campaign

• • 550+ districts, 3,000+ blocks activated
  • Participation from 700+ tribal communities&75 PVTGs
  • Youth groups like MY Bharat, NSS, civil society and tribal students are on the ground
  • Cultural programs across India: tribal cuisine festivals, folk dances, handicraft exhibitions

Call to Action: Join the Janbhagidari Movement

The Ministry urges every citizen, academic, volunteer, and media platform to be part of this transformative movement.
Here’s how you can contribute:

• • Visit a Jan Seva camp and amplify awareness
  • Share tribal stories, traditions, and successes
  • Use hashtags: #DhartiAabaAbhiyan #PMJANMAN #EmpoweringTribalsViksitBharat #JanjatiyaGauravVarsh
  • Document & celebrate indigenous knowledge, languages, and art

DAJA is more than a government initiative — it is a grassroots revolution for dignity, inclusion, and pride in tribal identity

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 4: AI-Powered, Solar-Vibration Based Eco-Friendly Water Purifier

GS-3: Science & Technology  

The context:

Recently, researchers at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a biodegradable, low-cost, and AI-enabled water purification system that uses sunlight, vibrations, and piezo-photocatalysis to remove harmful dyes like Congo Red and Methylene Blue from industrial wastewater.

The Key Highlights:

• • Scientists at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a biodegradable, low-cost, and eco-friendly water purification system that uses sunlight, vibrations, and artificial intelligence (AI) to clean contaminated water.
  • The system targets harmful dyes such as Methylene Blue and Congo Red, commonly discharged by industries like textiles and pharmaceuticals, which pose significant threats to human and environmental health.
  • Unlike conventional chemical oxidation methods that are energy-intensive and hazardous, the new method uses a 3D-printed scaffold made of polylactic acid (PLA) — a biodegradable material known for its piezo-photocatalytic capabilities.
  • The PLA scaffold is coated with Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO₃ or BFO), a catalyst that breaks down pollutants when activated by light and mechanical vibrations.
  • The piezo-photocatalysis process combines sunlight and vibrations to activate the catalyst, ensuring the system remains effective even in low sunlight or cloudy conditions.
  • The hybrid system removed 98.9% of Congo Red and 74.3% of Methylene Blue from wastewater, outperforming many existing advanced treatment technologies.
  • Machine learning models, including Artificial Neural Networks, were used to predict system performance under varying conditions, achieving up to 99% accuracy and optimizing purification efficiency.
  • The sol-gel method was used to synthesize the BFO nanoparticles, followed by 3D printing of scaffolds, catalyst coating, performance testing, and AI model development.
  • The technology is renewable-powered, reusable, and chemical-minimizing, making it well-suited for industrial applications as well as deployment in remote and underserved areas.
  • The innovation has been published in the journal Nano Energy (Elsevier) and is ready for scale-up and adaptation across multiple sectors.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 5: DAY-NRLM Hosts Brainstorming Session to Boost Ease of Doing Business for SHG Entrepreneurs

GS-3: Economy    

The context:

On 25th June 2025, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) organized a comprehensive brainstorming session in New Delhi aimed at enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) for Self-Help Group (SHG) members, including Lakhpati Didis and rural entrepreneurs.

The Key Highlights:

• • The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) hosted a 360-degree brainstorming session in New Delhi to improve the ease of doing business for Self-Help Group (SHG) members, especially Lakhpati Didis and rural entrepreneurs.
  • The session brought together stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, and industry leaders to identify challenges and propose actionable strategies for rural enterprise development.
  • MoRD emphasized that poverty must be addressed professionally and called for the inclusion of rural youth and young farmers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) suggested stronger convergence with DAY-NRLM and stressed the importance of media and marketing skills for SHG members.
  • MoRD officials noted that SHG members are not just producers but innovators, and called for their integration into global value chains with enhanced skills to meet the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
  • Industry leaders from organizations like India Post, Flipkart, Fab India, ITC, Reliance Foundation, and others suggested creating a unified national brand for SHG products, managed under SARAS.
  • The session highlighted the need for standardized quality assurance protocols that are not burdensome for SHG members but still enable market competitiveness.
  • Suggestions included leveraging digital tools for e-commerce, product traceability, CRM, and capacity building, along with providing digital literacy and infrastructure support.

About the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM):

The DAY-NRLM is essentially a poverty relief programme of the Central government. It was launched as ‘Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)’ by the GOI’s Ministry of Rural Development in the year 2011. It was renamed as DAY-NRLM in 2015.

The scheme is an improved version of the earlier Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY).

• • The programme is supported partially by the World Bank.
  • It aims at creating effective and efficient institutional platforms to enable the rural poor to increase their household income by means of sustainable livelihood enhancements and better access to financial services.
  • Additionally, the poor would also be enabled to attain improved access to rights, public services, and other entitlements.
  • The mission aims at harnessing the inherent capabilities of the poor and equip them with capacities (such as knowledge, information, tools, finance, skills, and collectivization for them to take part in the economy.
  • The scheme started with an agenda to cover 7 Crore rural poor households via Self Help Groups (SHGs) and federated institutions and support them for livelihoods collectives in 8-10 years.
  • In 2021, the Union Cabinet had approved a special package worth Rs. 520 crore in the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh for a period of five years (till the financial year 2023-24) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

• • • The decision is in line with the government’s aim to universalise all centrally sponsored beneficiary-oriented schemes in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in a time-bound manner.

Source: PIB

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