Daily PIB Highlights (23RD & 24TH OCTOBER 2025)

Topic 1: India’s Scientific and Technological Advancements

GS Paper Relevance:

• • GS Paper 2: Governance (Science & Technology Policy, Institutional Coordination)
  • GS Paper 3: Science & Technology (Innovation, Biotechnology, Quantum Computing, Disaster Management)

Context:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with senior officials from the Ministries of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, briefed Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan at Parliament House on India’s recent scientific achievements and strategic initiatives.

Key Highlights:

• • Global Innovation Index Surge: India rose from 81st (2015) to 38th (2025) in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting a robust innovation ecosystem.
  • Breakthroughs in Frontier Technologies:
    • Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity Systems
    • BharatGenAI – India’s indigenous large language model
    • Vaccine Development – showcasing biotech leadership
  • Meteorology & Climate Science:
    • Enhanced weather forecasting capabilities
    • Focus on ocean studies and disaster risk mitigation
  • Youth & Ethical Research Focus:
    • Promotion of ethical biotechnology research
    • Encouragement for youth participation in scientific careers
  • Industry & Global Collaboration:
    • Strengthening industry-academia partnerships
    • Emphasis on global scientific cooperation to boost India’s blue economy

Strategic Significance:

• • India’s rise in global rankings and patent filings reflects its transition to a knowledge-based economy.
  • Engagement with global partners enhances India’s soft power and leadership in frontier technologies.
  • Inspiring youth to pursue science ensures a future-ready workforce aligned with national development goals.
  • Improved forecasting and ocean studies contribute to risk mitigation and sustainable development.
  • Focus on ethics and inclusivity strengthens public trust in science and technology.

Conclusion:

With strategic investments in frontier technologies and youth engagement, India is poised to become a scientific superpower by 2047.

Topic 2: Amendments to IT Rules, 2021

GS Paper Relevance:

• • GS Paper 2: Governance (E-Governance, Regulatory Frameworks, Digital Rights)
  • GS Paper 3: Cybersecurity, IT & Digital Infrastructure

Context:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified amendments to Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, introducing enhanced safeguards for the removal of unlawful online content by intermediaries. The amended rules will come into effect from 15th November 2025.

Key Highlights:

• • Senior-Level Authorisation: Only senior officers (Joint Secretary or equivalent; DIG in case of police) can issue content removal directions, ensuring accountability.
  • Reasoned Intimation: Directions must specify:
    • Legal basis and statutory provision
    • Nature of unlawful act
    • Specific URL or electronic identifier of the content
      This replaces vague “notifications” with precise “reasoned intimations”.
  • Periodic Review Mechanism: All removal orders will be reviewed monthly by an officer not below the rank of Secretary in the Appropriate Government.
  • Balance of Rights and Responsibilities: The framework ensures enforcement actions are transparent, proportionate, and lawful, protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
  • Clarity for Intermediaries: Intermediaries receive detailed guidance, improving compliance and reducing ambiguity.

Strategic Significance:

• • Aligns with Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, reinforcing the principle of “actual knowledge” and lawful restrictions.
  • Ensures content removal is not arbitrary and subject to checks and balances.
  • Enhances trust among users, platforms, and regulators by institutionalising accountability.
  • Balances freedom of expression with the need to curb unlawful content, contributing to a secure digital environment.

Conclusion:

The amendments to Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021 ensure that content moderation by intermediaries is lawful, proportionate, and rights-respecting, strengthening India’s commitment to a safe and inclusive digital future.

Topic 3: India Re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of COP10 Bureau – Commitment to Clean Sport

GS Paper Relevance:

• • GS Paper 2: International Relations, Governance (Sports Policy, Global Cooperation)
  • GS Paper 4: Ethics (Integrity in Sport, Values Education)

Context:

India participated in the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (20–22 October 2025). India was re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau for the Asia-Pacific region, reaffirming its commitment to clean sport and ethical governance.

Key Highlights:

• • India re-elected as Vice-Chairperson (Group IV – Asia-Pacific) for the term 2025–2027.
    Azerbaijan elected Chairperson; Brazil, Zambia, and Saudi Arabia elected Vice-Chairs for other regions.
  • Led by Shri Hari Ranjan Rao (Secretary, Sports) and Shri Anant Kumar (DG, NADA).
    Engaged with delegates from 190+ States Parties, IOC, WADA, African Union, and other global bodies.
  • India facilitated Interactive Boards showcasing the journey of the Anti-Doping Convention.
  • Key Discussions:
    • Strengthening governance and compliance under the Convention
    • Financing the Fund for Elimination of Doping in Sport
    • Addressing emerging challenges: gene manipulation, traditional pharmacopoeia, and ethics in sport
    • Successfully advocated for integrating Values Education through Sport (VETS) to promote ethics, integrity, and youth engagement in sport.

Strategic Significance:

• • Re-election to COP10 Bureau reflects India’s growing stature in global sports governance and anti-doping leadership.
  • VETS approach aligns with India’s emphasis on value-based education, fostering integrity among youth and sport institutions.
  • Enhances India’s role in shaping reforms for compliance, transparency, and strategic communication in global sport.
  • Positions India as a responsible stakeholder in promoting fair play, ethics, and clean sport on international platforms.

Conclusion:

India’s re-election as Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau and its proactive engagement at UNESCO reaffirm its commitment to clean, ethical, and inclusive sport.

Topic 4: Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025

GS Paper Relevance:

• • GS Paper 2: Governance (Agricultural Policy, Cooperative Federalism)
  • GS Paper 3: Economy & Agriculture (Agri-Exports, Food Security, Innovation)

Context:

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, to be held on 30–31 October 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event aims to showcase India’s leadership in the global rice trade and promote sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven growth in the rice sector.

Key Highlights:

• • Participation from Foreign Ministers of the Philippines, Ghana, Namibia, and The Gambia; over 1,000 foreign buyers, 3,000 farmers/FPOs, and 2,500 exporters expected.
  • Economic Impact:
    • Target to unlock ₹1.80 lakh crore in new rice markets
    • ₹25,000 crore worth of export MoUs expected
  • Organisers & Partners:
    • Organised by Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF) and APEDA
    • Supported by Ministries of Agriculture, Food Processing, Cooperation, and State Governments (e.g., Telangana, Meghalaya, Odisha)
  • Vision & Roadmap Document: To be developed post-conference based on stakeholder consultations and technical sessions, coordinated by the Department of Commerce, APEDA, IREF, ICAR, and IRRI.
  • AgriTech & Innovation:
    • Launch of India’s first AI-based rice sorting technology
    • Dedicated Women Entrepreneur, Startup & MSME Pavilion showcasing innovations across the agri-value chain
  • State Showcases:
    • Meghalaya: Traditional rice varieties like Pnah Iong, Mynri, Mangsang
    • Telangana: Premium export varieties like Telangana Sona, BPT 5204, MTU 1010
  • Global Rice Context:
    • India produced 150 million tonnes of rice in 2024–25
    • Exported 20.1 million metric tonnes worth USD 12.95 billion to 172 countries
    • Rice is the third most-traded food commodity, valued at USD 330 billion
  • Culinary Diplomacy:
    • Culinary Experience Zone with chef demos and tasting counters
    • Country-specific dishes matched with Indian rice varieties (e.g., Sushi with Chakhao, Nasi Goreng with Nagri Dubraj)
  • Institutional Strengthening:
    • MoUs for agri-research placements
    • Launch of Incubation & Agricultural Research Centre in New Delhi
    • Promotion of DGFT’s Trade Connect e-Platform for exporters

Strategic Significance:

• • Positions India as a central player in global food security and agri-export diplomacy.
  • Focus on climate-resilient farming, water-efficient cultivation, and soil health.
  • AI-based sorting, blockchain traceability, and digital marketplaces enhance competitiveness.
  • Women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and smallholder farmers gain visibility and market access.
  • Promotes India’s rice heritage through GI-tagged varieties and international cuisine integration.

Conclusion:

BIRC 2025 conference strengthens India’s role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated agri-economy.

 

Topic 5: Launch of ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit

GS Paper Relevance:

• • GS Paper 2: Governance (Defence Infrastructure, Maritime Strategy)
  • GS Paper 3: Security & Defence (Coastal Security, Indigenous Defence Production)

Context:

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)—ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit—at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on 24th October 2025. These are the seventh and eighth vessels in a series of eight indigenously built FPVs, aimed at enhancing India’s coastal surveillance and maritime response capabilities.

Key Highlights:

• • Indigenous Design & Build: Both FPVs are designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
  • Technical Specifications:
    • Length: 52 metres
    • Displacement: 320 tonnes
    • Equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP)—first of their kind in this class in India
    • Superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency
  • Multi-Mission Capabilities:
    • Fisheries protection
    • Coastal patrol
    • Anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations
    • Search & rescue missions, especially around island territories and EEZ
  • Launch Ceremony:
    • Vessels launched by Smt. Manju Sharma
    • Chief Guest: Dr. Mayank Sharma, Financial Advisor (Defence Services)
    • Attended by senior officials from ICG and GSL
  • Industrial Impact:
    • Boosts domestic industry, employment generation, and the MSME ecosystem
    • Reinforces GSL’s role in building next-gen indigenous defence platforms

Strategic Significance:

• • Expands ICG’s fleet of high-speed platforms, improving operational readiness across India’s vast coastline.
  • Aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
  • Enhances surveillance and response in critical maritime zones including island territories and EEZ.
  • Supports local manufacturing and innovation, contributing to defence sector employment and capacity building.

Topic 6: Delivery of ‘Mahe’ – First Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Built by CSL

GS Paper Relevance:

• • GS Paper 2: Governance (Defence Infrastructure, Maritime Strategy)
  • GS Paper 3: Security & Defence (Naval Capabilities, Indigenous Defence Production)

Context:

The Indian Navy received ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on 23rd October 2025. The vessel is named after the historic port town of Mahe in Puducherry, symbolising India’s maritime heritage.

Key Highlights:

• • Indigenous Design & Build: ‘Mahe’ is indigenously designed and constructed by CSL, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.
  • Technical Specifications:
    • Length: 78 metres
    • Displacement: ~1,100 tons
    • Equipped for underwater surveillance, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), ASW operations, and Mine Laying
  • Combat Capabilities:
    • Armed with torpedoes, Multifunctional Anti-Submarine Rockets, and advanced radars and sonars
  • Indigenous Content:
    Over 80% indigenous components, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Strategic Significance:

• • Enhances Indian Navy’s ability to detect and neutralize underwater threats in coastal waters.
  • Improves India’s preparedness in littoral zones, vital for safeguarding strategic maritime interests.
  • Reinforces India’s naval industrial base and supports domestic shipbuilding expertise.
  • Naming the vessel after Mahe reflects India’s cultural and historical maritime legacy.

Conclusion:

The delivery of ‘Mahe’ exemplifies the nation’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.

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