Daily PIB Highlights (7th & 8th NOVEMBER)

Topic 1: National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 – Ministry of Ayush scales up integrative cancer care.

GS Paper 2: Health, Governance | GS Paper 3: Science & Technology (Ayush), Social Sector

Context:

On National Cancer Awareness Day 2025, the Ministry of Ayush highlighted the rising cancer burden and emphasised the need for prevention, early screening and integrative cancer care.  The Ministry stressed that many cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and can be managed better with early detection and supportive Ayush interventions.

Key Highlights

1. Preventive Health & Awareness

• • • • A large proportion of cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, HPV infections and environmental pollutants.
      • Early screening of oral, cervical and breast cancers helps detect disease at more treatable stages.
      • Emphasis on lifestyle modification: plant-based diets, reduced alcohol intake, tobacco cessation, weight management and increased physical activity.

2. Integrative Cancer Care Model (Ayush + Modern Oncology)

• • • • Approach focuses on supportive care, symptom relief and improved quality of life.
      • Ayush therapies positioned to complement, not replace, oncology — particularly for pain management, appetite, fatigue and psychological support.

3. Centres of Excellence & Research Collaboration

TMC–ACTREC (Mumbai):

• • • • Integrative cancer care and Ayush drug discovery.
      • Supports in-silico, preclinical and clinical studies; specialised OPDs; capacity building.

4. Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal:

• • • • Dedicated to supportive therapy and improving quality of life.
      • Treated 26,356 cancer patients, including 338 lung cancer cases in the past two years. Collaboration with AIIMS and other reputed institutions strengthens research evidence, manpower training and clinical validation.

5. Cancer IEC & Outreach-

CCRAS released cancer awareness IEC material to promote scientifically guided lifestyle behaviour and community awareness.

Strategic Significance

• • Moves India from treatment-centric to preventive and holistic healthcare.
  • Strengthens Ayush credibility through research, evidence-building and collaboration with premier institutions.
  • Supports national priorities such as Ayush for Public Health, preventive healthcare under National Health Policy 2017

Conclusion:

The Ministry of Ayush is institutionalising an evidence-based integrative cancer care model, focusing on prevention, early screening and supportive therapy to reduce India’s cancer burden and improve patient well-being.

Topic 2: Ganga Utsav 2025 – A Nationwide Celebration of River Rejuvenation and Public Participation

GS Paper 2: Governance, Environment Conservation | GS Paper 3: Ecology, River Rejuvenation

Context:

The 9th edition of Ganga Utsav 2025 was organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The celebration focused on public participation, scientific planning and collaborative partnerships for the rejuvenation of River Ganga and its tributaries.

Key Highlights

1. National Celebration Focused on People’s Participation

• • • • Organized at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, celebrating devotion, culture and stewardship.
      • Participation of officials, students, District Ganga Committees, Ganga Praharis and local public.
      • Activities included cultural performances, youth engagement, Jal Kalash offering, film screenings and river-awareness programmes.

2. Leadership Address & Key Priorities

• • • • V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti delivered keynote address.
      • Highlighted:
        • Ganga basin covers 11 states, nearly 100 major cities, 150 districts, supports almost half of India’s population and economy.
        • Over 10,000 rivers and tributaries are linked to the Ganga system.
        • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is a flagship programme directly reviewed by the Prime Minister.
      • Ayodhya cited as a model city for effective sewage and drain management.

3. Urban River Management & Community Engagement

• • • • Engaged Ganga Praharis (local volunteers) to monitor drains entering the river.
      • Fish ranching and presentation on Urban River Management Plan for Ayodhya.
      • Showcased rejuvenation of small rivers feeding into the Ganga.

4. Knowledge & Research Publications Released

• • • • Status of Waterbirds in the Ganga River Basin
      • Status of Island Nesting Report-Provide ecological insights related to river health and biodiversity.

5. Ganga Utsav at Amity University, Noida

• • • • Theme: “Voices and Rhythms of River: Technical and Cultural Expressions.”
      • Events included:
        • Riverathon showcasing student ideas
        • Cultural programme “Rhythms of River”
      • Major releases:
        • LiDAR Data Release for Riverathon participants
        • Guide on Preventing Solid Waste Flow into Water
        • The Colors of Ganga – A children’s art tribute
      • Emphasis on scientific planning: dashboards, drone & LiDAR usage, water quality monitoring.

6. RHAR 2025 Conference at IIT BHU, Varanasi

• • • • Conference on River Health Assessment and Rejuvenation (RHAR 2025).
      • Technical session chaired by Executive Director (Technical), NMCG.
      • Focus on:
        • Groundwater–surface water integration
        • Emerging contaminants
        • Data-driven river rejuvenation
      • Released a book on emerging contaminants.
      • Exhibitions showcased models, posters and student innovations.

Strategic Significance

• • Strengthens Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation)—core to NMCG and Namami Gange.
  • Demonstrates Whole-of-Government + Whole-of-Society approach: youth, volunteers, academia and government collaborate.
  • Promotes data-driven and science-backed river conservation (LiDAR, dashboards, river health assessment).
  • Positions river rejuvenation as both ecological responsibility and cultural duty.
  • Ayodhya’s model highlights urban river management success, supporting the goal of clean rivers under Swachh Bharat and Namami Gange.

Conclusion:

Ganga Utsav 2025 demonstrated a united national commitment to conserving the Ganga through cultural connection, scientific planning and community participation.

Topic 3: Third India–France AI Policy Roundtable held at IISc Bengaluru

GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Science & Technology (AI, Emerging Tech)

Context:

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in collaboration with IISc Bengaluru and the Consulate General of France, hosted the Third India–France AI Policy Roundtable at IISc. The discussion forms part of a Track 1.5 dialogue ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence policy, infrastructure, research and responsible AI governance.

Key Highlights

1. Strategic Dialogue on AI Collaboration

• • • • Continues the Track 1.5 India–France policy dialogue series on AI (earlier roundtables held in Bengaluru and Paris in 2025).
      • Focus on cooperation across:
        • AI infrastructure and compute capacity
        • Industry and startup partnerships
        • Research collaboration between institutions
        • Responsible AI governance and policy frameworks

2. Co-Chair Leadership

• • • • Co-chaired by:
        • Ms. Anne Bouverot, Special Envoy of the President of France for Artificial Intelligence
        • Shri Amit A. Shukla, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, MEA, Government of India
      • Both sides reiterated commitment to a shared vision of equitable access to AI resources and inclusive innovation.

3. India’s AI Strength as a Global Platform

• • • • India’s digital ecosystem anchored in:
        • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker.
        • A fast-growing startup base and academic institutions (IISc, IITs).
      • Positioned as a scalable platform for joint innovation and co-development with France.

4. France’s Emphasis on Human-Centric and Responsible AI

• • • • France underlined focus on:
        • Ethical and responsible AI governance
        • Expanding industry partnerships
        • Ensuring access to compute capabilities for startups and researchers

5. Broad Stakeholder Participation

• • • • Included representation from:
        • Government ministries (OPSA, MEA, MeitY)
        • IISc, IIT Jodhpur, academia
        • Startups (CoRover/BharatGPT, NxtGen Cloud)
        • Industry leaders (Atos, Infosys, Sopra Steria, French Tech India)
      • Shared diverse perspectives on:
        • AI deployment challenges
        • Innovation and compute access
        • Global cooperation for responsible AI

Strategic Significance

• • Deepens India–France partnership in emerging technologies and digital diplomacy.
  • Strengthens India’s aspiration to become a global hub for responsible AI.
  • Aligns with India’s approach of human-centric AI, ensuring equity, innovation and access.
  • Provides inputs for AI Impact Summit 2026 and the India–France Year of Innovation 2026.

Conclusion:

The roundtable reinforced AI as a strategic pillar in India–France cooperation, promoting a model of responsible, inclusive and innovation-driven AI governance, strengthening India’s position in global technology diplomacy.

Topic 4: PM flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi

GS Paper 2: Governance | GS Paper 3: Infrastructure, Economy, Transport Modernization

Context:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi (Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Ernakulam–Bengaluru). With this, operational Vande Bharat trains have crossed 160 trains nationwide. The PM stated that trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation Indian Railways and are driving the mission of a developed India through modern infrastructure.

About Vande Bharat Express

• • India’s first semi-high-speed train (max speed: 160 km/h).
  • Fully indigenous: designed and manufactured under Make in India by Indian Railways & ICF Chennai.
  • Key Features:
    • 0–100 km/h acceleration in under 60 seconds.
    • Automatic sliding doors, GPS passenger display, bio-vacuum toilets.
    • Kavach (Train Collision Avoidance System) enabled.
    • Improved energy efficiency with regenerative braking.
  • Benefits:
    • Reduces travel time significantly.
    • Enhances passenger comfort and world-class travel experience.
    • Boosts inter-city mobility, stimulates tourism and regional development.

Key Highlights

1. New Vande Bharat Routes & Connectivity

• • • • Banaras – Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
        • Connects pilgrimage and heritage sites: Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Khajuraho (UNESCO site).
        • Saves approx. 2 hours 40 minutes vs. existing services.
      • Lucknow – Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
        • Travel time approx. 7 hr 45 min (saves ~1 hr).
        • Enhances connectivity to Haridwar via Roorkee.
      • Firozpur – Delhi Vande Bharat Express
        • Fastest train on this route – 6 hr 40 min.
        • Strengthens Delhi–Punjab connectivity; boosts trade and tourism.
      • Ernakulam – Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
        • Reduces travel time by 2+ hours.
        • Connects commercial and IT hubs of Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka.

2. Vision for Modern Railways

• • • • Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains are part of comprehensive railway transformation.
      • PM: “A train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians.”
      • Designed, manufactured and operated indigenously under Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat.

3. Linking Pilgrimage + Development

• • • • Holy sites (Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, Khajuraho, Prayagraj) now connected via Vande Bharat network.
      • These trains integrate heritage, tourism & economic opportunity.
      • Increased religious tourism contributing to state economy:
        • 11 crore visitors to Varanasi in last year.
        • 6 crore visitors to Ram Mandir, Ayodhya post inauguration.
        • Pilgrimage leading to new local businesses (hotels, transport, Banarasi saree trade, tourism services).

4. Regional Development: Varanasi as a Model City

• • • • Continuous infrastructure push: roads, hospitals, internet connectivity, gas pipeline, stadiums, ropeway project.
      • Varanasi emerging as health capital of eastern India:
        • Mahamana Cancer Hospital, Shankar Netralaya, Trauma Center & Centenary Hospital.
        • Ayushman Bharat & Jan Aushadhi save crores in medical expenses.

5. Youth Engagement at the Launch

• • • • Students invited to participate through competitions on themes like Viksit Bharat, Surakshit Bharat.
      • PM announced idea of a Children’s literary meet linked to Vande Bharat events.

Strategic Significance

• • Strengthens India’s push towards high-speed, efficient and green public transport.
  • Catalyses economic activity by improving intercity trade and connectivity.
  • Supports pilgrimage + tourism-driven growth model, especially in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by transforming mobility and infrastructure.

Topic 5: Fourth Round of India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations Concludes Successfully

GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Economy – Trade & Investment

Context:

The fourth round of India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations concluded in Auckland and Rotorua after five days of discussions. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to finalize a balanced, comprehensive and early agreement to strengthen economic partnership and enhance market access.

Basic: About India–New Zealand FTA

• • New Zealand is part of CPTPP & RCEP (without India).
  • Major exports from India: Pharmaceuticals, machinery, auto-components, engineering goods
  • Major exports from New Zealand: Dairy, wool, wood products, meat and wine

India’s key sensitivities- Dairy imports because India protects interests of small dairy farmers (82 million rural households depend on dairy).

Why is India negotiating?

• • Access to New Zealand’s premium market.
  • Opportunities in IT, education, skilled workforce.
  • Aligns with India’s goal of forming trusted and diversified supply chains.

Strategic Mapping

Key Highlights

1. Progress on Negotiations

• • • • Negotiations covered:
        • Trade in goods
        • Trade in services
        • Rules of origin
        • Investment & economic cooperation
      • Both countries expressed readiness to move towards chapter-wise convergence for an early FTA conclusion.

2. Leadership & Strategic Positioning

• • • • Talks led by:
        • Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry
        • Mr. Todd McClay, New Zealand Minister for Trade
      • The negotiation aligns with India’s broader FTA strategy under PM Modi — securing supply chains, diversifying partners and expanding exports.

3. Economic Impact & Sectoral Benefits

• • • • India–New Zealand bilateral trade (FY 2024–25): USD 1.3 billion
        → Year-on-year growth of ~49%.
      • Sectors expected to benefit from the FTA:
        • Agriculture & food processing
        • Renewable energy
        • Pharmaceuticals
        • Education and services trade
        • Tourism, skill exchange and student mobility
      • The agreement aims to promote predictability, supply-chain resilience and improved market access for businesses in both nations.

4. Commitment to Balanced & Inclusive Growth

• • • • Both sides acknowledged the need for a mutually advantageous FTA, ensuring:
        • Inclusiveness
        • Sustainable trade practices
        • Long-term economic collaboration

Strategic Significance

• • Enhances India’s trade diversification beyond traditional markets.
  • Supports India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing and export hub under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Helps build resilient & secure supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Strengthens India’s trade diplomacy, complementing successful FTAs with UAE, Australia and EU negotiations.

Topic 6: Curtain Raiser – Indian Navy to Celebrate Navy Day 2025 with Grand Operational Demonstration at Thiruvananthapuram

GS Paper 2: Governance, Security | GS Paper 3: Defence, Maritime Security

Context:

The Indian Navy will celebrate Navy Day 2025 with a large-scale Operational Demonstration on 04 December 2025 at Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram.

Basic: About Navy Day (Why it is Celebrated?)

• • Navy Day is observed every year on 4th December. It commemorates the Indian Navy’s stellar success in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, particularly Operation Trident.
    • Missile boats of the Indian Navy attacked Karachi Harbour, destroying enemy vessels and oil depots.
    • First time in naval history where anti-ship missiles were used in combat.
    • The attack crippled Pakistan’s naval capabilities and marked a decisive victory.

Key Highlights

1. Mega Operational Demonstration

• • • • The event will showcase:
        • Surface, sub-surface and aerial assets
        • Coordinated manoeuvres by frontline platforms
        • Multi-domain operations demonstrating combat readiness and precision
      • Objective: give citizens an opportunity to witness the Navy’s operational capability and maritime dominance.

2. Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region

• • • • The demonstration reinforces India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR.
      • Guided by the vision MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

3. Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat and Indigenous Defence Capability

• • • • The display will feature indigenously-built warships, systems and platforms, reflecting:
        • Make in India in defence manufacturing
        • Technological advancement and maritime strength
      • Aligns with India’s aspiration of being a future-ready maritime power.

4. Reflection of Operational Excellence

• • • • Demonstration will highlight the Navy’s deterrence capability and readiness, including reference to Operation Sindoor, showcasing precision and dominance during operational engagements.

Significance of Navy Day

• • Tribute to the courage and professionalism of naval personnel.
  • Highlights India’s maritime strength and naval diplomacy.
  • Reinforces the Navy’s role as:
    • Combat Ready
    • Cohesive
    • Credible
    • Aatmanirbhar Force

Topic 7: India reaffirms commitment to equitable climate action at UNFCCC CoP30 in Belém, Brazil

GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Environment, Climate Change

Context:

At the Leaders’ Summit of UNFCCC CoP30, held in Belém, Brazil, India reiterated its commitment to equity-based climate action guided by the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

India urged developed nations to accelerate emission reduction and deliver predictable climate finance. India also welcomed Brazil’s initiative to establish the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) and joined as an Observer.

About UNFCCC CoP30

• • UNFCCC = United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    • A global treaty adopted in 1992 (Rio Earth Summit) to combat climate change.
    • Annual meeting of all countries is called Conference of the Parties (CoP).
  • CoP30 (30th Conference of Parties):
    • Venue: Belém, Brazil
    • Dates: 10–21 November 2025
    • Significance:
      • Marking 10 years of the Paris Agreement (2015–2025).
      • Returning to Brazil (after Rio 1992), where the principle of Equity and CBDR-RC originated.
      • Focus on:
        • Accelerating implementation (not just pledges)
        • Increased climate finance
        • Forest and tropical ecosystem protection
        • Loss and Damage operationalisation

Why CoP30 is important?

• • The next Global Stocktake cycle begins.
  • Countries are expected to announce new NDCs for 2035.
  • Critical for meeting the 1.5°C global warming limit.

Key Highlights

1. India’s Statement at CoP30

• • • • Reaffirmed commitment to equity, climate justice and CBDR-RC—core principles from Rio Summit (1992) and Paris Agreement (2015).
      • Stressed that:
        • Developing countries are acting decisively.
        • Developed countries lag in ambition and financial delivery.

2. India’s Climate Achievements

• • • • Emission intensity of GDP reduced by 36% (2005–2020).
      • Non-fossil power accounts for 50+% of installed capacity, achieving NDC target five years ahead.
      • Created additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ eq (2005–2021) through increased forest and tree cover.
      • India is the third largest renewable energy producer globally (≈ 200 GW installed capacity).
      • Initiated and leads global clean-energy coalitions:
        • International Solar Alliance (120+ member countries)
        • Supports South–South cooperation and affordable solar access.

3. Demand from Developed Nations

• • • • Must accelerate emission reductions due to shrinking carbon budget.
      • Need to deliver adequate, predictable and concessional climate finance.
      • Finance, technology access, and capacity building are essential for developing nations.

4. Brazil’s Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF)

• • • • India joined as Observer.
      • Aims at sustained action to preserve tropical forests through collective international support.

Strategic Significance for India & Global South:

• • Positions India as a leader of climate justice and global South cooperation.
  • Reinforces India’s shift to low-carbon development without compromising growth.
  • Advocates multilateralism and protects the architecture of the Paris Agreement.

Conclusion:

India’s stance at CoP30 reflects leadership rooted in equity, climate justice and sustainable development, ensuring that the next decade of climate action is driven by implementation, shared responsibility and fairness, not just targets.

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