PIB Summary - 14th May, 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated on 23rd September Every Year

Context and Background

• Ayurveda Day was previously observed on Dhanteras, which is determined by the lunar calendar in the month of Kartik.
• Since the dates for Dhanteras vary each year (falling between 15 October and 12 November), it created logistical challenges for the consistent celebration of Ayurveda Day.

Key Decision

• New Fixed Date: Ayurveda Day will now be celebrated annually on 23rd September.
• Gazette Notification Issued: The formal change was notified on 23rd March 2025.

Rationale for Change

• Need for Consistency: The varying dates of Dhanteras made it difficult to plan national and international events effectively.
• Global Visibility: Adopting a fixed date aligns better with international event planning and standardization efforts.
• Expert Committee Recommendation: An expert committee was formed and proposed four potential dates. 23rd September was chosen for both symbolic and practical reasons.

Symbolic Significance of 23rd September

• Autumnal Equinox: The date coincides with the autumnal equinox when day and night are nearly equal.
• Symbol of Balance: This balance reflects a core principle of Ayurveda, which emphasizes harmony in the mind, body, and spirit.
• Cosmic Harmony: The equinox represents cosmic harmony, aligning with the Ayurvedic philosophy of wellness and balance.

Implications and Outlook

• Ministry of Ayush’s Call to Action: The Ministry is encouraging individuals, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and global partners to observe the new date for Ayurveda Day.
• Strategic Shift: This change is expected to enhance the integration of Ayurveda into global health narratives and align with preventive and sustainable healthcare goals both in India and worldwide.

Relevance for Policy and Governance

• Health Governance: The decision reflects a proactive policy adjustment for traditional systems of medicine within the health governance framework. 
• Soft Power and Diplomacy:. fixed date for Ayurveda Day improves India’s capacity to showcase Ayurveda as a significant aspect of its cultural and health heritage on the global stage. 
• Public Health Strategy: The move reinforces the role of Ayurveda in preventive healthcare and wellness, aligning with broader public health strategies. 

India’s Major Ports Achieve Historic Milestones in FY 2024-25, Driving Growth and Global Competitiveness

Cargo Throughput and Growth

• Cargo volume increased to approximately 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, up from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
• This represents an annual growth rate of 4.3%, demonstrating resilience in the face of global uncertainties.

Major Drivers of Growth:

• Container Cargo: Increased by 10%.
• Fertilizer Handling: Increased by 13%.
• POL (Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants): Increased by 3%.
• Miscellaneous Commodities: Increased by 31%.

Relevance: GS 3 (Economy, Infrastructure)

Commodity-Wise Cargo Composition (FY 2024-25)

• POL: 254.5 MT (29.8%)
• Container Traffic: 193.5 MT (22.6%)
• Coal: 186.6 MT (21.8%)
• Others: Iron ore, fertilizers, pellets, etc.

Port-Level Performance Milestones

• Paradip & Deendayal Ports: Achieved a significant milestone by crossing the 150 MT cargo mark for the first time.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA): Set a record by handling 7.3 million TEUs, reflecting a 13.5% year-on-year growth.

Port-Led Industrialization & Land Utilization

• A total of 962 acres of port land has been allocated, with a valuation of ₹7,565 crore.
• The expected investment potential from this allocation is ₹68,780 crore.
• This trend reflects the growing confidence of the private sector in port infrastructure and its potential for development.

Private Investment and PPP Surge

• Investments in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have seen a significant increase, growing threefold from ₹1,329 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹3,986 crore in FY 2024-25.
• This surge indicates a stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors in developing maritime infrastructure.

Operational Efficiency Improvements

• Pre-Berthing Detention (PBD) Time: Reduced by approximately 36% year-on-year.
• Output per Ship Berth Day: Increased from 12,458 tonnes in FY15 to 18,304 tonnes.
• Turnaround Time (TRT): Decreased by 48%, from 96 hours to 49.5 hours.
• Idle Time: Reduced from 23.1% to 16.3% over the decade.

Financial Performance

• Total Income: Increased by 8% year-on-year to ₹24,203 crore, up from ₹22,468 crore.
• Operating Surplus: Grew by 7% to ₹12,314 crore, up from ₹11,512 crore.
• Over the Decade: Total income doubled from ₹11,760 crore to ₹24,203 crore. Operating surplus nearly tripled. Operating ratio improved from 64.7% to 42.3%, indicating higher efficiency.

Decadal Growth (FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25)

• Cargo Volumes: Increased from 581 MT to 855 MT, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4%.
• Container Cargo: Increased by 70%, from 7.9 to 13.5 million TEUs.
• Broad-Based Growth: Notable increases across various commodities, including POL, coal, iron ore, and fertilizers.

Modernization & Digitization Focus

• There is a strong emphasis on modernization and digitization in port operations, focusing on:
• Mechanization: Increasing the use of automated processes.
• Port Community Systems: Enhancing collaboration and information sharing among port stakeholders.
• Multi-Modal Logistics: Improving logistics across different transport modes.
• Process Reengineering: Revamping processes for better efficiency.

Results:

• Reduced wait times for vessels and cargo.
• Improved capacity utilization of port facilities.
• Faster cargo turnaround times, enhancing overall efficiency.

Strategic Vision & Outlook

•  FY 2024-25 is marked by strong collaboration between the Central government, ports, and the private sector. 
•  This collaboration lays the foundation for developing globally competitive, sustainable, and smart ports. 
•  The strategic vision aligns with India’s aspiration to become a global maritime hub and a leader in logistics.