PIB Summary - 20th May, 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Operation Olivia: ICG protects over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley Turtles along the Odisha Coastline

Background & Objective

• Launched by: Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
• Operational Period: Annually from November to May
• Main Objective: Protect Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season along the Odisha coastline, especially:
• Gahirmatha Beach
• Rushikulya River Mouth
• Significance: These beaches witness the arrival of over 8 lakh Olive Ridley turtles annually.
• Relevance: GS 3 (Environment and Ecology)

Key Achievements in 2025

• Record Protection: Safeguarded over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikulya in February 2025.
• Evidence of Success: Largest mass nesting event recorded—testament to ICG’s conservation efforts.

Operational Strategies

• Surveillance Operations:
• 5,387 surface patrol sorties
• 1,768 aerial surveillance missions
• Enforcement:
• Detained 366 boats engaged in illegal fishing
• Prevented habitat disruption and poaching

Community & Collaborative Efforts

• Engagement with Fishing Communities: Promoted use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)
• Partnerships: Signed MoUs with NGOs for:
• Sustainable fishing awareness
• Conservation education

Environmental Significance

• Biodiversity Conservation: Olive Ridley turtles are endangered under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 
• Marine Ecosystem Health: Protection of nesting grounds ensures marine biodiversity balance. 
• Global Recognition: Aligns with India’s commitment to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water). 

GeM Celebrates 8th Incorporation Day

GeM (Government e-Marketplace)

Introduction:

• GeM is an online platform initiated by the Government of India in 2016 to ensure transparent and efficient public procurement of goods and services.
• The platform aims to empower various government departments, organizations, and public sector undertakings by providing an inclusive marketplace.

Theme: Innovation + Inclusion = Empowerment for all Indian entrepreneurs

Relevance: GS 2 (Governance), GS 3 (Technology)

Key Achievements and Growth

User Base:

• Primary Buyers: 1.64 lakh
• Active Sellers: 4.2 lakh

Product and Service Offering:

• Over 10,000 product categories available
• More than 330 services offered
• Transaction Cost Savings: Average savings of ~10% in government procurement (as per World Bank and Economic Survey)

Inclusion and Empowerment

• Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs): Over 10 lakh MSEs onboarded
• Women Entrepreneurs: 1.84 lakh integrated into the platform
• Artisans and Weavers: 1.3 lakh empowered through the platform
• Startups: 31,000 startups onboarded
• Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Actively integrated into the procurement system

Cost and Fee Reforms

• Transaction Fees: 97% of transactions are now fee-free
• Fee Reductions: Fees reduced by 33% to 96% (with a maximum cap of ₹3 lakh for orders above ₹10 crore)
• Caution Money Deposit: 60% reduction for sellers with a turnover of less than ₹1 crore; full exemption for select groups

Notable High-Value Transactions

• ₹5,000 crore: Equipment for Akash Missile System
• ₹5,085 crore: Vaccine procurement
• Complex Services Onboarded: Drone-as-a-Service for AIIMS, GIS and insurance for 1.3 crore people, Wet-leasing of flights and CT scanners

National Adoption

• Nationwide Adoption: GeM has been adopted in all States and Union Territories (UTs)
• Leading Users: Uttar Pradesh is the leading user of the platform
• Mandatory Use: GeM is mandatory in 8 states, including Maharashtra, Manipur, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh
• Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) Integration: Successful integration in states like Assam, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Delhi, with upcoming integrations in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh

Innovation in Digital Governance

• GeMAI (Government e-Marketplace AI): India’s first Generative AI chatbot for GeM
• Features: Voice and text-enabled, supports 10 Indian languages
• Benefits: Enhances user support and service delivery

Transparency and Accountability

• Advanced Analytics Deployment: Real-time fraud detection, risk mitigation, and continuous monitoring

Strategic Vision Ahead

• Alignment: GeM’s vision aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat 
• Goals: Driving inclusive growth, digital transformation, and smart governance in public procurement