| Prelims : (Infrastructure + Governance + CA) Mains : (GS 3 – Infrastructure, Transport; GS 2 – Governance, E-Governance) |
The Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has launched the PRISM-SG Portal in New Delhi to streamline inspection and approval processes for road and railway bridge infrastructure.
Infrastructure development in India, especially projects involving coordination between multiple agencies such as road authorities and railways, often faces delays due to complex approval mechanisms and fragmented processes.
Construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and railway bridges requires multiple stages of inspection, technical clearances, and inter-agency coordination, leading to prolonged timelines and inefficiencies.
To address these issues, the government has introduced a digital platform to ensure transparency, efficiency, and faster project execution.
FAQs1. What is the PRISM-SG Portal ? It is a digital platform for managing inspection and approval processes for road and railway bridge projects. 2. What does PRISM-SG stand for ? Portal for Rail-Road Inspection & Stages Management – Steel Girders. 3. What projects does it cover ? Primarily Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and railway bridges involving steel girders. 4. How does it improve efficiency ? By digitising processes and reducing approval timelines significantly. 5. Why is it important ? It enhances transparency, coordination, and timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects. |
| Prelims: (Polity & Constitution + CA) Mains: (GS 2 – Governance, Representation, Constitutional Provisions) |
The government is considering increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 (a 50% rise) to facilitate the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Act), 2023. The proposal, however, faces significant constitutional and legal hurdles.
India’s electoral system is based on the principle of equal representation, where population determines the allocation of seats. Over time, demographic changes and regional disparities have made delimitation a politically sensitive issue.
The Women’s Reservation Act links the implementation of 33% reservation for women to delimitation, which in turn requires updated Census data—creating a policy and constitutional challenge.
Exception :
If the freeze ends :
Last major exercise :
Route 1 : Amend Women’s Reservation Act
Route 2 : Amend Articles 81 & 82
FAQs1. Why is Lok Sabha seat expansion proposed ? To improve representation and implement women’s reservation. 2. What is the main constitutional issue ? Delimitation must be based on the latest Census, not 2011 data. 3. Why has seat allocation been frozen since 1971 ? To avoid penalising states that controlled population growth. 4. What are the legal risks ? Violation of equality and Basic Structure principles. 5. What is the possible solution ? Amend laws carefully and adopt a compensatory approach to balance interests. |
| Prelims : (Polity & Governance + CA) Mains : (GS 2 – Governance, E-Governance, Security; GS 3 – Internal Security) |
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for the period 2026–2031, aiming to modernise and strengthen India’s immigration and visa management system.
With increasing global mobility, tourism, business travel, and security concerns, managing the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals has become a critical governance and security priority for India.
The IVFRT scheme was introduced to address fragmentation in immigration systems and bring in a unified, technology-driven framework. The recent approval aligns with the broader legal framework under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
FAQs1. What is the IVFRT Scheme ? It is a technology-driven system to manage immigration, visa issuance, and foreigner registration in India. 2. When was it launched ? It was originally launched in 2010. 3. What is the objective of the scheme? To create a unified, secure, and efficient immigration management system. 4. How does it improve security ? By enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of foreign nationals. 5. What is the duration of the current phase ? From April 2026 to March 2031. |
| Prelims : (Environment + CA) Mains : (GS 3 – Environment, Climate Change; GS 2 – International Relations) |
India’s climate strategy and targets, guided by equity and the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC), are under focus as the country remains on track in several climate commitments while balancing growth and sustainability.
India’s climate commitments are framed under the Paris Agreement, through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
India is currently :
FAQs1. What guides India’s climate policy ?The Paris Agreement and the CBDR-RC principle. 2. What are NDCs ?Nationally Determined Contributions outlining a country’s climate targets. 3. What is the LiFE initiative ?A people-centric approach promoting sustainable lifestyles. 4. What is the major challenge in renewable energy ?Gap between installed capacity and actual power generation. 5. Why is India considered a climate leader ?Due to its balanced approach of development, equity, and sustainability. |
| Prelims : (Governance + CA) Mains : (GS 3 – Infrastructure, Aviation, Inclusive Growth; GS 2 – Governance) |
The Union Cabinet has approved a revamped version of the UDAN Scheme (UDAN 2.0) with enhanced funding support and extended subsidy mechanisms to strengthen regional air connectivity.
Large parts of the country, especially :
remain underserved due to :
To address these disparities, the Government launched the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme in 2017 under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), aiming to democratise air travel.
UDAN 1.0 (2017) :
UDAN 2.0 :
UDAN 3.0 :
UDAN 4.0 & Beyond :
UDAN 2.0 Revamp (Current) :
Regulatory Support :
Bridges the urban-rural connectivity gap in aviation.
Ensures equitable development across regions.
Revives unused airports and enhances efficiency.
Improves access to border and remote areas.
Boosts tourism, trade, and employment.
Many UDAN routes struggle to remain operational after the withdrawal of Viability Gap Funding (VGF), as passenger demand in several regions remains insufficient to sustain commercial airline operations.
Despite improved connectivity, air travel demand in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is often limited due to lower income levels, lack of awareness, and preference for cheaper transport modes such as railways.
Several revived airports lack adequate infrastructure such as night landing facilities, navigation systems, and terminal capacity, which restricts operational efficiency and flight frequency.
Airlines face high costs related to Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), maintenance, and logistics, making regional routes less attractive despite government support.
A significant number of routes have been discontinued due to operational losses, indicating challenges in maintaining long-term airline participation.
Effective implementation requires coordination between central government, state governments, airport operators, and airlines, which often leads to delays and inefficiencies.
Delays in approvals, land acquisition, and clearances can slow down airport development and route operationalisation.
Private airlines may hesitate to enter regional markets due to uncertain returns and operational risks.
The government should design flexible VGF mechanisms based on route performance and demand patterns to ensure gradual transition towards self-sustainability.
Investments should be increased to upgrade regional airports with modern navigation systems, better terminals, and all-weather operational capabilities.
Awareness campaigns, tourism promotion, and integration with local economic activities can help increase passenger traffic on regional routes.
Reducing state-level taxes on ATF can significantly lower operational costs and improve airline viability.
Special incentives should be provided to small and regional carriers to enhance competition and service delivery in underserved areas.
Seamless integration of air transport with rail and road networks can enhance last-mile connectivity and increase passenger convenience.
Simplifying regulatory procedures and ensuring policy continuity will attract greater private investment in regional aviation.
Use of AI-driven demand forecasting and route optimisation can help airlines and policymakers make informed decisions.
Shift focus from short-term connectivity to building economically viable and self-sustaining aviation ecosystems.
Improved collaboration between central and state governments is essential for faster project execution and operational efficiency.
FAQs1. What is the UDAN Scheme ? It is a government initiative to make air travel affordable and improve regional connectivity. 2. What is UDAN 2.0 ? It is the revamped version with enhanced funding and extended support to ensure long-term sustainability. 3. How does the scheme make flights affordable ? Through fare caps and Viability Gap Funding for airlines. 4. What are the main benefits of UDAN for the economy? It boosts tourism, generates employment, and promotes regional development. 5. What are the key challenges of the scheme ?Low demand, financial sustainability, infrastructure gaps, and route discontinuation.
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