On February 29, 2024, skywatchers worldwide witnessed a rare planetary alignment (parade) with seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus—lining up in the night sky.
What is Planetary Alignment?
A planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets in the Solar System appear to line up in the sky as seen from Earth.
This phenomenon happens because planets orbit the Sun in a flat, disc-shaped plane called the ecliptic.
Although planets remain millions of kilometers apart, they seem to form a straight line from Earth’s perspective due to optical illusion and perspective.
The term “planet parade” is also used to describe this occurrence when multiple planets become visible in the sky at the same time.
Types of Planetary Alignments:
Conjunction: Two or more planets appear close to each other in the sky.
Small Alignment: Three planets align in a visible line.
Large Alignment: Four or more planets appear aligned from Earth’s perspective.
Full Alignment: All eight planets of the Solar System appear in a single line (very rare).
How often do Planetary Alignments occur?
Planetary alignments are not uncommon, but their rarity depends on the number of planets involved.
Two- or Three-Planet Alignments: Occur multiple times a year.
Four- or Five-Planet Alignments: Visible every few years.
Six- or Seven-Planet Alignments: Appear every few decades.
Full Alignment (All Eight Planets): Extremely rare, occurs once every 170–200 years.
Recent & Upcoming Alignments:
August 2025: Expected four-planet alignment.
May 2492: The next predicted full planetary alignment of all eight planets.
PYQ:
[2019] On 21st June, the Sun:
(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
Researchers have recently discovered a potential new state of matter, the Bose metal, found between a regular metal and a superconductor, with evidence of this phase in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.
What is a Bose Metal?
A Bose metal is a hypothetical anomalous metallic state where Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form but do not transition into a superconducting state.
This state exists between a normal metal and a superconductor, challenging traditional theories of condensed matter physics.
In simple terms, a Bose metal is a material where:
Electrons pair up into Cooper pairs (like in superconductors).
However, these Cooper pairs fail to achieve long-range coherence, meaning the material remains metallic instead of becoming superconducting.
This results in partial electrical resistance, unlike superconductors that have zero resistance.
Recent experimental studies suggest their existence in materials like Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) when subjected to specific conditions, such as thin layers and applied magnetic fields.
Key Features:
Intermediate State: Exists between a metal and a superconductor.
Cooper Pair Formation: Electrons form pairs, but they don’t condense into superconductivity.
Anomalous Conductivity: Higher than normal metals but not infinite like superconductors.
Quantum Fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt Cooper pair coherence.
Hall Resistance Vanishing: Indicates charge transport by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
Observed in Thin 2D Materials: Seen in ultra-thin films of superconductors under specific conditions.
PYQ:
[2013] Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
Beryllium
Cadmium
Chromium
Heptachlor
Mercury
Lead
Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Q) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the main objectives of Population Education (2021) and National Education Policy 2020 (2020).
The main focus of this debate should be the public school students—they make up 55% of school enrolment in Tamil Nadu. Unlike children in private schools, who often get extra coaching or tuition, public school students cannot afford such support. The key question is: Does learning three languages instead of two really help public school students compete with wealthier peers in the job market and become productive citizens?
Today’s editorial discusses the introduction of a third language in academics and its potential impact. This topic is relevant for GS Papers 1 and 2 in the UPSC Mains examination.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Forcing students to learn a third language has no academic benefit and may create a generation unable to compete at the national level.
What is the Three-Language Formula?
The third language typically refers to an additional language that students learn in school beyond their mother tongue (first language) and English (second language).
In India, the Three-Language Formula was introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote multilingualism and national integration.
Does learning three languages instead of two really help public school students compete with wealthier peers in the job market and become productive citizens?
Limited Practical Advantage: Learning a third language may not directly improve job prospects if core skills like English proficiency and technical knowledge are weak. Example: In national-level exams like UPSC or banking tests, fluency in English is more valuable than knowing a third language like Hindi.
Unequal Access to Resources: Public school students often lack access to quality teaching and extra coaching for a third language, unlike wealthier peers in private schools. Example: A private school student can afford Hindi tuition, while a public school student relying only on classroom instruction may fall behind.
Diverts Focus from Essential Skills: Adding a third language may reduce time spent on improving critical subjects like math, science, and literacy, which are key for future employment. Example: According to ASER 2024, 88% of Class 3 students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy—introducing a third language could widen this gap.
What is the primary concern regarding the three-language formula for public school students in Tamil Nadu?
Increased Educational Burden: Public school students, who lack access to private coaching, face added pressure from learning a third language. Example: A child from a rural public school struggling with basic literacy in Tamil and English may find learning Hindi an additional challenge, reducing focus on core subjects.
Inequality in Educational Access: Privileged students from private schools can afford supplemental learning (e.g., tuition), while public school students cannot. Example: A private school student can attend Hindi tuition, but a public school student relying solely on classroom instruction may fall behind.
Poor Educational Infrastructure: Public schools lack qualified teachers to effectively teach a third language, which may lower educational quality. Example: Despite Tamil Nadu’s high education budget, 80-90% is spent on teacher salaries, leaving minimal funds for hiring new Hindi teachers or improving resources.
Impact on Learning Outcomes: Introducing a third language diverts time from improving essential skills like literacy and numeracy, especially when foundational learning is weak. Example: According to ASER 2024, 88% of Class 3 students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy skills—adding a third language may further dilute learning time.
Reduced National Competitiveness: Without strong English proficiency, public school students may struggle in national-level exams and job markets where English is dominant. Example: Tamil Nadu students competing for central services exams (UPSC) or jobs requiring English proficiency may be at a disadvantage if the focus shifts to Hindi instead of improving English skills.
Could learning a third language fail to improve cognitive abilities?
Arguments in favour:
Cognitive Overload: Introducing a third language can overwhelm students, especially when basic literacy in the first and second languages is weak. Example: Public school students struggling with Tamil and English may face cognitive strain, reducing their ability to master essential subjects.
Weak Foundation in Mother Tongue: Research suggests that proficiency in the mother tongue is crucial for cognitive development before introducing additional languages. Example: A child who lacks fluency in Tamil may struggle to grasp complex concepts in Hindi, leading to weaker overall comprehension.
Limited Evidence of Cognitive Gains: While bilingualism enhances cognitive skills, there is no conclusive evidence that learning a third language improves cognitive abilities proportionately. Example: Studies show that depth of understanding in one or two languages is more beneficial than surface-level knowledge of multiple languages.
Arguments against:
Cognitive Overload: Introducing a third language can overwhelm students, especially when basic literacy in the first and second languages is weak. Example: Public school students struggling with Tamil and English may face cognitive strain, reducing their ability to master essential subjects.
Weak Foundation in Mother Tongue: Research suggests that proficiency in the mother tongue is crucial for cognitive development before introducing additional languages. Example: A child who lacks fluency in Tamil may struggle to grasp complex concepts in Hindi, leading to weaker overall comprehension.
Limited Evidence of Cognitive Gains: While bilingualism enhances cognitive skills, there is no conclusive evidence that learning a third language improves cognitive abilities proportionately. Example: Studies show that depth of understanding in one or two languages is more beneficial than surface-level knowledge of multiple languages.
How can child development be balanced with political concerns about language education?
Optional Third Language Policy: Offer the third language as an optional subject rather than making it mandatory, allowing students to choose based on their interests and future needs. Example: Tamil Nadu could introduce Hindi as an optional third language from middle school, especially in urban areas where demand is higher.
Focus on Core Language Proficiency: Prioritize strong literacy in the mother tongue and English to ensure foundational learning before adding an additional language. Example: Strengthening Tamil and English instruction in public schools will help students succeed in national-level competitive exams.
Context-Sensitive Implementation: Implement language policies that reflect local realities and employment trends without compromising cultural identity. Example: In Tamil Nadu, where most job opportunities are available locally, bilingual education (Tamil and English) may be more practical than adding a third language.
Equity in Language Resources: Ensure adequate teacher training and educational materials for any third language to avoid disadvantaging public school students. Example: Hiring qualified Hindi teachers and providing multilingual textbooks can ensure that students receive quality education if they choose a third language.
Flexible Language Learning Pathways: Allow regional flexibility in adopting the three-language formula, adapting to the socio-political landscape while prioritizing student welfare. Example: Tamil Nadu could adopt a phased approach, starting with voluntary third-language instruction in district headquarters and expanding based on demand.
Way forward:
Strengthen Bilingual Education First: Focus on improving Tamil and English proficiency in public schools to ensure students develop strong foundational skills before introducing a third language.
Flexible and Inclusive Language Policy: Implement a voluntary third-language framework, allowing students the choice to learn an additional language based on regional needs and career aspirations.
The Union Budget for 2025 allocated ₹4,49,028.68 crore to the Gender Budget (GB), which is 37.3% more than the previous year and makes up 8.86% of the total Budget.
What is the primary reason for the significant increase in the Gender Budget (GB) for 2025?
Inclusion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): This welfare scheme accounts for 24% of the total Gender Budget. Example: The free food grain distribution under PMGKAY, aimed at ensuring food security for vulnerable women-led households, significantly inflated the Gender Budget.
Broadening the Definition of Gender-Responsive Schemes: The inclusion of non-traditional gender-related welfare programs increases the allocation. Example: Programs like Poshan Abhiyaan (nutrition for women and children) and Ujjwala Yojana (LPG subsidies) are now categorized under the Gender Budget.
Increased Focus on Welfare Distribution Over Structural Investments: The rise is driven by consumption-based welfare rather than care infrastructure. Example: Higher allocations for schemes providing direct benefits like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (maternity support) rather than investment in childcare centers.
Political Commitment to “Nari Shakti”: Emphasis on women’s empowerment as a core pillar of economic growth. Example: The Budget’s narrative aligns with promoting women-led development under the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” (Women’s Reservation Bill).
Inclusion of Large-Scale Social Security Programs: Integrating social protection schemes under the Gender Budget increases the total value. Example:Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) allocations, where a significant portion targets women beneficiaries, contribute to the budget rise.
How does it impact investments in care infrastructure?
Limited Direct Investment in Care Services: Despite the rise in overall allocation, no substantial funding is directed toward expanding childcare, eldercare, or healthcare services. Example: There is no new budgetary provision for increasing anganwadi centers or community-based eldercare facilities.
Invisibility of Unpaid Care Work: The focus on consumption-based schemes overlooks the need to reduce and redistribute unpaid care responsibilities. Example: While food security programs like PMGKAY provide relief, they do not alleviate the physical and time-intensive care work that women perform daily.
Missed Opportunity for Systemic Reform: The absence of targeted funding means there is no structural change in care-related infrastructure despite policy acknowledgments. Example: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which could reduce women’s water-fetching burden, faced a 4.51% budget cut, limiting its expansion.
Inadequate Support for Working Women: Without investments in affordable care services, women’s participation in the formal workforce remains restricted. Example:Lack of childcare facilities prevents many women from rejoining the labor market after childbirth.
Uneven Urban-Rural Access: Existing care infrastructure investments are urban-centric, leaving rural women without essential support systems. Example: The Urban Challenge Fund focuses on urban care models, while rural areas lack similar investments, exacerbating time poverty for women in low-income households.
Why do a majority of Indian women remain outside the labour force?
Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) Burden: Indian women perform a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, limiting their time and ability to engage in paid employment. Example: According to the ILO, 53% of Indian women remain outside the labour force due to care responsibilities, compared to just 1.1% of men.
Lack of Care Infrastructure: Inadequate access to childcare, eldercare, and basic services increases women’s household workload, preventing workforce participation. Example:Less than half of Indian villages have functional tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, requiring women to spend hours fetching water.
Gendered Social Norms and Stereotypes: Deep-rooted cultural expectations frame women as primary caregivers, discouraging their entry or return to the workforce. Example: Women in low-income households juggle 17-19 hours of unpaid and paid work, reinforcing time poverty and limiting job opportunities.
Lack of Formal Sector Opportunities: There are limited job options offering flexible work and safe working conditions suited to women’s needs, particularly in rural areas. Example:Women’s participation in India’s formal economy remains low due to insecure jobs and a lack of family-friendly policies.
Which measures does the Economic Survey 2023-24 propose to reduce the unpaid care work burden?
Increased Public Investment in Care Infrastructure: Advocates for direct public investment equivalent to 2% of GDP to expand care services and reduce the unpaid care burden. Example: This investment could create 11 million jobs while providing essential care support like childcare and eldercare facilities.
Integration of Time-Use Surveys in Policy Planning: Recommends integrating Time-Use modules into existing household surveys to recognise and measure the extent of unpaid care work. Example: Data from India’s 2019 Time Use Survey revealed that women spend an average of 7 hours daily on unpaid care tasks.
Expanding Access to Time-Saving Technologies: Emphasizes improving access to time-saving infrastructure like clean water, sanitation, and energy to reduce the physical burden on women. Example: Extending the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to achieve 100% potable water coverage by 2028, easing the water-fetching burden.
Way forward:
Enhance Care Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize increased funding for community-based childcare, eldercare, and healthcare services, especially in rural areas, to reduce women’s unpaid care burden and improve workforce participation.
Implement Gender-Sensitive Policy Planning: Institutionalize time-use surveys for evidence-based policymaking and integrate care responsibilities into labor policies to promote equitable access to formal employment for women.
Mains PYQ:
Q Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (UPSC IAS/2016)
About 25% of men and women in India were overweight or obese in 2019-21, a 4% increase from 2015-16. Obesity is more common among women in South Indian states, Delhi, and Punjab, but it is rising faster among men.
What is the definition of “overweight” and “obese” based on BMI measurements in the National Family Health Survey?
Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9. Example: A person who is 1.65 m (5’5″) tall and weighs 70 kg would have a BMI of 25.7, categorizing them as overweight.
Obese: BMI of 30.0 or above. Example: A person who is 1.70 m (5’7″) tall and weighs 90 kg would have a BMI of 31.1, classifying them as obese.
Calculation Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ (Height in meters)². Example: If a person is 1.60 m tall and weighs 60 kg, their BMI would be: BMI=601.6×1.6=23.4\text{BMI} = \frac{60}{1.6 \times 1.6} = 23.4BMI=1.6×1.660=23.4 (Healthy range).
When did the share of overweight and obese individuals in India significantly increase?
Period of Increase (2015-16 to 2019-21): The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) recorded a significant rise in the share of overweight and obese individuals between 2015-16 (NFHS-4) and 2019-21 (NFHS-5).
Increase in Overweight Individuals: Women: Increased from 15.5% in 2015-16 to 17.6% in 2019-21 (a rise of 2.1 percentage points). Men: Increased from 15.9% in 2015-16 to 18.9% in 2019-21 (a rise of 3 percentage points).
Example: In Delhi, the proportion of overweight men and women was among the highest in the country during 2019-21.
Increase in Obese Individuals: Women: Increased from 5.1% in 2015-16 to 6.4% in 2019-21. Men: Increased from 3% in 2015-16 to 4% in 2019-21. Example:Punjab recorded one of the sharpest increases in obesity among women during this period.
Which Indian states reported the highest increase in obesity levels?
Northern States with Sharp Increases: Delhi and Punjab recorded the highest increase in obesity levels for both men and women between 2015-16 and 2019-21. Example: Delhi had the largest proportion of obese and overweight men in the country by 2019-21.
Southern States with Persistent High Obesity Rates: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka consistently reported high obesity levels, with a notable rise over the survey period. Example: In Kerala, a significant portion of the population—both men and women—crossed the obesity threshold by 2019-21.
States with Accelerated Growth in Obesity: States in the South and North-West witnessed faster increases in obesity, reflecting a shift toward unhealthy dietary habits like increased consumption of fried foods and aerated drinks. Example:Punjab experienced a sharp increase in the share of obese women, making it one of the top states for rising obesity.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
Public Awareness Campaigns: The government promotes healthy lifestyle choices through initiatives like “Eat Right India” and “Fit India Movement” to encourage balanced diets and physical activity. Example: In Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister advised reducing oil consumption by 10% monthly to combat obesity.
School-Based Interventions: Implement nutrition guidelines in midday meal programs and banjunk food in and around school premises to promote healthy eating habits among children. Example: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued regulations to restrict high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) food sales in schools.
Policy and Regulation of Processed Foods: Introducing front-of-pack labeling for processed and packaged foods to inform consumers about high sugar, salt, and fat content. Example:FSSAI’s Eat Right Logo helps consumers identify healthier food options.
Lifestyle Disease Control Programs: The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) targets obesity, diabetes, and hypertension through screening and lifestyle modification programs. Example:Community health workers under Ayushman Bharat conduct health screenings for BMI and other risk factors.
Promotion of Traditional Wellness Practices: Encouraging the adoption of Yoga and Ayurveda through programs like International Yoga Day to promote holistic health and weight management. Example: The AYUSH Ministry organizes free Yoga sessions to spread awareness about natural ways to maintain healthy BMI levels.
Way forward:
Strengthen Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Enhance coordination between health, education, and food regulatory bodies to implement comprehensive obesity prevention programs. Example: Integrate nutrition education in school curricula and expand community-based health screenings.
Promote Sustainable Food Systems: Encourage the availability of affordable, nutritious foods and regulate ultra-processed foods through taxation and clear labeling. Example: Introduce subsidies for healthy food options and enforce strict advertising regulations for unhealthy products.
Mains PYQ:
Q The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC IAS/2022)
The Indian aviation sector became the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. Big news from the Mains perspective. PYQs analysis gives us 2 possible lines of questioning: upcoming challenges for the sector to maintain the status quo or your comment on the evolution of aviation sector in India.
Avoid writing generic pointers. Standard textbooks won’t help you with notes on the topic of service industry growth story. We have detailed points for each challenge (Operational, financial, administrative, etc.) in the main article. and a snapshot of progress for the aviation sector in the Back2basics to develop your core understanding.
UPSC Microthemes & Mains PYQ:
Q1.) GS3: Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard? (UPSC 2017)
Q2.) GS2: The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process. (UPSC 2019)
Microthemes : Airports X Infrastructure, PPP X Infrastructure
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The Indian aviation industry has emerged as a global powerhouse, becoming the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. Projected to surpass the United States and China by 2030, India’s aviation sector is poised for immense growth, driven by robust demand, infrastructure expansion, and government support. However, the sector faces significant challenges that must be addressed to unlock its full potential.
Status of the Industry
Key Metric
Data/Statistic
Global Ranking
3rd largest domestic aviation market
Operational Airports
Increased from 74 in 2014 to 148 in 2023
PPP Airports
Expected to increase from 5 in 2014 to 24 by 2024
FDI Investment
Reached $3.73 billion (2000–2022)
The rapid increase in operational airports and public-private partnership (PPP) airports demonstrates India’s commitment to expanding infrastructure. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has also surged, reflecting investor confidence in the industry.
The potential of India’s Aviation Sector:
The aviation sector holds immense promise for India’s economic development, including enhanced connectivity, job creation, and regional growth.
Increased Market Share: According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is expected to be the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030, overtaking China and the United States.
Balanced Economic Growth: Aviation connectivity promotes economic growth in remote areas, as seen in the North East, where enhanced air connectivity has accelerated development.
Tourism Growth: The aviation sector acts as a growth catalyst for tourism, generating employment in supporting sectors like hospitality, retail, and transportation.
Manufacturing Boost: India’s expanding aviation industry has created demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, providing job opportunities in aerospace manufacturing and engine maintenance.
FDI in Infrastructure: With around $3 billion in FDI, the sector has seen significant investments in projects such as greenfield airports in Navi Mumbai and Noida (Jewar).
Employment Opportunities: The industry is expected to require 10,900 additional pilots by FY30, along with other skilled personnel, highlighting its role in job creation.
Key Government Initiatives
Policy/Initiative
Description
National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
Promotes international reach of Indian airlines and mandates domestic deployment for international operations.
UDAN Scheme
Enhances regional connectivity to underserved cities in tier 2 and 3 regions.
Open Sky Policy
Liberalizes aviation, allowing private sector involvement in airport development, with 60% of traffic managed under PPP.
Open Sky Air Service Agreements
Enables unlimited flights between India and signatory countries.
FDI and Tax Incentives
Allows 100% FDI in greenfield projects and 74% in brownfield under automatic route, with tax exemptions for airport projects.
Challenges Facing India’s Aviation Sector
Despite its growth potential, India’s aviation sector faces challenges across Operational, Financial, Infrastructural, Regulatory, and Environmental categories. Here is a breakdown:
Operational Challenges
Grounded Unsafe Aircraft: Financially struggling airlines like SpiceJet and GoAir have grounded a significant portion of their fleets. Over 160 aircraft, or about 25% of the total fleet, are currently grounded, reducing service availability.
Crew Shortage: A shortage of trained pilots, engineers, and cabin crew disrupts operations, leading to increased turnaround times and higher operational costs.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in aircraft and component deliveries from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) hinder the sector’s ability to meet growing demand.
Financial Challenges
Financial Losses: Indian airlines are projected to lose between $1.6 and $1.8 billion in FY24 due to high operating costs and low profitability, with major losses from carriers like Go First, SpiceJet, and Jet Airways.
High Operational Costs: Rising fuel prices, accounting for 45-50% of airline expenses, further burden financially struggling airlines.
Low Domestic Travel Penetration: India’s per capita air travel rate is 0.13 seats per capita, much lower than countries like China (0.49), indicating untapped market potential.
Infrastructural Challenges
Poor Rural Connectivity: Despite initiatives like UDAN, there is limited air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 towns, with major airports controlling air traffic and limited regional service.
Underdeveloped MRO Facilities: The lack of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure forces airlines to rely on foreign services, making maintenance more costly.
Gaps in Airport Infrastructure: India’s airport infrastructure and Air Traffic Control (ATC) are insufficient to handle rapid growth, requiring significant upgrades to support future demand.
Regulatory Challenges
High Fuel Taxes: India imposes one of the highest taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), significantly increasing operating costs for airlines.
Outdated Policies: The Aircraft Act, 1934, and Aircraft Rules, 1937, have not kept pace with modern aerospace technology, creating inefficiencies and limiting growth.
Market Duopoly: IndiGo and Tata group airlines dominate the market, with 60% and 20% market shares, respectively, reducing competition and innovation.
Environmental Challenges
Carbon Emissions Pressure: Under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), Indian airlines face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, adding to operational costs.
Sustainability Concerns: The industry is under growing scrutiny to minimize its environmental impact, which may require additional investments in cleaner technology and fuel-efficient practices.
To unlock its potential, India’s aviation sector requires strategic reforms across these areas, focusing on improving infrastructure, modernizing regulations, and addressing financial sustainability.
Way Forward
Regulatory Reforms
DGCA Reforms: Appointing aviation professionals, rather than bureaucrats, to lead the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) can improve regulatory oversight and bring specialized knowledge to the regulatory body.
Modernization of Aircraft Act and Rules: Updating the Aircraft Act, 1934, and Aircraft Rules, 1937, will help align regulations with modern aerospace technology, streamlining operations and enhancing passenger growth.
Financial Reforms
Tax Rationalization: Reducing taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), cargo, and airport operations can help alleviate cost pressures on airlines, making operations more financially sustainable.
Support for Startups: Encouraging entrepreneurship in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector under the ‘Start-up India’ initiative can promote local industry development and reduce dependence on foreign services.
Infrastructural Development
Enhanced Rural Connectivity: Expanding air connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities through initiatives like the UDAN scheme will increase accessibility and help unlock demand in underserved markets.
Environmental Initiatives
Environmental Sustainability: Implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and investing in sustainable aviation practices will reduce the environmental footprint of the sector, supporting long-term sustainability.
These initiatives can collectively strengthen India’s aviation sector, making it more competitive, sustainable, and accessible.
Conclusion: The Indian aviation sector holds transformative potential for economic growth, connectivity, and job creation. However, realizing this potential requires addressing structural challenges, modernizing regulations, and adopting sustainable practices. With targeted reforms and continued investment, India can become a global leader in aviation and an attractive market for international stakeholders.
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#BACK2BASICS: India’s Aviation Sector: A Snapshot of Progress
India’s Aviation Boom: India has skyrocketed to become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, trailing only the USA and China. Once limited, the sector now thrives as a vibrant and competitive industry. Government policies and initiatives have played a significant role in creating an environment ripe for growth and innovation.
Infrastructure Development: India’s airport network has seen incredible expansion, doubling its operational airports from 74 in 2014 to 148 as of April 2023, making air travel accessible to a larger population.
Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN: Launched in 2016, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) connects under-served and unserved airports, enhancing connectivity and boosting local economies. With 517 routes in operation linking 76 airports, UDAN has made air travel accessible to over 13 million people.
Passenger Growth: The sector is witnessing strong post-COVID growth. From January to September 2023, domestic airlines carried nearly 113 million passengers, a 29% increase over the previous year. International traffic also surged, with 46 million passengers, up by nearly 40% compared to the same period in 2022.
Carbon Neutrality Efforts: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is pushing for carbon-neutral operations, advising airports to map their emissions and work towards net-zero carbon footprints. Newly built airports are also prioritizing green initiatives. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru airports have achieved Level 4+ ACI Accreditation for carbon neutrality, and 66 airports in India now operate on 100% green energy.
India’s aviation sector isn’t just growing—it’s setting the stage for sustainable, accessible, and inclusive air travel.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has analyzed the sources and health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
About PM2.5
PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 microns) refers to tiny air pollutants small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
These fine particles come from both natural sources (like dust storms and wildfires) and human activities (like burning fossil fuels and industrial emissions).
PM2.5 poses severe health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and reduced lung function.
The oxidative potential of PM2.5 is an important indicator of its toxicity and ability to cause cellular damage.
Key Findings of the Study
Major Sources of PM2.5 in Northern India:
The study analyzed PM2.5 pollution across five locations in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Delhi and Kanpur.
Delhi: PM2.5 is mainly from vehicular emissions, fossil fuel burning, and residential heating.
Outside Delhi: It consists of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and biomass-burning aerosols.
PM2.5 Toxicity and Health Risks:
PM2.5 toxicity is linked to organic aerosols from inefficient combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
Traffic emissions and residential fuel burning significantly contribute to PM2.5-related health risks.
Traffic as a Major Contributor:
Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA) from vehicular emissions were highest at urban roadside sites in Delhi (8 μg/m³).
HOA accounts for 50% of fossil fuel-derived aerosols, increasing to 40% in warmer months.
Winter Pollution Due to Residential Heating and Cooking:
Cow dung combustion for heating and cooking in winter increases organic aerosols, with levels 10 times higher than in summer due to biomass burning and shallow boundary layers.
India’s PM2.5 Toxicity Among the Highest Globally:
The study found that PM2.5 oxidative potential (toxicity) in Indian cities is up to 5 times higher than in Chinese and European cities.
PYQ:
[2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index?
Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Sulphur dioxide
Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
PM Modi recently questioned why the colonial-era Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, which allowed authorities to ban plays deemed seditious, defamatory, or obscene, remained in force 75 years after independence.
What is the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876?
The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, was a colonial-era law enacted by the British to suppress nationalist and anti-government sentiments in public performances.
The Act empowered the government to ban, regulate, or censor public plays, pantomimes, and dramas that were deemed:
Scandalous or defamatory
Seditious or inciting disaffection against the government
Obscene or corrupting to public morality
It also allowed magistrates to search, seize, and arrest performers and organizers without a warrant.
The law prescribed up to three months of imprisonment and/or a fine for violations.
References to Article 19 and Article 372
Conflict with Article 19(1)(a) – Right to Free Speech:
After independence, freedom of speech and expression was guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a).
The Allahabad High Court (1956) ruled the Act unconstitutional, stating it restricted free speech beyond reasonable limits.
Exceptions Under Article 19(2):
Article 19(2) allows reasonable restrictions on free speech for: Security of the state, public order, morality, and defamation.
The court ruled that the Dramatic Performances Act exceeded these limits.
Article 372 and Colonial Laws:
Article 372(1) of the Constitution states that laws in force before independence shall continue to be in effect unless repealed or modified by the Parliament.
Though invalidated in 1956, the law was formally repealed in 2018 under the Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017.
PYQ:
[2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
[2021] A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently raised concerns over the wide usage of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) under Article 136 of the Indian Constitution, stating that what was meant to be a “narrow slit” has now turned into a wide judicial intervention.
What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP) under Article 136?
A SLP is an extraordinary appeal mechanism that allows the Supreme Court (SC) to intervene in any judgment, decree, or order passed by a lower court or tribunal, except in matters related to the Armed Forces Tribunal.
SLP is discretionary, meaning the SC is NOT obligated to hear every petition filed under Article 136.
The concept of SLP originates from the Government of India Act, 1935, which gave a similar power to the Privy Council in colonial times.
Key Features of SLP:
Jurisdiction of Article 136:
The SC has the power to grant special leave to appeal against judgments of High Courts, tribunals, or other judicial bodies.
This allows the SC to examine cases that may not have a direct appeal provision under law.
Scope of Application:
SLPs can be filed in both civil and criminal cases.
It can be used even in cases where a High Court refuses to grant a certificate of appeal to the Supreme Court.
The SC may accept or reject an SLP without providing reasons.
Time Limit for Filing:
90 days from the date of the High Court’s judgment.
60 days if the High Court refuses to certify an appeal.
Judicial Discretion:
SLP is not an automatic right of appeal but is granted only in cases where the SC finds that a substantial question of law or injustice is involved.
Even if an SLP is accepted, the SC may later decline to interfere in the final decision.
Conversion into a Formal Appeal: If the SC grants leave under an SLP, the case turns into a full-fledged appeal, allowing both parties to present their arguments.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:
Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
