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From AI to EVs: Technology in Urban Swachhata
Why in the News?
- Urban sanitation is increasingly adopting digital platforms, AI-powered systems and electric vehicles (EVs).
- These technologies aim to improve service delivery, worker safety, waste collection and environmental sustainability.
Key Highlights
- Raipur: Digital Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) dashboard for online desludging services.
- Thiruvananthapuram: G-SPIDER, an AI-powered canal-cleaning robot.
- Guntur: More than 200 electric autos for door-to-door waste collection.
- Chennai: 5,478 battery-operated e-rickshaws across all 15 zones.
- Indore: 100 electric waste-collection vehicles supported by solar charging stations.
Digital Faecal Sludge Management
- Raipur Municipal Corporation introduced an FSM dashboard prototype based on the UPYOG platform.
- Residents can:
  - Book desludging services
  - Make payments
  - Track services digitally
- Uses mobile number or property ID to locate the address.
- Supports the “one application, one trip” approach.
- Drivers upload photographs after completing work for digital verification.
- Enables real-time vehicle monitoring and resource planning.
- Supports the shift from manual sewer cleaning to mechanised cleaning.
G-SPIDER: AI-powered Canal Cleaning
- Deployed by Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation in the Amayizhanchan Canal.
- Developed by Genrobotic Innovations, based in Technopark.
- Uses:
  - Machine vision
  - Sensor intelligence
  - Five-degrees-of-freedom mechanism
  - Biomimetic claw
- Designed to handle mixed and irregular debris.
- Helps reduce worker exposure to:
  - Toxic gases
  - Contaminated water
  - Hazardous waste
- Can operate under high water levels and continuous-flow conditions.
Electric Waste Collection

Guntur
- More than 200 electric autos used for door-to-door waste collection.
- Vehicles equipped with GPS tracking.
- Eliminates more than 71,000 litres of diesel annually.
- Estimated reduction of 21,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over a decade.
Chennai
- 5,478 battery-operated e-rickshaws deployed across all 15 zones.
- Each vehicle travels around 40 km/day.
- Separate bins for:
  - Wet waste
  - Dry waste
  - Hazardous waste
- Covers 24,621 streets and more than 2.1 million households.
- Audio systems spread waste-segregation messages.
- Supports employment for more than 6,000 people.
- Reduces around 41 tonnes of carbon emissions daily, equivalent to 15,160 tonnes annually.
Indore
- 100 electric vehicles used for door-to-door waste collection in core areas.
- GPS monitoring through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).
- Expected annual carbon-emission reduction: 24,918 tonnes.
- Expected annual fuel and maintenance savings: ₹5.97 crore.
- 20 solar charging stations established.
- Each station has 10 kW solar panels.
- Together generate 800-1,000 units of green energy daily.
- Can charge 80-100 vehicles per day.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Raipur: FSM dashboard based on UPYOG.
- G-SPIDER: AI-powered canal-cleaning system deployed in Thiruvananthapuram.
- G-SPIDER uses a five-degrees-of-freedom mechanism.
- Guntur: 200+ electric autos and GPS-based monitoring.
- Chennai: 5,478 e-rickshaws across 15 zones.
- Chennai fleet covers 24,621 streets and 2.1+ million households.
- Indore: 100 electric waste-collection vehicles and 20 solar charging stations.
- Indore solar stations generate 800-1,000 units/day and can charge 80-100 vehicles/day.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- UPYOG is associated with the Raipur digital FSM dashboard, not the G-SPIDER robotic system.
- G-SPIDER is a canal-cleaning robot deployed in Thiruvananthapuram, while electric waste-collection initiatives highlighted are in Guntur, Chennai and Indore.
- Chennai’s e-rickshaws integrate waste segregation through separate bins for wet, dry and hazardous waste.
- Indore’s solar charging stations are linked with its electric waste-collection fleet and not with the Raipur FSM dashboard.
October 2, 2026
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Why in the News?
- The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme was launched in September 2024 and implemented from October 2024.
- Its implementation has been extended up to 31 March 2028, with a total outlay of ₹11,900 crore.
Key Highlights
- Implemented on a pan-India basis.
- Supports:
  - EV demand incentives
  - Charging infrastructure
  - E-buses
  - Vehicle testing agencies
  - Domestic EV manufacturing and localisation
- Targets approximately 28.30 lakh EVs.
- 26.59 lakh EVs sold as of June 2026.
- Promotes cleaner mobility and reduction of transport-related environmental impacts.
EV Categories Covered
- e-2Ws
- e-3Ws, including registered e-rickshaws, e-carts and L5
- e-Ambulances
- e-Trucks
- e-Buses
- EV charging infrastructure
- Upgradation of vehicle testing agencies
e-2W Incentive
- Incentive: ₹2,500/kWh
- Maximum incentive: ₹5,000 per vehicle
- Applicable to vehicles priced up to ₹1.5 lakh ex-factory.
- Allocation: ₹2,767 crore.
- Target: 45.79+ lakh registered e-2Ws.
e-3Ws
- Target sales for registered e-3W L5 achieved.
- L5 sub-component closed on 26 December 2025.
- Support for e-rickshaws and e-carts continues until March 2028.
E-Buses and Charging Infrastructure
- ₹4,391 crore allocated for 14,028 e-buses.
- 14,000 e-buses allocated as of August 2026.
- 13,800 e-buses allocated to seven cities: Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Surat
- ₹2,000 crore earmarked for nationwide EV Public Charging Stations (EV PCS).
- ₹851 crore approved for 8,147 chargers to 3 oil marketing companies and 10 States as of 28 September 2026.
- ₹780 crore allocated for modernisation and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies.
Demand Incentive Mechanism
- Eligible buyers receive an upfront reduction in purchase price through e-vouchers.
- The incentive amount is subsequently reimbursed to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
Domestic EV Manufacturing
- Supports India’s domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem.
- Promotes localisation of EV models.
- Registered OEMs have obtained certificates of compliance with the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) from MHI testing agencies.
- Upgraded testing agencies will be equipped to handle new and emerging technologies.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Launch: September 2024
- Implementation: October 2024
- Extended until: 31 March 2028
- Total outlay: ₹11,900 crore
- EVs supported: approximately 28.30 lakh
- EVs sold: 26.59 lakh as of June 2026
- e-2W incentive: ₹2,500/kWh, capped at ₹5,000/vehicle
- e-2W price ceiling: ₹1.5 lakh ex-factory
- ₹2,000 crore for nationwide EV public charging stations
- ₹780 crore for vehicle testing agency modernisation
UPSC Prelims Trap
- PM E-DRIVE is not limited to EV purchase incentives; it also covers charging infrastructure, e-buses and testing agencies.
- The ₹2,500/kWh e-2W incentive is subject to a ₹5,000 per vehicle cap.
- ₹4,391 crore relates to e-buses, while ₹2,000 crore is earmarked for EV public charging stations.
- L5 e-3W support and e-rickshaw/e-cart support should not be treated as identical sub-components: the L5 target was achieved and that segment closed on 26 December 2025, while support for e-rickshaws and e-carts continues until March 2028.
October 2, 2026
Women and Transgender Changemakers of Swachhata
Why in the News?
- Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 was launched on 17 September 2026 with the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”.
- It highlights women’s participation, livelihood creation and inclusion of transgender persons in sanitation and waste-management activities.
Key Highlights
- Promotes a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach to Swachhata.
- Women are involved in:
  - Waste-to-livelihood enterprises
  - Material Recovery Facilities
  - Community cleanliness campaigns
  - Composting and waste reduction
- Transgender persons are being integrated into urban sanitation services through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Women-led Waste-to-Livelihood
- Loni, Uttar Pradesh: Women use cow dung to produce incense sticks and Loban cups.
- Initiative began with 8-10 women and employs around 40-50 women during peak summer production.
- Products use around 30-35% dry cow dung powder, reducing the requirement for wood sawdust.
- Loni Nagar Palika Parishad can earn up to 25% revenue from product sales.
- Products supplied to Delhi, Mumbai, Punjab, Gujarat and Hyderabad, with some orders reaching Mauritius and South Africa.
- Future possibilities include cow-dung fuel and biodegradable flower pots.
Pink Material Recovery Facility
- Patna, Bihar: Pink Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is operated primarily by women.
- Capacity:
  - 2 tonnes/day dry waste
  - 1.5 tonnes/day wet waste
- Cash for Waste: Citizens receive payment for bringing dry waste at prescribed rates.
- Patna also converted old unusable vehicles into mobile Pink Toilets.
- Reflects the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Community-led Swachhata
- Bhopal: 250 women brand ambassadors work on cleanliness and waste management.
- Bartan Banks: Established across 25 wards to reduce single-use plastic through reusable utensils.
- Swachhata Kitty Group: 60 women, each contributing ₹100 per month, fund community cleanliness activities.
- Uttarakhand:Bainni Sena (“Army of Sisters”) comprises 57 groups and 570 women.
  - Monitor cleanliness
  - Conduct awareness programmes
  - Communicate complaints
  - Coordinate with municipal authorities and sanitation workers.
- Shillong: Iynnehskhem Self-Help Group converts household wet waste into compost.
Inclusion of Transgender Persons
- Cuttack, Odisha: Municipal Corporation organised transgender persons into a Self-Help Group and trained them to operate and maintain a Septage Treatment Plant.
- Model expanded to other Odisha Urban Local Bodies through Self-Help Groups.
- Areas include:
  - Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM)
  - Solid waste management
- Bhubaneswar: Swikruti SHG operates a 75-KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) at Basuaghai.
- Transgender groups are also involved in operation and maintenance of seven cesspool vehicles.
- Training includes health, hygiene, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and desludging protocols.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Swachhata Hi Seva 2026: Launched 17 September 2026.
- Theme: “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”.
- Loni: 30-35% dry cow dung powder used in incense products.
- Pink MRF, Patna: 2 tonnes/day dry + 1.5 tonnes/day wet waste.
- Bhopal: 250 women brand ambassadors and Bartan Banks across 25 wards.
- Uttarakhand: Bainni Sena = 57 groups, 570 women.
- Bhubaneswar: 75-KLD FSTP operated by Swikruti SHG.
- Patna’s mobile Pink Toilets demonstrate the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- MRF is associated with material recovery and waste processing, while FSTP deals with faecal sludge treatment.
- Bainni Sena is associated with Uttarakhand, not Odisha or Bihar.
- Swikruti SHG operates a 75-KLD FSTP in Bhubaneswar.
- The Pink MRF is located in Patna, while the cow-dung livelihood initiative described is from Loni, Uttar Pradesh.
October 1, 2026
Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026
Why in the News?
- The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 comes into force on 1 October 2026, replacing the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891.
- It modernises the evidentiary framework for banking records by recognising physical, electronic and digital records.
Key Highlights
- Applies to court cases, arbitrations, investigations and inquiries where banking records are required as evidence.
- Covers banking records stored in physical or digital forms.
- Introduces standardised authentication and certification of bankers’ books.
- Certified copies can generally be used instead of producing the original banker’s book.
- Bank officials are protected from routine appearance solely to prove bank records when the bank is not a party.
- Government can extend the Act to specified financial sector entities by notification.
- Provides safeguards against unauthorised changes, tampering and loss of data integrity.
Bankers’ Books
- Include:
  - Ledgers
  - Day-books
  - Cash-books
  - Account books
  - Other records maintained in the ordinary course of banking business.
- Records may be maintained in written/physical form or any data-storage mechanism.
- The definition of bank/banker also covers specified financial-sector entities to which the Act is extended, besides banks and certain post office offices.
Electronic and Digital Records
- Electronic/digital records are admissible subject to conditions including:
  - Copy must be a true and accurate representation of the original record.
  - Unauthorised changes must not be detected.
  - No tampering or event affecting integrity and accuracy of the system should be detected.
- Authentication may use manual, digital or electronic signatures.
Production of Bankers’ Books
- A certified copy can ordinarily prove the contents of a banker’s book.
- Bank officers ordinarily cannot be compelled to produce the original records or appear as witnesses merely to prove them.
- A court may require production or appearance through a written order recording special cause.
Special Cause

A court may require production/appearance where:
- Accuracy or authenticity of an entry is uncertain.
- Regular record-keeping was interrupted by an event.
- The bank failed to comply with a previous court order concerning inspection or production of certified copies.
Prelims Quick Revision
- 2026 Act replaces: Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891.
- Effective from: 1 October 2026.
- Covers physical + electronic + digital banking records.
- Certified copies can ordinarily establish the contents of bankers’ books.
- Bank officer appearance requires a court order recording special cause.
- Government can extend the Act to specified financial-sector entities by notification.
- Electronic records require safeguards relating to authenticity, unauthorised changes and data integrity.
- The Act applies to proceedings including arbitration, investigation and inquiry.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- The 2026 Act does not discard the certified-copy framework of the 1891 law; it retains and modernises it.
- Electronic/digital records are not automatically admissible; prescribed authenticity and integrity conditions apply.
- A bank officer is not routinely required to appear to prove records, but a court can order appearance for special cause.
- The Government can extend the Act to other financial-sector entities by notification; such extension is not automatic.
October 1, 2026
Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III)
Why in the News?
- The Union Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) on 30 September 2026 to strengthen the Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) for renewable energy integration. pasted
Key Highlights
- Target: Evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across States/UTs.
- Target completion: FY 2032-33.
- Total project outlay:₹1,86,405 crore.
  - Intra-State Transmission Systems: ₹1,36,378 crore
  - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): ₹50,000 crore
- Central Financial Support (CFS): ₹54,082 crore.
- BESS deployment: 50 GWh.
- Aims to support India’s target of 900 GW installed Non-Fossil capacity by 2035.
Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS)
- Focuses on grid integration and power evacuation within States/UTs.
- Greenfield projects: Implemented through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
- Brownfield upgradation/network strengthening: Implemented on Cost Plus Basis (CPB).
- State Transmission Utilities (STUs): Overall implementing agencies.
- Transmission Service Providers (TSPs): Participate under TBCB through Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- 50 GWh BESS will be deployed.
- Can be located at:
  - Renewable Energy developer/generator end, or
  - Other locations important for grid flexibility.
- Addresses:
  - Renewable energy intermittency
  - Grid congestion
  - Peak-hour curtailment
  - Demand during non-solar hours
- BESS deployment will support the development of the domestic energy storage industry.
Prelims Quick Revision
- GEC-III: Approved by Union Cabinet in September 2026.
- Renewable energy evacuation capacity: 135 GW.
- BESS deployment: 50 GWh.
- Total outlay: ₹1,86,405 crore.
- Central Financial Support: ₹54,082 crore.
- Target completion: FY 2032-33.
- Supports 900 GW installed Non-Fossil capacity by 2035.
- Greenfield = TBCB; Brownfield = CPB.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- GEC-III is focused on Intra-State transmission, not solely inter-state transmission.
- 50 GWh refers to BESS deployment, while 135 GW refers to renewable energy evacuation capacity.
- TBCB applies to greenfield InSTS projects, whereas CPB applies to brownfield upgradation and network strengthening.
- STUs are the overall implementing agencies; TSPs participate under the TBCB model.
October 1, 2026
Literacy for All: India’s Journey Towards Viksit Bharat
Why in the News?

The PIB highlighted India’s progress towards universal literacy, including recent literacy data and government initiatives such as ULLAS and NIPUN Bharat.

Key Highlights
- India’s literacy rate increased from 18.32% in 1951 to 74.04% in 2011.
- Female literacy increased from 8.86% in 1951 to 65.46% in 2011.
- As per PLFS 2025, overall literacy rate was 81.1%.
- Urban literacy among population aged 7+ years: 89%.
- Rural literacy among population aged 7+ years: 77.4%.
- The Department of School Education and Literacy considers 95% literacy in a State/UT equivalent to full literacy.
- According to UDISE+ 2025-26, over 24.72 crore students were enrolled in schools.
- Higher education enrolment increased from 3.42 crore in 2014-15 to 4.50 crore in 2023-24.
- Higher education GER increased from 23.7% to 30% during the same period.
ULLAS
- ULLAS stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
- Also known as New India Literacy Programme (NILP).
- Centrally sponsored scheme aligned with NEP 2020.
- Targets adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling.
- Covers:
  - Functional literacy
  - Numeracy
  - Critical life skills
  - Lifelong learning
- Uses volunteerism and Janbhagidari for universal literacy.
- ULLAS App provides learning material in 27 languages.
- Learners eventually appear for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).
- Target: 5 crore learners during 2022-27.
- Financial outlay: ₹1,037.90 crore.
- Around 4.03 crore registered learners and over 52.20 lakh volunteers.
- More than 3.3 crore learners have participated in FLNAT.
- 10 States/UTs declared themselves fully literate between 2024 and 2026.
NIPUN Bharat
- NIPUN: National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy.
- Launched in July 2021 under Samagra Shiksha.
- Target: universal foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026-27.
- Focuses on children in the Foundational Stage, ages 3-8 years.
- Aims to ensure foundational skills by Grade 2.
Other Education Initiatives
- Samagra Shiksha: Promotes equitable and quality school education; subsumed SSA, RMSA and Teacher Education schemes.
- PM SHRI: Aims to strengthen more than 14,500 exemplar schools.
- PM e-VIDYA: Provides digital, online and on-air education; expected to benefit nearly 25 crore school-going children.
- PM POSHAN: Provides one hot cooked meal to 11.20 crore students in Bal Vatikas and Classes I-VIII across 10.36 lakh schools.
Prelims Quick Revision
- 95% literacy in a State/UT is considered equivalent to full literacy.
- India’s literacy rate: 74.04% in 2011.
- Overall literacy as per PLFS 2025: 81.1%.
- ULLAS: Adult literacy, 15+ years.
- NIPUN Bharat: Foundational literacy and numeracy, ages 3-8 years.
- ULLAS target: 5 crore learners during 2022-27.
- NIPUN Bharat target: foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026-27.
- SDG 4 focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- ULLAS vs NIPUN Bharat: ULLAS focuses on adult learners aged 15+, while NIPUN Bharat focuses on foundational learning among children aged 3-8 years.
- 95% literacy is the benchmark for declaring a State/UT fully literate in the given framework, not 100%.
- ULLAS is centrally sponsored, not a standalone Central Sector scheme.
- NIPUN Bharat was launched in July 2021 under Samagra Shiksha.
September 30, 2026
Release of Sub-Sectoral Trial Index of Services Production (ISP) for July 2026
Why in the News?

MoSPI released the Index of Services Production (ISP) for July 2026, covering 19 sub-sectors, with 2024-25 as the base year.

Key Highlights
- Released by: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- Index: Index of Services Production (ISP).
- Reference month: July 2026.
- Base year: 2024-25.
- Covers 19 service sub-sectors.
- Highest growth in July 2026:
  - Administrative and support services: 20.9%
  - Retail Trade: 18.5%
  - Real Estate: 14.4%
  - Accommodation and food: 12.6%
  - Banking: 12.3%
- Lowest growth:
  - Air Transport: -8.4%
  - Repair Services: -5.0%
  - Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Services: 1.7%.
Index of Services Production (ISP)
- ISP measures production trends across 19 sub-sectors of services.
- July 2026 indices include:
  - Wholesale Trade: 126.8
  - Retail Trade: 140.0
  - Accommodation and food: 144.0
  - Road Transport: 132.1
  - Telecommunications: 121.4
  - Banking: 121.9
  - Real Estate: 121.2.
Trial Series and Data Status
- Monthly ISPs are being published on an experimental basis.
- The trial series aims to:
  - Examine data quality.
  - Test resilience of the data.
  - Obtain feedback from stakeholders and users.
- Indices for Railways, Banking and Insurance are based on provisional monthly data.
- These three indices will undergo annual revision.
Prelims Quick Revision
- ISP July 2026: Released by MoSPI.
- Base year: 2024-25.
- Covers 19 service sub-sectors.
- Highest July 2026 growth: Administrative and support services – 20.9%.
- Retail Trade growth: 18.5%.
- Air Transport growth: -8.4%.
- ISP is currently published on an experimental/trial basis.
- Railways, Banking and Insurance data are provisional and subject to annual revision.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- ISP is not an index of only transport services; it covers 19 broad service sub-sectors.
- 2024-25 is the base year, not 2011-12.
- Air Transport recorded negative growth of 8.4%, while Road Transport grew by 9.9%.
- Railways, Banking and Insurance are specifically based on provisional monthly data and are subject to annual revision.
September 30, 2026
FASTag Annual Pass
Why in the News?
- The FASTag Annual Pass has crossed the milestone of 1 crore passes issued since its launch on 15 August 2025.
- It provides private vehicle owners a seamless and economical toll payment option on National Highways and Expressways.
Key Highlights
- Launch: 15 August 2025
- Milestone: Over 1 crore passes issued.
- Applicable at about 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and National Expressways.
- Fee: ₹3,075 for one year.
- Valid for:
  - 1 year, or
  - 200 toll plaza crossings
- Applicable to non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag.
- The Annual Pass is activated on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle.
- One-time payment can be made through the Rajmargyatra App.
FASTag Annual Pass
- Provides a one-time payment mechanism instead of frequent FASTag recharges.
- Designed specifically for private/non-commercial vehicles.
- The pass is linked to the vehicle’s existing valid FASTag.
- It covers eligible National Highways and National Expressways fee plazas.
Important Full Forms
- FASTag: Electronic toll collection system using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
Prelims Quick Revision
- FASTag Annual Pass launched on 15 August 2025.
- Crossed 1 crore passes issued.
- Fee: ₹3,075.
- Validity: 1 year or 200 toll plaza crossings.
- Applicable at about 1,150 fee plazas.
- Applicable to non-commercial vehicles with valid FASTag.
- Annual Pass is activated on the existing FASTag.
- Payment is made through the Rajmargyatra App.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- ₹3,075 is the one-time fee, not a recurring monthly recharge.
- The pass is for non-commercial vehicles, not all vehicles.
- Validity is based on either 1 year or 200 crossings.
- The Annual Pass is not a separate physical toll tag; it is activated on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle.
September 29, 2026
Green Highways: Sustainable Road Infrastructure
Why in the News?
- India’s Green Highways approach is promoting sustainable road infrastructure through plantation, climate-resilient design and resource-efficient construction.
- More than 3.61 crore saplings have been planted across approximately 1.32 lakh km of National Highways over the last five years.
Key Highlights
- National Highway network increased by nearly 61%:
  - 2014: 91,287 km
  - March 2026: 1,46,572 km
- More than 3.61 crore saplings planted across approximately 1.32 lakh km of National Highways as of July 2026.
- Green highway practices include:
  - Plantation and afforestation
  - Miyawaki plantations
  - Tree transplantation and compensatory afforestation
  - Recycled and waste-derived materials
  - Bio-bitumen
  - Drone and satellite-based monitoring
Green Highways Policy, 2015
- Official name: Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015.
- Key objectives:
  - Framework for plantation along National Highways.
  - Reduce air pollution and dust.
  - Arrest soil erosion on embankment slopes.
  - Moderate wind and incoming radiation.
  - Generate employment for local communities.
- Implementation involves Self Help Groups, private agencies, State Forest Departments, Forest Corporations and contractors.
- A Plantation Cell monitors implementation through NHAI regional offices and other agencies.
Miyawaki Plantation
- Miyawaki technique creates dense forests in limited spaces.
- Also known as the “pot plantation method”.
- Trees and shrubs are planted close together to promote rapid growth.
- Plants can grow up to 10 times faster under this method.
- Useful particularly for expanding green cover in space-constrained urban areas.
National Highways Green Cover Index
- National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) 2025-26 is the first Annual Report on the index.
- Prepared in collaboration with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO.
- Provides the first scientific and quantitative assessment of green cover within the Right of Way (RoW) along National Highways.
- Covers nearly 30,000 km of National Highways under the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) phase across 24 states.
- Uses space-based technologies for monitoring.
- Provides a baseline for comparison, ranking and targeted interventions.
Sustainable Highway Materials
- Bio-bitumen technology was transferred in January 2026.
- Developed jointly by:
  - CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi
  - CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun
- Uses post-harvest rice straw as feedstock.
- Rice straw undergoes pyrolysis to produce bio-oil, which is blended with conventional bitumen.
- A 100-metre trial stretch was laid on the Jorabat-Shillong Expressway (NH-40), Meghalaya.
- India meets nearly 50% of its bitumen requirement through imports.
- Other materials include fly ash, pond ash, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, recycled aggregates, plastic waste, slag and crumb rubber.
Green Highway Compliance
- NHAI’s September 2026 guidelines require:
  - At least 80% of available Right of Way (RoW) earmarked for plantation to be covered for provisional completion certification.
  - Minimum 90% survival rate of planted saplings at inspection.
  - The same 90% survival benchmark applies during the Operations and Maintenance period.
- Green Highways Excellence Awards were instituted by NHAI in 2025.
- The 2026 awards gave highest weightage to plantation survival.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Green Highways Policy launched in 2015.
- National Highway network: 91,287 km in 2014 → 1,46,572 km in March 2026.
- 3.61 crore+ saplings planted across approximately 1.32 lakh km of National Highways.
- NH-GCI 2025-26 provides scientific assessment of highway green cover.
- NH-GCI assessment covers nearly 30,000 km across 24 states.
- NH-GCI prepared with NRSC, ISRO.
- Bio-bitumen uses rice straw pyrolysis and has been trialled on NH-40 in Meghalaya.
- NHAI plantation compliance requires 80% RoW coverage and 90% sapling survival.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- Green Highways Policy, 2015 is not limited to plantation; it also covers transplantation, beautification and maintenance.
- NH-GCI measures green cover scientifically using space-based technologies; it is not simply a count of saplings planted.
- Miyawaki plantation is associated with dense plantation in limited spaces, not conventional large-scale forest plantation.
- Bio-bitumen in the article is produced using post-harvest rice straw through pyrolysis, not directly by mixing raw agricultural residue with conventional bitumen.
September 29, 2026
Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC)
Why in the News?
- The Ministry of Steel has decided to establish the Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC) as an apex-level industry safety body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
- The initiative aims to strengthen safety standards, accident prevention, safety practices and safety awareness across India’s steel industry.
Key Highlights
- SISC will function as an apex-level industry safety body.
- It will be headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel as Chairman.
- Members will include:
  - Senior officials of the Ministry of Steel
  - Chief Executives of integrated steel producers
  - Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)
  - Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
  - National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
  - Recognised steel technology institutions
- Key functions of SISC:
  - Assess safety conditions in the steel industry.
  - Facilitate studies and improvements in safety practices.
  - Approve industry safety standards and recommended practices.
  - Review serious accidents, accidents and near-miss incidents.
  - Strengthen safety awareness, training and preventive measures.
Steel Industry Safety Directorate (SISD)
- A Steel Industry Safety Directorate (SISD) will provide technical and professional support to SISC.
- Expertise will cover:
  - Process safety
  - Blast furnaces
  - Steel melting
  - Rolling mills
  - Coke ovens
  - Refractory systems
  - Electrical and mechanical safety
  - Occupational health
  - Fire engineering
  - Disaster management
- SISD will:
  - Implement SISC decisions.
  - Conduct periodic safety audits and reviews.
  - Maintain and disseminate accident and near-miss information.
  - Investigate serious safety incidents.
  - Review emergency preparedness and safety training.
  - Develop and issue Steel Industry Safety Standards, Recommended Practices and Guidelines suited to Indian conditions.
Prelims Quick Revision
- SISC is an apex-level safety body for the steel industry.
- SISC will function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
- Secretary, Ministry of Steel will be its Chairman.
- DGMS, PESO and NDMA are among the organisations represented in the Council.
- SISD will provide technical and professional support to SISC.
- SISD will conduct safety audits, investigate serious incidents and maintain accident and near-miss information.
- SISC will approve industry safety standards and recommended practices.
- SISD will develop safety standards and guidelines suited to Indian conditions.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- SISC vs SISD: SISC is the apex-level Council, while SISD is the technical and professional support Directorate.
- DGMS is included in SISC, but the article does not state that DGMS will chair the Council.
- SISC is under the Ministry of Steel, not described as an independent statutory regulator.
- Near-miss incidents are explicitly included in the safety review framework, alongside accidents and serious accidents.
September 29, 2026