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Type: Prelims Only

  • Appointment of Judges to High Courts and Supreme Court

    Appointment of Judges to High Courts and Supreme Court

    Why in the News?

    The President has appointed Gurvinder Pal Singh as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court and appointed three High Court Chief Justices as Judges of the Supreme Court.

    Procedure for Appointment of Judges

    1. Appointment of High Court Judges

    • Constitutional basis: Article 217.
    • Appointing authority: President of India.
    • The President appoints a High Court judge after consultation with:
      • Chief Justice of India
      • Governor of the concerned State
      • Chief Justice of the concerned High Court for appointment of a judge other than the Chief Justice.
    • In practice, appointments follow the Collegium system:
      • CJI + two senior-most Supreme Court judges consider the proposal.
      • Recommendation is sent to the Law Ministry.
      • The proposal is processed by the Central Government.
      • The President formally appoints the judge.

    2. Appointment of Additional Judges

    • Article 224 deals with Additional Judges of High Courts.
    • They may be appointed when:
      • There is a temporary increase in the business of the High Court, or
      • There are arrears of work.
    • An Additional Judge can be appointed for a period not exceeding two years.
    • The appointment is formally made by the President.

    3. Appointment of Supreme Court Judges

    • Constitutional basis: Article 124.
    • President formally appoints Supreme Court judges.
    • Under the present Collegium system, the CJI and four senior-most Supreme Court judges recommend appointments.
    • The recommendation goes through the Union Government, after which the President makes the formal appointment.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • Article 217 → High Court judges
    • Article 224 → Additional/Acting Judges of High Courts
    • Article 124 → Supreme Court judges
    • President appoints formally, but the Collegium recommends under the present system.
    • High Court Collegium: Chief Justice of the High Court + two senior-most judges.
    • Supreme Court Collegium: CJI + four senior-most Supreme Court judges.
  • India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

    India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

    Why in the News?

    • India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for the India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism on 30 September 2026 in New Delhi.
    • It operationalises bilateral cooperation under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

    Key Facts

    • Partners: India and Japan.
    • Objective:
      • Deploy advanced low-carbon technologies.
      • Mobilise climate finance.
      • Promote technology cooperation.
      • Support high-integrity emission reductions and removals.
      • Contribute to sustainable development in India.
    • The JCM also aims to strengthen transparency and confidence in international carbon markets.

    Important Timeline

    • 7 August 2025: India-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed.
    • 8 June 2026: Rule of Implementation (RoI) adopted.
    • 30 September 2026: Operational Manual launched.

    Operational Manual

    • Provides a comprehensive procedural framework for JCM activities.
    • Covers the complete project cycle:
      • Submission of Project Idea Note
      • Project implementation
      • Issuance of JCM credits
      • Authorization of JCM credits

    Article 6.2 of Paris Agreement

    • Provides a framework for countries to cooperate through internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs).
    • India-Japan JCM operates under this bilateral cooperation framework.

    UPSC Prelims Quick Revision

    1. JCM is a bilateral mechanism between India and Japan.
    2. It promotes low-carbon technology deployment and climate finance.
    3. It operates under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
    4. MoC signed: 7 August 2025.
    5. Rule of Implementation adopted: 8 June 2026.
    6. Operational Manual launched: 30 September 2026.
    7. The Manual covers the project cycle from Project Idea Note submission to credit issuance and authorization.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • JCM is a bilateral mechanism, not a multilateral carbon market mechanism.
    • India-Japan JCM is linked specifically to Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
    • The Operational Manual is meant to move the JCM from institutional preparation to actual implementation.
    • Do not confuse JCM credits with generic carbon credits; the source specifically refers to the issuance and authorization of JCM credits.
  • India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026

    India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026

    Why in the News?

    • India-UAE joint military exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
    • Conducted from 5 to 18 October 2026.
    • Focus: Mountain Warfare.

    Key Facts

    • Venue: Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
    • Participants: 92 personnel.
      • India: 46
      • UAE: 46
    • Indian Army: Bhairav Battalion.
    • UAE Army: Mountain Infantry Battalion.
    • Women officers and combatants from both armies are participating.
    • Objective:
      • Enhance interoperability
      • Improve mutual understanding
      • Strengthen military cooperation
      • Exchange operational best practices

    Strategic Significance

    • Improves joint operational capability in challenging mountainous terrain.
    • Promotes interoperability between Indian and UAE forces.
    • Facilitates exchange of military tactics and professional experience.
    • Strengthens India-UAE military-to-military cooperation and bilateral trust.

    UPSC Prelims Quick Revision

    1. MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 is a joint India-UAE military exercise.
    2. It is being conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
    3. Exercise duration: 5-18 October 2026.
    4. Core focus: Mountain Warfare.
    5. Total participation: 92 personnel with equal representation.
    6. Indian contingent: Bhairav Battalion.
    7. UAE contingent: Mountain Infantry Battalion.
    8. Exercise includes drone operations, surveillance, rock climbing and integrated field exercises.
  • NABKISAN WASH Social Bond

    NABKISAN WASH Social Bond

    Why in the News?

    • NABKISAN Finance Limited, a subsidiary of NABARD, listed India’s first Social Bond exclusively focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on 1 October 2026.
    • The issue raised ₹180 crore and was oversubscribed 1.8 times.

    Key Highlights

    • Issuer: NABKISAN Finance Limited.
    • Parent institution: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
    • Sector: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
    • Amount raised: ₹180 crore.
    • Oversubscription: 1.8 times.
    • Tenure: 5 years.
    • Coupon rate: 8.10%.
    • Maturity: September 2031.
    • Credit ratings: CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable).
    • Listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Mumbai.

    Use of Bond Proceeds

    • Funds will support access to:
      • Safe water
      • Sanitation
      • Hygiene solutions
    • Target beneficiaries include rural and underserved communities.
    • Expected development outcomes include improved:
      • Health
      • Livelihoods
      • Quality of life
    • Demonstrates the use of capital-market instruments for social development financing.

    Institutional Support

    • Water.org: Technical Advisor and Knowledge Partner.
    • Other stakeholders included market institutions, advisors, trustees and arrangers.
    • The bond is intended to deepen India’s sustainable finance market.

    Important Full Forms

    • WASH: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
    • NABKISAN: NABKISAN Finance Limited
    • NABARD: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
    • NSE: National Stock Exchange
    • CRISIL: Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited
    • CARE: Credit Analysis and Research

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • NABKISAN, not NABARD directly, issued the bond.
    • It is a Social Bond, specifically focused on WASH, not a conventional government bond.
    • ₹180 crore is the amount raised, while 1.8 times refers to the level of oversubscription.
    • 8.10% is the coupon rate, while September 2031 is the maturity period.
  • India’s First 5.56 km Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link

    India’s First 5.56 km Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link

    Why in the News?

    • QNu Labs, in collaboration with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, demonstrated India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over 5.56 km.
    • The field trial was conducted on 27-28 September 2026 between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.

    Key Highlights

    • Distance: 5.56 km.
    • Technology: Free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
    • Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER): below 5%.
    • Secure key generation rate: 230-260 bps.
    • Used Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system.
    • Secure keys were integrated with Vedic Kavach, BISAG-N’s post-quantum cryptography platform.
    • Demonstrated successful end-to-end encryption and decryption of test messages.

    Quantum Key Distribution

    • QKD enables secure communication by using quantum principles to establish cryptographic keys.
    • The demonstration used QNu Labs’ Armos hardware-based QKD device over free-space optical channels.
    • The system was combined with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum random number generation through Vedic Kavach.
    • The integrated architecture provides resilience even when the physical quantum channel is temporarily unavailable.

    Institutions and Roles

    • QNu Labs: Provided the QKD technology and Armos device.
    • BISAG-N: Provided the field environment and integrated Vedic Kavach.
    • IIT Gandhinagar: Provided the academic and experimental environment for the demonstration.
    • The demonstration highlights collaboration between industry, academia and indigenous technology.

    Significance

    • Provides a foundation for longer-distance quantum-secure networks.
    • Can support future satellite-based quantum communication.
    • Strengthens India’s secure communication infrastructure against quantum-era security threats.
    • Demonstrates integration of hardware-based QKD + software-based post-quantum cryptography.

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • India’s first free-space QKD demonstration: 5.56 km.
    • Trial locations: BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.
    • Trial dates: 27-28 September 2026.
    • QBER: below 5%.
    • Key generation: 230-260 bps.
    • QNu Labs’ QKD device: Armos.
    • BISAG-N platform: Vedic Kavach.
    • BISAG-N is an autonomous scientific society under MeitY.
    • Architecture combines QKD + post-quantum cryptography + quantum random number generation.

    UPSC Prelims Trap

    • QKD and post-quantum cryptography are not the same: QKD uses quantum communication principles for key distribution, while PQC is a cryptographic approach designed to resist attacks from quantum computers.
    • The demonstration used free-space optical channels, not a conventional fibre-optic QKD link.
    • 5.56 km refers to the demonstrated communication-link distance, while 230-260 bps refers to the secure key generation rate.
    • Armos is QNu Labs’ hardware-based QKD device, while Vedic Kavach is BISAG-N’s software-based post-quantum cryptography platform.
  • From AI to EVs: Technology in Urban Swachhata

    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.
  • PM E-DRIVE Scheme

    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.
  • Literacy for All: India’s Journey Towards Viksit Bharat

    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.
  • Release of Sub-Sectoral Trial Index of Services Production (ISP) for July 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.
  • FASTag Annual Pass

    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.