UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik): Enhancing Regional Connectivity Green Airports: 100 Airports Now Operating on Green Energy Ladakh Agreement Hits Roadblock Over ‘Key Omissions’ in Fine Print The Giant World of Fungi Odisha Village to Get Crocodile Alert System under ‘Smart Village’ Plan

1.UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik): Enhancing Regional Connectivity

Source: PIB / Ministry of Civil AviationSubject: Economy (Infrastructure & Civil Aviation) | Government Schemes

Why in News

The UDAN scheme has operationalised 669 routes, connected 95 airports, conducted over 3.50 lakh flights, and served 1.66 crore passengers, significantly expanding regional air connectivity across India.

UDAN Scheme: Key Developments

• Launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016.
• First UDAN flight commenced on 27 April 2017 between Shimla and Delhi.
• 669 routes have been operationalised connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
• More than 3.50 lakh flights have carried 1.66 crore passengers.
• The number of operational airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to around 165 in 2026.
• The Modified UDAN Scheme has been extended for 10 years (FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36).

UDAN Scheme

• UDAN stands for Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik.
• Aims to make air travel affordable, accessible and widespread.
• Focuses on connecting unserved and underserved airports in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Implemented by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Key Features

• Provides Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to airlines operating on commercially unviable regional routes.
• Airfare capped at about ₹2,500 for a one-hour flight on a specified number of seats.
• Supports development of airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
• Encourages regional economic integration and last-mile connectivity.

Modified UDAN Scheme (2026–2036)

• Extended for a decade with an outlay of about ₹28,840 crore.
• Targets development of 100 new airports from existing airstrips.
• Plans creation of 200 new helipads.
• Seeks to improve connectivity to 120 additional destinations.
• Expected to facilitate air travel for nearly 4 crore passengers.
• Formal launch scheduled in June 2026.

Significance

• Promotes balanced regional development.
• Boosts tourism, trade and local employment.
• Enhances connectivity in remote, hilly, border, island and North-Eastern regions.
• Improves access to healthcare, education and emergency services.
• Supports the goal of inclusive and affordable air travel.
• Strengthens India’s aviation infrastructure and economic integration.

Challenges

• Financial viability of low-traffic routes.
• Infrastructure limitations at smaller airports.
• Operational challenges in difficult terrain and adverse weather.
• Dependence on continued government support through VGF.
• Need for better multimodal transport integration.

Conclusion

UDAN has emerged as a flagship regional connectivity initiative, transforming India’s aviation landscape by linking remote regions with major economic centres. The extension of the scheme till 2036 reflects India’s commitment to inclusive connectivity, regional development and aviation-led economic growth.

2.Green Airports: 100 Airports Now Operating on Green Energy

Source: PIB / Ministry of Civil AviationSubject: Environment & Ecology | Infrastructure | Civil Aviation

Why in News

India has achieved a significant milestone with 100 airports now operating entirely on green energy, marking a major step towards sustainable aviation and carbon-neutral airport operations.

India’s Green Airport Transition

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has targeted all operational airports to adopt renewable energy sources and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
• The transition has largely been driven by the installation of solar power plants by airport operators and the procurement of renewable power through green energy mechanisms.
• Airports are increasingly using a combination of on-site solar generation, open-access renewable energy procurement and green power tariffs.

Major Achievements

• 100 airports are now operating completely on green energy.
• Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports have achieved Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation, reflecting progress towards carbon neutrality.
• Cochin International Airport (CIAL) remains the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.
• India currently has 30 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) certified airports, the highest in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Among them are three of the four Level-5 certified airports in the Asia-Pacific region.

Measures Adopted by Airports

• Installation of large-scale solar power plants.
• Deployment of electric vehicles for airside operations.
• Adoption of energy-efficient HVAC systems.
• Transition to LED lighting systems.
• Advanced waste management and recycling mechanisms.
• Water conservation through rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment.
• Carbon accounting and reporting systems for emission monitoring and reduction.

Sustainable Aviation and Net-Zero Goals

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has introduced a Carbon Accounting and Reporting Framework to guide airports towards carbon neutrality.
• New Greenfield airports are being designed with sustainability and net-zero objectives embedded from the planning stage.
• The Government has approved indicative Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending targets, beginning with 1% blending for international flights by 2027.
• SAF is expected to become a key component of long-term aviation decarbonisation.

Significance

• Reduces carbon emissions from airport operations.
• Strengthens India’s commitment to climate action and sustainable infrastructure.
• Enhances energy security through renewable energy adoption.
• Lowers dependence on conventional fossil-fuel-based electricity.
• Supports the growth of India’s aviation sector, which is projected to become the world’s third-largest aviation market.

Challenges

• High capital requirements for renewable infrastructure.
• Scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuel production.
• Integrating renewable energy with airport power requirements.
• Balancing rapid aviation growth with emission reduction commitments.

Conclusion

The achievement of 100 green-energy airports demonstrates India’s rapid progress towards sustainable aviation. With carbon-neutral airport operations, renewable energy adoption and the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the aviation sector is emerging as an important contributor to India’s long-term net-zero and climate goals.

3.Ladakh Agreement Hits Roadblock Over ‘Key Omissions’ in Fine Print

Source: The HinduSubject: Polity & Governance | Federalism | Constitutional Provisions

Why in News

The proposed agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ladakh’s civil society groups has stalled after Ladakh leaders alleged that crucial assurances discussed during the May 22 meeting were omitted from the official Minutes of Meeting (MoM).

Key Developments

• Representatives of the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) refused to sign the official MoM.
• The disagreement arose over the omission of key provisions that were reportedly accepted during negotiations.
• The MHA has not yet scheduled a follow-up meeting, leading to concerns about the future of the dialogue process.
• The issue has revived debates surrounding Ladakh’s demands for constitutional safeguards, representative governance and administrative autonomy.

Background of the Ladakh Movement

• Following the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, Ladakh became a Union Territory without a legislature.
• While the move initially received support, concerns soon emerged regarding:
  • Protection of land rights.
  • Safeguarding local employment opportunities.
  • Preservation of tribal identity, culture and demography.
• The ABL and KDA jointly launched an agitation seeking:
  • Statehood for Ladakh.
  • Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
  • Separate Public Service Commission.
  • Enhanced parliamentary representation.
• Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has also played a prominent role in mobilising support for these demands.

Issues Raised by Ladakh Leaders

Powers of the Elected Administration

• An in-principle understanding was reportedly reached for a representative administration with:
  • Legislative powers.
  • Executive powers.
  • Financial powers.
• Ladakh leaders claim that the MoM omitted provisions giving the elected administrative head authority over:
  • The Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) of the Chief Secretary.
  • Transfers and postings of senior bureaucrats.
• They argue that without control over services, an elected administration would remain largely symbolic and ineffective.

Constitutional Safeguards

• Another major omission concerns constitutional protection for Ladakh.
• The MHA had reportedly proposed safeguards modelled on Article 371A, Article 371F and Article 371G, which Ladakh leaders had accepted.
• However, the final MoM reportedly contains no reference to such protections.

Constitutional Safeguards Sought by Ladakh

Sixth Schedule Demand

• Ladakh’s population is predominantly tribal and seeks protection similar to tribal areas in Northeast India.
• The Sixth Schedule provides:
  • Autonomous District Councils.
  • Legislative powers over land and local customs.
  • Protection of tribal resources and identity.
  • Limited judicial and financial autonomy.

Article 371-Type Protection

The Centre has explored an alternative model based on special constitutional provisions:

• Article 371A (Nagaland) – Protects customary laws, religious practices and ownership of land and resources.
• Article 371F (Sikkim) – Provides safeguards for Sikkim’s social, cultural and political interests following its integration into India.
• Article 371G (Mizoram) – Protects customary laws, social practices and land ownership rights.

Such provisions could offer constitutional protection without formally extending the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh.

Challenges

• Growing trust deficit between Ladakh’s civil society groups and the Union Government.
• Lack of clarity regarding the scope of powers of an elected administration.
• Uncertainty over constitutional safeguards for land, jobs and cultural identity.
• Balancing local aspirations with the Union Territory governance framework.
• Increasing fragmentation of consensus if negotiations remain delayed.

Conclusion

The current impasse highlights the larger debate over democratic representation and constitutional safeguards in Ladakh after its conversion into a Union Territory. While discussions have produced an initial framework for greater self-governance, the resolution of issues relating to administrative authority and constitutional protection will be crucial for achieving a durable political settlement in the region.

4.The Giant World of Fungi

Source: The HinduSubject: Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity | Climate Change

Why in News

A study published in the journal Science has produced the first global map of underground Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungal networks, revealing their enormous role in carbon storage and climate regulation.

Global Mapping of Underground Fungal Networks

• Researchers used machine learning and data from more than 16,000 soil samples collected worldwide.
• The study estimates that underground AM fungal networks extend across nearly 110 quadrillion kilometres of hyphae.
• These networks store about 300 million tonnes of carbon globally.
• They sequester nearly 4 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually, representing around 11% of annual human-induced carbon emissions.
• The findings highlight fungi as a major but often overlooked component of the global carbon cycle.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi

• AM fungi are microscopic soil fungi that form mutually beneficial associations with plant roots.
• They are associated with nearly 70% of plant species across terrestrial ecosystems.
• The fungi absorb water and nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen and micronutrients from the soil.
• In return, plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis.
• The extensive underground network of fungal filaments (hyphae) acts as a biological link connecting plants and soil ecosystems.

Ecological Significance of AM Fungi

• Enhance nutrient and water uptake in plants.
• Improve drought tolerance and resistance to environmental stress.
• Strengthen soil structure by binding soil particles.
• Support biodiversity and ecosystem productivity.
• Facilitate long-term carbon storage in soils.
• Contribute significantly to climate-change mitigation through carbon sequestration.

Grasslands as Major Fungal Hotspots

• Around 40% of global AM fungal networks are concentrated in grassland ecosystems.
• Important grassland regions, including the Banni Grasslands of Gujarat, serve as major reservoirs of fungal biodiversity and soil carbon.
• These ecosystems play a critical role in maintaining ecological stability and supporting carbon sinks.

Emerging Threats

• Conversion of natural grasslands into agricultural land is occurring at a rate nearly four times faster than forest conversion.
• Croplands generally exhibit around 50% lower fungal density than natural ecosystems.
• Intensive agriculture, excessive tillage and habitat degradation disrupt underground fungal networks.
• Loss of fungal diversity can weaken soil health, ecosystem resilience and carbon-storage capacity.

Policy Significance

• The study seeks to bring fungi into mainstream environmental and climate policy discussions.
• Organisations such as the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks advocate recognition of underground fungal ecosystems as critical natural infrastructure.
• Protecting grasslands, soil biodiversity and fungal networks could become an important component of future climate-action and biodiversity-conservation strategies.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that underground fungal networks constitute one of Earth’s largest living systems and a major natural carbon sink. Their protection is increasingly vital for biodiversity conservation, soil health, ecosystem resilience and global climate-change mitigation efforts.

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5.Odisha Village to Get Crocodile Alert System under ‘Smart Village’ Plan

Source: The HinduSubject: Science & Technology | Rural Development | Environment & Ecology

Why in News

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is implementing a Smart Village project in Kusunpur village of Odisha’s Kendrapara district, featuring an AI-enabled crocodile alert system along with technology-driven livelihood and infrastructure interventions.

CSIR Smart Village Initiative in Kusunpur

• Kusunpur has been selected as one of six pilot villages under the CSIR Smart Village Mission aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
• The initiative seeks to demonstrate how scientific innovations can be translated into practical rural development solutions through the “Lab to Land” approach.
• Scientists from 17 CSIR laboratories will oversee technology deployment and monitoring over the next three years.

AI-Based Crocodile Alert System

• An Artificial Intelligence-enabled wildlife detection and alert system will be installed at two major entry points of the village.
• The system is designed to detect the movement of crocodiles entering human settlements and provide timely warnings to residents.
• The intervention aims to reduce human-crocodile conflict in Kendrapara district, where more than 20 fatalities have been reported in the last four years.
• The initiative combines conservation concerns with public safety through the use of emerging technologies.

Infrastructure Development Measures

• Renovation of the village water gate and drainage infrastructure.
• Construction of underground drainage systems.
• Development of community buildings and sanitation facilities.
• Modernisation of the village cremation centre.
• Improvement of road infrastructure using innovative technologies such as cold-mix roads, waste-plastic road technology and cement-grouted bituminous mix.

Green Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Initiatives

The project seeks to create sustainable livelihood opportunities through science-based rural enterprises, including:

• Dry flower processing and value-added floral products.
• Freeze-drying technology for fruits and agricultural produce.
• Production of nutritious food products to address malnutrition.
• Manufacturing of biodegradable tableware.
• Small-scale food processing units.
• Herbal cleaning and sanitation products.
• Natural mosquito repellents.
• Beeswax-based eco-friendly candles.
• Promotion of green entrepreneurship and local value chains.

Smart Village Concept

• A Smart Village focuses on technology-enabled, sustainable and community-driven rural development.
• It integrates digital innovation, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and livelihood generation.
• The objective is to improve quality of life while reducing the rural-urban development gap.
• The approach emphasizes self-reliant villages, local resource utilisation and inclusive growth.

Significance

• Demonstrates the use of Artificial Intelligence for mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
• Promotes technology-led rural transformation and sustainable development.
• Strengthens local livelihoods through green and value-added enterprises.
• Improves basic infrastructure and public services in rural areas.
• Serves as a potential model for replication in other villages across India.

Conclusion

The Kusunpur Smart Village project represents an integrated model of rural development that combines artificial intelligence, sustainable livelihoods, modern infrastructure and community welfare. Its success could provide a scalable framework for technology-driven and environmentally sustainable rural transformation across India.

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