4 January 2025 : PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Achievement of the Ministry of Civil Aviation
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2089984®=3&lang=1 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Initiatives |
| Context |
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Transformative Legislation: Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024
- The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 was enacted to modernize India’s aviation sector by re-enacting the Aircraft Act of 1934.
- This reform aligns the sector with contemporary global standards.
- The legislation is designed to improve clarity, efficiency, and ease of doing business while supporting indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
- It streamlines regulatory processes, simplifies license issuance, removes redundancies, and provides for appeals.
- The law also aligns with international aviation conventions, aiming to enhance safety and foster innovation.
2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation
- The 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation was successfully hosted, with representatives from 29 Asia-Pacific countries and international aviation organizations.
- The Delhi Declaration was adopted during the conference, highlighting the region’s commitment to enhancing civil aviation.
Expansion of Airports and Terminals
- Significant infrastructure development includes the foundation of new terminals at Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra.
- Additionally, airports in various regions were inaugurated to enhance regional connectivity.
Record Passenger Traffic
- Domestic traffic saw a growth of 5.9% in 2024, with 146.4 million passengers carried on domestic routes.
- A new record was set with domestic passenger traffic exceeding 5 lakh on a single day in November 2024.
- International traffic also grew by 11.4%, with 64.5 million passengers carried between January and November 2024.
Greenfield Airports
- Approval has been given for the development of 21 Greenfield airports across India, aimed at boosting regional connectivity.
- Several airports, including those in Goa, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, have become operational.
RCS-UDAN: 8 Years of Regional Connectivity
- The RCS-UDAN scheme marked its 8th anniversary, connecting 88 airports through 619 operational routes.
- In 2024, 102 new RCS routes, including 20 in the Northeast, were launched.
UDAN Yatri Café
- The UDAN Yatri Café was inaugurated to offer affordable food options at airports, ensuring accessible refreshments for passengers.
Digi Yatra Services Expansion
- The Digi Yatra initiative expanded to 24 airports, offering seamless and contactless travel experiences, with over 80 lakh downloads and 4 crore journeys completed.
Guidelines for Seaplane Operations
- Seaplane operations were standardized with new guidelines, focusing on safety and efficient operations.
- The introduction of the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit framework aims to promote regional connectivity through seaplanes.
MRO Sector Development
- The MRO sector saw major reforms, including the introduction of a uniform 5% IGST on aircraft components and extended timelines for repair exports, boosting the domestic MRO industry.
Gender Equality in Aviation
- An advisory was issued to increase the representation of women in the aviation sector to 25% by 2025.
- Initiatives like leadership programs and mentorship for women in the sector are part of this effort.
Green Energy Adoption
- 80 airports have transitioned to 100% green energy usage, contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of airport operations, with several airports achieving carbon-neutral
| Practice Question: Examine the significance of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 in transforming India’s aviation sector. Discuss its key provisions. (150 Words /10 marks) |
For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out – PIB: January 03, 2025
