12 June 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Cabinet Approves Two Multitracking Projects Across Indian Railways
(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), June 12, 2025)
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Topic: GS Paper: GS III (Transport & Infrastructure; Environment) |
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Context |
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Content
Overview
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Cabinet approval granted for two multi‑tracking rail projects across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
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Estimated cost: ₹6,405 crore; will add ~318 km of tracks.
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Targets improved rural connectivity—around 1,408 villages with ~28.2 lakh people.
Key Points for UPSC
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Strategic significance: Enhances mobility, smoothens freight logistics, supports commodities transport (coal, minerals, cement, fertilizers, petroleum).
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Economic gains: Additional 49 MTPA freight capacity; estimated savings—52 crore litres of fuel, CO₂ reduction of 264 crore kg (equivalent to planting 11 crore trees).
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Employment: Construction phase will generate ~108 lakh human-days of direct work.
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Alignment with national vision: Fulfils PM Modi’s “New India” and “Atmanirbhar” goals through improved infrastructure, local employment, cost-efficiency.
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Environmental impact: Supports modal shift to rail—green and efficient; leverages integrated PM‑Gati‑Shakti approach.
Analysis
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Boosts capacity bottlenecks in resource-rich & agricultural zones.
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Reduces dependence on diesel transport—economic benefit and climate change mitigation.
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Potential multiplier benefits via rural development and regional integration.
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Challenges include timely execution, fund utilization, land acquisition, project coordination.
Way Forward
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Prioritize timely completion via robust PM‑Gati‑Shakti oversight.
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Monitor environmental-social safeguards during construction.
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Replicate successful frameworks in other regions with freight/routes constraints.
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Leverage logistic efficiencies to catalyse agro/minerals-based rural economies.
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Practice Question: Discuss the role of multi-tracking railway projects in strengthening India’s freight capacity and supporting climate goals. What measures should be taken to ensure execution while safeguarding the environment? |
2. India Participates in 2nd Session of IALA Council as Vice President
(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), June 12, 2025)
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Topic: GS Paper: GS III (Maritime, Shipping and Ports) |
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Context |
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Content
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Indian delegation led by Secretary, MoPSW; IALA serves international maritime navigation community.
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India holds Vice President post since the first general assembly in Singapore; has been member since 1957, council member since 1980.
Key Discussion Areas
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Standardising marine aids to navigation globally.
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Conservation of lighthouse heritage.
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Introducing IoT‑based visual AtoN systems and maritime services registry.
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Planning IALA events for 2025–26.
India’s Initiative
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Integrated Vessel Traffic Services across 12 major ports.
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Launching international maritime training programme at Kolkata’s Marine Navigation Institute.
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Invitation to global members for IALA’s 2025 General Assembly & 2027 Conference in Mumbai.
Analysis
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Enhances India’s leadership in maritime safety and navigation tech.
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Strengthens soft power, international collaborations.
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Educational/training efforts bolster capacity building for maritime community.
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Technology focus (IoT, registries) aligns with digital maritime infrastructure vision.
Conclusion & Way Forward
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India should leverage Vice President role to set global navigational standards.
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Promote domestic harbour tech and heritage preservation in national narrative.
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Outreach via training makes India a maritime knowledge hub.
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Mumbai events to highlight Indo‑Pacific maritime stewardship to global audience.
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Practice Question: India holds the Vice Presidency of IALA. In what ways can India use this position to strengthen maritime safety and governance in the Indo-Pacific region? Analyse with examples. |
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