State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 14 Oct 2025

Udaipur Launches AI-Powered Traffic System

Why in News? 

Udaipur has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven traffic signal system at the busy Fatehpura intersection as part of a pilot project aimed at improving traffic management.  

• The initiative seeks to streamline traffic flow, reduce congestion, and save commuters’ time. 

Key Points 

• About: Unlike conventional traffic lights that function on fixed schedules, the new AI-based system employs high-resolution cameras and sensors to monitor real-time vehicle movement. 
  • The AI continuously analyses traffic density in each lane and dynamically adjusts signal timings to optimise flow.  
  • Lanes with minimal traffic receive shorter green signals, while heavily congested lanes are given extended green durations, allowing for smoother movement across the intersection. 
  • The system is also integrated with a mobile application, enabling traffic authorities to monitor conditions remotely and make data-driven adjustments when necessary. 
• Priority for Emergency Vehicles: Beyond regular traffic control, the system is equipped with sound sensors capable of detecting sirens from ambulances and fire engines. 
  • When such a siren is detected, the AI instantly switches the corresponding signal to green, allowing emergency vehicles to pass through intersections without delay, a feature aimed at improving response times during emergencies. 
• Data-Driven Urban Mobility: In addition to managing immediate congestion, the AI system collects and records traffic data throughout the day. These insights will enable city authorities to analyse long-term traffic patterns and develop more efficient management strategies. 
• Significance: If the Fatehpura trial proves effective, Udaipur plans to implement similar AI-based systems at other major junctions across the city, marking a significant step toward smart and data-driven urban mobility. 

World Standards Day

Why in News?

Shri Pralhad Joshi, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy lead the World Standards Day programme on 14th October 2025.  

• The event was organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. 

Key Points

• About: The celebration at the National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS) featured the release of the National Lighting Code of India 2025, along with the launch of the Learning Management System (LMS) and the Online Standards Development (OSD) Module on the BIS Standards Portal. 
• World Standards Day: 
  • About: The first World Standards Day was first celebrated in 1970 to raise global awareness about the importance of standards in fostering safety, quality, and international trade. 
    • The day was established by International Organization for Standardization(ISO), in collaboration with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to honor the global community of standard developers and their contributions. 
  • Purpose: World Standards Day celebrates the pivotal role of standards in ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability. It recognizes the collaborative efforts of experts—scientists, engineers, policymakers, and innovators—who work to create these frameworks. 
  • Theme: The 2025 theme, “A Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for Sustainable Development Goals” emphasises the role of international standards in promoting global cooperation towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

• BIS is the statutory national standard body of India established under the BIS Act, 2016, for the harmonious development of the activities of standardisation, marking and quality certification of goods. 
  • It was initially set up as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) that came into being on 6^th January 1947. 
• It is headquartered in New Delhi. 
• It operates various schemes like Product Certification (ISI mark), Hallmarking of Gold and Silver Jewellers, ECO Mark Scheme (for labelling of environment friendly products).