State PCS - Odisha (OPSC)

• 02 Jan 2026

25 Years of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

Why in News?

The Government of India is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in 2025, marking a major milestone in rural connectivity and infrastructure development. 

Key Points

• Launched: Launched on 25 December 2000.
• Budgetary Support: An allocation of around ₹19,000 crore has been made in 2025–26, to sustain rural connectivity efforts. 
• Objective: Provide all-weather road connectivity to previously unconnected rural habitations.
• Funding: Currently operates on a cost-sharing ratio of 60:40 between the Center and States, with 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States.
• PMGSY-IV Plan: Under Phase IV (2024–29), 62,500 km of roads will be constructed to connect 25,000 habitations, with an estimated outlay of ₹70,125 crore.
• Scale and Progress: Since its launch in 2000, approximately 8,25,114 km of rural roads have been sanctioned, with nearly 7,87,520 km (95-96%) completed as of December 2025.
• Advanced Monitoring Systems: Implementation is strengthened with real-time monitoring using OMMAS (Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System), e-MARG (electronic Maintenance of Rural Roads under PMGSY), GPS tracking, and a three-tier quality system to ensure accountability and durability.

India to get 3 new airlines

Why in News?

The Government of India has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to three new airlines — Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress — to enter the Indian aviation sector.

Key Points

• Regulatory Approval: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted NOCs to three new airlines.
• Clearance Stage: After receiving NOCs, the airlines are in the process of securing the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to commence commercial operations.
• Operational Timeline: Commercial flight operations are expected to begin in 2026.
• Nature of Airlines: These are proposed as low-cost and regional airlines.
• Breaking the Duopoly: The government is moving to reduce the extreme market concentration where IndiGo (~65%) and Air India (~27%) control over 90% of traffic.
• Regional Connectivity: The move aligns with the government’s objective of improving air connectivity to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, in line with the broader goals of the UDAN regional connectivity framework.