6 Pointers Today
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
High-Yield Daily Analysis
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Strategy Deep Dive
→National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025 (NFAP-2025)
Governance
CriticalGS-2
50th PRAGATI Meeting: A Decade of Technology-Enabled Governance
Prime Minister's Office
Context
PM Modi chaired the 50th meeting of PRAGATI – the ICT-enabled multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation – marking a significant milestone in cooperative, outcome-driven governance.
Prelims Pointers
- PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) completed its 50th meeting.
- The ecosystem has accelerated projects worth more than ₹85 lakh crore over the last decade.
- 377 projects reviewed; 2,958 out of 3,162 issues (94%) resolved since 2014.
- PM's new mantra: Reform to Simplify, Perform to Deliver, Transform to Impact.
- Long-pending projects like Bogibeel Bridge (1997) and JKRL (1995) were completed through PRAGATI.
Projects Reviewed: 377
Issue Resolution Rate: 94%
Ecosystem Value: ₹85+ Lakh Crore
50 meetings since inception
GS-2: Governance mechanisms; use of technology in governance; Cooperative Federalism.
- Technology Leadership: PRAGATI demonstrates how ICT can transform governance by enabling real-time monitoring and Centre-State coordination.
- Cooperative Federalism: Around 500 Secretaries and Chief Secretaries have participated, exemplifying Team India approach.
- Outcome-Oriented: Shift from process-centric to outcome-centric governance is driving measurable citizen impact.
Defense
CriticalGS-3
DRDO Successfully Conducts Salvo Launch of Two Pralay Missiles
Ministry of Defence
Context
DRDO successfully conducted salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha as part of user evaluation trials.
Prelims Pointers
- Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile.
- Salvo launch: Two missiles launched in quick succession from the SAME launcher.
- Flight-test conducted as part of user evaluation trials at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
- Capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets.
- Developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad with multiple DRDO labs.
Launch Date: December 31, 2025
Launch Location: Off coast of Odisha (Chandipur)
Development Lead: Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
DPSUs Involved: BDL & BEL
GS-3: Indigenization of Technology; Security challenges.
- Strategic Deterrence: Pralay enhances India's short-range ballistic missile capability for tactical strikes.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Multiple DRDO labs and DPSUs (BDL, BEL) collaborated for indigenous development.
- Salvo Capability: Ability to launch multiple missiles in quick succession increases operational flexibility.
Infrastructure
HighGS-3
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Clears CRS Trial at 180 kmph
Ministry of Railways
Context
Indian Railways successfully completed the final high-speed trial of the indigenously designed Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at 180 kmph on the Kota-Nagda section.
Prelims Pointers
- First CRS (Commissioner of Railway Safety) high-speed trial of Vande Bharat Sleeper completed.
- Maximum speed achieved: 180 kmph on Kota-Nagda section.
- 16-coach configuration designed for long-distance travel.
- Fitted with KAVACH (indigenous Automatic Train Protection system).
- Features include regenerative braking, UV-C lamp disinfection, and crash-worthy couplers.
Max Speed: 180 kmph
Design Speed: 100 kmph (average)
Configuration: 16 coaches
Trial Section: Kota-Nagda
GS-3: Infrastructure – Railways; Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Indigenous Manufacturing: Vande Bharat Sleeper showcases India's capability in advanced train manufacturing.
- Safety Features: KAVACH integration, fire barriers, and crash-worthy design prioritize passenger safety.
- Green Railways: Regenerative braking for energy efficiency aligns with sustainability goals.
MediumGS-3
Cabinet Approves ₹19,142 Crore Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot Expressway
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Context
CCEA approved the 374 km 6-lane greenfield access-controlled Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot Corridor in Maharashtra on BOT (Toll) mode.
Prelims Pointers
- Project length: 374 km; Total capital cost: ₹19,142 crore.
- Mode: BOT (Toll) – Build-Operate-Transfer with toll collection.
- Connection: Links Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg, and west-east coast connectivity.
- Travel time reduction: From 31 hours to approximately 17 hours (45% reduction).
- Districts connected: Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv, and Solapur.
Length: 374 km
Cost: ₹19,142 crore
Travel Time Saving: ~45%
Employment (Direct): 251.06 lakh man-days
GS-3: Infrastructure Planning; PM Gati Shakti.
- Integrated Planning: Project aligns with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity.
- Industrial Corridors: Improves logistics for NICDC nodes at Kopparthy and Orvakal.
- Regional Development: Enhanced connectivity for backward districts of Maharashtra.
Science & Technology
HighGS-3
India's Broadband Subscribers Cross 1 Billion Mark
Ministry of Communications
Context
India's broadband subscriber base crossed the historic 1 billion (100 crore) mark in November 2025, reflecting a more than six-fold increase over the past decade.
Prelims Pointers
- Broadband subscribers reached 1.0037 billion (100.37 crore) as of November 2025.
- Six-fold growth: From 131.49 million (Nov 2015) to 1 billion (Nov 2025).
- Key drivers: 4G, 5G, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) expansion.
- Top providers: Reliance Jio (510.52 million), Bharti Airtel (314.26 million), Vodafone Idea (127.75 million).
- 5G FWA subscribers: 10.41 million as of November 2025.
Total Broadband: 1,003.65 million
10-Year Growth: 6x (from 131.49M to 1B)
5G FWA: 10.41 million
Teledensity: 86.77%
GS-3: Developments in Science and Technology; Digital India.
- Digital Inclusion: Reaching 1 billion broadband users reflects significant progress in bridging the digital divide.
- Economic Enabler: High-speed connectivity is foundational for e-commerce, digital payments, and remote work.
- 5G Revolution: 5G-FWA growth indicates accelerating adoption of next-gen connectivity.
Economy
HighGS-3
PLI Auto Scheme: ₹35,657 Crore Investment Achieved
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Context
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the automobile sector has achieved cumulative investment of ₹35,657 crore with ₹2,321.94 crore in incentives disbursed.
Prelims Pointers
- PLI-Auto scheme covers Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products.
- Total budget outlay: ₹25,938 crore over 5 years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
- Cumulative investment achieved: ₹35,657 crore (till Sep 2025).
- Units incentivised: 10,42,172 e-2W, 2,38,385 e-3W, 79,540 e-4W, 1,391 e-buses.
- Minimum Domestic Value Addition (DVA) requirement: 50%.
Investment: ₹35,657 crore
Incentives Disbursed: ₹2,321.94 crore
Employment Generated: 48,974
DVA Requirement: 50%
GS-3: Industrial Policy; Electric Mobility; Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- EV Transition: PLI-Auto is catalyzing India's shift to electric mobility across vehicle categories.
- Localization: DVA requirement ensures building of domestic supply chains.
- Employment: 48,974 jobs generated indicates positive employment multiplier effect.
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