VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Pradhan orders action over NCERT’s court lapse in paper supplier case NEW DELHI: Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has ordered a probe and strict action against officials after NCERT failed to appear before the Delhi High Court to defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier accused of delaying textbook production, sources said.The ministry has asked NCERT to examine how Bafna Global Venture Private Limited was selected despite allegedly not meeting the required conditions, why it subsequently failed to adhere to the paper-supply schedule and how the council’s case went unrepresented in court.MoE officials said the ministry had earlier asked the council to expedite textbook production and prepare a procurement protocol to ensure books were available on time. The latest lapse has raised fresh questions over the council’s procurement and legal processes.The firm approached the high court on June 24 challenging NCERT’s June 22 order debarring it for two years from participating in the council’s procurement process.With no representative appearing on behalf of NCERT during the hearing, the court granted the company interim protection from coercive action until further orders. It also restrained NCERT from invoking a bank guarantee of more than Rs 6 crore furnished by the supplier.“Taking serious note of reports that NCERT failed to effectively defend its decision to blacklist a paper supplier before the Delhi High Court, union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directed strict action against the officers responsible for the lapse,” a source said.Officials responsible for failing to initiate the required legal steps will be identified and held accountable, sources said, adding that Pradhan had underlined a zero-tolerance approach towards administrative and legal lapses in textbook procurement and production.The supplier told the court that paper manufacturing was delayed because hydrogen peroxide, used as a bleaching agent, had become unavailable due to the conflict involving Iran. The matter will next be heard on July 20.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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It comes from bacteria older than the dinosaurs BJP questions Rahul Gandhi’s absence from rallies NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the cancellation of his scheduled student outreach programmes, alleging he was “vacationing abroad” and accusing him of exploiting students for political purposes.BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha questioned Gandhi’s whereabouts, claiming he had been absent from public events for nearly two weeks and that three of his student rallies had been cancelled. He said Gandhi’s last verified public appearance was on June 19.”It is absolutely shocking that Rahul Gandhi has cancelled three of his scheduled student rallies because he seems to be completely immersed in vacationing. He appears to be focused on his holidays,” Sinha told PTI.”Normally, students need a break because they are exhausted from preparing for examinations. Here, students may not be vacationing as much, but Rahul Gandhi, who has exploited students for his politics, has gone on a long break, leading to the cancellation of three student rallies,” he said.Calling Gandhi a “non-serious politician,” Sinha said he was “least bothered about students” and had only been using them for “mala fide” politics.”This once again shows, first, that Rahul Gandhi is a non-serious politician, and second, that he is least bothered about students. He was only using students for political purposes, and his politics has mala fide intent written all over it,” Sinha said.”How shameful that Rahul Gandhi can’t get over his holidaying spree… It just shows him once again as a non-serious politician, besides proving that he was merely exploiting student sentiments for his vulture politics. Students must beware of such fly-by-night operators,” he said in a post on X.The attack comes as the Congress party has been attempting to position Gandhi as a youth-friendly leader ahead of the 2029 elections. His cancellation of student engagements has given the BJP an opening to question his commitment to the cause.There was no immediate reaction from the Congress to the BJP’s allegations.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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Watch UDAN 2.0 Explained: Can India’s Affordable Flying Dream Finally Take Off?Small airports that had remained unused for years were revived. Towns that had never seen scheduled commercial flights were connected to larger cities. Regional air travel moved beyond metros and became part of India’s broader infrastructure expansion story.Under UDAN, more than 1.66 crore passengers have travelled across 669 operational routes connecting 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes.The scheme has also helped expand aviation access to remote, hilly and underserved regions where commercial airlines had earlier found operations difficult.But the journey has not been without turbulence.While hundreds of routes were launched, many struggled to survive after initial government support ended. Several smaller airlines either exited the market or reduced operations because of rising costs, limited passenger demand and operational difficulties.In some cases, airports were developed but flights could not sustain themselves. In others, airlines received route approvals but infrastructure constraints delayed operations.These challenges were also highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its 2023 audit of the scheme’s first three phases.The audit found that while UDAN succeeded in expanding regional connectivity, long-term commercial sustainability remained a major challenge. According to the report, of the 774 routes awarded until UDAN-3, only 371 had commenced operations. Further, only 112 routes completed the full three-year concession period, and just 54 routes continued operating beyond the subsidy period as of March 2023.The findings underlined a fundamental challenge for regional aviation: government support could help airlines start operations, but ensuring routes survived beyond government support required stronger infrastructure, consistent demand and better planning.Recognising these limitations, the Union Cabinet in March approved the Modified UDAN Scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore for the next ten years.Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally launched the next phase, branded as Viksit UDAN, on July 4 during the inauguration of the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport.Unlike the earlier version, the revamped scheme is not limited to subsidising airline tickets. It aims to create a complete regional aviation ecosystem by developing airports, supporting their operations, expanding helicopter connectivity, extending airline assistance and encouraging the use of indigenous aircraft.The changes are intended to make regional aviation more sustainable while strengthening links between smaller cities and the national economy.But the key question remains: can a bigger budget solve the problems that limited the first phase?Can longer subsidies ensure airlines continue flying after government support ends? And will UDAN 2.0 finally create a self-sustaining regional aviation network?What exactly is UDAN?UDAN, or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, is India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme designed to make air travel affordable and improve connectivity between smaller cities and larger urban centres.Before its launch, Indian aviation was largely concentrated around metropolitan cities. While major airports expanded rapidly, several smaller towns either had limited air connectivity or remained completely outside the commercial aviation network.For airlines, operating flights to these destinations was often financially difficult. Passenger numbers were uncertain, aircraft utilisation was lower and operational costs remained high. This created a cycle where airlines avoided smaller routes because demand was limited, while passengers had fewer opportunities because flights were unavailable.UDAN attempted to break this cycle through government support.The scheme introduced a combination of incentives. Airlines operating regional routes received Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to compensate for losses and maintain affordable fares. Ticket prices on selected routes were capped to ensure accessibility for passengers.Airport operators provided concessions, while state governments were encouraged to reduce aviation taxes and provide support services at lower costs.The objective was straightforward: reduce operating costs for airlines, keep fares affordable for passengers and gradually develop enough demand for routes to become commercially viable.The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla and Delhi, marking the beginning of one of India’s largest regional aviation initiatives.Why did UDAN need a reboot?The first phase demonstrated that there was demand for regional connectivity, but it also exposed the difficulty of sustaining aviation services in smaller markets.Many routes that received government support struggled once the subsidy period ended. Regional airlines faced multiple challenges, including high fuel costs, limited aircraft availability, difficulty accessing major airports and uncertain passenger volumes.The CAG audit highlighted several of these implementation gaps.Apart from route sustainability, the auditor pointed to delays in airport development. It noted that despite expenditure on infrastructure, operations could not begin or were discontinued at several locations.According to the report, out of 116 airports, heliports and water aerodromes where expenditure was incurred during the audit period, operations started at only 71.The CAG also noted that operations could not commence or were discontinued at 83 airports, heliports and water aerodromes even after an expenditure of Rs 1,089 crore.The findings reflected a broader problem: building infrastructure alone does not guarantee connectivity. Airports require airlines, passengers and operational support to become sustainable.Aviation industry experts believe the success of UDAN should now be measured beyond the number of routes launched or airports connected. The focus, they argue, should shift towards whether regional connectivity is creating sustainable economic activity around these locations.Ashish Chhawchcharia, partner and aviation industry leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, told TOI that the debate around UDAN must move beyond “the number of airports inaugurated or routes launched” and focus on the “quality and sustainability of connectivity being created”.“Regional aviation goes beyond a transport initiative to being an economic development tool. It is interesting to note whether these routes stimulate trade, tourism, investment and mobility in a way that creates lasting demand,” he said.According to Chhawchcharia, regional connectivity succeeds when aviation becomes part of a larger economic ecosystem rather than operating as an isolated transport service.Industry stakeholders have similarly argued that regional aviation needs better coordination between airports, airlines and government agencies.For smaller carriers, access to major airports remains a key concern. Without connectivity to large aviation hubs such as Delhi or Mumbai, regional routes often struggle to attract enough passengers.Another challenge has been the availability of suitable aircraft. Many smaller cities require aircraft with lower capacity that can operate efficiently on short routes. Limited availability and high leasing costs have restricted expansion by regional operators.The government believes the Modified UDAN Scheme addresses many of these weaknesses by shifting focus from only route subsidies to broader structural reforms.What changes under UDAN 2.0?The biggest change under the revamped scheme is the focus on airport creation and modernisation.The government plans to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips with an investment of Rs 12,159 crore.Instead of building new airports everywhere, the approach focuses on upgrading existing airfields that have potential but lack passenger terminals, navigation systems or operational infrastructure.The scheme also introduces dedicated support for airport operations and maintenance.Regional airports often struggle during their initial years because passenger traffic takes time to develop. To address this, the government has allocated Rs 2,577 crore for operations and maintenance support for around 441 aerodromes.The support is aimed at helping airports remain functional until passenger volumes improve and revenues become more stable.Expansion of helipads, longer support and indigenous aircraftThe revamped scheme also focuses on improving connectivity in regions where conventional airports are difficult to develop.Under Modified UDAN, the government plans to build 200 modern helipads with an investment of around Rs 3,661 crore. These will focus on hilly regions, island territories, border areas and aspirational districts where geography often makes road and airport connectivity challenging.The government believes these helipads can improve not only passenger movement but also emergency response, disaster management and healthcare access.For remote areas, helicopters can provide faster connectivity during medical emergencies, natural disasters and other situations where conventional transport infrastructure may not be sufficient.Another major change is the extension of financial support for airlines.The scheme has allocated Rs 10,043 crore for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) over ten years to support regional airline operations.The extended financial backing is intended to give airlines more time to build passenger demand before routes are expected to stand on their own.The government has also linked UDAN with its broader push for self-reliance in aviation.As part of the Modified UDAN Scheme, the government plans to support the induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dornier aircraft and HAL Dhruv helicopters, for operations in underserved regions.The move is expected to strengthen regional connectivity while supporting India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.Can UDAN 2.0 succeed where the first phase struggled?The success of the revamped scheme will depend on more than just financial allocation.Experts caution that subsidies can help create a market, but cannot permanently replace one. The long-term success of regional aviation will depend on whether connectivity is aligned with economic activity, tourism potential, industrial clusters and emerging consumption centres.Chhawchcharia said the government’s expanded support under Modified UDAN reflects the strategic importance of regional connectivity, but financial assistance alone cannot guarantee sustainability.“While subsidies can help create a market; they cannot be a substitute for one,” he said.He added that India needs a more holistic approach where infrastructure development, airline economics, fleet availability, maintenance capabilities and local demand generation work together.Airports must be ready before airlines begin operations. Airlines need access to suitable aircraft. Smaller carriers require reasonable access to major aviation hubs. States must continue providing tax concessions and operational support.The CAG audit had highlighted similar implementation challenges during the first phase.Apart from delays in airport development, the auditor also pointed towards gaps in monitoring and oversight mechanisms. It noted issues related to verification of airline claims, delays in Regional Air Connectivity Fund processes and the need for stronger compliance monitoring.While these issues were administrative in nature, they showed that expanding regional aviation requires effective execution along with financial support.The government has attempted to address some of these concerns in the new framework by increasing airport maintenance support, extending VGF assistance and focusing on infrastructure creation.However, commercial viability remains the biggest challenge.Flying an aircraft to a smaller city may be socially beneficial, but airlines ultimately need sufficient passenger demand to sustain operations. A route that remains dependent on subsidies indefinitely cannot become a successful aviation market.The question of whether India should build airports first or wait for demand to emerge remains central to regional aviation planning.Chhawchcharia believes building infrastructure ahead of demand is not necessarily the wrong approach for a fast-growing economy like India, but it must be linked to credible economic potential.He pointed to Gulf aviation hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where airport development and airline expansion were supported to attract global business, tourism and investment. However, he cautioned that India’s scale and diversity make careful planning essential.“The Indian government seems to be pursuing a strategy of building airports first in order to build an ecosystem around it. Looking at the Gulf example, this could be successful but needs to be crafted very carefully in a large country like India or else we face the risk of empty airports and failing carriers,” he said.The challenge for UDAN 2.0 will therefore be to ensure that government support acts as a bridge towards sustainability rather than becoming a permanent requirement.Why UDAN matters beyond aviationThe importance of UDAN extends far beyond the number of flights it operates.Better air links can become a major driver of economic development by improving access to markets, tourism destinations, healthcare facilities and educational institutions.For smaller cities and towns, an airport can transform economic opportunities. Better connectivity can attract businesses, encourage tourism and make it easier for entrepreneurs and professionals to access larger markets.The scheme has also supported specialised initiatives such as Krishi UDAN, which aims to improve air cargo connectivity for agricultural produce, particularly from remote, hilly and northeastern regions.For farmers growing perishable products, faster transportation can improve market access and reduce losses.Similarly, improved aviation connectivity can be especially valuable for remote regions where travelling by road can take several hours or even days.The government believes the next phase of UDAN will help integrate Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities more closely into India’s growth story.Can India make regional aviation sustainable?India’s aviation sector has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade.The country’s airport network has expanded rapidly, passenger traffic has increased and flying has gradually moved from being a luxury associated mainly with metropolitan India to a more accessible mode of transport.UDAN has played an important role in that transition.The scheme proved that there was demand for air connectivity beyond major cities. It brought previously ignored airports back into operation and encouraged airlines to explore markets that were earlier considered commercially unattractive.But the first phase also showed that connectivity cannot be created only through subsidies.The CAG’s findings highlighted a central lesson: launching routes is easier than keeping them operational. Sustainable regional aviation requires reliable infrastructure, efficient airlines, adequate demand and strong monitoring mechanisms.The Modified UDAN Scheme attempts to address these gaps by moving beyond just airfare support towards building the wider aviation ecosystem.With nearly Rs 29,000 crore committed over the next decade, the government is betting that better infrastructure, longer financial support and indigenous aircraft capability can make regional aviation more durable.Whether UDAN 2.0 succeeds will ultimately depend on execution.The true measure of UDAN 2.0 will not be the number of routes announced or airports inaugurated, but whether those investments create lasting regional economic growth. As Chhawchcharia puts it, “The next phase of UDAN should therefore be judged not by how much support is provided, but by how effectively it converts public investment into self-sustaining regional economic growth,” he said.If implemented effectively, the revamped programme could help create aviation networks beyond traditional hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, bringing smaller towns closer to India’s growth story — making the skies accessible for every Indian.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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Uzbek authorities have arrested Anam in connection with the case, local media reported. Following the repatriation of Basanth’s body, Indian authorities conducted a second post-mortem at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on Thursday at the request of her family. Her relatives later performed her last rites.Harippad Police in Kerala have registered a murder case based on a complaint filed by the victim’s father.Station House Officer V Vishnu said the preliminary post-mortem findings indicated signs of physical assault.”We are yet to get official details of the crime from law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan. We will examine the legal standing of the case registered in Kerala for the crime recorded in Uzbekistan,” Vishnu said.According to the complaint filed by the family, Basanth had been repeatedly assaulted after resisting Anam’s alleged demands to convert her religion. The family also claimed that classmates were aware of the alleged harassment and pressure she had faced.Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Uzbekistan said it is extending all possible assistance to the victim’s family.”Embassy is extending all assistance to the family of deceased Ms Sawariya Basanth including on the repatriation of her mortal remains. Today, Ambassador met her family member. Embassy is also in constant touch with the concerned authorities in Uzbekistan,” the embassy said in a post on X.Indian authorities said they remain in touch with officials in Uzbekistan as the investigation into the case continues.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’You Will Have To Kill Me’: Mamata’s Defiant Message As TMC Faces Major RebellionIRCTC Rolls Out Beta Website With Simpler Booking Experience; 4 Key Changes Explained’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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Doctor reveals the common daily mistakes that can lead to silent kidney diseaseSreeleela and Kalyani Priyadarshan ace the Wimbledon dress code with timeless London fashion5 natural alternatives to collagen supplements for healthy hair and skinRed vs green vs yellow bell peppers: Who wins the nutrition face-off?7 Animals that eat bees without letting stings stop themLock Upp 2: From Ram Kapoor’s lavish villa to Shivangi Joshi’s dreamy Dehradun home, a look at the luxurious properties of the inmatesNo botox, no expensive creams: Here’s how Japanese women stay young for decades and what we can learn from themSonam Kapoor’s customised Anamika Khanna look for Anshula Kapoor’s reception is wedding guest fashion at its finestHow to differentiate between hand-embroidered and machine-made Chikankari123Hot PicksSIRGold Rate TodayGurgaon EncounterCM VijayWeather TodayRajpal YadavAssam BudgetStrait of HormuzSimone BilesTop TrendingGurgaon MonsoonAMU Seerat CertificateTelangana Techie Wife MurderFIFA World Cup 2026Weather TodayTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war ‘To beat India 4-0 would be a pretty special’: Harry Brook throws down the gauntlet ahead of series finale | Cricket News Three Prelims failures, one Mains setback: How Tripti Kalhan turned disappointment into AIR 199 in UPSC No relief for Rajpal Yadav, the actor sentenced to three months jail in Rs 9 crore debt case Before you stop your child from playing in the mud, here’s what a pediatrician wants every parent to know | Engineering student got no Wi-Fi, bad food in hostel; consumer commission orders Rs 30,000 refund This 143 million-year-old giant dinosaur Uragasaurus, discovered from a single tiny bone in Thailand can rewrite parts of Jurassic history Tagging or filtering calls from 1600 series not allowed; can block those from 1400 series, says TRAI NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Friday said “any tagging, blocking or filtering of calls originating from 1600 series numbers is not permitted.” Allaying fears that the designated 1600 series – reserved for banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) – and 1400 series – mandated for entities making promotional calls across sectors – could potentially lead to misinformation or misinterpretation, the regulator said “any tagging or filtering of calls from 1400 series numbers is not allowed except for blocking on the do not disturb (DND) registry.” “TRAI has mandated the use of 1600xx series numbers for service and transaction calls by regulated entities of BFSI sector (entities regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA) to their existing customers and by govt entities for govt to citizen communication. A key objective of assigning designated series for these important communications is to make such calls trustworthy for the customers/ citizen,” TRAI said in a statement, adding, “Under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR), any tagging, blocking or filtering of the calls originating from 1600 series numbers is not permitted.”Regarding 1400xx series, it said: ” Entities desirous of availing 140 series number for making promotional calls must register with telecom service providers under the TCCCPR framework and comply with the provisions of the regulation. Customers have the right to allow or block promotional call originating from 140 series numbers from entities of any or all sectors by registering their preference on the DND registry.””A customer who has blocked any or all sectors from receiving promotional calls on the DND registry will not receive any calls from 140 series originating from entities of the blocked sectors. The customer can register his/her DND preference through multiple means including through TRAI DND App. Any tagging or filtering of calls from 140 series numbers is not allowed except for blocking on the DND registry, as any tagging can mislead a customer who has otherwise allowed receipt of such calls from a sector on the DND registry,” it added.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’She Pleaded For Help, No One Listened’: What The CCTV Reveals About Jaipur Schoolgirl’s DeathIgnored Warnings Or Natural Calamity? 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