2025 for January 1970

Centre Proposes Rs. 30,000-Crore Modified UDAN Scheme

November 19, 2025

UDAN Scheme Latest News

The Government of India has proposed an outlay of Rs. 30,000 crore for a revamped version of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) regional air connectivity scheme, aiming to extend the initiative beyond April 2027 and expand air access to underserved and remote regions.

Overview of the Modified UDAN Scheme

The refreshed and expanded UDAN framework focuses on strengthening regional aviation infrastructure, making air travel affordable, and supporting airlines to operate in difficult terrains. Out of the Rs. 30,000 crore proposed:
- Rs. 18,000 crore is allocated for new airport development, including greenfield airports, refurbishment of existing airstrips, and construction of heliports in hilly areas.
- Rs. 12,000 crore is earmarked for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to encourage airlines to operate flights on regional routes despite low initial demand.
The scheme will particularly target:
- Hilly and remote regions,
- Aspirational districts,
- North-Eastern states,
- Small towns with limited or no air connectivity.

Evolution of the UDAN Scheme

The UDAN scheme was launched in October 2016 as part of the National Civil Aviation Policy, with the objective of democratizing air travel by making flights accessible to the “common citizen.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first UDAN flight from Shimla to Delhi in April 2017. The initial support for the scheme was Rs. 8,000 crore. Since then, 649 out of 915 valid routes have been operationalised.
These routes have connected 92 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, facilitating over 1.56 crore passengers across 3.23 lakh UDAN flights.
Despite progress, several identified airports remain non-operational due to land, technical, or regulatory hurdles, necessitating a redesigned approach.

Objectives of the Modified UDAN Framework

Connecting 120 Additional Destinations
- The revamped scheme aims to add 120 new destinations over the next decade, expanding the national aviation map extensively.
Enabling Four Crore Additional Passengers
- The government plans to enable four crore passengers to benefit from regional flights over the next 10 years, significantly boosting domestic aviation.
Supporting New Infrastructure
- The modified version will support:
  - Small airports and airstrips,
  - Helipads in hilly terrains,
  - Water aerodromes, ensuring holistic coverage across diverse geographies.
Enhanced Private Sector Participation
- The new guidelines seek to overcome earlier constraints and bring in more private players by simplifying processes related to aircraft leasing, operator permits, and route bidding.

Need for the Modified Scheme

Several challenges have hampered UDAN’s full-scale implementation:
- Land unavailability and delays in state government clearances,
- Operational constraints at small airports lacking navigational or terminal facilities,
- Shortage of suitable aircraft, particularly 20-70 seater turboprops,
- Maintenance and leasing issues for regional carriers,
- Low passenger demand in remote locations requires long-term subsidy support.
The modified UDAN scheme has been structured to address these gaps through a more flexible funding model and better coordination between the Centre, states, airport operators, and airlines.

Incentives

Airport operators and state governments will provide:
- Reduced fuel taxes,
- Lower airport charges,
- Priority parking bays,
- Faster regulatory clearances.
New airports will receive dedicated capital support to fast-track construction and make them UDAN-ready.
This blended financial support aims to make operations commercially viable and sustainable for regional carriers.

Expected Benefits

Boost to Regional Connectivity
- Connecting remote and underdeveloped regions will enhance mobility, promote tourism, and integrate local economies.
Economic Growth and Employment
- Airport development and increased flight operations will generate direct and indirect jobs, supporting hospitality, transport, and logistics sectors.
Improved Emergency and Medical Access
- Better connectivity will enable faster medical evacuation and smoother delivery of essential supplies to remote districts.
Strengthening the North-East and Hilly Areas
- Special focus on the North-East, Himalayan states, and Aspirational districts will help reduce regional disparities.

Source: TH

UDAN Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the total proposed outlay for the modified UDAN scheme?

Ans: The Centre has proposed Rs. 30,000 crore for the revamped scheme.

Q2: How much funding is allocated for airport development?

Ans: Rs. 18,000 crore has been earmarked for new airport and infrastructure development.

Q3: What is the Viability Gap Funding allocation?

Ans: Rs. 12,000 crore is proposed for VGF to support airlines on regional routes.

Q4: How many new destinations will the modified scheme target?

Ans: The scheme aims to connect 120 additional destinations over the next decade.

Q5: How many UDAN routes have been operationalised so far?

Ans: 649 routes have been operationalised, connecting 93 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes.

Upcoming Reforms to India’s Plant Variety Act: Key Issues & Farmer Concerns

November 19, 2025

Plant Variety Act Latest News

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Centre plans to amend the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA).
- The PPV&FRA, 2001 is India’s plant variety protection law that creates an IPR framework for new plant varieties while also safeguarding farmers’ traditional rights.
- It grants breeders and researchers exclusive rights over newly developed varieties, but ensures farmers can save, use, exchange, sell, and even register their own seeds.
- The Act was designed to balance breeder innovation with the long-standing contributions of farmers to conserving and developing plant genetic resources.
He emphasised the need to balance the promotion of high-yielding, improved crop varieties with the preservation of traditional seeds.

Consultations on Amending the Plant Variety Act Begin

A committee led by agricultural scientist R.S. Paroda, set up by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), has begun extensive stakeholder consultations on proposed amendments to the PPV&FRA Act.
The committee will study the rationale for revising the law and engage widely with farmers’ groups, civil society, industry, and researchers.
The panel, comprising scientists and policymakers, will review the Act in the context of current challenges, technological advances, trade changes, and evolving farmer needs.
Its mandate includes identifying issues faced by stakeholders and proposing specific amendments to the PPV&FRA Act, 2001, which has now completed two decades.

Key Issues Being Debated in the PPV&FRA Amendment Consultations

Early discussions indicate several major themes. Stakeholders are considering revising the definition of “variety” to include a combination of genotypes, aligning it with the draft Seeds Bill 2019.
There is also a proposal to broaden the definition of “seed” to cover seedlings, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, roots, tissue-culture plantlets, synthetic seeds, and other vegetatively propagated materials.
Consultations also focus on clarifying the definition of “institution” in the term “breeder” to explicitly include both public and private seed-sector entities.
The committee is seeking stakeholder feedback on reforms to the DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability) test, particularly the inclusion of traits in DUS guidelines.
- DUS testing is a technical process used to evaluate new plant varieties and is the basis for obtaining Plant Variety Protection (PVP).
- The test determines if a new variety is Distinct from all known varieties, Uniform in its traits, and Stable over subsequent generations.
Another key issue is the proposal to define “abusive acts”, making activities such as producing, selling, marketing, exporting, or importing any variety with an identical or misleading denomination punishable under the Act.

Farmer Groups Demand Protection for Community Seeds

Farmer representatives stressed that all community-developed seeds must be registered collectively rather than under an individual or company’s name.
They argue that seeds passing the DUS test should not be privately registered, to prevent monopolisation and future exploitation by seed companies.
Concerns were also raised about alleged misuse of DUS testing, citing the example of njavara paddy, where farmers suspect improper procedures before registration.

Concerns About IPR and Exclusion of Small Farmers

Policy analysts highlighted that small farmers remain outside the techno-legal system and view seeds as shared biocultural resources, conflicting with exclusive Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) frameworks.
They noted growing global efforts to keep local varieties in open-source systems to avoid private ownership, warning against pressure on developing nations to align domestic laws with UPOV-style regimes.

Gaps in Accountability and Farmer Compensation

Experts pointed out that the PPV&FRA Act includes provisions for holding breeders accountable for non-performing seeds.
However, the Rules still lack clear criteria for farmer compensation. This creates uncertainty and weakens farmer protections.

Global Negotiations and Broader Seed-Sovereignty Issues

Stakeholders also emphasised the relevance of upcoming plant treaty negotiations in Peru, particularly discussions on expanding the Multilateral System (MLS) for access and benefit-sharing.
Linked concerns include in situ conservation, equitable benefit sharing with local seed custodians, and safeguarding farmer rights in global seed-governance frameworks.

Source: TH | DTE

Plant Variety Act FAQs

Q1: Why is the PPV&FRA Act being amended?

Ans: Amendments aim to update the law after two decades, address technological and trade changes, strengthen farmer rights, and improve clarity in variety protection and seed governance.

Q2: Who is leading the consultation process?

Ans: A committee headed by scientist R.S. Paroda, appointed by PPVFRA, is holding nationwide consultations with farmers, industry, civil society and researchers to propose amendments.

Q3: What key issues are under discussion?

Ans: Debates include redefining “variety,” expanding “seed” definitions, clarifying “breeder,” improving DUS tests, and defining punishable abusive acts involving misleading seed denominations.

Q4: What concerns have farmers raised?

Ans: Farmers warn against private monopolisation of community seeds, demand collective registration, question DUS test misuse, and seek stronger protections against unfair IPR practices.

Q5: What broader policy issues are linked to the reforms?

Ans: Experts highlight gaps in farmer compensation rules, risks of UPOV-style harmonisation, and the need to preserve local varieties, benefit sharing, and in-situ conservation.

Why India’s Dugongs Are Declining: Threats, Habitat Loss & Conservation Efforts

November 19, 2025

Dugong Latest News

A recent IUCN report released at the Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi warns that India’s dugongs (sea cows) face a growing risk of extinction.
Found mainly in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, their survival outlook is grim: long-term survival in the Gulf of Kutch is “highly uncertain,” conditions in the Andamans are “challenging,” and populations in the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay have significantly declined.
Dugongs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and enjoy the highest protection in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which bans hunting and trade.
These gentle marine herbivores play a crucial ecological role by maintaining healthy seagrass meadows, which support biodiversity and store carbon.
However, dugongs face numerous threats, including coastal habitat degradation, seagrass loss, fishing-net entanglement, boat collisions, pollution, and human disturbances.
The Indian government has initiated conservation. Despite this, the new report indicates that urgent and strengthened action is needed to prevent their decline from becoming irreversible.

Dugongs: The Gentle ‘Sea Cows’ of the Coast

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are large, gentle marine mammals often linked to mermaid legends due to their calm, graceful behaviour.
Closely related to manatees, they have a rounded body and a dolphin-like tail. Adults can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh around 420 kg.
Exclusively herbivorous, dugongs feed mainly on seagrass meadows, consuming 30–40 kg daily — earning them the name sea cows.
They inhabit shallow, warm coastal waters, typically in sheltered bays, lagoons, and estuaries less than 10 metres deep.

Why Dugongs Matter: Guardians of Seagrass and Coastal Productivity

Dugongs are vital to the health of seagrass ecosystems, which are among the planet’s most efficient carbon sinks.
Their grazing naturally prunes seagrass, removes old shoots, prevents overgrowth, and enhances carbon storage in the sediment.
By stirring up the seagrass beds while feeding, dugongs also release nutrients trapped in the sediment.
These nutrients support a wide range of marine life, including commercially valuable fish, shellfish, sea cucumbers, and other invertebrates.
Research shows that seagrass habitats with dugongs generate at least ₹2 crore more fish production annually, while areas lacking dugongs show significantly reduced productivity.
In essence, dugongs are ecosystem engineers that boost biodiversity, sustain fisheries, and support coastal carbon cycles.

Declining Dugong Numbers

Once common in Indian waters, dugongs have declined drastically. A 2012 government report estimated around 200 individuals.
Current estimates vary: some experts suggest 400–450, while others believe the number is below 250.
Their elusive nature and murky habitats make accurate counts difficult.

Where Dugongs Survive in India

Palk Bay–Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu): Largest and most stable group, 150–200 dugongs
Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Fewer than 50 individuals
Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat): Fewer than 20 individuals
These populations are small, fragmented, and highly vulnerable.

Human Activities Driving the Decline

The main threats come from coastal degradation and human activities:
- Fishing-net entanglement is the most common cause of death.
- High turbidity, pollution, and bycatch threaten dugongs in the Gulf of Kutch and Tamil Nadu.
- Andamans face high fisheries-related mortality.
Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated wastewater also pollute seagrass meadows — dugongs’ primary feeding grounds.

Toxic Pollution Found in Dugong Tissues

A recent study analysing 46 stranded dugongs found dangerous levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead in organs such as liver, kidneys, and muscles.
These metals accumulate in seagrass sediments, indicating severe ecosystem contamination.

Slow Reproduction Increases Extinction Risk

Dugongs reproduce very slowly — females give birth once every several years.
This low reproductive rate hampers population recovery and makes the species extremely vulnerable to ongoing threats.

Government Efforts to Protect Dugongs — and What More Is Needed

India has taken several steps to conserve dugongs. In 2010, the Centre set up a Task Force for Dugong Conservation, followed by a national dugong recovery programme in collaboration with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
A major milestone was the creation of the 448 sq km Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay (2022) to safeguard seagrass meadows and dependent dugong populations.
However, experts say conservation efforts need strengthening. Researchers call for better monitoring, reduced fishing pressure, and incentive-based programmes for coastal communities.
While progress has been made, dugong populations will recover only with sustained, strengthened, and community-inclusive conservation actions.

Source: IE | MB

Dugong FAQs

Q1: Why are India’s dugongs declining?

Ans: Dugongs are declining due to seagrass loss, coastal degradation, fishing-net entanglement, pollution, boat strikes and slow reproduction, making the species vulnerable across fragmented habitats.

Q2: Where are dugongs found in India?

Ans: They survive mainly in the Palk Bay–Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Gulf of Kutch, with populations small, isolated, and under increasing ecological stress.

Q3: Why are dugongs important for marine ecosystems?

Ans: Dugongs maintain healthy seagrass meadows, enhance carbon storage, release nutrients that support fish and invertebrates, and significantly boost coastal fisheries and biodiversity.

Q4: What major threats do dugongs face today?

Ans: Key threats include fishing-net bycatch, pollution, industrial waste, seagrass degradation, toxic metals in sediments, high turbidity, and reproductive rates too slow for population recovery.

Q5: What conservation measures has India taken?

Ans: India created a national recovery programme, formed a Task Force, and established a 448-sq-km Dugong Conservation Reserve, but experts urge stronger monitoring and reduced bycatch.