upsc current affairs for 5 December 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 5 December 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily upsc current affairs for 5 December 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

IndiGo Flight Disruptions Explained: FDTL Rules, Crew Shortages & DGCA Action

December 5, 2025
IndiGo Flight Disruptions

IndiGo Flight Disruptions Latest News

  • IndiGo has faced widespread flight cancellations and delays in recent days, disrupting thousands of passengers. 
  • The core reason is an acute crew shortage triggered by the rollout of the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, whose final phase took effect last month.
  • India’s largest airline, which handles over 60% of domestic traffic, was not adequately prepared for the stricter duty and rest requirements. 
  • As a result, punctuality has collapsed — only 19.7% of flights were on time on December 3.

Why IndiGo Is Hit Harder Than Other Airlines

    • The new FDTL (Flight Duty Time Limitation) rules technically apply to all domestic airlines, but IndiGo has suffered disproportionately. Industry insiders point to several reasons:
  • Massive Scale and High-Frequency Network - IndiGo operates the largest network and highest number of daily flights in India. This amplifies the impact of crew shortages compared to smaller carriers.
  • Heavy Late-Night and Early-Morning Operations - IndiGo runs a significant share of “red-eye” and early-morning flights—segments most affected by stricter rest requirements under the new FDTL norms.
  • Extremely High Crew and Aircraft Utilisation - IndiGo’s operational model relies on squeezing maximum utilisation from crew and aircraft. This leaves little slack in the system when new regulations reduce permissible flying hours.

Why Other Airlines Are Less Affected

  • Other carriers currently have lower-than-optimal aircraft utilisation, largely due to:
    • Delayed new aircraft deliveries
    • Aircraft grounded for refits
  • This means more pilots are available per aircraft, giving them greater flexibility in rostering and making it easier to absorb the impact of the new FDTL norms.

What the New FDTL Norms Changed

  • The revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms introduced multiple fatigue-mitigation measures:
    • Weekly rest increased from 36 to 48 hours
    • Night landings capped at two, down from six
    • Definition of night hours extended by one hour
  • These changes significantly tightened crew availability and operational flexibility, particularly for airlines with heavy night operations.

Implementation Timeline and Industry Pushback

  • The norms were originally planned for June 2024, but airlines—including IndiGo—opposed immediate rollout, arguing they needed more crew and a phased transition.
  • The DGCA implemented the rules in two phases (July and November) after a Delhi High Court directive.
  • Phase 1: Longer weekly rest — IndiGo handled this relatively well
  • Phase 2: Stricter night-time limits — hit IndiGo disproportionately

Operational Domino Effect: Why Delays Turn Into Meltdowns

  • IndiGo primarily operates narrow-body A320s, each flying multiple legs a day.
  • If a crew hits its duty limit due to earlier delays, the airline must scramble for replacements. 
  • With minimal buffer staff and high utilisation:
    • Small delays cascade into major disruptions
    • Crew shortages intensify
    • Cancellations multiply rapidly
  • This structural sensitivity explains why IndiGo’s operations unraveled faster than those of other carriers.

Scale of Disruptions and Decline in On-Time Performance

  • In November, IndiGo recorded 1,232 flight cancellations. 
  • IndiGo’s on-time performance (OTP) fell sharply from 84.1% in October to 67.7% in November, and has deteriorated further in December, undermining its long-held reputation for punctuality.

IndiGo’s Explanation: Multiple Operational Stress Points

  • The airline attributed the disruptions to several “unforeseen operational challenges”, including:
    • Minor technology glitches
    • Winter schedule adjustments
    • Adverse weather conditions
    • Rising congestion in the aviation system
    • Full implementation of the new FDTL rules
  • Together, these factors compounded crew shortages and amplified delays.

Steps IndiGo Is Taking to Stabilise Operations

  • According to the DGCA, IndiGo has initiated corrective actions, including:
  • Strengthening Crew Planning and Rostering - Better alignment of crew assignments with FDTL rest and duty requirements.
  • Improving Coordination with ATC and Airports - Enhanced communication to manage airspace constraints and reduce avoidable bottlenecks.
  • Enhancing Turnaround and Disruption Management - Accelerating ground processes and improving responses to cascading delays.
  • These measures aim to gradually stabilise IndiGo’s operations while staying compliant with FDTL norms.

Pilot Bodies Blame IndiGo for Poor Preparedness

  • Pilot associations argue that IndiGo was not prepared for the new FDTL rules despite having ample notice.
  • They said the disruptions reflect failures in proactive resource planning, suggesting airlines may be trying to pressure the DGCA into diluting the norms.
  • They accused IndiGo of operating with a “prolonged and unorthodox lean manpower strategy”, especially in flight operations.
  • They claim the current crisis is the direct result of:
    • A hiring freeze despite a two-year runway
    • Non-poaching agreements
    • Pilot pay freeze
    • Short-sighted planning and underinvestment in staffing

Source: IE | LM

IndiGo flight disruptions FAQs

Q1: What triggered IndiGo’s operational meltdown?

Ans: The final rollout of stricter FDTL norms caused acute crew shortages. IndiGo, heavily dependent on night operations, was unprepared, leading to widespread delays and cancellations.

Q2: Why was IndiGo affected more than other airlines?

Ans: IndiGo’s large scale, high-frequency network, lean staffing, and heavy red-eye schedule made it uniquely vulnerable to reduced duty hours and restricted night landings.

Q3: What changes do the new FDTL norms introduce?

Ans: Rules mandate longer weekly rest, limit night landings, and expand night-hour definitions. These fatigue-mitigation measures significantly shrink crew availability across airlines.

Q4: How severe were IndiGo’s disruptions?

Ans: In November, IndiGo cancelled 1,232 flights, with punctuality dropping from 84% to 67%. By early December, OTP had fallen further, severely impacting passengers nationwide.

Q5: What corrective steps is IndiGo taking?

Ans: It is strengthening crew rostering, improving ATC coordination, enhancing turnaround processes, and adjusting schedules. DGCA has sought explanations and mitigation plans.

India’s High-Density Rail Corridors: Expansion Plan, Congestion Forecast & Key Upgrades

December 5, 2025
High Density Network Rail Corridors

High Density Network Rail Corridors Latest News

  • The Centre has approved adding a third and fourth rail line on the 32 km Badlapur–Karjat stretch in Maharashtra, extending the Mumbai Suburban Corridor and strengthening a key segment of the 1,238-km Mumbai–Chennai High Density Network (HDN). 
  • This corridor—one of India’s most saturated—links Mumbai to Chennai via Pune, Solapur, Guntakal and Arakkonam.
  • The decision is part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to decongest all seven High Density Network corridors, which make up just 16% of the total network but carry 41% of all rail traffic. 
  • As passenger and freight demand surges, expanding and improving the HDN has become crucial to ensuring smoother, more efficient railway operations.

About High Density Network (HDN)

  • The High Density Network (HDN) comprises passenger–freight corridors where train operations are running beyond optimal capacity, causing congestion, delays, and reduced efficiency.
  • Out of 69,181 route-km of Indian Railways, the HDN accounts for 11,051 route-km (15.97%).
  • These highly saturated corridors are divided into 237 sections, each with varying levels of utilisation.

HDN Is Overloaded

  • A rail network ideally functions at 70–80% capacity for smooth operations. 
  • The HDN far exceeds this:
    • Only 4.60% of HDN routes operate below 80% capacity
    • 18.89% operate at 80–100%
    • 32.75% at 100–120%
    • 29.53% at 120–150%
    • 14.11% run at over 150% capacity
  • This means 95% of the HDN runs above the optimal threshold, many well beyond designed limits.
  • A majority of HDN sections operate at stress levels where delays and bottlenecks are unavoidable.

An Example: The Overburdened Karjat–Lonavala Section

  • On the 28-km Karjat–Lonavala stretch (part of the Mumbai–Chennai HDN):
    • 67 trains run each way per day
    • Maximum capacity: 40 trains
  • This results in 167% capacity utilisation — far above ideal levels.

How HDN Compares With the Overall Indian Railways Network

  • According to the National Rail Plan (2051 vision document):
    • 45% of the entire Indian Railways network operates below 70% utilisation
    • 29% operates at 70–100%
    • 25% runs at 100–150%
    • Only 1% exceeds 150% utilisation
  • In contrast, the HDN is severely overloaded, highlighting why expansion and decongestion of these seven corridors is a top priority.

India’s Seven High Density Rail Corridors: Nationwide Coverage

  • The High Density Network (HDN) spans all four regions of India, consisting of seven highly saturated corridors:
    • Howrah–Delhi (1,422 km) - Only 31.34 km (just two sections) operate below 80% capacity. The entire remaining corridor is heavily saturated.
    • Howrah–Mumbai (2,039 km) - Only 85.2 km operates below 80% capacity. Most of this Golden Diagonal corridor faces high congestion due to intensive freight and passenger load.
    • Mumbai–Delhi (1,322 km) - One of the only two HDNs without any section exceeding 150% utilisation. The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) runs parallel, absorbing freight pressure.
    • Delhi–Guwahati (1,876 km) - A staggering 96% of the corridor operates above 80% utilisation. Faces both heavy passenger movement and significant freight demand.
    • Delhi–Chennai (2,037 km) - Nearly 52% of the corridor is running at 120–150% capacity, one of the highest saturation ratios in the network.
    • Howrah–Chennai (1,117 km) - 50% of this corridor operates at 120–150% utilisation, indicating tight capacity.
    • Mumbai–Chennai Corridor - Almost 90% of the corridor sees utilisation in the 80–120% range. This corridor remains extremely busy, with several sections nearing saturation.

Future Congestion Projections

  • The National Rail Plan warns that without major upgrades, HDN congestion will rise dramatically:
    • By 2051, no HDN section will operate below 100% capacity utilisation.
    • 92% of the HDN will exceed 150% utilisation, far beyond safe or efficient levels.

Near-Term Outlook: Heavy Overload by 2031

  • By 2031, the HDN is projected to be severely overstretched:
    • 50% of HDN will operate above 150% utilisation
    • 39% between 100–150%
    • Only 9% will remain within 70–100% capacity
  • This indicates that demand growth is outpacing infrastructure expansion.

Line Expansion: The Core Strategy for Decongestion

  • While multiple operational reforms help improve train movement, line expansion—doubling, tripling, quadrupling, and even penta/hexa lining—is the most critical decongestion measure.

Recent Progress in Line Expansion

  • Indian Railways has aggressively expanded capacity:
    • 1,983 km completed in 2021–22
    • 3,185.5 km in 2022–23
    • 2,244 km in 2023–24
    • 2,900+ km in 2024–25
  • This is helping, but far more expansion is needed given HDN congestion levels.

Role of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)

  • The Eastern DFC (fully operational) and Western DFC (96.4% complete) are expected to divert freight traffic away from HDN, freeing capacity for passenger trains.
  • This is one of the most impactful steps in reducing HDN load.

Source: IE | HT

High Density Network Rail Corridors FAQs

Q1: What is the High Density Network (HDN)?

Ans: The HDN consists of India’s busiest passenger–freight corridors, covering 11,051 km, where 95% of sections operate above optimal capacity, causing delays and efficiency losses.

Q2: Why is HDN expansion considered urgent?

Ans: By 2051, projections show no HDN section operating below 100% capacity, and 92% exceeding 150%, making decongestion essential for future rail reliability and growth.

Q3: Which are India’s seven High Density Corridors?

Ans: The corridors include Howrah–Delhi, Howrah–Mumbai, Mumbai–Delhi, Delhi–Guwahati, Delhi–Chennai, Howrah–Chennai, and Mumbai–Chennai, spanning all regions of the country.

Q4: What strategies is Railways using to decongest HDN routes?

Ans: Key strategies include doubling, tripling, quadrupling, and multi-tracking lines, alongside capacity expansion through Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors.

Q5: What upgrades are proposed under the National Rail Plan?

Ans: The plan recommends converting most HDN corridors to triple or quadruple lines, especially HDN 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, to handle rising passenger and freight demand.

Health and National Security Cess on Demerit Goods

December 5, 2025
Demerit Goods

Demerit Goods Latest News

  • The Union Finance Minister recently introduced the Health Security Se National Security Cess Bill, 2025 in Parliament, clarifying that the proposed cess will apply only to demerit goods such as pan masala and will not affect essential commodities.

Health and National Security Cess 

  • The proposed cess marks a new fiscal instrument designed to raise dedicated funds for two domains the government considers critical, health and national security. 
  • It will be levied exclusively on demerit goods, especially those associated with high public health risks, such as pan masala.
  • According to the Finance Minister, these goods impose substantial health burdens on society, and the cess serves a dual purpose: discouraging consumption and generating revenue for public welfare. 
  • The government has emphasised that no essential household goods will attract this cess, ensuring no inflationary impact on everyday consumption. 

Key Features of the Proposed Cess

  • Cess Applicable Only on Demerit Goods
    • The cess will apply on specified goods linked to significant health risks, such as pan masala, which has long been under scrutiny due to its public health impacts.
    • The government clarified that the cess is not consumption-based; rather, it will be imposed on a capacity-based, machine-linked system in manufacturing units. 
    • Each factory’s liability will depend on its installed machinery and production processes. 
    • This structure aims to reduce tax evasion and bring transparency to sectors historically difficult to regulate. 
  • Revenue Sharing with States
    • A notable aspect is that a portion of revenue collected will be shared with states, specifically for health awareness initiatives and health-related schemes.
    • This is an important deviation from traditional cesses, which are generally not shareable with states, a point that has drawn federalism-related criticism in the past. 
    • By explicitly providing for shared revenue, the Centre aims to strengthen cooperative fiscal federalism. 
  • No Adverse Impact on GST System
    • The Minister clarified that the cess will not interfere with GST revenue sharing or GST Council mechanisms. For example:
    • Pan masala currently attracts 28% GST + compensation cess.
    • The proposed cess is independent of GST and relates instead to production capacity.
    • It ensures no disruption of the GST compensation framework. 

Objectives Behind the Cess

  • Dedicated Resource for National Priorities
    • The Bill’s stated purpose is to augment resources for national security and public health expenditure, two high-priority domains with rising fiscal demands. 
    • The government argued that linking revenue collection directly to demerit goods enhances both accountability and predictability in funding. 
  • Deterrence Through Targeted Taxation
    • By taxing goods associated with lifestyle health risks, the cess intends to act as a disincentive, similar to the rationale behind “sin taxes” in public finance. 
    • The Minister noted that the cess is intended to impose a social cost on harmful products to reduce their usage over time.

Concerns and Criticisms Raised in Parliament

  • Burden on MSMEs
    • Opposition members argued that capacity-based taxation could hurt small manufacturing units, especially MSMEs, which may struggle with compliance and cost burdens. 
    • They claimed the system may disproportionately affect smaller players who lack the capital to upgrade machinery or navigate bureaucratic procedures. 
  • Fear of ‘Inspector Raj’
    • Concerns were raised that capacity-based cesses could lead to increased inspection and regulatory oversight, potentially reviving the spectre of “inspector raj.” 
    • Members feared this could open the door to harassment, rent-seeking, and operational disruptions in smaller factories. 
  • Debate over Alternative Approaches
    • Some MPs argued that if the intent is to curb harmful consumption, outright bans, as seen in Bihar for pan masala, would be a more effective strategy. 
    • Others criticised the government for relying increasingly on cesses, calling it “cessification of governance.” 

Government’s Defence and Rationale

  • The Treasury benches strongly defended the Bill, highlighting:
    • Transparency in revenue utilisation, claiming that this is the first legislation explicitly committing to tracing the use of every rupee collected from demerit goods.
    • National interest, asserting that funding for health and security should receive unanimous support.
    • Reduction in tax evasion, especially in the pan masala sector, due to machine-linked assessment.

Source: TH | IE

Demerit Goods FAQs

Q1: On which goods will the Health and National Security Cess be levied?

Ans: It will be applied only on demerit goods such as pan masala, not on essential commodities.

Q2: Will the cess affect GST revenues?

Ans: No, the cess is outside the GST framework and does not impact GST collections or sharing.

Q3: How will the revenue from the cess be used?

Ans: Revenue will fund national security and public health and will be shared with states for health schemes.

Q4: Why is the cess capacity-based?

Ans: A machine-linked, capacity-based method aims to reduce tax evasion in sectors like pan masala production.

Q5: What are the main criticisms of the proposed cess?

Ans: Concerns include burdening MSMEs, increasing bureaucratic interference, and over-reliance on cesses.

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