The recruitment process for a civil servant in India typically involves a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The most common route is through the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is used to select candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

• Objective: The first stage is a screening test to select candidates for the Mains exam.
• Format: It consists of two objective-type papers:
  • General Studies Paper I: Covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and current affairs.
  • General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Tests logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and basic numeracy.
• Duration: Each paper is 2 hours long.
• Scoring: Only the marks of Paper I are considered for qualifying for the Mains exam, while Paper II is qualifying in nature (requiring 33% to pass).

Main Examination (Mains)

• Objective: This stage assesses the candidate's in-depth knowledge and understanding of various subjects.
• Format: It consists of nine papers, of which seven are counted for ranking, and two are qualifying in nature:
  • Qualifying Papers:
    • Indian Language (selected by the candidate)
    • English
  • Papers Counted for Merit:
    • Essay
    • General Studies I: Indian heritage, culture, history, and geography.
    • General Studies II: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations.
    • General Studies III: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
    • General Studies IV: Ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
    • Optional Paper I and II: A subject chosen by the candidate from the list of optional subjects.
• Scoring: The marks obtained in these seven papers determine the candidate’s rank.

Personality Test (Interview)

• Objective: The final stage is to assess the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in public service.
• Format: Conducted by a panel of experts, the interview involves questions on current affairs, personal background, and general knowledge.
• Scoring: It carries 275 marks.

Final Ranking

• The marks obtained in the Mains exam (including the essay and optional papers) and the interview are combined to produce the final merit list.
• Based on their rank in this list, candidates are allocated to various civil services and cadres.

Training

• Successful candidates undergo training at respective academies, such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for IAS officers, to prepare them for their roles in public service.

• The concept of lateral entry was initially introduced by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and received strong support from the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005. The Second ARC was tasked with recommending reforms to improve the efficiency, transparency, and citizen-friendliness of India's administrative system
• In its 10th Report, titled "Refurbishing of Personnel Administration: Scaling New Heights," the commission highlighted the need for changes in personnel management within civil services.
• One of its main recommendations was to implement lateral entry into higher government positions that require specialized knowledge and skills.
• The ARC identified that certain roles in government necessitated expertise not readily available within the traditional civil service and suggested recruiting professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings to fill these gaps
• The ARC proposed creating a talent pool of professionals for short-term or contractual government roles, bringing in fresh perspectives and advanced expertise in fields like economics, finance, technology, and public policy.
• It stressed the need for a transparent, merit-based selection process for lateral entrants and recommended establishing a dedicated agency to manage their recruitment and integration. The ARC also emphasized that while integrating lateral entrants, it was crucial to uphold the integrity and ethos of the civil services
• The First ARC, set up in 1966 under Morarji Desai, who later served as Prime Minister, laid the foundation for discussions on the need for specialized skills in the civil services. Although it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry, it stressed professionalization, training, and reforms in personnel management to address the evolving challenges of the nation
• The lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, recognizing the need for domain experts to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of India's administrative system.
• In 2018, the government announced vacancies for senior positions such as joint secretaries and directors, inviting applications from both private and public sector professionals for these roles.
• This initiative, influenced by the Second ARC's recommendations, effectively operationalized the concept of lateral entry, demonstrating a commitment to integrating specialized skills from outside the traditional civil service framework

Previous Year Questions   1.“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (UPSC CSE 2020)

 

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

 

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

 

 

1. Context

 The GDP is the central metric to assess the annual economic growth or the overall size of an economy and the ‘base year’ refers to the year that works as a starting point for calculations. At present, the base year is 2011-12.

 

2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

 

Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. It is often used as a measure of a country's economic health

GDP provides insight into the overall economic health of a nation and is often used for comparing the economic output of different countries.

There are three primary ways to calculate GDP:

1. Production Approach (GDP by Production): This approach calculates GDP by adding up the value-added at each stage of production. It involves summing up the value of all final goods and services produced in an economy.

2. Income Approach (GDP by Income): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the incomes earned in an economy, including wages, rents, interests, and profits. The idea is that all the income generated in an economy must ultimately be spent on purchasing goods and services.

3. Expenditure Approach (GDP by Expenditure): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the expenditures made on final goods and services. It includes consumption by households, investments by businesses, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).

3. Measuring GDP

GDP can be measured in three different ways:

1. Nominal GDP: This is the raw GDP figure without adjusting for inflation. It reflects the total value of goods and services produced at current prices.

2. Real GDP: Real GDP adjusts the nominal GDP for inflation, allowing for a more accurate comparison of economic performance over time. It represents the value of goods and services produced using constant prices from a specific base year.

3. GDP per capita: This is the GDP divided by the population of a country. It provides a per-person measure of economic output and can be useful for comparing the relative economic well-being of different countries.

The GDP growth rate is the percentage change in the GDP from one year to the next. A positive GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is growing, while a negative GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is shrinking

The GDP is a useful measure of economic health, but it has some limitations. For example, it does not take into account the distribution of income in an economy. It also does not take into account the quality of goods and services produced.

Despite its limitations, the GDP is a widely used measure of economic health. It is used by economists, policymakers, and businesses to track the performance of an economy and to make decisions about economic policy

4. Gross Value Added (GVA)

 

Gross Value Added (GVA) is a closely related concept to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is used to measure the economic value generated by various economic activities within a country. GVA represents the value of goods and services produced in an economy minus the value of inputs (such as raw materials and intermediate goods) used in production. It's a way to measure the contribution of each individual sector or industry to the overall economy.

GVA can be calculated using the production approach, similar to one of the methods used to calculate GDP. The formula for calculating GVA is as follows:

GVA = Output Value - Intermediate Consumption

Where:

• Output Value: The total value of goods and services produced by an industry or sector.
• Intermediate Consumption: The value of inputs used in the production process, including raw materials, energy, and other intermediate goods.

5. GDP vs GNP

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) are both important economic indicators used to measure the size and health of an economy, but they focus on slightly different aspects of economic activity and include different factors. Here are the key differences between GDP and GNP:

1. Definition and Scope:

   • GDP: GDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders, regardless of whether the production is done by domestic or foreign entities. It only considers economic activities that take place within the country.
   • GNP: GNP measures the total value of all goods and services produced by a country's residents, whether they are located within the country's borders or abroad. It takes into account the production of residents, both domestically and internationally.

2. Foreign Income and Payments:

   • GDP: GDP does not consider the income earned by residents of a country from their economic activities abroad, nor does it account for payments made to foreigners working within the country.
   • GNP: GNP includes the income earned by a country's residents from their investments and activities abroad, minus the income earned by foreign residents from their investments within the country.

3. Net Factor Income from Abroad:

   • GDP: GDP does not account for net factor income from abroad, which is the difference between income earned by domestic residents abroad and income earned by foreign residents domestically.
   • GNP: GNP includes net factor income from abroad as part of its calculation.

4. Foreign Direct Investment:

   • GDP: GDP does not directly consider foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into or out of a country.
   • GNP: GNP considers the impact of FDI on the income of a country's residents, both from investments made within the country and from investments made by residents abroad.

5. Measurement Approach:

   • GDP: GDP can be calculated using three different approaches: production, income, and expenditure approaches.
   • GNP: GNP is primarily calculated using the income approach, as it focuses on the income earned by residents from their economic activities.

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: GDP, GVA, FDI, GNP For Mains: 1.Discuss the recent trends and challenges in India's GDP growth 2.Examine the role of the service sector in India's GDP growth 3.Compare and contrast the growth trajectories of India's GDP and GNP

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2015) 1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (b) 2.A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following? (UPSC CSE, 2015) 1. Slowing economic growth rate 2. Less equitable distribution of national income Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (a) Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (UPSC CSE GS3, 2020) Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (UPSC CSE GS3, 2021)

 

Source: indianexpress

 

UNITED NATIONS OCEANS CONFERENCE (UNOC)

 

 

1. Context

 

The United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) concluded last week in France, with 56 of the necessary 60 countries ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also called the ‘High Seas Treaty.’

 

2. United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC)

 

• The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) is a high-level global event organized by the United Nations to mobilize action and partnerships for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14)
• The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) focused on fast-tracking efforts to safeguard the world's oceans. A primary aim was to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in parts of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdictions, thereby curbing excessive fishing and preventing deep-sea mining in these global commons.
• In parallel, the Convention on Biological Diversity urges nations to protect 30% of the world's coastal and marine zones by 2030. UNOC plays a critical role in advancing this target by encouraging countries to adopt the BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction).
• While 160 nations have signed the treaty, formal ratification—where countries align their domestic laws with the treaty’s provisions—remains a challenge. For the treaty to become legally effective, 60 ratifications are required, which would start a 120-day period before its enforcement.
• So far, 56 countries have ratified it. India has not yet ratified the treaty but has indicated that it is working towards doing so. The United States has also not ratified it.
• Once enacted, the treaty will lead to the creation of marine protected areas beyond national borders, introduce environmental impact assessments, manage marine genetic resources, and promote capacity-building for developing countries.
• The UN anticipates reaching 70 ratifications by September, aiming to hold the first Conference of Parties (COP) for BBNJ—similar to the annual COPs for climate change—by late 2026

 

3. What is the High Seas Treaty?

 

• The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, is a landmark international agreement aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas of the ocean that lie beyond any country's jurisdiction.
• These vast stretches of water, commonly referred to as the "high seas," make up nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans and are often considered a global commons—shared resources that no single nation owns or governs.
• For decades, these international waters have remained largely unregulated, leading to growing concerns over activities like overfishing, deep-sea mining, and unregulated marine genetic resource extraction.
• The High Seas Treaty seeks to fill this legal gap by introducing a framework to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters. These protected areas would help preserve fragile ecosystems, allow marine species to recover, and safeguard biodiversity from harmful human activities.
• A key feature of the treaty is its focus on environmental impact assessments. Before any large-scale activity—such as industrial fishing or seabed mining—can take place in these high seas areas, its potential effects on the marine environment must be thoroughly evaluated.
• Another important aspect is the equitable sharing of marine genetic resources, which are often harvested by developed countries for use in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and cosmetics. The treaty aims to ensure that the benefits derived from such resources are shared fairly, especially with developing nations.
• Capacity-building and technology transfer are also central to the treaty. It acknowledges that many developing countries lack the technical expertise or financial resources to monitor and protect marine biodiversity effectively.
• To address this, the treaty promotes international cooperation to support these countries through training, funding, and the sharing of scientific knowledge and technologies.
• To come into force, the treaty requires ratification by at least 60 countries. Once that threshold is met, a 120-day countdown begins before the treaty becomes legally binding.
• As of now, more than 160 countries have signed the treaty, showing broad global support. However, only a portion of these have completed the ratification process. Some major countries, including India and the United States, have yet to ratify the agreement, although India has stated that it is in the process of doing so.
• Once enforced, the treaty will lay the foundation for hosting regular Conferences of Parties (COPs), similar to those held for climate agreements, where member states will meet to review progress, adopt new regulations, and ensure compliance.
• This treaty is seen as a historic step toward protecting the high seas, balancing conservation with sustainable use, and promoting global equity in ocean governance

 

The most debated issue within the BBNJ treaty revolves around how to fairly distribute the benefits derived from marine resources. The high seas are home to unique and rare life forms, and although accessing them is technically difficult, there is still no clear agreement on how profits from their commercial use should be shared, since these waters do not fall under the ownership of any single nation. As the core goal of the treaty is to protect the ocean from uncontrolled exploitation, many environmental organizations argue that unless resource extraction is prohibited altogether, the long-term health of the oceans remains at serious risk

 

 

4. Achievements of UNOC

 

• The main highlight of the event was a series of voluntary pledges made by various countries and organizations to support ocean conservation. The European Commission announced a funding commitment of 1 billion euros aimed at promoting ocean science, sustainability in fishing, and marine protection efforts.
• French Polynesia declared its plan to establish the world’s largest marine protected area, encompassing its entire exclusive economic zone—around five million square kilometers. New Zealand promised over $52 million to enhance marine governance, scientific research, and management across the Pacific Islands.
• Germany unveiled a pioneering 100 million euro emergency initiative to remove old military munitions from the Baltic and North Seas. Meanwhile, 37 countries, led by Panama and Canada, launched the "High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean"—a groundbreaking international effort to combat ocean noise pollution. Italy pledged 6.5 million euros to improve Coast Guard monitoring of marine protected zones and oil platforms.
• Canada committed $9 million to the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, aiming to strengthen the climate resilience of Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable coastal nations using nature-based solutions. Spain announced its intention to create five additional marine protected areas, which would bring 25% of its maritime territory under protection.
• Additionally, a group of United Nations agencies introduced the "One Ocean Finance" initiative, a collaborative effort to mobilize substantial funding from blue economy sectors and ocean-based industries

 

 

For Prelims: UN high seas, UN high seas treaty, UNCLOS,  Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBJN), Exclusive Economic Zone, Territorial Waters. For Mains: 1. Discuss the significance of the Treaty of High Seas and explain how to save our high seas from overfishing and pollution.

 

 

Previous year Question 1. Concerning the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: ( UPSC 2022) A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from a baseline determined by the convention. Ships of all states, whether coastal or landlocked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above is correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer : D

 

Source: The Hindu

 

DIGIPIN

 

 

1. Context

 

The Indian government has launched a new digital address system called DIGIPIN, aiming to enable the precise identification of locations throughout the country. DIGIPIN is expected to streamline services such as last-mile delivery for e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart.

 

2. What is DIGIPIN?

 

 

• DIGIPIN is a distinctive ten-character alphanumeric identifier that can be assigned to any property spanning roughly 4 by 4 square meters within India. This allows for its application to nearly all property types—whether in urban neighborhoods, rural villages, or coastal and maritime zones.

• The Department of Posts has developed DIGIPIN’s core technology in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), which operates under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• The government has clarified that DIGIPIN is designed to be open-source, interoperable, and privacy-conscious. Each code is based solely on the property’s geographic coordinates, ensuring no personal data is embedded or stored in the system.

• Rather than replacing the existing six-digit PIN code, DIGIPIN is meant to complement it by providing a more precise location layer over traditional postal addresses.

• Alongside the launch of the digital tool “Know Your DIGIPIN,” the Department of Posts also introduced “Know Your PIN Code,” which aligns with the objectives of the National Geospatial Policy 2022. This initiative supports the modernization of India's postal addressing framework and geospatial infrastructure.

• The “Know Your PIN Code” web app uses GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) capabilities to help users pinpoint the correct PIN code based on their location and offer feedback for enhancing PIN code accuracy

 

3. What is a Postal Index Number (PIN)?

 

• The Postal Index Number (PIN) system was launched on August 15, 1972, with the goal of streamlining mail sorting and delivery in India. This system became essential in a country where numerous places share similar or identical names and where correspondence is often written in multiple languages.

• The PIN code consists of six digits. The first digit identifies the postal zone—such as North, South, East, or West—with the digit 9 reserved for the Army Postal Service. The second digit specifies the sub-region, while the third digit points to the specific sorting district. The last three digits further refine the address by indicating the exact post office responsible for delivery.

• The introduction of the PIN system was led by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, who served as an additional secretary in the Union Ministry of Communications and was a senior figure on the Posts and Telegraphs Board

 

4.What is NAKSHA?

 

 

• In the Union Budget 2025, the government introduced the National Geospatial Mission, aimed at building essential geospatial infrastructure and datasets. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the initiative, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti framework, would help advance the modernization of land records, urban development, and infrastructure project design
• As part of this mission, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a new Central government project in February called ‘NAKSHA’—short for National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations
• This program is a city-level land survey initiative that falls under the broader Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It is led by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development, and is fully funded by the Central Government.
• As per the DoLR, the NAKSHA program seeks to develop a detailed and precise geospatial database for urban land records. By combining aerial imagery, ground surveys, and GIS technology, the program aims to improve land governance, simplify property record management, and support effective urban planning.
• High-quality geospatial data will also aid in better decision-making, optimize land use, and provide more reliable and efficient property transactions

 

5. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 

 

• Regarding DIGIPIN’s precision, India Post noted that its accuracy largely depends on the quality and capability of the device used to capture the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates.

• GNSS operates through a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, constantly transmitting radio signals embedded with exact timing and positioning data. When a GNSS receiver—such as one found in smartphones—can access signals from at least four satellites, it determines its location using a method known as trilateration.

• To achieve worldwide coverage, a satellite network must consist of roughly 18 to 30 satellites strategically positioned in orbit. Multiple GNSS systems are maintained by different countries and unions. The most well-known among them are the GPS from the United States, Galileo from the European Union, GLONASS from Russia, and BeiDou from China. Additionally, certain regions operate their own localized systems, such as India’s NavIC and Japan’s QZSS, which cater to specific geographic zones rather than the entire globe.

• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is India’s regional GNSS. It is composed of eight satellites that provide navigational services across India and up to about 1,500 kilometers beyond its borders.

• The NavIC system offers two categories of services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for general public and commercial applications, and the Restricted Service (RS) reserved for military and strategic use, both covering the Indian mainland and adjacent areas

 

 

For Prelims: NavIC system , Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), National Geospatial Mission   For Mains: GS III - Science and technology

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018) 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 only     B. 1 and 2 only     C.  2 and 3 only        D. None   Answer: A   2. Full form of NavIC is : (CGPSC 2022)  A. Navigation without International Control B. Navigation with Indian Constellation C. Navigation with Indian Coastal D. Navigation with Indian Cooperation   Answer: B   3. ISRO is related to (SSC JE EE  2020)  A. space research B. agricultural research C. seed research D. marine research   Answer: A   4. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:  (UPSC  2018)  1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 only                  B. 2 and 3             C. 1 and 2                    D.  3 only   Answer: A   5. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used? (UPSC 2018) 1. Mobile phone operations 2. Banking operations 3. Controlling the power grids Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only    B. 2 and 3 only   C.  1 and 3 only      D.  1, 2 and 3   Answer: D

 

 Source: The Indian Express

 

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)

 

 

 

1. Context

 

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (18th June) announced a FASTag-based annual pass priced at Rs 3,000 for “hassle-free-highway travel”

 

2. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and FASTag

 

• FASTag is a digital toll payment mechanism jointly overseen by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The FASTag is typically affixed to a vehicle's windshield and was initially introduced in 2014 as a test initiative. It became compulsory for toll collection across all national highways in 2021.

• The system operates using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which enables interaction between the FASTag and electronic sensors at toll booths. As a vehicle passes through a toll gate, the toll fee is automatically debited from the associated bank account or digital wallet linked to the FASTag.

• RFID is a form of wireless identification that comprises tags and reading devices. It uses radio waves to relay details such as identification or status of an item or person to a nearby reader—either handheld or installed at fixed locations like structures or poles. These tags can include encrypted data, unique serial numbers, or brief descriptors. Some tags, particularly those used in the aviation sector, can store large volumes of data.

• RFID tags are categorized into three types: passive, semi-passive, and active. Active RFID tags have their own power source, typically a battery, allowing them to send signals periodically or when they detect a nearby reader. In contrast, passive RFID tags lack a power source and rely on the electromagnetic energy emitted by the reader to function. These passive tags are the type employed in the FASTag system. Semi-passive tags have internal circuitry and power, but still depend on the reader’s signal to respond.

• RFID systems function through an antenna and a microchip, which together communicate with a reader by emitting radio signals. These systems operate at various frequency bands including low (LF), high (HF), and ultra-high frequencies (UHF). The signals received from the tags are then decoded into usable information by a computer system

 

3. ANPR FASTag System (AFS)

 

ANPR FASTag System (AFS) is an advanced toll collection mechanism that integrates Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with the existing FASTag infrastructure to enable seamless and contactless toll payment.

Unlike traditional FASTag systems, where RFID tags on a vehicle's windshield are scanned by sensors at toll plazas, AFS uses high-resolution cameras to automatically read vehicle registration numbers. These cameras are equipped with software that captures and processes images of license plates as vehicles approach toll booths or designated gantries.

The ANPR system cross-verifies the vehicle’s registration details with the FASTag database, which includes the vehicle’s number and linked payment account. Once a match is found, the toll amount is automatically deducted from the corresponding FASTag wallet or bank account—without requiring a physical RFID scan.

Key Features:

• Contactless Tolling: Vehicles don’t need to slow down or stop for RFID scanning.

• No Tag Dependency: Even if the FASTag is damaged or unreadable, the toll can still be collected using the vehicle’s number plate.

• Real-time Verification: AFS enhances enforcement by checking vehicle compliance (e.g., tag validity, blacklisted status) in real-time.

• Reduced Congestion: Faster vehicle movement through toll plazas due to camera-based number recognition.

 

4. Navigation with India Constellation (NavIC) system

 

 

• NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), officially known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is a satellite-based navigation network developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed to function independently and consists of seven satellites. Of these, three are positioned in geostationary orbit, while the remaining four occupy inclined geosynchronous orbits, catering to both civilian and military requirements.

• The concept of having India’s own satellite navigation system emerged after the 1999 Kargil conflict, during which India’s defence forces were denied access to the US-based GPS. In response, India launched its first satellite under this initiative, IRNSS-1A, on July 1, 2013.

• With the launch of IRNSS-1G on April 28, 2016, the seventh satellite in the series, ISRO declared the IRNSS constellation complete. However, from mid-2016 onward, several satellites experienced failures due to malfunctioning rubidium atomic clocks. Out of the 11 satellites launched under the ₹2,250 crore NavIC project (including replacements), only five are currently fully functional, according to ISRO.

• NavIC delivers two distinct services: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for general and commercial users, and the Restricted Service (RS), which is encrypted and intended solely for military and strategic applications. These services cover the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas.

• Although global satellite systems such as GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), BeiDou (China), and QZSS (Japan) are available, India pursued its own navigation system to ensure uninterrupted and reliable service, especially for defence operations where strategic autonomy is crucial.

5. Applications of RFID Technology

 

• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology has become increasingly prevalent across numerous industries due to its ability to automatically identify and track objects, animals, and people using electromagnetic fields. Here are the key applications:
• RFID tags enable real-time inventory tracking, reducing stockouts and overstocking. Major retailers use RFID to monitor product movement from warehouses to store shelves, automatically updating inventory systems. This technology also powers anti-theft systems and enables faster checkout processes through bulk scanning
• The technology provides end-to-end visibility in supply chains, allowing companies to track shipments, monitor temperature-sensitive goods, and verify authenticity. RFID helps optimize warehouse operations through automated sorting and reduces manual scanning errors in distribution centers
• Hospitals use RFID for patient identification, medication tracking, and equipment management. The technology helps prevent medical errors by ensuring patients receive correct medications and dosages. It also tracks expensive medical equipment and monitors the location of patients, particularly those with conditions like dementia.
• RFID-enabled key cards and badges control building access, replacing traditional keys. The technology provides detailed audit trails of who accessed which areas and when, enhancing security in corporate buildings, government facilities, and residential complexes
• Electronic toll collection systems like E-ZPass use RFID to automatically charge vehicles passing through toll booths. Public transportation systems employ RFID in contactless payment cards for buses, trains, and subways.

 

For Prelims: NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) For Mains: GS III - Science and Technology

 

Source: Indianexpress