Barrier-Free Toll Collection System Launched in Gujarat
- Context: India’s first multi-lane, barrier-free toll collection system was launched in the state of Gujarat .
- This new service has been introduced at the Choryasi toll plaza, located along the Surat-Bharuch stretch of National Highway-48.
- Under this system, vehicles are not required to stop to pay toll fees.
- By integrating modern technologies including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics, and FASTag toll fees will be collected via cameras and QR codes while the vehicle is still in motion.
10th National Health Summit
- Context: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare inaugurated the 10th National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future
Purpose of the Summit
- Promote inclusive, accessible, and affordable healthcare.
- Encourage innovation, cross-learning, and replication of best practices.
- Strengthen a responsive and efficient public health system.
Major Health Achievements
- Institutional deliveries increased: 79% → 89%.
Decline in
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
- Under-5 mortality (↓79%)
- Infant mortality (↓73%)
Disease control milestones
- Polio-free (2014)
- Neonatal tetanus eliminated (2015)
- Trachoma no longer a public health issue
- Tuberculosis incidence declining faster than global average (92% treatment coverage).
Swasth Bharat Portal
- Single integrated platform for multiple health programmes.
-
- Reduces multiple logins & data duplication.
- Supports data visualisation and planning.
- Integrated with Ayushman Bharat Health Account under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
JANANI Portal
- Full form: Journey of Antenatal, Natal & Neonatal Integrated Care.
- Focus on RMNCH (maternal & child health).
Features:
- Lifecycle-based tracking
- Identification of high-risk pregnancies
- Real-time data for timely intervention
Capacity Building Initiative
- Integrated Training for Primary Healthcare Teams
- Combines multiple trainings into one structured programme.
- Delivered via iGOT Karmayogi.
Focus on:
- Prevention → Detection → Treatment → Follow-up
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0
-
- Upgrade of 2013 framework.
- Focus on 4Ds: Defects, Diseases, Deficiencies, Developmental delays
- One of the largest child health screening programmes globally.
Key features:
- Expanded coverage (including childhood NCDs)
- Digital tracking & monitoring
- Improved referral and follow-up systems
Significance
- Strengthens primary healthcare and digital health ecosystem.
- Promotes innovation, inclusivity, and quality improvement.
- Advances vision of Viksit Bharat through a resilient health system.
MoRTH Tightens Norms for HAM Projects to Prevent Catastrophic Failures
- Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced stricter disqualification rules for Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) projects.
- Circular issued on April 29, 2026 to improve construction quality and safety in national highways.
About HAM Model
- A type of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Government pays:
- 40% of project cost during construction
- 60% as annuity payments during operation period
Key Provisions Introduced
- Bidders involved in catastrophic failures due to construction defects in the last 2 years may be disqualified.
- Applicable to both ongoing and completed projects.
- Minus 30 marks for catastrophic failure in bid evaluation.
- Bidders must submit an undertaking confirming no involvement in such failures (including consortium members).
Definition of Catastrophic Failures
- Collapse of bridges, flyovers, underpasses
- Embankment or pavement failure affecting usability
- Collapse of launching girder/staging causing fatalities
- Tunnel collapse or people trapped >72 hours
- Failure of Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC)
Significance
- Acts as a strong deterrent against poor construction practices.
- Enhances quality, safety, and accountability in highway infrastructure.
- Aims to reduce accidents, structural failures, and long-term repair costs.
