Q: Which GS Paper does Economy & Development fall under for UPSC?

Economy & Development topics are covered under GS2 in the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus. Current affairs on Economy & Development are regularly tested in UPSC examinations and require understanding of both policy dimensions and current developments.

Q: How is this current affair relevant for UPSC Mains answer writing?

For UPSC Mains, "From October 1, Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for Booking General Reserved Tickets Online via IRCTC Website/App During First 15 Minutes to Benefit Common End User and Prevent Misuse by Unscrupulous Elements" can be linked to GS2 questions on Economy & Development. Focus on the causes, government response, challenges, and way forward. Use data points and connect it with relevant schemes and constitutional provisions for a high-scoring Mains answer.

From October 1, Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for Booking General Reserved Tickets Online via IRCTC Website/App During First 15 Minutes to Benefit Common End User and Prevent Misuse by Unscrupulous Elements

From 1 Oct 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for the first 15 minutes of online general reservation bookings on IRCTC, aiming to curb misuse and protect common users. The move highlights the push for digital authentication in public services, raising issues of privacy, inclusivity and transport policy.

Ministry of Railways From October 1, Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for Booking General Reserved Tickets Online via IRCTC Website/App During First 15 Minutes to Benefit Common End User and Prevent Misuse by Unscrupulous Elements No Change in Booking Timings of General Reserved Tickets at Computerized PRS Counters of Indian Railways No Change in 10-Minute Restriction of Opening of General Reservation for Authorized Ticketing Agents to Book Opening Day Reserved Tickets With a view to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach the common end user and are not misused by unscrupulous elements, it has been decided that, with effect from 01.10.2025, during the first 15 minutes of the opening of general reservation, reserved general tickets can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar-authenticated users. There shall, however, be no change in the timings of booking of general reserved tickets through computerized PRS counters of Indian Railways at present. There shall also be no change in the timings of the restriction of 10 minutes of the opening of general reservation during which authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways shall not be allowed to book opening day reserved tickets. ***** Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma (Release ID: 2166889) Visitor Counter : 2

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