Current Affairs, 20 January 2026

Launch

OSOP was launched in 2022.

Coverage

As of 19 January 2026, outlets exist at 2,002 stations, with 2,326 outlets operational.

Beneficiaries

More than 1.32 lakh people have gained direct economic opportunities since launch.

Implementing body

The scheme is run by the Ministry of Railways through Indian Railways.

Link to policy

The release presents OSOP as an example of 'Vocal for Local'.

Don’t confuse with OSOP vs ODOP: One District One Product (ODOP) is a district-level scheme to promote a signature product from each district. OSOP is a railway scheme tied to a station.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2019Mains GS1 · Q6Can regional resource-based manufacturing help promote employment in India?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Unpaid user fee defined

The rules define it as the fee for a National Highway section where the ETC system recorded the vehicle's passage but the fee was not received under the National Highways Act, 1956.

NOC blocked

An NOC for transfer of ownership or transfer of a vehicle to another State will not be granted until unpaid user fee is cleared.

Fitness and permit

A Certificate of Fitness cannot be renewed or generated with dues pending. Commercial vehicles seeking a National Permit must have no unpaid user fee.

Form 28

Form 28 now requires disclosure of any pending unpaid user fee demand. Relevant portions can be issued electronically through the designated online portal.

Draft stage

Draft rules were published in the Gazette on 11 July 2025 to invite suggestions from stakeholders and the public.

MLFF link

The rules will support fee collection once Multi-Lane Free Flow, barrier-less tolling, is implemented.

Don’t confuse with Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 vs CMV Rules, 1989: The Act is the parent law passed by Parliament. The Rules are subordinate legislation made by the Central Government under it.

Don’t confuse with National Highways Act, 1956 vs Fee Rules: The 1956 Act is the source of the user fee. The CMV amendment only links its non-payment to vehicle services.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2024Mains GS3 · Q6Technology for electronic highway toll collection; advantages, limitations, hazards.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Who sets limits

The Jute Commissioner issued the original limits by notification dated 18.12.2025, which are now revised.

Limit for balers

Balers with a baling press on premises may hold at most 1,200 quintals at any time.

Limit for mills

Jute mills and processing units may hold up to 45 days' consumption at current production rates.

Reporting duty

All stocking entities must declare and update stock positions every fortnight on the Jute SMART portal.

Don’t confuse with Jute Commissioner vs Jute Corporation of India: The Jute Commissioner is the regulator and adviser under the Ministry of Textiles. The Jute Corporation of India buys jute at MSP as the price support agency.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2024Mains GS3 · Q14Importance and storage challenges of buffer stocks for price stability
2. 2014Mains GS3 · Q3Critically examine APMCs' role in impeding agriculture and food inflation
3. 2019Mains GS3 · Q13Reformative steps to make food grain distribution system more effective

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.