PIB Summary- 31th October, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) Model

Context
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently awarded two highway monetisation projects worth Rs 6,584 in the toll, operate, and transfer (TOT) mode.

Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) Model

• CCEA Authorization: In 2016, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) authorized the NHAI to monetize public-funded national highway projects through the TOT model.
• Purpose: The TOT model aims to monetize operational public-funded projects by assigning fee collection rights to concessionaires against an upfront lump sum payment.

Encouraging Private Participation

• Private Involvement: The TOT model is designed to promote private sector participation in the highway sector, enhancing infrastructure development and management.

Model Mechanics

• Bidding Process: Operational projects, in service for two years, are offered for bidding.
• Concession Period: Concessionaires (developers or investors) are granted a predetermined 30-year period for fee collection and appropriation.
• Toll Revenue Basis: Assignment of rights is based on the toll revenue potential of selected national highway projects.
• O&M Obligations: Concessionaires are responsible for project Operation & Maintenance (O&M) throughout the concession period.
• Transparent Procurement: Concessionaires are selected through a transparent and uniform procurement process within an approved framework.

Utilization of Proceeds

• Fund Utilization: The model generates a corpus, which the government can use to fund future highway development and O&M, even in less economically viable areas.
• Meeting Infrastructure Needs: It supports the government in addressing highway infrastructure needs, including those in less lucrative regions.

Exercise KAZIND-2023

Context
Recently, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force contingent, comprising 120 personnel, departed to take part in the Joint Military ‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’ which will be conducted at Otar, Kazakhstan, from October 30th to November 11th, 2023.

Exercise KAZIND-2023

• 7th Edition: This is the 7th iteration of the Kazind exercise.
• Inception: The Joint Exercise between India and Kazakhstan began as ‘Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK’ in 2016.
• Upgrade to Company-Level: After the second edition, it was elevated to a company-level exercise and renamed ‘Exercise KAZIND’.
• Bi-Service Exercise: In this edition, the exercise has been further upgraded to a Bi-service Exercise, including the Air Force component.

Focus and Activities

• Counter Terrorism Operations: The current edition focuses on practicing Counter Terrorism operations within a sub-conventional environment under a United Nations mandate.
• Tactical Drills: Contingents will jointly rehearse various tactical drills, including Raid, Search and Destroy Operations, Small Team Insertion and Extraction operations, etc.
• Counter Unmanned Aerial System Operations: The exercise scope also encompasses Counter Unmanned Aerial System Operations.

Significance

• Mutual Insight: Provides both sides with the opportunity to gain insight into each other’s tactics, battle drills, and procedures, essential for operations under the United Nations.
• Skill Development: Joint training develops the necessary skills, resilience, and coordination for conducting military operations in semi-urban and urban environments.
• Skill Exchange: Allows both sides to practice a wide range of combat skills and learn from each other.
• Knowledge Sharing: Provides a platform for the contingents to exchange views and share best practices.