05 April 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. INDIA AS TOP MARITIME NATION
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2118870 )
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India’s Strategy to Become a Leading Maritime Power
- The government is working to increase the country’s port capacity from 2,600 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 10,000 MTPA by the year 2047.
- It plans to build new ports with deeper drafts and increase the depth of existing ports to handle larger ships.
- Port clusters and transshipment hubs will be developed to improve logistics and efficiency.
- The focus is also on developing automated ports using modern technologies.
- Private sector participation and strong policy support are important parts of this strategy.
Legal Reforms to Boost Maritime Sector
- Several key laws have been introduced to modernize maritime operations, including:
- Major Port Authorities Act, 2021
- Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021
- Inland Vessels Act, 2021
- Recycling of Ships Act, 2019
- National Waterways Act, 2016
- Policies like the Relaxation of Cabotage Rules and Captive Policy support industrial port use.
- Guidelines also address issues in stressed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) port projects.
Focus on Green and Global Maritime Goals
- The Green Tug Transition Programme encourages eco-friendly tugboat operations to reduce carbon emissions.
- Guidelines like HaritSagar and Harit Nauka promote green technologies at ports and inland vessels.
- India engages in global maritime summits and policy discussions to align with international standards.
| Practice Question: Discuss the strategic steps taken by the Indian government to position the country as a leading maritime power by 2047. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. Cabinet approves “Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) for financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2118731 )
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About Vibrant Villages Programme-II:
- The Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% central funding.
- It aims to develop villages along international land borders (ILBs), excluding the Northern border already covered under VVP-I.
Coverage and Duration
- It will be implemented till FY 2028-29 with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore.
- The programme covers strategic villages in 18 States/UTs.
Key Objectives
- It aims to improve living conditions, provide livelihoods, and promote safe and prosperous borders.
- It encourages people in border villages to become eyes and ears of border forces.
Major Interventions
- Funds will be used for village infrastructure, tourism, education (SMART classes), and sustainable livelihoods.
- All-weather roads, telecom, TV, and electrification will be ensured through convergence.
Implementation and Monitoring
- Village Action Plans will guide implementation with community participation.
- A High-Powered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary will ensure effective coordination.
