PIB Summary- 5th April, 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

INDIA AS TOP MARITIME NATION

Context

India seeks to emerge as a global maritime power by expanding port capacity, promoting green technologies, and enacting key legislative and policy reforms.

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.

Cabinet approves “Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) for financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29

Context

Vibrant Villages Programme-II aims to develop border villages for security, infrastructure, and livelihood enhancement.

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.