1) National Science Day 2025: The Raman Effect and Its Impact on Science

GS 3: Science and Technology: National Science Day

Why is it in the news?

• National Science Day is observed in India on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928. Unlike many commemorative days linked to birth or death anniversaries, this day marks a scientific achievement.
• Raman’s discovery of light scattering earned him the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics, making him the only scientist to receive the award while working in India.

History of National Science Day

• In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication proposed the designation of February 28 as National Science Day. The Government of India approved the proposal, and the first celebration took place in 1987.
• The objective of this observance is to spread awareness about the importance of science and its applications. The theme for National Science Day 2025 is ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.’

Understanding the Raman Effect

• The Raman Effect refers to the phenomenon where light interacts with molecules of a material, causing some of the scattered light to change its wavelength and, consequently, its colour. This shift in wavelength provides insights into the molecular structure of the material.
• An everyday example of this effect is the blue colour of the ocean, which results from the scattering of sunlight by water molecules. Similarly, the blue sky is due to the scattering of sunlight by air molecules.

How Did C.V. Raman Discover the Effect?

• Born in 1888 in Trichy, Raman showed early scientific aptitude, earning a BA degree from Presidency College, Madras, at just 16. Though he initially worked as an assistant accountant general in Calcutta, he continued scientific research.
• By 1921, he had gained recognition for studying the vibrations and sounds of musical instruments like the veena, tabla, and mridangam.
• During a return voyage from London to Bombay aboard the SS Narkunda, Raman was struck by the blue colour of the Mediterranean Sea. This observation led him to investigate the scattering of light, culminating in his groundbreaking discovery.
• In his laboratory, Raman and his student K.S. Krishnan conducted experiments using a violet filter to isolate light, passing it through liquid samples and observing scattered light through a green filter. This confirmed the presence of light with altered wavelengths, proving the Raman Effect.

Applications of the Raman Effect

• The Raman Effect is a powerful tool for analyzing substances in solid, liquid, or gaseous states without altering them. By studying how light scatters, scientists can determine the structure and composition of a material.
• With the advent of lasers in the 1960s, the applications of the Raman Effect expanded significantly. In forensic science, it allows the analysis of illegal drugs without unsealing evidence bags.
• In material science, it helps researchers monitor chemical reactions, such as how paint hardens. Additionally, fibre-optic probes enable the safe analysis of hazardous materials like nuclear waste.

Conclusion

• The Raman Effect continues to be a crucial scientific principle with widespread applications in physics, chemistry, medicine, and industry, reinforcing the significance of National Science Day in promoting scientific awareness and innovation.

2) Melting Arctic Glaciers: A Hidden Source of Methane and Climate Risk

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Arctic Glaciers

Why is it in the news?

• A recent study has revealed that Arctic glaciers are releasing significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Researchers found that glacial melt rivers and groundwater springs act as pathways for methane trapped beneath the ice to escape.
• This previously unrecognized process may contribute to Arctic climate feedback, potentially accelerating global warming.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study analyzed methane emissions from a small valley glacier in central Svalbard called Vallåkrabreen. Researchers examined methane levels in both groundwater springs and the melt river draining from the glacier.
• Their findings were striking—methane concentrations in the melt river were up to 800 times higher than atmospheric equilibrium levels.
• Importantly, the methane released was not produced by microbial activity beneath the ice but originated from thermogenic sources. This methane had been trapped in ancient geological formations for millions of years.

Glacial Fracking: A New Concern

• According to researchers, glaciers function as giant lids that trap methane underground. However, as glaciers melt, water percolates through cracks in the bedrock, flushing the trapped gas to the surface in a process termed “glacial fracking.”
• This mechanism resembles natural fracking, where underground gases are extracted through pressure-induced cracks.

Methane’s Role in Global Warming

• Methane is a major driver of climate change, responsible for nearly 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times, second only to carbon dioxide.
• Over a 20-year period, methane is approximately 80 times more potent in trapping heat than carbon dioxide, as reported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Health and Environmental Risks

• Beyond its contribution to climate change, methane also plays a key role in the formation of ground-level ozone, a colourless and highly irritating gas.
• Exposure to ground-level ozone is linked to severe health risks, with studies estimating that it contributes to nearly 1 million premature deaths globally each year.

Rising Methane Levels

• Recent research has shown a dramatic rise in atmospheric methane levels. In 2022, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that methane levels had increased by 17 parts per billion in 2021, surpassing the previous record set in 2020.
• While carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for much longer, methane is approximately 25 times more effective at trapping heat, making it a critical factor in the short-term acceleration of climate change.

Conclusion

• Understanding the role of melting glaciers in methane emissions is crucial for assessing future climate risks, highlighting the urgent need for climate action to mitigate further warming.

3) Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ and the Global Debate on Golden Visas

GS 2: International Relations: U.S. Gold Card

Why is it in the news?

• US President Donald Trump has announced a new initiative allowing foreign investors to gain permanent residency in the US through a “Gold Card,” which provides Green Card privileges for a price of around $5 million. Trump emphasized that this program would attract wealthy individuals to the country.
• The concept of granting residency or citizenship to high-net-worth individuals in exchange for investment is not new, with over 100 countries implementing similar schemes. These programs, often referred to as “golden visas,” have been both praised and criticized.

What Are Golden Visas?

• Typically, individuals seeking immigration must meet educational or employment-based criteria, which can involve a lengthy and complex process. However, golden visas primarily require a significant financial contribution to the host country, such as investments in government bonds or real estate.
• According to Henley & Partners, a global firm specializing in residence and citizenship by investment, golden visas grant residence rights to vetted individuals in exchange for defined economic contributions. A related program, known as “citizenship by investment” or “golden passports,” grants full citizenship but is available in fewer countries.

Economic Benefits of Golden Visas

• Golden visas offer potential economic advantages for both investors and host countries. For investors, these programs serve as a safeguard against political and economic instability while enabling global mobility and residency rights in more favourable jurisdictions.
• For host nations, these schemes generate substantial revenue. For example, Saint Kitts and Nevis introduced its citizenship-by-investment program in 1984 to support its struggling economy following a decline in sugar prices.
• Similarly, Portugal launched a golden visa program in response to the 2008–09 financial crisis and the 2012 European debt crisis.

Countries Offering Golden Visas

• Over 100 countries have implemented golden visa programs, including more than 60% of European Union (EU) member states such as Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Malta, along with Australia, Canada, Italy, and the UK.
• A 2022 report by the University of Oxford’s Centre on Migration, Policy and Society highlighted the rapid expansion of these programs. It noted that an investment of $100,000 could secure citizenship in some Caribbean nations, while purchasing a second home in the Mediterranean could provide residency in EU states.
• In the Caribbean, these investments have supported the construction of high-end eco-resorts, boosting the tourism sector.

Criticism and Risks of Golden Visas

• Despite their economic benefits, golden visa programs have faced criticism over concerns of security, money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption. A 2019 European Commission report highlighted risks associated with individuals using these programs to evade law enforcement, protect assets, or engage in illicit activities.
• Notably, Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, accused of a ₹13,000 crore banking fraud, fled to Antigua and Barbuda after acquiring its citizenship through an investment program. Similarly, Nirav Modi, another key figure in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, reportedly resides in the UK under an investor visa.

Policy Reforms and Restrictions

• Several countries have revised or discontinued their golden visa programs due to security and economic concerns. The UK scrapped its Tier 1 Investor Visa in 2022 amid fears of illicit Russian money entering the country, particularly following tensions over the Ukraine war.
• Bulgaria has implemented stricter regulations, requiring applicants to provide a clean criminal record and proof of no ongoing criminal proceedings.
• In response to rising housing prices, countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, Greece, and Malta have either ended or tightened golden visa policies, while Spain announced plans to phase out its program to address its housing crisis.

Immigration Debate and Policy Contradictions

• The expansion of golden visa programs has also sparked debates on immigration policies. Trump’s initiative highlights a contradiction in US immigration policy, as his administration has taken a strong stance against undocumented immigrants while offering residency to wealthy individuals for a high price.
• Critics argue that this sends a clear message about the US government’s priorities regarding who is welcome in the country, particularly amid ongoing debates over H-1B visas for highly skilled workers, many of whom come from India.

4) Strengthening India-Europe Ties: A New Era of Strategic Partnership and Cooperation

GS 2: International Relations: India- Europe Relations

Why is it in the news?

• Amid growing strains in Europe-US relations, a high-level delegation from the European Commission College of Commissioners is visiting New Delhi for a two-day engagement.
• Led by the EC President, 22 out of 27 Commissioners are part of this significant visit, marking the first official trip outside Europe for the current College and the first-ever collective visit to India.
• Indian officials view this as a crucial phase in India-EU bilateral relations as both sides enter the third decade of their Strategic Partnership. The visit includes key meetings such as the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) discussions, bilateral engagements with Indian ministers, and leader-level summits.
• These interactions aim to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, green hydrogen, sustainable urbanisation, water management, resilient supply chains, defence, and space.

Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties

• India’s diplomatic engagement with Europe began in 1962 with the European Economic Community, the precursor to the European Union. Over the years, this relationship has strengthened through key agreements such as the 1993 Joint Political Statement and the 1994 Cooperation Agreement.
• In 2004, the partnership was elevated to a Strategic Partnership during the 5th India-EU Summit, reinforcing the commitment to deeper collaboration.
• Since the first summit in Lisbon in 2000, a total of 15 India-EU Summits have been held. PM Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have interacted at least seven times, including her official visit to India in April 2022, where she served as the Chief Guest at the Raisina Dialogue.
• Their engagements continued at the G20 Rio Summit in November 2024, and in January 2025, PM Modi further strengthened ties by speaking with European Council President Antonio Costa.

Expanding India-EU Initiatives

• The India-EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025, adopted in July 2020, has been instrumental in expanding bilateral ties.
• In May 2021, during the Leaders’ Meeting, India and the EU revived negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an investment agreement, and a Geographical Indications agreement. Additionally, they launched an ambitious Connectivity Partnership to enhance collaboration across various sectors.
• In 2022, both sides announced the establishment of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a strategic mechanism for cooperation in trade, trusted technology, and security.
• Similar to India’s partnerships with the US (Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies) and the UK (Technology Security Initiative), the TTC is structured around three key pillars: Digital and Strategic Technologies, Clean and Green Technologies, and Trade, Investments, and Resilient Supply Chains.
• The first ministerial-level TTC meeting took place in May 2023, and the second is scheduled for February 28, 2025, in New Delhi. Alongside economic and technological discussions, global security issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and shifting US policies under President Donald Trump, will be key topics on the agenda.

India-EU Trade and Investment Relations

• India and the EU have been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement for over 15 years. The economic rationale is strong, as the EU is India’s largest trading partner in goods. Over the past decade, bilateral trade has surged by 90%.
• In FY 2023-24, trade in goods stood at $135 billion, with Indian exports to the EU accounting for $76 billion and imports at $59 billion. The services trade in 2023 was valued at $53 billion, including $30 billion in Indian exports and $23 billion in imports.
• The EU is also a significant investor in India, with cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows amounting to $117.4 billion from April 2000 to September 2024, representing 16.6% of total FDI equity inflows. Conversely, Indian FDI outflows to the EU have reached approximately $40.04 billion during the same period.

Advancing Technology Cooperation

• The growing technology partnership between India and the EU has gained strategic importance, particularly in light of China’s rapid advancements. Science and technology cooperation is governed by the 2007 Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
• Key milestones include the signing of the Intent of Cooperation in High-Performance Computing (HPC) in November 2022 and the Memorandum of Understanding on semiconductor R&D in November 2023.
• In December 2023, the EU also participated in the Global Partnership on AI Summit held in New Delhi, highlighting increasing collaboration in critical technology sectors.

Green Energy and Sustainability Efforts

• Under the India-EU Green Hydrogen Cooperation initiative, India was the exclusive partner country at the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels in November 2024. The EU was also a major participant in the International Conference on Green Hydrogen held in New Delhi in September 2024.
• The European Investment Bank has pledged €1 billion in funding to support Indian hydrogen projects. Additionally, Indian and European companies are working together in the renewable energy and hydrogen sectors to establish a green hydrogen ecosystem in India by 2030.

Strengthening People-to-People Ties

• People-to-people engagement remains a crucial pillar of India-EU relations. The growing Indian diaspora in Europe includes students, researchers, and skilled professionals. Indian professionals received over 20% of all EU Blue Cards issued in 2023-24, making them the largest beneficiaries.
• Over the last two decades, more than 6,000 Indian students have been awarded Erasmus scholarships, placing them among the top recipients.
• Additionally, since 2014, over 2,700 Indian researchers have been funded under the EU’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme—more than any other nationality worldwide.

Defence and Space Cooperation

• India and the EU are intensifying their defence partnership, particularly in maritime security and Indo-Pacific stability through the ESIWA+ security programme. This is significant given China’s expanding maritime capabilities.
• The first-ever joint India-EU naval exercises took place in the Gulf of Guinea in October 2023. Defence cooperation extends to global security, disaster response, counter-terrorism, and anti-piracy operations.
• In the space sector, collaboration has deepened with the successful launch of the EU’s PROBA-3 mission by ISRO’s PSLV in December 2024. The European Space Agency (ESA) has also supported India’s Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions.
• Further cooperation is planned under the recently signed MoU between ISRO and ESA for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

Future Prospects

• The visit of the European Commissioners marks a pivotal moment in India-EU relations. As both sides navigate global challenges, their deepening cooperation across trade, technology, green energy, and defence underscores the growing strategic significance of this partnership.
• The upcoming TTC discussions and FTA negotiations will play a critical role in shaping future collaboration, ensuring that India and the EU remain key partners in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

5) Record Olive Ridley Nesting in Odisha

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Mass nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles

Why is it in the news?

• Nearly seven lakh Olive Ridley turtles laid eggs at the Rushikulya rookery in Odisha’s Ganjam district between February 16 and February 25, marking a significant conservation success.
• This mass nesting event, known as arribada, follows a gap in 2024 when no large-scale nesting occurred. In comparison, around 6.37 lakh turtles nested at the same site in 2023.

About Olive Ridley Turtles

• Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the smallest and most abundant sea turtles worldwide. They are named for their olive-green, heart-shaped shells and inhabit warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Growing up to two feet in length and weighing around 50 kg, their lifespan remains uncertain, though they reach maturity at about 14 years.
• Despite their large population, Olive Ridleys face a significant decline. The Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports a 50% reduction in their population since the 1960s.
• Key threats include egg collection, mass killing of nesting females, and unintentional entanglement in fishing gear, leading to drowning or severe injuries.

The Phenomenon of Arribada

• Olive Ridleys are best known for their synchronized mass nesting, or arribada (Spanish for “arrival”). This unique behaviour, exclusive to the Lepidochelys genus, involves thousands of females nesting simultaneously on select beaches. Unlike other turtles that may nest in groups, no other species exhibit such large-scale synchronized nesting.
• During an arribada event, over 600,000 females emerge over five to seven days to lay eggs. They create conical nests about one and a half feet deep using their hind flippers.

Major Arribada Sites

• Olive Ridleys nest solitarily across approximately 40 countries, but arribada occurs at only a few select sites.
• The largest mass nesting site is Odisha’s coast, particularly at Rushikulya and Gahirmatha, followed by nesting grounds in Mexico and Costa Rica. These sites provide ideal conditions with warm sandy beaches, a stable coastal ecosystem, and favourable weather.
• According to marine science experts, turtles prefer beaches with a mild slope, medium width, and low salinity. Favourable coastal conditions, such as lower wind speeds, moderate waves, and southwest currents, make Odisha’s beaches ideal for large congregations of turtles.

Reasons for the Record Nesting in 2025

• Experts attribute the record number of nesting Olive Ridleys this year to multiple factors, particularly weather and beach conditions.
• According to a divisional forest officer in Berhampur, the absence of rain in February, prevented beach erosion and maintained ample space for nesting near the river mouth. Additionally, the beach gradient—its slope from land to water—was lower this year, making it more accessible for nesting turtles.
• Moreover, a senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), confirmed that Rushikulya provided ample space for nesting, and similar mass nesting may soon occur at Gahirmatha.
• He also noted that since the nesting happened in mid-February, more eggs are likely to hatch successfully. Nesting later in the season, particularly in April, often results in higher egg losses due to rising temperatures and coastal erosion.

The Mystery of 2024’s Absence

• The absence of mass nesting in 2024 remains an unresolved ecological mystery. Experts explain that mass nesting is a biological phenomenon, and turtles sometimes skip nesting in certain years for unknown reasons.
• While scientists continue to study this pattern, the resurgence of arribada in 2025 offers hope for Olive Ridley conservation and highlights the importance of protecting Odisha’s coastal ecosystems.

6) Amir Khusrau: The Sufi Poet Shaping India’s Cultural Legacy

GS 1: Culture and History: Commemorating Amir Khusrau

Why is it in the news?

• At the 25th edition of Jahan-e-Khusrau, held at Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, PM Narendra Modi described the festival commemorating Amir Khusrau as reflecting the “fragrance of the soil of Hindustan.”
• Khusrau, often called Tuti-yi-Hind (Parrot of India), played a key role in shaping North India’s Ganga-Jamuni culture, contributing significantly to Indian classical music, qawwali, and the development of Hindavi, a precursor to Hindi and Urdu.

Khusrau: The ‘Indian Turk’

• Amir Khusrau’s father, a Central Asian immigrant, served under Sultan Iltutmish and married an Indian Muslim woman. Their son, Abu’l Hasan Yamin ud-Din Khusrau, was born in 1253.
• Proud of his mixed heritage, Khusrau referred to himself as an “Indian Turk,” symbolizing the synthesis of Persian and Indian cultures. While he is believed to have been born in Patiyali (Uttar Pradesh), his own writings do not confirm his birthplace.

A Poet for the Sultans

• Khusrau began his career as a professional poet at 20, serving at least five Delhi Sultans, including Alauddin Khalji and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. In medieval Islamic culture, poetry played a crucial role in establishing a ruler’s legitimacy.
• Writing in Persian and Hindavi, Khusrau received the title of ‘Amir’ from Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji. Historian Ziauddin Barani noted in Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi that Khusrau was highly esteemed in the royal court and even served as a keeper of the Qur’an.

Devotion to Nizamuddin Auliya

• Khusrau was deeply devoted to the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. The saint once said, “Khusrau is the keeper of my secrets, and I shall not set foot in Paradise without him.” Despite his ties to the royal court, Khusrau was equally revered at the Sufi khanqah (spiritual lodge). Both master and disciple passed away in 1325.
• Upon hearing of Nizamuddin’s death, Khusrau mourned, saying, “Beauty sleeps on the bed, her hair across her face. Come Khusrau, let’s go home, night has set over this place.”

Khusrau’s Lasting Influence

• Khusrau’s works continue to captivate audiences with their lyrical beauty and rich wordplay. His poetry covered themes ranging from royal eulogies to folk songs, riddles, and children’s rhymes, blending Persian, Turkic, and Indian influences.
• He praised Hindu scholars in Nuh Siphir, stating that their philosophical wealth was comparable to Rumi’s teachings.
• His compositions like Chhaap Tilak, Zehal-e-Maskeen, and Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson remain popular in both sacred and secular spaces, from Sufi dargahs to Bollywood music.
• He is also credited with shaping Indian classical music, contributing to the development of khayal, several ragas, and possibly inventing the sitar and tabla, though historical evidence is limited.

Conclusion

• Amir Khusrau remains a towering figure in India’s cultural history, bridging Sufi and courtly traditions, Persian and Indian influences, and Hindu-Muslim heritage.
• His contributions to literature, music, and philosophy continue to inspire, making him a true symbol of India’s pluralistic identity.

7) ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Captures First-Ever Image of a Solar Flare ‘Kernel’

GS 3: Science and Technology: India’s Solar Mission

Why is it in the news?

• India’s first dedicated solar mission, Aditya-L1, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as one of its scientific payloads captured the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’.
• The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) onboard the spacecraft successfully observed this phenomenon in the lower solar atmosphere, including the photosphere and chromosphere.

Unprecedented Solar Flare Detection

• On February 22, 2024, the SUIT payload detected an X6.3-class solar flare, one of the most powerful categories of solar eruptions. A key feature of this observation was SUIT’s ability to capture brightening in the Near Ultraviolet (NUV) wavelength range (200-400 nm), a level of detail never observed before.
• This discovery enhances our understanding of how energy from solar flares propagates through different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere.

Insights into Solar Physics

• ISRO noted that these findings confirm the direct link between flare energy deposition and the temperature changes in the solar corona, the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere.
• The localized brightening captured in the lower solar atmosphere corresponds directly with a temperature increase in the corona. This validates long-standing solar physics theories while also providing fresh data that could reshape our understanding of solar flares and their effects on space weather.

Aditya-L1 Mission and Its Achievements

• Launched on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 was successfully placed in a large halo orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point 1 (L1) on January 6, 2024.
• This vantage point allows the spacecraft to continuously observe the Sun without interruptions from Earth’s atmosphere, making it a crucial mission for studying solar activity and its impact on Earth.

8) Revamping India’s Maritime Sector

GS 3: Economy: Modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways has introduced several transformative initiatives to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure, enhance its global trade presence, and foster sustainable development.
• These efforts aim to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and position India as a leading maritime power.

Major Reforms

• Unified Port Operations (ONOP): This initiative seeks to create a standardized framework for port management across the country, reducing inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks.
• Sagar Ankalan – Port Performance Index (LPPI): A system to evaluate and improve port efficiency based on key indicators such as cargo movement and turnaround time.
• Bharat Global Ports Consortium: Designed to expand India’s global maritime network and strengthen international trade relations.
• MAITRI (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) App: A digital platform to simplify trade procedures, minimize bureaucratic delays, and enhance ease of doing business.
• India Maritime Week (October 27-31, 2025): A premier global event bringing together over 100 countries and 100,000 delegates to showcase India’s maritime advancements.

India’s Maritime Industry: A Growth Engine

• Strategic Location: Positioned along major global shipping lanes, India plays a crucial role in international trade.
• Trade Dominance: The maritime sector facilitates 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value, underlining its economic significance.
• Port Expansion: Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, major ports increased their cargo-handling capacity by 87.01%.
• Rising Exports: India’s merchandise exports surged to USD 451 billion in FY23, compared to USD 417 billion in FY22.
• Global Ranking: As the 16th-largest maritime nation, India is focusing on infrastructure expansion and fleet growth.

Key Challenges Hindering Growth

• Infrastructure Deficits: Outdated facilities and limited port capacity affect operational efficiency.
• Congestion Issues: Overcrowding at major ports leads to longer turnaround times and delays.
• Environmental Impact: Pollution from port activities and ships raises sustainability concerns.
• Logistical Barriers: Inadequate transport connectivity between ports, railways, and road networks disrupts smooth cargo flow.
• Intensified Global Competition: To remain competitive, India must continuously upgrade its maritime infrastructure.

Government Strategies for Maritime Development

• Sagarmala Programme: A comprehensive plan to enhance port infrastructure, improve connectivity, and boost coastal economic activities.
• Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030): A roadmap to position India among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030, incorporating over 150 sectoral initiatives.
• Expansion of Inland Waterways: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has identified 26 new national waterways to promote eco-friendly and cost-effective transport.
• Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP): A move to replace conventional fuel-powered tugs with environmentally sustainable alternatives at major ports by 2040.
• Sagarmanthan Dialogue: A high-level forum to discuss global maritime strategies and strengthen India’s position in international maritime affairs.
• Maritime Development Fund: A ₹25,000 crore fund dedicated to modernizing ports, expanding shipping infrastructure, and encouraging private sector investments.
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0): A restructured policy aimed at boosting Indian shipyards’ global competitiveness.

Conclusion

• India’s maritime sector is on a transformative path, driven by strategic policy measures and significant investments. The introduction of new initiatives, coupled with sustainable practices, is set to propel India towards becoming a global maritime leader.
• With a focus on modernization, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, the sector is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade and commerce.