PLASTICS AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body under Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with M/s APChemi Private Limited, Navi Mumbai (2025), for production and commercialization of purified pyrolysis oil to enable downstream production of circular plastics and sustainable chemicals.

• Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporations of Delhi in 2019 for setting up of a plant to convert waste plastic to diesel and tiles using technologies developed by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun and CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), Delhi.
• CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad has a technology for converting different plastic waste to value-added products such as green plasticizers, fuel oil, preparation of monomers and hydrogen. Agreements have been signed with, CDG Petchem Limited, Hyderabad; Clean Seas India Private Limited, Hyderabad; Khar Energy Optimiser, Hyderabad; Resqpol Private Limited, Hyderabad and KLJ Private Limited, Delhi.
• In order to foster indigenous technological advancements in sustainability, DST’s TDB has provided financial assistance for development of an integrated plant for the recovery of precious metals from E-waste, Jeweller’s waste, Automobile catalyst waste and also for setting up of a commercial plant for recycling Li batteries and E-waste using indigenous technology.
• CSIR had sanctioned Rs. 345 crores to its constituent laboratories in the last three years for 15 projects supported under different categories to foster indigenous technological advancements in sustainability.
• Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has setup 18 Centres of Excellences (CoE) to promote research on recycling process technologies, development of eco-friendly processes and products to minimize waste generation, reduce energy consumption, utilize renewable feedstocks, development of biodegradable and bio-based chemicals for various applications, etc.
• Government of India has undertaken several steps across ministries to establish a self-reliant circular economy, generate employment and reduce dependence on imported crude oil, as detailed below:
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF& CC) has issued Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, mandating recycling and reuse. The ban on single-use plastics (effective from 2022) encourages alternative materials and reducing petroleum-based imports.
• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP& NG) are scaling up biofuel production, reducing crude oil imports and creating rural jobs in biomass supply chains.
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has setup Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) nationwide, employing thousands in waste segregation and recycling, while promoting circularity in plastics.
• DST through Waste Management Technologies (WMT) program, has been supporting research and innovation on circular economy with potential to ameliorate the environmental load from the huge amount of residuals generated by industrial development and consumption lifestyle.
• These efforts are collectively building self-reliant circular economy and alsohelping generation of employment.

Sagarmala Programme

• The Sagarmala Programme, launched in March 2015, is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, aimed at revolutionizing India’s maritime sector.
• With a 7,500 km coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and a strategic position on key global trade routes, India holds immense potential for port-led economic growth. Sagarmala aims to streamline logistics, reduce costs, and enhance international trade competitiveness by shifting from traditional, infrastructure-heavy transport to efficient coastal and waterway networks.
• The program focuses on port modernization, industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable coastal development, ensuring minimal infrastructure investment while maximizing economic impact.
• The Sagarmala Programme is a key pillar of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), driving India''s ambition to become a global leader in maritime affairs. Building on Maritime India Vision 2030, MAKV sets ambitious targets, including 4 million GRT of shipbuilding capacity and 10 billion metric tons of port handling annually, aiming to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
• Formulated through 150+ stakeholder consultations and an analysis of 50 global benchmarks, MAKV outlines over 300 strategic initiatives to develop world-class ports, expand coastal and inland waterways, and promote a sustainable Blue Economy. As a core enabler, Sagarmala plays a transformative role in enhancing logistics, infrastructure, and shipping, accelerating India''s maritime growth by 2047.

Current Status of the Sagarmala Programme

• As part of the Sagarmala Programme, around 839 projects, estimated to cost around 5.79 lakh crores, have been identified for implementation. Central ministries, IWAI, Indian Railways, NHAI, State Governments, Major Ports, and other relevant organizations implement these projects. As of 19^th March 2025, 272 projects have been completed, which account for an investment of approximately 1.41 lakh crores.

 Achievements of the Sagarmala Programme

• Sagarmala has made India’s ports faster, boosted the coastal economy, revived inland waterways, and improved global logistics rankings. Coastal shipping grew 118% in a decade, Ro-Pax ferries moved over 40 lakh passengers, and inland waterway cargo rose 700%. Nine Indian ports rank in the world’s top 100, with Vizag in the top 20 container ports. Indian ports now outperform many advanced maritime nations on key metrics.

New additions to the Sagarmala Programme

• Sagarmala 2.0
• The Government of India is advancing the Sagarmala Programme with Sagarmala 2.0, focusing on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and port modernization to enhance India''s maritime competitiveness.
• With a budgetary support of ₹40,000 crore, the initiative aims to leverage investments of ₹12 lakh crore over the next decade, driving infrastructure development, coastal economic growth, and job creation. Aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047, Sagarmala 2.0 will accelerate port-led development and strengthen India''s position as a global maritime leader.

Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2)

• Launched on March 19^th 2025, the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) is a transformative program designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s maritime sector. S2I2 supports startups in green shipping, smart ports, maritime logistics, shipbuilding technology, and sustainable coastal development by providing funding, mentorship, and industry partnerships.
• Anchored in the principles of RISE—Research, Innovation, Startups, and Entrepreneurship- S2I2 will drive technological advancements, enhance industry competitiveness, and accelerate economic growth. Together with Sagarmala 2.0, this initiative reinforces India’s commitment to maritime excellence and sustainable coastal development, paving the way for a globally competitive and future-ready maritime ecosystem.

Objectives of the Sagarmala Programme

• With a strategic focus on port modernization, connectivity, industrialization, and skill development, the Sagarmala Programme is also unlocking new avenues for economic expansion, positioning India as a global maritime powerhouse. Sagarmala''s vision can have a potentially transformative impact on India’s logistics competitiveness and the wider economy

 Components of the Sagarmala Programme

• The Sagarmala program consists of several key components aimed at transforming India''s maritime sector. The overall set of projects under the Sagarmala Programme are divided into 5 pillars and 24 categories as displayed below.

Project Implementation & Funding under Sagarmala

The Sagarmala Programme follows a strategic, stakeholder-driven approach to project identification and execution. Projects are selected based on the Master Planning of Major Ports, meetings of the National and State Steering Committees, and proposals from implementing agencies. Regular realignment and monitoring ensure relevance and efficiency.

Implementation Mechanism

Major Ports, central ministries, State Governments, state maritime boards, and other relevant agencies execute projects.

Funding Structure

By leveraging private investment, institutional funding, and government support, Sagarmala drives port-led economic growth and enhances India’s maritime infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Sagarmala Programme is transforming India’s maritime sector by driving port-led economic growth, infrastructure modernization, and global trade competitiveness. With 839 projects worth ₹5.5 lakh crore, it has delivered remarkable outcomes, including 118% growth in coastal shipping, a 700% surge in inland waterway cargo movement, and nine Indian ports ranking among the world’s top 100. Building on this success, Sagarmala 2.0 and the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) will unlock ₹12 lakh crore in investments, strengthen shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, and position India as a hub for maritime innovation and sustainability. Anchored in Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047, the Government of India is steering towards a future-ready, globally competitive maritime ecosystem that fuels economic growth, job creation, and leadership in the Blue Economy.

5 Years of National Technical Textiles Mission

•  India''s textile industry is important to the economy and makes some of the most innovative fabrics globally. India is the 6th largest exporter of textiles globally, with a 3.9% share in world textile exports. It contributes nearly 2% to the country’s GDP.
•  The sector is set to grow to US$350 billion by 2030 further strengthening India’s position in the global market. This growth is expected to create 3.5 crore jobs.
•  While traditional textiles remain crucial, the rise of technical textiles is reshaping the industry. These are specialized fabrics designed for specific uses, focusing on function over appearance. They are divided into 12 categories, each serving a different purpose.

 Framework for the National Technical Textiles Mission

• With a view to boost technical textiles sector in the country, National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched for a period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs.1,480 crores. The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) focuses on using textiles in key areas. The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has four key components aimed at boosting the sector''s growth:
• Component I – Research, Innovation and Development: Supports R&D in technical textiles, inviting proposals to develop new materials and processes.
• Component II – Promotion and Market Development: Aims to increase technical textile adoption in India through market promotion and international collaborations.
• Component III – Export Promotion: Focuses on boosting exports of technical textiles with a dedicated export council. Outlay
• Component IV – Education, Training, and Skill Development: Promotes technical textiles education, skill training, and internships in top institutes and industries.
• ₹517 crore has been allocated for the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) since its launch. So far, ₹393.39 crore has been used for various activities such as research, innovation, market development, export promotion and skill development in technical textiles. A total of 168 research projects, valued at around ₹509 crore, have been approved under NTTM.

NTTM Strengthening the Textile Industry with Other Initiatives

• The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is driving the transformation of India’s textile sector with a range of initiatives focused on innovation, skill development and promoting indigenous production.
• Grant for Internship Support for Technical Textiles (GIST 2.0): Launched under NTTM, GIST 2.0 bridges the gap between industry and academia by offering hands-on learning opportunities in technical textiles. It fosters local innovation, supports the Make in India initiative and helps empower young talent to drive growth in the textile sector.
• Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme: Launched in August 2023, the program provides funding to help translate prototypes into technologies and products for commercialization. So far, 8 startups were granted ₹50 lakh each for innovations in medical, industrial and protective textiles. Additionally, three educational institutes, including IIT Indore and NIT Patna, received ₹6.5 crore to introduce specialized courses in geotextiles, geosynthetics, and sports textiles.
• Skill Development Programs: To meet the growing demand in the technical textiles sector, NTTM aims to train 50,000 individuals, including undergraduate students, unskilled workers, and professionals. The initiative provides targeted skill development through 12 industry-focused courses developed by organizations like SITRA (South India Textiles Research Association), NITRA (Northern India Textile Research Association) and SASMIRA (South Ahmedabad Silk Mill and Industrial Research Association) in areas like medical, protective, mobile, and agricultural textiles.
• Technotex 2024: Held as part of Bharat Tex 2024, showcased the strength of India’s technical textiles sector, offering a platform to explore global investment opportunities. A highlight of the event was the Innovation Zone under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), spanning 693 square meters. This dedicated pavilion featured 71 cutting-edge projects, with 48 presented as prototypes and 23 through informative posters.

Success Stories

• In the rapidly evolving textile industry, innovation is driving major advancements in both comfort and functionality. One such example is Eicher Goodearth''s launch of Mahina, India''s first bonded leak-proof period underwear. Offering superior absorbency and leak protection for up to 12 hours, Mahina is made with natural materials, ensuring comfort and safety. It lasts for up to 100 washes without the need for pads or tampons.
• States are increasingly focusing on strengthening the technical textiles industry. The Tamil Nadu Budget has prioritized its growth through key initiatives, including the establishment of the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar and a textile park in Salem. Additionally, the budget boosts capital subsidies for technical textiles investments, increasing the subsidy for spinning modernization from 2% to 6% to reduce costs and promote machinery upgrades.

Conclusion

• India’s journey to becoming a global leader in technical textiles is well underway. Initiatives like GIST 2.0, along with cutting-edge technology and research, are paving the way for this vision. With continued effort and innovation, India is set to lead the global technical textiles market, driving both economic growth and global competitiveness.

Steps taken by the Government to increase surveillance and awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance network (NARS-Net) is in place in the country. The  labs included under the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance network (NARS-Net) .
• AMR-surveillance of 9 priority pathogens isolated from the identified clinical samples for the defined drug-bug combinations is carried out through NARS-Net, as per the mandate of program Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The details of AMR drugs may be seen at the annual reports of the analysed AMR surveillance data from year 2017 to 2023.
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) undertook a study/survey in collaboration with AMR surveillance partner on knowledge and awareness.   
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India launched Red Line awareness campaign on Antimicrobials Resistance, urging people not to use medicines marked with a red vertical line, including antibiotics, without a doctor’s prescription.
• Antibiotics are included in Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. These drugs have specific caution labelling requirements and are sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
• Government has issued National Treatment guidelines for judicious use of antibiotics. The Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control aims at prevention and control of healthcare associated infections to reduce the use of antibiotics in healthcare settings that can be accessed.
• To raise awareness about AMR and to prevent misuse of antibiotics, awareness generation materials on AMR includes posters, videos, radio jingles on judicious use of antibiotics and on prevention of infections through hand hygiene have been made available for stakeholders. The media material in 12 local languages have been developed on AMR related information and shared with States & UTs.
• National Programme on AMR Containment conducts activities to raise awareness on AMR among health care workers and community during World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) held every year. The fund allocated for year 2021-22, 2022-23 & 2023-24 Rs. 666.89 lakhs, Rs. 777.81 lakhs and Rs. 919 lakhs respectively.

Government of India Taking Measures to Protect Critical Infrastructure and Private Data Against Cyber Attacks

•   Government of India is cognizant of the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks in the country. Government has taken several legal, technical, and administrative policy measures for addressing cyber security challenges in the country.
•  The Government has also institutionalised a nationwide integrated and coordinated system to deal with cyber-attacks in the country which, inter alia, includes:
• i. National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to ensure coordination amongst different agencies.
• Under the provisions of section 70B of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is designated as the national agency for responding to cyber security incidents.
• National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) implemented by the CERT-In serves as the control room to scan the cyberspace in the country and detect cyber security threats. NCCC facilitates coordination among different agencies by sharing with them the metadata from cyberspace for taking actions to mitigate cyber security threats.
• Cyber Swachhta Kendra (CSK) is a citizen-centric service provided by CERT-In, which extends the vision of Swachh Bharat to the Cyber Space. Cyber Swachhta Kendra is the Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre and helps to detect malicious programs and provides free tools to remove the same. It also provides cyber security tips and best practices for citizens and organisations.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has created Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) to deal with cybercrimes in a coordinated and effective manner.
• Under the provisions of section 70A of the IT Act, 2000, the Government has established National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) for protection of critical information infrastructure in the country.
•  The policies of the Government are aimed at ensuring an Open, Safe and Trusted and Accountable Internet for its users. National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) was published by the Government with the vision of building a secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens, businesses and Government and a mission to protect information and information infrastructure in cyberspace, build capabilities to prevent and respond to cyber threats, reduce vulnerabilities and minimize damage from cyber incidents through a combination of institutional structures, people, processes, technology and cooperation.
• Government has taken following steps for protecting critical infrastructure and private data against cyber threats, which, inter-alia, includes:
• NCIIPC provides threat intelligence, situational awareness, alerts & advisories and information on vulnerabilities to organisations having Critical Information Infrastructures (CIIs)/ Protected Systems (PSs) for taking preventive measures against cyber-attacks and cyber terrorism. It also provides all cyber security related advice to these organisations, whenever asked for. Further, it follows up with concerned organisations for compliance of the IT (Information Security Practices & Procedures for Protected Systems) Rules, 2018 to improve their cyber security posture. It also organises training/awareness sessions for employees of entities having CIIs/PSs.
• The Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information), 2011 (“SPDI Rules”) made under section 43A of the IT Act has prescribed reasonable security practices and procedures to protect sensitive personal data of users.
• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”) under the IT Act prescribes that the intermediary shall take all reasonable measures to secure its computer resource and information contained therein following the reasonable security practices and procedures as prescribed in the SPDI Rules.
• The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) provides for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the rights of the individuals to protect their personal data and processing of personal data of individuals for lawful purposes by the Data Fiduciaries.
• CERT-In issued Cyber Security Directions in April 2022 under sub-section (6) of section 70B of Information Technology Act, 2000 relating to information security practices, procedure, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents for Safe & Trusted Internet.
• CERT-In issued guidelines on information security practices for government entities in June 2023 covering domains such as data security, network security, identity and access management, application security, third-party outsourcing, hardening procedures, security monitoring, incident management and security auditing.
• CERT-In has issued an advisory to various Ministries in November 2023 outlining the measures to be taken for strengthening the cyber security by all entities that are processing the digital personal data or information including sensitive personal data or information.
• CERT-In operates an automated cyber threat intelligence exchange platform for proactively collecting, analysing and sharing tailored alerts with organisations across sectors for proactive threat mitigation actions by them.
• CERT-In provides leadership for the Computer Security Incident Response Team-Finance Sector (CSIRT-Fin) operations under its umbrella for responding to and containing and mitigating cyber security incidents reported from the financial sector.
• CERT-In has formulated a Cyber Crisis Management Plan for countering cyber attacks and cyber terrorism for implementation by all Ministries/ Departments of Central Government, State Governments and their organizations and critical sectors.
• Cyber security mock drills are conducted regularly to enable assessment of cyber security posture and preparedness of organisations and enhance resilience in Government and critical sectors. 109 such drills have so far been conducted by CERT-In where 1438 organizations from different States and sectors participated.
• CERT-In has empanelled 200 security auditing organisations to support and audit implementation of Information Security Best Practices.
• CERT-In conducts regular training programmes for network and system administrators and Chief Information Security Officers of government and critical sector organisations regarding securing information technology infrastructure and mitigating cyber-attacks. A total of 12,014 officials have been trained in 23 training programs in 2024.
• CERT-In regularly conducts various activities for awareness and citizen sensitization with respect to cyber-attacks and cyber frauds.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology conducts programmes to generate information security awareness. Awareness material in the form of handbooks, short videos, posters, brochures, cartoon stories for children, advisories, etc. on various aspects of cyber hygiene & cyber security including deepfakes are disseminated through portals such as www.staysafeonline.in,www.infosecawareness.in and www.csk.gov.in.

Webb telescope spots galaxy at pivotal moment in the early universe

• Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified an ancient and faraway galaxy that provides evidence that an important transition period that brought the early universe out of its “dark ages” occurred sooner than previously thought.
• Webb, which by peering across vast cosmic distances is looking way back in time, observed the galaxy called JADES-GS-z13-1 as it existed about 330 million years after the Big Bang event that initiated the universe roughly 13.8 billion years ago, the researchers said.
• By way of comparison, Earth is about 4.5 billion years old.
• The universe is thought to have experienced a rapid and exponential expansion in a fraction of a second after the Big Bang. After having cooled down sufficiently, there was a period called the cosmic dark ages when the infant universe was enveloped in a dense fog of hydrogen gas in an electrically neutral state.
• What followed that was a time called the epoch of reionization when the universe first began to shine. Webb obtained evidence that JADES-GS-z13-1, one of the earliest-known galaxies, had made the transition into this epoch.
• “In JADES-GS-z13-1, Webb has confirmed one of the most distant galaxies known to date,” said o University of Copenhagen’s Cosmic Dawn Center and the Niels Bohr Institute.
• “Unlike any other similarly distant galaxy, it shows a very clear, telltale signature that suggests the galaxy contains a remarkably powerful source of energetic ultraviolet radiation and has made an unexpectedly early start to reionization,”
• The time when the universe’s first stars, black holes and galaxies formed is called cosmic dawn.
•  As these formed, the ultraviolet radiation they emitted chemically altered the neutral hydrogen gas in a process called reionization and allowed ultraviolet light to escape, effectively “turning on the lights” in the cosmos.
• “The universe, after the Big Bang, was a soup of hydrogen, helium and dark matter, slowly cooling off. Eventually, the universe was in a state where it was entirely opaque to energetic ultraviolet radiation.
• Hydrogen was floating around in a neutral state, meaning each little hydrogen atom had an electron bound to it,” said astrophysicist and study co-author Kevin Hainline of the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory.
• “But as the first stars and galaxies started to form from this early universe gas, the ultraviolet radiation from young stars and from growing supermassive black holes began to knock electrons off of these neutral hydrogen atoms. And over hundreds of millions of years the universe transitioned from being opaque to ultraviolet light to transparent to ultraviolet light, which is where we are now,” .
• The researchers said the light that Webb detected in this galaxy may have come from vigorous star formation in the galaxy’s nucleus, the presence of a growing supermassive black hole at the galactic core that is violently consuming surrounding material or some combination of those two factors.
• This galaxy measures about 230 light-years wide, several hundred times smaller than the Milky Way. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
• Webb, which was launched by NASA in 2022 and became operational in 2023, has begun to provide a deeper understanding of the early universe. It has spotted only four galaxies dating to slightly earlier than this one, including the current record holder observed at 294 million years after the Big Bang. Those galaxies have not displayed evidence of reionization.
• The researchers were stunned to find that JADES-GS-z13-1 showed such evidence – in the form of a large bubble of ionized hydrogen surrounding it – because reionization was thought to have started many millions of years later.
• “Many independent measurements have firmly established that reionization was not fully completed until the universe was about one billion years old – 700 million years later than this galaxy – placing this galaxy at what is likely the start of the reionization era. When exactly it began is one of the big outstanding questions in cosmology.

Center launches initiative to build climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages to safeguard livelihoods

•   The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has highlighted the growing threat posed by climate change to the Blue Economy, which could severely impact the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities.
•  To mitigate these risks, the government has identified 100 coastal fishermen villages to be developed into Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFV) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• The announcement was made by George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in a written response to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
• The CRCFV initiative, developed in consultation with coastal state governments, aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishing community by enhancing resilience to climate change.
•  The government’s plan includes the construction of critical infrastructure such as fish drying yards, processing centers, fish markets, fishing jetties, ice plants, cold storage facilities, and emergency rescue operations. Furthermore, the scheme will focus on promoting climate-resilient livelihoods, with a particular emphasis on aquaculture and mariculture. This includes the cultivation of seaweed, ornamental fish, bivalves, and other marine species, ensuring a sustainable future for the fishing community.
• In addition, the government has introduced measures to support socio-economically backward traditional fishing families, particularly during fish ban or lean periods.
•  These measures include livelihood and nutritional assistance, as well as insurance coverage for fishermen, all of which are provided under the PMMSY.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Fisheries Research Institutes are also contributing to the development of marine and inland aquaculture, offering ongoing research, technology development, and capacity-building programs. These efforts are supported with funding from the Government of India.
• Although the Department of Fisheries has not received direct assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it has been actively involved in international initiatives to tackle marine plastic pollution, especially from the fishing and maritime sectors.
•  The department is participating in global projects like the Glolitter and Reglitter Projects, which are jointly implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and FAO.
• These projects aim to reduce Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) from sea-based sources, with a focus on abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and waste from ships.
• Another major initiative is the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). This project, co-financed by member countries and implemented by FAO in partnership with regional organizations like the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO), promotes an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).
• The EAFM integrates ecological health, social equity, and economic sustainability, aiming to create a more holistic approach to fisheries management that considers both ecological and community needs.

 Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Kharif 2025 season on P&K fertilizers

• The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Kharif 2025 season, effective from April 1 to September 30. This decision aims to ensure that phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including NPKS grades, are available to farmers across the country at subsidized and affordable rates.
• The government has allocated ₹37,216.15 crore for the subsidy during the Kharif 2025 season, marking an increase of approximately ₹13,000 crore compared to the budget for the Rabi 2024-25 season.
• With this approval, farmers will continue to receive fertilizers at reasonable prices despite fluctuations in international fertilizer and input costs. The government has also extended the freight subsidy on Single Super Phosphate (SSP) for the Kharif 2025 season, further reducing financial burdens on farmers.
• The subsidy on P&K fertilizers will be provided based on the approved rates to ensure a smooth supply of these essential agricultural inputs. The Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme has been in effect since April 1, 2010, ensuring that 28 different grades of P&K fertilizers are available to farmers at subsidized prices.
• The government provides subsidies directly to fertilizer manufacturers and importers to maintain affordability, regardless of global price fluctuations in raw materials such as Urea, DAP, MOP, and Sulphur.

Cabinet approves Rs. 22,919 crore scheme to strengthen India’s electronics component manufacturing

•   The Union Cabinet on Friday has approved the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme with a funding of Rs. 22,919 crore, aimed at making India self-reliant in the electronics supply chain. This initiative seeks to create a robust ecosystem by attracting large investments, both domestic and global, in electronics component manufacturing.
• The scheme is projected to attract an investment of Rs. 59,350 crore, resulting in the production of Rs. 4,56,500 crore worth of products. It will also generate direct employment for 91,600 individuals, with additional indirect job opportunities.
• The scheme provides differentiated incentives tailored to Indian manufacturers, helping them overcome specific challenges in various categories of components and sub-assemblies.
• These incentives are designed to help manufacturers acquire technological capabilities and achieve economies of scale.
• The target segments covered under the scheme include sub-assemblies like display and camera modules, bare components such as non-SMD passive components, electro-mechanicals, multi-layer printed circuit boards, and Li-ion cells, as well as selected bare components like high-density interconnect and SMD passive components.
• Capital expenditure incentives will also be provided for parts and components used in manufacturing these sub-assemblies and bare components.
• The scheme’s tenure is six years, with one year of gestation, and a portion of the incentives will be linked to achieving employment generation targets.
• The electronics industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally and plays a crucial role in shaping economies. The domestic production of electronic goods has increased from Rs. 1.90 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs. 9.52 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17%. Meanwhile, exports of electronic goods have surged from Rs. 0.38 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs. 2.41 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR of more than 20%. This new scheme is expected to accelerate India’s growth in the electronics manufacturing industry and establish it as a global leader in the sector

Why India needs to develop its deep sea capabilities

•  Last month, India completed wet testing of its Matsya-6000 submersible, capable of diving up to 6 km below the surface to look for underwater minerals off the coast. The launch of the first deep-sea manned vehicle is planned for later this year — it will put India in a select group of nations with the capability to send humans to these depths.
• Last week, China unveiled a compact deep sea cable-cutting device that can be mounted on certain submersibles — and which is capable of severing the world’s most fortified underwater communication or power lines. China reportedly operates the largest fleet of submersibles in the world.

Deep sea challenge

• The intense oceanic activity around the world over the past two decades has focused on the Deep both for its economic resources and as the theatre of possible future conflicts.
• According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a country extends from the baseline of its coast to 200 nautical miles (about 370 km) into the sea. A nation has exclusive rights to living and non-living resources in the waters and on the seabed within its EEZ.
•  Average depth in the Indian EEZ is 3,741 metres — this is more than four-and-a-half times the height of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. But it is shallow compared to the deepest ocean — the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific lies more than 10 km under the surface, more than the cruising altitude of most aircraft.
• Operating in the deep sea requires a distinct technology and extremely specific capabilities that are challenging and expensive to develop. Consider:
• * While sound can travel long distances underwater, its propagation is seriously affected by hydrological conditions such as temperature, pressure, and salinity. Generally speaking, the lower the frequency of the sound wave, the better the propagation of sound underwater.
• A Very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) sound technologies represent the cutting edge of science, and require deep research and enormous funding to develop.
• * Pressure underwater increases by approximately one atmosphere (atm) for every 10 metres of ocean depth. One atm is roughly equivalent to the mean sea-level atmospheric pressure on Earth, or 101,325 Pascals. The pressure at the ocean bed in the Indian EEZ is upwards of 380 atm, or 380 times that on the surface of the Earth.
• Vessels that descend to such depths need to be constructed using particular material and processes in order for them to operate safely. (Remember the OceanGate Titan submersible disaster of June 2023?)

Need for such technology

• It is, however, imperative that India overcomes the challenge posed by the deep sea. To be able to ride on the blue economy in the future, India must have the technologies to harness the resources of the ocean and the seabed.
• The ocean is a storehouse of resources, from fish, minerals, gas hydrates, oil and gas, and nutraceuticals to oceanographic data that may help in combating climate change and contribute to meteorological research. It is essential to harness these resources to maximise India’s economic potential.
• This will require the development of technologies for hydrographic research and exploration activity, as well as supporting capabilities such as diving, salvage, and submarine rescue.
• Then there is the development of underwater infrastructure. Undersea cables crisscrossing the oceans are the backbone of modern communications technology. They are responsible for transmitting more than 95% of the intercontinental Internet traffic, seamlessly enabling activities from digital communication and transmission of video to banking transactions worth billions of dollars.
• Developing the capability to lay and maintain these cables is critical to provide millions of Indians with digital connectivity, and to sustain an economy that increasingly relies on the same.
• Apart from undersea cables, other deep sea infrastructure can include oil pipelines, equipment for mining, and scientific research.
• Beyond exploiting the oceans’ resources, mapping of the deep sea and maintaining a high degree of underwater domain awareness is critical for safeguarding maritime and security interests.
• Take for instance the deep sea cable-cutter that China has announced. The development of complex underwater sensors and response mechanisms to act against any such disruption will be crucial to tackling any threats from hostile actors.

What India must do

• As for every niche technology, the essential prerequisites for developing deep sea tech are financial strength, academic and research capabilities, and highly qualified and skilled human capital.
• It is not surprising, therefore, that China, France, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, and the US are far ahead of the rest of the world in this area. Chinese investments in deep sea science and engineering centres are paying rich dividends today.
• In 2018, the Indian government launched the Deep Ocean Mission under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The development of the Matsya-6000 submersible is a part of this mission. While this is welcome, the fact is India currently does not have even decent deep sea fishing capability — and needs to do much more.
• The establishment of institutes of excellence in deep sea research will nurture academic excellence, expertise, and skill in the area. India also needs to incentivise every aspect of deep ocean science and engineering through generous funding and a strong, empowered body to drive this multi-dimensional mission forward at a faster-than-usual pace.
• It is time to upgrade the Department of Ocean Development to a full-fledged ministry, led by a cabinet-rank minister, and make all departments and agencies responsible for ocean development accountable to this minister.
• Well-funded, time-bound and result-oriented projects must be executed in “mission-mode”, with quick approvals, ease of doing business, and high accountability of stakeholders. A “ten year plan” will be helpful in this regard.
• Lastly, India must remember that all these deep sea technologies are inherently “dual use” — the very vessels and equipment developed for ocean research and exploitation could also have disruptive uses in conflict. This too needs active consideration in its deep ocean strategy.