Ashtamudi Lake

Context: 

• A recent episode of fish kill in Ashtamudi Lake has once again brought to the fore the life-threatening issues of sewage contamination, plastic pollution, encroachments, and uncontrolled weed growth stifling the vital lake ecosystem, a protected site of international importance.

More info:

• The mass mortality event was caused by an algal bloom, a phenomenon that occurs due to an overload of nutrients.
• The proliferation of algae leads to oxygen depletion in water suffocating aquatic organisms.
• The presence of streptococci and E. coli in water pointing to sewage contamination in Ashtamudi.
• Dangerous levels of microplastic pollution presents in the aquatic ecosystem of Ashtamudi Lake.
• Hazardous heavy metals, including molybdenum, iron, and barium, were detected in the microplastics, potentially adsorbed from the surroundings.
• Presence of a range of polymers, including nylon and polypropylene.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that the water quality data at four locations of the lake were non-complying with respect to Primary Water Quality Criteria for Bathing notified under The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

About Ashtamudi Lake:

• Ashtamudi Lake in the Kollam District of the Indian state of Kerala is a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped (also described as octopus-shaped) water body.
• It is second only in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem of the state.
• Ashtamudi means ‘eight hills’ in the local Malayalam language.
• The name is indicative of the lake’s topography with its multiple branches.
• It was designated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
• Ashtamudi Estuary is the deepest among all the estuaries in Kerala.
• Kallada River is a major river discharging into the Ashtamudi Lake.

Telecom cyber security rules

Context:

• Govt notifies telecom cyber security rules; sets timelines for telcos to report security incidents

News:

• The government has notified the telecom cyber security rules, that aim to safeguard India’s communication networks and services, through a host of measures including specified timelines for telcos to report security incidents and make disclosures.

More info:

• The rules also empower the central government/ its authorised agency to seek traffic data and any other data (other than the content of messages) from a telecom entity for the purpose of ensuring cyber security.
• The rules clearly outline telecom cyber security obligations.
• “…no person shall endanger telecom cyber security by misuse of telecommunication equipment or telecommunication identifier or telecommunication network or telecommunication services or by fraud, cheating or personation; transmitting any message which is fraudulent; committing or intending to commit any security incident; engaging in any other use which is contrary to the provision, of any other law for the time being in force; or any other means which may have security risk on telecom cyber security,” according to the rules,” it said.
• Under the rules, every telecom entity will be required to implement specified measures to ensure cyber security, including adopting a telecom cyber security policy (security safeguards, risk management approaches, actions, training, best practices and technologies, to enhance telecom cyber security).
• The policy, it said, should also encompass telecom network testing including hardening, vulnerability assessment and risk assessment, identification and prevention of security incidents among other aspects.
• The policy should entail a rapid action system to deal with security incidents including mitigation measures to limit the impact of such incidents, and forensic analysis of security incidents to ensure learnings from such incidents and further strengthening telecom cyber security.
• Telecom entities would be required to appoint a Chief Telecommunication Security Officer, and report security incidents within six hours to the Centre along with “relevant details of the affected system including the description of such incident.”
• In 24 hours of becoming aware of the security incident, telecom entities would be required to furnish information on a number of users affected, duration, geographical area, the extent to which the functioning of the network or service is affected; and the remedial measures taken or proposed to be taken.
• As per the rules, a manufacturer of equipment that has an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, will register the number of such equipment manufactured in India with the government, before the first sale of such equipment.
• A telecommunication entity has been defined as any person providing telecommunication services, or establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding a telecommunication network, including an authorised entity holding an authorisation.

UPSC Mains PYQ (2022):

• What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.

Sagarmanthan 2024: India’s Maritime Vision

Introduction:

• India’s maritime legacy is as vast and dynamic as its 7,500-kilometer coastline, which anchors 12 major ports and over 200 minor ones.
• Positioned along the world’s busiest shipping routes, India is not just a key trading hub but a rising global power.
• In 2023, the nation contributed 16 percent of global growth, and according to some estimates, it is on course to become the third-largest economy within the next three years.
• As India ascends the global stage, its maritime sector emerges as a linchpin for commerce, connectivity, and international cooperation.
• This growing influence brings with it both opportunity and responsibility.
• To lead in global maritime governance, India must foster deeper engagement with policymakers, business leaders, and thought leaders.
• By shaping conversations around sustainable practices and forward-thinking strategies, India can redefine its role in the maritime domain.
• Against this backdrop, the first edition of ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’ takes centre stage.
• This landmark event is South Asia’s largest maritime thought leadership forum.
• Organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Sagarmanthan offers a premier platform for global leaders, policymakers, and visionaries to share insights and shape the future of the marine sector.
• With critical themes spanning the blue economy, global supply chains, maritime logistics, and sustainable growth, the dialogue aims to chart a bold, actionable course for a vibrant and future-ready maritime ecosystem.
• Sagarmanthan is designed to facilitate in-depth discussions on key aspects of the blue economy and maritime governance.
• Its structure revolves around four interconnected themes, each addressing critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the oceans.

Overview of India’s Maritime Sector:

• India’s maritime sector serves as the backbone of its trade and commerce, handling around 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value.
• With 12 major ports and over 200 notified minor and intermediate ports, the country’s port infrastructure underpins its growing economy.
• As the sixteenth-largest maritime nation in the world, India occupies a key position on global shipping lanes.
• Most cargo ships traveling between East Asia and destinations like America, Europe, and Africa traverse Indian waters, highlighting the nation’s strategic importance.
• The sector’s contributions extend beyond trade.
• India boasts a fleet of 1,530 ships sailing under its flag as of 2023, a testament to its growing presence in global shipping.
• Additionally, the country is the third-largest in the world in terms of ship recycling by tonnage, underscoring its role in sustainable maritime practices and the global supply chain.
• This prominence complements the nation’s efforts to modernize and expand its port infrastructure.
• Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, major ports increased their annual cargo-handling capacity, reflecting an impressive growth of 87.01%.
• In the financial year 2024 alone, Indian ports managed 819.22 million tonnes of cargo, a 4.45% rise from the previous year.
• This growth aligns with a surge in merchandise exports, which climbed to USD 451 billion in FY23 from USD 417 billion the year before.
• The Indian Government has played a crucial role in fostering this growth.
• Policies such as allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route for port and harbour projects and offering a 10-year tax holiday to enterprises engaged in port development have bolstered the sector.
• These measures, combined with the nation’s expanding trade networks, position India’s maritime industry as a cornerstone of its economic ambitions.

Some of the major recent developments and initiatives:

• In 2023-24, major Indian ports reduced container turnaround time to 22.57 hours, exceeding global benchmarks.
• India plans to establish a new shipping company to expand its fleet by at least 1,000 ships within a decade.
• This initiative aims to cut foreign freight costs by one-third by 2047 and increase trade revenue, with joint ownership involving state-run corporations and foreign firms.
• Paradip Port became India’s largest major port by cargo volume in FY24.
• It surpassed Deendayal Port Authority due to enhanced operational efficiency, record coastal shipping traffic, and a surge in thermal coal shipments.
• India has outlined investments of US$ 82 billion in port infrastructure projects by 2035 to bolster the maritime sector.
• In June 2024, the Government approved the establishment of a major port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra.
• This project aims to expand EXIM trade capacity and attract public-private partnerships for infrastructure development.
• In July 2024, the Government updated the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP), providing ₹337 crore in financial aid to boost India’s shipbuilding competitiveness.
• The ‘Panch Karma Sankalp,’ announced in May 2024, includes five major announcements focusing on green shipping and digitization:
• MoPSW will provide 30% financial support for promoting Green Shipping;
• Under the Green Tug Transition Programme, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Paradip Port, and Deendayal Port will procure two green tugs each;
• Deendayal Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin will be developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs;
• A Single Window Portal will be established to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises; and
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin will be transformed into smart ports by next year.

Government Schemes in the Maritime Sector:

• The Indian maritime sector plays a critical role in supporting the country’s trade and economic growth.
• Several government schemes have been launched to modernize infrastructure, enhance port connectivity, and promote sustainability in the sector.
• These initiatives aim to strengthen India’s position as a global maritime hub and improve its efficiency across various maritime segments.
• Here are some of the major schemes in the maritime sector:

Sagarmala Programme:

• The Sagarmala Programme is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aimed at driving port-led development across India.
• With a focus on leveraging India’s 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of navigable waterways, the scheme supports various port infrastructure projects, coastal development, and connectivity enhancements.
• Financial assistance is provided to State/UT Governments for projects like coastal berths, road and rail connectivity, fish harbours, skill development, cruise terminals, and Ro-Pax ferry services.

Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030:

• To position India as a global maritime leader, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has launched Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030).
• This comprehensive blueprint aims to accelerate and harmonize the growth of India’s maritime sector over the next decade.
• Developed in consultation with public and private stakeholders, MIV 2030 encompasses more than 150 initiatives across ten key themes, addressing all areas of the maritime sector, from ports and shipyards to inland waterways and trade bodies.

Inland Waterways Development:

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has identified 26 new national waterways, following feasibility studies to make them navigable.
• These new routes will provide an alternative mode of transportation, easing the load on congested road and rail networks and promoting sustainable, cost-effective transport options for various regions.

Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP):

• The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) aims to phase out conventional, fuel-based harbour tugs at Indian major ports.
• These will be replaced with environmentally friendly tugs powered by cleaner, sustainable fuels.
• The transition is set to be completed by 2040, ensuring a fully eco-friendly fleet across the country’s major ports.

Conclusion:

• India’s maritime sector is poised for significant growth, underscored by its strategic initiatives and government schemes.
• The first edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue has further cemented India’s commitment to becoming a global maritime leader, bringing together stakeholders to discuss key themes such as sustainability, connectivity, and governance.
• With programs like the Sagarmala Programme, Maritime India Vision 2030, and the Green Tug Transition Program, the nation is taking decisive steps to modernize its infrastructure, promote green shipping, and enhance port connectivity.
• These efforts, coupled with the insights shared at Sagarmanthan, will propel India’s maritime sector toward a sustainable, innovative, and future-ready ecosystem, ensuring its place as a central player in the global maritime landscape.