The President of India has granted assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Indian Ports Act of 1908. This new Act aims to modernize and streamline port operations in India, promote integrated port development, enhance ease of doing business, and make optimal use of India’s vast coastline.
Maritime State Development Council (MSDC)
The Act gives statutory recognition to the MSDC, established by the central government to advise on legal frameworks, port sector growth, competition, efficiency, and port connectivity.
Composition:
Chairman: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (ex-officio)
Members: Ministers-in-charge of coastal states, Secretaries of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
State Maritime Boards (SMB)
Recognizes State Maritime Boards (SMBs), which will now govern and administer non-major ports in their respective states.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism
Requires each state government to establish a Dispute Resolution Committee to handle disputes involving non-major ports.
Civil courts will not have jurisdiction over such disputes, and appeals can be made to the High Court within 60 days of the committee's decision.
Port Tariff and Charges
Major Ports: Tariffs will be set by the Board of Major Port Authority or its Board of Directors (if it operates as a company).
Non-major Ports: Tariffs will be set by the respective State Maritime Boards or authorized concessionaires.
Port Officer and Conservator
Port Officer: A conservator will be appointed by the state government for each port or a group of ports.
The conservator will have authority to issue directions on vessel berthing, mooring, anchoring, movement, and the removal of obstructions.
Mega Ports Classification
The Central Government, in consultation with state governments, will establish criteria to classify ports as "mega ports".
Mega Ports will retain their original status (major or non-major) but will continue to be governed by the laws applicable to that type of port.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Ports will be required to have emergency preparedness and response plans for safety, security, disaster management, and pollution incidents.
Plans must be approved and audited by the Central Government.
Environmental and Pollution Control
Ports must comply with international environmental standards, including the MARPOL Convention (for the prevention of marine pollution from ships) and the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.
India is a signatory to the MARPOL Convention but is not a party to the BWM Convention.
Penalty Provisions
Certain offences from the 1908 Act have been decriminalized and replaced with monetary penalties.
Digital Integration and Data Management
The Act introduces provisions for electronic integration of port data with port community systems or centralized systems to improve efficiency and transparency.
Prior Clearance for Ownership Changes
Ports undergoing a change in substantial ownership or effective control must obtain prior clearance from the Central Government.
Exclusions
The Act does not apply to certain ports, navigable rivers, military aircraft, non-commercial government vessels, the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard, or foreign warships.
Classification of Mega Ports: One of the concerns is the classification of mega ports, which could complicate the regulatory framework if not carefully defined.
Lack of Appeal for Penalties Levied by Conservators: Another potential issue is the absence of an appeal mechanism for penalties imposed by port conservators, which could lead to issues of accountability and fairness.
MARPOL Convention: This is the primary international treaty dealing with the prevention of pollution from ships. India is a signatory, which is essential for global environmental standards in shipping.
BWM Convention: The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms through ships' ballast water. Although India has not ratified it yet, it is an important treaty for global marine health
India’s port sector is integral to the country’s economic infrastructure, with its extensive coastline and strategic positioning making it a key player in global trade. With over 7,517 kilometers of coastline, India is a maritime powerhouse, handling 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value through its ports. The sector plays a crucial role in facilitating foreign trade, promoting industrial growth, and fostering regional development.
India has 12 operational major ports, with Vadhavan and Galathea proposed as the 13th and 14th. These ports are directly managed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) and operate under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021.
Port Model: Major ports operate on the "Landlord Port Model", where the government owns the port infrastructure, and private players handle terminal operations.
Key Major Ports in India:
Mumbai Port: The largest natural port in India.
Kolkata Port (Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port): The oldest major port and the only riverine port in India.
Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port): Located in Tamil Nadu, it is India's only corporatized port, registered as a company.
India has more than 200 non-major (minor) ports, which are managed by respective state governments under the Indian Ports Act, 1908. These ports are regulated by State Maritime Boards or state departments and have been largely developed through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
Objective: To reduce logistics costs, enhance port-led industrialization, and improve cargo movement efficiency.
Focus Areas:
Port modernization
Connectivity enhancement
Port-led industrial clusters
Coastal community development
Over 800 projects have been identified under the programme, worth more than ₹5.5 lakh crore.
Long-term Vision: To transform India into a global maritime power by 2047.
Focus Areas:
Quadrupling port handling capacity
Promoting inland water transport and coastal shipping
Achieving green and sustainable maritime growth
A unified digital platform that connects logistics stakeholders to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote transparency in port operations.
A real-time digital dashboard that provides monitoring of port performance, allowing for better decision-making and operational efficiency.
A mobile application that provides real-time updates on vessel movements, cargo status, finances, and regulatory compliance—aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business in the maritime sector.
India ranks 22nd in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (2023) under the “International Shipments” category.
Average Turnaround Time (TAT) for ships in Indian ports is 0.9 days, which is better than many of its South Asian peers.
India promotes private investment in port infrastructure, particularly through PPP models in both major and non-major ports. This has led to the development of ports like Mundra, Pipavav, and Dhamra Port, which are operated by private entities such as Adani Ports.
PPP Models Used:
BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer)
BOO (Build-Own-Operate)
Under these models, assets are returned to the port authority after the concession period.
Despite the efforts, several challenges persist in India's port sector:
Capacity Constraints: Many of the older major ports are operating near full capacity.
Last-Mile Connectivity: Inadequate connections to road and rail networks often hinder the smooth movement of cargo.
High Logistics Costs: India still faces higher logistics costs compared to global benchmarks.
Regulatory Overlaps: There is a need to resolve regulatory overlaps between central and state governments to ensure smoother operations.
Need for Digitization: While India has made strides in digital port integration, there is still room for greater digitization and automation.
Green Energy Transition: The transition to green energy and more sustainable port operations needs further acceleration.
India is on track to transform itself into a global maritime hub by focusing on:
Expansion of Capacity: Through the development of new ports like Vadhavan and Galathea.
Digitization and Automation: Accelerating the implementation of digital platforms, smart port systems, and automation to improve efficiency.
Green Ports: Promoting sustainable maritime practices, including electric cargo handling, shore power, and clean energy at ports.
Integrated Transportation: Integrating inland waterways and coastal shipping under the PM GatiShakti Master Plan, which aims to enhance overall logistics infrastructure.
Port-based SEZs and Industrial Corridors: Creating special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial corridors near ports to attract investment and drive industrial growth.
India’s extensive coastline is home to numerous ports, ranging from major to minor ports, each contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
Location: Northern coast of the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat.
Significance: Ancient port and shipbuilding centre.
Exports: Clay, bauxite, cotton, seeds, salt, oil cakes.
Location: Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat.
Significance: Largest private port in India, capable of handling over 100 million tonnes of bulk, liquid, and containerized cargo.
Special Note: Integral part of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with Tata Power’s UMPP under development here.
Location: Eastern corner of the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat.
Significance: Major port, established in the 1950s after the partition, when the port of Karachi went to Pakistan.
Location: Western corner of the Kathiawar Peninsula, Gujarat.
Significance: Minor port with cement plants and an automobile assembly plant. Fishing and salt processing are major activities.
Location: Near Junagadh in the Kathiawar Peninsula, Gujarat.
Significance: Minor port with all-weather direct berthing facilities.
Location: West coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Significance: All-weather port with direct berthing facilities. Known for wharfs for steamers.
Location: Southwestern coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Significance: Fair weather lighterage port mainly developed for fishing.
Location: Junagadh district of Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Significance: Close to Veraval Port, mainly a fishing hub.
Location: Eastern coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Significance: World’s largest shipbreaking yard. Gained attention when the French aircraft carrier Clemenceau was banned from entering in 2006.
Location: Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat.
Significance: All-weather berthing port for small vessels. Ships must pass through a lock gate to enter.
Location: Mouth of the Narmada River, Gujarat.
Significance: Important port for petrochemical trade. Dahej Port is nearby.
Location: Near Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Significance: No major port facilities, but known for tourism.
Location: Southern coast of Maharashtra.
Significance: Handles minerals and other commodities. Also home to Bharati Shipyard Limited.
Location: Coastal city of Karnataka.
Significance: Minor port with a strategic location near the Kalindi River. Known for its protected harbor and role in sea trade, fishing, and maritime services.
Location: Coastal city of Karnataka.
Significance: Minor port, known for its Krishna Matt and high per-capita income.
Location: Northern Kerala.
Significance: Minor port, with agro-based industries. Well-connected by NH-66 and Konkan Railway.
Location: Northern Kerala.
Significance: Minor port with a focus on agri-based industries.
Location: Eastern edge of Mumbai city.
Significance: A natural deep-water harbor, historically crucial in the emergence of Mumbai as India’s commercial capital. Nhava Sheva (JNPT) was created to relieve pressure on Mumbai Port.
Location: Opposite Mumbai, across Thane Creek.
Significance: India’s largest port by container traffic, handling 65% of the country's containerized goods. Has three terminals: JNPT, NSICT, and GTI. NSICT is India’s first privately managed container terminal.
Location: Southern Canara Coast, Karnataka.
Significance: Major port for exports of tea, coffee, spices, and iron ore, and imports of petroleum, fertilizers, and edible oils. Home to a petroleum refinery.
Location: Puducherry.
Significance: Minor port with agri-based industries, fishing, and tourism.
Location: Kerala.
Significance: Known as the “City of Spices” in ancient times. Historically famous for spice trade.
Location: Cape Comorin, Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Minor port and a tourist destination. Known for its agri-based industries.
Location: Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Proposed major port to become India’s southern trans-shipment gateway. Already a natural harbor.
Location: Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Handles coal, salt, food grains, edible oils, sugar, and petroleum products. Site of a new oil refinery.
Location: Near Point Calimere, Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Minor port known for salt manufacturing, fishing, and agriculture. Site of the Salt March led by Rajgopalchari in 1930.
Location: Eastern part of Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Small town known for its historical significance and association with the Hindu epic Ramayana. The cyclone of 1964 destroyed the railway line connecting India with Sri Lanka.
Location: Kaveri Delta, Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Minor port known for fishing and industries like textiles, leather goods, and oil extraction.
Location: Puducherry, between Godavari and Krishna Deltas.
Significance: Agro-based industries, tourism.
Location: Andhra Pradesh.
Significance: Minor port, historically significant, with temples and agro-based industries.
Location: Tamil Nadu (Puducherry).
Significance: Cultural hub and minor trading port.
Location: Coromandel Coast, Tamil Nadu.
Significance: Minor port known for its picturesque beaches and emerging industrial growth.
Location: Krishna Delta, Andhra Pradesh.
Significance: Minor port with a long history, being developed to ease pressure on Visakhapatnam.
Location: Orissa.
Significance: Ancient commercial port, now lying in ruins. Was prominent during British rule and is often affected by tropical cyclones.
Location: East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh.
Significance: Safe port for sea trade and fishing.
Location: Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
Significance: Privately owned deep-water port handling iron ore and granite exports. Home to Reliance Power’s 4000 MW UMPP.
Location: Andhra Pradesh.
Significance: The deepest landlocked port in India, handling iron ore, coal, oil, and fertilizers. Also houses shipbuilding and naval facilities.
Location: Mahanadi Delta, Orissa.
Significance: Deep-water port
The Indian Ports Act, 2025 is a significant reform aimed at modernizing the governance and operation of ports in India. The Act focuses on efficiency, environmental protection, and ease of doing business, all of which are essential for the country’s goal of becoming a global maritime leader by 2047.
The growth in private sector participation in India's defense production marks a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy and industrial landscape. The private sector share in defense production reached a record 23% in FY 2024-25, continuing a trend of growth for the third consecutive year. Several factors have driven this increase in private sector involvement, from institutional reforms to policy changes and industrial infrastructure development. However, despite these gains, there are still challenges to overcome for India to truly achieve self-reliance in defense production.
Institutional Reforms:
Creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) have played a crucial role in improving coordination between various branches of the armed forces, ensuring a more cohesive approach to defense strategy, and pushing for indigenous equipment.
Policy and Regulatory Reforms:
Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP-2020): Focuses on prioritizing domestic procurement, opening contracts to private players, and fostering indigenous manufacturing.
Liberalized FDI Policy: Since 2020, India has allowed foreign direct investment up to 74% under the automatic route and up to 100% via the government route. This has enabled global defense companies like Tata and Airbus to transfer technology to Indian firms, such as in the C-295 aircraft project.
Positive Indigenization Lists (PILs): By restricting imports of over 5,500 items, India is encouraging domestic sourcing and creating a guaranteed demand for Indian defense manufacturers.
Make in India: This flagship initiative has significantly boosted private sector engagement by providing incentives and encouraging investment in indigenous manufacturing, such as the SRIJAN Portal, which helps connect suppliers and manufacturers.
Industrial Infrastructure and Budget Support:
Defence Industrial Corridors: Special manufacturing hubs have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These corridors offer incentives, infrastructure, and investment-friendly policies to attract private sector players.
Budget Prioritization: For FY 2025-26, the Ministry of Defence has earmarked 75% of its modernization budget (₹1.11 lakh crore) specifically for procurement from Indian firms, reflecting a strong commitment to indigenous capabilities.
Innovation and Ease of Doing Business:
iDEX and ADITI: These innovation ecosystems support startups and MSMEs to develop cutting-edge technologies like AI, drones, and quantum systems, helping India become a global hub for defense innovation.
Ease of Doing Business: Simplified processes such as extending license validity and de-licensing many defense items have lowered entry barriers, making it easier for private companies to engage in defense production.
Production Lag:
Despite significant reforms, India’s defense industry is still behind target in terms of exports. For example, HAL lost the Malaysian LCA contract, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders failed to win a tender in the Philippines.
Heavy Reliance on Imports:
India continues to depend heavily on imports for raw materials, high-tech components, and advanced systems. S-400 delays due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlight the vulnerabilities of this reliance.
Technological Challenges:
Foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are often protective of their intellectual property, restricting technology transfer to Indian firms. This limits India’s capability to develop advanced manufacturing systems, particularly in emerging technologies like AI, hypersonics, cyber warfare, and stealth tech.
Funding Gaps:
India’s defense budget remains under 3% of GDP, with over half of it allocated for personnel costs, leaving limited funds for modernization and R&D.
Dependence on Foreign Technology:
Despite the Make in India initiative, India remains reliant on countries like the US and France for cutting-edge defense technologies, which limits its ability to achieve true self-reliance in defense.
India's defense indigenisation journey has been a long and evolving process, influenced by strategic needs, geopolitical challenges, and the desire for self-reliance in defense production. Over the decades, India has made concerted efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while building an indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem.
In the post-independence period, India realized the strategic necessity of self-reliance in defense production. This understanding grew particularly strong following the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971, which exposed the vulnerabilities in India's defense preparedness, especially due to reliance on foreign suppliers for weapons and equipment. These conflicts acted as a catalyst, pushing India to focus on domestic defense production and reducing dependence on foreign arms sources.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) - 1983:
One of the most notable initiatives in India's indigenisation efforts was the IGMDP, initiated in 1983 under the leadership of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. This program aimed to develop a range of strategic missile systems, such as Agni and Prithvi, bolstering India's indigenous missile capabilities.
The program concluded in 2008, marking a significant achievement in India's defense technology and further cementing the country's move towards self-reliance in military technology.
Self-Reliance Index (SRI) and Abdul Kalam’s Vision (1992):
In 1992, India had a low Self-Reliance Index (SRI) of 0.3, meaning a small fraction of its defense procurements were sourced indigenously. Dr. Abdul Kalam, recognizing this gap, set up a committee to create a 10-year plan targeting an SRI of 0.7 by 2005. Although this target was ambitious, it helped lay the foundation for future policies and reforms.
Responsibility Transfer (2000s):
By the 2000s, responsibility for indigenisation shifted from the Department of Defence Production (DDP) and Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) to the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) and military services. During this period, the Army and Navy developed 15-year Perspective Plans to push for greater self-reliance.
Project 75 (1997):
In line with the push for indigenisation, Project 75 was launched with the goal of building indigenous submarines. This project sought to develop a self-reliant submarine manufacturing capability in India, reducing dependence on foreign designs and technologies.
India’s goal of defense indigenisation is driven by several factors:
Global Arms Market Share:
India’s share in the global arms exports market is minimal, accounting for just 0.2%. This small share reflects the need for India to strengthen its position in the global defense market, enhancing its geopolitical standing while reducing trade imbalances.
India as the Largest Importer of Arms:
Despite significant efforts to ramp up domestic production, India remains the largest importer of arms globally. In 2018-2022, India accounted for 11% of global arms imports. This heavy reliance on foreign sources is a major driver for indigenisation.
Development of Military Industrial Complex:
Establishing a military-industrial complex is essential for fostering national security. This complex includes a network of industries and institutions involved in producing defense technologies, weapons, and systems. By focusing on indigenisation, India seeks to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and build a robust national defense industry.
Technology Transfer and Independence:
Technology transfer through foreign collaborations is essential for India to develop and maintain advanced defense capabilities. Indigenisation would facilitate this process, while also empowering India with the ability to independently design, develop, and manufacture sophisticated defense technologies.
Exports:
As India becomes more self-reliant in defense production, it also aims to expand its export base. For example, India is in the process of exporting Brahmos Cruise Missiles to the Philippines, a key milestone in boosting defense exports.
Research and Development (R&D):
Indigenisation drives significant investment in defense R&D, which not only contributes to the military but also benefits other sectors of the economy through technology spin-offs and industrial innovation.
In the last decade, the Indian government has introduced several measures to boost indigenous defense manufacturing, focusing on policy, infrastructure, and technological innovations. Key reforms include:
Defence Procurement Policy, 2016:
The Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) 2016 was designed to promote indigenous defense production, with the "Buy (Indian-IDDM)" category encouraging the procurement of indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured products.
The policy also introduced the "fast-track" route for acquiring critical weapons, facilitating quicker and more efficient procurement processes.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), 2018:
The iDEX initiative promotes innovation and R&D in the defense sector, especially among MSMEs, startups, and academic institutions. iDEX provides funding, grants, and support to innovative projects, contributing to the development of new technologies for defense.
In 2022, iDEX Prime was launched to further support this ecosystem and encourage cutting-edge innovations.
SPRINT Challenges:
The SPRINT initiative, launched by the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) in 2022, aims to integrate at least 75 new indigenous technologies into the Indian Navy. This project is a significant step toward increasing the Navy's self-reliance in defense technologies.
Indigenous Manufacturing and Simplification of Processes:
The government has worked on simplifying the industrial licensing process, extending the validity of licenses, and liberalizing the FDI policy to allow up to 74% foreign direct investment in defense manufacturing.
Domestic procurement has seen an uptrend, rising from 54% in 2018-19 to 68% in recent years, with 25% earmarked for private industry.
Defence Industrial Corridors:
The Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu aim to create dedicated hubs for the aerospace and defense industries. These corridors provide infrastructure, incentives, and a conducive environment for both public and private players.
Positive Indigenisation Lists (PIL):
The PILs prioritize the procurement of defense equipment from domestic sources, further strengthening India's indigenisation efforts. These lists create embargoes on the import of specified items, pushing the defense industry to develop alternatives locally.
E-Biz Portal and Vendor Development Guidelines:
The digitization of defense licensing processes through the E-Biz Portal has improved operational efficiency. The Vendor Development Guidelines focus on strengthening private sector participation, particularly from SMEs, by encouraging outsourcing and creating development opportunities within public sector units (PSUs) and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
The DAP 2020 is a crucial initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, aiming to streamline procurement processes while fostering self-reliance in defense production:
Reservation for Indian Vendors: The DAP encourages domestic manufacturers by giving preference to Indian vendors, with provisions allowing up to 100% FDI in defense production.
Enhancement of Indigenous Content: There is an increased focus on enhancing the indigenous content in defense procurement across various categories.
Make and Innovation Categories: The Make categories (I/II/III) support domestic innovation, funded both by the government and the industry.
Global Manufacturing in India: The DAP mandates that part or all of the manufacturing process for defense equipment, spares, or maintenance be conducted by Indian subsidiaries of foreign investors.
Ease of Doing Business: The DAP facilitates easier operations for defense manufacturers, offering faster decision-making and preference for companies producing complete defense systems.
Enhance Indigenous R&D:
India must increase its investment in defense R&D to at least 2% of GDP, in line with global standards. This will require strengthening research institutions like DRDO and increasing private sector involvement in innovation.
Absorption of Technology (AoT):
India should focus on joint ventures with foreign OEMs, with an emphasis on technology sharing, co-development, and co-manufacturing. This will help build technological depth while avoiding dependence on foreign suppliers.
Skill Development:
Expanding specialized defense education and vocational training programs can provide the skilled workforce necessary for cutting-edge defense manufacturing and R&D.
Boost Export Competitiveness:
By encouraging DPSUs and private companies to jointly bid for foreign contracts, India can become a stronger player in the global defense export market, enhancing its geopolitical influence.
Foster Innovation Ecosystem:
India should provide sustained funding and capacity-building support to smaller enterprises, integrating them into defense supply chains and enabling them to scale up their technological capabilities.
Vijay Raghavan Committee Recommendations:
Empowering a PMO-led Defence Technology Council and refocusing DRDO primarily on research and development can enable better decision-making in the defense sector. Encouraging greater participation from private sector and academia in defense R&D will help foster indigenous innovation.
India stands at a crossroads, with an unprecedented opportunity to position itself as not just a manufacturer but as an innovator in defense technologies. The next decade could see India playing a central role in shaping the future of warfare, from AI-driven systems to space and cyber defense. By leveraging its demographic dividend, building global partnerships, and nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem, India has the potential to transform into a major player in the global defense value chain, enhancing its strategic autonomy and national security
Jane Street Group, a US-based trading firm, has recently filed an appeal with the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) against Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in an alleged market manipulation case.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) is a statutory body created under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. It serves as a quasi-judicial body that primarily hears and disposes of appeals against orders issued by SEBI or any adjudicating officer under the Act.
SAT operates from Mumbai, with jurisdiction over the entire country. It also hears appeals related to orders issued by:
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in cases filed before it.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in cases filed before it.
Anyone aggrieved by SEBI's decisions can file an appeal with SAT. This includes:
Market participants
Listed companies
Intermediaries
Investors
This ensures that all stakeholders have a platform for seeking redressal if they believe SEBI's decisions are unfair or unjust.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) is made up of:
One Presiding Officer and a number of Judicial and Technical Members as appointed by the Central Government.
Presiding Officer Requirements:
Retired or sitting Judge of the Supreme Court
Chief Justice of the High Court
Judge of the High Court with at least seven years of service
Judicial Member Requirements:
Judge of the High Court with a minimum of five years of service
Technical Member:
A Secretary or Additional Secretary in the Ministry/Department of the Central Government or an equivalent post in the State Government.
A person with 15 years of experience in the financial sector, including securities markets, pension funds, commodity derivatives, or insurance.
Appointment Process:
The Presiding Officer and Judicial Members are appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India or its nominee.
The tenure of the Presiding Officer and other members is five years from the date of appointment. They can be re-appointed for another term of five years. However, no member can hold office after reaching the age of 70.
SAT possesses powers similar to that of a civil court and has the authority to:
Summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses
Receive evidence and examine witnesses under oath
Require the discovery and production of documents
These powers allow SAT to thoroughly review and adjudicate the appeals, ensuring justice and transparency.
Any person aggrieved by the order or decision of SAT can file an appeal to the Supreme Court of India. However, such an appeal can only be made on questions of law, not on factual matters.
In this case, Jane Street Group has filed an appeal before SAT against SEBI’s decision regarding market manipulation. This case will be an important test of SAT's powers, particularly in how it handles complex market manipulation issues, which often involve intricate trading patterns and regulatory interpretations.
Conclusion: The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) plays a crucial role in India's financial regulatory framework by offering a mechanism to challenge SEBI's decisions and ensuring fairness and accountability in the securities market. This specific case involving Jane Street Group is one of many where SAT will act as a check on market regulations and decisions
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has requested the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) to consider enumerating the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) separately in the upcoming Census.
PVTGs are a sub-category of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India who are considered more vulnerable than other tribal groups due to several factors. These groups are not only marginalized in terms of economic and social development but also face challenges due to their isolated way of life and historical disadvantage.
PVTGs are identified based on specific criteria that include:
Declining or Stagnant Population: These groups exhibit low or stagnant growth rates due to their isolation and economic challenges.
Geographical Isolation: They are often located in remote and inaccessible areas, making it harder for them to interact with the rest of the population and access resources.
Pre-Agrarian Practices: Many PVTGs still rely on hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation instead of modern agricultural methods.
Economic Backwardness: They tend to have lower income levels and lack access to basic amenities and infrastructure.
Low Literacy Levels: These groups have lower education levels compared to other communities.
The Dhebar Commission (1960-61), led by former Member of Parliament U N Dhebar, recommended the creation of this category to provide specific welfare and developmental support to these vulnerable tribal communities.
There are 75 recognized PVTGs in India, spread across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest estimated population of PVTGs, followed by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
According to recent surveys, the estimated population of PVTGs in India is 47.5 lakh.
The livelihoods of PVTGs are often based on traditional practices that are subsistence-oriented. These include:
Food Gathering: Many PVTGs continue to rely on the collection of forest produce, including fruits, tubers, and roots.
Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP): This includes products like medicinal plants, honey, and other forest-based resources.
Hunting: Some PVTGs still hunt for food and sustenance, though this practice has been increasingly restricted due to environmental and conservation concerns.
Livestock Rearing: Rearing of animals like goats, cattle, and poultry is common among certain tribes.
Shifting Cultivation: Also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, this practice is still prevalent in some communities.
Artisan Works: Some groups engage in traditional crafts, weaving, pottery, or basket making as a source of livelihood.
To address the socio-economic challenges faced by PVTGs, the government has launched a number of welfare schemes:
PM JANMAN Scheme:
PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Jan Janata Manav Abhiyan Yojana) is a comprehensive initiative rolled out with an allocation of Rs 24,104 crore.
The scheme aims to uplift the socio-economic status of PVTGs by improving their health, education, livelihoods, and amenities.
The program targets over 200 districts where these vulnerable communities reside, aiming to provide better access to healthcare, improved education, livelihood opportunities, and overall better living conditions.
Other Welfare Initiatives:
Health and Education: Focus on providing healthcare infrastructure, improving literacy rates, and building schools in tribal areas.
Infrastructure Development: Efforts to build roads, transportation, and electricity in remote tribal areas to integrate them into the larger socio-economic fabric of the country.
Skill Development: Providing skills training to PVTGs to enhance their livelihood options, particularly in the modern economy.
Despite these schemes, challenges remain in fully integrating PVTGs into mainstream society. Their isolation, lack of awareness about government schemes, and deep-rooted poverty continue to affect their quality of life. The proposal to enumerate these groups separately in the upcoming census can help in addressing these challenges more effectively by providing more accurate and focused data, which can in turn improve policymaking and resource allocation for their development
Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is set to be declared India's newest tiger reserve. This move is aimed at further strengthening the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and supporting the growing tiger population in the region.
Location: The sanctuary is situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near the Hirakud Dam (the longest earthen dam in the world, also the longest dam in India). It lies along the Mahanadi River, which adds to the rich biodiversity of the area.
History: The sanctuary was officially declared in 1985. It holds historical significance due to its connection with the famous freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, who had his base at Barapathara within the sanctuary during his rebellion against the British.
The sanctuary is primarily covered by mixed and dry deciduous forests, contributing to a diverse ecosystem. These forests support a wide variety of plant species, including Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, and Dhaura trees.
Debrigarh is home to a variety of fauna, including several species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of the notable species are:
Indian Leopards
Sloth Bears
Chousingha (Four-Horned Antelope)
Sambar Deer
Gaurs (Indian Bison)
Wild Boars
Indian Wild Dogs
The sanctuary is also recognized as one of the most important wintering grounds for migratory birds in Odisha, attracting a wide variety of avian species from far-flung regions.
Crested Serpent Eagle
Flower Peckers
Red Vented Bulbul
Tree Pie
Drongo
White-Eye Oriental
The declaration of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve is an important development in the conservation efforts of Odisha. It will provide a more focused approach to the preservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger and its habitat. By becoming a tiger reserve, the sanctuary will gain additional funds, resources, and regulatory measures aimed at improving the management and protection of wildlife within the region.
The proposal to upgrade Debrigarh to a tiger reserve aligns with India's broader efforts to protect its tiger population, which has been steadily increasing in recent years due to dedicated conservation programs like Project Tiger. This move will also enhance the sanctuary's ability to address challenges like poaching, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflict, which are common threats to tiger populations in India.
Debrigarh’s transformation into a tiger reserve will help bolster wildlife conservation efforts, not only for the Royal Bengal Tiger but also for the entire ecosystem that the sanctuary supports. The surrounding region, rich in history, biodiversity, and cultural significance, stands to gain from this much-needed development
Recently, a landslide buried a remote mountain village in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Location: Sudan is the third largest country in Africa.
Borders: It shares its borders with South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Libya, Chad, and the Central African Republic.
Geography:
The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from the Sahara Desert in the north to the forests of West Africa and the Congo River basin in the south.
Sudan has a significant coastline along the Red Sea to the east.
It is largely characterized by vast plains and plateaus, with most of the land drained by the Nile River and its tributaries.
Relief: Sudan's geography mainly consists of deserts and arid grasslands with sparse vegetation.
Highest point: Jabal Marrah, part of the Darfur mountain range.
Sudan is rich in several valuable natural resources:
Petroleum (the country is an oil producer)
Gold (Sudan has significant gold reserves)
Other minerals: Small reserves of iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, and silver.
Hydropower potential due to the presence of the Nile River.
Khartoum: The capital city, located at the junction of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers, serves as the country's political, cultural, and economic hub.
The recent tragedy in Darfur is part of the wider challenges faced by Sudan, including ongoing conflict, displacement of people, and natural disasters. These events further underscore the need for enhanced disaster management, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation to address the challenges in this region
The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2023 has revealed some crucial demographic insights, particularly highlighting the ageing population and changes in fertility rates in India.
The SRS is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (ORGI).
It offers valuable data on fertility and mortality indicators, including key metrics such as:
Crude Birth Rate (CBR)
Crude Death Rate (CDR)
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
Total Fertility Rate (TFR):
India's TFR has fallen to 1.9 in 2023, marking the first decline in two years.
This is significant because it is below the replacement level of 2.1.
18 States and UTs have reported a TFR below the replacement level.
Crude Birth Rate (CBR):
The CBR in India has decreased by 0.7 points, from 19.1 in 2022 to 18.4 in 2023.
The highest CBR was recorded in Bihar (25.8), while the lowest was in Tamil Nadu (12).
Ageing Population:
9.7% of India’s population is now aged 60 or above, a notable rise from 8.6% in 2011.
Kerala has the highest proportion, with nearly 15% of its population aged above 60.
Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB):
The sex ratio at birth in India is recorded at 917, which means that for every 1,000 boys, there are 917 girls born.
The decline in fertility rates and the ageing population reflect shifting demographic trends in India. The ageing population, in particular, signals a need for policies targeting elderly care, healthcare accessibility, and pension schemes.
A decline in birth rates also has implications for long-term workforce demographics, as a shrinking younger population might affect labor supply in future decades.
The sex ratio at birth is a critical indicator, although it still falls short of a balanced ratio, signaling that gender disparities remain a challenge
Researchers at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) have discovered that p47 protein, previously known primarily for assisting other proteins in cellular machinery, has an unexpected ability to act as a “mechanical chaperone.”
P-47 is a cofactor protein that was primarily thought to assist the p97 protein, which plays a crucial role in protein trafficking, degradation, and membrane fusion.
P-47’s main function was understood as aiding p97 in moving proteins across cellular compartments, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and assisting in their subsequent degradation or processing.
New Role as a “Mechanical Chaperone”:
The study revealed that p47 does more than just assist p97. It actually enhances the mechanical efficiency of protein extraction from the ER lumen into the cytoplasm.
The protein helps in stabilizing polypeptides under stress, guiding them through narrow pores, and reducing the risk of misfolding, which is a key issue in protein-related diseases.
Force-Dependent Chaperone Activity:
The research provided the first direct, single-molecule evidence that cofactors like p47 can possess autonomous, force-dependent chaperone-like activity.
P-47’s ability to stabilize proteins under mechanical stress and its role in the protein translocation process suggest that it is not just a passive helper but plays an active, protective role.
Implications for Disease and Therapy:
The study suggests that proteins like p47 could be targeted for novel therapeutic strategies, especially for diseases that involve protein instability or misfolding.
Such diseases include various neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, where protein misfolding plays a critical role in disease progression.
This new understanding of p47 as a mechanical chaperone expands the scope of protein homeostasis research.
By targeting mechanical cofactors like p47, researchers might develop treatments that could prevent protein misfolding and promote correct protein folding, offering potential therapeutic approaches for protein aggregation diseases.
An Assam-based foundation has recently launched the Vulture Network Portal, which aims to raise awareness and provide resources for the conservation of vultures in India. T
The Vulture Network Portal is a cloud-based platform designed to be a comprehensive knowledge and awareness hub focused on the vulture species in India.
This portal is India's first-ever initiative to build a network of individuals, organizations, and institutions dedicated to vulture conservation.
The project is led by We Foundation India, supported by various partners, including the Assam Bird Monitoring Network and other environmental organizations.
Knowledge Dissemination:
The portal aims to compile scientific information related to vultures, including research, monitoring data, and conservation strategies.
It provides freely downloadable outreach materials, making it easy for anyone interested in conducting awareness campaigns about vultures.
Awareness Campaign:
The primary goal of the portal is to spread awareness about the threats vultures face, especially focusing on carcass poisoning, harmful veterinary drugs (such as diclofenac), and negative social perceptions that contribute to the decline of vulture populations.
The portal also focuses on local language dissemination, starting with Assamese, to ensure that awareness reaches a wider audience in areas where vultures are prevalent.
Support for Conservation Efforts:
The Vulture Network is not only focused on awareness but also works toward mobilizing support for vulture conservation efforts, from grassroots level campaigns to policy advocacy.
India is home to several vulture species, many of which are endangered. Some of the most prominent vultures found in India include:
Slender-billed Vulture: Estimated to have only around 800 mature individuals left.
White-rumped Vulture
Red-headed Vulture
Himalayan Griffon
Indian Vulture
Cinereous Vulture
Eurasian Griffon
Egyptian Vulture
Bearded Vulture
Vultures play an important ecological role as scavengers, helping to dispose of animal carcasses and prevent the spread of diseases. However, the vulture population has sharply declined over the last few decades, primarily due to:
Carcass poisoning: Often due to carcasses of livestock treated with harmful veterinary drugs like diclofenac, which are fatal to vultures.
Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
Negative perceptions of vultures in some regions.
The Vulture Network Portal plays an essential role in countering these threats by providing scientific data, raising awareness, and advocating for policies that protect these vital birds.
The launch of the Vulture Network Portal marks an important milestone in the conservation of vultures in India. By creating a unified platform for information sharing, network building, and awareness campaigns, this initiative aims to reverse the decline in vulture populations and restore the balance in the ecosystem
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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