PYQ Relevance:
Question: “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. [UPSC 2021]
Linkage: The broader context of competition for influence in the continent. |
Mentor’s Comment: The Russia-Ukraine war highlighted the need for energy security, affecting even Africa. As African leaders rethink their energy sources, nuclear power is becoming a key solution. Currently, South Africa has Africa’s only nuclear plant, but countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya plan to adopt nuclear energy. By 2035, Africa could generate 15,000 MW, attracting $105 billion in investments.
Today’s editorial talks about how African countries are changing their energy sources and how China is becoming a major player in Africa. This content would help in GS Paper 2 International relation.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
With several African nations reshaping their energy sources. China is likely to become their top choice for partnership, offering financial support, technology, and infrastructure to expand their nuclear energy sector.
What are the key factors driving Africa’s shift toward nuclear energy?
- Energy Security & Reduced Dependence on Imports: The Russia-Ukraine war exposed energy vulnerabilities, forcing African nations to diversify energy sources. Example: South Africa relies on coal but is now exploring nuclear expansion to ensure stable energy supply.
- Expanding Electricity Access: Many African countries face severe power shortages, affecting economic growth and quality of life. Example: Nigeria has frequent blackouts and signed an MoU with China to develop nuclear power plants.
- Clean Energy Transition & Climate Goals: African nations aim to reduce carbon emissions and shift from fossil fuels to meet global climate commitments. Example: Uganda plans a 2 GW nuclear plant to support its clean energy goals by 2031.
- Economic & Industrial Growth: Nuclear energy can power industries, create jobs, and attract foreign investments. Example: Ghana is developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with U.S.-based NuScale Power to boost industrialization.
- Foreign Investment & Technological Advancements: Countries like China, Russia, and the U.S. are investing in Africa’s nuclear sector, providing funding and expertise. Example: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signed nuclear agreements with Russia’s Rosatom to develop their energy sector.
Which countries are leading the race to invest in Africa’s nuclear market, and why?
- China – The Dominant Player: Offers easy financing and infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Example: Nigeria & Uganda signed MoUs with China to build nuclear power plants, with Uganda planning a 2 GW nuclear plant by 2031.
- Russia – Strategic Engagement: Through Rosatom, Russia has signed agreements with multiple African nations, leveraging its nuclear expertise. Example: Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear plant is being built by Rosatom, though progress is slow due to economic challenges.
- United States – Seeking a Foothold: Organizing the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) to strengthen ties and push for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Example: Ghana partnered with NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group to develop SMRs.
- France – Losing Influence: Historically dominated Africa’s nuclear sector but is now struggling to maintain relevance, especially in Francophone Africa. Example: South Africa’s Koeberg nuclear plant was built by a French consortium, but new projects are going to other players.
- South Korea – Emerging Contender: Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) is actively exploring opportunities in Africa’s nuclear energy sector. Example: South Korea is negotiating to supply nuclear reactors to various African countries, competing with China and Russia.
How is China strengthening its dominance in Africa’s nuclear energy sector?
- Financial Support & Infrastructure Investment: China provides easy financing and builds transmission networks through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Example: Uganda signed an MoU with China in 2024 for a 2 GW nuclear plant, with the first 1 GW unit expected by 2031.
- Training & Scholarships for African Engineers: The China Atomic Energy Authority, in cooperation with the IAEA, offers nuclear training programs for African students. Example: Since 2012, African students have been trained in Chinese nuclear procedures and technology, making China a preferred partner.
- State-Owned Companies Leading Expansion: China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) spearhead projects across Africa. Example: Nigeria signed a deal with CNNC in 2024 to develop nuclear power plants, covering design, construction, and maintenance.
- Comprehensive Agreements Beyond Just Nuclear Plants: China integrates nuclear power development with broader energy and infrastructure investments, making deals attractive. Example: Kenya is considering China for both a research reactor and potential future nuclear plants as part of wider infrastructure projects.
- Exploiting Gaps Left by Other Players: With France losing influence and Russia struggling financially, China steps in with better financing and execution capacity. Example: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, despite approaching Russia’s Rosatom, may turn to China for funding and technology due to Russia’s economic constraints.
Where are African countries planning to build new nuclear plants, and what are their projected timelines?
- Egypt – El Dabaa Nuclear Plant: Egypt is building a large nuclear plant with help from Russia’s Rosatom.The first reactor is expected to start working by 2028.
- Uganda – 2 GW Nuclear Power Plant: Uganda signed an agreement with China in 2024 to build a big nuclear plant. The first part (1 GW) should be ready by 2031.
- Nigeria – Future Nuclear Plants: Nigeria signed an agreement with China in 2024 to develop nuclear energy. The timeline is not confirmed yet.
- Kenya – Research Reactor: Kenya plans to build a small research reactor by 2030 to learn more about nuclear energy. It has not yet chosen a partner for a full power plant.
- Ghana – SMRs & Large Reactor: Ghana is working with U.S. company NuScale for small reactors and China for a big reactor. The exact timeline is still unclear.
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Why is India’s access to African uranium becoming more challenging?
- Growing Chinese Influence: China is investing heavily in Africa’s nuclear sector, securing long-term uranium supply deals. Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) funds energy projects, strengthening its ties with uranium-rich nations like Namibia and Niger.
- Geopolitical Realignments: Many African nations are aligning with China and Russia, reducing India’s negotiating power. Example: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have strengthened ties with Russia, which may affect India’s access to uranium deals.
- Competition from Other Global Players: France, Russia, and the U.S. are also competing for uranium resources, making it harder for India to secure long-term agreements. Example: France has historical control over Niger’s uranium exports, limiting India’s access.
- Economic & Infrastructure Constraints: India lacks direct investment in African uranium mining compared to China, which provides infrastructure and financial support. Example: China’s CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation) has mining rights in Namibia, while India only has agreements without major investments.
- Security & Political Instability: Many uranium-rich African countries face political instability and security risks, making long-term agreements uncertain. Example: Niger’s 2023 military coup created uncertainty in uranium exports, impacting India’s potential deals.
What should India do to secure a uranium supply from Africa? (Way forward)
- Increase Direct Investment in Mining & Infrastructure: India should partner with African nations to develop uranium mines, processing facilities, and infrastructure instead of just relying on purchase agreements. Example: India can invest in Namibia’s uranium mining sector, similar to how China’s CNNC has secured long-term rights.
- Strengthen Bilateral & Multilateral Agreements: India must negotiate long-term uranium supply deals with African nations through trade pacts and diplomatic engagement. Example: India can expand its agreements under India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) to secure uranium from Niger, Malawi, and South Africa.
- Leverage India’s Civil Nuclear Agreements & Technology: India should offer nuclear technology collaboration to African nations as an incentive to secure uranium supply. Example: Partnering with Ghana and Kenya on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could help India gain better access to uranium sources.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Fundamental Right;
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court quashed the FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, stating that even if many people dislike someone’s views, their right to express them must be respected and protected.
What was the Supreme Court’s rationale for quashing Imran Pratapgarhi’s FIR?
- Poem Did Not Incite Violence or Enmity: The court ruled that the poem “Ae khoon ke pyase baat suno” did not promote violence or hatred but instead advocated facing injustice with love. Example: The court compared this to other forms of artistic expression, such as satire and stand-up comedy, which may provoke strong reactions but should still be protected under freedom of speech.
- Freedom of Expression is Fundamental to Democracy: The judgment emphasized that even if many people dislike or oppose certain views, an individual’s right to express them must be protected. Example: The ruling cited how literature, poetry, and films enrich public discourse, and restricting them would lead to a stifled society.
- Failure of Police to Conduct Preliminary Inquiry: The court noted that under Section 173(3) of the BNSS, the police must conduct a preliminary inquiry before registering an FIR for offenses punishable with 3 to 7 years of imprisonment. Example: If the police had followed this procedure, they would have found no prima facie case against Pratapgarhi, preventing an unjust criminal prosecution.
Why did Justices Oka and Bhuyan stress the importance of protecting free speech in their ruling?
- Essential for a Healthy Democracy: The court emphasized that freedom of expression is crucial for a vibrant democracy, where diverse opinions must be debated rather than suppressed. Example: The judges stated that even if many people dislike a view, it must still be protected, reinforcing that countering speech with speech, not suppression, is the right approach.
- Integral to Human Dignity and Fundamental Rights: The ruling linked free speech to Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity), arguing that without the ability to express ideas, individuals cannot live a dignified life. Example: The court cited the Preamble of the Constitution, which guarantees liberty of thought and expression as a core constitutional ideal.
- Judiciary’s Duty to Protect Fundamental Rights: The judges stressed that if the police or executive fail to uphold free speech, the courts must step in to protect citizens’ rights under Article 19(1)(a). Example: The court stated that even judges may not always like certain spoken or written words, but they are bound by their duty to uphold the Constitution and free speech rights.
Which Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections did Gujarat Police invoke against Pratapgarhi, and what do they address?
- Section 196 – Promoting Enmity Between Groups: It Covers acts that promote enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, or language and disturb harmony. Example: If a speech or post incites hostility between communities, it could fall under this section. However, the court found no such intent in Pratapgarhi’s poem.
- Section 299 – Outraging Religious Feelings: It Covers deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting a religion or religious beliefs. Example: If someone defames a religious text or practice with intent to offend, they may be booked under this section. The court ruled that Pratapgarhi’s poem had no such intent.
- Section 173(3) of BNSS – Preliminary Inquiry Requirement: Mandates a preliminary inquiry before registering an FIR for offenses punishable by 3 to 7 years of imprisonment. Example: The court noted that the police should have conducted an inquiry first to see if a prima facie case existed, preventing unnecessary criminal charges.
What role did the Supreme Court assign to police and judiciary in upholding Article 19(1)(a)?
- Police Must Conduct a Preliminary Inquiry Before Filing an FIR: The court held that police must verify if a case genuinely falls under restrictions on free speech before registering an FIR. Unwarranted criminal proceedings can have a chilling effect on expression.
- Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, ruling that arbitrary arrests for online speech violate free expression.
- Judiciary Must Act as the Guardian of Fundamental Rights: Courts must intervene when executive actions violate fundamental rights, ensuring that speech is not suppressed under vague or excessive laws.
- S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram (1989): The Supreme Court ruled that mere disagreement or offense cannot be grounds for restricting free speech.
- Both Institutions Must Uphold Constitutional Ideals: Police and courts must ensure that freedom of expression is safeguarded in a democracy, as it is crucial for a vibrant public discourse.
- Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962): The Supreme Court clarified that only speech inciting violence or public disorder can be restricted.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Safeguards Against Misuse of Laws: Implement clear guidelines for law enforcement to distinguish between genuine hate speech and protected expression to prevent arbitrary FIRs. Example: Mandatory legal training for police on free speech rights and BNSS provisions.
- Judicial Oversight and Quick Disposal of Cases: Establish fast-track mechanisms for courts to quash frivolous cases that violate Article 19(1)(a). Example: Special benches to review cases involving free speech violations to ensure timely justice.
Mains PYQ:
Q Question: What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. [UPSC 2014]
Linkage: The scope of freedom of speech and expression, a central issue in the Pratapgarhi case.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Geopolitical situation of India;
Why in the News?
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked leaders, including PM of India, for helping to end the Ukraine- Russia war. This was appreciated in India, but it raises a key question—why doesn’t India engage more in global conflict resolution?
Why has India refrained from playing a more active political role in global conflicts despite its past interventions in regional crises?
- Focus on Economic Growth: India has prioritized economic development over geopolitical interventions to strengthen its position as the world’s fifth-largest economy. Example: Since the early 2000s, India has focused on domestic growth and international trade rather than direct involvement in conflicts like the Syrian civil war.
- Risk of Straining Bilateral Relations: Engaging in conflicts could upset key diplomatic partnerships and economic ties with different nations. Example: India has refrained from directly criticizing Russia over the Ukraine war to maintain strong trade relations, especially in energy and defense.
- Multi-Alignment Strategy over Direct Intervention: India prefers to maintain balanced relations with global powers rather than taking sides in conflicts. Example: During the Israel-Gaza crisis, India condemned terrorism but avoided taking an active role in mediation.
- Regional Conflicts Best Handled by Key Players: India often views conflicts as better managed by regional stakeholders or major global powers. Example: In West Asia, India has significant economic interests but does not intervene like Turkey or Saudi Arabia in conflicts such as the Yemen civil war.
- Avoiding Overstretching Diplomatic and Military Resources: Actively engaging in multiple conflicts could strain India’s diplomatic bandwidth and military capacity. Example: While India plays a crucial role in Indo-Pacific security (e.g., QUAD), it has avoided direct involvement in conflicts like the South China Sea dispute.
What are the key reasons behind India’s geopolitical reticence, and how do they impact its global ambitions?
- Economic Prioritization Over Geopolitical Involvement: India has focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction rather than engaging in global conflicts. This has strengthened India’s economy but has limited its influence in global strategic affairs. Example: India avoided a major role in the Ukraine-Russia war to protect trade and energy interests.
- Balancing Strategic Partnerships: India follows a multi-alignment policy, maintaining good relations with diverse global powers. This ensures economic and diplomatic stability but restricts India from taking firm stances on contentious global issues. Example: India has strong ties with both the U.S. and Russia, leading to neutral stances in conflicts like Ukraine.
- Reluctance to Meddle in Complex Regional Conflicts: India prefers not to intervene in regions where dominant players (e.g., U.S., China, EU) have vested interests. This often makes India appear as a passive actor rather than a decisive global leader. Example: India refrained from mediating in the Israel-Palestine conflict, unlike Qatar and Turkey.
- Lack of Institutional Mechanisms for Conflict Mediation: India does not have a formal diplomatic framework for mediation in global conflicts. This limits India’s credibility as a conflict-resolution leader despite its historical role in peacekeeping. Example: Unlike Norway’s role in the Sri Lanka peace process, India avoided direct mediation post-2009.
- Fear of Strategic Overstretch and Retaliation: Actively engaging in conflicts could lead to economic sanctions, diplomatic backlash, or military confrontations. This cautious approach preserves internal stability but weakens India’s claim for a UNSC permanent seat and a stronger global role. Example: India has not taken a proactive role in Afghanistan’s political transition to avoid provoking regional powers like China and Pakistan.
Which countries or regions are currently filling the space left by India’s limited involvement in international conflict mediation?
- China – Expanding Diplomatic and Strategic Mediation: China has positioned itself as a key mediator in conflicts, using economic influence and strategic partnerships. Example: In 2023, China brokered a historic diplomatic agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reducing tensions in the Middle East.
- Turkey and Qatar – Active Engagement in Regional Conflicts: These countries have taken up mediation roles, particularly in the Middle East and Afghanistan, leveraging their geopolitical positions and relationships with conflicting parties. Example: Qatar facilitated negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban, leading to the 2020 U.S.-Taliban peace deal.
- European Union – Diplomatic Initiatives and Soft Power: The EU engages in conflict resolution through diplomatic channels, economic incentives, and humanitarian aid. Example: The EU has played a mediatory role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, facilitating peace talks and ceasefire agreements.
Way forward:
- Develop Institutional Frameworks for Mediation and Peacebuilding: Establish specialized diplomatic institutions focused on conflict resolution, leveraging India’s experience in UN peacekeeping and historical ties with developing nations. Example: Creating an “India Peace Mediation Initiative” under the Ministry of External Affairs to offer diplomatic and humanitarian support in global conflicts.
- Strengthen Strategic and Economic Diplomacy for Conflict Prevention: Enhance regional cooperation through trade, infrastructure projects, and multilateral platforms like BRICS and the G20 to prevent conflicts at their roots. Example: Expanding India’s diplomatic role in West Asia and Africa through economic investments and diplomatic engagement to foster long-term stability.
Mains question for practice:
Question: The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples. [UPSC 2024]
Linkage: India’s potential role in the global balance of power and how external actors perceive India’s strategic significance in countering a major global power is an important theme. A larger geopolitical vision for India would involve strategically navigating such external expectations and leveraging its position to advance its own interests.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Earthquakes
Why in the News?
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with its epicentre near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city.
What caused the Earthquake in Myanmar?
- Myanmar is situated between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which makes the region seismically active.
- The Sagaing Fault, running from north to south through Myanmar, marks the boundary of these plates.
- It is an active fault line that has caused significant earthquakes in the past, including a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in 1912 and a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in 2016.
- The Indian Plate was moving northward along the Sagaing Fault relative to the Eurasian Plate. The friction and stress built up along this fault led to a sudden release of energy, resulting in the earthquake.
- The earthquake’s epicentres was located 17.2 km from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, at a depth of just 10 km.
Why are Shallow Earthquakes more destructive?
- Proximity to the Surface: Shallow earthquakes (less than 70 km deep) cause intense shaking. For example, the Myanmar earthquake occurred at 10 km, leading to rapid, forceful seismic waves and extensive damage.
- Energy Release: Shallow earthquakes retain more energy in seismic waves, causing stronger surface shaking and greater destruction.
- Higher Intensity: Shallow quakes produce higher intensity shaking, resulting in more structural damage compared to deeper quakes, where seismic waves lose energy.
- Aftershocks: Shallow earthquakes often lead to more intense aftershocks, further damaging already weakened structures. The Myanmar earthquake had aftershocks, including one with magnitude 6.4.
Back2Basics: Earthquake and Related Terminologies
- Earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by energy release from tectonic plate movements or volcanic activity, generating seismic waves.
- Key Terminologies:
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- Focus (Hypocenter): The point inside the Earth where the earthquake originates, deep beneath the surface.
- Epicenter: The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus, usually the most affected area.
- Seismic Waves: Waves that carry the energy released during an earthquake and cause ground shaking.
- Fault: A crack or fracture in the Earth’s crust where movement occurs, often causing earthquakes.
- Magnitude: A measure of the earthquake’s size or energy, commonly measured on the Richter scale.
- Intensity: The strength of shaking at specific locations, measured by the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale.
Types of Earthquake Waves:
- Body Waves: Travel through the Earth’s interior, detected first by seismographs.
- Primary Waves (P-Waves): Fastest, compression waves that move through solids and liquids.
- Secondary Waves (S-Waves): Shear waves, slower than P-waves, that move through solids only.
- Surface Waves: Travel along the Earth’s surface, slower but cause more damage.
- Love Waves: Move side-to-side horizontally, causing significant damage.
- Rayleigh Waves: Cause elliptical ground motion, similar to ocean waves, very destructive.
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| [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:
1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of waves propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MGNREGS
Why in the News?
The Centre has announced a hike in the wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the financial year 2025-26, with an increase ranging from 2-7%.
Wage Revision Under MGNREGS:
- 2025-26 Wage Hike:
- Wage increase: 2.33%-7.48%, with ₹7 to ₹26 rise.
- Haryana records the largest hike of ₹26, bringing the wage to ₹400 per day (highest in India).
- Wage Calculation:
- Wages are linked to the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).
- Previous Hikes:
- Goa had the largest hike of 10.56% in 2024-25.
- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand had the smallest at 3.04%.
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About MGNREGS
- The MGNREGS, launched in 2005, guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually for rural households.
- It provides a legal right to work, focusing on unskilled manual labour.
- Unique Features:
- 100 days of employment for rural households, with adult members volunteering for unskilled work.
- If employment isn’t provided within 15 days, an unemployment allowance is paid.
- Work must be offered within 5 km of the applicant’s residence.
- The Centre funds 100% of unskilled labour costs, 75% of skilled labour and materials, and 6% of administrative costs.
- Key Provisions under MGNREGS
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- Rural households are entitled to 100 days of employment. Additional days are allowed during natural calamities or for Scheduled Tribe households.
- Citizens can conduct social audits to ensure transparency, with all records open to public scrutiny.
- Worksites must provide crèches, drinking water, and first aid.
- Workers more than 5 km from the worksite receive a travel allowance of 10% of the wage rate.
Recent Challenges surrounding MGNREGS:
- Delayed Payments: ₹11,423 crore owed for wages and administrative costs as of January 2025, with workers facing delays of weeks or months.
- Inadequate Wage Rates: Wage rates are not linked to inflation, with the highest wage for 2024-25 at ₹374 in Haryana, below the national minimum wage.
- Technological Challenges: Issues with Aadhaar-based payments and mobile monitoring systems have led to non-payment or misdirected funds.
- Budget Constraints: Budget allocations have decreased from 0.4% of GDP in FY22 to 0.2% in FY25, impacting workdays and payments.
- Social Audit Irregularities: Irregular audits by Gram Sabhas raise concerns about accountability and transparency.
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| [UPSC 2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”?
(a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households
(b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households
(c) Adult members of households of all backward communities
(d) Adult members of any household |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Prachand Prahaar
Why in the News?
The Indian Army conducted a Tri-Service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise, called ‘Prachand Prahaar’, in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.
About Exercise Prachand Prahaar
- It is a tri-service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise involving the Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Navy.
- It is conducted in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which spans 3,488 km.
- The exercise was carried out under the aegis of the Eastern Army Command.
- The primary objective was to validate a fully integrated approach to surveillance, command and control, and precision firepower across all three services.
- The exercise aimed at simulating future warfare scenarios with a synergised combat drill.
Key Components and Execution:
- The exercise began with the deployment of advanced surveillance resources from all three services, which included:
- Long-range surveillance aircraft from the IAF.
- Maritime domain awareness aircraft from the Indian Navy.
- Helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- Space-based resources and the Indian Army’s elite special forces.
- These resources created seamless domain awareness, which allowed for the identification of simulated targets.
Related Previous Exercises:
- The Prachand Prahaar exercise builds upon the momentum of Exercise Poorvi Prahar, which was held in November 2024.
- The focus of Poorvi Prahar was on the integrated application of aviation assets.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sagarmala Programme
Why in the News?
The Sagarmala Programme, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), has completed 10 years of transformative success, positioning India as a maritime powerhouse.
About Sagarmala Programme
- The Sagarmala Programme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW).
- It aims to transform India’s maritime sector by enhancing port-led development, modernizing ports, and promoting sustainable coastal development.
- The program is a key part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV), which aims to make India a global maritime leader by 2047.
- Five Key Components:
- Port Modernization & New Port Development: Upgrading ports to boost efficiency and capacity.
- Port Connectivity Enhancement: Improving multimodal logistics and port hinterland connectivity.
- Port-Led Industrialization: Establishing industrial clusters near ports to foster economic growth.
- Coastal Community Development: Supporting skill development and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
- Coastal Shipping & Inland Waterways Transport: Promoting eco-friendly coastal shipping and inland waterways to reduce congestion.
- Implementation & Funding
- Implementation: Managed by Major Ports, central ministries, State Governments, and agencies.
- Funding: Primarily through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), IEBR, Grant-in-Aid, and Equity (Sagarmala Development Company Limited).
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047 (MAKV):
The MAKV sets ambitious targets for India’s maritime sector:
- 4 million GRT of shipbuilding capacity.
- 10 billion metric tons of port handling annually.
- Aiming for top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
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Progress Till Date:
- 839 projects identified with ₹5.79 lakh crore investment; 272 completed with ₹1.41 lakh crore investment.
- 118% growth in coastal shipping over the past decade, reducing logistics costs and emissions.
- 700% increase in inland waterway cargo, easing road and rail congestion.
- Over 40 lakh passengers transported via Ro-Pax ferries.
- Nine Indian ports ranked among the top 100 globally.
- Sagarmala 2.0 focuses on shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and modernization with a ₹40,000 crore budget.
- Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) launched in March 2025 to support startups in green shipping and sustainable development.
| [UPSC 2019] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements :
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
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