Daily PIB Highlights (04-06-2025)

Topic- 1: India-Norway Maritime Partnership Strengthened: MAHASAGAR ensuring ‘Growth for All’

GS-3: Economy & GS-3: Internal Security

The context:

On 3^rd June 2025, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) participates in Ministerial Discussion on ‘Shipping & Ocean Business,’ reaffirms India’s vision of MAHASAGAR ensuring ‘Growth for All’ between Kolkata based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg Oslo.

First Indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV): India-Norway Collaboration

• • India will build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV) indigenously, following the signing of an MoU between Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg.
  • The PRV will be developed with design expertise from Kongsberg and in alignment with the requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCOPR) for use in polar and southern ocean research.
  • The vessel will be equipped with advanced scientific instruments for deep-ocean research, marine ecosystem studies, and climate change exploration—boosting India’s polar and oceanographic research capabilities.
  • The PRV project will enhance India’s shipbuilding strength, showcasing complex maritime construction capabilities, and promoting the ‘Make in India’
  • The MoU reflects India’s commitment to scientific innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation, and is a major milestone for India’s maritime and research sectors.

MAHASAGAR: India’s Upgraded Maritime Vision at Shipping & Ocean Business Meet

• • Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal represented India at a high-level Ministerial Meeting on ‘Role of Shipping in Shaping the Future’, alongside ministers from Brazil, Japan, China, US, Norway, and the UN.
  • The meet focused on building a stable, long-term, inclusive, and decarbonised ocean-based trade through global cooperation and regulatory alignment.
  • The Minister highlighted India’s maritime vision — SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) — which aims at regional economic prosperity, enhanced maritime security, disaster response, capacity building, and environmental stewardship.
  • He also introduced MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions – as an expanded version of SAGAR, emphasizing holistic maritime cooperation, security, and sustainable growth.
  • Under the Sagarmala 2.0 programme, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways focuses on:

• • • Bridging infrastructure gaps
    • Boosting shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling
    • Strengthening India’s position as a global maritime leader

About MAHASAGAR

• • MAHASAGAR is India’s ambitious strategic vision to enhance security, trade, and development cooperation across the Global South i.e expanding to Africa, ASEAN, Latin America, Pacific Island Nations.
  • Evolution from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR: MAHASAGAR builds upon the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy of 2015.
    • The SAGAR doctrine (2015) promoted maritime security, sustainable development, and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
    • Whereas, the MAHASAGAR (2025) initiative expands on SAGAR, focusing on:
      • Strengthening trade and connectivity.
      • Enhancing maritime security and domain awareness.
      • Boosting disaster resilience and humanitarian aid.
      • Deepening economic and cultural ties with island nations.

India–Norway Maritime Collaboration: Key Highlights

• • Union Minister of India held a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), inviting increased investment in India’s growing maritime sector.
  • He emphasized shared values between India and Norway: sustainability, innovation, and mutual growth, with a vision to build a green, smart, and resilient maritime ecosystem.
  • India is making major investments in green ports, alternative fuels (like green hydrogen), and offering strategic incentives to become a global leader in shipbuilding.
  • Indian shipyards currently hold 11% of NSA’s order book; the Minister urged for expansion of orders, leveraging initiatives like the Ship-Breaking Credit Note Scheme.
  • Highlighting India’s strong seafaring workforce (2nd in NSA’s global fleet), he proposed expanded recruitment partnerships.
  • Investment opportunities under:
    • Sagarmala Programme
    • $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund
      were presented, covering shipbuilding, logistics, and port infrastructure.
  • The Union Minister stressed India’s commitment to innovation through digital platforms like ONOP and MAITRI and invited Norway’s cooperation in green shipping corridors, ship recycling, and IMO-aligned net-zero goals, noting that 87% of Indian recycling yards are now HKC compliant.
  • The Minister’s visit to Norway and Denmark during the Nor-Shipping 2025 event aims to deepen maritime cooperation with global stakeholders.

The Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR):

• • It was launched in 2015 with the aims of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
  • Key components:
    • Countering Chinese Influence: Strengthening ties with IOR nations.
    • Maritime Security: Tackling piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities.
    • Capacity Building: Supporting IOR countries in disaster management and infrastructure development.
    • Economic & Connectivity Projects: Expanding regional trade and investment.
  • MAHASAGAR (Advancement for Security Across the Regions) is announced by the PM in Mauritius, focusing on maritime security and regional cooperation.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 2: World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz 2025

GS-2: Governance & GS-3: Economy

The context:

On 3^rd June 2025, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with MyGov, has launched the World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz 2025 to empower students, teachers, and citizens with knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco and the importance of making informed choices on MyGov platform in 12 languages. The fight against tobacco is not just a health issue—it is a social and educational mission that touches the lives of millions of young people across India.

World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz – 2025: Key Highlights

• • The World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz 2025 is a large-scale awareness initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and tobacco-free living.
  • For the first time, the quiz is multilingual, available in 12 Indian languages:
    • English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, and Punjabi.
  • This multilingual approach aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes learning and awareness in local and regional languages to promote inclusion and accessibility.
  • Participants can:
    • Choose “World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz – 2025”
    • Select a preferred language
    • Register using a mobile number or email
    • Begin the free quiz and access informative content
  • All participants will receive a digital certificate from MyGov, recognizing their role in promoting awareness about the harms of tobacco use.
  • The quiz aims to:
    • Reach every school, teacher, and student
    • Promote healthy lifestyles, especially among adolescents
    • Make awareness a nationwide movement, not just a digital campaign
  • This initiative reflects the inclusive vision of NEP 2020 by ensuring no learner is left behind due to linguistic barriers.
  • The campaign underscores the idea that awareness begins with understanding, and understanding begins with language.

 

Source: PIB

 

Topic- 3: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issues Statutory Directions to control air pollution from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

GS- 2: Governance and GS-3: Environment

The context:

On 3^rd June, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issues Statutory Directions to control air pollution from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) burning/ biomass burning and incidences of fire at Sanitary Landfill (SLF) sites and dumpsites.

The Key Highlights:

• • The major contributors to air pollutione. open burning of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) /Open biomass generating Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ & PM_2.5) and other harmful gaseous pollutants (NO₂, SO₂, CO, Dioxins, Furans, etc.) in the region, the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) via Direction No. 91 has issued comprehensive directions under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021, aimed at eliminating fire incidents in Sanitary Landfill (SLF) sites, dumpsites, and open burning of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)/ biomass across the National Capital Region (NCR).
  • The Commission has directed the concerned agencies in the NCR to take appropriate actions under two broad categories with a view to prevent fire incidents and resultant high levels of air pollution.
  • All concerned agencies as mentioned under various statutes relating to solid waste management have been directed to ensure compliance with the Statutory Directions of the Commission.
  • Non-compliance of the Directions of the Commission shall attract penal action in terms of Clause 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
  • The Commission seeks to bring uniform enforcement, improved risk preparedness, and enhanced accountability across the region.
  • The Commission calls upon all stakeholders — especially Urban Local Bodies, SPCBs/ DPCC and other concerned agencies in NCR to ensure rigorous and strict implementation of the directions for preventing/ eliminating open burning of miscellaneous solid waste and to control the incidences of fires in the SLFs and MSW dumpsites.

Management of Legacy Waste and Fire Prevention at Dumpsites – Directions by CAQM

Site Assessment, Surveillance & Access Control	• Proper identification, categorization, demarcation, and fire risk assessment of all SLFs and dumpsites in Delhi-NCR. • Mandatory installation of CCTV cameras at the SLFs and dumpsites • Including appropriate fencing arrangement all along the boundary of the SLFs and dumpsites. • Frequent patrolling to prevent unauthorized access, especially at night.
Bio-remediation & Methane Management	• Extensive bio-mining/bio-remediation to eliminate legacy waste as per Supreme Court timelines. • Installation of Methane Gas Detectors at the SLFs and dumpsites so that the areas with high methane concentration are identified and preventive/ corrective measures taken accordingly.
Monitoring & Early Fire Detection	• Temperature at windrows to be checked regularly with infrared thermometers (maintaining 35°C–59°C). • Regular record-keeping and analysis of temperature deviations.
Fire Prevention Infrastructure & Drills	• Installation of fire hydrants, water tankers, earthmovers for soil covering, and chemical extinguishing systems. • Adequate sand/chemical storage and dedicated fire tenders, especially in summer. • Conduct periodic mock drills and quarterly fire safety audits.
Worker Safety & Training	• Safety gear/ Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to be provided to all workers at the site and training imparted periodically to the workers towards detection and control of fire including training on safe handling of the legacy waste etc. • Regular training on fire detection, control, and safe handling of legacy waste.

Management of fresh generation of MSW – prevention of fire incidents through open burning of MSW/ Biomass

• • Ensure collection, segregation, transportation and processing of MSW in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, notified by the MoEF&CC.
  • Improved and effective surveillance mechanism at locations vulnerable to garbage burning, particularly during the night hours and in the winter season.
  • Zero tolerance towards open burning of MSW at vulnerable points, intermediate dumps, collection centres or during transit.
  • Regular deployment/ patrolling by enforcement teams towards prevention and control of open burning of MSW.
  • Augmenting the capacities of Urban Local Bodies to process the horticulture waste in parks, gardens, green belts, institutions, roadside etc. throughout the year and intensify collection efforts during autumn season.
  • Public awareness campaigns and public participation should be ensured through RWAs, Industry Associations, Shopkeepers’ Associations, etc. to prevent open waste burning in municipal areas.
  • Regular capacity-building programs should be incorporated for sanitation staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in the processing and handling of municipal solid waste

CAQM Statutory Direction on Co-firing in Brick Kilns (Punjab & Haryana):

• • The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued Statutory Direction No. 92 mandating the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets/briquettes in all brick kilns located outside NCR areas of Punjab and Haryana.
  • This move aims to reduce open paddy stubble burning, which is a major contributor to air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
  • The directive mandates gradual adoption of co-firing by brick kilns as follows:
    • 20% co-firing from 01.11.2025
    • 30% from 01.11.2026
    • 40% from 01.11.2027
    • 50% from 01.11.2028
  • State Governments of Punjab and Haryana have been instructed to issue necessary orders to enforce this direction and to report monthly progress to the CAQM.
  • The initiative promotes clean, sustainable fuel alternatives in the industrial sector and is aligned with the goal of complete elimination of open crop residue burning.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 4: Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) Oceanographic Research Cruise – 2025

GS-3: Environment and Ecology

The context:

On 3^rd June 2025, the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) leads an urgent ocean study following hazardous cargo spill south off Kochi.

The Key highlights:

• • In response to the sinking of a cargo vessel carrying 643 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials, the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched an oceanographic research cruise.
  • The vessel sank in the southern section of the southeastern Arabian Sea, raising serious environmental concerns due to the potential release of toxic substances into a biologically productive marine ecosystem.
  • The research cruise is scheduled from June 3 to June 12, 2025, operating from Kochi to Kochi along a loop track and focusing on the wreck site at coordinates 09°18.76’N and 076°08.12’E.
  • The study area comprises 16 research stations arranged in two meridional transects, spaced 10 nautical miles apart, offering zonal coverage of the region around the sunken vessel.
  • This 10-day scientific voyage aims to offer a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the incident on marine life, fisheries, and the chemical balance of the surrounding waters and sediments.
  • The primary goal is to monitor both biogeochemical and ecological parameters in the shipwreck area, as well as the regional hydrography and ocean currents using advanced instruments and methods.
  • These instruments will help understand the physical structure and circulation of water in the impacted zone, which is critical for tracking the dispersion of pollutants.
  • The team will operate high-end acoustic systems such as the Long-Range SONAR SX90 and multiple frequency split-beam echo sounders.
  • These tools will assist in locating the wreck and in mapping the area and water column disturbances, as well as identifying fish schools or other biological anomalies that could indicate stress or changes in marine life behaviour due to the spill.
  • Chemical and biological sampling forms a core part of this operation.  The team will analyse critical chemical and biogeochemical parameters, including dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, various nutrients, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metal content, trace elements, pH, and particulate organic matter & carbon. These samples will also support microplastic and ecotoxicology analyses. The team will assess the distribution and health of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish eggs & larvae.

The team includes experts in physical oceanography, marine biology, marine chemistry, fisheries acoustics, and environmental toxicology, adopting an integrated research approach.

The data collected will:

• • Help quantify environmental impact
  • Support long-term ecological monitoring
  • Inform policy decisions and recovery strategies

 

The Arabian Sea, especially the Kochi to Kanyakumari sector, is a monsoon-season biodiversity hotspot and an active spawning ground for key pelagic fish like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies during May–June.

Disturbances during the breeding season could have cascading ecological and livelihood impacts, given that millions depend on marine resources in India.

Through this cruise, CMLRE demonstrates the role of marine science in environmental emergency response and sustainable ocean governance.

About the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE):

• • It is a premier research institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
  • It was established in 1998, it is dedicated to studying and sustainably managing marine living resources in India.
  • The institution is crucial in advancing marine science, conducting cutting-edge research, and supporting policy development to protect and conserve India’s marine ecosystems.

 

Source: PIB                                                                                                    

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