In News:

• Indian Army contingent departed for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH on September 12, 2024.

Key Details:

• Location: Rabkoot Training Area, Salalah, Oman.
• Frequency: Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. Last edition was conducted at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
• Indian Army Contingent:

• Size: 60 personnel
• Composition: Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services.

• Royal Army of Oman Contingent:

• Size: 60 personnel
• Composition: Troops of the Frontier Force.

• Objective:

• Enhance joint military capability for counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Focus on operations in a desert environment.

• Tactical Drills:

• Joint Planning
• Cordon and Search Operation
• Fighting in Built-Up Areas
• Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Posts
• Counter Drone Operations
• Room Intervention

• Training Exercises:

• Combined field training exercises simulating real-world counter-terrorism missions.

• Outcomes Expected:

• Exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.
• Foster interoperability, goodwill, and camaraderie between the two armies.
• Strengthen defense cooperation and enhance bilateral relations between India and Oman.

Context: 

Celebrating Four Years of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has marked its fourth anniversary since its launch in 2020. This flagship scheme, managed by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, aims to transform India’s fisheries sector into a vibrant and sustainable industry.

About PMMSY

The PMMSY is designed to invigorate the fisheries sector through a comprehensive approach that consolidates various existing schemes and initiatives. It operates as an umbrella scheme with two main components:

- Central Sector Scheme (CS)

- Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)

The CSS component is divided into:

Non-Beneficiary Oriented Subcomponents:

   - Enhancement of Production and Productivity

   - Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Management

   - Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework

Fisheries Sector Overview

India stands as the third-largest fish producer globally and the second-largest in aquaculture production. It is also the fourth-largest exporter of fish and fisheries products, experiencing a notable 26.73% growth in exports from FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23. Andhra Pradesh leads the country in fish production, followed by West Bengal and Gujarat. The sector supports the livelihoods of over 30 million people.

The Department of Fisheries is spearheading the PMMSY to foster a "Blue Revolution" through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector.

Challenges Facing the Fisheries Sector

1. Overfishing: Excessive fishing pressure threatens fish stocks and disrupts ecosystem balance.

2. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Practices such as fishing without proper authorization and using banned gear undermine conservation efforts.

3. Lack of Infrastructure and Technology: Outdated technology and inadequate storage and transportation facilities result in post-harvest losses and reduced productivity.

4. Poor Fisheries Management: Inefficient regulation enforcement and lack of comprehensive data exacerbate overfishing and IUU fishing.

5. Pollution and Habitat Destruction: Industrial pollution and habitat destruction from activities like coastal reclamation impact marine and freshwater ecosystems.

6. Climate Change: Altered oceanic and freshwater environments affect fish distribution and reproductive cycles, disrupting fisheries ecosystems.

7. Socio-Economic Issues: Poverty and limited livelihood options increase the vulnerability of fishing communities.

Government Initiatives for Sector Growth

1. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Established in 2006, the NFDB plans and promotes fisheries development, enhancing production and infrastructure.

2. Blue Revolution: Launched in 2015, this initiative focuses on sustainable development, modern technology adoption, and strengthening fisheries governance.

3. Sagarmala Programme: Also launched in 2015, it aims to boost port-led development and includes projects to develop fishing harbors and cold chain infrastructure.

4. National Fisheries Policy: Introduced in 2020, this policy provides a framework for sustainable fisheries development, focusing on responsible management and socio-economic improvements.

5. Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs): Established at the district level to provide technical guidance and support to fish farmers.

6. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Created in 2018-19 with a fund of Rs 7,522.48 crore to address infrastructure needs, resulting in 121 approved projects.

7. Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA): Regulates coastal aquaculture to ensure sustainability and environmental conservation.

Way Forward

The fisheries sector in India holds immense potential due to its extensive coastline and water resources. Key measures to further enhance the sector include:

- Strengthening Monitoring and Enforcement: Combat IUU fishing with better monitoring and regulatory mechanisms.

- Supporting Sustainable Practices: Provide financial incentives for adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices.

- Protecting Aquatic Habitats: Ensure the conservation and restoration of vital habitats like mangroves and coral reefs.

- Improving Supply Chain Infrastructure: Develop better market linkages to ensure fair pricing and access to markets.

With these strategies, the PMMSY aims to drive the sustainable growth of India’s fisheries sector and bolster its contribution to the economy and livelihoods.

In News:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative via video conferencing from Surat, Gujarat.

Key Points:

• Campaign and Objectives:
  • Objective: The initiative seeks to bolster water conservation through extensive public and governmental collaboration.
  • Scope: About 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures will be constructed across Gujarat.
  • Approach: Emphasizes a Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government approach to water management.
• Significance:
  • Cultural Significance: PM Modi highlighted that water conservation is deeply embedded in Indian culture, with water revered as a divine entity and rivers considered Goddesses.
  • Policy and Virtue: He stated that water conservation transcends policy and is both an effort and a virtue, reflecting social commitment and cultural consciousness.
  • Future Challenges: The Prime Minister acknowledged the exacerbating impact of water scarcity due to climate change, urging a shift to the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle’ mantra for sustainable water management.
• Impact of Drought and Water Scarcity:
  • Recent Challenges: The drought affecting the Amazon region and other parts of India has highlighted the urgent need for effective water conservation strategies.
  • Water Table Decline: Significant declines in river levels, such as the Rio Negro reaching its lowest minimum (12.7 meters) on record, and the death of endangered species due to low water levels underscore the crisis.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide piped water to every home, with significant progress noted from 3 crore households to over 15 crore.
  • Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Focuses on renovation and construction of water sources with widespread public participation.
  • Amrit Sarovar: Over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed under this campaign, which began during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• Innovative Solutions and Technological Integration:
  • Drip Irrigation: Promotion of water-efficient farming techniques like drip irrigation to ensure sustainable agriculture.
  • Support for Farmers: Encouragement for cultivating less water-intensive crops such as pulses and millets.
• Role of Industries:
  • CSR Contributions: Industries have played a significant role in water conservation through initiatives like Net Zero Liquid Discharge Standards and the completion of 10,000 borewell recharge structures in Gujarat.
  • Future Plans: The ‘Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan’ aims to create an additional 24,000 recharge structures.
• Conclusion and Vision:
  • Global Leadership: PM Modi expressed his belief that India can become a global leader in water conservation.
  • Public Movement: Stressed the importance of continuing public participation in water conservation to make India a model for global sustainability.

Background: The ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative builds on the success of the earlier Jal Sanchay program by involving citizens, local bodies, and industries in water conservation efforts. The initiative aligns with the vision of water security and aims to mobilize collective action for long-term sustainability.

Key Data:

• Construction of 24,800 rainwater harvesting structures.
• Significant increase in tap water connections from 3 crore to over 15 crore households.
• Creation of more than 60,000 Amrit Sarovars across the country.
• Completion of 10,000 borewell recharge structures in Gujarat.

Why is it in the News?

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the unique Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme amidst much enthusiasm at the Sector 7 sports complex, in Chandigarh recently.

About the KIRTI Programme:

• The KIRTI Programme is an ambitious nationwide initiative aimed at school children between the ages of nine and 18.
  • With a dual focus, the scheme strives to uncover hidden talent from every corner of the country while simultaneously utilizing sports as a powerful tool to combat addiction to drugs and digital distractions.

Primary Objectives of KIRTI's Programme:

• Identifying and nurturing talented young athletes from across India, ensuring that no potential goes unnoticed.
• Leveraging sports as a means to steer youth away from harmful addictions and encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle.
• To achieve these goals, KIRTI plans to conduct 20 lakh assessments throughout the year at designated Talent Assessment Centres across the nation.
  • The programme launched with a strong start at 50 centers in India, assessing 50,000 applicants in the first phase across 10 sports such as athletics, boxing, wrestling, hockey, and football.
• KIRTI's athlete-centric approach is characterized by its transparent selection methodology, which is grounded in Information Technology.
  • The programme employs data analytics based on Artificial Intelligence to predict sporting potential in aspiring athletes, ensuring that talent identification is both objective and data-driven.
  • By channeling India's youth towards sports and providing them with the necessary support, KIRTI aims to foster a new generation of athletes and promote a healthier, more active society.

About Khelo India Scheme:

• The Khelo India Scheme is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
  • This Central Sector Scheme is designed to instill a sports culture and achieve sporting excellence in the country by leveraging the transformative power of sports and its cross-cutting influence.
• The Khelo India Scheme encompasses multiple verticals, with "Sports Competitions and Talent Development" being a key focus area.
  • Within this vertical, the "Talent Identification and Development" component plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing athletes at both the grassroots and elite levels.
  • The primary objective is to strengthen the sports ecosystem in India by cultivating talent and providing athletes with the necessary resources and support to excel in their respective disciplines.
• Through the Khelo India Scheme, the government aims to promote sports as a way of life, encouraging greater participation and creating a robust platform for athletes to showcase their skills.
  • By investing in sports infrastructure, training, and competition opportunities, the scheme seeks to establish India as a global sporting powerhouse and inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and athletic achievement.

What is the News ?

Recently, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology sheds light on the progress of the River Rejuvenation Project, Devika. This initiative, inspired by the Namami Ganga campaign, aims to safeguard the sacred Devika River’s purity and health.

Facts About:

Comprehensive Waste Management:

• Focus on Liquid Waste Management.
• Creation of a network of pipes and manholes connecting households.
• Objective: Efficient disposal of liquid waste, preventing pollution, and preserving the sanctity of the river.

Complementary Solid Waste Management:

• Encompasses responsible collection, disposal, and management of solid waste.
• Essential to prevent environmental degradation and maintain river and surrounding health.

Financial Allocation Breakdown:

• Project investment exceeds Rs 190 crores.
• Allocation shared between Central and Union Territory (UT) at a 90:10 ratio.

Empowering Communities through PRIs:

• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) pivotal for grassroots project success.
• PRIs’ involvement enhances community engagement, fosters ownership, and promotes sustainable development practices.

Devika River:

• Originates from Suddha Mahadev temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.
• Flows through western Punjab (now Pakistan) where it merges with the Ravi River.

Cultural Significance:

• Revered by Hindus as sister of the Ganga River.
• Devika River believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Parwati, benefiting the people of MaderDesha (areas between river Ravi and Chenab).

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946187