Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

Image
Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...
Post a Comment

India's Major Ports Witness Significant Cargo Volume Growth in FY24

India's Major Ports Witness Significant Cargo Volume 

Growth in FY24



India's Ports and Shipping sector has been experiencing a significant surge in growth, showcasing impressive performance indicators and infrastructural advancements. In FY24, the 12 major ports under the Union government's ownership handled a total of 819.227 million tonnes (mt) of cargo, reflecting a 4.45% increase from the previous year's 784.305 mt. This growth is pivotal, as approximately 95% of India's international trade volume is managed through these ports, signaling enhanced efficiency and capacity in the sector.


FY24 Performance Overview


According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the major ports collectively handled 12.310 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), marking an 8.06% increase from FY23's 11.392 million TEUs. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority led the way, managing 6.43 million TEUs, accounting for over half of the total volume. 


Key cargo segments also saw significant increases:

- Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) cargo rose by 5.06% to 245.990 mt.

- Iron ore shipments surged by 32.68% to 61.031 mt.

- Raw fertilizer shipments increased by 13.56% to 9.406 mt.

- Movements of coking coal and other coal grew by 10.24% to 64.939 mt.


Paradip Port Authority emerged as a leader in cargo handling among major ports, reaching 145.379 mt in FY24, a 7.40% increase from the previous year's 135.362 mt.


Factors Driving Growth in the Maritime Industry


Infrastructural Development


India's infrastructural development has significantly bolstered port operations. Initiatives such as the Sagarmala project aim at port-led development until 2035, focusing on enhancing cargo handling and transport efficiency. Coastal states are witnessing numerous road and rail connectivity projects, further improving port accessibility.


Technological Advancements


Technological advancements have played a crucial role in enhancing port efficiency. Implementations such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based Port Access Control Systems (PACS) and the installation of AIS base stations and VHF radios have streamlined operations and improved security. Upgraded systems like the 'Port Community System' (PCS) and 'Direct Port Delivery' and 'Direct Port Entry' have further simplified data flow and operational processes, facilitating smoother business operations at ports.


Policy Reforms


Policy reforms have also contributed significantly to the sector's growth. The government has allowed non-major ports to set their tariffs with input from State Maritime Boards. Project UNNATI aims to improve operations at key ports, while the National Logistics Portal (Marine) enhances efficiency and transparency by linking logistics stakeholders. Under the Sagarmala Programme, 166 projects are underway at major ports, with 90 already completed, adding over 230 million tonnes per annum in port capacity.


Public-Private Partnerships


Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) have been instrumental in driving growth in the maritime sector. Non-major ports, which contribute 45% to the total port traffic, are increasingly handling a larger share of the country's port traffic. As part of the Sagarmala Programme, 45 projects have been planned for non-major ports, with 31 being implemented through PPPs, involving a total investment of Rs. 45,973 crores (US$ 5.54 billion).


Laws and Regulations


The growth and regulation of India's port sector are governed by several key laws and regulations:


- The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021: This act provides greater autonomy to the major ports in India, allowing them to operate more efficiently and make decisions that enhance their performance and competitiveness.

- The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: This act governs shipping and navigation in India, ensuring the safety of vessels and the prevention of marine pollution.

- The Indian Ports Act, 1908: This act regulates the administration and working of ports in India, providing guidelines for their maintenance and development.

- The Inland Vessels Act, 2021: This act regulates inland water transport in India, promoting safe and efficient navigation and trade on inland waterways.


Future Prospects


India is set to invest $82 billion in port projects by 2035, aiming for a brighter future with six new mega ports under the National Perspective Plan for Sagarmala. Additionally, a project exceeding $96.48 million is underway to upgrade the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, enhancing operational efficiency and global competitiveness. The government's focus on integrating solar and wind-based power systems across key ports, with a goal of surpassing 60% renewable energy consumption by 2030, underscores its commitment to sustainable development.


Conclusion


The continuous expansion of India's maritime sector reflects the nation's strides in infrastructural development, technological advancements, and policy reforms. These efforts have not only enhanced port efficiency but also positioned India as a significant player in global trade.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Supreme Court Reinforces Due Process: Curbing “Bulldozer Justice” with Strict Guidelines

Image
Supreme Court Reinforces Due Process: Curbing “Bulldozer Justice” with Strict Guidelines Background In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court of India has set out guidelines to curb arbitrary demolitions, commonly referred to as "bulldozer justice." This term has emerged from instances where properties of individuals accused of crimes have been demolished without following due legal process. The ruling responds to several petitions highlighting the destruction of residential and commercial properties without prior notice, which, according to petitioners, targets marginalized and minority communities. Key Principles Addressed The Supreme Court’s decision rests on critical constitutional principles, particularly the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of individual rights . The Court emphasized that no person should be punished without due process and that arbitrary action by the executive undermines citizens’ trust in the justice system. Justice Gavai, in del...
Read more

Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Former Bank Manager Accused of Defrauding Woman of ₹13 Crores

Image
Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Former Bank Manager  Accused of Defrauding Woman of ₹13 Crores  The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Varun Vashista , a former bank manager accused of embezzling over ₹13 crores from a customer’s account while working at ICICI Bank's Vikas Puri branch. The bail was approved by Justice Amit Mahajan on November 12, 2024, after considering the evidence and facts of the case.   Details of the Case The allegations against Vashista stem from his role as a branch manager. The complainant and her husband had entrusted him with managing their investments, amounting to ₹13.5 crores, between 2019 and 2023.   The complainant discovered in January 2024 that nearly ₹12 crores had been **siphoned off** from her account. Key allegations include:   - Creation of Fake Fixed Deposits: The accused reportedly created fraudulent fixed deposit accounts in the complainant’s name.   - Misappropriation of Funds: Funds were tr...
Read more

Equality Before Law

Image
                            Equality Before Law                                                   Introduction The rule of law was firstly introduced by A.V. Dicey in  his book "The Constitution Of England" in which there is rule which only prevails is law in which all are equal. In simple word if any wrong is being done which is not justifiable  by law committed by anyone that may be president, prime minister, or any individual are punishable because there is supremacy of law. Supremacy of law means the government which is power or the people who elected the government all will be treated equally before law.  Article 14 The Indian Constitution 1949, Article 14 guarantees "Equality before law The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the...
Read more