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The Economic Survey of 2024, in its 12th chapter on the Infrastructure of Indian ports, highlights the rapid expansion of Indian ports to meet growing trade demands. India’s global maritime competitiveness has improved, with its ranking in the International Shipments category of the World Bank Logistics Performance Index rising to 22nd in 2023 from 44th in 2014. Major port capacity has nearly doubled since 2014, and container turnaround time has decreased by 50% between 2014 and 2023-24. Union capital expenditure on the ports, shipping, and waterways sector grew by 27% between FY23 and FY24.

The budget speech mentioned reforms to improve the Indian shipping industry’s share and generate employment, including ownership, leasing, and flagging reforms. It also highlighted the potential for cruise tourism in India, proposing a simpler tax regime for foreign shipping companies operating domestic cruises. The minister recommended a presumptive taxation regime for non-resident cruise ship operations and exemptions on income from lease rentals of cruise ships. Customs duty on components and consumables for vessel manufacturing, as well as duties on technical documentation and spare parts, will be removed.

India is emerging as a cruise destination, with expected passenger volume increasing from 470,000 to 2 million by 2030. Coastal and inland cruise tourism is growing, and the budget provisions will encourage entrepreneurs and tour operators. The application of a presumptive tax and removal of customs duties on vessel manufacturing components are seen as incentives for the shipbuilding and repair industry.

India’s shipbuilding industry faces challenges such as low demand, lack of access to low-interest capital, outdated manufacturing technology, and a shortage of skilled labor. Many shipyards have shut down or operate at low capacity. The budget’s focus on ownership, leasing, and flagging reforms aims to spur demand for shipbuilding. However, the absence of a maritime development fund remains a concern.

The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy Scheme, launched to support shipyards with contracts signed between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2026, has seen 39 shipyards register, with 18 utilizing the benefits. The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, aims to set international standards for ship recycling and ensure safe practices, with the Directorate General of Shipping designated as the National Authority for Recycling of Ships.

The government intends to make India one of the top 10 shipbuilding nations, with a shipbuilding policy in development. The hope is that these initiatives will revive the ship manufacturing and repair sector, despite concerns about capital formation.

Source: India Shipping News

In a significant legal development, the Gujarat High Court has dismissed the pleas of former BJP ministers Parshottam Solanki and Dileep Sanghani, who sought discharge in an alleged Rs 400-crore fisheries scam. The court of Justice Hemant Prachchhak on Friday rejected the petitions filed by Solanki, Sanghani, and Arjun Suthariya. These petitions challenged a March 12, 2021, order from a special Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court that denied their discharge applications.

The alleged scam dates back to 2008, when Solanki served as the minister of state for fisheries and Sanghani was the cabinet minister for agriculture in Gujarat. The case was brought to light by Palanpur-based businessman Ishaq Maradia, who accused Solanki of bypassing standard procedures by allotting fishing contracts without adhering to the tendering process. Maradia claimed that this led to a “Rs 400-crore scam,” with contracts being illegally granted for fishing in 58 reservoirs across the state.

In previous hearings, Solanki contended that Sanghani, as the cabinet minister at the time, had authorized the fisheries contracts. Maradia initially approached the High Court in 2012 after the state government failed to grant sanctions to prosecute Solanki. However, then-Gujarat Governor Dr. Kamla Beniwal overruled the state cabinet on July 30, 2012, and sanctioned Solanki’s prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Following this, Maradia filed an application in the ACB court demanding action against Solanki and Sanghani. In response, the ACB court in Gandhinagar ordered an investigation into the allegations in May 2013. The ACB’s report, submitted in 2015, indicated irregularities in the awarding of the fisheries contracts.

The former ministers approached the High Court after the Gandhinagar court issued summons based on the ACB’s findings. Notably, in 2018, the High Court had already dismissed pleas from the two BJP leaders, which challenged the proceedings initiated by the special ACB court in connection with the alleged scam.

Source: The Economic Times

Dr. Grinson George has been appointed to the prestigious role of Director at the ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Beginning his journey as a Fisheries Scientist at the Central Agricultural Research Institute in Port Blair, Dr. George made remarkable contributions in Fisheries Resources Management, particularly in the realms of Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ), Coastal Zone Management, and Ecological studies.

Dr. George’s academic pursuits led him to Goa University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Oceanography under the esteemed guidance of the faculty at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa. His profound work in this field has laid a solid foundation for his subsequent endeavors at CMFRI, Kochi. At CMFRI, he continued to excel in marine biology and oceanography, eventually rising to the position of Head of Department.

Dr. George’s expertise is recognized internationally, having worked in renowned laboratories abroad. His recent tenure at the SAARC Headquarters in Bangladesh further underscores his leadership and commitment to advancing marine fisheries.

A proud graduate of Kerala Fisheries College and a postgraduate from ICAR-CIFE Mumbai, Dr. George’s appointment is a moment of pride for fisheries science professionals. His achievements are a testament to the high standards of education and research in the field of fisheries in India. Dr. George is a recipient of the prestigious Dr. Rajendra Prasad Award from ICAR, among many other accolades.

Dr. Grinson George’s appointment as Director of CMFRI is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration for fisheries professionals, showcasing the heights that can be achieved through dedication and excellence in this vital field.

Counselling for admission into the Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc) program in Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University (APFU) for the Academic year 2024-25.

1. Colleges under Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University (APFU):
   • College of Fishery Science, Muthukur, SPSR Nellore District
   • College of Fishery Science, Narasapuram, West Godavari District
     • (Due to non-completion of permanent buildings, the college is likely to be temporarily relocated to any other suitable location within West Godavari District as per the availability of suitable infrastructure.)

2. Name of the Course: Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc)
3. Duration of the Course: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
4. Medium of Instruction: English
5. Number of Seats:
   • College of Fishery Science, Muthukur: 40 seats (4 seats under EWS category)
   • College of Fishery Science, Narasapuram: 60 seats (6 seats under EWS category)
   • Total: 100 seats (10 seats under EWS category)
     • 10% supernumerary seats are allocated under the EWS category.

Important Dates

• Issue of Notification:07.2024
• Commencement of Online Registration:07.2024
• Last date of Online Registration without late fee:08.2024
• Last date of Online Registration with late fee:08.2024
• Subsequent Activities: Will be displayed on the website.

6. Eligibility:
   • A pass in the two-year Intermediate Examination conducted by the Board of Intermediate Education, A.P., or any other examination recognized as equivalent thereto by the University or Board of Intermediate Education with the following subjects:
     • Physical Sciences
     • Biological or Natural Sciences

7. Age:
   • Candidates must be at least 17 years of age as of 31st December 2024.
   • Upper age limit:
     • General Category: 22 years (Born between 31st December 2002 and 31st December 2007)
     • SC & ST Candidates: 25 years (Born between 31st December 1999 and 31st December 2007)
     • Physically Challenged Candidates: 27 years (Born between 31st December 1997 and 31st December 2007)

8. Reservation of Seats for Agriculturist cum Rural Area Candidates (Farmer’s Quota):
   • 25% of the seats are reserved for candidates from families of agriculturists (farmers) owning not less than 1 acre of land in the name of the parents or the candidates and who have studied for a minimum of 4 years in schools located in non-Municipal areas. Ownership of land by grandparents, guardians, or any other relatives is not acceptable.

Online Registration Fee:

• General and BC candidates: 1000/-
• SC, ST & PH (Differently Abled) candidates: 500/-
• Late fee for online registration (up to two days after the last date):
  • General and BC candidates: 2000/-
  • SC, ST & PH (Differently Abled) candidates: 1000/-

Contact Information:

• Phone: 0866-3500560
• Mobile: 8985318321
• Email: apfunsp@gmail.com
• Website: apfu.ap.gov.in

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), Mumbai, is pleased to announce a walk-in interview for the appointment of a Young Professional-II (YP-II) to handle the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility. This contractual appointment will be until 26th August 2026.

Post: Young Professional-II (YP-II)

No. of Vacancy: One

Place of Posting: ICAR-CIFE, Versova, Mumbai

Salary: Rs. 42,000/- per month (Consolidated)

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology/Marine Biotechnology/Bioinformatics/Fish Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Microbiology or related disciplines.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge and experience of ion torrent NGS platform/Bioinformatics.

Job Requirements:

• Preparation of DNA/RNA libraries using the ion chef system.
• Conducting NGS sequencing runs using the ion torrent NGS platform.
• Executing quality control procedures, troubleshooting technical issues, and generating high-quality sequencing data.
• Maintenance of the equipment.
• Assisting with documentation and report preparation.

Age: Minimum 21 years and Maximum 45 years

Interview Details:

• Date: 8th August 2024
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Venue: ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai

Application Process: Candidates must fill in the application (Annexure I) and bring it along with their Curriculum Vitae, one set of self-attested copies of testimonials and certificates, original experience certificates, original age proof, and one self-attested passport-size photograph for the interview.

Important Notes:

• The employment is purely temporary, and the incumbent shall not have any claim for a regular appointment under ICAR.
• Performance will be reviewed annually, and services may be terminated earlier if performance is deemed unsatisfactory.
• The decision of the Director, CIFE, will be final and binding in all respects.
• The Director, CIFE, reserves the right to cancel the interview/appointment before joining without assigning any reason.

For more details, visit website: www.cife.edu.in or contact us at +91 9969300125.

Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets with a book value of ₹19.11 crore and a market value of ₹71.61 crore. These assets belong to Nerella Venkata Rama Mohan Rao and others, linked to a case of cheating IDBI Bank with fake Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fish Tank loans.

The attached properties include agricultural lands, commercial sites, and plots in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and a bank account balance of ₹15.55 lakh. These properties are registered in the names of aggregators, their family members, and benamis (fronts).

The investigation began after an FIR by the CBI in Visakhapatnam, accusing Nerella Venkata Rama Mohan Rao and 10 others of fraudulently taking KCC Fish Tank loans from IDBI Bank’s Rajahmundry Branch. They obtained loans totaling ₹311.05 crore in the names of 350 borrowers.

The ED found that 11 aggregators, including Nerella Venkata Rama Mohan Rao, conspired with IDBI Bank officials to get KCC Fish Tank loans using fake documents. The loans were taken in the names of employees, relatives, benamis, and farmers who were not eligible. The collateral securities’ value was also inflated with the help of valuers.

The loan amounts were diverted from borrowers’ accounts to the aggregators through cash withdrawals and bank transfers. The funds were used to buy properties in the names of the aggregators and their family members, invest in other businesses, and repay old loans. The properties bought with the fraudulent loan money were used as collateral to get more loans and The ED continues its investigation into the matter.

As the 52-day annual trawling ban ends on July 31 at midnight, fishermen’s unions are urging strict vigilance against unsustainable fishing practices. They allege that some fishing operators might resort to illegal methods.

“Trawling boats and gears should undergo strict checks to ensure banned fishing gears are not used,” said Antony Kurisinkal of Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation. Fisheries unions, particularly in the traditional sector, have consistently opposed pair trawling (using two boats in parallel) and high-voltage lighting systems to attract fish.

Reports have surfaced from places like Kollam, Kochi, Munambam, and Beypore about the use of trawler and dredger nets by some fishing boats. Fisheries department sources stated that ground-level personnel monitor such destructive practices. Although no complaints have been received so far, the department remains vigilant to prevent any activities that jeopardize sustainability.

Regular inspections are conducted, and boats found violating the rules are fined or face appropriate action. Fishermen pointed out that unsustainable methods are often carried out by workers from other States. “The department must intensify marine patrols and collaborate with the Coastal Police force to end such practices,” said Raju Asrayam, a fisherman from Alappuzha district.

Instances of juvenile fishing in several areas have also been reported and need to be curbed. Union leaders highlighted that the lack of boat inspections has led to cases where multiple boats operate under the same registration number from different harbors.

“These practices are not only harmful to the fisheries sector but also pose a threat to national security,” said Mr. Kurisinkal. To tackle these issues, fisheries authorities must conduct simultaneous checks at harbors, ensuring that all boats comply with regulations and contribute to sustainable fishing practices.

The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India (GoI), under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is actively promoting coastal aquaculture across all coastal States and Union Territories (UTs). The government has approved projects worth Rs. 179.50 crore under PMMSY, which includes a genetic improvement programme for Penaeus indicus, the establishment of Broodstock Multiplication Centres (BMC) for P. monodon, the construction of brackish water ponds over 1381 hectares, and the development of 20 shrimp hatcheries. Additionally, the DoF has sanctioned five BMC projects to develop shrimp broodstocks, further enhancing coastal aquaculture.

According to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), 5544 coastal aquaculture farms have been established in the last three years across various coastal States and UTs. The state-wise breakdown of these farms is detailed in the provided annexure.

The shrimp production from brackish water aquaculture has significantly increased, from 8.42 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 to 11.84 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. This rise in shrimp production has substantially impacted the seafood industry, with seafood exports increasing from Rs. 43,721 crores in 2020-21 to Rs. 63,969 crores in 2022-23. Notably, shrimp alone contributed Rs. 40,013 crores to the total seafood export value.

State-wise Number of Coastal Aquaculture Farms Established in the Last Three Years

1. Andhra Pradesh: 2181
2. Goa: 6
3. Karnataka: 2
4. Gujarat: 149
5. Kerala: 81
6. Maharashtra: 14
7. Odisha: 1913
8. Puducherry: 19
9. Tamil Nadu: 407
10. West Bengal: 772

Total: 5544

The PMMSY initiative’s focus on coastal aquaculture is a testament to the government’s commitment to boosting the seafood industry and supporting sustainable aquaculture practices. The establishment of these coastal aquaculture farms and the increase in shrimp production and exports highlight the positive impact of these efforts on the industry and the nation’s economy.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day today at its Prithvi Bhavan Headquarters, marking nearly two decades of significant contributions to Earth system sciences. Founded on July 27, 2006, MoES has been at the forefront of scientific research and services. The Ministry’s achievements span across all spheres of Earth system sciences: air (atmosphere), water (hydrosphere), land (lithosphere), solid earth (cryosphere), and life (biosphere), reflecting its commitment to scientific and technological progress.

To commemorate its 18th Foundation Day, MoES launched several significant publications:

1. Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi: CMLRE released a catalogue entitled ‘Taxonomy and Systematics of Anomuran Crabs (Paguroidea, Chirostyloidea, and Galatheoidea) from the Indian EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone)’. This effort contributes to capacity building in deep-sea taxonomy and aligns with the marine biodiversity documentation and conservation efforts of the Ministry.
2. India Meteorological Department (IMD): IMD released the ‘Standard Operating Procedure on “Cyclone Warning in India”’ and the ‘Competency Framework for Monitoring and Forecasting High-impact Weather Events’. These documents will aid stakeholders in more efficient and timely disaster mitigation efforts.
3. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa: NCPOR released a consolidated report on the 14th Indian Arctic Expedition (2023-24), including India’s maiden winter Arctic Expedition launched on December 18, 2023. The report provides in-depth information on scientific projects and field activities conducted under the Indian Arctic Expedition, organised by NCPOR. It will be available on NCPOR’s website.
4. MoES Newsletter: The first issue of the MoES Newsletter, envisaged to be a quarterly publication highlighting news, events, and updates from MoES, was also released.

These publications reflect MoES’s ongoing dedication to advancing scientific understanding and technological innovation in Earth system sciences.