CONTENTS

1. Plans to Boost Lighthouse Tourism Announced
2. e-FAST India Initiative

Plans to Boost Lighthouse Tourism Announced

Context:

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has announced plans to boost lighthouse tourism under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This announcement was made during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships in Vizhinjam, Kerala.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is a Lighthouse?
2. Role of Modern Lighthouses in India
3. Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030)

What is a Lighthouse?

Definition and Purpose

• A lighthouse is a structure designed to emit light, aiding navigation for mariners by marking dangerous coastlines, shoals, reefs, and safe harbor entries.
• India currently maintains 194 lighthouses along its coastal lines and islands.

Historical Significance

• Ancient India: References in the Rigveda and Satapatha Brahmana indicate early navigation knowledge in Indian seas.
• Mythological Connections: Stories like ‘Manu’ escaping a flood highlight ancient Indian understanding of sea voyages.
• 7th Century A.D.: Pallava king Narasimhavarman-I erected the Mamallapuram lighthouse, using log fires, offering views of the UNESCO World Heritage shore temple complex.

Role of Modern Lighthouses in India

Navigational Aid

• Modern lighthouses continue guiding ships, marking ports, and serving as GPS backups.
• Post-2008 Mumbai attacks, lighthouses upgraded with state-of-the-art radars for coastal surveillance.
• Introduction of Automatic Identification System (AIS) enhances communication between fishermen and lighthouses.
• Marine Aids to Navigation Act of 2021 promotes historical and cultural significance of lighthouses.
• Indian Lighthouse Festival in Goa showcases heritage and tourism potential, turning many into tourist attractions.

Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030)

Overview

• Maritime India Vision 2030 is a comprehensive ten-year blueprint for India’s maritime sector, launched at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020.
• It aims to enhance India’s position in the global maritime sector by focusing on waterways, shipbuilding, and cruise tourism.

Key Objectives

• Sectoral Development: Emphasizes on boosting waterways and cruise tourism, superseding the Sagarmala initiative.
• Strategic Themes: Focuses on brownfield capacity augmentation, Mega Ports development, transhipment hub in Southern India, and infrastructure modernization.
• Export Growth: Aims for a 5% share in global exports, focusing on improving maritime capabilities and Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).

Interventions

• Infrastructure Development: Over 200 port connectivity projects, technology adoption, and smart port initiatives to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce costs.
• Governance and Regulations: Enhances governance mechanisms, amends laws, strengthens Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), and promotes PPPs and fiscal support.

Human Resource Development

• Seafaring Leadership: Aims to become a leading seafaring nation by enhancing education, research, and training for seafarers.
• Competitiveness: Focuses on research, innovation, and creating a conducive environment for seafarers and port capability development.

Environmental Sustainability

• Renewable Energy: Targets 40% national energy from renewables by 2030, aligning ports with International Maritime Organization (IMO) goals for sustainability.
• Green Ports: Implements measures such as renewable energy adoption, emissions reduction, water usage optimization, waste management, safety initiatives, and centralized monitoring.

Conclusion

• Maritime India Vision 2030 outlines ambitious goals to transform India into a global maritime leader through strategic development in infrastructure, governance, human resources, and environmental sustainability, ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness in the maritime sector.

e-FAST India Initiative

Context:

Recently, NITI Aayog has announced the launch of the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ as part of the e-FAST India initiative.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interevntions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. e-FAST India Initiative
2. NITI GearShift Challenge

e-FAST India Initiative:

The e-FAST (Electric Freight Aggregator, Scalable E-mobility and Technology) India Initiative was launched in September 2022 with the primary goal of decarbonizing road-based freight transportation in India. Here are the key aspects of the initiative:

• Purpose: It aims to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and greener freight transportation to support India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Platform Features:
  • Collaboration: e-FAST facilitates active collaboration among national and international stakeholders. This includes government bodies, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), Shippers, and industry experts.
  • Ideation and Pilot Programs: The platform supports the development and scaling up of pilot programs for electric technology adoption in the freight sector.
  • Technology Integration: It explores and promotes the integration of new technologies and conducts associated research to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of electric freight solutions.
• Knowledge Partners: The initiative is supported by 12 knowledge partners who contribute expertise and resources to advance the goals of e-FAST.

NITI GearShift Challenge:

The NITI GearShift Challenge was launched by NITI Aayog in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India. Here are the key aspects of this initiative:

• Objective: The challenge aims to foster innovative business models specifically targeted at accelerating the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India’s freight sector.
• Participants: It invites participation from students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers to develop business models that address financial, technical, and operational challenges associated with electric truck adoption.
• Focus Areas: Participants are encouraged to innovate solutions that can overcome barriers to the widespread adoption of electric trucks, thereby contributing to India’s economic and environmental sustainability goals.
• Support and Participation: The challenge has garnered support from e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions, and industry forums, reflecting a collaborative effort to drive innovation in sustainable freight transportation.