Current Affairs — 24 June 2026

1. India’s Emerging Technology Ecosystem

Why in News

India is increasingly being recognised as an emerging global technology power, moving beyond its earlier image as merely a large digital consumer market. This transformation is being driven by Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), indigenous innovation, startups, and mission-mode programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum technologies, supercomputing, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Core Context

The Digital India Programme, launched in 2015, laid the foundation for this ecosystem. Over the last decade, India’s optical fibre network expanded from 19.35 lakh route km (2019) to 42.36 lakh route km (2025). Internet connections rose from 25.15 crore (2014) to 102.86 crore (2026), while broadband connections jumped from 6.1 crore to 99.56 crore. Average monthly data consumption surged from 61.66 MB (2014) to 24.01 GB (December 2025), with data costs falling from ₹269/GB to just ₹8–10/GB. India also achieved one of the world’s fastest 5G rollouts, covering 99.9% of districts.

Key Frontier Technology Initiatives

Supercomputing: The National Supercomputing Mission (2015, ₹4,500 crore) has deployed 38 supercomputers with a combined power of 47 petaflops. The indigenous PARAM Rudra series marks a step toward self-reliance in high-performance computing.

Semiconductors: The Semicon India Programme (2021, ₹76,000 crore) supports manufacturing, display fabrication, chip design, packaging, testing, and talent development. India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, announced in Budget 2026–27 with an initial outlay of ₹1,000 crore, focuses on indigenous IP, resilient supply chains, and advanced manufacturing. The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme (2021) strengthens the fabless semiconductor ecosystem by supporting startups, MSMEs, and academic institutions. As of June 2026, 12 projects worth approximately ₹1.64 lakh crore have been approved, including one semiconductor fab, two compound semiconductor fabs, and nine packaging units.

Quantum Technology: The National Quantum Mission (2023, ₹6,003.65 crore) focuses on quantum computing, communication, sensing, metrology, materials, and devices. India has demonstrated a 1,000-km secure quantum communication network, and India’s first Quantum Valley was established in Amaravati in 2026. Four thematic hubs have been set up, involving 152+ researchers across 43 organisations and 17 supported startups.

Artificial Intelligence: The IndiaAI Mission (2024, ₹10,300 crore) focuses on indigenous AI computing infrastructure, GPU access, research, startups, youth skilling, and responsible AI. A common computing facility with over 38,000 GPUs is being created to democratise access. AI Kosh hosts 12,115 datasets and 306 AI models across 20 sectors.

Cloud Computing: MeghRaj, India’s indigenous cloud ecosystem (launched 2014), has expanded from 342 government departments (2015–16) to 2,323 departments by June 2026. It powers platforms such as DigiLocker, MyGov, and the National Scholarship Portal.

Blockchain: The National Blockchain Framework (MeitY, 2021, ₹64.76 crore) includes the Vishvasya Blockchain Stack, NBFLite sandbox, Praamaanik app verification system, and the National Blockchain Portal. By October 2025, over 3 crore property documents had been verified through blockchain platforms, reducing fraud and land-related disputes.

Biotechnology: India’s biotechnology sector crossed USD 150 billion in 2023 and reached USD 190 billion as of June 2026. DBT-BIRAC has established 94 bioincubators across 25 States/UTs. Key policy milestones include the National Biopharma Mission (2017, ₹1,500 crore) and the BioE3 Policy (2023).

Research & Skill Development: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was operationalised in 2024 to promote collaboration among academia, industry, startups, and government, with grants worth ₹264.70 crore awarded by March 2026. The Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme (July 2025, ₹1 lakh crore corpus) provides long-term affordable financing for private-sector research. FutureSkills PRIME (2018, MeitY-NASSCOM) has enrolled over 17.14 lakh learners, with ~80% from Tier-2/3 cities. NIELIT became a Deemed University (July 2024) and operates 56 centres serving 1+ crore candidates. The SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) Programme (July 2025) builds AI literacy among school students from Classes 6 to 12.

Global Credibility: India rose to 38th in the Global Innovation Index 2025 (from 81st in 2015). It now hosts 2,100+ Global Capability Centres employing ~23.6 lakh professionals, with nearly half being AI-focused. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 brought together 100+ countries, catalysed over USD 200 billion in AI investment commitments, and resulted in India formally joining the Pax Silica coalition — a strategic alliance of democratic nations working to secure the full “silicon stack.” India’s DPI (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, CoWIN, UMANG, GeM) has been shared with 23 countries, with UPI operational in Singapore, UAE, France, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• National Supercomputing Mission: 2015, ₹4,500 crore; 47 petaflops; PARAM Rudra (indigenous series) • Semicon India Programme: 2021, ₹76,000 crore; India Semiconductor Mission 2.0: ₹1,000 crore (Budget 2026–27) • DLI Scheme (2021): Fabless chip design support for startups/MSMEs/academia • National Quantum Mission: 2023, ₹6,003.65 crore; India’s 1st Quantum Valley — Amaravati, 2026 • IndiaAI Mission: 2024, ₹10,300 crore; 38,000+ GPUs; AI Kosh (12,115 datasets) • MeghRaj (2014): Powers DigiLocker, MyGov, NSP; 2,323 departments by 2026 • National Blockchain Framework: 2021, ₹64.76 crore; 3 crore+ property docs verified • BioE3 Policy (2023); Bioeconomy at USD 190 billion; 94 bioincubators in 25 States/UTs • ANRF operationalised 2024; RDI Scheme: July 2025, ₹1 lakh crore corpus • SOAR Programme: July 2025; AI literacy for Classes 6–12 via Skill India Digital Hub • C2S Programme: 2022, ₹250 crore; targets 85,000 semiconductor professionals • GII 2025: India ranks 38th (81st in 2015); 2,100+ GCCs; India AI Impact Summit → USD 200 billion investment • Pax Silica: Democratic coalition for silicon stack security; India joined in 2026 • Bharat 6G Alliance (2023): Industry-led, 7 working groups • NEST Division (MEA, 2020): Handles technology diplomacy

2. India Hosts 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting

Why in News

India, as BRICS Chair for 2026, hosted the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ (NSA) Meeting in New Delhi. Chaired by NSA Ajit Doval, the high-level conclave focused on non-traditional security challenges including cybersecurity, terrorism, AI, and technology governance.

Core Context

India holds the BRICS Chairship for the fourth time in 2026 — previously holding it in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The chairmanship rotates annually among members in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S. India’s 2026 BRICS theme is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The NSA meeting serves as a key preparatory track for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled later in the year.

Key Discussions

• India welcomed the US–Iran Islamabad MoU and highlighted the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as a critical step toward relieving supply chain bottlenecks and ensuring global energy security. • India–China bilateral talks were described as “forward-looking,” with both sides noting progress toward gradual normalisation of bilateral relations and emphasising that stable, predictable ties build mutual trust. • India–Iran cooperation was reviewed in the context of the ongoing West Asia situation and the BRICS platform.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately met the NSAs and stressed that BRICS has a vital role in addressing an increasingly complex global security environment, calling for deeper collaboration on terrorism, cybersecurity, and emerging technology challenges.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• BRICS Chair 2026: India (4th time — 2012, 2016, 2021, 2026) • Theme 2026: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” • BRICS members (11): Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa + Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE • BRICS: 40% global population, 26% global GDP, 26% global trade • NSA Ajit Doval chaired the 16th BRICS NSA Meeting, New Delhi • Strait of Hormuz: Strategic waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman

3. India–Israel Defence Relations

Why in News

India and Israel held high-level defence talks during the visit of the Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Defense to India. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in defence manufacturing, advanced military technology, and joint R&D under the overarching India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership.

Core Context

India and Israel’s defence partnership has evolved from a buyer-seller relationship to a deep collaboration involving joint research, development, and manufacturing. Israel is among India’s top defence suppliers, providing Heron and Searcher drones, Phalcon AWACS, SPYDER air defence systems, and advanced infantry weapons. The flagship joint project is the Barak-8 (MRSAM — Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile), jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and deployed by all three Indian armed services. The Indian Air Force participates in Israel’s Blue Flag multilateral air exercises, and Indian Navy ships make goodwill port calls to Haifa. This visit also reflects Israel’s broader geopolitical effort to deepen its “eastward focus” strategy by strengthening partnerships with regional powers.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership (established 2017) • Key platforms supplied: Heron/Searcher drones, Phalcon AWACS, SPYDER, Barak-8/MRSAM • MRSAM: DRDO + IAI joint development; deployed by Indian Army, Navy & Air Force • Blue Flag: Multilateral air exercise hosted by Israel; IAF participates • Indian Navy makes goodwill port calls at Haifa, Israel

4. Climate Change and the Rising Cost of Living in India

Why in News

A major analysis highlights how climate change is already an “end-of-the-month” problem for average Indians, quietly making everyday life significantly more expensive and disproportionately burdening the vulnerable.

Core Context

Food and beverages carry a weight of approximately 45.86% in India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). A 6% rainfall deficit in 2023 reduced the sown area for pulses and oilseeds, pushing retail prices up by 6–15% year-on-year. Economists warn that intense heat combined with a weaker monsoon could push overall inflation above 5%.

During the heatwave of May 2026, India’s power demand hit a record high of 270.8 gigawatts (GW), forcing utilities to buy expensive coal and imported fuels and passing the burden onto consumers through higher tariffs. While electricity bills are an inconvenience for the middle class, they force informal workers and low-income families to cut back on basic essentials like nutrition and education.

Water scarcity has created a parallel, unregulated private tanker economy in urban areas, hitting informal settlements, slums, and marginalised communities (Dalits and Adivasis) the hardest. The World Bank warns that climate change could reduce India’s GDP by up to 2.8% by 2050. The most vulnerable states are Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Key Statutory and Policy Gaps

• Disaster Management Act, 2005: Heatwaves and cold waves are NOT classified as notified national disasters, restricting access to National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) assistance and compensation for affected workers. • PMFBY: Reliance on village-level assessments often overlooks localised climate damage, resulting in inadequate insurance payouts to farmers. • PM-KISAN: Fixed ₹6,000/year support is not linked to inflation or climate-related losses. • Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Over 250 cities across 23 heat-prone states have HAPs, but most lack statutory backing and dedicated budgetary allocation, making them largely ineffective for outdoor workers. • Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): Covers only in-patient hospitalisation, while climate-induced health distress primarily requires OPD care, which is paid entirely out-of-pocket.

State-Level Innovations

• Tamil Nadu: Declared heatwaves a state-specific disaster (SDRF eligible); launched “Green Schools” initiative reducing classroom temperatures by 3–4°C using cool roofs. • Telangana: Cool Roof Policy (2023–2028) for low-income areas; linked to Haritha Haram (afforestation) and Mission Kakatiya (water restoration). • Kerala: Pioneered decentralised heat planning at village (Panchayat) level; integrated into State Action Plan on Climate Change (2023–2030). • Rajasthan: Expanded HAPs; Jodhpur’s net-zero cooling station reduces local temperatures by 8–12°C using passive cooling. • Delhi/UP: Delhi uses a graded alert system (DDMA) for outdoor workers; UP promotes Miyawaki forests and sponge parks to counter urban heat islands.

Way Forward

• Enact an omnibus ‘Climate Resilience and Adaptation Act’ with a National Climate Adaptation Authority (NCAA) having statutory inter-ministerial mandate. • Expand the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life) to include the Right to Thermal Comfort. • Institutionalise Green Budgeting (similar to Gender Budgeting) to embed climate-risk assessment into public expenditure planning. • RBI to incorporate climate-induced risks into inflation forecasting. • Mandate statutory Municipal Heat Planning, binding Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to implement green-infrastructure interventions.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• Food CPI weight: ~45.86%; any climate shock to agriculture shows immediately in retail prices • Peak power demand in May 2026 heatwave: 270.8 GW (record) • World Bank: Climate change could cut India’s GDP by 2.8% by 2050 • Disaster Management Act, 2005: Heatwaves NOT classified as notified national disasters (NDRF not triggered) • 15th & 16th Finance Commission: States may use up to 10% of SDRF for local disasters • PMFBY: Village-level yield assessment; often inadequate for localised climate damage • India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): Advisory in nature, not statutory • Miyawaki forests and sponge parks: Urban heat island mitigation tools • Tamil Nadu: First state to classify heatwaves as a state-specific disaster (SDRF eligible) • Green Budgeting: Integrates climate-risk assessment into Union/State budgets; analogous to Gender Budgeting

5. Dolphin Conservation in Gujarat

Why in News

Gujarat has recorded more than 680 dolphins along its 4,087-km coastline. The Gulf of Kutch has emerged as a key dolphin habitat, with the survey covering the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary, southern and northern Gulf of Kutch, and coastal areas of Bhavnagar and Morbi.

Key Species in Gujarat’s Waters

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea): Mostly grey-coloured with a small triangular dorsal fin placed on a less prominent hump. Opportunistic feeder — eats fish such as mackerel, mullet, and sardines. Found along the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean from South Africa to the west coast of India. Usually lives in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and nearshore habitats. IUCN Status: Endangered. Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — highest protection in India. CITES Appendix I (international trade prohibited).

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Robust body with a short, thick snout (rostrum) and grey colouration. Famous for intelligence, social behaviour, and use of echolocation for hunting. Found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters worldwide. IUCN Status: Common Bottlenose Dolphin — Least Concern; Indo-Pacific Bottlenose — Near Threatened. CITES Appendix II (regulated trade). Major threats to both species include bycatch, pollution, habitat degradation, vessel strikes, and underwater noise.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin: Endangered (IUCN), CITES Appendix I, Schedule I of WPA 1972 • Bottlenose Dolphin: CITES Appendix II (Appendix II = regulated, not prohibited) • Gulf of Kutch: Home to Marine National Park (India’s first Marine National Park) and Marine Sanctuary • Gujarat coastline: 4,087 km (longest coastline among Indian states) • CITES Appendix I = highest protection (trade prohibited); Appendix II = trade regulated

6. Project Cheetah and Cheetah Mitras

Why in News

President Droupadi Murmu visited Kuno National Park and interacted with ‘Cheetah Mitras’ — community volunteers who play a key role in India’s flagship wildlife reintroduction programme.

Core Context

Project Cheetah was launched on 17 September 2022, with the release of eight cheetahs sourced from Namibia into Kuno National Park (KNP). The cheetah had been declared extinct in India in 1952. The project aims to establish a self-sustaining cheetah population while restoring grassland and savanna ecosystems. It is implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department.

About Cheetah Mitras

• Community Awareness: Educate local communities about cheetah behaviour and conservation. • Conflict Mitigation: Report sightings and assist forest officials when cheetahs move outside protected areas, preventing human-wildlife conflict. • Conservation Support: Act as local volunteers and conservation ambassadors, strengthening community participation in wildlife protection.

About Kuno National Park

• Location: Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh • Key River: Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal River • Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and savanna ecosystems • Biodiversity: Leopards, wolves, striped hyenas, sloth bears, chital, sambar, nilgai, and chinkara • Village Relocation: More than 20 villages were voluntarily relocated to create a disturbance-free core habitat • Scientific Monitoring: Radio collars, drones, CCTV systems, and dedicated veterinary support

UPSC Prelims Angle

• Project Cheetah launched: 17 September 2022; first 8 cheetahs from Namibia • Cheetah declared extinct in India: 1952 • Implementing agency: NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) • Kuno NP: Sheopur & Morena, Madhya Pradesh; Kuno River (tributary of Chambal River) • Cheetah Mitras: Community conservation ambassadors for wildlife protection and conflict mitigation

7. Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) — RBI Revised Directions

Why in News

The Reserve Bank of India has issued revised directions for the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) to simplify MSME onboarding and improve access to working capital finance.

Core Context

TReDS is an electronic platform that enables MSMEs to convert trade receivables (unpaid invoices) into immediate cash by auctioning them to banks and financial institutions. The RBI introduced the TReDS framework in 2014, with licensed platforms becoming operational in 2018. It is regulated under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Key authorised platforms include RXIL (Receivables Exchange of India), M1xchange (Mynd Solutions), and Invoicemart.

TReDS provides collateral-free financing to MSMEs based on the creditworthiness of buyers (large corporations/government entities), rather than requiring MSMEs to offer their own assets as security. Multiple financiers (banks and NBFCs) bid for uploaded invoices, ensuring competitive interest rates. Specified large companies are mandatorily required to onboard TReDS to improve payment discipline toward MSMEs.

Key RBI Revisions

• TReDS platforms must verify that sellers are genuine MSMEs and ensure discounted funds are credited directly to MSME bank accounts. • Financiers are now permitted to obtain insurance and government-backed credit guarantee cover for TReDS transactions through eligible guarantee funds. • New TReDS operators must maintain a minimum net worth of ₹25 crore; existing operators have until 31 March 2028 to comply.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• TReDS framework: Introduced by RBI in 2014; operational since 2018 • Governed under: Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 • Key platforms: RXIL, M1xchange (Mynd Solutions), Invoicemart • Minimum net worth (new operators): ₹25 crore (existing operators: compliance by 31 March 2028) • TReDS: Collateral-free financing; based on buyer creditworthiness • Udyam certificate required for MSME verification on TReDS • Mandatory onboarding: Specified large companies must join TReDS (improves payment discipline)

8. Explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar

Why in News

An explosion at the Barzan Gas Facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) has drawn global attention to the world’s largest LNG production and export hub.

Core Context

Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) is located on the northeastern coast of Qatar along the Persian Gulf, approximately 80 km northeast of Doha. It is the world’s largest LNG production, processing, and export hub, managed by QatarEnergy. The complex’s energy resources are drawn from the North Field — the world’s largest non-associated natural gas reservoir, which Qatar shares with Iran (where it is called the South Pars field). RLIC houses 14 LNG processing trains, including six mega-trains. The Barzan Gas Plant is a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, capable of producing 4 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.

RLIC also hosts the Laffan Refinery, Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids), ORYX GTL, and the Helium 1 and Helium 2 plants, making Qatar a major global exporter of liquid helium. The facility provides a substantial share of Qatar’s electricity and freshwater through three major power and desalination plants (Ras Laffan A, B, and C).

India is a significant importer of LNG from Qatar, making any supply disruption there geopolitically important for Indian energy policy.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• Ras Laffan Industrial City: World’s largest LNG hub; NE coast of Qatar along Persian Gulf • North Field: World’s largest non-associated natural gas reservoir (Qatar; Iran calls it South Pars) • Barzan Gas Facility: JV — QatarEnergy + ExxonMobil; capacity 4 bcf/day • 14 LNG processing trains at RLIC, including 6 mega-trains • Qatar is a major global exporter of LNG and liquid helium • LNG = Liquefied Natural Gas (natural gas cooled to -162°C for transport)

9. Padma Awards 2026 — Second Civil Investiture Ceremony

Why in News

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 during the second Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This followed the first Investiture Ceremony, completing the conferment of all 2026 awards.

Core Context

A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced for 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.

Notable recipients include: • Padma Vibhushan: Dharmendra (Posthumous) — outstanding contribution to Indian cinema • Padma Bhushan: Mammootty (cinema), Alka Yagnik (music) • Padma Shri: R. Madhavan (cinema), Murali Mohan, Rajendra Kumar, Satish Shah (Posthumous)

Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day (26 January). Three categories: Padma Vibhushan (outstanding/exceptional service — 2nd highest civilian honour after Bharat Ratna), Padma Bhushan (excellent service of high order), and Padma Shri (distinguished service in various fields).

The Padma Awards are NOT titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution (which abolishes titles and prohibits the state from conferring titles on citizens), because they confer no special legal status or privileges — they merely acknowledge and encourage excellence. Eligibility is open to all citizens irrespective of race, occupation, or gender. Government servants (except doctors and scientists) are NOT eligible. The total number of awards per year (excluding posthumous and NRI/foreign recipients) should not exceed 120. A higher category of Padma award can be conferred only after a minimum gap of 5 years since the previous Padma award (relaxation allowed in deserving cases). The President of India presents a Sanad (certificate signed by the President) and a medallion to each awardee.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• Padma Awards 2026: 131 total (5 Padma Vibhushan + 13 Padma Bhushan + 113 Padma Shri) • Announced: Eve of Republic Day (26 January annually) • Padma Vibhushan: India’s 2nd highest civilian honour (after Bharat Ratna) • Key 2026 recipients: Dharmendra (Padma Vibhushan, Posthumous), Mammootty & Alka Yagnik (Padma Bhushan), R. Madhavan (Padma Shri) • Article 18(1): Abolishes titles; Padma Awards are NOT titles (no legal privilege conferred) • Government employees (except doctors & scientists) NOT eligible • Maximum awards/year: 120 (excluding posthumous/NRI/foreign) • Gap for higher category: Minimum 5 years since previous Padma award • Sanad: Certificate signed by the President, presented with the medallion

10. India — World’s Top Ship Recycling Nation

Why in News

According to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, India has emerged as the world’s largest ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a key target under Maritime India Vision 2030 five years ahead of schedule.

Core Context

India’s share in global ship recycling rose from 30.1% (2024) to 35.4% (2025). Ship recycling volume grew by nearly 60% — from 1.86 million Gross Tons (GT) in 2024 to 2.99 million GT in 2025. The key hub is Alang in Gujarat, Asia’s largest ship-breaking yard.

India enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 to align domestic regulations with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC), adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Around 115 ship recycling yards in India are now HKC-compliant.

The Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aiming to transform India into a leading global maritime nation through port-led development, modern connectivity, and green shipping. Key government initiatives include the Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme (credit note worth 40% of the scrap value of a recycled ship, usable for up to 5% of the cost of a new vessel built in India, thus encouraging both recycling and domestic shipbuilding). The government has also provided ₹53.5 crore for ship recycling facility modernisation and is pursuing India’s inclusion in the EU’s approved list of ship recycling yards.

UPSC Prelims Angle

• India: World’s #1 ship recycling nation in 2025 (UNCTAD report) • Global share: 35.4% in 2025 (up from 30.1% in 2024) • Volume: 2.99 million GT (2025), up ~60% from 1.86 million GT (2024) • Recycling of Ships Act, 2019: Aligns India with HKC (IMO convention) • Hong Kong Convention (HKC): Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships • Maritime India Vision 2030: Launched 2021, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways • Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme: 40% of scrap value usable for 5% cost of new Indian vessel • 115 HKC-compliant yards in India • Alang, Gujarat: Asia’s largest ship-breaking yard