Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project Nine Years of GST: The Next Phase of Reforms Private Participation in Nuclear Energy: Adani’s 10 GW Plan Passport, Citizenship and India’s Global Mobility Initiatives

1.Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

Why in News?

The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV 2047) is India’s long-term roadmap to transform the country into a global maritime hub by 2047. Building on the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala Programme, it aims to strengthen ports, shipping, shipbuilding, logistics, coastal development and the Blue Economy.

About Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

Launched on 17 October 2023 during the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023, the Vision serves as India’s comprehensive strategy for developing a globally competitive, sustainable and technologically advanced maritime sector.

Vision & Targets

• Transform India into a global maritime powerhouse by 2047.
• Increase port handling capacity from about 1.63 billion MMTPA to 10,000 MMTPA.
• Mobilize nearly ₹80 lakh crore investment.
• Implement 300+ strategic initiatives across the maritime ecosystem.
• Reduce logistics costs and improve global trade competitiveness.

Major Pillars of the Vision

Port-led Infrastructure Development

• Modernisation and expansion of existing ports.
• Development of six mega ports/port clusters.
• Key projects include:
  • Vadhavan Port (Maharashtra)
  • International Container Transshipment Port, Galathea Bay (Great Nicobar)

Logistics & Digital Transformation

• Improve vessel turnaround time and cargo evacuation.
• Develop National Logistics Portal (Marine 2.0).
• Establish a Maritime Single Window (MSW) for seamless approvals.
• Promote digital port operations using AI and smart technologies.

Shipbuilding & Self-Reliance

• Strengthen domestic shipbuilding and ship repair.
• Promote indigenous maritime manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Encourage greater private sector participation.

Green Maritime Transition

Major initiatives include:

• Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines
• Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)
• Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia hubs at major ports
• Decarbonisation of port operations and shipping

Coastal & Blue Economy Development

• Promote coastal industrialisation and employment.
• Develop cruise tourism and inland waterways.
• Strengthen fisheries, maritime services and coastal infrastructure.

Significance

• Enhances India’s role in global supply chains.
• Supports Blue Economy growth.
• Improves export competitiveness through lower logistics costs.
• Strengthens maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Creates large-scale employment and attracts private investment.
• Supports India’s Net Zero 2070 and sustainable shipping goals.

Challenges

• High capital investment requirements.
• Land acquisition and environmental clearances.
• Need for multimodal connectivity.
• Global competition from major transshipment hubs.
• Climate resilience of coastal infrastructure.

Way Forward

• Accelerate PPP-based infrastructure development.
• Integrate ports with PM Gati Shakti and dedicated freight corridors.
• Promote indigenous shipbuilding and green shipping technologies.
• Expand digitalisation and smart port management.
• Strengthen maritime skilling, innovation and coastal community participation.

Conclusion

The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 represents India’s most ambitious maritime roadmap, combining infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, green shipping and Blue Economy development. Its successful implementation can position India as a leading global maritime and logistics hub while strengthening economic growth, trade competitiveness and strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific.

UPSC Prelims mcqQ. With reference to the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV 2047), consider the following statements:It aims to transform India into a global maritime powerhouse by 2047. It seeks to increase India’s port handling capacity to 10,000 MMTPA by 2047. The Vision was launched during the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023 and builds upon the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Sagarmala Programme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3UPSC Mains Question“Discuss the significance of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 in strengthening India’s Blue Economy and maritime competitiveness. Examine the challenges in achieving its objectives.” (15 Marks)

2.Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project

Why in News?

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has recommended in-principle approval for diversion of 197 hectares of forest land for the 820 MW Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir. It is the third major hydropower project approved in the Indus Basin after the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.

About Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project

• Location: Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir
• River: Chenab (Indus Basin)
• Capacity: 820 MW (revised from 930 MW)
• Type: Run-of-the-River (RoR) Hydroelectric Project
• Developer: Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd. (CVPPL) – JV of NHPC and JKSPDCL

Significance

Energy SecurityIncreases clean hydroelectric capacity.Supports renewable energy transition and Net Zero goals.Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.Strategic ImportanceEnables India to maximize its permissible rights over the Western Rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty.Part of the Centre’s strategy to accelerate hydropower development in the Indus Basin.Regional DevelopmentGenerates employment and infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir.Boosts regional economic development and energy availability.Environmental ConcernsThe project requires:Diversion of 197 hectares of forest land.Felling of 8,723 trees.Biodiversity ImpactThe project area supports:Chilgoza Pine (Pinus gerardiana).Himalayan Tahr.Himalayan Brown Bear.Asiatic Black Bear.Asiatic Ibex.The FAC has recommended a Wildlife Biodiversity Management Plan and other mitigation measures.

Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Relevance

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, allocates:

• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) → India.
• Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) → Pakistan,
• while allowing India:
  • Run-of-the-river hydropower projects.
  • Limited irrigation.
  • Domestic and non-consumptive uses.

Kirthai-II is being developed within these treaty provisions.

Challenges

• Balancing strategic infrastructure with ecological conservation.
• Forest diversion in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
• Absence of cumulative basin-level environmental assessment.
• Wildlife conservation and rehabilitation issues.
• Climate change impacts on Himalayan river systems.

Conclusion

The Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project highlights India’s renewed focus on harnessing the hydropower potential of the Indus Basin for energy security and strategic interests. However, sustainable implementation requires balancing developmental objectives with the protection of ecologically sensitive Himalayan landscapes.

UPSC Mains Question

UPSC Prelims mcqQ. With reference to the Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project, consider the following statements:It is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project proposed on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir. It is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd. (CVPPL), a joint venture of NHPC and JKSPDCL. The project utilizes the waters of an eastern river allocated exclusively to India under the Indus Waters Treaty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: (a) 1 and 2 onlyUPSC Mains QuestionQ.”Hydropower development in the Himalayan region presents both strategic opportunities and ecological challenges. Discuss with reference to recent hydropower projects in the Indus Basin.” (15 Marks)

3.Nine Years of GST: The Next Phase of Reforms

Why in News?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) completes nine years on 1 July 2026. While GST has unified India’s indirect tax system, industry is now seeking GST 2.0 reforms to improve certainty, compliance, and ease of doing business.

GST at a Glance

• Implemented: 1 July 2017
• Constitutional Basis: 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016
• Article 246A: Concurrent taxing powers to Centre and States.
• Article 279A: Establishment of the GST Council.
• Replaced multiple indirect taxes such as Excise Duty, Service Tax, VAT, Entry Tax and Octroi, creating the concept of “One Nation, One Tax.”

Achievements of GST

Tax Reforms

• Unified India’s indirect tax regime.
• Eliminated cascading (“tax on tax”) through Input Tax Credit (ITC).
• Improved tax transparency and compliance through digital systems.

Economic Benefits

• Strengthened the common national market.
• Reduced logistics and transportation costs by removing interstate barriers.
• Improved tax buoyancy and widened the taxpayer base.

Digital Transformation

• End-to-end online compliance through the GST Network (GSTN).
• Introduction of e-Invoicing, e-Way Bills, and faceless return filing.
• Better data analytics to curb tax evasion.

Key Concerns Raised by Industry

According to the Deloitte India GST@9 Survey:

• 85% seek greater tax interpretational clarity.
• 61% want uniform audit and investigation practices across States.
• 36% seek faster GST refunds to improve working capital.

Inverted Duty Structure

Under the inverted duty structure, GST on inputs is higher than GST on finished products, resulting in accumulation of unutilized Input Tax Credit (ITC).

Industry Demand:

• Extend refund provisions to include input services and capital goods, not just input goods.
• Particularly important for sectors such as:
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food Processing
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs)
  • Renewable Energy

Major Reform Priorities

• Greater certainty in GST interpretation through clearer rules and circulars.
• Uniform audits and enforcement across all States.
• Faster and automated refund mechanism.
• Rationalization of GST rate structure.
• Simplified compliance for MSMEs.
• Resolution of inverted duty structure across sectors.

Way Forward

• Move towards a simpler GST 2.0 with fewer tax slabs.
• Strengthen technology-driven, faceless compliance and dispute resolution.
• Expand refund mechanisms to improve business liquidity.
• Ensure greater coordination between Centre and States through the GST Council.
• Continue reforms to improve ease of doing business and investment climate.

UPSC Prelims mcqQ. With reference to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, consider the following statements:The GST Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Constitution. The recommendations of the GST Council are legally binding on both the Union and the States. Petroleum crude, high-speed diesel, motor spirit (petrol), natural gas, and aviation turbine fuel are constitutionally kept outside the ambit of GST until the GST Council recommends their inclusion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 1 and 3 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Answer: (b) 1 and 3 onlyUPSC Mains QuestionQ.”Nine years after its implementation, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has strengthened India’s indirect tax system, but structural reforms remain essential. Examine.” (15 Marks)

4.Private Participation in Nuclear Energy: Adani’s 10 GW Plan

Why in News?

The Adani Group has announced plans to establish 10 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2035 through Adani Atomic Energy, becoming one of the first major private players to enter India’s nuclear power sector following the SHANTI Act, 2025.

Background

For over six decades, India’s nuclear power sector remained largely under government control through the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, with NPCIL as the principal operator.

The SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Act, 2025 has fundamentally restructured the sector by allowing private participation in nuclear power generation, reactor development and allied activities.

Why is Private Participation Important?

Meeting India’s Energy Targets

• India aims to achieve 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, against the current operational capacity of about 8.8 GW.
• Nuclear energy is essential to meet rising electricity demand while supporting Net Zero by 2070.

Energy Security

• Provides reliable 24×7 baseload power, unlike intermittent solar and wind energy.
• Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Climate Commitments

• Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source.
• Supports India’s clean energy transition and decarbonisation strategy.

Capital and Technology

• Nuclear projects require massive long-term investments.
• Private participation can bring:
  • Capital investment
  • Advanced reactor technologies
  • Better project execution
  • Global technological collaborations

Key Features of the SHANTI Act, 2025

• Replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
• Allows private companies to build, own and operate civilian nuclear power projects.
• Encourages domestic and foreign investment.
• Introduces a revised liability framework to improve investor confidence.
• Strengthens the role of an independent nuclear regulatory framework.
• Promotes Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies.

Emerging Private Players

Besides Adani Group, several companies have expressed interest in India’s nuclear sector:

• NTPC – Partnerships for SMRs and advanced reactors.
• Reliance Industries – Exploring clean nuclear investments.
• Tata Power – Assessing opportunities in nuclear energy.
• International collaborations with EDF (France), Rosatom (Russia) and Holtec International (USA) are also expanding.

Challenges

• High capital cost and long gestation period.
• Nuclear safety and radioactive waste management.
• Public acceptance and environmental concerns.
• Need for strong independent regulation and skilled manpower.
• Fuel supply and technology dependence in advanced reactors.

Conclusion

Adani’s proposed 10 GW nuclear programme reflects a major shift in India’s nuclear policy from a state-dominated model to a public-private partnership framework. If supported by robust regulation, technological innovation and investor confidence, private participation can significantly accelerate India’s transition towards a secure, low-carbon and self-reliant energy future.

Q.With reference to nuclear energy, consider the following statements:Commercial nuclear power plants generate electricity primarily through nuclear fusion. Uranium-235 is a naturally occurring fissile isotope used as nuclear fuel. Heavy water can be used as a moderator in certain nuclear reactors. Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Ans: (b) 2 and 3 onlyUPSC Mains Question“Private sector participation can be a game changer for India’s nuclear energy ambitions but requires robust regulatory safeguards.” Discuss. (15 Marks)

5.Passport, Citizenship and India’s Global Mobility Initiatives

Why in News?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and not conclusive proof of citizenship. The clarification came on Passport Seva Divas (24 June) amid public discussions on citizenship documentation and electoral rolls.

Passport vs Citizenship

Passport

• Issued under the Passports Act, 1967.
• Primarily serves as an international travel document.
• Certifies the holder’s nationality for travel abroad.
• Enables visa issuance, international identification and consular protection.
• Not a definitive legal proof of Indian citizenship.

Citizen of India

• Every person who was domiciled in Indian territory at the time of the Constitution’s commencement (January 26, 1950) and (a) was born in India, (b) either of his or her parents was born in India, or (c) had been ordinarily resident in India for at least five years became an Indian citizen.
• Citizens and non-citizens (aliens): The population of a state is divided into two categories:
• Citizens are full members of the Indian State and owe allegiance to it. They enjoy all civil and political rights.
• Aliens, are the citizens of some other state and hence, do not enjoy all the civil and political rights. They are of two categories:
• Friendly aliens are citizens of countries that have friendly relations with India.
• Enemy aliens are subjects of the country at war with India.

Rights granted to Citizens of India:

• Article 15: Right against discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 16: Right to equal opportunities in public employment.
• Article 19: Right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence and profession.
• Articles 29 and 30: Cultural and educational rights.
• Right to vote and right to contest elections.
• Eligibility to hold certain public offices, such as President of India, Vice-President of India, etc.
• Duties of Citizens: They are obligations of citizens to carry certain duties. The Indian constitution in Part IV-A outlines 11 Fundamental Duties to promote patriotism and strengthen unity among its citizens.
• Single Citizenship: Despite its federal structure, India does not provide dual citizenship, unlike the U.S.A. There is only single citizenship i.e. Indian citizenship. However, the Indian Constitution does not define citizenship.
• National Register of Citizens (NRC): The NRC is the register containing names of Indian citizens. The only time the NRC was prepared was in 1951 by recording particulars of all the persons enumerated during the 1951 Census.
• NRC in Assam:  At present, only Assam has such a register. The citizens’ register sets out to identify foreign nationals in the state that borders Bangladesh.

Passport Seva Reforms

E-PassportsChip-enabled passports containing biometric and demographic information.Improve security against forgery.Enable faster immigration clearance.Around 10% of Indian passport holders currently possess e-passports.Expansion of Passport Services545 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) now operational across the country.Services have expanded to nearly every Lok Sabha constituency, improving accessibility and reducing processing time.India’s Global Mobility StrategyIndia is increasingly pursuing Mobility and Migration Partnerships to create safe and legal overseas employment opportunities.Human Resource Mobility ForumScheduled in New Delhi (30 June–1 July).Focus Areas:Ethical migration.Skill matching with global labour markets.Protection of migrant workers.Collaboration with destination countries.

Key Partner Countries

• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Denmark
• Russia
• Other developed economies facing skilled labour shortages.

Significance

• Promotes safe, orderly and ethical migration.
• Expands global employment opportunities for India’s skilled workforce.
• Enhances protection of Indian migrants abroad.
• Strengthens India’s labour mobility diplomacy and global talent partnerships.
• Supports India’s emergence as a leading supplier of skilled human resources.

Way Forward

• Expand e-passport coverage nationwide.
• Strengthen awareness regarding citizenship and passport laws.
• Deepen bilateral mobility agreements with developed economies.
• Enhance migrant welfare through pre-departure training, skill certification and legal support.
• Promote ethical recruitment and curb illegal migration networks.

Conclusion

The MEA’s clarification reinforces the distinction between citizenship and a passport, while highlighting India’s broader strategy of facilitating secure global mobility. Alongside passport reforms, ethical migration frameworks and diaspora welfare initiatives are strengthening India’s role as a major global talent partner.

UPSC Prelims mcqQ.With reference to citizenship in India, consider the following statements:The Constitution of India provides for dual citizenship. The Parliament has the power to regulate citizenship. The Constitution exhaustively deals with all matters relating to acquisition and termination of citizenship. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 2 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3Ans: (a) 2 onlyUPSC Mains QuestionQ.”Distinguish between citizenship and passport. Discuss how India’s evolving mobility partnerships can contribute to economic diplomacy and protection of overseas Indians.” (15 Marks)