Content:
- Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated on 23rd September Every Year
- India’s Major Ports Achieve Historic Milestones in FY 2024-25, Driving Growth and Global Competitiveness
Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated on 23rd September Every Year
Context & Background
- Ayurveda Day was traditionally celebrated on Dhanteras, based on the lunar calendar (Kartik month).
- Dhanteras dates vary annually (between 15 Oct – 12 Nov), causing logistical challenges for consistent observance.
Relevance :GS 1(Culture and Heritage)
Key Decision
- New fixed date: Ayurveda Day will now be celebrated annually on 23rd September.
- Gazette Notification issued: Dated 23rd March 2025, formalizing the change.
Rationale for Change
- Need for consistency: Variable dates of Dhanteras hindered planning of national/international events.
- Global visibility: A fixed date aligns with international event planning and standardization.
- Expert committee formed: Proposed 4 dates; 23rd September was selected based on symbolic and practical grounds.
Symbolic Significance of 23rd September
- Coincides with AutumnalEquinox:
- Day and night are nearly equal—symbolizing natural balance.
- Reflects the Ayurvedic principle of balance in mind, body, and spirit.
- Cosmic harmony as a metaphor for Ayurvedic wellness philosophy.
Implications & Outlook
- Ministry of Ayush’s Call to Action:
- Urging individuals, healthcare professionals, academia, and global partners to observe the new date.
- Strategic shift: Enhances Ayurveda’s integration into global health narratives.
- Aligns with preventive, sustainable healthcare goals in India and globally.
Relevance for Policy & Governance :
- Health Governance: Demonstrates proactive policy adjustment for traditional systems of medicine.
- Soft Power & Diplomacy: Fixed date improves India’s ability to showcase Ayurveda globally.
- Public Health Strategy: Reinforces Ayurveda as a tool for preventive healthcare and wellness.
India’s Major Ports Achieve Historic Milestones in FY 2024-25, Driving Growth and Global Competitiveness
Cargo Throughput and Growth
- Cargo volume rose to ~855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25 from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
- Annual growth rate of 4.3%, showcasing resilience amidst global uncertainties.
- Major drivers of growth:
- Container cargo: ↑ 10%
- Fertilizer handling: ↑ 13%
- POL (Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants): ↑ 3%
- Miscellaneous commodities: ↑ 31%
Relevance : GS 3(Economy ,Infrastructure)
Commodity-Wise Cargo Composition (FY 2024-25)
- POL: 254.5 MT (29.8%)
- Container traffic: 193.5 MT (22.6%)
- Coal: 186.6 MT (21.8%)
- Others: Iron ore, fertilizers, pellets, etc.
Port-Level Performance Milestones
- Paradip & Deendayal Ports: Crossed 150 MT cargo mark for the first time.
- JNPA: Record handling of 7.3 million TEUs – a 13.5% growth YoY.
Port-led Industrialization & Land Utilization
- 962 acres of port land allocated (valuation: ₹7,565 crore).
- Investment potential of ₹68,780 crore expected.
- Reflects growing private sector confidence in port infrastructure.
Private Investment and PPP Surge
- PPP investments: Grew 3x from ₹1,329 crore (FY 2022-23) to ₹3,986 crore (FY 2024-25).
- Indicates stronger public-private collaboration in maritime infrastructure.
Operational Efficiency Improvements
- Pre-Berthing Detention (PBD) Time: ↓ ~36% YoY.
- Output per Ship Berth Day: ↑ from 12,458 tonnes (FY15) to 18,304 tonnes.
- Turnaround Time (TRT): ↓ 48% – from 96 hours to 49.5 hours.
- Idle Time: ↓ from 23.1% to 16.3% over the decade.
Financial Performance
- Total income: ↑ 8% YoY → ₹24,203 crore (from ₹22,468 crore).
- Operating surplus: ↑ 7% → ₹12,314 crore (from ₹11,512 crore).
- Over a decade:
- Income doubled (₹11,760 cr → ₹24,203 cr).
- Operating surplus nearly tripled.
- Operating ratio improved: ↓ from 64.7% to 42.3% → indicating higher efficiency.
Decadal Growth (FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25)
- Cargo volumes: ↑ from 581 MT to 855 MT (CAGR ~4%).
- Container cargo: ↑ 70% (7.9 to 13.5 million TEUs).
- Broad-based growth across commodities: POL, coal, iron ore, fertilizers.
Modernisation & Digitisation Focus
- Emphasis on:
- Mechanisation
- Port community systems
- Multi-modal logistics
- Process reengineering
- Resulted in:
- Reduced wait time
- Better capacity utilization
- Faster cargo turnaround
Strategic Vision & Outlook
- FY 2024-25 marked by:
- Strong collaboration between Centre, ports, and private sector.
- Foundation laid for globally competitive, sustainable, and smart ports.
- Aligns with India’s aspiration to be a global maritime hub and logistics leader.
