Explore the Daily Current Affairs 12 November 2025, relevant for UPSC exam. Download quick REVISION NOTES from our telegram channel – https://t.me/CivilMentorIAS.
India–Sri Lanka Fisheries Dispute
GS Paper 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations; Bilateral Issues; Government Policies GS Paper 3 (Linkage): Marine Resources, Blue Economy, Environmental Conservation
Context: Recent arrest of 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), highlights the long-standing Palk Bay fisheries dispute between India and Sri Lanka.
Background:
Palk Bay is a narrow strip of sea (about 30–40 km wide) between Tamil Nadu (India) and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It has been a traditional fishing ground for fishermen from both sides for centuries. After the demarcation of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in 1974 and 1976, Indian fishermen lost access to areas around Katchatheevu Island, which went to Sri Lanka. Since then, Tamil Nadu fishermen have continued to cross the IMBL for livelihood, leading to frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Major Issues:
- Livelihood Concerns: Fishing is the main livelihood for coastal Tamil Nadu communities. Due to depletion of resources on the Indian side, fishermen cross into Sri Lankan waters seeking better catch. They cite “traditional fishing rights” as justification.
- Environmental Impact: Indian fishermen often use bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method that damages coral reefs, sea grasses, and shrimp habitats. Sri Lankan fishermen (mostly using small boats and gill nets) suffer due to resource depletion caused by trawlers.
- Diplomatic and Political Tensions: Repeated arrests of Indian fishermen strain bilateral relations. Tamil Nadu demands retrieval of Katchatheevu Island, while the Centre prefers bilateral engagement. The issue has both humanitarian and sovereignty dimensions.
- Post-Civil War Context: After Sri Lanka’s civil war ended (2009), northern Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen returned to sea — creating renewed competition with Tamil Nadu trawlers.
Way Forward:
- Transition to Deep-Sea Fishing: Promote alternative livelihoods and phase out trawling through training, subsidies, and modern vessels. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) can support this.
- Joint Management & Research: Establish a Palk Bay Marine Research and Conservation Centre to manage shared resources. Adopt quota systems like EU Baltic nations to ensure sustainability.
- Community-Level Diplomacy: Encourage direct engagement between fishermen communities to build trust.
- Environmental Regulation: Strict ban on bottom trawling; promote sustainable fishing technologies.
- Confidence-Building Measures: Liberal assistance packages for northern Sri Lankan fishermen. Swift release of detained fishermen and boats.
Mains practice Question:
Q1. “The Palk Bay fisheries dispute reflects the complexities of balancing livelihood security, environmental sustainability, and bilateral diplomacy.” Discuss.
India recorded the highest greenhouse gas emissions for 2024
GS Paper 3: Environment – Climate Change, Conservation, and Pollution
Context: In 2024, India recorded the largest absolute increase in GHG emissions globally, contributing 165 MtCO₂e to the overall global rise. Despite this, India’s per capita emissions remained less than half the global average, reflecting its low emissions intensity relative to developed economies.
Value added data for Mains:
- India has Low per capital GHG emission: India was the third largest overall emitter of GHGs in 2024, behind only China and the United States, in absolute terms. However, India’s per capita GHG emissions stood at 3 tCO₂e, versus the global average of 6.4 tCO₂e.
- Globally, 57,700 MtCO₂e of greenhouse gases were emitted in 2024, the highest on record, up 1,500 MtCO₂e from 2023. The primary sources of global emissions were:
- Fossil fuel combustion (69%), especially coal-based power generation, followed by industry, transportation, and fuel production.
- Methane (CH₄) from agriculture and waste accounted for 16%.
- Deforestation and land-use change also contributed significantly.
- India’s coal dependency is still high, which is ~70% of power generation. Yet, India remains within its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming:
- To reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% (by 2030) compared to 2005 levels.
- To achieve 50% cumulative electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
Use these charts in your Mains answers:
Mains practice Quesrtion:
Q2. India registered the largest absolute increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, yet its per capita emissions remain below the global average. Critically examine the implications of this trend for India’s climate policy, sustainable development, and international climate negotiations.