Current Affairs - International - Discussion

The plastic nurdle spill along the Kerala coast was caused by the sinking of the MSC ELSA3, a container vessel registered under Liberia. This incident marks the first major case of nurdle landings in India due to a shipwreck. These nurdles, made of LDPE and HDPE, pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems by contaminating habitats, entering food chains, and causing long-term ecological harm. The event has highlighted the urgent need for improved coastal zone management, stricter marine pollution regulations, and better preparedness for plastic cargo spills in Indian waters, alongside efforts to boost recycling and reduce plastic use.