Current Affairs - National - Discussion

The Merchant Shipping Bill, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, and Coastal Shipping Bill were passed in 2025 to replace outdated colonial-era laws and modernise India’s maritime legal framework. These bills align national legislation with international conventions, improve sea safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare, and boost India’s maritime trade efficiency. The reforms also aim to increase coastal cargo handling, enhance infrastructure planning, and strengthen maritime security, promoting India’s economic and trade ambitions while supporting a future-ready shipping ecosystem integrated with global standards.