PIB Snippets2 TopicsUPSC Prelims & Mains
PIB Snippets — 09.08.2026
📋 Today’s PIB releases — the Vice-President’s Cellular Jail tribute and the launch of E-Samudra, India’s new digital maritime governance platform.
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Cellular Jail and Freedom Fighters
News Context
- Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and paid homage to freedom fighters.
- He laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column and paid tribute at Veer Savarkar’s cell.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Cellular Jail is located in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Construction began in 1896 and was completed in 1910.
- Designed on the “Pennsylvania System” or “Separate System” principle, ensuring complete isolation between prisoners — no communication was possible between prisoners in the same or different wings.
- It is also called “Kalapani” (“Black Waters”) by freedom fighters.
- On December 29, 1943, political control of the Andaman Islands was passed to the Azad Hind Government of Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Bose visited Port Blair on December 30, 1943, to raise the tricolour of the Indian National Army (INA).
Cellular Jail’s Historical Significance: Concepts for Prelims
Veer Savarkar
Sentenced to 50 years in 1911 for revolting against the Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act, 1909); released in 1924.
B.K. Dutt
Involved in the Central Legislative Assembly Bombing Case (1929) along with Bhagat Singh; sentenced to life imprisonment in Cellular Jail.
Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi
Arrested in 1859 for inciting violence during the Indian Rebellion of 1857; sentenced to life at Kalapani.
Barindra Kumar Ghose
Arrested in the Alipore Bomb Case (1908) after the attempted killing of Kingsford; deported to Cellular Jail in 1909.
Source: PIB
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E-Samudra: Digital Maritime Governance Platform
News Context
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched E-Samudra, a comprehensive digital maritime governance platform, in Mumbai.
- India has emerged as the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally, with the active seafarer workforce growing from 1.03 lakh (2013) to 3.23 lakh (2025).
India’s active seafarer workforce has more than tripled in a little over a decade — from 1.03 lakh in 2013 to 3.23 lakh in 2025 — underscoring the scale E-Samudra’s digital infrastructure now needs to support.
Key Facts for Prelims
- E-Samudra is a single-window digital platform integrating services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports, and maritime stakeholders.
- Launched by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
- Features include end-to-end digital workflows, online payments, real-time tracking, and digitally issued certificates.
- Aims at “Digital First and Faceless Governance” enabling seafarers to access government services from onboard vessels.
India’s Maritime Policy Framework: Concepts for Prelims
Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
Recognises seafarers as Key Workers.
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
Long-term maritime growth roadmap.
Minimum Govt, Maximum Governance
Guiding governance principle underpinning the maritime policy framework.
Maritime India Vision 2030
Aims to make India a top-five global shipbuilding nation and the world’s leading ship recycling destination.
Complementary Digital Initiatives: Key Facts
- e-NAVIK: 24×7 grievance redressal system for seafarers.
- Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA): Digitises employment agreements for seafarers.
- Seafarer Tracking Dashboard: Upcoming system for real-time tracking of Indian seafarers globally.
- Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS): Provides welfare support and financial assistance to seafarers and families.
- Sagar Mein Yog: Promotes physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers.
- Sagar Mein Samman: Strengthens opportunities for women seafarers.
Source: PIB
