CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -With a view to provide more autonomy and flexibility to Major Ports and to professionalize their governance, it was proposed in the year 2016 to amend the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 comprehensively. Since, the number of amendments was large, it was proposed to replace the existing MPT Act, 1963 with a new Act viz.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2016 was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 16, 2016 by the Minister of State for Shipping, Mr. Pon Radhakrishnan. The Bill seeks to provide greater autonomy and flexibility to major ports. The Bill repeals the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.

Detailed explanation-3: -[16th October, 1963.] An Act to make provision for the constitution of port authorities for certain major ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports in such authorities and for matters connected therewith.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 aims to provide for the regulation, operation and planning of Major Ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the Boards of Major Port Authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Detailed explanation-5: -Under the Indian Ports Act, 1908, the Government has declared the Port Blair Port with its territorial jurisdiction over all ports of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, -as a major port w.e.f. 1 June, 2010.