CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Fishing disputes There have been several alleged incidents of Sri Lankan Navy personnel firing on Indian fishermen fishing in the Palk Strait, where India and Sri Lanka are separated by only 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres).

Detailed explanation-2: -The sector was already challenged due to overfishing, declining fish stocks, degradation of coastal ecosystems due to habitat destruction and pollution, and the impacts of climate change. Sustainable management of fisheries is key to ensuring Sri Lanka’s food security and meeting the high domestic demand for fish.

Detailed explanation-3: -Fisheries have an important place in the Indian economy as: It acts as a source of income and employment to many fishermen, particularly in coastal areas. Fish and other aquatic animals are an important source of food as it is rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. It has a role in the enhancement of food production.

Detailed explanation-4: -Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Beypore, Azhikode, Ponnani, Kannur, Baliapatnam and Vizhinjam are leading centres of fish production. Besides these, there are over 250 villages studded along the 590-km-long coastline.