State PCS - West Bengal (WBCS)

• 08 Aug 2025

Beautification of Surinam and Mayer Ghat

What is News? 

In a significant move towards enhancing Kolkata’s riverfront, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP, Kolkata) has partnered with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) for the beautification of Surinam Ghat and the development of Mayer Ghat.  

• This initiative forms part of the port’s broader Swachhata initiatives, with the aim to revive these iconic ghats, strengthening their cultural and historical significance. 

Key Points 

• GRSE will undertake the beautification of Surinam Ghat and development work at Mayer Ghat under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.  
  • Both ghats hold immense cultural value for the city and will undergo transformations aimed at enhancing public infrastructure while preserving their rich history. 
• Surinam Ghat is historically poignant, as it was the departure point for over 34,000 indentured laborers (mainly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) who sailed to Suriname between 1873 and 1916.  
  • The first ship, Lalla Rookh, departed in 1873, carrying 410 passengers. 
• Mayer Ghat, located near Bagbazar, has spiritual significance, being frequented by Ma Sarada during her visits to Udbodhan Patrika.  
  • Both ghats have been integral to Kolkata’s maritime legacy, dating back to the 1500s when European traders frequented the Hooghly River.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) 

• SMP Kolkata is one of India’s 13 government-designated major ports, administered under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 
• It is India’s only riverine major port, located on the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal.  
• It is the oldest operational port in India (established in 1870 as the Kolkata Port)). 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 

• CSR refers to a company’s responsibility towards society and the environment.   
  • It is a self-regulating model that ensures businesses remain accountable for their impact on economic, social, and environmental well-being.   
  • By adopting CSR, companies become more aware of their broader role in sustainable development.   
• India is the first country to make CSR spending mandatory under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.  
• CSR rules apply to companies that, in the preceding financial year, have a net worth exceeding Rs 500 crore, or a turnover over Rs 1,000 crore, or a net profit above Rs 5 crore.  
• Such companies must spend at least 2% of their average net profit of the last 3 financial years (or available years if newly incorporated) on CSR activities. 

National Fish Farmers Day 2025

Why in News? 

National Fish Farmers Day 2025 was celebrated on 10th July at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) to honor the tireless dedication of fish farmers in strengthening India’s food security, meeting the demand for fish-based protein, and driving rural employment. 

Key Points 

• Honoring the Legacy: National Fish Farmers Day commemorates the pioneering work of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi in 1957, who revolutionized Indian fisheries with the Hypophysation technique, enabling induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps.  
  • This scientific breakthrough led to the growth of Inland Aquaculture in India. 
• Key Initiatives and Investments: The Government of India has invested ₹38,572 crore in the fisheries sector since 2015.  
  • Fish production has grown from 95.79 lakh tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 195 lakh tonnes in FY 2024-25.  
  • India has become a global leader in shrimp exports, crossing ₹60,500 crore, with shrimp production increasing by 270% over the past decade.

State of India’s Fisheries Sector

• India is the 2^nd largest fish producer and 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China. 
• India has ascended to become the 4th-largest exporter of marine products, marking a significant rise from eighth position in 2014-15. 
  • Inland fisheries account for over 75% of total output.   
• Top fish-producing states: Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka.  

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) 

• Established: 
  • Originated from the Pond Culture Division of CIFRI in 1949, Cuttack, Odisha. 
  • Operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). 
• Mission: 
  • Focuses on sustainable and diversified freshwater aquaculture practices. 
  • Aims to enhance productivity, quality, water use efficiency, and farm income. 

S. Radha Chauhan: New Chairperson of Capacity Building Commission

Why in News? 

Mrs. S. Radha Chauhan took over as the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission in New Delhi, succeeding Shri Adil Zainulbhai, who had held the position since April 2021. 

• Mrs. Chauhan, a retired IAS officer from the UP Cadre (1988 batch), also served as the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Capacity Building Commission 

• The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) is an independent body with full executive authority, operational since April 2021. 
• It is a three-member Commission, supported by an internal Secretariat headed by a Secretary.  
• Members are appointed from diverse backgrounds such as the private sector, academia, the public sector, and civil society.  
• The Commission is tasked with driving the standardisation and harmonisation across India's civil services landscape. 
• As the custodian of civil services capacity-building reforms, the Commission plays a central role in the institutional framework of Mission Karmayogi.

Mission Karmayogi

• Mission Karmayogi was launched by the Government of India in September 2020 as a National Program for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). 
• It aims to prepare Indian civil servants for the future by making them more creative, proactive, professional, energetic, transparent and technology enabled.