India Observers

  Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has announced a complete ban on single-use plastic items in 17 major cities across the state, effective from October 2, 2025. The move aligns with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and India’s broader sustainability goals. The ban will cover items such as plastic carry bags, straws, cutlery, and thin plastic packaging. Officials will implement strict monitoring, with penalties for violations. The initiative is part of the state’s larger mission to promote environmental health and reduce plastic pollution. Authorities plan to boost public awareness and encourage eco-friendly alternatives among vendors, consumers, and municipal bodies.

  Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has inaugurated India’s largest automobile Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility in Haryana. This marks a major milestone in enhancing India’s logistics infrastructure under the PM Gati Shakti initiative. The terminal is designed to streamline automobile freight movement by integrating rail and road logistics. With a focus on reducing transportation time, costs, and emissions, the facility is expected to play a vital role in supporting India’s growing automobile export and distribution network. The Manesar GCT can handle over 300,000 vehicles annually and is equipped with automated loading systems, dedicated rail sidings, and smart monitoring tools. This strategic move is aligned with the government's push for multimodal logistics solutions and improving ease of doing business for the manufacturing sector.

 

  In a major boost to the education sector, Maharashtra has announced plans to establish India’s first International Education City in Navi Mumbai. The ambitious project aims to attract top global universities, research institutions, and ed-tech companies to set up campuses and innovation centers within a dedicated, world-class academic zone. Spread over 1,000 acres, the Education City will offer global-standard infrastructure, industry-academia linkages, and residential facilities, transforming Navi Mumbai into an international hub for learning and innovation. Officials say it will promote student mobility, create thousands of jobs, and significantly enhance India’s global education footprint. The project reflects Maharashtra’s vision to become a knowledge economy and foster a vibrant environment for both domestic and international learners.

  India is set to develop its first underwater museum and artificial coral reef around the decommissioned Indian Navy ship INS Guldar, off the coast of Maharashtra. This ambitious project will be carried out near Tarkarli in Sindhudurg district, a region known for its marine biodiversity. The museum will feature the sunken INS Guldar — a 56-meter-long LCU (Landing Craft Utility) — which will serve both as a historical exhibit and a base for coral regeneration. The initiative aims to promote marine eco-tourism while aiding ocean conservation. Expected to attract divers, researchers, and tourists, this underwater museum is also designed to boost local livelihoods and environmental awareness. The site will eventually become a thriving marine habitat, contributing to coral restoration and coastal sustainability.

  The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is preparing to introduce electric boat services on the Yamuna River. This eco-friendly initiative aims to reduce pollution and promote sustainable urban transport in the Delhi-NCR region.  The project will initially focus on short-distance passenger routes and could later expand to include cargo movement. With trials expected soon, the IWAI is coordinating with state agencies to ensure smooth operations and infrastructure support for charging and docking.