UPSC Current Affairs

In August 2026, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched E-Samudra, an integrated digital portal designed to accelerate the digital transformation of India's maritime administration. Implemented by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), the single-window portal digitizes administrative workflows across the maritime sector. The initiative transitions maritime governance from a paper-based office model to a transparent, faceless digital ecosystem. Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, it aims to enhance Ease of Living for over 3.23 lakh Indian seafarers and Ease of Doing Business for maritime enterprises.

The Central Government released an official clarification assuring citizens that everyday Person-to-Person (P2P) and general merchant UPI transactions will remain completely free. This reassurance followed widespread public apprehensions surrounding proposed amendments to Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act (PSS Act), 2007, which were introduced through the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.