India Hosts IALA Meet, Launches Lighthouse E-Ticketing

10 Dec 2025 CW Team

The global event, held from 8–12 December, is organised by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It brings together 42 IALA Council members, three AIMG members, 11 observers, IALA Secretariat delegates and representatives from more than 30 countries.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Sonowal said that hosting the Council in Mumbai reflects India’s expanding influence in shaping global maritime standards. He highlighted India’s maritime heritage, including the Harappan-era legacy and the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, which will feature a dedicated Lighthouse Museum celebrating India’s past and future in seafaring.

The Minister emphasised the growing importance of international cooperation as technology transforms maritime navigation through autonomous shipping, satellite-based systems and digital vessel management. He reaffirmed India’s support for IALA’s mission to harmonise global navigation standards and promote safe, efficient and sustainable maritime operations.

Sonowal noted that under the government’s strategic vision, India’s maritime sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by infrastructure expansion, digital innovation and green shipping initiatives. He said India has emerged as a trusted contributor to global maritime safety and standards.

Launching the Digital Ticketing Portal, the Minister said all of India’s lighthouses are now solar powered and tourism at these sites has expanded notably over the past decade. The portal will enhance digital access, transparency and convenience for visitors across 75 lighthouse destinations.

The Minister also cited major national strategies including Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to strengthen ports, advance shipbuilding, improve logistics, promote green shipping and accelerate digital transformation. He stressed that aids to navigation remain central to maritime safety, and India continues to invest in modern systems and capacity-building for developing maritime nations.

India, an active IALA Council member, contributes to global standard-setting, technical cooperation and training, strengthening international collaboration in marine navigation. Hosting the third IALA Council Session in Mumbai reiterates India’s commitment to advancing global maritime cooperation and enhancing safety, sustainability and technological progress in navigation.

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, virtually inaugurated the third session of the Council of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai, alongside launching a new Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism. The portal marks a significant step towards expanding digital visitor services and enhancing access to lighthouse destinations nationwide. The global event, held from 8–12 December, is organised by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It brings together 42 IALA Council members, three AIMG members, 11 observers, IALA Secretariat delegates and representatives from more than 30 countries. Speaking at the inaugural session, Sonowal said that hosting the Council in Mumbai reflects India’s expanding influence in shaping global maritime standards. He highlighted India’s maritime heritage, including the Harappan-era legacy and the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, which will feature a dedicated Lighthouse Museum celebrating India’s past and future in seafaring. The Minister emphasised the growing importance of international cooperation as technology transforms maritime navigation through autonomous shipping, satellite-based systems and digital vessel management. He reaffirmed India’s support for IALA’s mission to harmonise global navigation standards and promote safe, efficient and sustainable maritime operations. Sonowal noted that under the government’s strategic vision, India’s maritime sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by infrastructure expansion, digital innovation and green shipping initiatives. He said India has emerged as a trusted contributor to global maritime safety and standards. Launching the Digital Ticketing Portal, the Minister said all of India’s lighthouses are now solar powered and tourism at these sites has expanded notably over the past decade. The portal will enhance digital access, transparency and convenience for visitors across 75 lighthouse destinations. The Minister also cited major national strategies including Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to strengthen ports, advance shipbuilding, improve logistics, promote green shipping and accelerate digital transformation. He stressed that aids to navigation remain central to maritime safety, and India continues to invest in modern systems and capacity-building for developing maritime nations. India, an active IALA Council member, contributes to global standard-setting, technical cooperation and training, strengthening international collaboration in marine navigation. Hosting the third IALA Council Session in Mumbai reiterates India’s commitment to advancing global maritime cooperation and enhancing safety, sustainability and technological progress in navigation.

Infrastructure Urban

23 Jan 2026

9th India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee Meeting Held in Nay Pyi Taw

The ninth meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with a focus on strengthening bilateral trade and deepening economic cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by U Minn Minn, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.Representatives from relevant ministries and stakeholder departments from both countries participated in the discussions. The meeting covered a broad range of issues aim..

Infrastructure Urban

23 Jan 2026

DGCA Launches Digital Pilot Licence Services for ATPL

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), marking a significant step in the regulator’s ongoing digital transformation of aviation licensing in India. The service was inaugurated at an event held at the DGCA headquarters.Inaugurating the EPL ATPL service, Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said the initiative represents a major advancement in strengthening India’s civil aviation regulatory framework through secure, modern and future-ready digital systems. He con..

Infrastructure Urban

23 Jan 2026

Cabinet Extends Atal Pension Yojana and Support Till 2030–31

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to the financial year 2030–31, along with the extension of government funding support for promotional and developmental activities and gap funding to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.Under the approved framework, APY will continue to receive government support aimed at expanding its reach among unorganised and low-income workers. This includes funding for awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives and other developmental activities to strengthen ..