Purpose

Marine insurance provides financial protection for ships, cargo, and other maritime assets
against potential risks encountered during ocean transit. It covers losses or damages due to
perils like storms, piracy, accidents, and other unexpected events. For businesses engaged in
global trade, marine insurance mitigates financial risk, ensuring that they don’t face
overwhelming losses from unforeseen incidents. This insurance also fosters trust in
international trade, as sellers, buyers, and carriers know that their goods and vessels are
safeguarded. Furthermore, it helps stabilize economies reliant on imports and exports by
reducing the financial impact of maritime accidents and natural disasters.

Cargo insurance
Cargo insurance protects goods during transportation against risks like damage, theft, loss,
or delays. This coverage is essential for businesses shipping high-value items across various
modes: sea, air, rail, or truck. It typically covers the full or partial value of goods,
compensating owners if the cargo is harmed or lost end route. Policies vary, with options like
“all-risk” covering most potential issues and “named perils” covering only specific risks.
Cargo insurance helps businesses manage logistics risks, ensuring financial protection and
stability in global trade, where unexpected incidents can impact shipments.

Environment Protection Act, 1986

The Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 was enacted in India in response to the Bhopal gas
tragedy of 1984. It provides the central government with a comprehensive framework to protect
and improve environmental quality and to regulate polluting activities across India.

Key Features of the Environment Protection Act, 1986

1. Broad Scope: The Act covers all aspects of the environment, including air, water, and land.

2. Centralized Authority: It empowers the central government to set environmental standards

and enforce compliance.

3. Penalties for Violations: Violators of the EPA may face imprisonment or fines, making it a
deterrent to non-compliance.

4. Regulation of Hazardous Substances: The Act allows for stringent control over the
handling, production, and disposal of hazardous substances.

5. Prevention and Abatement of Pollution: EPA gives power to the government to take
measures to prevent and control pollution.

6. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): The Act allows for EIAs to be conducted before
any major project is approved.
Objectives of the Environment Protection Act, 1986
1. Protect and Improve Environmental Quality: To safeguard the environment from
degradation and improve its quality.

2. Regulate Industrial Pollution: Set standards for industries and prevent pollution through
regulated emission levels.

3. Safeguard Public Health: Reduce exposure to hazardous pollutants to protect human

health.

4. Conserve Natural Resources: Promote sustainable use of resources and prevent their
exploitation.

5. Ensure Compliance with International Commitments: To implement and adhere to

international environmental agreements.

Latest Developments and News Related to the Act

The EPA has recently undergone several amendments and updates to adapt to evolving
environmental challenges, such as:

 Plastic Waste Management: Rules under the EPA have been revised to enhance plastic
waste collection and disposal standards.

 Climate Change Initiatives: The Act has been increasingly linked with national climate
policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

 Stricter Penalties for Pollution: Updated penalties for industries violating pollution norms
have been announced to increase compliance.

 Implementation of EIA Notifications: The government has recently revised guidelines for
Environmental Impact Assessments to streamline and expedite project approvals while
balancing ecological concerns.

Functions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and
Climate Change, is the national regulatory authority in charge of managing and monitoring
pollution in India. Established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, it
also plays a significant role under the EPA.

Key Functions of the CPCB

1. Set Pollution Standards: Establish ambient air and water quality standards and industrial
emission limits.

2. Monitor Pollution Levels: Conduct regular surveys and research to monitor air, water, and
soil pollution levels across India.

3. Technical Assistance to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Provides guidance and
technical support to state bodies on pollution management.
 4. Develop Guidelines for Waste Management: Enforce guidelines for managing solid,
hazardous, and electronic wastes to ensure safe disposal practices.

5. Promote Pollution Control Technology: Encourage the adoption of cleaner production and
pollution control technologies.

6. Issue Directions under EPA: Under the EPA, CPCB has the power to direct the closure,
prohibition, or regulation of any industry or facility in case of non-compliance with
pollution standards.

7. Raise Public Awareness: Conduct awareness programs and workshops to educate the
public on environmental protection and pollution control.

Latest Initiatives by CPCB

 National Clean Air Program (NCAP): Launched to reduce particulate pollution in major
Indian cities by 20–30% by 2024.

 Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Implemented in Delhi NCR to combat severe air
pollution through various regulatory actions.

 Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS): Introduced for real-time

monitoring of emissions from industries to ensure compliance with norms.

 Plastic Waste Management: CPCB has issued new rules to curb single-use plastic and
promote recycling and reuse.