UPSC Notes

Blue Economy

PYQs

12

Articles

2

Momentum

34

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The Blue Economy is critical for India's economic development, food security, energy needs, and environmental sustainability, given its vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. It aligns with global sustainable development goals and requires integrated policy frameworks.

The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. It encompasses various sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable energy, and maritime transport, aiming for economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

India's Vision

Emphasizes sustainable utilization of marine and freshwater resources for national development.

Key Sectors

Includes fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, shipping, and offshore energy.

Current Initiative

Focuses on integrated development of inland fisheries in 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars.

Objectives

Balances economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity for fishing communities.

Core Principle

Sustainable use of ocean resources

Key Pillars

Economic growth, improved livelihoods, ocean ecosystem health

India's Initiative

Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a key component

Sectors Included

Fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, renewable energy, deep-sea mining

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSustainable Development
Conceptual areaEconomic Growth
Conceptual areaEnvironmental Conservation
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual areaEnvironmental Law & Policy

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D)Implements
Department of Fisheries (DoF)Implements
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)Implements key initiatives like dom
Niti AayogInvolved in policy formulation and strategy for blue economy
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Terminology-based question

Quick revision

  • Sustainable use of water resources for economic growth.
  • Encompasses fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, etc.
  • India's focus on inland fisheries (reservoirs, Amrit Sarovars).
  • Aims for livelihood generation and environmental balance.
  • Implemented by MoFAH&D, DoF.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Sustainable DevelopmentEconomic GrowthEnvironmental ConservationWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Prelims 2021· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Blue Economy through reservoir and Amrit Sarovar fisheries

22 Jul 2026 · India's Blue Economy strategy seeks sustainable economic growth from marine and freshwater resources, encompassing fisheries, aquaculture, and other sectors, balancing development with environmental protection and livelihood generation.

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PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DEEP OCEAN MISSION

05 Aug 2026 · The Blue Economy is a holistic framework for sustainable ocean resource utilization, aiming for economic growth, better livelihoods, and healthy marine ecosystems. India's Deep Ocean Mission is a significant step towards realizing its Blue Economy potential by exploring and harnessing ocean resources responsibly.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 12 linked questions on Blue Economy in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Blue Economy

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated i...

2026·Environment & Ecology
Solve

What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? 1. The proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in t...

2015·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I : According to the United Nation's 'World Water Development Report, 2022', India extracts more than a quart...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?

2021·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). ...

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements : 1. The high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holdin...

2018·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

2019·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following pairs: I. International Year of the Woman Farmer : 2026 II. International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism : 2027 III. Inter...

2025·International Relations
Solve

Programme/ Project Ministry 1. Drought-Prone Area Programme: Ministry of Agriculture 2. Desert Development Programme: Ministry of Environment and Forests 3. ...

2014·Economy
Solve

Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NM...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to -

2016·Medieval History
Solve

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