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- A recent deep-sea fishing expedition conducted by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has uncovered several highly productive, possibly untouched fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea.
- About Fishery Survey of India (FSI):
- Role: The FSI, functioning under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, is the premier institute for fisheries research and survey in India.
- Primary Responsibility: Its main duties include surveying and assessing fishery resources within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and surrounding areas to ensure their optimal use and sustainable development.
- Headquarters: Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- History:
- Establishment: The FSI was founded in 1946 as the Deep Sea Fishing Station, with the aim of enhancing food supply through the development of deep-sea fishing.
- Evolution: In 1974, it was upgraded to a survey institute under the name Exploratory Fisheries Project, with Offshore Fishing Stations set up across India's maritime states.
- Key Objectives: The institute focused on exploratory fishing, mapping fishing grounds, training fishing operatives, and testing the commercial potential of deep-sea fishing.
- Reorganization: In 1983, the institute was restructured and upgraded to the FSI as a national-level institute.
- Recognition: In 1988, the FSI was officially recognized as a Science & Technology Institute.
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to release the detailed Devolution Index Report on 13th February 2025 at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.
- About Devolution Index:
- Purpose: The Devolution Index is the outcome of extensive research and empirical analysis, providing valuable insights into the progress of decentralization across States and Union Territories in India.
- Evaluation Criteria: The Index assesses six key dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability of Panchayats.
- Focus: It specifically measures how empowered Panchayats are in making and executing independent decisions, reflecting the intent of Article 243G of the Indian Constitution. This Article empowers State legislatures to transfer powers and responsibilities to Panchayats across 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule.
- Role of the Index: The Devolution Index acts as a vital tool for promoting cooperative federalism and enhancing local self-governance. It helps States identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices to strengthen Panchayats, making them more effective and autonomous.
- Stakeholder Impact:
- Citizens: Provides transparency in monitoring Panchayat operations and resource distribution.
- Elected Representatives: Offers data-driven insights for advocacy, reform, and informed decision-making.
- Government Officials: Serves as a strategic guide for implementing decentralization policies effectively.
- Policymakers: Helps assess the overall state of local governance and pinpoint areas where reforms are urgently needed.
- Significance:
- This initiative aligns with the vision of a Viksit Bharat, where Panchayats play a crucial role in driving rural transformation and fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
- Recently, the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) has urged the government to regulate the inflow of edible oils from Nepal and other SAARC countries, citing concerns over the misuse of SAFTA norms.
- About SAFTA:
- Definition: SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) is the free trade agreement among the member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
- History: The agreement came into effect in 2006, replacing the 1993 SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement.
- Signatory Countries: The SAFTA agreement includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- Special Consideration for LDCs: The agreement acknowledges the need for special and differential treatment for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as stated in its preamble. This is reflected in various provisions aimed at supporting their economic growth.
- Objectives of SAFTA:
- Promoting Trade: The agreement aims to enhance mutual trade and economic cooperation among the member countries by removing trade barriers and facilitating the cross-border movement of goods.
- Fair Competition: It seeks to foster conditions for fair competition within the free trade area and ensure that all contracting states benefit equitably, while considering their different levels and patterns of economic development.
- Implementation & Dispute Resolution: The agreement creates an effective mechanism for its implementation, administration, and the resolution of disputes.
- Regional Cooperation: SAFTA also establishes a framework for further regional cooperation to expand and enhance the mutual benefits for all member states.