20 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme” (N.F.l.E.S.)
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2026704 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)” with a budget of Rs. 2254.43 crore for 2024-25 to 2028-29.
- Funding for the scheme will come from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ budget.
- Key components of the scheme include:
- Establishment of new campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across India.
- Creation of new Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) nationwide.
- Enhancement of existing infrastructure at the Delhi Campus of NFSU.
- The scheme aims to strengthen India’s criminal justice system through scientific and timely forensic examination of evidence.
- It emphasises the importance of trained forensic professionals for efficient and scientific evidence examination, leveraging technological advancements.
- New criminal laws mandate forensic investigation for offences with punishments of seven years or more, leading to increased workload for forensic science laboratories.
- There is a significant shortage of trained forensic personnel in the country.
- To address this, the scheme will invest in and enhance national forensic infrastructure.
- Establishing additional NFSU campuses and new CFSLs will:
- Address the shortage of trained forensic manpower.
- Reduce the caseload and backlog in forensic laboratories.
- Support the government’s goal of achieving a conviction rate higher than 90%.
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) in strengthening India’s criminal justice system. How does it address the challenges posed by the increasing demand for forensic investigations? (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. India’s seafood exports touch all-time high by volume in FY 2023-24
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2026456 )
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Effects of liberalisation on the economy |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
- India’s seafood exports reached an all-time high in volume during 2023-24, shipping 17,81,602 MT worth ₹60,523.89 crore (US$7.38 billion).
- Frozen shrimp was the major export item, accounting for 40.19% in quantity and 66.12% in dollar earnings.
- Major importers included the USA (largest market), China, the European Union, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East.
- Black tiger shrimp exports increased significantly, with China being the major destination.
- Scampi exports showed a positive trend, while Vannamei shrimp exports grew slightly in volume but declined in value.
- Frozen fish, the second largest export item, earned ₹5,509.69 crore (US$671.17 million).
- Fish and shrimp meal, frozen squid, Surimi, frozen cuttlefish, and other items also contributed significantly.
- The USA remained the top export destination, importing US$2,549.15 million worth of seafood.
- China was the second largest market, with significant imports of frozen shrimp and fish.
- Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Canada, Spain, Belgium, UAE, and Italy were other major markets.
- The top 10 markets contributed 79.89% of the total export value in dollar terms.
- Despite challenges in major export markets like the USA, EU, and the UK, India achieved a record volume in seafood exports.
| PYQ: Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2015) |
| Practice Question: Analyse the factors contributing to the record high seafood exports from India in 2023-24. Discuss the challenges faced in major export markets and suggest measures to sustain and enhance this growth. (250 Words /15 marks) |
