CONTENTS

1. Sainik Schools
2. Marine Products Export Development Authority

Sainik Schools

Context:

Recently, the Defence Ministry said that the scheme for new Sainik Schools is “well thought out” and the “political or ideological affiliation or otherwise” of the applicant institution does not influence the selection process.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Sainik Schools Overview

Nature and Affiliation

• Type: Residential schools
• Education Affiliation: Provide Public School Education and are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi.

Funding

• Source: Funded jointly by the Central and State governments.

Establishment and Objective

• Inception: The scheme to establish Sainik Schools was introduced in 1961.
• Primary Aim: To prepare students academically, physically, and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA).

Governance

• Authority: Under the overall governance of the Sainik Schools Society, which is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Defence, with a focus on preparing students for NDA admission.

Geographical Presence

• Current Schools: As of now, there are 33 Sainik Schools located across various regions of India.
• Admission Policy: Starting from the academic session 2021-22, girls cadets have also been granted admission to Sainik Schools.

Recent Developments and Initiatives

• Expansion Plan:
  • The Government of India has sanctioned the establishment of 100 new Sainik Schools.
  • This initiative, led by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence, aims to collaborate with NGOs, private schools, and state governments.
• Objective of Expansion: To cultivate an academically proficient, culturally conscious, intellectually skilled, confident, patriotic, self-reliant youth community.
• Leadership Focus: The initiative emphasizes nurturing leadership qualities and instilling a sense of utmost priority towards the nation among the students.

Marine Products Export Development Authority

Context:

Recently, officials asserted that the entire value chain for India’s shrimp exports is certified by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and there is no scope for abusive conditions at shrimp farms.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA):

• MPEDA is a statutory organization mandated with the principal responsibility of promoting the export of marine products.
• Historical Background: Established through an act of Parliament in 1972, MPEDA emerged from the amalgamation of the erstwhile Marine Products Export Promotion Council, which was set up by the Government of India in September 1961. This merger took place on 24th August 1972.
• Functions:
  • Overseeing and regulating offshore and deep-sea fishing, along with implementing conservation and management strategies for offshore and deep-sea fisheries;
  • Enlisting fishing vessels, processing facilities, storage units for marine products, and transportation means used for marine product conveyance. Additionally, setting standards and specifications for marine products destined for export;
  • Supervising the export of marine products and enrolling marine product exporters upon payment of stipulated fees.
• MPEDA operates five comprehensive Quality Control Laboratories located in Kochi, Nellore, Bhimavaram, Bhubaneshwar, and Porbandar. Moreover, MPEDA has established fifteen ELISA Screening Laboratories across maritime states.
• To cater to exporters across the country, MPEDA has instituted 18 Regional/Sub-Regional Divisions/Desk offices.
• Headquarters: Located in Kochi, Kerala.
• Trade Promotion offices are situated in New Delhi, Tokyo, and New York.
• Nodal Ministry overseeing MPEDA’s operations: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.