CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Out of above 15 States, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Uttarakhand & Madhya Pradesh have started distribution of fortified rice under the Pilot Scheme.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Jharkhand cabinet had on September 1 approved the programme for distribution of fortified rice, blended with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, among beneficiaries enrolled under the national food security scheme through the public distribution system.

Detailed explanation-3: -About Fortified Rice Scheme: It was launched in 2019 with the aim of eliminating anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiency in India. Scheme was approved for 3 years in 2019-20. Starting from 2021-2022, FCI has been asked to make procurement and distribution plan for fortified rice under ICDS and PM POSHAN scheme.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Hon’ble PM in his address on the 75th Independence Day (15th August, 2021), announced the supply of Fortified Rice in every scheme of Government of India throughout the country by 2024 in a phased manner.

Detailed explanation-5: -So far, India has developed fortification standards for rice, wheat, edible oils, salt and milk. Data from the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 shows that 57 per cent of women in the reproductive age group (15-49) are deficient in iron.