NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

Discontinuation of Rice Fortification

• Context: Rice fortification has been halted following findings from a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. 

• The study revealed that extended storage of fortified rice under government distribution systems reduces its effective shelf life, thereby weakening the expected nutritional benefits.
• Researchers observed that several factors significantly affect the quality and stability of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and fortified rice. These include moisture levels, temperature, storage environment, relative humidity, and the type of packaging used. 

About Food Fortification 

• Food fortification refers to the intentional addition of essential micronutrients—such as vitamins and minerals—to commonly consumed foods to enhance their nutritional value and improve overall public health.

Regulatory Framework and Initiatives

• Guided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) through the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018.
• Fortified foods are distributed through government welfare schemes such as the PM-POSHAN Scheme and other food safety net programmes.
• By March 2024, all custom-milled rice supplied under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and related schemes had been replaced with fortified rice, with distribution planned until December 2028.

Examples of Fortified Foods

• • Wheat flour and rice enriched with Iron, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid

• Milk and edible oil fortified with Vitamins A and D

• Double fortified salt containing Iodine and Iron

Micron Technology’s Semiconductor Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) plant

• Context: Prime Minister inaugurated Micron Technology’s Semiconductor Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) plant in Sanand, Gujarat.

• The event signalled the commencement of commercial manufacturing and marked an important advancement in India’s semiconductor ambitions.
• The Prime Minister termed the facility a landmark development, highlighting India’s transition from being largely software-driven to emerging as a strong player in hardware manufacturing, thereby deepening its integration into the global semiconductor supply chain.

Micron ATMP Sanand: Boost to India Semiconductor Mission

• The Sanand ATMP unit is among the most sophisticated semiconductor investments in India. 

• ATMP refers to the crucial processes of assembling, testing, marking, and packaging chips before they are supplied to international markets.

Strengthening India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

• • The inauguration advances the goals of the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, which seeks to establish a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem nationwide.
  • The Prime Minister stressed the strategic importance of semiconductors in the era of artificial intelligence, remarking that just as oil shaped the 20th century, microchips will define the 21st century.

• So far, 10 semiconductor projects have been cleared under the Semicon India Programme, with more units planned in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, and Punjab.

• The Micron Sanand facility will manufacture DRAM and NAND memory products, which are vital components for AI technologies, data centres, smartphones, and advanced computing systems.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency

• Context: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the Ministry of Power, celebrated its 25th Foundation Day, highlighting a significant milestone in India’s journey toward efficient energy use.

About Bureau of Energy Efficiency

• • BEE is responsible for formulating and executing energy conservation policies and programs in India, serving as the nodal institution for driving sustainable energy use.

• It acts as the national agency for promoting energy efficiency and reducing energy intensity across all sectors.

• Established: 1 March 2002 under Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

• Statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Objectives

• Lower the energy intensity of India’s economy.
• Promote self-regulation and market-driven approaches for energy conservation.
• Enable sustainable development by encouraging efficient energy use in all sectors.

Expansion of FRA Cells into Project Monitoring Units

• Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs had launched funding for Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells under the DAJGUA programme.

• Objective: Strengthen implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 by providing additional staff, speeding up forest rights claims, maintaining records, and digitising titles.

Reasons for the Change

• Separate FRA cells were reportedly increasing costs.
• Multiple policy-specific cells created coordination challenges.
• A unified PMU system is expected to improve efficiency and streamline communication.

Concerns and State Response

• Some States expressed concerns about closing existing FRA cells.
• Odisha has already ordered closure of FRA cells in 50 sub-divisions.
• Chhattisgarh is exploring restructuring options under the new PMU model.

Amorphous Metal Plant

• Context: Japan-based Proterial plans to invest USD 80 million to set up India’s first amorphous metal plant in Srinagar, Andhra Pradesh.

• • The initial production capacity of the unit will be 30,000 tonnes per annum, eventually expanding to 1 lakh tonnes.

• Amorphous metal is a non-crystalline, electrical grade steel, which is mainly used to improve energy efficiency in transformers.

• It is used in power distribution transformers, energy-efficient electrical equipment, and in grid modernization and integration of renewable energy.