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…
