Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Positing India’s stand on the Ukraine war
• South Asia’s human capital is the resilience it needs
• Booze policy must beat its licence raj hangover
• Supreme Court verdict will ensure a more independent Election Commission

GS Paper 3

• SC decision to set up expert committee in Adani matter casts doubt on SEBI’s investigation
• States have a large role in ensuring capital formation
• Development concerns – Nicobar project must be reconsidered

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Union Minister launches and inaugurates three national flagship programmes at ICAR-CIBA campus, Chennai
• President to appoint CEC, ECs on advise of committee comprising PM, LoP, CJI: Supreme Court
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) commemorates the success of “SWAYATT” Initiative
• India, Italy elevate ties to strategic partnership, sign MoU on defence cooperation
• Ornamental fish aquaculture to help Lakshadweep women
• Supreme Court forms expert panel to probe any regulatory failure on Adani issue
• India and Australia sign a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications
• SMART-PDS, a technological driven initiative should be implemented in all States/UTs: Union Minister

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Positing India’s stand on the Ukraine war

News- Recently, UNGA adopted a resolution, calling for an end to the war. The resolution was favoured by 141 members and opposed by seven, while 32 states abstained. India was one among the 32.

What is the Indian position on the Ukraine crisis?

India has refused to condemn Russia for the invasion. It has refused to join the West’s sanctions.

It has stepped up buying Russian fuel at a discounted price, and has consistently abstained from UN votes on the war.

What is the viewpoint of the west on the Ukraine war?

This is a global crusade for democracy. The war by an authoritarian Russia is a challenge to global democracy.  

To save global democracy, the rules ­based order and international law, all democratic states should take a position against Russia and join the western coalition.

Is this a battle between democracies and autocracies?

An overwhelming majority of nations have supported UNGA resolutions calling for the war to be brought to an end. But beyond the UN votes, the U.S. has hardly managed to mobilise democracies outside its traditional western alliance system against Russia.

India and South Africa, large democracies from Asia and Africa, have consistently abstained from votes at the UN. They have refused to join the sanctions because the sanctions were unilateral, and without UN approval.

Even some countries that are part of the western alliance system like Israel and Turkey are reluctant to join the west. Most of these countries see the war as a European problem between two former Soviet countries with its roots going back to the end of the Cold War.

For them, it is less about global democracy than the post ­Cold War security architecture in Europe.

Why western claims of morality in the Ukraine war seem to be dubious?

There is no doubt here that Russia has violated the sovereignty of Ukraine. Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories is a clear violation of international laws.

But a key dilemma before any country in international relations is clash between moral positions and national interests.

For the U.S. and much of Europe, there is a convergence of their moral positions and foreign policy objectives in the case of the Ukraine war. The U.S. wants to “weaken” Russia. So, the moral line they take serves their strategic purpose.

However, this position was violated when there were clashes between values and interests.

In 2003, the U.S. launched its illegal invasion of Iraq, violating the country’s sovereignty. In 2011, NATO turned a UNSC resolution to establish a no fly zone in Libya into a full scale invasion. Right now, the U.S. has illegally placed its troops in Syria.

Israel has illegally annexed East Jerusalem and Syria’s Golan Heights. The U.S. has recognised Israel’s annexation of Golan and moved its embassy to Jerusalem.

What ties with Russia are important for India?

Ties with Russia are important for India in many ways. One important area is energy. Discounted fuel from Russia is a relief for India. It meets over 80% of its fuel needs through imports.

Defence ties are also important, Russia has fulfilled over 46% of India’s defence needs in the last five years. There is a sound argument that India should diversify its source of defence imports, but such a change would take time.

Russia is deepening its ties with China, which is India’s main competitor. India should retain its leverage over Russia.

To manage its continental interests, India has to work with powers in the Eurasian landmass. The U.S. is practically absent, especially after its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Russia plays a key role in India’s continental foreign policy.

What should be India’s diplomatic stand on the Ukraine crisis?

Neither the weakening of Russia nor the destruction of Ukraine is in its interests. India wants an immediate end to the war and a new security equilibrium between great powers.

It will stabilise the global economy and the world could focus on more pressing problems  from climate change to UN reforms.

India should stick to its pragmatic neutrality, rooted in realism. It should continue to push for a practical solution to the Ukraine crisis.

South Asia’s human capital is the resilience it needs

News- Pandemics, economic slumps and extreme weather events have undermined the developmental gains in South Asia since 2020.

What is the human capital advantage of South Asia?

South Asia’s people are its biggest asset. The region enjoys a high demographic dividend.

It has nearly half its population under the age of 24 and over one million young people set to enter the labour force every month until 2030.

What are the human capital related challenges faced by South Asia?

South Asia is also home to over one third of the world’s stunted children. A child born in the region today is expected to attain only 48% of their full productive potential by the age of 18.

South Asian governments on average spend just 1% of GDP on health and 2.5% on education. In comparison, the global average is 5.9% on health and 3.7% on education.

COVID­19 pandemic further pushed an additional 35 million people across South Asia into extreme poverty. It has dealt an unprecedented blow to the region’s human capital.

Pandemic has led to rise in learning poverty. Around the world, on average, schools remained closed for between 2020 and 2022 for 141 days. But, in South Asia they were shut for 225 days.

It increased South Asia’s learning poverty from 60% to 78%. The poorest and most vulnerable people fell further behind. For example, in Bangladesh, the poorest students lost 50% more in terms of learning than the richest students.

What is the way forward to improve human capital in South Asia?

There is a need for well designed and implemented interventions. They can make a difference if governments act fast. Recent evidence suggests that even simple and low­ cost education programmes can lead to sizable gains in skills.

In Bangladesh, for example, attending a year of additional preschool through two­ hour sessions significantly improved literacy, numeracy, and social­ development scores.

A new World Bank study notes that health, education, and skills people acquired at various stages of life, build and depend on each other. Human development interventions must recognise and exploit these overlapping connections. They should be agile, resilient and adaptive.

A well functioning human development system must take faster actions during a crisis. It ensures that essential services such as health care and learning remain uninterrupted, and have the flexibility to evolve as needs change.

Data and technology play a crucial role in the delivery of services. Human development systems should ensure they are effectively used.

Booze policy must beat its licence raj hangover

News: Delhi Minister has been recently arrested over liquor policy. The article discusses the different types of liquor policies adopted by most state governments which help politicians to earn through it.

What are the different policies adopted by the government for alcohol?

Alcohol License: Alcohol permits are given to few private shops by the state. Through this limited permit/license, government keeps a check on alcohol supply and controls the demand.

However, license regime gives an advantage to politicians to receive bribe from private players.

Tight-liquor Policy: Another way to check the alcohol demand by the government is a tight liquor policy. It helps in keeping the price of the alcohol high which in turn reduces the demand.

This high price helps in earning more profits and helps the tax authorities to get revenues. This extra profit is again shared by the politicians.

Therefore, there is a need to change the policy on alcohol and reduce the state discretion.

What can be the course of action?

Alcohol needs to be under GST and liquor policies should be made in such a way it focuses more on social safety rather than price and profits.

Supreme Court verdict will ensure a more independent Election Commission

News: The Supreme Court, in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India case, has recently formed a neutral selection committee for Election Commissioners.

About the case

Numerous petitions have been filed seeking a neutral selection committee for Election Commission. A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court has recently formed such a selection committee.

While forming the neutral committee the court observed that “a vulnerable Election Commission would result in an insidious situation and detract from its efficient functioning

The committee is composed of the PM, the leader of the opposition or the largest opposition party, and CJI. The committee should be entrusted with the task till such time Parliament frames a suitable law.

Note: Article 324 of the Constitution, which deals with EC, left it to Parliament to legislate on the selection process.

The judgment also asked to ensure that the two election commissioners enjoy the same security of tenure that the CEC and apex court judges enjoy.

What are the previous attempts regarding the selection of Election Commissioners?

Constituent assembly: It suggested that the selection of ECs should be ratified by a two-third majority of a joint session of Parliament.

Constitution amendment bill: Later in 1990, a bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to form a committee to select the chief election commissioner. However, the bill did not progress and was withdrawn four years later.

Law commission: It recommended a selection committee similar to the one SC approved recently.

What are the advantages of the SC’s neutral selection committee?

The neutral selection committee a) Addresses the conflict of interest inherent in the current selection process for election commissioners, b) Enforces the EC’s credibility and insulates the EC from political attacks, c) Can act as a constitutional lesson in India’s troubled times, and d) Recognises the fine distinction between conventional democracy and constitutional democracy.

What is the opinion of experts regarding the formation of a neutral selection committee?

Some are of the opinion that the judgment reflects the era of judicial activism. On the other hand, few of them are of the opinion that the judgement represents evolution rather than an arbitrary encroachment into the executive domain.

What needs to be done to ensure true functional independence of various bodies?

Constitutional functionaries have to be not just appointed fairly, but also held to account thereafter. Hence, the EC and other regulatory bodies should be made autonomous of the executive and held answerable to designated committees of Parliament or committees of legislators.

The SC’s attention to the functioning of EC is timely. But the judgement also raises questions about the selection process for the judiciary. The selection process for the judiciary too needs reform.

GS Paper 3

SC decision to set up expert committee in Adani matter casts doubt on SEBI’s investigation

News- Recently, Hindenburg Research published a report levelling several allegations against the Adani Group.

What is the mandate of the committee?

1. To assess the factors that have led to market volatility.
2. To examine if there has been regulatory failure in this case
3. To suggest measures to strengthen the regulatory apparatus and ensure compliance with the existing framework to protect investors.

The committee has been asked to furnish its report in sealed cover within two months.

What are issues related to the SC decision?

The formation of the committee casts aspersions on SEBI’s investigation and doubts its ability.

The SEBI chairman has been requested by the court to ensure all information is provided to the committee.

There is opacity in the manner in which the members of the panel have been selected, and the lack of transparency the process entails.

SEBI has stated that it will conduct a detailed examination into Adani stocks. The Court has asked SEBI to conclude its investigation into the matter within two months. It would have been more prudent to wait for its regulator’s report.

States have a large role in ensuring capital formation

News- The Central government is continuing with its focus on capital expenditure. Capital expenditure by states has also drawn the attention of policymakers.

How has capital expenditure by states gained importance in recent times?

The combined spending of Indian states on capital expenditure now exceeds that of the central government.

In 2021-22, this figure combined for states and Union territories was ₹10.5 trillion. The Centre’s effective capital expenditure that year was ₹8.4 trillion.

Theme of this year’s RBI report on state finances is ‘Capital Formation in India: The Role of States’. It is an eloquent acknowledgement of the power of states in this context.

What are issues related to capital expenditure by states?

Capital expenditure by states is neither uniform nor necessarily related to the economic size of a particular state.

Uttar Pradesh gross state domestic product (GSDP) was estimated to be ₹20.5 trillion in 2022-23. The budget for capital expenditure was ₹1.24 trillion. Maharashtra with higher GSDP figures of ₹35 trillion budgeted for capital spending of ₹65,000 crore.

States are unable to spend the full budgeted amount of capital expenditure, despite having sufficient resources. They have a tendency to postpone capital expenditure till revenue streams firm up.

What is the way forward to improve the quality of capital expenditure by states?

There is a need to address this uneven inclination of states or capacity for capital expenditure.

The ultimate aim of all capital expenditure is to enhance the productive capacity of the economy. The nature of state capital expenditure is also vitally important. It should align with central capital expenditure to optimise long term enhancements of economic capacity.

For example, UP may hike its road building programme to amplify the impact of the efforts of the National Highway Authority of India. Maharashtra and TN may enhance allocations to urban bodies.

The quality and speed of expenditure also deserves equal attention. States would need to step up their execution capacity and establish an enabling regulatory environment.

Land availability, clearances, logistics and communication, project management, stakeholder engagement and local capacities are all critical determinants that need attention.

The planning and budgeting cycle of states also has to be aligned with the fund releases so as to fully utilise the resources within the time available. They need to spend fully the budgeted capital amounts uniformly over the year.

The RBI report mentions that states should mainstream capital expenditure planning rather than treating them as residuals and meeting budgetary targets from this expenditure.

Development concerns – Nicobar project must be reconsidered

News: The government has recently given the clearance for the development of a project on the Great Nicobar Island. The project is to be implemented in three phases over the next 30 years.

About the Project

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What are the concerns with the project?

The Great Nicobar Island is known for its rainforest ecosystems, having unique coral reefs and rare species of turtles and other fauna and flora.

Further, the protection of leatherback sea turtles, the flagship turtle species of this island, is part of the country’s National Marine Turtle Action Plan. The Galathea Bay is among the important marine turtle habitats of India.

Great Nicobar Island also lies in the seismically active zone and is prone to maritime hazards like tsunamis.

Nearly 850 square kilometres of the island’s area is notified as tribal reserve under the Andaman and Nicobar Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulations, 1956.

The area was also designated as a biosphere reserve in 1989, and made part of Unesco’s “Man and Biosphere Programme” in 2013.

Further, the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes reside in the dense tropical rainforests of the Great Nicobar. They are among the world’s least studied and most vulnerable tribal groups that still relies on hunting and food gathering.

Hence, environmentalists are worried about the deleterious impact of this project on ecology, disaster vulnerability, local communities’ rights, and various other fields.

Click Here to Read More

What can be the way ahead?

One of the reasons to develop the project is national security because there has been an increase in the presence of Chinese ships in the region of Bay of Bengal and in the Indo-Pacific.

Therefore, looking at national security as well as other concerns, the project can be modified to minimise damage to the natural ecosystem of Great Nicobar.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Union Minister launches and inaugurates three national flagship programmes at ICAR-CIBA campus, Chennai

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches and inaugurates three national flagship programmes at ICAR-CIBA campus, Chennai” published in the PIB on 27th February 2023.

What is the News?

Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has inaugurated and launched three national flagship programmes. These are a) the Genetic Improvement Programme of Indian White Shrimp, b) Phase II of the National Surveillance Programme on Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), and c) Shrimp Crop Insurance.

About the Genetic Improvement Programme of Indian White Shrimp

Need: The farmed shrimp alone contributes about 70% of India’s seafood exports worth Rs. 42000 crores. However, the shrimp farming sector mostly depends on one exotic Specific Pathogen Free stock of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) species.

Aim: To break single species’ dependence on shrimp and to promote indigenous species vis-à-vis exotic shrimp species.

Focus species: ICAR-CIBA (Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture) has taken up the genetic improvement of programme of Indian white shrimp, P. indicus as a national priority under the Make in India flagship program.

About National Surveillance Programme on Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD)

Need: India is the third-largest fish-producing country with a fish production of 14.73 million metric tonnes and one of the largest exporters of farmed shrimps around 7 lakh tonnes.

However, the country loses about 7200 crores annually due to diseases. Therefore, early detection and managing the spread of diseases is considered crucial for controlling the diseases.

Note: The government launched NSPAAD in 2013 with a major emphasis on strengthening farmer-based disease surveillance system. Under it, disease cases are reported, investigated and scientific support is provided to the farmers. The results of the first phase proved the reduction in revenue losses due to diseases, increased farmers’ income and exports. 

The Government has sanctioned the NSPAAD: Phase-II under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana programme. It will be implemented at pan-India level.

About Shrimp Crop Insurance

Need: Shrimp farming is labelled as “risky venture” and banking and insurance institutions are cautious to take up business in the shrimp sector. But, India achieved about 430% growth in shrimp production during the last decade which explains the overall profitability, growth and stability of the shrimp farming sector.

Hence, ICAR-CIBA has developed a Shrimp Crop Insurance product.

Potential: CIBA has estimated Rs 1000 to 1500 crores as the business potential of shrimp crop insurance per year and a micro-credit requirement of over Rs. 8,000 to 10,000 crores per annum.

President to appoint CEC, ECs on advise of committee comprising PM, LoP, CJI: Supreme Court

Source: The post is based on the article “President to appoint CEC, ECs on advise of committee comprising PM, LoP, CJI: Supreme Court” published in The Hindu on 3rd March 2023.

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has ruled that the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners(ECs) will be done by the President on the advice of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.

What was the case about?

In 2015, a public interest litigation was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the practice of the Centre appointing members of the Election Commission. 

In 2018, a two-judge bench of the SC referred the case to a larger bench since it would require a close examination of Article 324 of the Constitution which deals with the mandate of the Chief Election Commissioner.

How are CEC and ECs currently appointed?

The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the CEC and ECs. The President makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

What changes does SC’s decision bring in the process?

The Supreme Court has ruled that the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners shall be made by the President on the advice of a Committee consisting of 1) Prime Minister, 2) Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha (leader of the largest opposition Party in the Lok Sabha) and 3) the Chief Justice of India.

This appointment process will be subject to any law to be made by Parliament. This means that Parliament can undo the effect of the SC verdict by bringing in a new law on the issue.

What are the other rulings of the court? 

On the issue of whether the process of removal of Election Commissioners must be the same as it is for the CEC: The court ruled that it cannot be the same. The Constitution states that the CEC can be removed in a process similar to a judge — through a majority in both houses of Parliament on grounds of proven incapacity or misbehaviour.

On the issue of funding the EC: The Supreme Court has left it to the government. They have said that they would only make an appeal to the government that there is an urgent need to provide for a permanent Secretariat for EC and also to provide that the expenditure be charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) commemorates the success of “SWAYATT” Initiative

Source: The post is based on the article “Government e-Marketplace (GeM) commemorates the success of “SWAYATT” Initiative” published in PIB on 3rd March 2023.

What is the News?

A Function was held to commemorate the success of “SWAYATT”, an initiative to promote ‘Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions'(SWAYATT) on Government E-Marketplace (GeM) in New Delhi.

What is SWAYATT Initiative?

Launched in: 2019

Aim: To promote start-ups, women and youth advantage through e-Transactions on Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

Objective: To promote inclusiveness of various categories of sellers and service providers on the GeM portal by taking proactive steps to facilitate their training and registrations of such specific categories of manufacturers and sellers, develop women entrepreneurship and encourage the participation of MSME sector and start-ups in public procurement.

What is the progress made by the SWAYATT Initiative?

The initiative has helped in promoting social and financial inclusion on GeM portal by:

– Registering more than 8.5 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have been registered on GeM portal and have been able to get business of over Rs. 1.87 lakh crore.

– More than 1.45 lakh women MSEs have fulfilled 7.32 lakh orders.

– Approximately 43000 SC/ ST MSEs have delivered 1.35 lakh orders worth 2,592 Crore on the GeM portal so far.

What is Government E-Marketplace(GeM)?

Click Here to read

India, Italy elevate ties to strategic partnership, sign MoU on defence cooperation

Source: The post is based on the article “India, Italy elevate ties to strategic partnership, sign MoU on defence cooperation” published in The Hindu on 3rd March 2023.

What is the News?

The Italian Prime Minister met the Indian PM during his visit to India.

The Italian PM also inaugurated the 2023 edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

What are the key highlights from the visit?

India and Italy have announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the level of strategic partnership.

Signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation.

Announced the establishment of a ‘Startup Bridge’ between India and Italy.

Decided to hold joint exercises and training courses between the armed forces of the two countries on a regular basis.

What is Raisina Dialogue?

Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-strategy. 

It is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation(ORF).

Theme for 2023: “Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence: Lighthouse in the Tempest

Ornamental fish aquaculture to help Lakshadweep women

Source: The post is based on the article “Ornamental fish aquaculture to help Lakshadweep women” published in The Hindu on 3rd March 2023.

What is the News?

Community-based ornamental fish aquaculture, using local resources is expected to help women in the Lakshadweep islands to take the first step towards self-reliance through concerted activities.

What is Ornamental Fish Aquaculture?

Ornamental fish culture is the culture of attractive, colourful fishes of various characteristics, which are reared in a confined aquatic system. The culture of ornamental fishes is called as aquariculture. 

Ornamental fishes are also known as living jewels. There are more than 30,000 fish species reported around the world, of this about 800 belong to ornamental fishes. 

Most of the ornamental fishes survive in freshwater. 

Ornamental Fish Culture in India

Ornamental fishes of India are contributing about 1% of the total ornamental fish trade.

India has great potential in Ornamental fish production due to the presence of rich biodiversity of species, favourable climatic conditions and availability of cheap labour.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal mainly practice ornamental fish farming in India.

How is Ornamental Fish Culture helping women in Lakshadweep?

In Lakshadweep, 82 islanders, 77 of them women were selected and underwent intensive training on ornamental fish aquaculture.

They have formed groups for ornamental fish aquaculture with technical support from the ICAR­ National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources(NBFGR).

These groups have successfully been raising ornamental shrimps to marketable size, and they have completed four cycles to generate substantial income.

Supreme Court forms expert panel to probe any regulatory failure on Adani issue

Source: The post is based on the article “Supreme Court forms expert panel to probe any regulatory failure on Adani issue” published in The Hindu on 3rd March 2023.

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has formed a six-member committee to suggest measures to protect investors against the kind of market volatility seen after the Hindenburg report against the Adani Group.

What is the expert committee constituted by the Supreme Court on the Adani issue?

Headed by: Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre(retd), a former judge of the Supreme Court

The mandate of the committee: To provide an overall assessment of the situation, including the relevant causal factors which led to the volatility in the securities market in the recent past;

– To suggest measures to strengthen Indian investor awareness;

– To investigate whether there has been a regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged contravention of laws protecting the securities market in relation to the Adani Group of companies and 

– suggest measures to strengthen the statutory and regulatory framework and secure compliance with the existing framework for the protection of investors.

Duration: The committee was requested to submit its report to the Supreme Court in a sealed cover expeditiously within two months.

India and Australia sign a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications

Source: The post is based on the article “India and Australia sign a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications” published in PIB on 3rd March 2023.

What is the News?

India and Australia have signed a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications.

About Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications

Signed between: India and Australia

Aim: To help ease the mobility of students and professionals between the two countries. 

Features: The framework covers both the education and skill qualifications of the two countries and will help facilitate the two-way mobility of young people for education and employment purposes by mutually recognizing various levels of education and skill qualifications.

– Note: This framework has been signed as part of the commitment by the Prime Ministers of both countries at the 2nd India-Australia Virtual Summit held in 2022 wherein they had agreed to establish a Joint Task Force for mutual recognition of qualifications.

What are the other decisions taken by India and Australia?

The scope of the Australia India Education Council widened to also include cooperation in skill development: 

Australian India Education Council (AIEC) is the principal bi-national body for driving the Australia India education, training and research agenda. It is co-chaired by the Australian and Indian Education Ministers.

SMART-PDS, a technological driven initiative should be implemented in all States/UTs: Union Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “SMART-PDS, a technological driven initiative should be implemented in all States/UTs: Union Minister” published in PIB on 2nd March 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution have said that all states should implement SMART-PDS at the earliest.

What are the steps taken by the Government in the PDS System?

Automation of Fair Price Shops,

Direct Benefit Transfer (Cash): where food subsidy is directly credited to the account of the beneficiaries,

Aadhaar Seeding in PDS: To weed out duplicate/in-eligible/bogus ration cards and to enable rightful targeting,

Digital/Cashless/Less-cash Payments in fair price shops,

End to end computerization of food grain procurement, storage, transport, and distribution,

One Nation One Ration Card plan was implemented to support the migrant population,

Scaling up of rice fortification,

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana(PMGKAY)  amongst others.

What are the steps recommended by the Union Minister for states to implement in PDS System?

SMART-PDS: It is a system where smart ration cards are issued to beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System(PDS) and ration is given through fair price shops on the production of the smart ration card by any member of the beneficiary family.

– The fingerprint template of the beneficiary is recorded in these smart ration cards, which record all transactions.

Command Control launched by Andhra Pradesh for PDS: AP Government has launched ​​India’s first-of-its-kind Central Command Control Centre to monitor the Public Distribution System (PDS) from procurement of grains to their distribution to households.

Use Millets: All the states have been urged to learn from the best practice of using millets in schemes like ICDS, midday meal and PDS in Karnataka which is helpful in adding nutrition and promoting a healthy diet.