News: The Union Cabinet has approved continuation of supply of free fortified rice under various welfare schemes like PMGKAY from July 2024 to December 2028. This move will address anaemia and micronutrients deficiency.
1. Rice Fortification: It is the addition of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), containing micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, into regular rice to improve its nutritional value.
2. Benefits of fortified rice: A) Ensures Nutritional Security B) Reduction in Anaemia C) Cost Effective D) Tackles Hidden Hunger
3. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman: It is a centrally sponsored programme which aims at providing one hot cooked meal to children in pre-primary and class 1-VIII in government and government aided schools.
4. Earlier, it was known as the National Programme for Mid-Day Meal in Schools. It is being implemented by the Ministry of Education.
5. Anaemia: It is characterised by a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen transport to body issues.
6. Government of India has launched a centrally sponsored Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy to reduce anaemia in women, children, and adolescents.
