Recalibration of Nutrition Intervention – Temporary Discontinuation of Rice Fortification

• Pause decision (Feb 2026) by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution to halt rice fortification under PMGKAY and allied welfare schemes, pending a better nutrient-delivery mechanism.
• Driven by an IIT Kharagpur study showing shelf-life vulnerabilities of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) under India's diverse agro-climatic conditions.
• Tests UPSC themes of food security, micronutrient deficiency (hidden hunger), PDS reform, and evidence-based policymaking.