Weekly Current Affairs (1st November to 7th November 2023) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

Global Declaration for River Dolphin Conservation: A Collective Effort

Context: Eleven Nations Unite for River Dolphin Protection

In a significant environmental endeavor, eleven countries across Asia and South America have come together to sign a Global Declaration for the Protection of River Dolphins.

1. Signatory Nations: The declaration boasts the support of eleven countries, namely Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Venezuela.

2. Ambitious Goal: The primary objective of this declaration is to put an end to the decline of all river dolphin species by the year 2030.

3. Comprehensive Measures: To achieve this goal, the signatory nations commit to a series of actions, including improving water quality in river dolphin habitats, establishing protected areas, addressing overfishing issues, and actively involving Indigenous communities residing in the affected regions in safeguarding these remarkable aquatic mammals.

River Dolphins: Treasures of Freshwater Ecosystems
River dolphins are a unique group of fully aquatic mammals that exclusively inhabit freshwater or brackish water environments.

1. Amazon River Dolphin
2. Indus River Dolphin
3. Ganges River Dolphin
4. Irrawaddy River Dolphin
5. Tucuxi
6. Yangtze Finless Porpoise

Tragically, a seventh species, the Chinese River Dolphin or Baiji, was declared extinct in 2007.

A Looming Crisis: Decline in River Dolphin Populations
Since the 1980s, river dolphin populations have experienced a staggering 73% decline. This alarming situation can be attributed to various threats, including unsustainable fishing practices, the construction of hydropower dams, pollution stemming from agriculture, industry, and mining, as well as habitat loss.

The Global Declaration for River Dolphin Protection stands as a beacon of hope for these magnificent creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit. It signifies a united effort to ensure the survival of these iconic species and safeguard the health of our planet's freshwater ecosystems.

India's Ambitious Vision: A $30-Trillion Economy by 2047

Context: NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam Shares Bold Economic Vision

In a significant development, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has announced the formulation of a visionary document aimed at propelling India into the ranks of developed economies, with a target of achieving a staggering $30 trillion GDP by the year 2047.

1. Visionary Roadmap: The forthcoming vision document will provide a comprehensive roadmap, detailing the institutional and structural changes and reforms required to catapult India into the league of developed nations by 2047. The ultimate objective is to attain a per capita GDP ranging from $18,000 to $20,000.

2. Middle-Income Trap Prevention: One of the core objectives of the national vision plan is to avert the "middle-income trap," ensuring sustained economic growth and progress.

3. Global Engagement: The vision document is expected to encompass strategies for India's global engagement, encompassing aspects such as trade, investment, technology exchange, capital flow, and research and development initiatives.

4. Rapid Growth Imperative: To accomplish this monumental economic transformation, it is projected that the Indian economy must maintain a remarkable average growth rate of 9.2% per annum between 2030 and 2040, 8.8% per annum from 2040 to 2047, and a consistent 9% per annum between 2030 and 2047.

India's vision to become a $30-trillion economy by 2047 signifies a bold and ambitious aspiration, reflecting the nation's commitment to sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and global prominence. The development of this visionary document is a significant step toward realizing this monumental goal.

COP28 Presidency's Action Agenda: Accelerating Renewable Power and Energy Efficiency

Context: In a noteworthy development, a joint report was unveiled on the sidelines of the pre-COP28, entitled "Tripling Renewable Power and Doubling Energy Efficiency by 2030: Crucial Steps Towards 1.5°C."

1. Urgent Emission Reductions: To maintain the global temperature increase within the 1.5°C target, it is imperative to reduce a substantial 22 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases within the next seven years.

2. Ambitious Renewable Power Goals: Meeting the climate goals necessitates a significant expansion of renewable power generation capacity. Specifically, the world must triple its installed renewable power capacity to achieve 11,174GW by 2030.

3. Solar Power Surge: The installed solar photovoltaic capacity must experience a remarkable upsurge, soaring from 1,055GW in 2022 to over 5,400GW by 2030, highlighting the indispensable role of solar energy in the transition to a sustainable future.

4. Wind Power Advancement: Wind energy, both onshore and offshore, must see substantial growth, surpassing 3,500GW (3,040GW onshore and 500GW offshore) by 2030, as opposed to the 899GW capacity recorded in 2022.

5. Hydropower Expansion: The report underlines the significance of expanding global installed hydropower capacity (excluding pumped hydro). A growth of nearly 17% from the 2022 levels is required to reach 1,465GW by 2030, emphasizing the potential of hydropower in the renewable energy landscape.

The COP28 Presidency's Action Agenda underscores the critical steps needed to combat climate change and adhere to the 1.5°C target. It emphasizes the rapid scaling up of renewable energy sources and substantial improvements in energy efficiency to mitigate the pressing climate crisis and ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the planet.

Rajyotsava Award: Honoring Excellence in Karnataka

Context: The Karnataka government has announced the recipients of the Rajyotsava Award for 2023, recognizing 68 individuals and 10 organizations for their exceptional contributions in various fields.

1. Prestigious Civilian Award: The Rajyotsava Award holds the distinction of being the second-highest civilian award presented annually by the Karnataka government. It is bestowed upon distinguished individuals, including prominent writers, social workers, and others.

2. 50th Karnataka Formation Anniversary: The 68th Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards coincide with the golden jubilee celebration of renaming Mysore state as Karnataka. The awards will be presented as part of the state's formation festivities.

3. Selection Committee: The Chief Minister heads the Award committee, which meticulously selects the recipients based on their exceptional contributions to society.

4. Recognition and Rewards: Rajyotsava Awardees are honored with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a 25-gram gold medal, and a commemorative plaque, underscoring the state's gratitude for their remarkable achievements.

The Rajyotsava Awards stand as a testament to Karnataka's acknowledgment and appreciation of those who have made significant and lasting impacts in their respective fields, contributing to the state's cultural, social, and intellectual vibrancy.

India's Deep Ocean Mission: Exploring the Abyss

Context: India is poised to embark on a groundbreaking journey to explore the depths of the ocean, with a specially designed submersible, as part of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).

1. Ministry of Earth Sciences Initiative: The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It was approved in 2021 with a budget allocation of nearly Rs 4,077 crore, to be implemented over a five-year period in several phases.

2. Mission's Six Pillars: DOM encompasses six key pillars:

   • Technologies for Deep-Sea Mining: Developing technologies for deep-sea mining, along with a manned submersible capable of carrying three people to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean.

   • Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Offering ocean climate change advisory services, which involve an array of ocean observations and models to understand and provide future climate projections.

   • Deep-Sea Biodiversity Conservation: Innovating technologies for the exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity.

   • Hydrothermal Sulphides Exploration: Conducting deep-ocean surveys and exploration to identify potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.

   • Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean: Exploring the possibilities of harnessing energy and freshwater from the ocean.

   • Advanced Marine Station: Establishing an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology, serving as a hub for nurturing talent and creating new opportunities in ocean biology and blue biotechnology.

India's Deep Ocean Mission represents a significant scientific and technological endeavor, aimed at unraveling the mysteries of the deep sea and harnessing its potential for the benefit of humanity.

Bletchley Declaration: Collaborative Effort for AI Safety

Context: Twenty-nine countries, including the US, the UK, China, Australia, Brazil, and India, as well as the European Union, have joined hands to address the potential risks associated with frontier AI through the Bletchley Declaration.

1. Comprehensive Approach: The Bletchley Declaration aims to tackle the challenges and responsibilities linked to frontier AI in a collective and holistic manner.

2. Human-Aligned AI: The document underscores the importance of aligning AI systems with human intent and urges a deeper exploration of AI's full capabilities while ensuring responsible and ethical AI development.

3. Global Cooperation: Member countries, such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, the US, and the European Union, have recognized the need for international cooperation to address the substantial risks arising from potential misuse or unintended control issues associated with frontier AI.

4. Annual Summits: The declaration envisions ongoing international collaboration on frontier AI safety, with plans to convene annual summits to address challenges and enhance AI safety.

5. Key Principles: The declaration highlights the significance of safeguarding human rights, transparency, explainability, fairness, accountability, regulation, safety, human oversight, ethics, bias mitigation, privacy, and data protection in the development and deployment of AI technologies.

The Bletchley Declaration represents a crucial step towards ensuring responsible AI development and usage on a global scale, with a focus on mitigating potential risks and ensuring alignment with human values.

Carbon Nanoflorets: Transforming Solar Energy into Heat Efficiently

Context: Researchers at IIT Bombay have introduced carbon nanoflorets capable of converting sunlight into heat with remarkable efficiency.

1. Revolutionizing Sustainable Heating: Carbon nanoflorets, characterized by their unique floret-like structure composed of carbon atoms, have the potential to transform sustainable heating solutions while reducing carbon emissions.

2. Versatile Nanostructure: Carbon nanoflorets possess high surface area and exhibit exceptional properties and structure, making them valuable in diverse fields, including materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology.

3. Pollutant Removal: These nanoflorets have the capacity to remove up to 90% of pollutants containing substances like arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and mercury.

4. Light Absorption Capability: Carbon nanoflorets can absorb light across multiple frequencies, including infrared, visible, and ultraviolet, enabling them to efficiently harness solar energy.

5. Fossil Fuel-Free Heat Generation: These nanoflorets can generate heat sustainably, without the need to burn fossil fuels, making them environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

6. Applications: The coatings of carbon nanoflorets have the potential to heat homes and sterilize surfaces in hospitals. Remarkably, a single square meter of carbon nanofloret coating can vaporize 5 liters of water per hour, showcasing their impressive capabilities.

Carbon nanoflorets offer a promising avenue for clean and efficient heat generation and have the potential to play a significant role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Right to Privacy vs. Right to Know: Balancing Electoral Transparency

Context: The Supreme Court of India is deliberating the validity of the electoral bond scheme, which raises questions about the conflict between the Right to Know and the Right to Privacy.

1. Conflict of Rights: The case at hand centers on reconciling two essential rights: the Right to Know, which pertains to voters' access to information about political funding for electoral transparency, and the Right to Privacy and confidentiality of companies when exercising their freedom to choose which political party to fund.

2. Evolution of Right to Privacy: The concept of the Right to Privacy was not explicitly envisioned by the framers of the Indian Constitution and did not feature in Part III related to Fundamental Rights. However, it was affirmed as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court in the landmark Puttaswamy vs. Union of India case in 2017.

3. Balancing Act: The Supreme Court emphasized that the Right to Privacy is intrinsic to personal liberty and guaranteed under Article 21 and the freedoms outlined in Part III of the Constitution. While it is a fundamental right, like other rights, it is subject to reasonable restrictions.

4. Reasonable Restrictions: The Right to Privacy may be limited only through state action that satisfies three criteria: it must be legislatively mandated, it must serve a legitimate state purpose, and it must be proportionate and necessary in a democratic society.

5. Right to Know: The Right to Know is a subset of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. Citizens possess a fundamental right to access information, and it is the state's duty to safeguard this right.

The case underscores the complex and delicate balance required to reconcile these two rights while upholding electoral transparency and individual privacy.

Air Quality Index (AQI): Gauging Air Safety

Context: New Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution, as indicated by an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 466, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board.

1. Protecting Respiratory Health: The primary objective of the Air Quality Index (AQI) is to assess the safety of the air for breathing, particularly with regards to human health and well-being.

2. Launch and Authority: The AQI was launched in 2014 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB is entrusted with the responsibility of establishing standards for air quality under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

3. National Ambient Air Quality Standards: In 2009, the CPCB notified the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which serve as a framework to evaluate and manage air quality in various regions.

4. Evolution of Air Quality Standards: India's journey in setting air quality standards began in 1994 and was subsequently revised in 1998, reflecting the nation's commitment to improving air quality and safeguarding public health.

5. Covered Pollutants: The AQI encompasses various pollutants, including:
   Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.
   Particulate Matter (PM10): Coarser particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less.
   Ozone (O₃): A reactive gas that can cause respiratory issues.
   Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas that can be harmful when inhaled.
   Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): A gas produced by combustion processes.
   Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): A colorless gas with a pungent odor, often produced by burning fossil fuels.
   Lead (Pb): A toxic metal that can have serious health effects.
   Ammonia (NH₃): A gas often linked to agricultural and industrial activities.

The AQI serves as a vital tool in evaluating and communicating air quality to the public and policymakers, helping raise awareness of the need for effective measures to combat air pollution and protect public health.

World Food India 2023: Showcasing India's Food Potential

Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated the second edition of 'World Food India 2023' in New Delhi, an event organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The aim of the event is to present India as the "food basket of the world" and commemorate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

1. International Year of Millets: World Food India 2023 coincides with the United Nations' declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). Millets are ancient grains deeply rooted in India's heritage, offering high nutrition, gluten-free options, climate resilience, and eco-friendliness.

2. Focus Pillars:

   • Shree Anna (Millets): Highlighting the importance of millets and their nutritional value, with the goal of increasing production and consumption of millets worldwide.

   • Exponential Food Processing: Positioning India as a global hub for food processing and enhancing the country's competitive advantage in the global food market. Special emphasis is on financing agri-food value chains, particularly supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

   • Strategic Segments: Unlocking the potential for growth in various food sectors. India is a leading producer and consumer of various food products, including milk, bananas, mangoes, rice, wheat, potatoes, and more. The event aims to create an inclusive and efficient ecosystem for food production and trade.

   • Sustainable Development for Prosperity: Focusing on sustainability by embracing eco-friendly agricultural and food processing methods and renewable energy sources, with an eye toward a more sustainable future.

3. 100% FDI in Food Processing: The Indian government has allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route in the food processing industry, emphasizing the importance of foreign investment in the sector.

Food India 2023 serves as a platform to showcase India's diverse food offerings, promote millets as nutritious staples, and emphasize sustainable practices for a prosperous and food-secure future. It also underscores India's ambition to become a significant player in global food processing and trade.

British Academy Book Prize: Recognizing 'Courting India' by Nandini Das

Context: India-born author Nandini Das was awarded the 2023 British Academy Book Prize for her work titled 'Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire.'

1. Promoting Global Cultural Understanding: The British Academy Book Prize, carrying a value of 25,000 British pounds sterling, is an annual accolade presented to a non-fiction book that contributes to fostering global cultural understanding for a broader public audience.

2. Diverse Subject Matter: The prize encompasses various subjects within the fields of social sciences and humanities, encouraging works that shed light on cross-cultural interactions, historical contexts, and cultural appreciation.

3. Cross-Cultural Dialogue: One of the core objectives of the British Academy Book Prize is to stimulate cross-cultural dialogue and the appreciation of diverse cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of global interactions.

4. Author's Background: Nandini Das, a 49-year-old English Professor at the University of Oxford, received the award for her work that explores the early 17th-century arrival of the first English ambassador in India, Sir Thomas Roe. Her book, 'Courting India,' provides a unique perspective on the origins of the British Empire.

Nandini Das's 'Courting India' stands as a testament to the power of literature in promoting cultural understanding and historical insight, contributing to a richer tapestry of global knowledge and appreciation.

ATL Marathon 2023-24: Fostering Youth Innovation

Context: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, YuWaah, and UNICEF, has initiated applications for the 'ATL Marathon 2023-24,' a flagship innovation challenge.

1. National-Level Innovation Challenge: The ATL Marathon 2023-24 is a national-level innovation challenge designed to engage young innovators throughout India. Participants are encouraged to address community issues of their choice and develop innovative solutions in the form of working prototypes.

2. Partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS): Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the hosting partner for this edition of the ATL Marathon, providing technical support and infrastructure for the event.

3. Past Success: The previous edition of the ATL Marathon witnessed the participation of over 12,000 innovations from school students across India, reflecting the enthusiasm and creativity of young minds.

4. Thematic Focus: This year's ATL Marathon is themed around "India's 75th Republic Day" and includes a range of problem statements on which student teams can build projects. The themes encompass areas like space, agriculture, inclusivity, disaster management, mobility, health, education, and skill development.

5. Inclusivity: Importantly, the ATL Marathon is open to all schools across the country, irrespective of whether they are affiliated with an Atal Tinkering Lab or not, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of students.

About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, is the Government of India's flagship initiative with the primary goal of cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the nation. It was established in 2016 with a comprehensive approach to instill problem-solving and innovation mindsets in schools and foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem in universities, research institutions, the private sector, and MSMEs.

The ATL Marathon exemplifies AIM's dedication to nurturing innovation among India's youth and encouraging the development of practical solutions to address real-world problems. It provides a platform for young innovators to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Adaptation Gap Report 2023: Climate Change Adaptation Challenges

Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently released the Adaptation Gap Report 2023, highlighting global challenges in adapting to climate change.

1. Annual Assessment: The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) is an annual assessment that offers a science-based evaluation of worldwide progress in adaptation planning, financing, and implementation.

2. Collaborative Effort: The AGR is a collaborative effort between UNEP, the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), and the World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP).

3. Financial Gap: According to the report, countries require annual financing in the range of $215 billion to $387 billion to effectively adapt to climate change impacts. However, the actual funds allocated for adaptation efforts are significantly lower, totaling only $21.3 billion.

4. Disproportionate Funding: Developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change, face significant funding shortfalls. The adaptation finance needs of these countries are estimated to be 10-18 times greater than the financial support they have received.

5. Economic Losses: A recent study highlighted that the 55 most climate-vulnerable economies have already suffered losses and damages exceeding $500 billion over the past two decades.

Recommendations of the Report:

1. Cost-Benefit of Adaptation: The report underscores that every billion dollars invested in adaptation against coastal flooding can lead to a significant reduction of $14 billion in economic damages. This highlights the importance of proactive adaptation measures.

2. COP-28: The report emphasizes the need for COP-28 (28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties) to generate new momentum on adaptation and address loss and damage. Policymakers, multilateral banks, investors, and the private sector are urged to play a pivotal role in advancing these efforts.

The Adaptation Gap Report 2023 serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need to bolster adaptation measures, allocate adequate financial resources, and address the growing challenges posed by climate change.

World Local Production Forum: Strengthening Sustainable Local Production

Context: The 2nd World Local Production Forum (WPLF) is currently taking place in The Hague, the Netherlands.

1. Global Platform: The WPLF serves as a regular global platform aimed at fostering discussions and partnerships to strengthen sustainable, high-quality, eco-friendly local production and technology transfer.

2. Initiative by WHO: This platform was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the goal of enhancing access to medicines and other health technologies.

3. Role in Access to Health Products: The WPLF provides Member States and the global community with a consistent platform to shape strategies, stimulate collective action, and build partnerships for sustainable local production. The ultimate aim is to enhance timely and equitable access to quality-assured health products.

4. Collaborative Efforts: The Local Production and Assistance (LPA) Unit at the WLPF Secretariat collaborates closely with the hosting country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to organize this forum.

The WPLF serves as a forum for key stakeholders to collaborate and strategize in ensuring that local production of health products, including medicines and technologies, is sustainable and accessible to all.

Project Kusha: India's Indigenous Air Defense System

Context: Project Kusha represents the operational deployment of India's indigenous long-range air defense system by 2028-29.

1. Comprehensive Air Defense System: Project Kusha is designed to detect and neutralize a wide range of threats, including stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. It operates at extended ranges of up to 350 kilometers.

2. Developed by DRDO: The project is developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), highlighting India's indigenous capabilities in the defense sector.

3. Three-Layered Defense System: Project Kusha aims to establish a formidable three-layered defense system, with the capability to effectively neutralize enemy aircraft and missiles at various distances.

Key Features:

• Long-Range Surface-to-Air Defense System (LRSAM): The system incorporates advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars.
• Interceptor Missiles: It deploys interceptor missiles with ranges of 150 km, 200 km, and 350 km, allowing the system to detect and strike hostile targets at different distances.
• Integration with IAF: The firing units of Project Kusha can be seamlessly integrated with the Indian Air Force's air command and control system, facilitating coordination with a wide range of military radars.
• High Kill Probability: The system boasts an impressive single-shot probability of around 80%. When two missiles are consecutively fired, the kill probability increases to 90%.

Project Kusha is a significant step in enhancing India's defense capabilities, ensuring the protection of its airspace, and advancing its self-reliance in defense technology.

Composite Water Management Index: Assessing Water Resource Management

Context: NITI Aayog is reported to have classified the 'Composite Water Management Index' reports for the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 as "for internal use" after previously releasing the earlier editions publicly.

1. Initiated by NITI Aayog: The Composite Water Management Index was launched in 2018 by NITI Aayog in collaboration with related ministries, including Water Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation, and Rural Development.

2. Aim: The primary objective of the index is to assess and rank Indian states and Union Territories based on their water resource management, striving for effective water management amidst a growing water crisis.

3. Water Scarcity a National Problem: The latest report emphasizes that water scarcity is a "national problem," calling for immediate attention. It presents data on the performance of states for the years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

4. Reducing Per Capita Water Availability: The report highlights that the average annual per capita water availability is expected to decrease to 1,486 cubic meters per person per year by 2021, down from 1,545 cubic meters per person per year in 2011. Per the annual water availability norms, an availability value of less than 1,700 cubic meters per person per year indicates water shortage, while less than 1,000 cubic meters per person per year is considered "scarcity."

5. Top Performing States: Gujarat secures the top spot in the ranking, demonstrating continuous improvements year after year. It is closely followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh in terms of water resource management performance.

6. Nine Key Themes: The Composite Water Management Index comprises nine key themes, reflecting various aspects of water management:

   a. Restoration of Water Bodies b. Groundwater c. Major and Medium Irrigation d. Watershed Development e. Participatory Irrigation Practices f. Sustainable On-Farm Water Use Practices g. Rural Drinking Water h. Urban Water Supply and Sanitation i. Policy and Governance

The Composite Water Management Index serves as a valuable tool to assess and monitor water resource management in Indian states and Union Territories, addressing the crucial issue of water scarcity and the need for effective management.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: Extending Food Security

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for an additional five years.

1. Initiation in 2020: The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was introduced in 2020 as a pandemic relief measure. It provided an additional 5 kg of free food grains per beneficiary per month, in addition to the 5 kg of subsidized food grains they were entitled to under the National Food Security Act.

2. World's Largest Food Security Scheme: PM-GKAY is acknowledged as the world's largest food security scheme and was launched by the Government of India to address economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Eligibility: All beneficiaries of the targeted public distribution system (TPDS), including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority household (PHH) ration cardholders, are eligible for food grains under this scheme.

4. Previous Extension: In December 2022, as PMGKAY came to an end after multiple extensions, the Union Cabinet made the decision to offer free NFSA (National Food Security Act) rations for one year. This extension is further prolonged, ensuring continued support to vulnerable populations through food security measures.

The extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana aims to provide essential food grains to those in need, offering relief and food security to the economically disadvantaged segments of the population.