MINISTRY OF PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
K-pop leads to death: North Korean youth publicly executed for listening to South Korean music
A 22-year-old man in North Korea was publicly executed in 2022 for listening to and sharing K-pop music and South Korean films, according to a South Korean human rights report. The report details how North Korean authorities enforce strict laws against "reactionary ideology and culture," targeting various forms of Western influence, including fashion and media. Despite these harsh measures, South Korean culture continues to influence North Korean youth.
Govt pulls up Amazon for labour law violations in Manesar warehouse case
The union labour ministry in New Delhi criticized Amazon for inadequate occupational safety and working conditions at its Manesar warehouse. Labour secretary Sumita Dawra met with Amazon officials to address issues related to facilities like utilities and restrooms. The ministry found violations of labour laws impacting welfare and productivity of workers, leading to unrest among the workforce.
Look-alike, sounding similar drugs likely to face strict action
Earlier, in January India's Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), India's apex drug advisory body, deliberated on the issue of same brand name (including look-alike and sound-alike ones) for different category of products and it suggested that to ensure patient safety, the manufacturing and marketing of different drugs with same brand name should "not be allowed."
TRAI calls upon MIB to establish credible measurement system for TV, radio, OTT
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended establishing a transparent audience measurement system for television, radio, and OTT services to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It suggests revamping the existing system, expanding sample sizes, encouraging multiple rating agencies, and utilising advanced technologies. TRAI also proposes granting infrastructure status to the broadcasting sector to boost investment, streamlining processes, measuring broadcasting's impact on GDP, implementing a policy for the AVGC sector, and expanding TV reach through broadband infrastructure and subsidised schemes for underserved populations.
Ministry of Labour & Employment showcases e-Shram portal at 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva
The e-Shram portal, introduced at the 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva, led by Secretary Sumita Dawra, aims to assist India's unorganised workers with a comprehensive solution.
DERC releases draft regulation for green power obligations on discoms
The DERC has issued draft regulations mandating a 29.91% green energy purchase for stakeholders in 2024. RPOs require electricity distribution licensees to buy energy from renewable sources.
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Modi Cabinet portfolios allocated; Sitharaman retains finance ministry, Jaishankar to serve as EAM again
NDA Full List Ministry Portfolio: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his third consecutive term on Monday by allocating key portfolios to ministers following their swearing-in ceremony. This cabinet formation includes 30 cabinet ministers, 36 ministers of state (MoS), and 5 MoS with independent charge from the BJP and its allies, marking the establishment of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under his leadership
Troubled with frequent power cut? Get compensation from electricity distributor if it happens due to this reason, know how
Power cut: Electricity discom have to provide compensation to you if they have resorted to wilful load shedding. This compensation will be adjusted through your electricity bill. However for other deficiencies of service (if any) you will have to lodge a complaint. Read here to know how much compensation you can get in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi and Karnataka.
India’s climate dilemma will hang over Modi’s next five years
Modi, who has cast himself as climate champion for much of the past decade, will be under pressure to make faster progress toward existing green targets, including pledges to hit net zero by 2070, install a mammoth 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy by the end of the decade, and corral a global alliance on solar power that aims to secure $1 trillion in investment.
Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive
Israel sent its tanks into the heart of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, despite an order from the International Court of Justice to end its attacks on the city, where many Palestinians had taken refuge from widespread bombardment.
No official response from Centre yet on request to cancel Prajwal's passport: K'taka Minister
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the state has not yet received a response from the Centre regarding its request to cancel the diplomatic passport of Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is accused of sexual abuse. He criticized the delay, questioning the status of an earlier letter from the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a show-cause notice to Prajwal. The state remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining law and order.
Wheat procurement crosses last year's figure, comfortable to meet demand: Food ministry
Wheat procurement for the 2024-25 Rabi marketing season progresses smoothly, surpassing last year's total with 262.48 lakh tonnes acquired, benefiting 22.31 lakh farmers. Major states contributing include Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Rice procurement from the previous Kharif season also proceeds well, ensuring ample stock for welfare programs. Monsoon forecasts remain pivotal for agricultural planning.
Rationalisation of govt bodies: WCD ministry 'officially' dissolves Food and Nutrition Board
The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has officially dissolved the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), a technical wing of the ministry responsible for providing technical and logistical support for community nutrition programmes. The FNB had a network of offices and quality control laboratories in Delhi, Faridabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The decision came after a Cabinet meeting in April last year, following recommendations from the Principal Economic Adviser's report on the rationalisation of government bodies.
16th Finance Commission seeks public opinion on terms of reference
The 16th Finance Commission requests input on terms of reference. Flexibility granted by the Centre. Recommendations on grants and consolidated fund are vital, due by October 31, 2025, for a five-year period.
Nitish Kumar distributes portfolios, retains Home, General Administration departments
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar allocates portfolios to NDA ministers; retains Home and General Administration, Samrat Chaudhary gets Finance and Commercial, Vijay Sinha gets Road Construction, Mines and Geology, and Art & Culture. The cabinet expansion comes less than two months after the ministry was formed, with 21 new ministers joining, bringing the total to 30, six below the constitutional limit of 36 for the state.
Crops, consumption and connectivity: the 3Cs at the core of India’s agricultural asymmetries
The country is the largest producer of many crops but it still has to resort to imports to meet domestic demand. Experts say we have to plug the gaps in the supply chain linking production and consumption centres to make the sector efficient and reduce import dependency.
Ration card is for PDS, not address proof: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court has ruled that ration cards cannot be considered proof of address or residence; they are issued exclusively for obtaining essential commodities under the public distribution system.
India lodged bilateral protest with Thailand before raising issue in WTO
India has lodged a diplomatic protest with Thailand over comments made by the Thai ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Pimchanok Vonkorpon Pitfield, about India's rice procurement programme. Pitfield's comments were described as "loose and made without adequate understanding" and led to her replacement by her government. Thailand swiftly replaced Pitfield, a development that came amid an upswing in bilateral ties.
Everyone is interested in millets. But where are the crops?
The praiseworthy efforts to make mainstream millets in the food system are in danger of losing steam because of a lack of incentives to attract farmers.
Pilot to onboard fair price shops to ONDC launched in Himachal Pradesh
The pilot was launched by placing the first order on February 6 in 11 fair price shops in Himachal Pradesh - five in Una and six in Hamirpur district. The programme will be expanded across the state, and DFPD aims to subsequently cover the entire country. The pilot enables consumers in remote locations to access groceries and other essential products through ONDC, while also helping fair price shops to increase their utilisation and revenue from market goods.
Agriculture Ministry gets Rs 1.27 lakh cr budget allocation for FY25
According to the budget papers, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has been allocated Rs 2.13 lakh crore for the next fiscal year, lower than the 2023-24 allocation. Under this ministry, the allocation for the department of consumer affairs has been earmarked at Rs 303.62 crore for 2024-25 from Rs 309.26 crore in the current year.
Govt to extend sugar subsidy under AAY till March 2026
The approval is expected to extend benefits of more than Rs1850 crore during the period of the 15th Finance Commission (2020-21 to 2025-26), said the statement adding that the scheme is expected to benefit about 1.89 crores AAY families of the country.
Expand tax base to boost finances of Centre, States: FinMin Review
India needs to expand its tax base to strengthen the finances of the union and state governments, according to a review of the economy by the finance ministry's economic division. The review cited taxation reforms in the last decade, which have reduced the tax burden on corporations and individuals and removed distortionary incentives.
Govt clears 11 project proposals related to technical textiles
These project proposals include nine R&D projects, one project on machine development and one project on equipment development. Goyal emphasised on the need for enhancement of collaborative efforts among the government and industry to enhance indigenous development of technical textiles products.
Govt tightens wheat stock limit till March
The Indian government has reduced wheat stock limits for traders, wholesalers, and retailers, halving them to 1,000 tonnes and five tonnes respectively. The new limits will apply until March 31, 2024. The move comes amid rising cereal and pulse prices, with food inflation remaining high.
Foodgrains free of cost to over 80 cr people under PMGKAY for 1 yr: Food Ministry
These two food subsidy schemes have been subsumed as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for effective and uniform implementation of the NFSA as also to strengthen the food security network in the country. "Under this scheme, free foodgrains are being distributed through Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) from 1st January 2023. The additional cost of making foodgrains free of cost to the NFSA beneficiaries is being borne by Government of India," the statement said.
Considering review of basmati rice minimum export price, says govt
The Indian government is considering a review of the minimum export price of basmati rice, which currently stands at USD 1,200 per tonne. Rice exporters associations have been requesting a reduction to around USD 850 per tonne. The government had previously decided not to allow exports below USD 1,200 per tonne to prevent the shipment of non-basmati rice disguised as premium basmati rice. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution stated that a review of the export price is under active consideration, taking into account the concerns raised by the industry.
Distributors seek standardisation of packs; say smaller, lower unit price packages create confusion
Recently, several companies introduced various new SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) with lower unit prices aimed at catering to the rural market, which in turn is creating "price confusion" among the consumer and is posing "inventory management challenges," AICPDF said in a statement. "The difference in per-gram pricing among the numerous SKUs within the same price bracket has become a significant issue, as it often leads to consumer confusion," AICPDF President Dhairyashil Patil said.
Centre forms committee to prepare food safety norms, protect users from unhealthy food items
The committee, headed by an additional secretary in the department of consumer affairs, has been asked to submit its report within six weeks, the memo said, adding that it will examine and identify gaps or inadequacies within the current regulatory framework that contribute to the proliferation of unhealthy food products.
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