AI-Driven Feedback System in Public Distribution System
Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched a suite of digital initiatives aimed at modernizing warehousing operations, improving supply chain efficiency and enhancing transparency across the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Digital Initiatives
- Bhandaran 360: A cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) for the Central Warehousing Corporation integrating modules like HR, finance, warehouse management, contract management, etc.
- Smart EXIM Warehouse System: Automates operations at Container Freight Stations, Inland Container Depots using AI, IoT, FASTag, OCR/ANPR, and GNSS.
- Anna Darpan: A cloud-based microservices platform for Food Corporation of India covering procurement, storage, movement, quality checks, labour management, and contract monitoring.
- Anna Sahayata Holistic AI Solution (ASHA): A new AI-based platform to collect feedback from PDS beneficiaries.
Key Features of ASHA
- Multi-lingual automated calls: Beneficiaries receive calls in their preferred language to give feedback about their PDS experience (ration amount, quality, shop issues, etc.).
- AI analysis of feedback: The system uses sentiment analysis and automated grievance classification, helping to segregate and prioritise complaints.
- Real-time dashboards: Officials can monitor feedback and grievance trends live, which helps faster redressal.
- Wide reach: ASHA is designed to reach 20 lakh beneficiaries per month across India.
- Cost effective: The monthly cost of operating ASHA is only around ₹ 5 lakh, much cheaper than maintaining a conventional call centre.
- Wider Partnerships: It is developed in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation, and supported by the India AI Mission via Bhashini, which provides the multilingual AI infrastructure.
Codex Alimentarius Commission
Context:
Recently, India secured a unanimous re-election to the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC) for the Asia region at the recently concluded 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48).
Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC)
- The CCEXEC is a key decision-making and coordination body of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which sets international food standards to protect consumer health and promote fair trade.
- CCEXEC assists the Commission by reviewing the work of Codex committees, ensuring standards are developed efficiently, and advising on strategic priorities.
- It examines proposals for new work, resolves procedural issues, and monitors the overall consistency and scientific basis of Codex standards.
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
- CAC is an intergovernmental body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- It sets international food standards to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade.
- It creates food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice that are used as reference standards by the World Trade Organization for international trade disputes.
- The CAC has 189 members and a structure of committees that work on specific aspects of food safety, such as hygiene, additives, and labelling.
National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025
Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025.
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- The NIC is a fundamental tool used in statistical surveys, censuses, economic research, and policy formulation.
- India’s classification system was first introduced in 1962, has been revised periodically in line with international standards and changing economic landscape, leading to NIC 1970, NIC 1987, NIC 1990, NIC 1998, NIC 2004, NIC 2008 and the latest NIC 2025.
Salient Features of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025
- Enhanced Classification of Intermediation Services: New classifications capture the growing role of intermediaries in sectors including power, retail, logistics, healthcare, education, real estate, and food services.
- Integration of Digital Economy: Distinct categories are created for cloud infrastructure, blockchain, platform-based services, fintech, e-commerce platforms, data analytics, and web search portals, acknowledging the expanding digital landscape.
- Environmental and Green Economy Focus: Expanded coverage includes carbon capture, waste management, environmental remediation activities, and the inclusion of renewable energy sectors aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework.
- Recognition of Indigenous and Emerging Sectors: Separate provisions for AYUSH-based healthcare emphasize India’s soft power exports, along with inclusion of gig work and app-based service platforms in the platform economy.
- Technology Agnostic Classification: The system classifies activities irrespective of traditional or modern production techniques, promoting flexibility and relevance across industries.
- Statistical and Policy Utility: NIC 2025 serves as the vital classification framework for all surveys, administrative datasets, and official economic data, thereby enhancing evidence-based policymaking and enabling more accurate measurement of sectoral growth.
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Context:
Recently, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for 2024 was presented to Michelle Bachelet, the first and only woman President of Chile and a former chief of UN Human Rights.
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
- Establishment and Purpose:
- The Prize was established in 1985 by the Indian government and is also known as the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development.
- It aims to recognize creative efforts toward peace, disarmament, and development globally without distinction of nationality, race, or religion.
- The Prize honors Indira Gandhi’s legacy of promoting freedom, peace, disarmament, and international cooperation, reflecting her commitment to non-violence and human unity.
- Vision and Values: The Prize reflects Indira Gandhi’s vision of unity, sustainable development, peaceful dispute resolution, and global solidarity.
- Award Details: The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 million along with a trophy and a citation.
- Selection Process:
- The award selection is made by a jury of eminent persons appointed by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust Chairperson.
- Recommendations for the Prize are invited annually, with submission deadlines by September 30 and announcements made by December 31.
- Eminent Recipients:
- Over the years, the Prize has been awarded to a wide range of laureates including heads of state, international organizations, social activists, scientists, and peace advocates.
- Notable recipients include Mikhail Gorbachev, Gro Harlem Brundtland, UNICEF, Rajiv Gandhi, ISRO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and recent awards to Covid Warriors of India and peace activists from the Israel-Palestine context.
Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) initiative
Context:
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to participate in the ambitious Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) initiative.
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- The MoU marks a major milestone in advancing India’s quantum technology ecosystem and strengthening indigenous capabilities.
- C-DOT plans to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Quantum Communication and Security Solutions at Amaravati Quantum Valley.
- The centre will also work on Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) and related fields.
- It aims to boost research, innovation, and deployment of secure quantum systems aligned with the National Quantum Mission.
- The collaboration will aid emerging quantum-sector players through skill development and research facility access.
- Plans include creating an integrated testing environment and developing cost-effective quantum communication components.
- The CoE will also set up a unified quantum security testbed to strengthen national quantum capabilities.
Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) Initiative
- It strengthens digital privacy and data protection in alignment with MeitY’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework.
- The initiative aims to enhance digital privacy and data protection standards, in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- It builds an integrated quantum ecosystem that brings together hardware, software, talent development through the Amaravati Quantum Academy, and industry–academia collaborations, enabling applications in healthcare, finance, defence, agriculture, and logistics.
- With C-DOT’s involvement, it develops Privacy-Enhancing Technologies and quantum-safe communication protocols to enhance the security of India’s digital infrastructure.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
- The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is India’s premier telecom research and development (R&D) centre which was established in 1984 to design and develop indigenous telecom solutions.
- It is an autonomous body under the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, focusing on cutting-edge technologies like 4G, 5G, Quantum Security, and AI for disaster management.
- C-DOT plays a critical role in meeting the country’s strategic and socio-economic needs in telecommunications and has a history of contributing to rural connectivity and technology self-reliance.