Union Minister launched ‘Anna Chakra’ to enhance the efficiency of the PDS supply chain

Current Context: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the 'Anna Chakra' and SCAN Portal initiative on December 5, 2024, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain.

• The initiative has been developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi.
• The 'Anna Chakra' uses advanced algorithms to optimize the movement and distribution of food grains throughout India.
• This innovative tool focuses on reducing inefficiencies in the PDS supply chain, ensuring that food reaches the intended beneficiaries more effectively and on time.
• The SCAN Portal (Subsidy Claim Application for NFSA) simplifies the subsidy claim process for states, ensuring seamless submission, scrutiny, and approval of claims.
• It aims to save the government around Rs 250 crore annually by streamlining logistics and minimizing waste and delays.

Question:

1 Which organizations collaborated with the Indian government to develop the 'Anna Chakra' initiative?

• A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IIT-Madras
• B) World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi
• C) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IIT-Bombay
• D) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and IISc Bangalore

Answer: B) The initiative was developed in partnership with the World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi, combining expertise in logistics and advanced algorithms to optimize the PDS supply chain.