GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND PROJECT
1. Context
The development of a port and airport in the pristine Nicobar Islands “will not disturb or displace” any of the Shompen, one of the indigenous, vulnerable tribes native to the island, according to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
2.What is the Great Nicobar Island Project?
- The Great Nicobar Island Project is a significant infrastructure development initiative undertaken by the Indian government on Great Nicobar Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. The project aims to transform the island into a strategic and economic hub.
- A deep-draft international container transshipment terminal is planned to be developed at Galathea Bay. This port is expected to serve as a key shipping hub in the region, facilitating trade and reducing dependency on transshipment ports in other countries
- An international airport is proposed to improve connectivity to the island, both for tourism and strategic purposes. This airport will be capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft and will enhance the island's accessibility
- To support the infrastructure and population growth, a gas- and solar-based power plant will be developed. This plant aims to provide a reliable and sustainable energy source for the island's needs
- A modern township with residential, commercial, and recreational facilities is planned to accommodate the increased population and workforce that the project will attract. This township is expected to have state-of-the-art amenities and infrastructure
Strategic and Economic Importance
- Great Nicobar Island is situated near the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Developing this island will enhance India's strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in terms of maritime security and trade control
- The project aims to boost the local economy by creating job opportunities and attracting investments. Improved infrastructure and connectivity are expected to stimulate tourism and other economic activities on the island
- Enhancing connectivity through the transhipment port and international airport will integrate Great Nicobar Island more closely with the global and regional trade networks, potentially making it a key logistical and commercial hub
Environmental and Social Considerations
- The project has raised concerns about its potential impact on the island's rich biodiversity and ecosystems. Great Nicobar Island is home to unique flora and fauna, including endangered species. Ensuring sustainable development practices and environmental protection measures will be crucial
- There are concerns about the impact on local communities, particularly indigenous tribes such as the Nicobarese and Shompen. Ensuring that their rights and livelihoods are protected is a key consideration for the project
- The project's emphasis on using renewable energy sources like solar power and promoting eco-friendly practices is an effort to mitigate environmental concerns. However, balancing development with conservation will be an ongoing challenge
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Great Nicobar
Great Nicobar is the largest of the Nicobar Islands, part of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. It is located in the Indian Ocean, near the western entrance of the Malacca Strait, which is a key maritime route for international trade.
Here are some key aspects of Great Nicobar:
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3. Strategic Importance
- The Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean region are critically important for India's strategic and security interests, especially as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy aims to increase its presence in these waters.
- India is concerned about the buildup of Chinese naval forces at key Indo-Pacific chokepoints, particularly Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok. China's efforts to extend its influence in the area include constructing a military facility on the Coco Islands in Myanmar, located just 55 km north of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Earlier this year, The Indian Express reported significant upgrades to the military infrastructure on the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- This includes modernizing airfields and jetties, creating new logistics and storage facilities, establishing a base for military personnel, and enhancing surveillance capabilities.
- The goal of these upgrades is to support the deployment of more military forces, larger warships, aircraft, missile batteries, and troops.
- Maintaining close surveillance over the area surrounding the archipelago and establishing a strong military presence on Great Nicobar is crucial for India's national security
4. Environmental Concerns
- The proposed infrastructure upgrade has faced opposition due to its potential ecological threat to the islands. Wildlife conservation researchers, anthropologists, scholars, civil society members, and the Congress party have raised concerns about the devastating impact on the Shompen, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) of hunter-gatherers, who have an estimated population of a few hundred individuals residing in a tribal reserve on the island.
- Critics claim the project infringes on the rights of the tribal population and will harm the island’s ecology, including the felling of nearly a million trees. There are fears that the port project will damage coral reefs, affecting the local marine ecosystem, and pose a threat to terrestrial species like the Nicobar Megapode bird and leatherback turtles, which nest in the Galathea Bay area.
- A statement by senior Congress leader and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh highlighted that the proposed port is in a seismically active zone, which experienced permanent subsidence of about 15 feet during the 2004 tsunami.
- The statement also accused the local administration of insufficiently consulting the Tribal Council of Great and Little Nicobar Islands as required by law.
- In November 2022, the tribal council withdrew a no-objection certificate it had issued for the diversion of about 160 sq km of forest land, citing inadequate information provided to them.
- In April 2023, the Kolkata Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) chose not to interfere with the environmental and forest clearances granted to the project. However, the Tribunal ordered the formation of a high-power committee to review the clearances. There is still no clarity on whether the committee, mainly composed of government representatives, has submitted its report
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For Prelims: National Green Tribunal (NGT), Great Nicobar Island, Coastal Regulation Zones, Turtles, Dolphins, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Mangroves, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
For Mains: Significance and Issues Related to Great Nicobar Island Project
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (2014) (a) Andaman and Nicobar Answer (a) 2. Which of the following have coral reefs? (2014)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only Answer (a) 3. In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found? (2009) (a) Nilgiri Hills Answer (b) |
Source: indianexpress
H5N1
1. Context
Punjab with 41 deaths, Kerala with 34, and Gujarat with 28 top the list of States that have recorded fatalities from influenza A (H1N1), show the latest figures released by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
2. Avian Influenza
- Avian Influenza, also known as Avian or Bird Flu, is a form of influenza caused by a virus found in birds.
- Avian Flu is similar to variants found in animals and humans – caused strains of influenza that have adapted to specific hosts.
3. Avian Influenza Type A viruses
- Type A viruses are classified based on two proteins on their surfaces – Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). There are about 18 HA subtypes and 11 NA subtypes.
- Several combinations of these two proteins are possible e.g., H5N1, H7N2, H9N6, H17N10, H18N11, etc.
- All known subtypes of influenza A viruses can infect birds, except subtypes H17N10 and H18N11, which have only been found in bats.
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Image Source: The Hindu
4. Effect on Birds
- Although avian influenza has different subtypes, H5N1 is a highly pathogenic subtype that causes mortality in birds.
- Since 2022, the virus has infected over 100 million birds across the globe, resulting in the deaths of over 50 million and the culling of millions of poultry.
- Unlike previous outbreaks of highly pathogenic subtypes of avian influenza, H5N1 is heavily impacting wild bird species, including many which were on the verge of extinction.
- While it is difficult to ascertain how many wild birds have been affected by the virus, a significant impact has been seen in eagles, pelicans, geese, waterfowl, gulls, falcons, and shorebirds, in addition to the highest possible impact on poultry seen till date, at least in the U.S.
- The impact of H5N1 on wild bird populations has varied depending on several factors, such as the level of exposure, geographical locations, and migratory patterns of the affected species.
- High mortality in wild birds due to the virus could lead to significant ecological consequences, including the vulnerability of predators and alterations in species composition in affected ecosystems, and therefore a possible impact on biodiversity not just limited to avian species.
- It has raised concerns regarding the spread of the virus among critically endangered avian populations.
5. Spreading to animals
- The highly contagious H5N1 virus can also occasionally spill over from birds to animals through direct or indirect contact with infected birds or their droppings.
- Worryingly, there have been several reports on the spillover of H5N1 to mammals during the current outbreak from different countries, infecting species such as sea lions, minks, foxes, wild bears, and skunks, apart from domestic animals such as dogs and cats.
- In 2023 alone, H5N1 caused the deaths of over 3,000 sea lions in Peru. In a recent yet to be peer reviewed study, scientists found that the virus could efficiently spread between ferrets in the laboratory.
- The only known cases of the virus spreading between mammals were reported in minks that were raised in close confinement on a farm in Spain.
- The transmission of H5N1 from birds to mammals is rare, but when it does occur, it can be a cause for concern, as the virus could accumulate mutations and acquire the ability to potentially initiate human outbreaks.
- H5N1 has a high mortality rate of over 60% in humans and is primarily transmitted to humans through close contact with infected birds or animals, either through handling infected poultry or exposure to contaminated environments.
6. Enhanced Measures
- As the current H5N1 outbreak continues unabated with devastating impact on the avian population globally, and with significant ecological and economic consequences, the time has never been better to initiate efforts for preparedness towards building better, more efficient vaccines for avians and humans.
- Genomic surveillance should be done to map the continued evolution of the virus.
- Moreover, enhanced biosecurity measures are required to protect both animal and public health.
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For Prelims: Avian influenza H5N1, Bird Flu, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA), influenza A viruses, Genomic surveillance, Pathogens, and Viruses.
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Previous year Questions
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1. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (UPSC 2015) A. AIDS Answer: D 2. Consider the following statements : (UPSC 2010) 1. Every individual in the population is an equally susceptible host for Swine Flu. 2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu. 3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A 3. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2013) 1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy. 2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A |
Source: The Hindu
CASTE CENSUS
1. Context
People have ordered that a caste census be conducted; if Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not do it, another Prime Minister would do it, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said
2. What is the Caste Census?
A caste census is a comprehensive survey or data collection effort that aims to gather detailed information about the caste composition of a population. This typically involves:
- Counting individuals belonging to different caste groups
- Collecting socio-economic data related to caste categories
- Assessing the representation of various castes in different sectors
The caste system is particularly relevant in India, where it has historically played a significant role in social stratification. A caste census can provide insights into:
- Population distribution across caste groups
- Economic status of different castes
- Educational levels and employment patterns
- Representation in government jobs and political positions
In India, the last comprehensive caste census was conducted in 1931 during British rule. Since then, calls for a new caste census have been made periodically, with proponents arguing it would help in formulating more targeted welfare policies and ensuring equitable representation.
3. Why the Caste Census?
Historically, British India’s censuses from 1881 to 1931 recorded all castes. Post-Independence, the 1951 census excluded caste enumeration, except for SCs and STs, which continued to be recorded in every census. In 1961, the government allowed states to conduct their own OBC surveys and create state-specific OBC lists, as there were no central reservations for OBCs at that time
A caste census is essential for several reasons:
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Social Necessity: Caste remains a fundamental social framework in India. Inter-caste marriages were just 5% in 2011-12. Caste surnames and markers are common, residential areas are segregated by caste, and caste influences the selection of election candidates and cabinet ministers.
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Legal Necessity: Effective implementation of constitutionally mandated social justice policies, including reservations in elections, education, and public employment, requires detailed caste data. Despite the Constitution using the term 'class,' Supreme Court rulings have established caste as a significant criterion for defining a backward class, necessitating comprehensive caste-wise data to uphold reservation policies.
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Administrative Necessity: Detailed caste data helps correct wrongful inclusions and exclusions within reserved categories, prevents dominant castes from monopolizing reserved benefits, and is essential for sub-categorizing castes and determining the creamy layer's income/wealth criteria.
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Moral Necessity: The lack of detailed caste data has allowed a small elite among upper castes and dominant OBCs to disproportionately control the nation's resources, income, and power
4. Arguments against the Caste Census
There are several arguments against conducting a caste census:
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Social Division: Some argue that a caste census would exacerbate social divisions, although India's social hierarchies have existed for nearly 3,000 years, predating census efforts. Since 1951, counting SCs and STs has not led to conflicts among these groups. Moreover, India’s census already includes data on religion, language, and region, which are equally, if not more, divisive than caste. Ignoring caste in the census will not eliminate casteism any more than excluding religion, language, and region data will eradicate communalism and regionalism.
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Administrative Challenge: Some claim that a caste census would be administratively complex. However, unlike the concept of race, which can be ambiguous but is still counted in many countries like the U.S., caste identification in India is relatively clear. The government has successfully enumerated 1,234 SC castes and 698 ST tribes. Therefore, counting the approximately 4,000 other castes, most of which are specific to certain states, should not pose an insurmountable challenge.
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Increased Reservation Demands: Critics suggest that a caste census could lead to more demands for reservations. However, detailed caste data could actually help manage these demands more effectively by providing a factual basis for discussions. This would enable policymakers to address reservation claims more objectively, such as those from Marathas, Patidars, and Jats. In contrast, governments often prefer vague data because it allows them to make arbitrary reservation decisions for electoral gain
5. The Case for Other Backward Caste (OBC) in Census
- The Constitution allows reservations for OBCs in education (Article 15(4)) and public employment (Article 16(4)), similar to SCs and STs. Following the Mandal Commission's recommendations, OBCs also benefit from reservations in the Central government and its undertakings. The Supreme Court's ruling in the Indra Sawhney case (1992) emphasized that the OBC list, originally based on the 1931 Census, should be updated regularly.
- Unlike SCs and STs, OBCs do not have reserved electoral constituencies for MPs and MLAs. However, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments (1993) introduced reservations for OBCs in panchayats and municipalities (Articles 243D(6) and 243T(6)). To implement this effectively, detailed caste and area-wise Census data of OBCs is necessary, which the government should have collected in the 2001 Census but did not.
- When states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, and Jharkhand attempted to implement OBC reservations in local elections, courts halted these efforts due to the lack of caste-wise OBC data. The judiciary demands this data to uphold reservations, while the executive has avoided collecting it.
- In contrast, the Supreme Court upheld the 10% reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) among non-OBCs, SCs, and STs (mainly upper castes) in 2022 without empirical support. Given the EWS reservation, the Census should now include all castes, as it did until 1931.
- Though the Census is a Union subject, the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, allows States and local bodies to collect relevant data. States like Karnataka (2015) and Bihar (2023) have conducted caste surveys, but Census data holds more authority and is less disputed. The government's reluctance to include caste in the Census is both legally indefensible and administratively imprudent
6. Failures attempts of Caste Census
- After extensive lobbying by OBC leaders, Parliament unanimously resolved in 2010, with support from both Congress and BJP, to include caste enumeration in the 2011 Census. The last such enumeration was in the 1931 Census, which recorded 4,147 castes in India, excluding the depressed classes/untouchables.
- However, the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 was poorly designed and executed, resulting in an absurd figure of 4.6 million castes, and its results were never released.
- The failure of SECC-2011 can be attributed to its conduct outside the framework of the Census Act, 1948, which was not amended to include caste as a parameter. Instead, it was managed by the Union Ministries of Rural Development and Urban Development, which lacked experience in conducting sociological surveys.
- Additionally, the questionnaire was poorly designed with open-ended questions about caste, causing confusion among enumerators who struggled to differentiate between genuine castes, alternative names, larger caste groups, sub-castes, surnames, clan names, and gotras. In contrast, Bihar's 2023 Caste Survey provided a list of 214 specific caste names, with a 215th category labeled "Other Castes," resulting in more accurate data.
- Despite the 2010 unanimous Parliamentary resolution, the Central government announced in 2021 that it would not include caste enumeration in the next Census.
- It maintained this stance before the Supreme Court in response to a case filed by the Maharashtra government seeking the inclusion of OBCs in the 2021 Census. The Supreme Court's dismissal of Maharashtra's plea in December 2021 is contentious, given its own previous rulings
7. Way Forward
To address the failures of the SECC-2011, the Census Act of 1948 should be amended to mandate caste enumeration, removing the discretion from the Union executive. Caste should be included in the regular Census conducted by the Census Commissioner, with a few relevant questions added to the questionnaire. The government should also involve sociological and anthropological experts to create a draft list of castes specific to each state, publish this draft online for public feedback, and finalize it before distributing it to enumerators. The questionnaire should include questions about the respondent's sub-caste, caste, larger caste group, and caste surname. Using internet-enabled handheld devices preloaded with this information and limiting the enumerators' role to selecting the correct option will streamline the process and ensure accuracy.
States interested in caste enumeration should petition the Supreme Court to review its 2021 judgment. It is illogical to base OBC reservations on 1931 Census data and EWS reservations on no empirical data. The next Census must include caste enumeration
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For Prelims: Socio-economic and caste census (SECC), Mandal Commission, Justice G Rohini's Commission, NITI Aayog, Article 341 and Article 342.
For Mains: 1. General Studies II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
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Source: The Hindu
LATERAL ENTRY
1. Context
On August 17, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) advertised lateral recruitment for 45 posts at the ranks of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary in different ministries and departments. The move led to an outrage as quota benefits are not applied for such “single post” recruitments
2. What is lateral entry?
Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of professionals and experts from the private sector, academia, or other non-governmental organizations directly into mid-level or senior positions in government or public administration. This approach is used to bring in fresh perspectives, specialized skills, and expertise that may not be readily available within the traditional civil service.
In India, lateral entry into government services has been used to infuse new ideas and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. Professionals recruited through lateral entry typically join at the level of Joint Secretary or Director in various ministries and departments, positions that are usually occupied by career civil servants.
The idea behind lateral entry is to complement the existing bureaucracy with individuals who have extensive experience and domain-specific knowledge in areas such as economics, finance, infrastructure, technology, and social sectors, thus enhancing the overall administrative capabilities of the government
3.What is the process for the recruitment of a civil servant?
The recruitment process for a civil servant in India typically involves a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The most common route is through the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is used to select candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Objective: The first stage is a screening test to select candidates for the Mains exam.
- Format: It consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper I: Covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and current affairs.
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Tests logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and basic numeracy.
- Duration: Each paper is 2 hours long.
- Scoring: Only the marks of Paper I are considered for qualifying for the Mains exam, while Paper II is qualifying in nature (requiring 33% to pass).
Main Examination (Mains)
- Objective: This stage assesses the candidate's in-depth knowledge and understanding of various subjects.
- Format: It consists of nine papers, of which seven are counted for ranking, and two are qualifying in nature:
- Qualifying Papers:
- Indian Language (selected by the candidate)
- English
- Papers Counted for Merit:
- Essay
- General Studies I: Indian heritage, culture, history, and geography.
- General Studies II: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations.
- General Studies III: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
- General Studies IV: Ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
- Optional Paper I and II: A subject chosen by the candidate from the list of optional subjects.
- Qualifying Papers:
- Scoring: The marks obtained in these seven papers determine the candidate’s rank.
Personality Test (Interview)
- Objective: The final stage is to assess the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in public service.
- Format: Conducted by a panel of experts, the interview involves questions on current affairs, personal background, and general knowledge.
- Scoring: It carries 275 marks.
Final Ranking
- The marks obtained in the Mains exam (including the essay and optional papers) and the interview are combined to produce the final merit list.
- Based on their rank in this list, candidates are allocated to various civil services and cadres.
Training
- Successful candidates undergo training at respective academies, such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for IAS officers, to prepare them for their roles in public service.
4. What is the issue of reservation in the lateral entry system?
- The concept of lateral entry was initially introduced by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and received strong support from the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005. The Second ARC was tasked with recommending reforms to improve the efficiency, transparency, and citizen-friendliness of India's administrative system
- In its 10th Report, titled "Refurbishing of Personnel Administration: Scaling New Heights," the commission highlighted the need for changes in personnel management within civil services.
- One of its main recommendations was to implement lateral entry into higher government positions that require specialized knowledge and skills.
- The ARC identified that certain roles in government necessitated expertise not readily available within the traditional civil service and suggested recruiting professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings to fill these gaps
- The ARC proposed creating a talent pool of professionals for short-term or contractual government roles, bringing in fresh perspectives and advanced expertise in fields like economics, finance, technology, and public policy.
- It stressed the need for a transparent, merit-based selection process for lateral entrants and recommended establishing a dedicated agency to manage their recruitment and integration. The ARC also emphasized that while integrating lateral entrants, it was crucial to uphold the integrity and ethos of the civil services
- The First ARC, set up in 1966 under Morarji Desai, who later served as Prime Minister, laid the foundation for discussions on the need for specialized skills in the civil services. Although it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry, it stressed professionalization, training, and reforms in personnel management to address the evolving challenges of the nation
- The lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, recognizing the need for domain experts to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of India's administrative system.
- In 2018, the government announced vacancies for senior positions such as joint secretaries and directors, inviting applications from both private and public sector professionals for these roles.
- This initiative, influenced by the Second ARC's recommendations, effectively operationalized the concept of lateral entry, demonstrating a commitment to integrating specialized skills from outside the traditional civil service framework
5.Way Forward
The upper age limit to appear for the civil services examination in the early days was 24 years. Open market recruitments were made from among individuals who had completed the age of 25 but not the age of 40. For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates the age ceiling was 45 years. (The now-cancelled lateral entry initiative had the same age ceiling for applicants.)
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance
For Mains: GS II - Role of Civil services in a democracy
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Previous Year Questions
1.“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (UPSC CSE 2020)
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Source: Indianexpress
PROCESSED FOOD
1. Context
Consumption of processed meat and unprocessed red meat is associated with a higher type 2 diabetes risk across populations, an analysis of data from 1.97 million participants, published in the journalThe Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology
2. What is Sugar Processed Food
Sugar-processed food refers to food products that have undergone processing methods involving the addition of sugar or the use of ingredients containing sugar. These added sugars can come in many forms, including
- Table sugar (sucrose) is the most common type of added sugar and is often used in baking, processed foods, and beverages.
- High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common sweetener derived from corn starch, often used in processed foods and beverages due to its lower cost compared to sugar.
- Fruit juice concentrates While containing some vitamins and minerals from fruit, these concentrates are often high in sugar.
- A variety of syrups like brown rice syrup, malt syrup, and agave nectar are also added sugars.
The key aspects of sugar-processed foods
- These foods have been altered from their natural state through methods like milling, refining, and preservation. This can affect the overall nutritional content.
- Sugars are purposefully incorporated during processing to enhance flavour, texture, or shelf life.
- Excessive consumption of sugar-processed foods can contribute to various health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Examples of Sugar-Processed Foods
- Sugary drinks (sodas, sports drinks, fruit juices)
- Packaged baked goods (cookies, cakes, pastries)
- Sweetened breakfast cereals
- Candy
- Yogurt (especially flavoured varieties)
- Canned fruit (packed in syrup)
- Condiments (ketchup, salad dressings)
- Processed meats (often contain added sugars for flavour)
3. Misleading "Health" Labels
- The practice of branding malt-based sugary milk products, such as Bournvita, as 'healthy' beverages raises significant concerns due to their high sugar content and potential health implications.
- A closer examination of these products, like Bournvita, reveals alarming figures: 86.7g of carbohydrates per 100g, with 49.8g attributed to sugar content. Notably, 37.4g of these sugars consist of sucrose or added sugar.
- For every recommended serving of 20g of chocolate powder, consumers unwittingly ingest nearly 10g of total sugar.
- Additionally, the malting process, integral to the production of malt-based beverages, contributes to the sugar content. This process, originally employed in the production of single malt whiskey, involves germinating cereals, followed by drying, roasting, and powdering.
- During germination, starch in grains breaks down into sugar through the action of enzymes like amylase.
- Subsequent roasting caramelises the sugars, enhancing flavour. Maltose, a sugar derived from this process, consists of two bonded glucose units.
- Furthermore, apart from added sugars, chocolate powders often contain maltodextrin, liquid glucose, and maltose generated from the malting process of cereals. This complex composition underscores the misleading nature of branding such products as 'healthy' drinks, necessitating greater transparency in labelling and consumer education regarding their nutritional content and potential health risks.
4. FSSAI's Position on Sugar Content
5. Controversy Surrounding Baby Food
- The controversy over baby food has intensified with revelations about the sugar content in products like Nestlé's Wheat Apple Cherry baby cereal, marketed under the Cerelac brand in India.
- Analysis of the ingredients shows that it contains 24 grams of total sugars per 100 grams, derived from sources such as milk solids, maltodextrin, and dextrose.
- The recommended daily intake for children aged one to two years is twelve scoops or 100 grams, resulting in a daily sugar consumption of 24 grams per child.
- Experts argue that this practice is harmful as it exposes infants to excessive sugar at a crucial stage of development.
- Babies are accustomed to the natural sweetness of breast milk, primarily lactose, which is less sweet.
- Transitioning to complementary foods containing added sugars can strain the pancreas, leading to excess insulin production, and potentially predisposing the child to diabetes and obesity in the future.
- Furthermore, adding ingredients like maltodextrin, aimed at enhancing flavour and texture, poses additional risks.
- Maltodextrin, a white starchy powder, has a higher glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Excess sugar intake can also lead to the conversion of sugars into triglycerides, a form of fat stored in the liver, contributing to fatty liver and insulin resistance, which are precursors to diabetes.
- The gravity of the situation is underscored by the increasing prevalence of diabetes in India, affecting an estimated 101.3 million people, as highlighted in a study co-published by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
- This controversy highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and heightened awareness regarding the nutritional content of baby food products to safeguard infant health and well-being.
6. Effectiveness of FSSAI Probe in Curtailing Misleading Labels
- An FSSAI probe may not be sufficient to curb the practice of misleading labels, as evidenced by recent developments concerning high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) food regulations.
- In September 2022, the FSSAI released a draft notification defining HFSS food as processed products with elevated levels of saturated fat, total sugar, or sodium.
- The notification aimed to guide front-of-pack labelling to warn consumers about such products.
- However, the effectiveness of this regulation remains uncertain due to its open-ended nature regarding the requirement for companies to declare fat, sugar, and salt content on the packaging.
- Additionally, while the FSSAI proposed the use of 'health rating stars' instead of warning labels, critics argue that such ratings may be misleading for consumers. The warning labels are more transparent and informative for consumers compared to health stars.
- This highlights the need for more stringent regulations and clearer guidelines to ensure that consumers are adequately informed about the nutritional content of food products.
- Merely relying on FSSAI probes may not suffice to address the pervasive issue of misleading labelling practices, necessitating broader regulatory reforms and greater transparency in food labelling standards.
7. Addressing Misleading Food Labeling and Promotion
Addressing the pervasive issue of misleading food labelling and promotion requires comprehensive regulatory reforms and robust enforcement measures.
- Review existing regulations, such as the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2019, to reassess allowances for sugar in complementary foods. Clear guidelines should be established to limit added sugars and promote healthier carbohydrate sources.
- Develop comprehensive regulations to define what constitutes 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' foods and beverages. These standards should encompass all products and provide clear criteria for labelling and marketing.
- Ensure the effective implementation of front-of-pack labelling regulations, including those addressing high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods. Stakeholder feedback should be incorporated to finalize and enforce these regulations.
- Crackdown on misleading marketing practices, particularly in promoting infant foods. Enforce existing regulations, such as the Infant Milk Substitutes Act, to prohibit unauthorized advertisements and curb the influence of social media influencers promoting baby food.
- Enhance transparency in food labelling and advertising by holding companies accountable for accurate and informative communication. Regular monitoring and enforcement actions should be undertaken to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Collaborate with public and private stakeholders to promote healthy eating habits, especially among vulnerable populations like children. Encourage partnerships between corporations and government agencies to support nutrition programs without compromising public health goals.
8. The Way Forward
By taking these proactive measures, regulatory authorities can safeguard consumer health and well-being, promote informed food choices, and create a more transparent and trustworthy food market environment.
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Previous Year Questions
1. Read the following passage and answer the question that follows. Your answers to these items should be based on the passage only.
Policymakers and media have placed the blame for skyrocketing food prices on a variety of factors, including high fuel prices, bad weather in key food producing countries, and the diversion of land to non-food production. Increased emphasis, however, has been placed on a surge in demand for food from the most populous emerging economics. It seems highly probable that mass consumption in these countries could be well poised to create a food crisis.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: (UPSC 2021)
1. Oil producing countries are one of the reasons for high food prices.
2. If there is a food crisis in the world in the near future, it will be in the emerging economies.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
2. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons? (UPSC 2011)
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30.
2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural constraints.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
3. Consider the following crops of India: (UPSC 2012)
1. Groundnut
2. Sesamum
3. Pearl millet
Which of the above is/are predominantly rainfed crop/crops?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
4. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (UPSC 2021) A. Sugarcane B. Sunflower C. Pearl millet D. Red gram 5. With reference to 'Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with a cluster approach.
2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme.
3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro-irrigation equipment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 2 only D. 1, 2 and 3
6. With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2015)
A. Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only
B. The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation
C. Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
D. Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
7. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
1. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India is available on a monthly basis only.
2. As compared to Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI(IW)), the WPI gives less weight to food articles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
8. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.
3. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
9. Which one of the following most appropriately describes the nature of Green Revolution of the late sixties of 20th century? (BPSC CCE 2015)
A.Intensive cultivation of green vegetable
B.Intensive agriculture district programme
C.High-yielding varieties programme
D.Seed-Fertilizer-Water technology
E.None of the above/More than one of the above
Answers: 1-D, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A, 5- C, 6-C, 7- C, 8-A , 9-E
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Source: The Hindu
