Daily Current Affairs

March 11, 2025

Current Affairs

Tackling Obesity and Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods in India

Context: India's rising obesity and diabetes rates have raised concerns about the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in public health.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Government policies and interventions to regulate processed food. 

Mains: Health policies and regulatory frameworks; Role of food processing industry in public health. 

Major Highlights: 

  • As per the latest edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 1 in 4 adults in India are either obese or diabetic (NFHS-5). Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contribute significantly to this health crisis. 
  • The 2025 Economic Survey recommends a ‘health tax’ on UPFs, while the Indian Prime Minister has called for tackling obesity. However, weak and industry-friendly food regulations undermine these efforts, allowing misleading advertisements and lack of proper labeling. 

Challenges in Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods

1. Ambiguous and Ineffective Laws:

  • Consumer Protection Act, 2019 lacks clear guidelines on nutritional information disclosure.
  • FSSAI rules have no definition of High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods or UPFs. 
  • Multiple laws exist but are not harmonised, leading to weak enforcement.  

2. Industry Influence on Policy: 

  • FSSAI’s regulatory framework has been criticised to favour large food corporations over public health. Industry representatives dominate stakeholder meetings, sidelining scientific experts.
  • FSSAI proposed Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) in 2022, modeled after Australia’s failed ‘health star’ system.
    • The system allows even unhealthy foods to get misleading star ratings, rather than clear warning labels. 
    • FSSAI ignored its 2021 proposal for a ‘traffic light’ colour-coded warning system due to industry lobbying. 

3. Delayed Implementation of Front-of-Pack Labels (FOPL):

  • Despite recommendations since 2017, India still lacks mandatory warning labels. E.g., 
    • No mandatory requirement to disclose sugar, salt, or fat content in ads.
    • Cola drinks and processed foods freely target children and youth, without clear health warnings. 
  • The 2025 Economic Survey calls for urgent reforms, but no clear roadmap exists.  

4. Global Best Practices Ignored: 

  • Chile’s easily recognisable hexagonal ‘high in’ warning labels reduced UPF consumption by 24%.
  • Most countries with effective front-of-pack labels (FOPL) use clear warnings rather than stars.  

5. Public Awareness Deficit:  

  • Lack of mass campaigns educating people about the risks of UPFs. Children and youth are the most vulnerable to misleading advertisements.  

Government Initiatives

1. National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017) for Prevention and Control of Common Non-Communicable Diseases: 

  • Recommended amendments to laws regulating junk food advertisements. However, there has been limited enforcement in implementing these recommendations.

2. FSSAI’s Initiatives:

  • FSSAI launched a movement: India@75: Freedom from Trans-fats by 2022 with the aim of eliminating TFA from India.
  • Eat Right India campaign by FSSAI to protect the health of the people and transform the country's food system. It is based on three key themes- Eat Safe, Eat Healthy, and Eat Sustainable.
  • FSSAI’s Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) (2022): Introduced a star rating system, but criticised for being industry-friendly. 
  • Mandatory fortification of salt (iodine and iron), edible oil (vitamins A and D), and wheat flour (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12) as per the FSSAI standards. FSSAI has set up the ‘Food Fortification Resource Centre’ as a nodal point to provide required support to stakeholders.

3. Economic Survey 2025 Recommendations: 

  • ‘Health tax’ on ultra-processed foods to curb consumption.  
  • Stringent front-of-pack labels replacing misleading star ratings.  
  • Advertising restrictions on HFSS foods targeting children. 

Way Forward

  • Replace Star Ratings with Warning Labels: Adopt ‘high in’ labels based on WHO or NIN guidelines. 
  • Define HFSS and UPFs Clearly: Set scientific thresholds for sugar, salt, and fat content in processed foods. 
  • Strict Advertisement Regulations: Amend existing laws to prohibit misleading ads and mandate nutritional disclosures. 
  • Public Awareness Campaign: Nationwide campaigns in regional languages on the health risks of UPFs. 
  • Health Tax Implementation: Levy higher taxes on HFSS foods and subsidize healthier alternatives 

Value Addition:  

Quote: "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." (Mahatma Gandhi) 

India’s R&D Investment: Challenges and Opportunities

Context: Despite having a strong scientific manpower base, robust IT and pharmaceutical sectors, and a thriving start-up ecosystem, India lags in research and development (R&D) investment. 

India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) is only 0.64% of GDP (FY21), much lower than global leaders like the US, China, Japan, and South Korea. The private sector’s role in R&D is limited, with most funding coming from the government. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) – Definition and Trends; Government initiatives for R&D promotion

Mains: Role of government in fostering innovation; Low R&D investment and its impact on industrial growth; Private sector participation in research Global Comparisons: India vs China, US, Japan in R&D.  

Challenges in R&D Growth:  

  • India’s Low R&D Spending: 
    • GERD in India: ₹60,196 crore (FY2011) → ₹1,27,381 crore (FY2021).
    • R&D as percentage of GDP: 0.64% (India) vs 2.1% (China), 3%+ (US, Japan, South Korea).
    • Developed nations have 70% private-sector contribution, while India relies mostly on government funding. 
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  • Sector-wise R&D Expenditure: 
    • Pharmaceuticals (50%): Driven by drug innovation, vaccine research. 
    • IT (15%): Investments in AI, cybersecurity, software advancements.
    • Transportation (10%): Focus on EVs, autonomous vehicles, infrastructure.
    • Defence & Chemicals (7-10%): Investment in military technology, chemical innovations.
    • Biotechnology: Growing R&D in medical research, genetic engineering.
    • Electronics, Fuels, Telecommunications, Metallurgy: Relatively lower investments, suggesting mature industries or slow adoption of new technologies. 
  • Private Sector’s Limited Role: 
    • Globally, private firms contribute 50-70% of R&D spending, but in India, it is mostly government-driven. Indian firms hesitate to invest in long-term R&D due to uncertain returns. High costs discourage startups and MSMEs from investing in R&D. 
    • Top R&D spenders globally:
      • US – Google, Amazon lead private R&D (70% contribution).  
      • China – Hybrid model with both state and private sector investments. 
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  • Focus on Basic Research Over Applied Research:
    • Applied research drives commercial innovation and attracts investment. But India’s academic institutions focus more on theoretical research, leading to fewer linkages between research institutions and industries. This causes limited technology transfer from labs to businesses.  
    • Presently, investments are concentrated in pharmaceuticals and IT, but disruptive technologies like quantum computing, semiconductors, and AI need more funding. 
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  • Bureaucratic and Regulatory Barriers: Complex approval processes delay patents and innovation commercialisation. Tax incentives for R&D are not competitive compared to other countries 

Government Initiatives for R&D Growth

  • Increased GERD (2013-14 to 2021-22): The government has doubled R&D spending from ₹60,196 crore to ₹1,27,381 crore. Increased focus on AI, biotechnology, semiconductors and quantum technology sectors.  
  • National Research Foundation (NRF): Aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Supports multidisciplinary research collaborations.
  • PLI Scheme for Technology Sectors: Encourages R&D in electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy.
  • Tax Incentives for R&D Investment: Offers weighted tax deductions for companies investing in research.
  • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Promotes startups, incubators, and innovation hubs in schools & colleges. 

India's R&D investment remains low despite its strong IT, pharma, and startup ecosystem. Increasing industry-academia collaboration, private investment, and applied research is essential to strengthen India’s global competitiveness and technological self-reliance.

Hantavirus

Context: Recently, the tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa drew attention to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Hantavirus

About Hantavirus

  • Hantavirus is a family of rodent-borne viruses that can cause severe illnesses and even death in humans. 
  • Transmission: 
    • Spread through urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents. 
    • Do not spread from person-to-person.
image 44

Types of Hantavirus Diseases: 

The two major types:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS):
    • Region: Western Hemisphere (mainly North and South America).
    • Primary host: Deer mouse.
    • Symptoms: Severe respiratory illness and fluid accumulation in the lungs.
  • Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS):
    • Region: Found primarily in Europe and Asia.
    • Symptoms: Bleeding disorders and kidney-related complications.
    • Rodent host: Varies by region.

Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): 

  • Early Symptoms (1-8 weeks after exposure): Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches.
  • Progressive Symptoms: Respiratory distress caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs.
  • Mortality Risk: About 38% of individuals with severe respiratory symptoms may succumb to the disease.

Treatment and Management: 

  • Currently no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for HPS. 
  • Some antiviral medications may help manage symptoms. 
  • Supportive Care: Early-detection and hospitalisation; respiratory support like breathing tubes or ventilators.  

Nanoparticle-based Security Ink to thwart Counterfeiting

Context: Government and financial institutions take painstaking efforts to consolidate banknotes, cheques, and passports with a variety of security features to protect them from counterfeiting. Now, scientists from India have developed a Nanoparticle-based Security Ink that can make counterfeiters’ jobs harder.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Nanoparticles-based security ink. 

Nanoparticle-based Security Ink

  • The scientists from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai have developed a fluorescent security ink using nanoparticles that emit different colours under various light conditions.
  • Composition of the Security Ink:
    • Base Material: Sr2BiF7 (Strontium Bismuth Fluoride)
    • Dopant: Lanthanide ions (Erbium and Ytterbium)
    • Binding agent: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ink.
    • Manufactured using: Co-precipitation method.
  • Co-precipitation Method: Chemical process where all required metal salts are dissolved in a solvent and then precipitated by adding another agent. The desired precipitate is then separated.
  • Fluorescence Properties of the Ink:
    • Under 365 nm Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Emits a blue glow.
    • Under 395 nm UV Light: Emits a magenta glow.
    • Under 980 nm Near-Infrared (NIR) Light: Emits an orange-red glow.
    • Advantage: 
      • The ink can overcome the limitations of current covert tags, which are security features usually visible only under UV light and can be easily duplicated.
      • This ink fluoresces under both UV and near-Infrared light, making it harder for counterfeiters to replicate. 
  • Nanotechnology involves the manipulation and control of matter at the nanoscale, typically in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers. 
  • Properties of Nanoparticles:
    • Size: 1 to 100 nanometers. (1 nm = 10-9 metres) 
    • Unique Properties: 
      • Enhanced interactions with light, leading to unique opto-electric properties. E.g., Quantum dots. 
      • Increased chemical reactivity. E.g., Nanocatalysts. 
      • Different response to magnetic fields (altered Magnetic behaviour).
  • These properties arise due to high surface area-to-volume ratio, exhibition of quantum effects at nanoscale, and interface interactions.

Advantages of the Developed Ink: 

  • Multi-wavelength Fluorescence: Emits different colors under UV and NIR light.
  • High Security: Difficult to counterfeit due to multi-spectral response.
  • Low Cost: Made using readily available materials.
  • Durability: Stable under varying brightness, temperature, and humidity conditions.
  • Scalable Production: Simple manufacturing process allowing large-scale production.

Potential Applications: 

  • Enhanced security features for currency notes.
  • More secure identification documents, like passports and government documents. 
  • In product packaging for protection against counterfeit products.

The current method uses screen printing, unsuitable for currency printing. Researchers are aiming to modify the ink for offset printing to make it suitable for high-security applications.  

What is Security Printing?

  • Definition: Security printing refers to the incorporation of various security features in printed materials to prevent counterfeiting.
  • Common Uses: Currency notes, cheques, passports, and branded products packaging.
  • Types of Security Features:
    • Visible Features: Easily detectable by humans without special tools.
    • Optically Variable Ink (OVI): Changes colour when viewed from different angles.
    • Watermarks: Embedded symbols or designs visible when held against light.
    • Holograms: Three-dimensional images with dynamic visual effects.
    • Security Threads: Metallic threads embedded in paper.
    • Raised Textures: Designs with a tangible texture detectable by touch.
    • Machine-Detectable Features: Require specific devices to verify.
    • Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID): Chips embedded in passports for verification.
    • Invisible Barcodes: Can be scanned to authenticate documents.
  • Digital Watermarks: Embedded digital codes detectable through scanners.

India’s push for Semiconductor Chip Production amid Rising Imports

Context: India's escalating demand for electronic devices has led to a significant increase in semiconductor chip imports. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Semicon India Programme; Import trends.

Mains: Challenges of high import Dependence.

Major Highlights: 

  • Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry shows that in the past 10 years, imports for semiconductor chips such as monolithic integrated circuits (ICs), memories, amplifiers, and other ICs have increased significantly.
    • In FY24, the total value of Monolithic IC imports was ₹1.05 lakh crore, a 2,000% increase compared to FY16. 
    • In FY24, import of memory chips increased by 4,500% compared to FY16.
    • Imports of amplifiers, which are utilised in wireless communication and audio equipment, increased by 4,800% in FY24 from FY16.  
  • In the past 10 years, except FY19, China has been the major supplier of semiconductor chips to India, accounting for nearly one third of the import value every year. Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan have also been major suppliers to India.  
image 42
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Challenges associated with High Import Dependence: 

India's heavy reliance on semiconductor chip imports presents several challenges that impact its economy, technological advancement, and national security.  

  • Supply Chain vulnerabilities: Dependence on external sources for semiconductors exposes India to global supply-chain disruptions. E.g., the global semiconductor shortage in recent years led to production delays in various industries, including automotive and electronics.  
  • Economic Implications: Importing semiconductors contributes to a significant outflow of foreign exchange, affecting the country's trade balance.
  • Technological Lag: High import dependence can hinder the development of a domestic semiconductor industry, limiting innovation and technological self-reliance. This reliance may prevent India from keeping pace with global advancements in semiconductor technology.
  • National Security Concerns: Dependence on foreign-made semiconductors can pose national security risks, as these components are integral to defense and critical infrastructure.  

To address these challenges and enhance self-reliance, India is focusing on developing a robust domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. 

Government Initiatives in this regard:  

As per industry estimates, the size of the Indian semiconductor market was about $38 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $109 Billion by 2030. 

1. Manufacturing Facilities:

  • Five manufacturing facilities are under construction for the manufacturing and assembly of semiconductor chips, backed by the Semicon India Programme. These include- Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test facility in Morigaon (Assam); Dholera (Gujarat) semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) by Tata Electronics in collaboration with the Taiwan-based Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. 
  • With the new facilities, India will be able to add value in the assembly, testing, and packaging, and fab segments of the global value chain for semiconductors. 
  • India is yet to make major strides in EDA (software used for designing chips), Core IP (patents), wafers (semiconductor materials), fab tools and ATP tools (machinery), and design of chips. 

Also Read: Assam Semiconductor Plant to start making Chips in 2026 

2. Semicon India Programme: 

  • Launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crores for the development of semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
  • Aim: To provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem.
  • Implementing Agency: India Semiconductor Mission under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Following four schemes have been introduced under the programme:
    • Modified Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India extends fiscal support of 50% of the project cost for setting up of Silicon CMOS based Semiconductor Fabs in India.
    • Modified Scheme for setting up of Display Fabs in India extends fiscal support of 50% of Project Cost for setting up of Display Fabs in India.
    • Fiscal support of 50% of the Capital Expenditure for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors (including MEMS) Fab/ Discrete Semiconductor Fab and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP)/ OSAT facilities in India.
    • ‘Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme’: Product Design Linked Incentive of up to 50% of the eligible expenditure subject to a ceiling of ₹15 Crore per application.

Also Read: India-US semiconductor Partnership 

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Context: As per the latest Tiger Census (2022), the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha does not have a single tiger. The state government of Odisha is keen on resuming its tiger reintroduction programme in STR. 

However, this poses a looming threat of relocation for indigenous populations settled in the core, buffer and impact zone of the tiger reserve.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Satkosia Tiger Reserve; Tiger Reserve.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve: 

  • In 2007, the Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipali Sanctuary were combined to form the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR). 
    • Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, established in 1976, covers over 795 sq. km  spanning four districts of Odisha (Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh). 
    • Baisipali Sanctuary was notified in the southern part of Nayagarh district in 1981. 
  • STR covers 1,136.70 sq. km with a core zone of 523.61 sq. km.
  • Key features: 
    • STR has a unique biodiversity, as it is located at the meeting point of two biogeographic regions, the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. Covered with marshes and evergreen forests. 
    • It has a 22.5 km long Satkosia gorge created by the Mahanadi river. It is designated a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance). It has over 400 plant species, 183 fish species and more than 200 species of birds.
  • In 2007, the State government census recorded 12 tigers in STR, but by 2018-19, only one remained. The 2022 census found no tigers in STR.
image 41

Efforts to restore Tiger population in STR: 

  • To restore the tiger population, India’s first inter-State tiger relocation programme was launched in 2018. 
    • A male tiger was brought from the Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh and a tigress from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, MP. 
    • However, the effort of restoration did not succeed. 
  • Challenges:
    • Prevalence of poaching. 
    • Resistance of villagers against:
      • Potential rehabilitation (Four villages are located in the forest core, 131 villages in the buffer, and 234 villages in the impact zone of STR).
      • Deforestation 
      • Threat of man-wildlife conflict. 

The tiger reintroduction project must secure consent from locals and public representatives, with voluntary relocation of villages and proper financial compensation as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) norms.  

Power of Arrest in GST and Customs Act: SC

Context: The Supreme Court in Radhika Agarwal v Union of India (2024) limited the powers of arrest, search, and seizure under the Customs Act, 1962 and the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Power of Arrest under various laws.

SC Observations in Cases

1. Radhika Agarwal vs. Union of India (2024): 

  • Alignment of powers with CrPC:
    • Customs and GST officers' powers of arrest, search, and seizure are analogous to those of the police under CrPC.
    • The same procedural safeguards that apply to the police must also apply to officers under these acts. This ensures the protection of constitutional rights of arrestees.
  • Procedural Standards for Arrests: As per the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, the SC mandated the following procedural safeguards:
    • Presenting before magistrate: Any arrested person must be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours.
    • Informing family/friend: The arrestee’s friend or family member must be informed about the arrest.
    • Legal representation: The arrestee has the right to have an advocate present during interrogation.

2. Arvind Kejriwal vs Directorate of Enforcement (2023):

  • The SC referred to Arvind Kejriwal v Directorate of Enforcement (2023) related to PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002).
  • The court stated that unfettered power of arrest without checks and balances violates fundamental rights. The same principles now apply to Customs and CGST Acts.

Power of Arrest Under Customs and CGST Act: 

  • Cognisable offences: Section 104(4) of the Customs Act, 1962 states that evasion of customs duty of ₹50 lakhs or more is a cognisable offence. This means that officers can arrest without a warrant.
  • Limitation of arrest powers: The SC held that officers cannot make arbitrary arrests and must follow a clear process. The decision aimed to curb misuse of power by tax authorities.

Three Mandatory Requirements for Arrests: 

As per the SC in Radhika Agarwal, the following three requirements must be fulfilled:

  • Material in possession: Officers can arrest only if they possess material evidence establishing the arrestee’s guilt. The evidence must be recorded in writing, and officers cannot make arrests based on mere suspicion.
  • Reasons to believe: Officers must record in writing their reasons to believe that the person is guilty of an offence. These reasons should be linked to the evidence available. Although the Customs and CGST Acts do not mandate this step, the SC ruled it implicit.
  • Providing grounds of arrest: The grounds of arrest must be communicated to the arrestee. This ensures that the arrestee can challenge the arrest and apply for bail. Without disclosing these grounds, the arrest becomes arbitrary.

Misuse of Arrest Powers: 

  • Coercion to pay taxes: The SC acknowledged that there were instances where tax officials threatened individuals with arrest to recover unpaid taxes. The court held this practice as illegal and impermissible.
  • Right to seek refund: The SC ruled that individuals who were coerced into paying taxes under threat of arrest can approach the court for a refund. The tax department may also face disciplinary action against such officials.
  • Direction to CBIC: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) was directed to:
    • Frame clear guidelines for tax officers to avoid misuse of arrest powers.
    • Ensure taxpayers are not subjected to harassment.

Significance of the Ruling: 

  • The ruling prevents arbitrary arrests under the Customs and CGST Acts.
  • It upholds constitutional rights and ensures due process of law.
  • It restricts tax officials from using arrest as a coercive tool to recover dues.
  • The decision brings greater transparency and accountability in tax administration.

Impact on Law Enforcement: 

  • Customs officers now have limited arrest powers similar to police.
  • Arrests must follow the principles of natural justice.
  • Misuse of power can lead to penalties, refunds, or action against the officers.
  • Strengthens the rule of law in tax administration.

The Supreme Court's judgment in Radhika Agarwal v Union of India (2024) aligns with the spirit of justice and ensures that the power to arrest does not become a tool for harassment or arbitrary detention.

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