CURRENT-AFFAIRS

Context

The global order, whose foundation was laid in San Francisco in 1945 following the Second World War, had the primary objective of controlling power through law. However, in the present times, the relevance of international laws is diminishing, and rights like sovereignty are being viewed merely as the special privileges of powerful nations. This shift signals a grave threat to global peace and multilateralism.

The New World Disorder: From Rules to Might

• Deviation from Principle: In 1945, Harry S. Truman pledged peaceful resolutions, but today, the mentality of 'might is right' is being resurrected.
• Selective Interpretation of Rules: International rules have now remained mere tools for self-interest rather than binding commitments.
• Institutional Erosion: Institutions like the United Nations, which were created to save humanity from 'hell', are proving ineffective in the absence of political will.

Why is this discussion important today?

• Increasing Violation of Sovereignty: When superpowers ignore the sovereignty of a country, other nations follow suit, leading to increased global instability.
• Nature of Global Challenges: Major contemporary challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and cyber threats cannot be solved by any single country; they require shared governance.
• Fear of Anarchy: If the current system collapses completely, the world will move towards a dark future where there will be no rules.

Impact on the Global Landscape

• Polarization of Power: The retreat of multilateralism is creating a vacuum, which countries like China are attempting to fill according to their own priorities.
• Proliferation of Small Wars: Amidst the fear of major wars, the number of small but devastating wars is increasing, which are collectively hollowing out the foundations of peace.
• Crisis of Trust: The credibility of international courts and institutions is at stake because powerful countries are bending rules to suit themselves.

Ideological and Practical Aspects of the Crisis

• Ideological Paradox: On one hand, there are ideals of sovereign equality and human rights; on the other, there is their violation for strategic interests.
• Practical Failure: The system of collective security has become paralyzed due to veto power, and trade is being used as a weapon.

India's Position: Strategic Autonomy and Global Responsibility

• Strategic Autonomy: Middle-power countries like India are cautious about their position in this changing order, as they know that without rules, they will remain dependent only on the mercy of the hegemon.
• Investment in Multilateralism: India has been continuously supporting multilateralism so that the fragmentation of global governance can be prevented.
• Regional Challenges: The weakening of global rules is also having complex impacts on India's relations with neighboring countries and regional stability.

Key Dimensions of the Challenges

• Inclination from Multilateralism towards Unilateralism:
  • In the past few years, a deep shift has occurred, especially in the foreign policies of great powers. Withdrawing from international treaties and organizations (such as WHO, UNESCO, Paris Climate Agreement) is an indication that nations are now prioritizing 'narrow national interests' over a 'shared future'. This is a form of 'realism' where international rules are accepted only when they are favorable to oneself.
• Selective Respect for Sovereignty:
  • Today, sovereignty is becoming a 'bargaining chip' rather than an absolute right. The Ukraine crisis, China's expansionist policies in the South China Sea, the ongoing instability in West Asia, and the increasing America First policy and hegemonistic willpower of countries like the US show that when the interests of great powers clash, international law becomes a silent spectator. This sends a dangerous message that rules are only for the weak, while the powerful are above them.
• 'Passport-less' Problems and Institutional Failure:
  • The biggest challenges of the 21st century—climate change, pandemics, cyber warfare, and terrorism—are problems that no country can solve alone. But the irony is that when global cooperation is most needed, institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) remain paralyzed due to the politics of the veto.

Dominance of Large Countries vs. Crisis of Small Countries

• Challenge: Large countries often place themselves above the rules, which destroys the legitimacy of the entire system.
• Crisis of Small Countries: When law cannot subdue power, small and developing countries become victims of opportunism and coercion.
• Demand for Change: There is a need to remove the inequality present in the design of global institutions, where power is concentrated in only a few hands.

Analysis

We are living in a period of 'interregnum' where the old world is fading and the new order is yet to be formed. The international system is not completely dead, but it is struggling. The problem is that the very forces responsible for maintaining the system today possess the greatest capacity and desire to disrupt it.

Way Forward

• Restoration of Good Faith: Political will and trust between countries must be re-established for the adherence to rules.
• Inclusive Institutions: Global institutions must be adapted to today's realities so that they do not remain merely clubs for a few powerful countries.
• Collective Solutions: It is mandatory to adopt an integrated global approach for "passport-less problems" like climate and health.

Conclusion

The promise of 1945 was that law would tame power, but today's danger is that power is taming law. The task of the current generation is not to resurrect the past, but to prevent the future from sliding into an anarchy where there are no rules at all. To escape hell, the international order still requires shared efforts as much as it did eighty years ago.

Context

Changing lifestyles and the increasing consumption of processed food products have brought India to the brink of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). To secure the 'Right to Health' of citizens, placing clear warning labels on the front of food products is no longer an option but an essential necessity.

Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL)?

It is a simple visual cue or rating system placed on the front part of packaged food items. Its objective is to immediately alert consumers about excessive amounts of sugar, salt (sodium), and saturated fats present in the product, enabling them to make right choices according to their health.

Why in News?

• Judicial Activism: Recently, in February 2026, the Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the progress report of the FSSAI.
• Failure of the Regulator: The Court observed that despite the 2025 directives, FSSAI has so far failed to implement effective and universally accepted labelling standards.
• INR vs. Global Standards: The ongoing dispute between the 'Indian Nutrition Rating' (INR) proposed by FSSAI and globally accepted 'Warning Labels' is the center of discussion at this time.

Key Points of the Supreme Court Decision

• Mandatory Labelling: The Court directed FSSAI to respond within 4 weeks to the proposal of introducing mandatory warning labels on products high in sugar, salt, and fat.
• Time-bound Action: The Bench clarified that excessive delay in the name of consultation is not acceptable, as it directly affects the lives of citizens.
• Stakeholder Consultation: The Court asked an expert committee to provide concrete recommendations for amendments to the Labelling Regulations, 2020.
• Public Interest vs. Industry Interest: The Court made it clear that commercial interests cannot be given priority over public health.

International Laws and Global Standards

• Codex Alimentarius: This is an international food standard established by the FAO and WHO. Codex provides general principles for labelling, which India is morally bound to follow as a member.
• WHO Recommendations: WHO has recommended FOPL as a "Best Buy" (most effective policy) under the 'Global Action Plan for the Prevention of NCDs'.
• Global Examples:
  • Chile (2016): The world’s strictest law, where black octagonal 'Stop' signs are placed on products high in fat/sugar.
  • Mexico and Brazil: These countries have also adopted warning-based models, considered best from a health perspective.
  • Australia/New Zealand (Rating): Use of 'Health Star Rating'.
  • European Union: Use of 'Nutri-Score' (color-coded grading).

Importance and Necessity

• Quick Decision: An average consumer can make a decision in 3-5 seconds through front visual cues instead of reading the fine print written on the back of the packet.
• Preventive Healthcare: It will help in preventing diseases like heart ailments and diabetes at an early stage.
• Reduction in Health Burden: Long-term reduction in individual and government expenditure on diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
• Transparency: Food companies will be forced to improve the quality of their products and reduce harmful ingredients.

Challenges

• Industry Pressure: The food processing industry often opposes strict labelling due to the fear of its impact on sales. However, scientific research (such as studies by AIIMS and IIPS) shows that 'Warning Labels' are more effective for the Indian population, especially in areas with low literacy.
• Complex Rating System: The 'Indian Nutrition Rating' (Star Rating) is considered misleading because it can hide harmful ingredients behind other nutrients.
• Lack of Awareness: Making these signs simple and impactful for rural and less educated populations is a major challenge.
• Technical Barrier: Lack of regulatory clarity in defining the category of 'Ultra-processed' food products.

Key Figures of ICMR-INDIAB 2023 Study

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 47 (DPSP): It is the primary duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.
• Article 21: The 'Right to Health' is inherent in the Right to a Dignified Life, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in the 'Paramanand Katara vs. Union of India' case.
• Government Initiatives: The Government of India has launched initiatives like 'Eat Right India' and 'Fit India Movement'.
• Existing Rules: The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 is currently in force, but it lacks front-of-package warnings.

Analysis

Currently, labelling in India is voluntary or vague. Data shows that India is moving towards becoming the 'Diabetes Capital of the World'. Until the rules are tightened, the health crisis cannot be resolved through voluntary campaigns alone.

Way Forward

• Independent Regulator: Public health experts should have a higher representation in FSSAI committees instead of food industry representatives.
• Stringent Standards: Limits for sugar and salt should be fixed in accordance with WHO's 'Regional Nutrient Profile'.
• Public Awareness: 'Label Reading' should be made a civic skill through schools and community centers.

Conclusion

Front-of-package labelling is not just a sticker, but a protective shield for public health. If India is to save its 'Demographic Dividend', it must not compromise on the transparency of 'ready-to-eat foods'. The intervention of the Supreme Court is a decisive turning point in this direction.

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.

Context

'Tax' has been an effective tool for tobacco control in India, but the current taxation policy regarding beedis presents a paradox. While efforts are being made for strict control over cigarettes and other tobacco products, lowering taxes on beedis in the name of protecting rural workers appears to be a 'short-sighted subsidy'. This not only increases health inequality but also doubles the economic burden on the poor in the long run.

Current Taxation Structure and Anomalies

• Difference in GST Slabs: Currently, 28% GST is levied on most tobacco products, whereas beedis have been kept in the 18% slab.
• Impact of Price: Due to this lower tax rate, beedis remain significantly cheaper and more accessible compared to cigarettes, which is the primary reason for their high consumption among the low-income group.
• Lack of Specific Excise Duty: Experts believe that rather than levying tax solely on the basis of quantity, value-based taxation could be more effective in order to discourage consumption.

Key Dimensions and Challenges

Demographic and Socio-economic Impact:

• Burden on the Poor: Beedi consumption is mainly concentrated among elderly rural men from the poorest 20% of the population.
• Caste Leanings: According to data, beedi use is higher in Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities compared to the general category.
• Education Level: Beedi consumption is highest among those whose education level is the lowest.

Health Crisis and Economic Damage:

• High Mortality Rate: The risk of death from tuberculosis (TB) is 2.6 times higher among beedi smokers.
• Respiratory Diseases: The risk of asthma among beedi smokers is approximately 1.5 times higher than that of cigarette smokers (2.87 vs 1.82).
• Health Expenditure: The cost of cancer treatment is three times higher than other diseases, which ultimately exhausts the savings of poor families.

Policy Failure and Frequency of Consumption:

• Intensity of Consumption: Over 80% of beedi users smoke more than 5 beedis per day, while this rate is only 30% among cigarette smokers.
• Lack of Effective Control: GATS-2 data shows that tax policies have kept cigarette consumption stable, but have failed to reduce beedi use.

Way Forward for India

• Uniform Taxation Policy: It is mandatory to bring beedis into the same 28% GST slab as other tobacco products to discourage their consumption.
• Alternative Rehabilitation of Workers: Instead of giving 'protection' to workers engaged in the beedi industry, a policy should be adopted to transition them into other skill-based employments.
• Targeted Awareness Campaigns: There is a need to run special health literacy campaigns regarding the lethal effects of beedis in rural areas and among those with low education levels.
• Increase in Specific Excise Duty: As suggested by economists, the tax based on quantity should be made more stringent.

Conclusion

Imposing lower taxes on beedis may appear as a 'short-term gain', but it is actually 'long-term pain'. To balance health and the economy, the government must prioritize 'Public Health' over 'Political Votebank'. For an inclusive India, it is essential that we provide the poor with affordable and accessible health, rather than affordable disease.

 Context

In recent years, India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally. However, the uncontrolled surge in fares during the operational crisis of a major airline in December 2025 has exposed the structural limitations of the Indian regulatory system. It is evident that a significant gap exists between the rapid expansion of the aviation sector and effective regulatory oversight.

Current Regulatory Challenges and 'Reactive Governance'

Presently, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) focuses primarily on safety standards and passenger traffic management. In crisis situations, measures such as 'ad-hoc price caps' are adopted to control commercial fares.

• Data Gap: Currently, no consistent data framework is available to analyze historical fare trends. In its absence, it becomes challenging to differentiate between natural price increases due to demand-supply dynamics and the 'abuse of market dominance.'
• Short-term Solutions: Demanding data only during a crisis is a defensive approach, which remains inadequate for ensuring long-term market stability.

Comparative Analysis of Global Regulatory Practices

To empower the Indian aviation sector, it is essential to incorporate internationally prevalent 'best practices':

Data Transparency: As a 'Digital Speed Camera'

The objective of data-driven governance is not merely to penalize, but to maintain 'market hygiene.'

• Algorithm-based Accountability: Through random sampling (such as the 10% model), regulators can monitor the 'revenue management systems' of airlines. This encourages airlines to develop ethical guardrails within their pricing algorithms.
• Research and Policy Formulation: Analysis of historical data allows for an understanding of the "network effect" and "competitive behavior." For instance, assessing the impact of a new airline's entry into a new route on fares provides a foundation for future aviation policies.
• Balanced Approach: A 10% random sample is a viable solution that ensures transparency while safeguarding the 'business confidentiality' of airlines.

Proposed Reforms and Future Strategy (Way Forward)

To transition the Indian aviation sector from 'crisis management' to 'continuous monitoring,' the following steps should be taken:

• Establishment of a Data-driven Mechanism: A dedicated 'Data Analytics Wing' should be formed within the DGCA to publish fare data on a quarterly basis, in alignment with international standards (such as DB1B).
• Transparency and Time-lag: Data should be made public with a time-lag of 3 to 6 months to eliminate the possibility of 'collusion' among competitors.
• Institutional Coordination: An information-sharing mechanism should be established between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to detect market anomalies in a timely manner.

Conclusion

For India to align its aviation ambitions with global leadership, a transition toward a 'data-first' regulatory framework is mandatory. When market competition is driven by algorithms, the regulator's role must be equally robust, both statistically and technically. This will not only protect consumers from unfair exploitation but also foster a healthy and competitive business ecosystem.

Context

In line with the announcement made in the Union Budget 2026-27, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched an AI-powered multilingual platform named 'Bharat-VISTAAR' (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) in Jaipur. With an initial allocation of ₹150 crore, this portal is considered a major step towards increasing farmers' income and reducing risks by connecting Indian agriculture with technology.

Key Highlights

• Integration of AI and AgriStack: This platform will provide verified and accurate information to farmers by using data from 'AgriStack' and the knowledge of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Multilingual Support: Crop assistance and advisories will be provided to farmers in their local languages, making its reach accessible even to remote rural areas.
• 10 Major Central Schemes: At the time of launch, farmers can obtain detailed information about 10 major central schemes directly through the portal.
• Budget Allocation: An amount of ₹150 crore has been allocated for this ambitious project in the Union Budget 2026-27.

Bharat-VISTAAR:

Bharat-VISTAAR is a 'Virtually Integrated System' that simplifies access to agricultural resources. It provides timely and context-based consultations to farmers by combining insights from agri-startups and ecosystem partners.

Main Objectives:

• Increase in Productivity: Enhancing crop yield through the scientific knowledge of ICAR.
• Risk Management: Reducing crop loss by providing early information on weather forecasts and pest attacks.
• Income Stability: Diversifying farmers' income sources by connecting them with activities like animal husbandry and natural farming.
• Transparency: Eliminating the role of middlemen by delivering information on government schemes directly to farmers.

Government Vision and Way Forward

During the launch, the Agriculture Minister addressed farmers as 'Annadata' and emphasized that the government is committed to linking agriculture with animal husbandry and promoting natural farming. Experts believe that the success of Bharat-VISTAAR will depend on its 'last-mile' implementation and the strength of the data network.

Conclusion

'Bharat-VISTAAR' is not just a digital tool, but a medium for the democratization and modernization of Indian agriculture. This confluence of technology and traditional knowledge will not only empower farmers but also prove helpful in establishing India as a 'smart agro-economy' on a global level.