Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Insolvency Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Category: ECONOMICS
Context: The recent developments in the Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd. case have reignited concerns around the finality of resolution outcomes and the predictability of the framework.
Learning Corner:
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 is India’s landmark legislation aimed at consolidating and streamlining the insolvency resolution process for individuals, companies, and partnership firms in a time-bound manner.
Objectives:
To ensure time-bound resolution of insolvency and bankruptcy cases (within 330 days).
To maximize the value of assets of insolvent persons.
To promote entrepreneurship and availability of credit.
To balance the interests of all stakeholders, including creditors, debtors, and employees.
To improve India’s ease of doing business ranking and promote credit discipline.
Key Features:
Single framework for insolvency and bankruptcy covering individuals, companies, and LLPs.
Establishes institutional mechanisms such as:
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) – regulatory body
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) – adjudicating authority for corporates
Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) – for individuals and partnership firms
Resolution Professionals (RPs) – manage the resolution process
Creditors can initiate the process on default of ₹1 crore or more (earlier ₹1 lakh).
Control of the defaulting firm is transferred from management to creditors via Committee of Creditors (CoC).
Achievements:
Helped reduce non-performing assets (NPAs) – e.g., NPA ratio declined from 11.2% (2018) to 2.8% (2024).
Promoted credit discipline among borrowers.
Recovered over ₹3.89 lakh crore by 2024.
Enhanced investor confidence and improved business ecosystem.
Challenges:
Delays in resolution beyond 330 days due to judicial backlog.
Low recovery rates in recent years (around 28.6%).
Inadequate infrastructure, valuation disputes, and multiple legal appeals.
Lack of clear treatment for operational creditors and complex business models.
Conclusion:
The IBC is a transformative reform in India’s economic governance. While it has improved resolution efficiency and credit discipline, its effectiveness depends on judicial efficiency, legal clarity, and institutional capacity building.
Source : THE HINDU
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduces repo rate
Category: ECONOMICS
Context The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its June 2025 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, announced two major steps to support economic growth and liquidity
Decoding Context:
Repo Rate Cut: The RBI reduced the repo rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.5%, marking a cumulative reduction of 100 bps in recent months. This move is expected to lower borrowing costs across the economy, benefiting both retail and corporate borrowers through reduced loan EMIs and cheaper credit.
CRR Reduction: The RBI also decided to cut the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 100 bps, from 4% to 3%, in four quarterly tranches starting September 2025. This phased reduction is projected to inject approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore of liquidity into the banking system, enabling banks to lend more and further easing interest rates for consumers and businesses.
These steps are aimed at boosting credit growth, encouraging spending, and supporting India’s GDP, which is projected at 6.5% for FY26. The inflation outlook for the year has also been revised downward to 3.7%. The RBI’s policy stance has shifted from ‘accommodative’ to ‘neutral’, providing flexibility for future monetary actions.
Learning Corner:
Bank Rates & Monetary Policy Tools – Quick Comparison Table
Type of Rate
Definition
Duration
Collateral
Key Purpose/Usage
Important Notes
Bank Rate
Rate at which RBI lends long-term funds to banks
Long-term
No
Signals monetary policy stance
Higher bank rate → costlier loans → reduced liquidity
Repo Rate
Rate at which RBI lends short-term funds to banks against securities
Short-term
Government Securities
Main tool to control inflation & liquidity
Lower repo → cheaper loans → more investment & consumption
Reverse Repo Rate
Rate at which RBI borrows from banks using securities
Short-term
Government Securities
Used to absorb excess liquidity
Higher rate → banks park funds with RBI → reduced lending
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)
Rate for emergency overnight borrowing from RBI
Overnight
Government Securities
For banks exceeding normal borrowing limits
MSF > Repo (by 25 bps) – emergency window
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
Facility to absorb excess liquidity without collateral
Variable
No
Primary tool for liquidity absorption (since 2022)
Replaced Reverse Repo for liquidity control
Call Money Rate
Rate of 1-day borrowing/lending in the interbank market
Intraday / Overnight
No
Indicates short-term liquidity conditions
Market-determined, highly volatile
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
What is MPC?
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a statutory and institutional body constituted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to determine the policy interest rate (repo rate) required to achieve the inflation target set by the Government of India.
Background
Constituted under the RBI Act, 1934 (Amended in 2016).
Introduced as part of the monetary policy framework agreement between the RBI and Government of India in 2015.
Objectives
Maintain price stability (control inflation).
Support economic growth.
Ensure transparency and accountability in monetary policy decisions.
Composition of MPC
Total 6 members:
Members
Appointed By
RBI Governor (Chairperson ex-officio)
RBI
RBI Deputy Governor (in charge of MPC)
RBI
One RBI official nominated by Central Board
RBI
3 external members
Appointed by Government of India
The Governor has a casting vote in case of a tie.
Members have a term of 4 years, not eligible for reappointment.
Functions of MPC
Sets the repo rate (key policy rate).
Reviews monetary policy bi-monthly (every two months).
Publishes Monetary Policy Statements.
Aims to keep CPI inflation at 4% (+/- 2%) as per the inflation targeting framework.
Significance
Brings objectivity and independence to monetary policy.
Helps in containing headline inflation.
Balances growth and inflation trade-off through informed decision-making.
Source : THE HINDU
G7 (Group of Seven)
Category: INTERNATIONAL
Context : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.
Decoding Context
This development comes amid previously strained India-Canada relations following the 2023 controversy involving the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
In a phone call on June 6, the two leaders discussed the longstanding bilateral relationship, underlining strong people-to-people ties and significant commercial linkages. Both agreed to continue law enforcement cooperation and address security concerns.
Carney emphasized India’s global economic importance and its critical role in global supply chains as reasons for the invitation. The move is widely seen as a signal of improving ties, despite ongoing challenges.
Modi acknowledged the invitation on social media, highlighting shared democratic values and expressing hope for stronger cooperation between the two countries.
Learning Corner:
G7 – Group of Seven
Overview
The G7 is an intergovernmental political and economic forum of the world’s most advanced and industrialized democracies, formed to coordinate responses to global challenges—economic, security, climate, and more.
Current Members (7 Nations + EU Participation)
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States
NOTE: European Union (EU): Participates but is not a formal member.
Historical Background
Established in 1975 (initially G6; Canada joined in 1976 to form G7).
Created in response to the oil crisis and global economic recession in the 1970s.
Became the G8 with Russia in 1997 but reverted to G7 in 2014 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Objectives and Role
Objective
Description
Economic Coordination
Harmonize policies among major economies to foster global economic stability
Global Governance
Set the agenda on climate, health, digital taxation, development aid, etc.
Security & Geopolitics
Address issues like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and war (e.g., Ukraine)
Humanitarian Support
Focus on food security, pandemic response, gender equality, education
Annual G7 Summit
Hosted annually by a rotating member country.
Features participation of heads of state/government.
Includes guest invitees from other countries (e.g., India) and organizations like UN, IMF, WTO.
Decisions are not legally binding but carry high political weight.
Recent Key Themes (2022–2025)
Year
Host Country
Major Agenda Themes
2022
Germany
Climate protection, global health, food security, Ukraine
2023
Japan
Economic resilience, AI governance, nuclear disarmament
2024
Italy
Africa partnerships, climate financing, energy security
2025
Canada
Global supply chains, democratic resilience, tech ethics
Criticism of G7
Seen as elitist and non-representative of emerging economies.
Limited enforcement power — recommendations are not binding.
Overshadowed by G20 in global economic matters due to broader representation.
India–Canada Relations
Overview
India and Canada share historically cordial relations based on democratic values, multiculturalism, people-to-people ties, education, and trade. However, the relationship has witnessed periodic strains, especially on issues related to Khalistani separatism.
Key Dimensions of Bilateral Relations
Political Relations
Diplomatic relations established in 1947.
Periodic engagements at bilateral and multilateral forums (UN, G20, Commonwealth).
Relations have been impacted by Canada’s stance on internal Indian matters, including Khalistan extremism.
Economic & Trade Relations
Bilateral trade (2023–24): ~USD 10 billion.
Canada is a major source of potash, pulses, and energy products.
India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods.
Ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
People-to-People Ties
Over 1.8 million Indo-Canadians (~5% of Canada’s population).
India is the largest source of international students in Canada.
Strong diaspora influence on bilateral ties and politics.
Energy & Technology Cooperation
Collaboration in civil nuclear energy under the 2010 nuclear cooperation agreement.
Joint initiatives in clean energy, AI, climate action, and innovation.
Recent Issues & Strains
Khalistan issue and pro-separatist activities in Canada.
Diplomatic tensions in 2023 following Canadian allegations regarding the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Strained intelligence and security cooperation due to trust deficit.
Way Forward
Strengthen counter-terror cooperation and avoid politicization of diaspora.
Focus on education, clean tech, and economic partnerships.
Build mutual trust through high-level visits and track-II diplomacy.
Source: THE HINDU
800-Year-Old Shiva Temple Unearthed
Category: CULTURE
Context : 800-Year-Old Shiva Temple Unearthed near Madurai
Overview
An 800-year-old Shiva temple has been discovered near Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
The structure dates back to the reign of Pandya king Maravarman Sundarapandian I (early 13th century CE).
Historical Significance
The temple reflects Pandya-style architecture, known for its intricate stone work and structural temples.
Inscriptions found on the site may offer details on:
Land grants and endowments
Temple administration
Taxation systems under the Pandya dynasty
Role of Community & Experts
The temple was partially buried and lay in neglect for centuries.
Local villagers and archaeologists played a key role in unearthing the temple.
Experts believe the find could reshape understanding of medieval South Indian temple networks.
Pandya Dynasty Context
One of the three ancient Tamil dynasties (alongside Cholas and Cheras).
Known for promoting Shaivism, Tamil culture, and temple patronage.
Maravarman Sundarapandian I was a notable ruler who expanded the Pandya realm and supported temple construction.
Learning Corner:
Temple Architecture in India
Definition & Importance
Temple architecture refers to the style and structure of Hindu temples built over centuries, reflecting religious, cultural, and regional diversity.
Temples were not just places of worship but also centers of art, culture, and community life.
Major Styles of Temple Architecture
Style
Region
Key Features
Examples
Nagara
Northern India
Curvilinear shikhara (spire), no boundary walls, multiple towers
Kandariya Mahadev (Khajuraho), Lingaraja (Odisha)
Dravida
Southern India
Pyramid-shaped vimana (tower), enclosed courtyard, large gopurams (gateway towers)
Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur), Meenakshi Temple (Madurai)
Vesara
Deccan region (Central-South)
Combination of Nagara and Dravida features, intricate carvings
Temples at Pattadakal, Badami
Basic Components of a Hindu Temple
Garbhagriha (Sanctum sanctorum): The innermost chamber housing the deity’s idol.
Mandapa: Pillared hall or pavilion where devotees gather.
Shikhara / Vimana: The rising tower above the sanctum.
Pradakshina Patha: Circumambulatory path around the sanctum.
Gopuram: Monumental entrance tower (mainly in Dravida style).
Significance
Reflects religious symbolism, cosmology, and Indian aesthetics.
Temples were royal projects showcasing dynastic power and artistic patronage.
Serve as records of history through inscriptions and sculptures.
Source : THE HINDU
INS Arnala
Category: DEFENCE
Context : The Indian Navy is set to commission its first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), named INS Arnala, at Visakhapatnam
Details of Warship:
INS Arnala is the lead ship in a series of 16 vessels designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership model.
Key Features:
Over 80% indigenous content, with systems integrated by major Indian defence firms and contributions from more than 55 MSMEs, boosting India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Length of 77 meters and displacement over 1,490 tonnes, making it the largest Indian warship powered by a diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system.
Designed for anti-submarine warfare, subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime missions to enhance coastal defence.
Named after the historic Arnala Fort off Maharashtra, symbolizing India’s maritime heritage.
The crest features a stylized Auger Shell, symbolizing resilience and vigilance, with the motto “Arnave Shauryam” (Valour in the Ocean).
Strategic Importance:
INS Arnala will strengthen the Navy’s ability to detect and counter undersea threats in shallow coastal waters, crucial amid increasing submarine activity in the region.
Learning Corner:
Anti-Submarine Warfare Ships of India
INS Kamorta-class (Project 28)
India’s first indigenously designed and built stealth ASW corvettes.
Equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and anti-ship missiles.
Key ships: INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, INS Kiltan, INS Kavaratti.
Operate primarily in coastal and offshore areas to detect and neutralize submarines.
INS Kora-class Corvettes
Multi-role corvettes with strong ASW capabilities alongside surface warfare.
Fitted with torpedoes, depth charges, and anti-submarine rocket launchers.
Pondicherry-class (Kilo-class) Submarines
Though submarines themselves, these also perform ASW roles by hunting enemy subs.
Acquired from Russia, these diesel-electric submarines enhance underwater warfare.
INS Shivalik-class Frigates
Multi-role stealth frigates with strong ASW sensors and weapons.
Equipped with towed array sonar, torpedoes, and rocket launchers for submarine hunting.
Other ASW Assets
Indian Navy operates various ASW helicopters (e.g., HAL Dhruv, Sea King) and maritime patrol aircraft (e.g., P-8I) for anti-submarine detection and engagement.
Source: THE HINDU
(MAINS Focus)
Water management in India: Source to Sea approach
Date: 7-06-2025
Mainspedia
TOPIC: Water management in India: Source to Sea approach
GS Paper III – Environment
GS Paper II – Governance
Introduction (Context)
India is grappling with a water crisis marked by pollution, scarcity, overexploitation, and fragmented governance. In light of growing scientific consensus and global commitments—such as the UN’s International Year of Glacier Preservation 2025—a Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach to water governance is emerging as a critical alternative to the current fragmented systems.
Different commitments for Water management
World Water Day 2025, observed annually on March 22, focused on the theme ‘Glacier Preservation’, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the earth’s cryosphere.
The United Nations designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, and March 21 was marked for the first time as the World Day for Glaciers. This also marked the launch of the Decade of Action on Cryospheric Science (2025–2034) to study and protect the frozen parts of the planet.
The UN World Water Development Report 2025 highlighted ‘Mountains and Glaciers – Water Towers’ as its central theme, underlining the significance of alpine glacier systems in sustaining mountain ecosystems and supplying water to downstream populations.
The year 2025 also marks the midpoint of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). This initiative promotes the agenda ‘Science we need for the ocean we want’, calling attention to pressing marine challenges such as coastal pollution, rising sea temperatures, coastal hazards, sea level rise, and the decline in marine biodiversity.
What is Source to Sea Approach?
The Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach aims to bridge upstream and downstream water governance, recognizing that mountainous cryosphere, freshwater systems, coastal zones, and oceans are ecologically interconnected.
It seeks integrated solutions across land, freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems.
Recognizes hydrological and ecological interdependence of river basins and marine systems.
Addresses impacts of land-based activities (e.g., agriculture, waste discharge) on coastal and ocean health.
Promotes stakeholder coordination across geographies and sectors.
Why needed?
Water acts as a link between upstream and downstream ecosystems, forming a continuous hydrological connection from source to sea.
Human activities upstream—such as damming, diversion for agriculture, extraction from water bodies and aquifers, and pollution—significantly alter the natural freshwater flow, impacting downstream areas and coastal/marine ecosystems.
Although the hydrological cycle is a natural process, it is disrupted at the sub-system level due to anthropogenic interventions.
These disruptions contribute to reduced freshwater inflows to the coasts and oceans, leading to marine degradation, including pollution, eutrophication, and biodiversity loss.
Current water management systems often treat land, freshwater, and marine domains in isolation, ignoring their interconnectedness, which has emerged as a critical global concern.
To address this, the Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach was introduced under the Manila Declaration in January 2012.
Formalization of S2S approach
The S2S approach was formalized under the Manila Declaration (2012), which emphasized protecting the marine environment from land-based activities. It called for integrated land-to-sea solutions under the framework of ‘ridge-to-reef’ management.
In 2014, the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) launched the Action Platform for Source-to-Sea Management to enable cooperation among freshwater and marine experts. Since January 2025, this platform has been hosted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The approach is built on two key scientific insights:
First, it opposes the conventional fragmentation of water governance into isolated units like rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Second, it supports applying a socio-ecological system framework through tools like causal chain analysis and transboundary diagnostics.
The United Nations University, under the Global Environmental Facility’s International Water Science project, also recommended using science-driven diagnostics to improve international water project outcomes.
Challenges in India
India’s water governance suffers from spatial disparities in availability, unequal access, overexploitation of resources, and increasing pollution.
According to NITI Aayog’s 2018 report, nearly 600 million Indians face high water stress, which could lead to a 6% loss in GDP.
The World Resources Institute’s Aqueduct Atlas places India among countries facing extreme water stress, which threatens food and economic security.
In 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board identified 311 polluted river stretches in 30 States and Union Territories, reflecting severe water quality issues.
India produces about 1.7 lakh tonnes of solid waste daily, but only 53% is treated. A significant portion of the untreated waste contaminates surface water and groundwater bodies.
On average, 60.5% of India’s extractable groundwater is used, with several States like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan already crossing 100% extraction levels. Groundwater contributes over 60% to irrigation and 85% to drinking water, yet its quality is declining, raising alarms about long-term water security.
The fragmented and sectoral approach to water governance, involving different authorities and regulations for rivers, lakes, aquifers, and coastal zones, undermines cohesive policymaking.
Jurisdictional overlaps further complicate matters. Governance occurs at multiple levels village, State, national, and global and coordinating actions across these tiers remains a major challenge.
Initiatives in India
India’s first national water policy was introduced in 1987, with successive versions incorporating new concerns like sustainability and climate resilience.
In 2015, a committee was formed to restructure the Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board into a National Water Commission.
In 2019, the Ministry of Jal Shakti formed a committee to draft a new national water policy with expert input. Several States have also formulated their own policies.
However, the Source-to-Sea approach has not yet found space in mainstream water policy planning.
Two case studies currently under exploration in India show early signs of S2S uptake.
One focuses on nutrient management in Delhi’s waterbodies.
The second examines human settlements and their link to the S2S landscape in the Indo-Gangetic basin under the S2S Futures Programme.
Issues with current apporach
Water management in India remains heavily siloed. Surface water, groundwater, and marine systems are managed by different departments, leading to duplication and policy mismatch.
There is a significant disconnect between scientific research and policy implementation, especially in translating global best practices to local action.
Stakeholder coordination is weak across Ministries, State departments, and local bodies. Civil society and scientific communities are often not involved in planning.
Poor enforcement of pollution norms and ineffective waste treatment mechanisms add to the degradation of water bodies.
The lack of a common institutional platform for upstream and downstream coordination undermines long-term sustainability goals.
Value addition
SDGs related to water
SDG 6.5: Implement Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) at all levels.
SDG 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution from land-based activities by 2025.
SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts—especially via cryosphere protection.
SDG 15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation.
Way forward
India must integrate the Source-to-Sea approach into its national water policy to ensure holistic and inclusive water governance.
There should be institutional mechanisms to link freshwater goals under SDG.
Multi-stakeholder platforms involving government agencies, scientists, local communities, and private actors must be created to plan and implement basin-wide actions.
Project planning should include science-based tools like trans-boundary diagnostics and causal chain analysis to assess and mitigate upstream-downstream impacts.
Actions across governance levels—local to national—must be synchronized under a nested governance framework, especially for inter-State river basins.
Promoting a circular water economy through wastewater reuse, pollution control, and community-based conservation will support both water security and ecological integrity.
Conclusion
India’s current water governance model, fragmented and jurisdictionally scattered, is ill-equipped to deal with the complex realities of the 21st-century water crisis. The Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach offers a timely and transformative pathway, recognizing the ecological unity from glaciers to oceans. By aligning scientific research, policy frameworks, and multi-tiered governance systems, India can ensure sustainable and resilient water systems that serve both people and nature.
Mains Practice Question
Q India’s water crisis is not just about scarcity but about fragmented governance. In this context, discuss the significance of the Source-to-Sea (S2S) approach for water management in India. (250 words, 15 marks)
Food Safety
Date: 7-06-2025
Mainspedia
TOPIC: Food Safety
GS Paper II – Governance
Introduction (Context)
World Food Safety Day 2025, observed on June 7, highlights the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action”. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on India’s shift from basic anti-adulteration laws to a modern, science-based food safety framework led by the FSSAI. However, critical gaps remain in risk assessment, communication, and regulatory coherence.
India’s journey on Food safety
India’s food safety journey began with the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954, focusing on a binary adulterated/non-adulterated view.
A major shift occurred with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, establishing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), adopting a risk-based, scientific approach aligned with Codex Alimentarius standards.
By 2020, India’s standards were comparable to many advanced nations
India’s food safety framework has evolved into a science-based system addressing contaminants, additives, pesticide residues, and veterinary drugs through risk analysis
It is supported by Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI), and food additive safety norms.
Why food safety is important?
Public Health Protection: Ensures that food is free from harmful contaminants, reducing the risk of food borne illnesses, long-term health issues like cancer, and malnutrition.
Consumer Trust & Awareness: Builds public confidence in the food system and empowers citizens to make informed and healthy dietary choices.
Economic Impact: Prevents productivity loss due to illness, reduces healthcare costs, and supports sectors like hospitality, exports, and retail.
Global Trade Compliance: Aligns India’s food standards with international norms (e.g., Codex), enabling export growth and preventing rejection of Indian food products abroad.
Sustainable Development & Nutrition: Promotes safe, fortified, and nutritious food, contributing to national goals like “Zero Hunger” and improving child and maternal health indicators.
Challenges
Lack of India-Specific Data:
MRLs and ADIs based on international datasets may not reflect Indian dietary diversity, agricultural patterns, or climatic conditions.
Absence of a Total Diet Study (TDS) restricts understanding of cumulative exposure from food.
Poor Risk Communication:
Concepts like MRLs (e.g., 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg) and ADIs are poorly understood by the public.
Technical changes are often misinterpreted as compromises on safety.
Legacy Regulatory Problems, Example of MSG
Despite global acceptance of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) as safe (as early as 1971 by JECFA), India mandates warning labels on foods containing MSG.
Glutamates naturally occur in many common Indian foods like tomatoes and garlic, causing consumer misinformation and fear.
Institutional Weaknesses:
Inadequate trained manpower in toxicology, food science, and risk analysis.
Fragmented implementation across state food safety departments.
Value addition
Terminologies
MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits): The highest level of a pesticide residue legally allowed in food, based on safety assessments to ensure no harm to human health.
ADIs (Acceptable Daily Intakes): The maximum amount of a substance (like a food additive or pesticide) that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without health risk.
Total Diet Study (TDS): A scientific assessment that estimates a population’s exposure to various contaminants through all foods commonly consumed in a typical diet.
Codex Alimentarius Standards: International food safety and quality standards developed by the FAO and WHO to protect consumer health and facilitate fair trade.
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Replaced multiple outdated food laws (like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954) to create a single, comprehensive legislation for food safety in India.
Created the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as the apex body to regulate and monitor food safety and standards nationwide.
Roles and Powers of FSSAI:
Frame regulations and guidelines for food safety
Grant licenses and registration to food businesses
Conduct surveillance, audits, and inspections
Promote food safety awareness and research
Mandated the use of modern, science-based risk analysis—including setting standards for food additives, contaminants, pesticide residues, and labelling.
Shifted from a reactive, punishment-based model to a preventive, risk-based approach focused on food safety throughout the supply chain.
Empowered consumers by mandating labelling, promoting transparency, and ensuring the right to safe, wholesome, and properly labelled food.
Way forward
Strengthen scientific foundations by conducting India-specific toxicological studies and implementing a nationwide Total Diet Study (TDS).
Improve communication strategies to translate complex scientific metrics into consumer-friendly language and remove misleading or outdated labels such as those on MSG.
Build institutional capacity by training more food scientists, inspectors, and risk analysts, while ensuring uniform implementation across states.
Revise regulations regularly based on emerging science, and promote transparency in decision-making.
Enhance stakeholder engagement through continuous dialogue with industry, researchers, and consumers to foster trust and collaborative compliance.
Conclusion
India’s food safety framework has evolved into a modern, risk-based system backed by FSSAI’s leadership. However, the journey forward must be anchored in scientific evidence, clear communication, institutional competence, and public trust. Eliminating outdated regulations and strengthening India-specific research are essential to ensure that food safety is not just about compliance but about confidence and informed choices.
Mains Practice Question
Q India’s food safety transformation has been significant but not without its gaps. Critically examine the role of FSSAI and suggest a roadmap for making India’s food safety framework more scientific, transparent, and citizen-friendly. (250 words, 15 marks)
Daily Practice MCQs
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