Main Editorial 16-07-2025: More Than Symbolic
🟡 Introduction & Context
India is facing a public health crisis driven by a dramatic rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. A key driver is the unregulated consumption of ultra-processed and junk foods, especially among youth. While awareness campaigns have been launched, The Hindu editorial argues that such efforts are largely symbolic and that firm legislative measures are urgently required.
This issue is not merely about personal choices—it’s about public health policy, regulatory accountability, and the role of the state in protecting citizens’ right to health.
📜 Constitutional Context
The Indian Constitution, though not mentioning food regulation directly, supports health protection under the following provisions:
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| Art. 21 | Right to Life includes Right to Health (as interpreted by Supreme Court) |
| Art. 47 | Directive Principle of State Policy: Duty of the state to raise nutrition levels and public health |
| Art. 39(e) | State shall ensure that health of workers, men and women, is not abused |
🟢 These empower the state to legislate on labelling norms, food safety, advertisement bans, and regulatory warnings to curb lifestyle-related diseases.
🧠 Key Points from Editorial
The Problem: India ranks among the top nations with rising obesity, diabetes, and heart disease cases, driven by fast food and packaged items high in sugar, salt, and fat.
Weak Regulation: Unlike countries like Chile, Mexico, or the UK, India lacks mandatory front-of-pack labelling (FOPL), sugar limits, or ad restrictions targeting children.
Symbolic Action So Far: Awareness campaigns like “Eat Right Movement” have been good but lack legal teeth and measurable impact.
FSSAI’s Role: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is yet to enforce stricter norms; its progress has been slow and heavily influenced by industry lobbying.
What’s Needed:
Clear warning labels (like tobacco packaging)
Taxation on sugary beverages
Ban on marketing junk food to children
School canteen regulations
Strong monitoring & penalty mechanisms
📘 Hard Word Meanings (with Hindi Translation)
| Word / Phrase | English Meaning | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Symbolic | Representing something without real effect | प्रतीकात्मक |
| Legislative measures | Legal steps or laws | विधायी उपाय |
| Processed foods | Foods altered from natural state by chemicals | प्रसंस्कृत खाद्य |
| Front-of-pack labelling | Labels on front of food packages with warnings | पैकेट के सामने की चेतावनी लेबल |
| Lifestyle diseases | Illnesses caused by poor lifestyle habits | जीवनशैली जनित रोग |
| Lobbying | Influencing decision-makers unfairly | पक्षपातपूर्वक प्रभाव डालना |
| Non-communicable | Not spread by infection | गैर-संचारी |
🎯 MCQs for UPSC, SSC, UPPSC, RRB
Which article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to improve nutrition and public health?
A. Article 21
B. Article 47 ✅
C. Article 39(d)
D. Article 14Front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) is meant to warn consumers about:
A. Packaging damage
B. Manufacturing location
C. High salt, sugar, and fat ✅
D. Organic statusWhich government body is responsible for food safety regulation in India?
A. FCI
B. NABARD
C. FSSAI ✅
D. NHRCWhich of the following is a lifestyle disease?
A. Malaria
B. Tuberculosis
C. Diabetes ✅
D. CholeraWhich country is known for implementing mandatory warning labels on junk food packaging?
A. China
B. Mexico ✅
C. India
D. RussiaWhich campaign launched in India promotes healthy eating habits?
A. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
B. Eat Right Movement ✅
C. Make in India
D. Digital IndiaWhich of the following is a criticism of India’s approach to unhealthy food regulation?
A. Overregulation
B. It is too symbolic ✅
C. Excessive taxation
D. Lack of digital supportUnder which article is ‘Right to Health’ interpreted as part of ‘Right to Life’?
A. Article 15
B. Article 32
C. Article 21 ✅
D. Article 19
🧠 Why This Topic is Important for Exams
UPSC GS Paper II (Governance & Polity): Public health policy, government regulations, FSSAI role.
GS Paper IV (Ethics): Government’s moral responsibility in ensuring citizens’ well-being.
SSC & RRB: Awareness-based and static GK (campaigns, government bodies, health).
UPPSC Essay / General Awareness: Food safety, NCDs, and lifestyle issues in Uttar Pradesh.
📌 Summary Line
“Symbolic campaigns can’t fight obesity and disease—India needs strong laws, smart warnings, and real action to make food safe and healthy.”
The Hindu Editorial Analysis 15 July 2025 – Key Notes & MCQs for UPSC & SSC (15 July 2025)
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