Jan 08 – UPSC Current Affairs – PM IAS

Topic 1: US Sanctions Policy & The “500% Tariff” Threat on Russian Oil

Syllabus

• GS-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
• GS-II: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India.
• GS-III: Indian Economy (Energy security and trade).

Context

• On January 08, 2026, influential US Senator Lindsey Graham confirmed that President Donald Trump has “greenlit” a sanctions bill.
• The bill proposes a 500% tariff on countries, specifically naming India, China, and Brazil, that continue to purchase “cheap Russian oil.”
• This coincides with the US withdrawing from the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and 66 other international bodies, signaling a massive shift toward “Energy Isolationism” and bilateral pressure.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Geopolitical Dimension:
  • Strategic Autonomy under Fire: India’s long-standing policy of “Strategic Autonomy” faces its toughest test. The US is moving from “Secondary Sanctions” (CAATSA style) to direct “Economic Warfare” via punitive tariffs.
  • The BRICS Factor: By targeting India, Brazil, and China together, the US is inadvertently strengthening the resolve of the BRICS+ bloc to accelerate de-dollarization and alternative payment systems (BRICS Pay).
• Economic Dimension:
  • Energy Inflation: India imports nearly 40% of its crude from Russia (as of late 2025). A 500% tariff or a forced cessation of these imports would spike domestic fuel prices, leading to cascading inflation.
  • Trade Balance: The “cheap” Russian oil has saved India an estimated $10-12 billion in foreign exchange. Losing this discount would widen the current account deficit (CAD).
• Energy Security Dimension:
  • Diversification vs. Dependence: While India has tried to diversify (increasing imports from the US and Guyana), Russia remains the most viable large-scale supplier outside the volatile Middle East.
• Legal & Institutional Dimension:
  • WTO Compliance: Such high tariffs are a prima facie violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) norms on “Most Favoured Nation” (MFN) status, though the US increasingly invokes “National Security” exceptions to bypass WTO rulings.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives:
  • May accelerate India’s transition to Green Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy (Small Modular Reactors) to reduce oil dependence.
  • Strengthens India’s negotiation leverage for a more balanced India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Negatives:
  • Strains the QUAD partnership and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Potential “Sanction Contagion” affecting Indian banks involved in Russian trade (UCO Bank, etc.).
• Government Schemes/Initiatives:
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aiming to make India an energy exporter.
  • Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): Phase II expansion becomes critical to hedge against such external shocks.

Examples

• The 2022-2025 Precedent: India successfully navigated the initial Western price caps on Russian oil by using “Shadow Fleets” and non-dollar currencies (Dirhams, Yuan, and Rupees).
• US-China Trade War 2.0: The 500% tariff proposal mirrors the aggressive 100% tariffs imposed on Chinese EVs in 2024-25.

Way Forward

• Diplomatic Reciprocity: India must link its cooperation on the “Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology” (iCET) and defense deals (Predator drones/GE Engines) to energy exemptions.
• Rupee-Rouble Trade 2.0: Strengthening the Vostro account system to bypass the Western-led SWIFT and dollar-based clearing houses.
• Domestic Resilience: Accelerating the 20% Ethanol blending target and EV adoption to “insulate” the common man from oil price shocks.

Conclusion

The “Tariff Threat” marks a transition from a rules-based order to a “power-based” order. India must balance its “Essential Energy Needs” with its “Existential Strategic Partnership” with the US through high-level back-channel diplomacy.

Practice Mains Question

“The use of ‘Economic Sanctions’ as a tool of foreign policy by developed nations poses a significant challenge to the energy security of developing economies. Discuss in the context of the proposed US tariffs on Russian oil trade.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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Topic 2: The Legacy of Madhav Gadgil: Environmental Federalism & Conservation

Syllabus

• GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
• GS-I: Indian Geography (Western Ghats).
• GS-II: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.

Context

• On January 08, 2026, India mourned the passing of Madhav Gadgil (82), the legendary ecologist and architect of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) report.
• His death has reignited the debate over the “Gadgil vs. Kasturirangan” reports amidst increasing climate disasters (landslides) in Kerala and Karnataka.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Ecological Dimension:
  • The WGEEP Vision: Gadgil proposed that the entire Western Ghats be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided into three levels of protection (ESZ 1, 2, and 3).
  • Biodiversity Protection: He advocated for the protection of “endemic” species through community-led conservation rather than top-down bureaucratic “fencing.”
• Political & Governance Dimension:
  • Environmental Federalism: Gadgil was a staunch believer in the 73rd and 74th Amendments. He argued that Gram Sabhas should have the final say in allowing or rejecting mining and dam projects.
  • The Conflict: State governments (Kerala, Maharashtra) rejected his report, calling it “anti-development” and “too restrictive” for infrastructure.
• Philosophical Dimension:
  • Democratic Ecology: Unlike “Deep Ecology” which excludes humans, Gadgil’s “Democratic Ecology” integrated local livelihoods with conservation.
• Scientific Dimension:
  • Climate Resilience: Recent landslides in Wayanad and Kodagu have validated Gadgil’s warnings about “unscientific” land-use changes in the hills.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives (of Gadgil’s Approach):
  • Empowers local communities (Gram Sabhas).
  • Ensures long-term ecological stability and water security for South India.
• Negatives (Challenges in Implementation):
  • Economic displacement of farmers in the short term.
  • Lack of “monetary compensation” models for communities preserving biodiversity.
• Government Schemes:
  • Parvatmala Pariyojana: The ropeway project often clashes with ecological sensitivity.
  • Green Credit Program: Could be used to incentivize the “Gadgil Model” of local conservation.

Examples

• The 2018/2024 Kerala Floods: Cited by experts as a “man-made” disaster that could have been mitigated if the Gadgil report was implemented.
• Sathyamangalam Model: Successful community involvement in tiger conservation, reflecting Gadgil’s philosophy.

Way Forward

• Hybrid Model: Integrating the scientific rigor of the Gadgil report with the socio-economic flexibility of the Kasturirangan report.
• Disaster-Linked Funding: Linking central grants for states to their “Ecological Compliance” in fragile zones.
• Digital Mapping: Using LiDAR and satellite tech to demarcate ESAs at the village level to reduce ambiguity.

Conclusion

Madhav Gadgil was the “Conscience Keeper” of India’s environment. His legacy lies in the realization that “Development without Ecology” is a debt that future generations cannot repay.

Practice Mains Question

“Madhav Gadgil’s vision of ‘Environmental Democracy’ emphasized the role of local communities in conservation. Critically examine why the WGEEP report remains a point of contention between the Centre and the States.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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Topic 3: NATGRID-NPR Integration: The Future of Digital Surveillance

Syllabus

• GS-III: Internal Security (Surveillance and Intelligence sharing).
• GS-II: Government policies and interventions (Privacy issues).
• GS-III: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Context

• On January 08, 2026, reports emerged regarding a major expansion of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).
• NATGRID has now successfully integrated with the National Population Register (NPR) and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), allowing state police (up to SP rank) real-time access to a “360-degree profile” of individuals.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Security Dimension:
  • Eliminating Silos: Post-26/11, India needed a platform to connect 21 disparate databases (banks, airlines, telecom). NATGRID finally achieves this “seamless connectivity.”
  • Predictive Policing: Using AI-tool GANDIVA, NATGRID can now identify “suspect patterns” in financial transactions or travel history before an incident occurs.
• Privacy & Legal Dimension:
  • Data Sovereignty: The integration with NPR allows for “Family Tree” mapping, which critics argue exceeds the mandate of “national security” and enters the realm of “mass surveillance.”
  • Judicial Oversight: There is a lack of a specific “Surveillance Reform Law.” The system currently operates under executive orders, raising concerns regarding the Puttaswamy Judgment (Right to Privacy).
• Administrative Dimension:
  • Centre-State Coordination: By extending access to State Police, NATGRID bridges the gap between central intelligence agencies (IB, RAW) and local law enforcement.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives:
  • Faster verification of suspects and reduction in “intelligence lag.”
  • Efficient tracking of money laundering and terror financing (PMLA/UAPA cases).
• Negatives:
  • Function Creep: The risk of using security tools for “political profiling” or suppressing dissent.
  • Data Breaches: A single point of entry for 21 databases makes NATGRID a high-value target for state-sponsored cyber-attacks.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023: Though it has “security exemptions” that apply to NATGRID.
  • I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre): Works in tandem with NATGRID to tackle online threats.

Examples

• Entity Resolution: How NATGRID linked a minor credit card fraud to a larger sleeper-cell network in a recent “successful pilot” in North India.
• The “360-degree” Profile: Includes PAN, Passport, Bank Accounts, Property Records, and now, family details via NPR.

Way Forward

• Legislative Oversight: Creating a Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence to audit NATGRID’s queries periodically.
• Privacy by Design: Implementing “blind searches” where investigators only see relevant data after a “probable cause” is established by a judicial warrant.
• Cyber-Fortification: Moving the entire grid to Quantum-Encrypted servers to prevent “Snooping” by foreign powers.

Conclusion

NATGRID is the “Digital Shield” India needs in an era of hybrid warfare. However, the shield must not become a “Sword” that pierces the privacy of the innocent. A robust legal framework must accompany this technological leap.

Practice Mains Question

“The integration of intelligence databases like NATGRID with population registers (NPR) creates a potent tool for internal security but raises profound questions about the ‘Surveillance State.’ Discuss.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Topic 4: Reproductive Rights & Bodily Integrity: Delhi HC’s Landmark Ruling

Syllabus

• GS-II: Judiciary—Structure, functioning, and significant judgments.
• GS-II: Mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections (Women).
• GS-I: Social empowerment and population-related issues.

Context

• On January 08, 2026, the Delhi High Court discharged an estranged wife in a criminal case filed by her husband for “medical termination of a 14-week fetus.”
• The court held that forcing a woman to continue a pregnancy against her will is a violation of her bodily integrity and causes severe mental trauma.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Legal Dimension:
  • Article 21: The court reaffirmed that the right to reproductive choice is an inseparable part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
  • MTP Act (Amendment) 2021: While the law allows termination up to 24 weeks under specific conditions, the court clarified that a husband’s “consent” is not a legal prerequisite for a woman to exercise her reproductive rights.
• Social & Ethical Dimension:
  • Autonomy vs. Guardianship: The ruling challenges the patriarchal notion that a woman’s body is a “vessel” for the family’s legacy, placing the individual’s mental health above marital expectations.
  • Mental Trauma: The court recognized that an unwanted pregnancy, especially in a strained relationship, can lead to long-term psychological distress.
• Judicial Consistency:
  • This judgment aligns with the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling (X vs. Health Department) which expanded the scope of the MTP Act to include unmarried women and emphasized the “decisional autonomy” of the pregnant person.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives:
  • Strengthens the legal standing of women in matrimonial disputes.
  • Reduces the risk of “forced pregnancies” being used as a tool of domestic coercion.
• Negatives:
  • May lead to increased litigation between estranged couples over “wrongful termination” claims.
  • Highlights the lack of clear counseling protocols for couples in such legal crosshairs.
• Relevant Acts/Schemes:
  • Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Act, 2021: The primary legal framework.
  • National Health Mission (NHM): Ensuring safe and legal abortion services.

Examples

• Supreme Court (2022): The X vs. Principal Secretary case which ruled that reproductive rights include the right to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term.
• International Parallel: Contrasts with the “reversal of Roe v. Wade” in the US, positioning the Indian judiciary as more progressive in reproductive autonomy.

Way Forward

• Medical Training: Sensitizing doctors that they do not need the husband’s signature for an MTP, provided the woman is an adult and gives consent.
• Legal Literacy: Campaigns to educate women about their rights over their own bodies under the MTP Act.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s ruling is a significant step toward de-linking a woman’s reproductive choices from her marital status. It reinforces that the womb is not a public or marital space, but a private one protected by the Constitution.

Practice Mains Question

“The right to reproductive choice is a fundamental pillar of bodily integrity. In light of recent judicial pronouncements, evaluate how the Indian judiciary has balanced individual autonomy with the legislative framework of the MTP Act.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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Topic 5: Federalism & Agency Friction: The I-PAC Raid and Central-State Conflict

Syllabus

• GS-II: Federal structure, Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.
• GS-II: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies (ED).
• GS-II: Role of the Governor and the Chief Minister.

Context

• On January 08, 2026, a major political and constitutional standoff erupted in West Bengal.
• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged that CM Mamata Banerjee entered the residence of I-PAC Director Pratik Jain during an active raid and removed “key physical and digital evidence” related to a coal-smuggling case.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Constitutional Dimension:
  • Article 163 vs. Central Agencies: The CM’s direct intervention in an investigation by a central agency raises questions about the limits of state authority versus central jurisdiction.
  • Federal Friction: This incident is the latest in a series of “State vs. Center” clashes (e.g., CBI vs. Kolkata Police in 2019), highlighting the breakdown of Cooperative Federalism.
• Administrative Dimension:
  • Interference in Investigation: If the allegations are proven, it constitutes “obstruction of justice.” Conversely, the State government alleges that the ED is being used as a “political tool” to target political strategists (I-PAC).
  • Law and Order: The deployment of central forces (CRPF) versus state police during such raids creates a “double-administration” crisis.
• Political Dimension:
  • The incident is being viewed through the prism of the upcoming state elections, where the role of data-driven campaigning (I-PAC) is a sensitive point of contention between the TMC and the BJP.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives:
  • Brings the discussion on “Agency Neutrality” to the forefront.
• Negatives:
  • Erodes public trust in both state and central institutions.
  • Creates a precedent where high-ranking officials can physically obstruct legal processes.
• Relevant Provisions:
  • PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act): The law under which the ED operates, granting it broad search and seizure powers.

Examples

• CBI vs. Rajeev Kumar (2019): Where the CM sat on a dharna to prevent the CBI from questioning the then-Kolkata Police Commissioner.
• Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Other states that have withdrawn “General Consent” to central agencies like the CBI, citing political misuse.

Way Forward

• Inter-State Council (Article 263): Utilizing this body to create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for central agency operations in states.
• Judicial Monitoring: High Courts or the SC could appoint “independent observers” for high-profile raids to ensure transparency and prevent physical clashes.

Conclusion

Federalism is not a license for obstruction, nor should central authority be a tool for intimidation. The I-PAC incident underscores the urgent need for a “Constitutional Code of Conduct” for both central agencies and state leaders.

Practice Mains Question

“The frequent confrontation between Central Investigative Agencies and State Executives is a symptom of ‘Competitive Federalism’ turning into ‘Conflictual Federalism.’ Discuss with examples.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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Topic 6: Meteorological Anomalies: The Rare January Deep Depression

Syllabus

• GS-I: Important Geophysical phenomena (Cyclones/Depressions).
• GS-III: Disaster Management.
• GS-III: Environment and Climate Change.

Context

• On January 08, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a weather system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Deep Depression.
• This is a highly rare event; since 1891, the Bay of Bengal has witnessed only 20 intense weather systems during the month of January.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Geophysical Dimension:
  • Unseasonal Activity: Typically, the cyclone season in the Bay of Bengal ends by December. A Deep Depression in January indicates unusually high Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs), likely due to climate change.
  • Track and Intensity: The system is moving toward the Tamil Nadu coast, threatening to disrupt the “dry spell” characteristic of the region in January.
• Climatic Dimension:
  • Climate Change Marker: Scientists point to this as evidence of “oceanic warming” extending into winter months.
  • Inter-monsoon Dynamics: The system is interacting with the tail-end of the Northeast Monsoon, leading to localized heavy rainfall and potential flooding in coastal districts like Cuddalore and Chennai.
• Economic & Administrative Dimension:
  • Agricultural Impact: Unseasonal rains can damage standing crops (pulses and oilseeds) ready for harvest in Tamil Nadu.
  • Disaster Preparedness: The SDRF has been put on high alert. Unlike the predictable monsoon, “off-season” disasters often find administrative machinery less prepared.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives:
  • Replenishment of groundwater and reservoirs in water-stressed parts of the Deccan.
• Negatives:
  • Crop loss for farmers and disruption of urban transport in Chennai.
  • Increased risk of sea-ingress and damage to fishing boats.
• Government Initiatives:
  • IMD’s Mausam App: Real-time tracking and warnings for fishermen.
  • PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Critical for compensating farmers for unseasonal rain damage.

Examples

• Cyclone Ockhi (2017): A reminder of how rapidly late-season systems can intensify, though it occurred in late November/early December.
• January 2005 Depression: One of the few historical precedents for a significant January system in the Bay of Bengal.

Way Forward

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promoting crops that can withstand sudden water-logging during unseasonal events.
• Coastal Infrastructure: Enhancing “Sea Walls” and early warning sirens in coastal villages as “off-season” storms become more frequent.

Conclusion

The January Deep Depression is a “weather outlier” that reflects a “climate trend.” It serves as a reminder that the traditional calendars of the Indian Monsoon are being rewritten by global warming.

Practice Mains Question

“Analyze the factors contributing to the increasing frequency of ‘off-season’ cyclonic systems in the North Indian Ocean. How does this challenge India’s disaster management framework?” (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Topic 7: Stray Dog Management: The Supreme Court’s “Balanced Management” Directive

Syllabus

• GS-II: Judiciary—Structure and functioning; Issues related to public safety.
• GS-III: Animal Welfare, Environmental Ecology, and Disaster Management.

Context

• On January 08, 2026, a three-judge special bench of the Supreme Court (Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria) clarified its previous stance on the stray dog menace.
• The Court emphasized that it has not ordered a “blanket removal” of all dogs from the streets but has focused on high-risk institutional spaces (schools, hospitals, and courts) to ensure public safety.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Judicial Observation on Animal Behavior:
  • The “Fear-Sensing” Factor: Justice Nath observed that dogs have a sensory capability to detect fear or previous trauma in humans, which can trigger aggressive behavior.
  • Institutional Safety: The bench questioned the presence of strays in hospital wards and school corridors, citing the state’s obligation under Article 21 to protect vulnerable citizens (children and patients) from preventable harm.
• Ecological and Urban Dimensions:
  • The “Cats vs. Rats” Quip: Responding to arguments that removing dogs would lead to a rodent explosion, Justice Mehta suggested that promoting cats—natural predators of rodents—might be a more hygienic alternative for cities.
  • Feral Dogs in Ladakh: The Court took note of a report on feral dogs hunting rare species in Ladakh, indicating that the “stray dog” problem is no longer just urban but an ecological threat to wildlife.
• Community-Led Solutions:
  • The Campus Law Centre (Delhi University) suggested that educational institutions should form their own “Animal Cells” rather than relying solely on struggling municipal bodies.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives:
  • Clears legal ambiguity: Municipalities now have a clear mandate for “institutional removal” without violating the spirit of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
  • Highlights the need for specialized management in sensitive zones like hospitals.
• Negatives:
  • Capacity Constraints: Most cities lack the shelter infrastructure to house “removed” dogs for long periods, leading to potential animal cruelty.
  • Social Conflict: Feeders and residents continue to clash over territoriality and “safe spaces.”
• Government Schemes/Rules:
  • Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023: The primary framework for sterilization and vaccination.
  • National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE): Aiming for a “Rabies-Free India” by 2030.

Examples

• Kozhikode Model: Successful implementation of “Dog Shelters” by local bodies in Kerala to manage aggressive packs.
• Ladakh Conflict: The predation of the rare Black-necked Crane by feral dogs, proving the ecological impact of unchecked stray populations.

Way Forward

• Micro-Zoning: Classifying urban areas into “High Risk” (hospitals/schools) and “Standard Risk” for tailored management.
• Mandatory Microchipping: For community-fed dogs to track vaccination status and ensure accountability.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s “middle-path” approach recognizes that while animal welfare is a moral duty, the “Right to Life” of a child in a school or a patient in a hospital is an absolute constitutional priority.

Practice Mains Question

“The management of stray dogs in India is a complex interplay of public safety, ecological balance, and animal rights. In this context, evaluate the feasibility of ‘Institutional Animal Cells’ as a solution to the urban stray menace.” (15 Marks, 250 Words)

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Topic 8: Nestle Global Recall: Toxin Risks in Infant Nutrition

Syllabus

• GS-II: Important aspects of governance—Role of regulatory bodies (FSSAI/FDA); Health and Nutrition.
• GS-III: Science and Tech—Food Safety; Industrial Pollution and contamination.

Context

• On January 08, 2026, Nestle announced one of the largest global recalls in its history, affecting infant formula brands SMA, BEBA, and NAN across 50 countries.
• The recall was triggered by the detection of Cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, in raw materials supplied by a third-party vendor.

Main Body: Multi-Dimensional Analysis

• Technological Dimension:
  • The Toxin (Cereulide): Unlike common bacteria, this toxin is heat-resistant, meaning it cannot be destroyed by the boiling water typically used to prepare formula. It causes rapid nausea and vomiting within hours.
  • Traceability: The contamination was traced back to Arachidonic Acid (ARA) oil, an essential fatty acid added to replicate human breast milk.
• Global vs. Local Dynamics:
  • India Impact: Nestle India clarified that Indian products (like NAN PRO and Lactogen) are manufactured locally and utilize different supply chains, thus remaining unaffected by the global recall.
  • Regulatory Response: The FSSAI has increased surveillance on imported infant nutrition products at Indian ports following the global alert.
• Corporate Accountability:
  • This incident highlights the risks associated with the Global Supply Chain model, where a single contaminated ingredient from one vendor can paralyze nutrition networks across three continents.

Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes

• Positives:
  • Demonstrates the efficacy of corporate “self-monitoring” (Nestle detected it during routine testing).
  • Reinforces the importance of breastfeeding as the safest “gold standard” for infant nutrition.
• Negatives:
  • Consumer Panic: High-profile recalls in the “infant sector” lead to a massive loss of trust in processed nutrition.
  • Vulnerability: Infants have underdeveloped livers, making them highly susceptible to metabolic disturbances from toxins like cereulide.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Eat Right India: FSSAI’s initiative for food safety and hygiene.
  • IMS Act (Infant Milk Substitutes Act): Regulates the promotion of formula to prevent it from replacing breastfeeding unscientifically.

Examples

• 2008 Melamine Scandal (China): A reminder of how contamination in the dairy supply chain can lead to global health crises.
• 2015 Maggi Crisis (India): A precedent for how Indian regulators handle “toxin” scares in Nestle products.

Way Forward

• Supply Chain Transparency: Mandating blockchain-based “Farm-to-Bottle” tracing for all infant-grade raw materials.
• Enhanced FSSAI Testing: Incorporating specific tests for “heat-stable toxins” in the standard testing protocol for baby foods.

Conclusion

The Nestle recall is a wake-up call for the global food industry. In the sensitive sector of infant nutrition, there is zero room for error, and the “supplier’s fault” is never an excuse for a “manufacturer’s failure.”

Practice Mains Question

“Ensuring food safety in a globalized supply chain requires more than just domestic regulation; it requires ‘Safety by Design.’ Discuss in the context of recent global food recalls.” (10 Marks, 150 Words)