Economic Survey – Ban on junk food advertisements from 6AM-11PM:8.30 crore children could become victims of obesity in 10 years

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the country’s ‘Economic Report Card’ i.e. Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha on January 29. This year’s survey not only focuses on the country’s economic health but also draws attention to serious aspects of citizens’ physical and mental health. The survey expresses concern over increasing consumption of junk food. It also suggests that advertisements for junk food should be banned from 6 AM to 11 PM. This is because such food contains high amounts of fat, salt, and sugar. Additionally, the survey indicates that GDP growth is estimated to be in the range of 6.8% to 7.2% in fiscal year 2026-2027. Information about inflation, agriculture-farming jobs is also provided in the survey. According to the survey, 56.2 crore people above 15 years of age are employed in India. The survey also warns about ‘freebies’ being distributed by states. Ban on junk food advertisements before 9 PM in Britain The survey also calls for strict restrictions on marketing of milk and beverages for infants and young children. Concerns were also raised about increasing obesity in children. More than 33 million children were affected by obesity in the country in 2020. The number is estimated to reach 83 million by 2035. Recently, Britain has banned junk food advertisements on TV and online platforms before 9 PM to reduce obesity in children. For this, the center is preparing to bring a new Front of Pack Nutrition Labeling (FOPL) policy. It proposes a star rating model for food items. Under this, ratings from 1 to 5 are to be given. However, 29 organizations related to health and consumer awareness want clear warnings in labels instead of a rating system for this. The food pack should clearly state how much sugar or salt it contains.
Set Age Limit for Using Social Media 1. Online Platforms Should Be Responsible Why Important? Long-term use is increasing insomnia and anxiety. Australia has legally banned it for ages below 16. 2. Give Students Basic Phones Why Important? 75% students admitted they use social media while studying, which causes distraction. 3. Be Cautious About Health Supplements Why Important? In South-East Asia including India, 1 in 3 people above 30 years suffer from lifestyle diseases. 4. Extra charge during peak hours Why Important? The cost related to traffic jams in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata is about 2 lakh crore per year. 5. Sharp increase in power demand from AI data centers could create a copper crisis in the world Why Important? Copper price volatility increased due to closure/disruption of mines in Indonesia, Congo, Chile. 7 Key Points from Economic Survey… 1. Inflation: According to the Economic Survey – RBI and IMF have predicted that inflation rate will gradually increase in the coming year. It will remain within the set target of 4% ( 2%). 2. GDP: The survey estimates that India’s GDP growth in the next fiscal year (FY27) could be between 6.8% and 7.2%. Despite global tensions and instability, the Indian economy’s momentum remains strong. According to the survey, growth rate in the current fiscal year (FY26) is expected to be 7.4%, which is even higher than RBI’s estimate of 7.3%. 3. Employment: In the second quarter of financial year 2026, i.e., April-June 2025, 56.2 crore people above 15 years of age were employed in India. 4. Agriculture-Farming: Half of the country’s population depends on farming. The Economic Survey emphasizes that agricultural growth is expected to be 3.1% in fiscal year 2026. The report states that grain production has reached a record level of 332 million tons in 2024-25, which has helped significantly in controlling inflation. The government’s focus is now not only on increasing production, but also on securing farmers’ income and better storage facilities. Amid ongoing trade wars worldwide, India is diversifying its exports to avoid dependence on a single country. 5. Government Debt: The central government has achieved its fiscal deficit reduction target ahead of schedule. In fiscal year 2025, it remained at 4.8% of GDP, while the government has set a target of 4.4% for fiscal year 2026. The excess spending by the government over its revenue is called ‘fiscal deficit’. Lower deficit means stronger economy and lower inflation. 6. Foreign Exchange Reserves: Amid signs of global recession, India’s foreign exchange reserves were 668 billion dollars in 2023-2024. This has increased to 701 billion dollars in 2024-2025. The more these reserves are filled, the stronger our rupee will remain against the dollar. 7. Export: Despite uncertainty in global trade, India’s total exports (including both goods and services) reached a record level of 825.3 billion dollars in fiscal year 2025. This momentum continues in fiscal year 2026 as well. In the Economic Survey, the government said – Despite 50% tariff imposed by the US, India’s goods exports increased by 2.4% during April-December 2025. Meanwhile, service exports recorded a growth of 6.5%. India has changed its strategy to reduce dependence on America. The survey revealed that India has finalized a trade deal with the European Union (EU). Additionally, trade agreements have been made with Britain, New Zealand and Oman in the past year. This has provided Indian exporters with new markets. Other important points from the survey… Concern over freebies, 8% of budget being spent just on cash distribution Now learn about the Economic Survey… First Survey was presented in 1950-51 The country’s first Economic Survey was presented in 1951. At that time, it was a part of the central budget. After 1964, it was separated from the budget. Since then, the Economic Survey is presented in Parliament one day before Budget Day.