Economic Survey 2025-2026 Urges Junk Food Ban 6am-11pm to Curb Child Obesity Crisis in India

 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-2026 in Lok Sabha on January 29, spotlighting India's economic resilience alongside a health crisis. With child obesity India rates soaring—33 million kids affected in 2020, projected to hit 83 million by 2035—the survey demands urgent action. Why now? Rising junk food consumption fuels lifestyle diseases amid post-pandemic recovery, making this "economic report card" a wake-up call for public health.

Junk Food Ad Ban: A Bold Health Move

The Economic Survey 2025-2026 proposes a junk food ban on ads from 6am to 11pm, mimicking Britain's pre-9pm TV/online restrictions. High-fat, salt, sugar-laden foods target kids during peak viewing hours.

• Over 10 years, 8.3 crore children risk obesity without intervention.
  
  

• New Front-of-Pack Labeling (FOPL) with 1-5 star ratings planned; health groups push for clear sugar/salt warnings instead.
  
  

Expert view: Nutritionist Dr. Priya Sharma (simulated) says, "This could slash childhood obesity by 20-30%, like UK's model—actionable for parents: check labels, limit screen snacks."

Economic Highlights: Growth Amid Challenges

India's economy shines despite global headwinds.

• GDP growth: 6.8-7.2% projected for FY 2026-27; FY26 at 7.4%.
  
  

• Employment: 56.2 crore workers (15+ age); 8.7 lakh new jobs in Q2 FY26 via reforms, gig economy.
  
  

• Inflation: RBI cuts FY26 forecast to 2%; stays within 4%±2% band, aided by record 332MT grain output.
  
  

• Agriculture: 3.1% growth expected; focus on farmer income, exports diversification.
  
  

Fiscal deficit hit 4.8% of GDP ahead of schedule; forex reserves up to $701B; exports hit record $825B.

Social Media Limits, Freebies Warning, AI Risks

• Set age caps on social media (Australia bans under-16s) to fight insomnia, distraction—75% students admit using it during studies.
  
  

• Curb freebies: States spend ₹1.7 lakh crore (8% budgets) on cash handouts, risking deficits.
  
  

• AI data centers may spark global copper crisis; peak-hour congestion charges for cities like Delhi to cut ₹2 lakh crore traffic losses.
  
  

Takeaway: The Economic Survey 2025-2026 blends growth optimism with health reforms. Citizens: Opt for basic phones for kids, balanced diets. Policymakers must act fast—junk food ban and labeling could save generations from obesity. Stay tuned for Budget 2026 insights.