Govt Restricts FDCs with Chlorpheniramine & Phenylephrine for Children Below 4 Years under Section 26A

India's Food Safety Rulebook Under Scrutiny: 5.18 Lakh Samples Tested, 88,192 Penalties (2022-25)

The article examines gaps in India's food safety enforcement despite the comprehensive Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Key issues include licensing, inspections, testing, traceability, and the rise of quick-commerce. Over 5.18 lakh samples were tested between 2022-25, with 88,192 penalties but only 3,614 convictions, highlighting enforcement weaknesses.

Gender Disparity in Organ Transplantation: 63.8% Women Donors, 69.8% Male Recipients (2019-2023)

A glaring gender bias in India's organ transplant system reveals that between 2019 and 2023, 63.8% of living organ donors were women, yet 69.8% of transplant recipients were men. This exposes deep-rooted patriarchal norms where women are expected to sacrifice for family while men are prioritised to receive life-saving organs.

SC Applies Section 498A to Live-in Relationships; NOTTO Launches Real-Time Organ Transplant Portal with Aadhaar Pledges

The Indian Express UPSC Key for August 4, 2026, covers multiple crucial topics: the Supreme Court's ruling extending Section 498A cruelty protection to live-in relationships, the launch of a real-time organ transplant portal by NOTTO, the Vikram Sarabhai Medal awarded to Annapurni Subramaniam, India's resilient fertiliser supply amid the Iran war, the science behind Europe's wildfires, and the Ceuta migrant crisis. These topics span Polity, Health, Science, Environment, and International Relations, offering direct material for UPSC Prelims and Mains.

FSSAI Names USL, Inbrew for Adding Flavours Violating Alcoholic Beverages Regulations 2018

FSSAI has issued notices to major liquor manufacturers like United Spirits and Inbrew for adding flavours that mimic the natural profile of alcoholic beverages, violating the 2018 regulations. This crackdown highlights the regulator's strict stance on food safety and labelling norms, crucial for exams on consumer protection and regulatory bodies.

FSSAI Proposes Ban on Analogue Paneer, Bans Use of 'Paneer' in Labelling

FSSAI has proposed a draft amendment to prohibit the sale of paneer made from non-milk constituents (analogue paneer) and require existing analogues to drop the word 'paneer' from their labelling. This aims to prevent consumer deception, especially at restaurants, and protect the nutritional expectations of vegetarians who rely on paneer as a protein source.

India's Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate Drops to 55.8% in NFHS-6, Reversing NFHS-5 Gains

India's exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under six months has declined to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24), reversing the gains from NFHS-5 (63.7%). The decline varies by state, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh seeing the steepest drops. The article explores potential causes: reduced postnatal support, rising C-section rates (27.2%), and women's return to work. This is a key data point for UPSC prelims and a case study for mains on maternal and child health policy.

SIT Seizes ₹4.91 Crore Counterfeit Medicines in Bengaluru Raid, Arrests Owner

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of police and drug inspectors raided a private facility in Bengaluru and seized counterfeit medicines worth ₹4.91 crore, including cancer drugs and ICU injections. The network supplied to over 90 hospitals using rebranded and expired medicines. The owner has been arrested and a manhunt is on for the kingpin.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Annual CKD Screening, Free eGFR Test with Serum Creatinine

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has proposed that every serum creatinine test automatically include an eGFR report at no extra cost to boost early CKD detection. The report flags a 13.24% CKD prevalence in India, urges annual screening for high-risk groups, and calls for home-based peritoneal dialysis expansion in rural areas.