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September 8th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – September 8th

Table of Contents

BRICS’s Original Purpose

What was the original purpose of BRICS?

BRICS was not originally created as an anti-Western alliance.

Its fundamental objective was to increase the voice and representation of emerging economies in global institutions, particularly institutions governing the international economic and financial system.

The four-country grouping BRIC—Brazil, Russia, India and China—held its first leaders’ summit at Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. South Africa subsequently joined, transforming BRIC into BRICS.

The original objectives were:

  1. Reform global governance
  • Make international institutions more representative and democratic.
  • Give developing and emerging economies greater influence.
  1. Reform international financial institutions
  • Push for greater representation of developing countries in institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
  • Address the imbalance in global economic decision-making.
  1. Promote a multipolar world
  • Encourage a world order where power is not concentrated in a few Western countries.
  • Strengthen multilateralism.
  1. Promote economic cooperation
  • Increase trade, investment and financial cooperation among emerging economies.
  • Support infrastructure and sustainable development.
  1. Represent the interests of the Global South
  • BRICS increasingly became a platform through which developing countries could articulate common concerns.

Why was BRICS needed?

The post-World War II international system was largely shaped by Western powers.

Institutions such as the:

  • IMF
  • World Bank
  • UN Security Council
  • Bretton Woods system

did not adequately reflect the changing economic weight of emerging economies.

For example, countries such as India, China and Brazil gained enormous economic importance, but their institutional representation did not increase proportionately.

Therefore, BRICS sought “voice commensurate with economic weight.”

BRICS: From economic grouping to geopolitical platform

There has been a significant evolution.

Initial BRICS

Economic + institutional reform

⬇️

Later BRICS

Economic cooperation + political coordination

⬇️

Contemporary BRICS

Global South + institutional reform + geopolitical issues + financial cooperation

The grouping has therefore acquired a much broader geopolitical significance.

The 2024 Kazan declaration, for instance, discussed UN reform, reform of Bretton Woods institutions, conflicts, terrorism, development and global economic governance.

Why is India concerned about BRICS today?

The major problem is loss of coherence after expansion.

BRICS has expanded considerably, and the interests of its members are not always aligned. The Hindu analysis argues that India has an opportunity to bring the grouping back towards its original objective rather than allowing it to become primarily an instrument of geopolitical confrontation.

India’s preferred approach

India wants BRICS to remain:

“Non-West” rather than “Anti-West.”

This distinction is extremely important for UPSC.

Non-West

Anti-West

Seeks greater autonomy

Seeks confrontation

Supports multipolarity

Promotes bloc politics

Wants reform of institutions

May seek to replace existing institutions

Compatible with India’s strategic autonomy

Can constrain India’s foreign policy

 

New Development Bank — Important institutional outcome

One of the most important achievements of BRICS is the creation of the New Development Bank (NDB).

It was established in 2014 to mobilise resources for:

  • Infrastructure
  • Sustainable development
  • Development projects in emerging economies

Its creation represents BRICS’ attempt to provide additional sources of development finance beyond traditional Western-led institutions.

UPSC point

NDB ≠ replacement for World Bank

Rather, it represents an effort to diversify and democratise development financing.

Why does this matter for India?

India can use BRICS to pursue several objectives:

Reform of global institutions

India seeks greater representation in institutions such as the UN Security Council, IMF and World Bank.

Voice for Global South

India can position itself as a bridge between developed and developing countries.

Strategic autonomy

BRICS provides India with another platform without requiring it to join an exclusive geopolitical bloc.

Alternative financial mechanisms

NDB and discussions on local-currency payments can reduce excessive dependence on existing financial arrangements.

Multipolarity

A stronger BRICS can contribute to a more distributed global balance of power.

Major challenge: Internal contradictions

BRICS itself contains competing interests.

For example:

  • India–China → border and strategic rivalry
  • India–China–U.S. → different strategic alignments
  • Russia–West → confrontation over Ukraine
  • Different members have different views on de-dollarisation
  • Expansion has increased the diversity of political and economic interests.

Therefore, the key question is:

Can BRICS remain a platform for cooperation despite the strategic differences among its members?

This is precisely where India’s 2026 chairmanship becomes important.

 

Ground Control — On ISRO, Policy and Its Focus

The The editorial “Ground control” examines the changing role of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Indian Space Policy, 2023. The central issue is whether ISRO’s increasing focus on advanced research and exploratory missions, along with greater private-sector participation, could dilute its original developmental mandate.

Why is this in the news?

On September 4, 2026, ISRO successfully launched EOS-05, an Earth-observation satellite, using the GSLV-F17 rocket. The satellite is designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit and provide near-continuous imagery over the Indian subcontinent.

At the same time, ISRO employee organisations have raised concerns about:

  • Future staff strength
  • Recruitment
  • Outsourcing
  • Privatisation
  • The long-term role of ISRO
  • Whether core functions could increasingly move to private companies

Thus, the editorial raises a larger policy question:

As India’s private space sector expands, what should remain the core responsibility of ISRO?

India's Space Policy — The Major Shift

The Indian Space Policy, 2023 represents an important change in India’s space-sector architecture.

Earlier, ISRO played a dominant role in:

Research → Development → Manufacturing → Launch → Satellite operations

The new approach seeks greater participation of Non-Government Entities (NGEs).

New model

ISRO
→ advanced research, technology development and exploratory missions

NSIL
→ commercialisation of space technologies

IN-SPACe
→ regulation, authorisation and promotion of private-sector space activities

Private companies
→ manufacturing, launch services, satellite operations and other space activities

This is intended to create a larger space economy rather than making ISRO responsible for every stage of the space value chain.

Why is Private Sector Participation Important?

India wants to move from a predominantly government-led space programme to a government + private-sector ecosystem.

Private companies can contribute:

  • Capital
  • Innovation
  • Faster commercialisation
  • Manufacturing capacity
  • New launch systems
  • Satellite services
  • Space-based communication
  • Earth-observation applications

The basic idea

ISRO develops technology

⬇️

Industry commercialises mature technology

⬇️

Private investment expands production

⬇️

Space economy grows

This allows ISRO to concentrate on high-risk, high-technology and exploratory missions.

What is IN-SPACe?

IN-SPACe = Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre

It was established as an autonomous, single-window agency for promoting and authorising private-sector space activities.

Its major functions include:

  • Authorising private space activities
  • Facilitating access to ISRO facilities
  • Promoting private-sector participation
  • Ensuring a level playing field
  • Supporting the development of the space ecosystem

UPSC distinction

Institution

Main role

ISRO

R&D, advanced technology and missions

IN-SPACe

Promotion + authorisation + regulation of space activities

NSIL

Commercialisation of space technologies/services

This distinction is very important for Prelims.

What is the concern of ISRO employees?

The concern is not simply about private participation.

The deeper concern is:

Could excessive outsourcing or commercialisation weaken ISRO’s institutional capacity?

ISRO has historically been more than a space agency. It has contributed directly to India’s development through:

  • Communication satellites
  • Weather forecasting
  • Disaster management
  • Remote sensing
  • Agriculture
  • Navigation
  • Resource mapping
  • Telemedicine and education

Therefore, the editorial stresses that space technology should continue to serve developmental objectives, rather than becoming focused only on prestige missions or commercial returns.

Developmental role of ISRO

Space technology → Development

Remote sensing

→ agriculture & natural-resource management

Weather satellites

→ cyclone prediction & disaster management

Communication satellites

→ telecommunications & connectivity

Navigation systems

→ transport, logistics & strategic applications

Earth observation

→ environmental monitoring & urban planning

Thus, India’s space programme has traditionally followed the principle:

Space technology as a tool for national development.

EOS-05 — Why is it important?

EOS-05 is an Earth-observation satellite designed for operation from geosynchronous orbit, approximately 36,000 km above Earth.

Its applications include:

  • Disaster management
  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Environmental monitoring
  • National security
  • Earth-resource observation

Geosynchronous orbit

A satellite in a geosynchronous orbit has an orbital period approximately equal to Earth’s rotation period.

If its orbit is circular and directly above the equator, it can be geostationary and appear fixed over one point on Earth.

Remember:

Geostationary orbit ⊂ Geosynchronous orbit

Not every geosynchronous satellite is geostationary.

ISRO’s changing focus

The policy encourages ISRO to move away from routine manufacturing and mature technologies and focus increasingly on:

  • Advanced R&D
  • Deep-space missions
  • Human spaceflight
  • New propulsion technologies
  • Advanced satellite systems
  • Exploratory missions
  • Frontier space technologies

Meanwhile, mature technologies can be transferred to industry for commercial exploitation.

The logic

ISRO’s resources are limited

↓

Why should ISRO manufacture mature technologies that private companies can produce?

↓

Transfer mature technologies to industry

↓

Free ISRO resources for frontier research

This can improve India’s technological capabilities if institutional capacity is protected.

Indian Space Policy 2023 — Key Features

The policy seeks to:

① Increase private participation

Non-Government Entities can undertake activities across the space value chain.

② Promote commercialisation

Mature technologies developed by ISRO can be commercialised.

③ Expand India’s space economy

India wants to become a major player in the global space market.

④ Encourage innovation

Start-ups and private firms can develop new technologies and services.

⑤ Strengthen international cooperation

Space technology can become an important instrument of India’s technological diplomacy.

⑥ Separate roles

Research, commercialisation and regulation are increasingly separated institutionally.

FDI and Space Sector

The policy environment has also been accompanied by liberalisation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the space sector.

The objective is to attract:

  • Global capital
  • Advanced technology
  • International partnerships
  • Manufacturing investment

This can help integrate India into the global space value chain.

However, excessive dependence on foreign technology can create strategic vulnerabilities.

Therefore:

FDI + domestic capability + technology transfer = better outcome

rather than simply relying on foreign capital.

Key Debate: Commercialisation vs Development

Argument in favour of commercialisation

Private participation can:

  • Reduce government burden
  • Increase efficiency
  • Mobilise capital
  • Create jobs
  • Encourage innovation
  • Increase India’s share of the global space economy

Concerns

Excessive commercialisation may:

  • Shift attention away from developmental objectives
  • Reduce institutional expertise within ISRO
  • Increase dependence on private players
  • Create conflicts between commercial and strategic priorities
  • Affect long-term basic research

Balanced approach

India needs:

Strong ISRO + strong private sector

—not—

ISRO versus private sector

Why this matters for India’s strategic interests

Space is increasingly becoming a strategic domain.

It is important for:

  • Communication
  • Navigation
  • Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
  • Missile warning
  • Disaster management
  • Border surveillance
  • Military communications
  • Cyber and space situational awareness

Therefore, India cannot completely outsource critical strategic capabilities.

The state must retain adequate control over strategic technologies and national-security-related space infrastructure.

Meta

What is the news?

Meta Platforms owns major digital platforms such as:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • WhatsApp
  • Messenger
  • Threads

Its enormous user base gives it significant influence over information flows, advertising, political communication and social interaction.

The recent controversy is particularly significant because governments are increasingly questioning whether social-media platforms are doing enough to protect children and adolescents from harmful online experiences.

The central issue: Child safety on social media

Social-media platforms use algorithms to recommend content based on users’ behaviour.

This can create a cycle:

User engagement

↓

Algorithmic recommendation

↓

More personalised content

↓

Longer screen time

↓

Greater engagement

The concern is that this business model can encourage compulsive or excessive use, particularly among young users.

Recent regulatory actions involving Meta have focused on issues such as children’s privacy and potentially harmful or addictive platform design.

Why are children particularly vulnerable?

Children may have:

  • Lower ability to assess online risks
  • Greater susceptibility to peer pressure
  • Greater exposure to cyberbullying
  • Difficulty distinguishing genuine information from misinformation
  • Greater vulnerability to targeted advertising
  • Greater risk of excessive screen use

There are also concerns relating to:

Data collection → profiling → personalised recommendations → commercial exploitation

Therefore, children’s data protection becomes an important aspect of digital rights.

Algorithmic design

Social-media platforms do not simply display content chronologically.

Algorithms determine what users are likely to see based on factors such as:

  • Previous interactions
  • Watch time
  • Likes
  • Searches
  • Shares
  • User interests

This creates a major governance question:

Should technology companies be allowed to design algorithms solely according to commercial objectives when those algorithms can influence public behaviour?

This brings the issue into the domain of algorithmic accountability.

Meta and the debate over platform responsibility

There are two competing approaches.

Meta’s perspective

Technology companies generally argue that they:

  • Provide platforms rather than create all the content.
  • Have community standards.
  • Remove prohibited content.
  • Introduce parental controls and safety features.
  • Use automated systems and human moderators.

Regulatory perspective

Governments argue that platforms should do more because they:

  • Design the algorithms.
  • Control recommendation systems.
  • Collect and process enormous amounts of user data.
  • Have the technological capacity to detect harmful content.

Thus, the debate is shifting from:

“Who created the content?”

to

“Who designed the system that amplified the content?”

Indian context

India has a huge social-media user base, making regulation of platforms such as Meta particularly important.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provide the broad regulatory framework for intermediaries.

The government has increasingly emphasised:

  • User safety
  • Grievance redressal
  • Removal of unlawful content
  • Accountability of large platforms
  • Protection of children online

Intermediary vs Publisher

Traditional publisher

A publisher exercises editorial control over content.

Therefore, it can generally be held responsible for what it publishes.

Intermediary

An intermediary primarily facilitates communication between users.

Social-media platforms have traditionally sought protection under the intermediary framework, subject to compliance with applicable law.

The emerging problem

Platforms today do much more than simply host content.

They:

rank → recommend → amplify → personalise

Hence, the distinction between passive intermediary and active platform is increasingly debated.

Privacy concerns

Meta’s business model has historically relied heavily on digital advertising and user data.

This raises questions regarding:

  • Consent
  • Data minimisation
  • Purpose limitation
  • Profiling
  • Cross-platform tracking
  • Children’s data
  • Targeted advertising

For India, this links directly with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

UPSC connection

Fundamental Right to Privacy

→ Puttaswamy judgment

→ Data protection

→ Digital Personal Data Protection Act

→ Accountability of Big Tech

What should regulation achieve?

The objective should not simply be to censor social media.

A balanced regulatory framework should protect:

  1. Privacy

Especially children’s personal data.

  1. Freedom of speech

Legitimate expression should not be unnecessarily restricted.

  1. Safety

Users should be protected from harmful content and exploitation.

  1. Transparency

Platforms should explain important aspects of their recommendation systems.

  1. Accountability

Platforms should be answerable when systemic design choices create serious harms.

Global significance

The Meta issue reflects a wider global trend.

Governments are increasingly questioning the power of Big Tech.

Major concerns include:

  • Data privacy
  • Competition
  • Algorithmic bias
  • Online harms
  • Child protection
  • Disinformation
  • AI-generated content
  • Political manipulation

Therefore, the issue is no longer simply about social media.

It is about:

How democratic societies should govern powerful private digital platforms.

India’s challenge

India needs to balance three objectives:

Innovation

Do not create excessive regulation that discourages technology companies.

Individual rights

Protect privacy, dignity, freedom of expression and children’s rights.

Public interest

Prevent online harms and ensure platform accountability.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)ht

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in-principle administrative approval to defence acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Importantly, around 98% of the procurement is expected to come from Indian industry, giving a major push to Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

What has happened?

At its meeting on 7 September 2026, the DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved proposals worth approximately ₹1.10 lakh crore. These cover different requirements of all three armed forces.

The important point is that this is not the final purchase order.

The DAC has granted AoN — Acceptance of Necessity, which is essentially the in-principle administrative approval to proceed with the acquisition process.

Process in simple terms

Military requirement

↓

Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by DAC

↓

Tender / procurement process

↓

Evaluation of bids

↓

Contract

↓

Production / delivery

So, AoN ≠ actual purchase.

What is the Defence Acquisition Council?

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body in the Ministry of Defence for capital procurement for the armed forces.

It is headed by the:

Union Defence Minister

The DAC was created in 2001, following recommendations made after the Kargil War to improve defence procurement and decision-making.

Major functions

The DAC:

  • Gives approval for major capital acquisitions.
  • Examines the necessity of proposed defence equipment.
  • Determines the broad procurement route.
  • Helps align acquisitions with defence preparedness.
  • Promotes indigenous defence production.

What is being acquired?

The proposals cover all three services.

Indian Army

The approved proposals include:

  • CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles
  • High Mobility Vehicles
  • Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers
  • Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)
  • Trawl Tanks
  • Sarvatra Bridge System

These are intended to improve mobility, logistics, battlefield support and operational preparedness.

Indian Navy

Important proposals include:

  • Arudhra Radars
  • Indigenous development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs)

The MGT project is particularly significant because it aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for warship propulsion systems.

Indian Air Force

The proposals include systems to improve the capabilities of:

  • Fighter aircraft
  • Transport aircraft
  • Helicopters
  • Electronic warfare

It also includes Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ) and the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system.

Why is 98% Indian sourcing important?

Approximately 98% of the approved procurement is expected to be sourced from Indian industry.

This supports:

Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

The objective is to move from:

Import dependence

⬇️

Domestic production

⬇️

Indigenous R&D

⬇️

Technology development

⬇️

Defence exports

This strengthens India’s strategic autonomy.

Why does defence indigenisation matter?

India’s security environment requires reliable access to military equipment.

Heavy dependence on imports can create vulnerabilities because:

  • Supply may be disrupted during conflicts.
  • Foreign exchange is required.
  • Spare parts may depend on foreign suppliers.
  • Upgrades may require foreign technology.
  • Geopolitical changes can affect defence relationships.

Therefore:

Defence indigenisation is not merely an economic objective; it is a national-security objective.

Marine Gas Turbines — Why important?

A particularly significant aspect of the latest DAC decision is the indigenous development of Marine Gas Turbines.

Marine gas turbines are used for propulsion of naval vessels.

India has historically faced challenges in developing high-performance marine propulsion systems domestically.

Therefore:

Indigenous MGT

→ reduced dependence on foreign vendors

→ greater technological capability

→ easier maintenance and upgrades

→ enhanced strategic autonomy.

This is a good example of critical technology localisation.

Arudhra Radar

The Navy will acquire Arudhra Radars to replace existing air-route surveillance radars at various naval air stations.

Why are radars important?

Radar helps in:

  • Detecting aircraft
  • Tracking aerial targets
  • Maintaining situational awareness
  • Supporting air-defence operations

CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles

CBRN = Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear

These specialised vehicles can:

  • Detect hazardous agents
  • Identify contamination
  • Monitor affected areas
  • Mark contaminated zones

This is important because modern military forces must be prepared not only for conventional warfare but also for CBRN threats.

Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer

The GBMPJ is related to electronic warfare.

Its purpose is to provide effective jamming against adversary radars.

What is electronic warfare?

It involves the use of electromagnetic spectrum to:

  • Detect adversary systems
  • Disrupt communications
  • Jam radars
  • Protect one’s own electronic systems
  • Gain information superiority

Modern warfare is therefore increasingly:

Land + Sea + Air + Cyber + Space + Electromagnetic Spectrum

Defence Forces Secure Access Card — DEFSAC

The DAC has also approved the DEFSAC system.

It will replace paper-based:

  • Identity cards
  • Passes
  • Permits

with an interoperable RFID-based smart-card system.

This can improve:

  • Security
  • Authentication
  • Access control
  • Interoperability
  • Digitisation of defence establishments

Advanced Light Helicopters

ALH is an important indigenous helicopter platform developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The DAC’s approval includes procurement of ALHs for the armed forces.

Helicopters are particularly important for India’s:

  • Mountain warfare
  • Logistics
  • Troop movement
  • Search and rescue
  • Medical evacuation
  • High-altitude operations

This is especially significant for India’s challenging terrain along its northern borders.

Link with Make in India

The decision reflects India’s broader defence-manufacturing strategy.

Earlier model

Import → operate → maintain

Desired model

Design → develop → manufacture → operate → upgrade → export

This creates a complete domestic defence-industrial ecosystem.

It can benefit:

    • DPSUs
    • Private defence companies
    • MSMEs
    • Start-ups
    • Defence R&D institutions
    • Skilled employment

Challenges in defence indigenisation

However, simply increasing domestic procurement does not automatically mean complete self-reliance.

Major challenges:

  1. Critical technology gaps

India still depends on foreign technology in certain areas, particularly engines and some advanced systems.

  1. R&D requirements

Indigenisation requires sustained investment in research.

  1. Production capacity

Developing a prototype is different from producing thousands of systems at scale.

  1. Quality and timelines

Domestic systems must meet stringent military standards and delivery schedules.

  1. Import substitution vs genuine innovation

Merely assembling imported components in India should not be confused with genuine technological self-reliance.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

Why in News?

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has intensified action against food companies using “100%” claims on products when the actual composition does not justify such an absolute claim. The issue highlights the difference between food-safety regulation and consumer-protection regulation, particularly regarding misleading advertisements and product presentation.

What is the controversy?

The CCPA has acted against companies using claims such as “100%” on food products where the product is not actually composed entirely of the ingredient suggested by the claim.

For example, the CCPA’s action has included cases involving products marketed with “100%” claims, while their actual composition included other ingredients. The authority’s concern is that the prominent claim on the front of a package can create a false impression in the consumer’s mind, even if the detailed ingredient list contains the relevant information.

Key principle

A technically accurate fine-print disclosure does not necessarily make a prominent misleading claim acceptable.

This is an important consumer-protection principle.

What is the CCPA?

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is India’s central regulatory authority for protecting consumer rights as a class.

It was established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and came into force on 24 July 2020.

Its broad mandate is to:

  • Protect and enforce consumer rights.
  • Prevent unfair trade practices.
  • Prevent false or misleading advertisements.
  • Protect consumers from exploitative commercial practices.
  • Take action where consumer interests are affected on a collective scale.

Why is the CCPA different from a Consumer Commission?

CCPA

It is a regulatory authority that can take action to protect consumers as a class.

Consumer Commissions

The District, State and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions are primarily quasi-judicial bodies that adjudicate consumer disputes.

Simple distinction

CCPA → regulates + investigates + enforces

Consumer Commissions → adjudicate consumer disputes

The CCPA itself states that individual consumer complaints should be registered through the National Consumer Helpline, while the CCPA deals with consumer issues at the class level.

Powers of the CCPA

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA has significant powers.

  1. Investigation

It can conduct investigations into:

  • Violation of consumer rights
  • Unfair trade practices
  • False or misleading advertisements

It has an investigation wing headed by a Director-General.

  1. Misleading advertisements

Under Section 21, the CCPA can:

  • Direct an advertiser to discontinue or modify a misleading advertisement.
  • Impose penalties.
  • Take action against manufacturers, endorsers and publishers in appropriate cases.
  1. Product recall

It can order recall of dangerous, hazardous or unsafe goods and direct refunds to consumers.

  1. Directions against unfair trade practices

It can direct businesses to stop practices that violate consumer rights.

What does “100%” mean in advertising?

The central issue is consumer perception.

Suppose a package prominently says:

“100% Whole Wheat”

but the product contains substantial quantities of refined flour or other ingredients.

Even if the detailed ingredient list is technically available, the prominent front-of-pack representation may cause an ordinary consumer to believe that the product is entirely or predominantly made from whole wheat.

Therefore, the CCPA can examine:

Words + images + packaging + advertising + overall impression

rather than looking only at the fine-print ingredient list.

Important recent example — McVitie’s Wholewheat Marie

The CCPA penalised Pladis India Pvt. Ltd. over the presentation of its McVitie’s Wholewheat Marie biscuits.

The product contained about 19.5% wholewheat flour, while refined flour accounted for about 52%. The CCPA found that the prominent “Wholewheat” presentation and wheat imagery could mislead consumers about the product’s composition.

CCPA vs FSSAI

This is one of the most important aspects of this current affair.

Both authorities may deal with food-related issues, but their functions are different.

CCPA

FSSAI

Consumer protection

Food safety and standards

Consumer rights

Food regulation

Misleading advertisements

Food safety

Unfair trade practices

Food standards

Misleading product claims

Labelling and composition requirements

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) deals primarily with food safety, standards and labelling requirements, while the CCPA focuses on whether representations mislead consumers or constitute unfair trade practices.

Therefore:

FSSAI → Is the food safe and compliant?

CCPA → Is the consumer being deceived or unfairly treated?

There can be overlap, but their legal mandates are distinct.

Why is this important for the Indian economy?

Consumer protection is not merely a welfare issue.

It is essential for a well-functioning market economy.

Without reliable information:

Consumer → cannot accurately compare products

↓

Unethical firms → gain an advantage

↓

Honest firms → face competitive disadvantage

↓

Market efficiency → declines

Therefore:

Truthful information is essential for efficient markets.

Strong consumer protection creates incentives for companies to compete on:

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Innovation
  • Genuine product differentiation

rather than misleading marketing.

Consumer rights involved

The Consumer Protection Act recognises important consumer rights, including:

Right to Safety

Protection against hazardous goods and services.

Right to Information

Consumers should receive information about:

  • Quality
  • Quantity
  • Purity
  • Standard
  • Price

Right to Choose

Consumers should have access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.

Right to be Heard

Consumer interests should receive due consideration.

Right to Seek Redressal

Consumers can seek remedies against exploitation.

Right to Consumer Awareness

Consumers should be educated about their rights.

CCPA's expanding role in the digital economy

The importance of the CCPA has increased with:

  • E-commerce
  • Online advertising
  • Influencer marketing
  • Quick-commerce platforms
  • Online coaching
  • Digital services
  • Dark patterns
  • Fake reviews

Recent CCPA orders show that its enforcement is extending beyond conventional advertising into e-commerce, education, healthcare, restaurants, mobility, digital platforms and product safety.

For example, the CCPA has recently acted against:

  • Flipkart over sale/listing of non-BIS-compliant toys.
  • Dial4Trade for facilitating online listing of ammonium nitrate without required safeguards.

This shows the transition from traditional consumer protection to digital-era consumer regulation.

 

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