India's Economic Survey Projects Growth, Addresses UPF and Digital Addiction

The Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in the India===Lok Sabha, projects India's GDP growth at 6.8-7.2% for the next fiscal year, citing the cumulative impact of reforms and stable macroeconomic conditions. This positive outlook contributed to a rally in benchmark stock indices like the BSE SENSEX and NIFTY 50. The survey also raised significant concerns about public health, specifically the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and rising digital addiction among youth and adults in India. It suggested policy interventions such as banning UPF advertisements from 6 AM to 11 PM, implementing front-of-pack nutrition labeling with warnings, and restricting marketing to children. For digital addiction, the survey recommended age-based access limits, platform responsibility for age verification, and a Digital Wellness Curriculum in schools. It cited examples from Chile, Norway, and the United Kingdom regarding food advertising regulations. The report noted that India is one of the fastest-growing markets for UPF sales, which has contributed to a doubling of obesity rates in men and women between 2009 and 2023. The survey also mentioned ongoing trade agreement negotiations with the United States as a factor that could reduce external uncertainty.