Current Affairs for 10 July 2026

Cancer in India: WHO Report Reveals 1 in 10 Indians at Risk before Age 75

Why in News ?

• According to the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 and GLOBOCAN 2022, cancer is emerging as one of India's biggest public health challenges.
• Nearly 1 in every 10 Indians is likely to develop cancer before the age of 75 years, while about 7 in every 100 Indians face the risk of dying from cancer before reaching that age.
• Experts estimate that India's annual cancer cases could rise to 2.8 million by 2050.

Key Highlights

Why Are Cancer Cases Rising in India ?

The increase in cancer cases is driven by multiple demographic, lifestyle and environmental factors.

1. Ageing Population

• Life expectancy has increased significantly.
• Since cancer is primarily an age-related disease, more elderly people mean more cancer cases.

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Rising obesity
• Unhealthy diets
• Physical inactivity
• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Stressful urban lifestyles

3. Tobacco Consumption

• Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
• Smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini and betel quid have made India one of the countries with the highest burden of oral cancer.

4. Air Pollution

• Long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of lung and several other cancers.

5. Improved Diagnosis

• Better screening and diagnostic facilities have increased cancer detection.
• However, improved diagnosis alone does not explain the rapid rise in cases.

Major Types of Cancer in India

• According to GLOBOCAN 2022:

Among Women

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer.
• Cervical cancer remains the second most common despite being largely preventable.

Among Men

• Lip and oral cavity cancer is the leading cancer due to widespread tobacco consumption.

Emerging Concern

• Colorectal cancer is increasing because of ageing, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

Major Risk Factors

• Tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Air pollution
• Ageing population
• Family history
• Viral infections such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B

Importance of Prevention

Health experts believe that a significant proportion of cancers can either be prevented or detected early.

Key Preventive Measures

• Strong tobacco control
• HPV vaccination
• Routine screening for breast, cervical and oral cancers
• Healthy diet
• Regular physical activity
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Awareness of early warning signs
• Timely diagnosis

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

• Many cancer patients in India reach hospitals only after the disease has advanced.
• Late diagnosis results in :
  • Lower survival rates
  • Higher treatment costs
  • More complicated treatment
  • Poor quality of life

Challenges Before India's Healthcare System

• According to the WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 :
  • Around 45% of cancer patients face financial hardship.
  • More than half experience mental health challenges.
  • Caregivers suffer emotional, social and financial stress.
  • Many families experience catastrophic healthcare expenditure.
  • Large disparities exist in access to cancer care between urban and rural areas.
  • Access to essential cancer medicines remains unequal.

Government of India Initiatives

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)
• Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for screening and early detection
• National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)
• Expansion of HPV vaccination
• Strengthening Regional Cancer Centres and tertiary care hospitals

What is Cancer? (According to WHO)

• Cancer is a large group of diseases that can begin in almost any organ or tissue of the body.
• It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide.
• Globally, one in every six deaths is caused by cancer.

Need for Cancer Awareness

• Cancer is a disease that is often curable if detected at an early stage.
• In many cases, people are unaware of the early warning signs and symptoms of cancer.
• As a result, the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult and reducing the chances of survival.

Major Symptoms of Cancer

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent or unusual pain
• Continuous cough
• Unexplained bleeding or blood discharge
• Formation of a lump or swelling
• Other persistent abnormal symptoms

Cancer Treatment

• The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer.
• In many cases, a combination of treatment methods is used, including :
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Hormone Therapy
  • Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant (where required)

Way Forward

• Strengthen nationwide cancer screening programmes.
• Expand HPV vaccination coverage.
• Intensify tobacco control measures.
• Improve awareness regarding lifestyle modification.
• Ensure affordable access to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Reduce rural-urban disparities in healthcare.
• Promote people-centred cancer care with psychological, financial and social support.
• Increase investment in oncology infrastructure, research and skilled manpower.

Conclusion

Cancer is rapidly becoming one of India's most serious public health challenges. With annual cancer cases projected to reach 2.8 million by 2050, India must shift its focus from treatment alone to prevention, early detection and equitable healthcare access. Strengthening screening programmes, reducing tobacco use, expanding vaccination, and improving healthcare infrastructure will be essential to reducing the country's future cancer burden.

Proposed Amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA): The Debate over Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Foodgrain Entitlements.

Why in News ?

• The Union Government has proposed an amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, changing the method of foodgrain distribution under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). 
• At present, every AAY household receives 35 kg of foodgrains per month, irrespective of the number of family members. 
• Under the proposed amendment, each eligible person in an AAY household will receive 7 kg of foodgrains per month, subject to a maximum limit of 35 kg per household.
• The Centre argues that the change will make foodgrain distribution more equitable by adopting a per capita approach. 
• However, States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala have strongly opposed the proposal, claiming that it will reduce foodgrain allocations for poor households with smaller family sizes, particularly in southern India.

What is the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 ?

• The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 aims to ensure food and nutritional security by providing subsidised foodgrains to a large section of India's population through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
• Key Features of the NFSA
  • Covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.
  • Provides food security to nearly two-thirds of India's population.
  • Beneficiaries are divided into two categories:
    • Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) – the poorest of the poor.
    • Priority Households (PHH).
  • Current monthly entitlement:
    • AAY households: 35 kg of foodgrains per household.
    • PHH beneficiaries: 5 kg per person.
  • Foodgrains are supplied at highly subsidised rates:
    • Rice – ₹3/kg
    • Wheat – ₹2/kg
    • Coarse grains – ₹1/kg
  • The eldest woman (18 years or above) in the household is recognised as the head of the family for issuing ration cards.
  • Provides nutritional support to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
  • Guarantees maternity benefits of at least ₹6,000.
  • Ensures age-appropriate meals through Anganwadis and Mid-Day Meal schemes.
  • Mandates State Food Commissions, District Grievance Redressal Officers (DGROs), and Vigilance Committees for accountability.
  • Promotes transparency by requiring public disclosure of beneficiary lists and PDS records.

What is the Proposed Amendment ?

• The proposed amendment relates to Section 3(1) of the NFSA, which deals with subsidised foodgrain entitlements for Antyodaya Anna Yojana households.

Current System

• Every AAY household receives 35 kg of foodgrains per month, irrespective of household size.

Proposed System

• Each eligible individual in an AAY household will receive 7 kg of foodgrains per month, subject to a maximum limit of 35 kg per household.

This means :-

• A two-member household will receive 14 kg.
• A three-member household will receive 21 kg.
• A four-member household will receive 28 kg.
• Households with five or more members will continue to receive 35 kg.

The Government has invited public comments on the draft amendment before finalising the proposal.

Why Has the Centre Proposed This Change ?

• According to the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the existing household-based entitlement creates significant inequities among AAY beneficiaries.

For example :

• A two-member family receiving 35 kg gets 17.5 kg per person.
• A seven-member family receiving the same 35 kg gets only 5 kg per person.

As a result, smaller households receive a much higher per capita entitlement than larger households.

Objectives of the Amendment

The Government states that the amendment aims to :

• Ensure equitable per capita distribution.
• Eliminate intra-category disparities among AAY households.
• Rationalise foodgrain allocation.
• Align foodgrain entitlements more closely with nutritional requirements.

However, the proposal does not address the issue of ineligible beneficiaries continuing to receive benefits under the NFSA.

Why Are Tamil Nadu and Kerala Opposing the Amendment?

Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala argue that the proposed amendment would adversely affect poor households with fewer than five members.

1. Reduction in Foodgrain Allocation

• Most AAY households in these States consist of nuclear families with fewer than five members.
• Under the proposed formula A four-member family would receive only 28 kg instead of 35 kg. A three-member family would receive 21 kg. A two-member family would receive just 14 kg. As a result, many poor households would lose a significant portion of their monthly foodgrain entitlement.

2. Increased Financial Burden

• Tamil Nadu estimates that its monthly AAY foodgrain allocation could decline from approximately 65,261 tonnes to 42,040 tonnes.
• Out of the State's 18.64 lakh AAY households, around 15.75 lakh households have fewer than five members.
• Consequently, many beneficiaries may be forced to purchase additional rice from the open market, increasing their household expenditure.

3. Fear of Regional Disparities

• Civil society organisations, including the Right to Food Campaign, argue that northern States generally have larger family sizes.
• As a result Households in northern States are more likely to continue receiving the maximum entitlement of 35 kg.
• Southern States, where nuclear families are more common, could experience significant reductions in foodgrain allocations. Critics therefore fear that the amendment may create a North–South imbalance in foodgrain distribution.

Historical Context: Politics of Food Security

Tamil Nadu

• Food security has played a central role in Tamil Nadu's politics for decades.
• Rice shortages significantly influenced political developments in 1952 and 1967. Since 2011, Tamil Nadu has implemented a universal free rice distribution scheme through the Public Distribution System.
• During the enactment of the NFSA, Tamil Nadu successfully negotiated a legal safeguard ensuring that its existing foodgrain allocation would not be reduced.

Kerala

• Kerala has one of India's oldest Public Distribution Systems (PDS), with organised food distribution dating back to 1962, even before the establishment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
• The State had also opposed the implementation of the NFSA in 2013, fearing that many poor households would lose benefits and that the State would face an additional financial burden.
  

Major Issues Involved

1. Equity vs. Social Protection

• While the amendment promotes per capita fairness, it may weaken the social protection currently enjoyed by vulnerable small households.

2. Federal Concerns

• States argue that a uniform national formula ignores regional demographic differences and household structures.

3. Food and Nutritional Security

• Reduced foodgrain allocations may negatively affect the nutritional security of the poorest households, forcing them to spend more on food purchases.

4. Fiscal Implications

• The proposal could reduce the Union Government's food subsidy expenditure but may shift the financial burden onto poor beneficiaries.

Way Forward

• Given the far-reaching implications of the amendment, experts recommend extensive consultations with State Governments, food policy experts, and civil society organisations before implementing the proposed changes.
• Some policy experts have suggested a balanced alternative—providing 30 kg of foodgrains per household, irrespective of family size. Such an approach could reduce the Government's subsidy burden while ensuring a minimum level of food security for all AAY families.
• At the same time, efforts should be made to identify and remove ineligible beneficiaries, regularly update beneficiary databases, and design a flexible system that accommodates regional demographic variations.

Conclusion

• The proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act seeks to make foodgrain distribution under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana more equitable by adopting a per capita entitlement system.
• While the proposal addresses disparities faced by larger households, it could significantly reduce foodgrain allocations for smaller and economically vulnerable families, particularly in southern States. 
• A balanced policy should therefore reconcile equity, nutritional security, fiscal sustainability, and cooperative federalism to ensure that India's poorest households continue to receive adequate food support without being disadvantaged by regional demographic differences.
  

India vs WTO E-Commerce Agreement: What is the Entire Dispute ?

Why in News ?

• India has recently raised objections at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over an interim arrangement being used to implement the proposed Electronic Commerce Agreement (ECA). 
• India argues that a plurilateral agreement supported by only 66 WTO members cannot become part of the WTO's official rulebook without the consensus of all WTO members.

What is the Electronic Commerce Agreement (ECA) ?

• The Electronic Commerce Agreement (ECA) is a proposed WTO agreement relating to digital trade (e-commerce).
• Its objective is to establish common global rules for electronic commerce.
• So far, 66 WTO member countries have participated in negotiations.
• India is not a participant in the agreement.

Why has India Objected ?

• India maintains that any new plurilateral agreement can become part of the WTO framework only with the consensus of all WTO members.
• The proposal to include the ECA under Annex-4 of the WTO Agreements was discussed during the General Council meetings in February and December 2025.
• Since consensus could not be reached, the proposal was not approved.
• Despite this, the 66 participating countries announced an interim arrangement in March 2026 to operationalise the agreement.
• India has questioned the legality and procedural validity of this move.

Key Questions Raised by India

• India has sought clarification from the WTO on the following issues :
  • Under which legal provision can the interim arrangement operate without consensus?
  • On what legal basis has the WTO Director-General (DG) been designated as the Depositary of the agreement?
  • Were all WTO members formally informed before assigning this role to the Director-General?
  • Can such an arrangement be considered valid without the approval of the entire WTO membership?

India's Demands

• The participating countries should provide written replies to India's questions.
• These responses should be circulated as official WTO documents.
• The issue should be placed on the agenda of the next WTO General Council meeting for discussion by all members.

What is Annex-4 ?

• Annex-4 contains Plurilateral Agreements that apply only to the countries that sign them.
• However, adding any new agreement to Annex-4 requires the consensus of all WTO members.

Significance of the Dispute

• The dispute reflects growing differences within the WTO over consensus-based decision-making and plurilateral agreements.
• Developed countries favour issue-based agreements among willing members to accelerate negotiations.
• India believes such an approach could weaken the WTO's inclusive and consensus-based multilateral system.
• The outcome of this dispute could shape the future framework for global digital trade governance.

What could happen next ?

• India's legal and procedural concerns are likely to be discussed at the upcoming WTO General Council meeting.
• The 66 participating members may submit written responses to India's queries.
• If consensus is not achieved, the ECA may face further delays in becoming part of the WTO's official framework under Annex-4.
• Participating countries may continue implementing the agreement through the interim arrangement, while India and other dissenting members may continue to oppose it.
• Fresh negotiations involving all WTO members may take place to develop a more inclusive and consensus-based e-commerce agreement.
• The dispute is expected to intensify the debate over Multilateral vs Plurilateral Agreements within the WTO.
• India is likely to continue advocating for balanced global digital trade rules that protect data sovereignty, policy space, and the interests of developing countries.

Conclusion

India's objection to the WTO's proposed E-Commerce Agreement is not merely a trade dispute but a significant issue concerning the decision-making process of the WTO and the future of the multilateral trading system. India believes that global trade rules should be framed through consensus among all WTO members, ensuring equal representation and protection of every country's interests. In contrast, many developed economies favour smaller plurilateral agreements to expedite rule-making. The outcome of this debate will have important implications for the future of global digital trade governance and the functioning of the WTO.

Reclaiming the Chola Legacy: Three Medieval Antiquities Set to Return to India

What is transnational organized crime? The India-Canada dispute, the Nijjar case, and Operation Hard Ball explained.

Why in the news ?

• Nearly three years ago, the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar sparked a serious diplomatic row between India and Canada. Canada has now clarified that its investigation has found no direct evidence of Indian government involvement, although the investigation is ongoing.
• Meanwhile, the United States of America (USA) has filed murder and transnational organized crime charges against Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar under Operation Hard Ball.

What is Transnational Organized Crime ?

• Organized crime is criminal activity carried out by an organized group using violence, corruption, or other illegal means for the purpose of obtaining economic or other benefits.
• When such criminal activities are conducted in more than one country, they are called transnational organized crime.

Canada's changed stance

• Canadian officials stated that the investigation so far has found no evidence of involvement by the Indian government or its officials.
• However, the investigation is still ongoing and the case has not been closed.
• This differs from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 2023 allegations of possible involvement of Indian agencies.
• India has initially dismissed these allegations as baseless.
• The process of improving diplomatic relations between the two countries has begun since 2025.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar Case

Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar ?

• A resident of Canada since 1997.
• He was the head of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
• India declared the KTF a terrorist organization under the UAPA in 2023.
• He was also the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada.

India's Allegations

• According to India, Nijjar raised funds for Khalistani activities.
• He recruited militants.
• He was involved in several terrorist and violent incidents.

US Action: Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar

• A US federal court has filed murder and organized crime charges against Lawrence Bishnoi (currently in a Gujarat jail) and Goldy Brar (Satinderjit Singh).

Operation Hard Ball

• This is a US-led operation aimed at cracking down on an international crime syndicate of Indian origin.
• These crimes include murder, extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized corruption.
• The FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Goldy Brar.

India-US Security Cooperation

• Intelligence exchanges between India and the United States have increased.
• Joint action is being taken against organized crime networks.
• India has shared evidence related to criminals operating abroad.
• Information obtained through technical surveillance and interrogations has also been exchanged.

New Trends in Transnational Organized Crime

• Recent investigations have revealed links between Indian criminal gangs and drug traffickers based in Pakistan.
• Proceeds from drug trafficking are being used to fund targeted killings.
• The use of drones has increased along sea routes and the India-Pakistan border.
• Criminals evade surveillance by using VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, and modern digital technologies.

Key Implications for India

1. Diplomatic Implications

• India-Canada Relations
• India-US Security Cooperation
• Importance of Evidence-Based Investigations

2. Internal Security

• Cross-Border Drug Trafficking
• Prison-Operated Crime
• Cyber-Based Organized Crime
• Transnational Crime Networks

3. Legal and Administrative Aspects

• Use of the UAPA
• Challenges of Extradition
• International Police Cooperation
• Coordination Between Intelligence Agencies

International Efforts

• Major initiatives to combat transnational organized crime :
  • United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)
  • Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
  • Interpol
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
  • Guwahati Declaration of BRICS - Promotes cooperation against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that transnational organized crime is no longer just a matter of law and order, but also a significant issue of national security, diplomacy, and global cooperation. Intelligence sharing, legal cooperation, and the role of multilateral institutions have become more important than ever to address changing technologies and cross-border criminal networks.