Subject: GS-II (Social Justice & Health) | GS-III (Science & Technology)
News Context: Despite the high burden, India is yet to mandate universal food fortification for folic acid to combat Neural Tube Defects (NTDs).
- Understanding the Condition: Spina Bifida is a Neural Tube Defect (NTD) where the spine and spinal cord don't form properly during the first month of pregnancy.
- The Scientific Link: There is a direct correlation between Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) deficiency in the mother and NTDs in the infant. Scientific evidence suggests that taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily pre-conception can prevent 70% of such cases.
- The Indian Burden: India accounts for a significant portion of the global NTD burden due to high rates of malnutrition and lack of awareness regarding "pre-conception" health.
- Wholistic Insight: For UPSC, connect this to Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. While India has a "Food Fortification" policy (FSSAI), it is largely voluntary for many staples. A shift toward mandatory fortification of rice or flour with folic acid (as seen in the US or UK) is a recurring policy debate.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
