Current Affair Category: Health

According to a new Lancet study based on Global Burden of Disease data, India ranked second after Nigeria in the number of unvaccinated or “zero-dose” children in 2023. About Zero-Dose Children: “Zero-dose children” refers to children who have not received even a single dose of any routine childhood vaccination. In 2023, 1.44 million children in […]

Why in News? Unlike in other countries where higher prices have deterred smoking, prices remain low in India; tobacco affordability undermines the World Health Organization’s MPOWER framework and weakens control, hindering efforts to reduce tobacco-related cancers; implementing robust policies are the need of the hour to curb tobacco use Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains […]

Why in News?. A 42-year-old woman in Malappuram, Kerala, has recently tested positive for Nipah virus. She  was diagnosed with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Relevance : UPSC Pre & Mains Prelims : Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)/ insecticide-treated nets (ITNs Mains :  GS 1/GS 2 – Social Issues/ Health) About the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES): Acute […]

Why in News? The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has shown a gradual decline, as per the latest data from the Office of the Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India. Released in 2025, the data highlights India’s progress in reducing maternal deaths, a critical indicator of reproductive health, while identifying regional and age-specific challenges. […]

Why in News? The Registrar General of India (RGI) issued a circular on March 17, 2025, emphasizing the mandatory reporting of births and deaths within 21 days by private and government hospitals under the Registration of Birth and Death Act, 1969 (amended in 2023). Key Points of the News: Mandatory Reporting under the RBD Act, […]

Why in News : The Hindu Editorial -24 March 2025 Why it is Important for UPSC Mains ? General Studies Paper II (Governance, Health, and Social Justice): It addresses health policy, government schemes (Ayushman Bharat, NTEP), and issues of equitable access to healthcare, which are critical for questions on social sector initiatives and governance. General […]

“Samvedna” campaign launched in 2023 in Durg district, Chhattisgarh to address mental health issues and raise awareness. Key Objective: Identify and support people suffering from mental health issues, particularly those in need of treatment or physiotherapy. Actions Taken: Training: Community health workers and 22 doctors received online and in-person training from NIMHANS. Screening: Door-to-door surveys […]

Why in News? The government is set to launch “Pashu Aushadhi” stores across India to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines for people involved in animal husbandry and dairying. This initiative is part of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), which has a budget of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Key Points: […]

By 2036, 600 million+ people will reside in cities; current infrastructure is insufficient. Cities face issues like overcrowding, pollution, poor infrastructure, and weak public services. Pollution Crisis: 42 towns among the top 50 most polluted globally. 50% of 603 rivers polluted, and only 20% of waste is treated. Air pollution costs India $95 billion annually […]

Why in News? The United States, under the Donald Trump administration, is moving to virtually disband the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary foreign aid arm of the US government. This decision will halt critical healthcare initiatives like the Breaking the Barriers (BTB) tuberculosis elimination program in India, particularly in Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, […]