HealthScience_Tech
News 0 of 31

AI-powered VMTB Tool Boosts TB Detection by 251% in Haryana Under National TB Elimination Programme

Target:UPSCMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
27 May 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:251% relative increase61% relative increase6,237 gram-panchayats35% TB-free2,111 high-risk areas27.1 lakh cases (2024)
Bodies:Wadhwani AI
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.AI-based Vulnerability Mapping for Tuberculosis (VMTB) tool, developed by Wadhwani AI for the government, uses 30 open-source datasets to predict high-risk villages and wards.

2.The tool led to a 251% relative increase in TB case yield in Haryana and 61% in Assam, focusing resources on 2,111 high-risk areas identified from 4,080 gram-panchayats.

3.This technology-driven approach, combined with portable AI-aided X-ray machines, enhances active case finding and is vital for India's TB elimination goals, despite missing the 2025 deadline.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

A new AI-powered vulnerability mapping tool (VMTB) under the National TB Elimination Programme has significantly increased TB case detection efficiency, achieving a 251% relative increase in yield in Haryana. It uses geospatial data to pinpoint high-risk areas, enabling targeted screening and early diagnosis, crucial for India's fight against TB.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

TB Detection Increase in Haryana251% relative increase
TB Detection Increase in Assam61% relative increase
Gram-panchayats in Haryana6,237
TB-free Gram-panchayats (2025)35% (less than 1 per million incidence)
High-risk areas identified in Haryana2,111 (1,968 villages + wards)
Total TB cases detected in India (2024)27.1 lakh (estimated)
TB deaths in India (2024)Just over 3 lakh
Global TB cases (2024)10.7 million
Global TB deaths (2024)1.23 million
India's TB reduction (2015-2024)21% incidence, 28% deaths

1-Minute Revision

  • ›TB Detection Increase in Haryana: 251% relative increase
  • ›TB Detection Increase in Assam: 61% relative increase
  • ›Target this Data: 251% relative increase in TB case yield in Haryana.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Wadhwani AI (developed VMTB tool for the government).
  • ›Target this Programme: National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which national programme is implementing the AI-powered Vulnerability Mapping for Tuberculosis (VMTB) tool described in the article?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the AI tool for TB detection:

1. The Vulnerability Mapping for Tuberculosis (VMTB) tool uses about 30 open-source datasets including NFHS-4 data and night lights.

2. The tool was first trialled only in Haryana before being rolled out nationally.

3. According to the article, India has reduced its TB incidence by 21% and deaths by 28% between 2015 and 2024.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what was the relative increase in the yield of TB cases achieved in Haryana through the use of the AI mapping tool?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic advantage of the VMTB AI tool as described in the article?

All 25 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Polity Current Affairs

MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question

Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.

Science & Tech Current Affairs

India Gets First Disease-Modifying Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi After CDSCO Nod

Eisai's Leqembi (lecanemab), India's first disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer's, has been launched after CDSCO approval. This marks a shift from symptomatic to disease-modifying treatment, but challenges of early diagnosis, biomarker infrastructure, and affordability remain significant.

Social Issues Current Affairs

NOTTO Reports 20,000+ Transplants in 2025, Launches Portal and Swap Guidelines

NOTTO released 2025 data showing over 20,000 transplants, persistent gender disparity in organ donation (68% female donors vs 78% male recipients), and launched a new digital portal to enhance transparency. New swap transplantation guidelines aim to expand matching beyond single hospitals, but legal recognition under THOTA is still pending.

Social Issues Current Affairs

Meta Trial: $567 Mn Penalty for Child Addiction, 29-State Probe on Social Media Design

A US trial against Meta over addictive social media design for children could reshape Big Tech accountability. With penalties of $567 million and a $6 million jury verdict, this case highlights the growing scrutiny of platform design and its impact on youth mental health, a key issue for GS2 (Social Justice) and GS3 (Technology).

Science & Tech Current Affairs

India's AI Pipeline: 43% Women STEM Graduates, Only 10% in Leadership – Need for Inclusive AI

India's AI ambition faces a hidden gender crisis: women drop from 43% of STEM graduates to just 10% of senior AI leadership. This pipeline leakage, driven by social barriers and digital divide, risks automating existing inequalities. For exam aspirants, this article provides critical data on gender disparity in tech and the imperative for inclusive AI development.

Science & Tech Current Affairs

Proposed Patient Data Collective (PDC) Model for Rare Diseases in India Inspired by Amul Cooperative

A new proposal suggests creating a Patient Data Collective (PDC) for rare diseases in India, modeled on the Amul dairy cooperative. This collective would pool patient data to accelerate drug discovery and clinical trials, addressing the challenge of small patient populations for rare diseases.

Polity Current Affairs

India's Food Safety Rulebook Under Scrutiny: 5.18 Lakh Samples Tested, 88,192 Penalties (2022-25)

The article examines gaps in India's food safety enforcement despite the comprehensive Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Key issues include licensing, inspections, testing, traceability, and the rise of quick-commerce. Over 5.18 lakh samples were tested between 2022-25, with 88,192 penalties but only 3,614 convictions, highlighting enforcement weaknesses.

Social Issues Current Affairs

Gender Disparity in Organ Transplantation: 63.8% Women Donors, 69.8% Male Recipients (2019-2023)

A glaring gender bias in India's organ transplant system reveals that between 2019 and 2023, 63.8% of living organ donors were women, yet 69.8% of transplant recipients were men. This exposes deep-rooted patriarchal norms where women are expected to sacrifice for family while men are prioritised to receive life-saving organs.