Nationwide Single-Dose HPV Vaccination Campaign Launched for 14-Year-Old Girls Using ‘Gardasil 4’ Vaccine

India's Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate Drops to 55.8% in NFHS-6, Reversing NFHS-5 Gains

India's exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under six months has declined to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24), reversing the gains from NFHS-5 (63.7%). The decline varies by state, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh seeing the steepest drops. The article explores potential causes: reduced postnatal support, rising C-section rates (27.2%), and women's return to work. This is a key data point for UPSC prelims and a case study for mains on maternal and child health policy.

SC Pushes FSSAI for Front-of-Pack Warning Labels; Expert Flags 'Two or More' Threshold Loophole

FSSAI has proposed red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt, or saturated fat, but a critical loophole exists: warnings are triggered only when a product is high in two or more of these nutrients. This allows many unhealthy products to escape scrutiny. The Supreme Court is monitoring the issue with the next hearing on September 10, 2026. For exams, this is relevant to food safety regulation, consumer rights, and judicial activism.

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.

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.

Union Health Ministry Mandates CCTV at Medical Stores for Schedule H, H1, X Drug Sales; 3-Month Recordings

The Union Health Ministry has proposed mandatory CCTV installation at medical stores selling prescription and habit-forming drugs (Schedule H, H1, X) to curb unauthorized sale and drug abuse, especially among children. Chemists oppose citing cost, privacy, and rural connectivity issues. The move involves CDSCO and the Drugs Consultative Committee.

Reform Utsav: 3-Month Citizen Feedback Campaign Launched Oct 2, Headed by Cabinet Secretary

The Union government plans 'Reform Utsav', a three-month campaign from Oct 2 to institutionalize citizen-driven reforms. Triggered by the NEET paper leak protests, the initiative uses a three-tier process (Jan Manthan, Vimarsh, Samadhan) with AI-sorting and a coordination committee headed by Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan.

CDSCO Flags 17 Differences in Spurious Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine Batch KE25012

A raid in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar exposed a fake rabies vaccine racket selling spurious Abhayrab vials. CDSCO flagged 17 differences in the counterfeit batch, raising serious public health concerns given India’s high rabies death burden. The case underscores the need for stringent drug regulation and supply chain vigilance.

Census 2027: 40 Questions Notified Including Caste, COVID Vaccination & ID Proofs Under Census Act 1948

The Union Government has notified 40 questions for Census 2027, marking the first enumeration of caste (beyond SC/ST) in Independent India. The questionnaire also collects Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, mobile number, bank account details, and COVID vaccination data, expanding the scope of the Population Enumeration exercise.