NCRB 2024 Data: Crime Rate 418.9/Lakh, Cyber Offences Up 18% to 1.02 Lakh Cases, SC/ST Crime Declines

Health Ministry Amends Drugs Rules, 1945: New Debarment Power for Fake Data Cases

The Health Ministry has strengthened the Drugs Rules, 1945 to penalize applicants who submit fake data for drug approvals. Previously, only rejection/cancellation was possible; now licensing authorities can debar entities from filing new applications for a period, with show-cause notice and appeal provisions. This is crucial for exam questions on regulatory frameworks, pharmaceutical governance, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

India's 16th Census Self-Enumeration Phase Begins: 100% Digital, Window Aug 1-15

The self-enumeration phase of India's 16th Census has started in West Bengal, marking the first fully digital census. Citizens can upload their details online from Aug 1-15, followed by house-listing from Aug 16 to Sep 14. The data is legally protected and used only for planning and statistics.

Calcutta HC Orders 5 Fast-Track Courts for NEET Paper Leak Cases Under 2024 Act

The Calcutta High Court has ordered five dedicated fast-track courts—three in Kolkata and two in Port Blair—to exclusively try NEET paper leak cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with a strict deadline to conclude trial within three months from filing of charge-sheet. This move aims to expedite justice in one of India's biggest education scandals and follows nationwide protests and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

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.

Maharashtra Mandates Safe Food Norms in Schools; Bans HFSS Items, Covers All Boards

Maharashtra has issued a statewide compliance order to ensure safe, balanced food in all schools, banning HFSS items (junk food) within premises and a 50-metre zone. The move targets childhood obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, making it a key governance and public health initiative for exam aspirants.

India Hits Record 1.37 Lakh MBBS Seats (2026-27); Private Colleges Now Hold 54% Share

India has achieved a record 1,36,939 MBBS seats across 823 medical colleges in 2026-27, marking a 167% increase from 2014-15. For the first time, private colleges hold a majority (54%) of these seats, raising concerns about affordability of medical education.

Maharashtra ‘Super 100’: Free JEE/NEET Residential Coaching for 100 Rural Govt Students per District

Maharashtra plans a ‘Super 100’ residential coaching scheme in each district to give free JEE/NEET coaching to 100 high-performing students from rural government schools. Modelled on Anand Kumar’s Super 30, the initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural coaching gap and is under finance department approval.

MoTA Directs States for Jan Sunwai Camps at Adi Sewa Kendras Ahead of Independence Day

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed all states to hold 'Jan Sunwai' camps at Adi Sewa Kendras from August 13-15 for doorstep delivery of tribal welfare schemes. This initiative is part of the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, launched in September 2025, aiming to build grassroots tribal leadership. This is a crucial governance push for tribal welfare, linking directly to schemes like PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA.