NFHS-6 Reports Deterioration in Delhi's Child Feeding Practices: Early Breastfeeding Drops to 45.1%, Exclusive Breastfeeding Falls to 48.3%

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.

Gadchiroli Model: 62.2% Reduction in Neonatal Mortality; ASHA-Led Home Care Key to Decongesting SNCUs

India's success in increasing institutional deliveries to 90% has led to overcrowded Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), resulting in preventable neonatal deaths from fires and infections. The Gadchiroli model offers a complementary home-based neonatal care (HBNC) strategy using trained ASHAs, which can reduce overload on hospitals and improve newborn survival.

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.

Delhi LG Approves 20% Horizontal Reservation for Ex-Agniveers Under Article 309

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu has approved 20% horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment to fire operator and prison warder/matron posts, with age relaxation of 3 years (5 years for first batch). This is a key exam-relevant example of policy implementation under Article 309 and the government's rehabilitation framework for ex-Agniveers.

DDA Revamps Land Pooling Policy Under MPD-2047 to Unlock 20 Lakh Homes in Delhi

DDA has overhauled its land pooling policy under the newly approved Master Plan for Delhi 2047, aiming to unlock 20 lakh homes by involving private landowners. The revamped framework removes the earlier requirement of forming a consortium of 70% contiguous land, allowing landowners with just 20 hectares to approach DDA directly. This is a strategic shift from costly land acquisition to private-sector-led development, critical for addressing Delhi's housing crisis.