CDSCO Approves Qdenga: India's First Dengue Vaccine – Efficacy & Pricing Concerns Remain

CDSCO Approves Qdenga: India's First Dengue Vaccine to be Distributed by Dr Reddy's from 2027

India’s first approved dengue vaccine Qdenga will enter the private market in 2027 via Dr Reddy’s, after CDSCO approval in July 2026. The vaccine is effective against all four serotypes, requires no pre-vaccination screening, and shows 61.2% efficacy against dengue and 84.1% against hospitalization. This is a landmark step in India's fight against dengue.

CDSCO Approves Qdenga Dengue Vaccine for Ages 4-60; Dr. Reddy's to Distribute in Private Market by 2027

India's first approved dengue vaccine, Qdenga (TAK-003), developed by Takeda, received CDSCO marketing authorisation in July 2026 for ages 4-60. Dr. Reddy's will promote and distribute it in the private market from the first half of 2027, while Takeda retains public market rights. This marks a critical step in addressing India's 11-fold rise in dengue cases over two decades.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

VP Launches India Valve Registry for Heart Valve Disease Research; TN Reports 2,590 Valve Replacements in 20 Months

The Vice-President launched the India Valve Registry, a first-of-its-kind clinician-led platform to collect real-world data on valvular heart disease and interventions in India. The registry will generate India-specific evidence to improve patient care, while Tamil Nadu's CMCHIS data reveals 2,590 valve replacements in 20 months, highlighting the burden of rheumatic heart disease and the success of state-led healthcare.