HPV Vaccination Drive Launched Feb 28 Targets 1.15 Cr Girls Annually; Delhi Achieves 11,000 Doses

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.

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).

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: ₹5,100 Cr Budget, ₹2,500/Month Aid to Women via New Portal

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launched the online portal for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana on August 1, 2026, offering eligible women ₹2,500/month. With a ₹5,100 crore budget, the scheme fulfills a key BJP poll promise but includes strict eligibility exclusions and a lock-in component, making it a high-yield topic for welfare scheme-based questions in state and central exams.

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: ₹2,500 Monthly Assistance for Women, 33,730 Register on Day 1

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Lakshmi Yojana on August 1, 2026, offering ₹2,500 monthly assistance to eligible women aged 21-60 with annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh. Over 33,730 registrations were completed on the first day. The scheme includes a four-stage verification process and offers two modes of payment — a CBDC wallet plus FD/RD, or full FD/RD.