Lancet Study: Eliminating Undernutrition Could Prevent 712,000 TB Cases in India (28.6% Reduction)

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.

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.

Proposed Patient Data Collective (PDC) Model for Rare Diseases in India Inspired by Amul Cooperative

A new proposal suggests creating a Patient Data Collective (PDC) for rare diseases in India, modeled on the Amul dairy cooperative. This collective would pool patient data to accelerate drug discovery and clinical trials, addressing the challenge of small patient populations for rare diseases.

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.

SC Directs 19 States/UTs to Notify Cancer as Notifiable Disease for Early Detection; 17 States Already Complied

The Supreme Court has directed the 19 remaining states and Union Territories to declare cancer a 'notifiable disease' to ensure early detection and proper care, following a PIL that highlighted the failure of the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) which covers only 10% of the population. This is a crucial step for uniform cancer surveillance and aligns with the constitutional right to health under Article 21.

Climate Change: 145 Million Indian Children (0-9) Face Heat Stress Risk, VUB Study Warns

A new study reveals that human-induced climate change has pushed 145 million Indian children (aged 0-9) into at least one additional month of dangerous heat stress annually, making them vulnerable to dehydration, heatstroke, and developmental issues. The findings highlight the disproportionate impact on children, especially from low-income families, and call for urgent emission cuts aligned with the Paris Agreement.

TN Launches Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme for 38 Lakh Seniors, Replaces 1939 Public Health Act

Tamil Nadu has launched the Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme covering 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70+ with free advanced medical care, including cancer and organ transplants, with no income ceiling. The state also announced replacement of the 87-year-old Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, and a comprehensive free health check-up scheme for all aged 30+.

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.