Parliamentary Panel Recommends Annual CKD Screening, Free eGFR Test with Serum Creatinine

Parliamentary Panel Flags 40 Crore 'Missing Middle' in Healthcare: 60% Inpatient Care Private, 16x Higher Childbirth Costs

Over 40 crore Indians fall into a 'missing middle' — too wealthy for government subsidies but unable to afford rising private healthcare costs. A Parliamentary Standing Committee report reveals that 60% of inpatient and 70% of outpatient care is delivered by the private sector, exposing households to high out-of-pocket spending. The committee has made 368 recommendations including stronger public infrastructure and price transparency.

CDSCO Flags 17 Differences in Spurious Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine Batch KE25012

A raid in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar exposed a fake rabies vaccine racket selling spurious Abhayrab vials. CDSCO flagged 17 differences in the counterfeit batch, raising serious public health concerns given India’s high rabies death burden. The case underscores the need for stringent drug regulation and supply chain vigilance.

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.

FSSAI Names USL, Inbrew for Adding Flavours Violating Alcoholic Beverages Regulations 2018

FSSAI has issued notices to major liquor manufacturers like United Spirits and Inbrew for adding flavours that mimic the natural profile of alcoholic beverages, violating the 2018 regulations. This crackdown highlights the regulator's strict stance on food safety and labelling norms, crucial for exams on consumer protection and regulatory bodies.

Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat Ban Analogue Paneer; FSSAI Labels Mislabelling as Grave Violation

Three states have banned analogue paneer, an imitation dairy product made from vegetable oils, due to public health concerns and mislabelling. This highlights federal food safety regulation and the role of FSSAI in preventing deceptive trade practices.

FSSAI Proposes Ban on Analogue Paneer, Bans Use of 'Paneer' in Labelling

FSSAI has proposed a draft amendment to prohibit the sale of paneer made from non-milk constituents (analogue paneer) and require existing analogues to drop the word 'paneer' from their labelling. This aims to prevent consumer deception, especially at restaurants, and protect the nutritional expectations of vegetarians who rely on paneer as a protein source.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Polar Ambassador & Full Arctic Council Membership for India

A Parliamentary panel has urged India to appoint a dedicated Polar Ambassador and seek full membership of the Arctic Council to strengthen its role in polar diplomacy, especially as Russian research activities pause due to the Ukraine conflict. This move shifts India's Arctic policy from purely scientific to include geopolitics, strategy, and critical mineral extraction.

SIT Seizes ₹4.91 Crore Counterfeit Medicines in Bengaluru Raid, Arrests Owner

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of police and drug inspectors raided a private facility in Bengaluru and seized counterfeit medicines worth ₹4.91 crore, including cancer drugs and ICU injections. The network supplied to over 90 hospitals using rebranded and expired medicines. The owner has been arrested and a manhunt is on for the kingpin.