UN ESCAP’s 2025 report warns that Asian megacities may experience an additional 2–7°C due to urban heat island effects, with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh facing 300+ days above 35°C. Extreme heat is now the region’s fastest-growing climate hazard, threatening health, livelihoods and economic stability.
Click to View MoreThe world’s first human H5N5 bird flu death has been reported in Washington. While the virus poses low human risk, it remains a significant ecological and agricultural threat. No human-to-human transmission is detected, but scientists urge vigilant surveillance and One Health–based monitoring to prevent future spillover events.
Click to View MoreMalnutrition in India remains a pressing public health challenge, affecting children, pregnant women, and vulnerable populations, especially in tribal and remote areas. It manifests as undernutrition—including stunting, wasting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies—as well as the rising problem of overnutrition. Despite initiatives like POSHAN Abhiyaan, ICDS, Anemia Mukt Bharat, and food fortification programs, gaps in implementation, healthcare access, infrastructure, and community awareness persist. Evidence shows that targeted interventions in high-risk areas, maternal nutrition support, technology-enabled monitoring, and community engagement are critical to reducing malnutrition and improving overall health outcomes.
Click to View MoreIndia is crafting an Integrative Health Policy to combine modern medicine and AYUSH under 'Health in Harmony', tackling NCDs, mental health, and AMR. Success needs stronger research, rigorous regulation, patient-centred care, and trust-building to overcome evidence gaps and governance weaknesses for equitable national health outcomes.
Click to View MoreThe PAC sharply criticised FSSAI and the Health Ministry for failing to curb rampant food adulteration, citing a CAG report that exposed severe manpower shortages, weak oversight of misleading ads, and overreliance on outsourced work. It demanded immediate corrective action, calling it a major food safety governance failure.
Click to View MoreHepatitis A is a viral liver infection that spreads through contaminated food and water. While usually mild in children, it can be severe in older children and adults, sometimes leading to liver failure. Improved sanitation has reduced early childhood exposure, leaving many young people vulnerable. Safe and effective vaccines are available, including a single-dose option with long-lasting protection. Despite this, Hepatitis A is not yet part of India’s national immunisation program. Strengthening surveillance, promoting hygiene, improving water quality, and introducing phased vaccination can help prevent outbreaks and protect public health.
Click to View MoreTuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs (Pulmonary TB) but also other organs (Extrapulmonary TB). India has made remarkable progress in TB control, with incidence declining by 21% per year and mortality dropping from 28 to 21 per lakh population between 2015 and 2024. Key measures driving this success include early diagnosis through molecular tests, free treatment under the National TB Elimination Program, community screening campaigns like TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, and digital monitoring via the Nikshay portal. The decline not only reduces transmission and deaths but also lessens socioeconomic burden, improves productivity, and contributes to global TB elimination goals.
Click to View MoreAir pollution in India significantly impacts children’s growth, leading to stunted physical development, respiratory problems, and cognitive impairments. Studies from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Vidarbha show that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter and toxic air pollutants reduces height and lung capacity in children under five. Effective government measures and community-level interventions are crucial to protect children’s health and ensure equitable development.
Click to View MoreAyushman Bharat PM-JAY is the world's largest government-funded health assurance scheme. It provides a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 12 crore poor and vulnerable families, offering cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals across India.
Click to View MoreThe Biotech sector in India is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by innovation, government initiatives, and international demand. However, challenges such as funding shortages, fragmented infrastructure, and outdated regulations impede its full potential. To become a global leader, India must streamline biotech clusters, attract late-stage investment, update regulations, and develop skilled talent for sustainable, innovation-driven growth.
Click to View MoreRecent child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have been linked to contaminated cough syrups containing toxic industrial solvents. These substandard medicines pose serious health risks, especially to children. India struggles with weak drug regulation, outdated laws, and limited enforcement capacity.
Click to View MoreThe WHO establishes a new legally binding alert, "Pandemic Emergency," under the IHR to prevent delayed responses like COVID-19. It defines severe global threats that strain health systems and require coordinated international action. Member states, including India, must create National IHR Authorities, strengthen surveillance, and ensure equitable access to essential health products.
Click to View More
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved