CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Economic Survey recently highlighted a sharp rise in digital addiction and screen-related mental health problems, especially among children and adolescents. Responding to these concerns, the Union Budget presented on February 1 announced major steps to strengthen India’s mental health infrastructure, including the establishment of a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in north India and upgrades to premier institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur.

Infertility is emerging as a serious public health challenge in India by 2026. Experts are now emphasizing that mental health is not only a consequence of infertility but also a physiological driver of reproductive failure across all genders.

In a significant decision, the Supreme Court clarified that stem cell therapy for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cannot be offered as a routine medical service. According to the Court, it should be limited to duly approved and monitored clinical trials or research settings.

Recently, the Supreme Court declared in a judgment that menstrual health and access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in educational institutions are integral to the fundamental right to life and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

A 29-year-old man in Karnataka recently lost his life after contracting Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever. The incident has brought renewed attention to a disease that often remains underreported until outbreaks turn fatal.

Recent data show that while States have steadily increased health expenditure, the Union government’s health spending as a share of GDP has declined in the post-pandemic period. This divergence has raised concerns about the Centre’s fiscal prioritisation of health, especially in the context of national commitments to strengthen public healthcare and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.

Recently, the Government of Kerala officially declared Bacillus subtilis as its “State Microbe.” The objective is to promote biodiversity conservation, biotechnology research, and awareness of microbiology among students.

Recently, an analysis of medical data from more than half a million (500,000+) people revealed that individuals with schizophrenia have a significantly higher risk of weak bones and fractures compared to the general population.

Under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030), India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030, with an interim target of stopping indigenous transmission nationwide by 2027.

In Foshan city of Guangdong Province, China, a norovirus outbreak has occurred in a senior high school, where 103 students have been reported infected.