The Jammu and Kashmir government declared leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, a notifiable disease in July 2026 under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. Health authorities now require reporting of diagnosed cases by all public and private healthcare facilities to designated officers. The measure aims to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure timely detection, prompt treatment, and prevent transmission. It aligns with national efforts to improve leprosy elimination programs and reduce stigma. Officials say the policy will facilitate data-driven planning, monitoring, and resource allocation to accelerate progress toward rapid reduction in new cases. State authorities will publish quarterly figures and coordinate with district health teams for enforcement.
Law: Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
Policy: leprosy declared notifiable in July 2026
Reporting: all facilities must notify diagnosed cases
Purpose: strengthen surveillance and treatment
Monitoring: quarterly data and district coordination
World Youth Skills Day Observed on 15 July 2026
World Youth Skills Day was observed on 15 July 2026 to stress the importance of technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills for youth employment. The United Nations General Assembly established the observance in 2014. The 2026 focus highlighted preparing young people for rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and the green transition. India emphasised skilling programs, apprenticeships, and industry collaborations to boost employability among graduates and school-leavers. Governments and businesses participated in webinars, job fairs, and skill-certification drives to expand access to productive work and self-employment opportunities. National agencies announced new targets for youth training and inclusive participation across sectors.
India emphasis: skilling, apprenticeships, industry links
Activities: webinars, fairs, certifications
Jul 07, 2026
Delhi launches Mission Kayakalp to upgrade government schools
The Delhi Government launched Mission Kayakalp in July 2026 to upgrade government school infrastructure. The initiative seeks to transform schools into modern, safe, and inspiring learning spaces by repairing structural gaps, upgrading classrooms and sanitation facilities, and enhancing safety measures for students and staff. Education officials highlighted a structured implementation plan with timelines and monitoring mechanisms to ensure quality improvements across public schools in the capital. The program aligns with broader efforts to raise education standards and create equitable access to quality schooling for children in Delhi.
Mission Kayakalp launched in July 2026
Aims to modernise government school infrastructure
Focus on classrooms, sanitation, safety upgrades
Structured timelines and monitoring in place
Part of broader push to improve public education
Jul 06, 2026
World Zoonoses Day observed on 6 July with One Health emphasis
World Zoonoses Day is observed annually on 6 July to raise awareness about diseases that spread from animals to humans. The day commemorates Louis Pasteur’s first successful rabies vaccination on 6 July 1885 and promotes the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health. In 2026, health agencies and governments have highlighted vaccination, disease surveillance, and cross‑sector collaboration as keys to preventing outbreaks. Indian agencies referenced on the day emphasized strengthening surveillance systems, public awareness, and coordinated responses to zoonotic threats, reflecting global health security priorities and the importance of a holistic health framework.
Date: 6 July annually
Commemoration: Louis Pasteur’s rabies vaccine (1885)
Theme: One Health (human–animal–environment health)
India: emphasis on vaccination, surveillance, cross‑sector action
Global aim: prevent and control zoonotic diseases
Jul 04, 2026
CCRAS Launches Three Ayurvedic Research Initiatives
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) launched three focused initiatives on 3 July 2026 during its 5th Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi. The programmes target evidence‑based Ayurveda research, scientific writing, and digital access to research resources. A new Ayurvedic Research Methodology textbook was released under the Ayurved Prabodhini Granthamala series, prepared by fifty researchers and faculty. The third initiative introduces CCRAS’s Digital Ecosystem Dashboard to improve access to resources and institutional data. CCRAS operates under the Ministry of Ayush and coordinates Ayurveda research, standardisation, and documentation across Indian systems of medicine.
Event date: 3 July 2026; venue: New Delhi.
Three initiatives: evidence-based Ayurveda research, scientific writing, digital access.
Release of Research Methodology textbook under Ayurved Prabodhini Granthamala.
CCRAS Digital Ecosystem Dashboard for digital access to resources.
Ministry: Ayush; focus on standardisation and documentation.
Jul 01, 2026
Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram launched to integrate child-health services
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Karyakram in New Delhi during the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare. The programme combines Home-Based Newborn Care and Home-Based Care for Young Child initiatives to provide continuous healthcare from birth to 36 months. It aims to strengthen immunisation, growth monitoring, nutrition, and development guidance via a unified framework. The launch supports primary health service delivery, aligns with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY goals, and seeks to improve outcomes for early childhood health across states with digital and community support.
Launch of SSBSK in New Delhi on 16th CCHFW meet
Integrates HBNC and HBYC for birth to 36 months
Focus areas: immunisation, growth, nutrition, development
Aims to strengthen primary health services nationwide
Aligns with PM-JAY and national child-health goals
Ayushman Sarathi PM-JAY Chatbot rolled out to aid health-service access
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the Ayushman Sarathi PM-JAY WhatsApp Chatbot in New Delhi during June 2026. The chatbot, developed by the National Health Authority, helps citizens access Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY services more easily. It provides information on eligibility, empanelled hospitals, and claim status via WhatsApp. Officials say the tool will enhance user experience, reduce call-centre load, and speed benefits delivery under the PM-JAY scheme. The launch forms part of broader digital-health initiatives to promote accessible, technology-enabled public health services across the country.