India launches first national biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders
India has established its first government‑backed national biobank dedicated to Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), created by researchers from twenty‑eight institutions across six states and two Union Territories. The biobank integrates biological samples with detailed clinical, biochemical and genetic data from five hundred thirty patients across fifteen states. Funded by the Department of Biotechnology, the project aims to support development of affordable screening tools and therapies for children affected by LSDs, a group of more than seventy rare inherited metabolic conditions. LSDs involve enzyme deficiencies causing lipid and sugar accumulation in cells, leading to progressive organ damage if untreated.
National LSD biobank involves 28 institutions across India.
Data from 530 patients across 15 states is integrated.
Funded by the Department of Biotechnology.
Goals include affordable screening tools and therapies for LSDs.
Feb 12, 2026
Uttar Pradesh Begins Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis
Lucknow, 10 February 2026 — Uttar Pradesh has launched a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign to combat lymphatic filariasis across multiple districts. The campaign follows WHO guidelines and involves door-to-door distribution of preventive medicines, community mobilization, and monitoring to reduce transmission and disability associated with the disease. Health workers, volunteers, and district administration are coordinating to achieve high coverage over coming weeks. The initiative underscores India’s broader public health effort to eliminate neglected tropical diseases through preventive chemotherapy and community engagement.
MDA launched in Uttar Pradesh
Targets lymphatic filariasis across districts
Door-to-door distribution under WHO guidelines
Community engagement essential to success
Part of broader NTD elimination efforts
Cipla Foundation, IISc Launch Centre for Advanced Pulmonary Care & Research
Bengaluru, 12 February 2026 — Cipla Foundation and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) announced a joint centre for Pulmonary Medicine at the Tata IISc Medical School. The Cipla Foundation Centre will provide diagnostics, outpatient and inpatient services, a dedicated ICU, and high‑dependency units to advance treatment for respiratory illnesses. It will support Indian guidelines for COPD, ILD, and asthma, along with biomarker research, pharmacogenomics, and AI‑based lung diagnostics. The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s respiratory health ecosystem through clinical care, research, and skill development, benefiting patients and healthcare professionals.
Cipla Foundation and IISc launch Pulmonary Centre
Location: Tata IISc Medical School, Bengaluru
Services include ICU and high‑dependency units
Research on COPD, ILD, asthma; AI diagnostics
Aim: strengthen India’s respiratory health ecosystem
Feb 10, 2026
CBSE to use On Screen Marking for Class 12 from 2026
CBSE announced On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 answer books, to be used from the 2026 board examinations starting 17 February. Class 10 answer books will remain evaluated physically in 2026. The board notes that examinations are conducted in India and in 26 other countries for nearly 46 lakh students. The shift to digital evaluation aims to improve accuracy, transparency, and turnaround times. Schools and parents have been informed through official notices, and CBSE says the transition aligns with broader digital education initiatives.
OSM introduced for Class 12 from 17 February 2026
Class 10 evaluations stay physical in 2026
Approximately 46 lakh students involved
Digital evaluation aims for accuracy, transparency, speed
Official notices issued to schools and parents
Feb 09, 2026
International Epilepsy Day 2026 highlights understanding and inclusion
International Epilepsy Day 2026 is observed on Monday, 9 February 2026, to improve understanding of epilepsy and support the rights of those living with the condition. Led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy, the day emphasizes awareness, better healthcare access, education and social participation. Campaigns promote lived experiences, challenge stigma and advocate for timely diagnosis and treatment. Advocates call for strengthened public health policies, increased funding for services, and inclusive education and employment opportunities for people with epilepsy.
Date: 9 February 2026
Organisers: IBE and ILAE
Focus: awareness, inclusion, healthcare access
Campaign aims: reduce stigma; improve diagnosis and treatment
Policy goal: better funding and public health support
Feb 07, 2026
JIPMER to inaugurate ISATC‑2026 on 7 February 2026
JIPMER hosts the International Summit on Advanced Trauma Care (ISATC‑2026) from 4–8 February, with the formal inauguration on 7 February 2026 at 9:15 am in Puducherry. Chief guests include Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan, JIPMER Director Dr. Vir Singh Negi, and National Chair of ATLS India Prof. M. C. Mishra, along with American College of Surgeons delegates. The conference emphasizes advanced trauma education and patient care, including the TEAM (Trauma Evaluation and Management) course for medical and paramedical personnel. Experts from India and abroad will participate to strengthen coordinated trauma response and education. (Sources: JIPMER ISATC announcements; ACS collaboration notes, February 2026.)
ISATC‑2026 inaugurated on 7 February 2026 at 9:15 am.
Venue: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Auditorium, JIPMER campus, Puducherry.
Speakers include Lt. Governor and JIPMER leadership; ACS representatives.
AMI focus on Advanced Trauma Life Support and TEAM course.
Event aims to enhance team-based trauma care nationwide.