General Awareness

GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION - August 2021

Aug 2021

Mar 02, 2026

St Stephen’s HSS Kerala celebrates centenary; VP attends event

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the centenary celebrations of St Stephen’s Higher Secondary School in Pathanapuram, Kerala. He described the institution as a milestone in education and nation-building, stressing that education should extend beyond textbooks and cultivate critical thinking, empathy, resilience and integrity in a rapidly changing world. The event brought together students, teachers and alumni, reflecting the school’s long-standing role in shaping responsible citizens and leaders. The celebration underscores the value of enduring educational institutions in regional development and national service.

Centenary celebrations inaugurated by Vice President
St Stephen’s HSS Pathanapuram celebrated 100 years
Education beyond textbooks emphasized by VP
Focus on critical thinking, empathy and resilience
Alumni and teachers participated in commemorations

Mar 01, 2026

India launches nationwide free HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls

India’s Union Health Ministry announced a nationwide HPV vaccination program for 14-year-old girls, offered free at government health facilities on a voluntary basis. The vaccine used is Gardasil, a quadrivalent formulation protecting against HPV types 16 and 18, as well as types 6 and 11. Officials estimate about 1.15 to 1.2 crore doses will be required annually to cover girls turning 14 each year. Global and Indian data suggest that a single-dose schedule can provide durable protection in the target age group. The program aims to reduce cervical cancer burden and align with WHO elimination targets, with state-level implementation and monitoring to ensure coverage.

Target group: girls turning 14 annually.
Vaccine: Gardasil quadrivalent, free at government facilities.
Estimated annual doses: ~1.15–1.2 crore.
Evidence: single-dose protection supported by global and Indian data.
Goal: reduce cervical cancer burden and meet WHO elimination goals.

Feb 28, 2026

India Ranks 60th in Global Mind Health Study 2025 for Youth

India’s young adults ranked 60th among 84 countries in the Global Mind Health 2025 study by Sapien Labs. The report analysed mental well-being across 78,000 internet users in India, using the Mind Health Quotient, a 47-indicator composite. The 18–34 age group scored an average MHQ of 33, ranking 60th globally, indicating a widening generational gap. In contrast, Indians aged 55 and above scored 96, reflecting near-normal mental functioning and ranking 49th. The findings highlight evolving mental health needs, youth stressors, and the importance of accessible mental health services, education, and stigma reduction as part of public health priorities.

Global sample included 84 countries; 78,000 Indian respondents.
MHQ is a composite of 47 cognitive, emotional, social and physical indicators.
Young adults (18–34) scored 33 on MHQ; ranked 60th globally.
Older adults (55+) scored 96; ranked 49th globally.

Feb 25, 2026

Vizhinjam seafood deaths: tetrodotoxin suspected in coastal poisoning case

Health and food-safety authorities in Thiruvananthapuram are probing a suspected marine toxin poisoning after several people fell seriously ill following seafood consumption at a Vizhinjam restaurant. Three members of a six-member family became critically ill on the night of 16 February, with two fatalities within hours. Six additional cases were later linked to the same establishment. Preliminary tests ruled out spoilage or common bacterial food poisoning. Investigators are examining naturally occurring marine toxins, with tetrodotoxin (TTX) emerging as the primary suspect. Officials are collecting samples to confirm the toxin source and prevent further incidents.

Illness began on 16 February; two family members died.
Six more cases linked to the Vizhinjam restaurant.
Preliminary tests rule out spoilage and bacteria.
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) suspected as primary toxin.
Authorities collecting samples for toxin confirmation.

Feb 20, 2026

IELLAB: South India’s Indigenous & Endangered Languages Lab

Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) partnered with the University of Madras to inaugurate the Indigenous & Endangered Languages Laboratory (IELLAB) on the university campus. Implemented under KVB’s CSR program with the Gabo Alliance Foundation, IELLAB is South India’s first dedicated facility for documenting, preserving, and academically studying indigenous languages. The lab aims to build language databases, support research, and engage communities to safeguard linguistic heritage. The inauguration was led by the Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, with participation from university leadership and CSR partners, marking a milestone in cultural preservation and linguistic scholarship.

IELLAB established at University of Madras (South India’s first).
Funded through Karur Vysya Bank CSR and Gabo Alliance Foundation.
Aims: document and preserve Indigenous languages; support research.
Inaugurated by KVB's MD & CEO.

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