National Leprosy Day outreach promotes early detection at Dilli Haat
National Leprosy Day outreach was held at Dilli Haat to promote early detection and reduce stigma around leprosy. Observed on 30 January, the event was organized by the Central Leprosy Division under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. A dedicated Information, Education and Communication stall engaged visitors and disseminated messages on signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. The outreach targeted all age groups with interactive activities and campaigns. The program aimed to increase case finding, reduce social exclusion, and strengthen community participation in leprosy elimination.
Observance date: 30 January
Organized by Central Leprosy Division, DGHS, MoHFW
IEC stall for awareness on signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment
Outreach targeted all age groups
Goals: early detection, reduced stigma, stronger community participation
Jan 30, 2026
NCERT launches WhatsApp channel for students and teachers
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) launched an official WhatsApp channel to deliver quick updates for students, teachers, and parents. The channel will share textbook changes, curriculum updates, teacher training information, and other educational news, complementing the DIKSHA platform for online materials. The initiative aims to provide direct, reliable information and curb misinformation across the large student and teacher population in India. The channel is part of a broader digital education strategy to improve access to timely resources and support nationwide learning.
NCERT launches official WhatsApp channel for updates.
Updates cover textbooks, curriculum changes, and teacher training.
Aims to reduce misinformation with direct communications.
Part of broader digital education and DIKSHA integration.
Targets students, teachers, and parents nationwide.
Jan 29, 2026
Maharashtra launches India's first menopause clinics across government facilities
Maharashtra has launched India's first dedicated menopause clinics across government hospitals and urban health facilities. Officials said the clinics offer expert medical consultations, mental health counselling, and screening for bone, heart, and hormonal health, with medicines and guidance provided at a single site. Menopause can bring physical changes, sleep disturbances, hormonal imbalance, bone problems, and depression. The state government said the initiative addresses a long-felt need by providing specialised care exclusively for women. The launch occurred on 14 January during Makar Sankranti, under the guidance of Minister of State for Health Meghna Bordikar. The programme aims to improve access, awareness, and overall well-being for menopausal women.
First-of-its-kind menopause clinics in Maharashtra at government hospitals and urban health facilities
Services include medical consultation, mental health counselling, and health screenings
Focus areas: bone, heart, and hormonal health with medicines and guidance
Launched on 14 January during Makar Sankranti under Meghna Bordikar
Aims to improve access, awareness and destigmatise menopause
NCW to host Shakti Samvaad with State Women’s Commissions in Delhi
The National Commission for Women (NCW) will host Shakti Samvaad, a two-day interactive capacity-building event with State Women's Commissions (SWCs) in Delhi at the Bharat Mandapam. The gathering begins on Thursday and continues through Friday, 30–31 January. The aim is to strengthen institutional coordination, share best practices, and upgrade management information systems and helplines. The event will also focus on implementing Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat, planning district-level Jan Sunwai, and exchanging innovative practices. The NCW will release its book Safarnama and award winners from an online poster competition on Stay Safe Online.
Event dates: 30–31 January 2026
Bring SWCs together for capacity-building
Focus on MIS, helplines, and legislative collaboration
Discuss Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat and district Jan Sunwai
Release of NCW book Safarnama
Jan 28, 2026
CCRAS and CSU host transliteration workshop on Ayurvedic manuscripts
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Central Sanskrit University (CSU) completed a 15-day transliteration workshop in Kerala. From January 12 to 25, 33 scholars—18 Ayurveda and 15 Sanskrit—trained in manuscriptology, palaeography and Grantha/Vattezhuthu scripts. The residential program aimed to digitise and preserve classical Ayurvedic texts, enabling research-based work. The collaboration develops skills for transliteration, interpretation and conservation, aligning with national initiatives to document manuscripts and support modern Ayurveda research while safeguarding traditional knowledge.
15-day transliteration workshop completed in Kerala.
Aims to digitise and preserve Ayurvedic manuscripts.
WaSH Warriors honoured at Jal Shakti event in New Delhi
The Ministry of Jal Shakti held the Samvad Samaroh to recognise 58 WaSH Warriors from across India for leadership in water conservation and sanitation. The event, held at PSOI, New Delhi, coincided with the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path. Warriors, drawn from Swachh Sujal Gaon villages and vulnerable communities, shared experiences on drinking water access and hygiene improvements. Union Minister C. R. Patil and state ministers attended alongside senior officials. The recognition highlights grassroots governance and community-led solutions under Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat initiatives.
Samvad Samaroh recognised 58 WaSH Warriors.
Event aligned with Republic Day activities on Kartavya Path.
Warriors come from Har Ghar Jal certified Swachh Sujal Gaon villages.
Highlights community leadership in water and sanitation.
Jan 27, 2026
UGC issues 2026 equity regulations to curb caste bias
The University Grants Commission introduced the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations 2026, replacing 2012 rules. The framework defines caste-based discrimination, mandates Equal Opportunity Centres, equity committees, and time-bound grievance responses. While aiming to curb caste bias, observers question implementation speed and institutional autonomy. The regulations expand the scope to include caste, religion, gender, disability, and birthplace, and tie accountability to campus leadership, signaling a significant shift in campus governance and anti-discrimination strategy.
UGC Regulations 2026 replace 2012 rules on equity
Caste-based discrimination defined; EOC and equity committees mandated
Institutional accountability and time-bound responses emphasized