General Awareness

GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION - May 2024

May 2024

Jun 16, 2026

Telangana launches Breakfast and Milk Scheme for government school students

Telangana launched its Breakfast and Milk Scheme for students in government institutions following school reopenings. The program provides a nutritious breakfast and milk or ragi-based supplements to children in government schools and junior colleges. Officials say the initiative supports student welfare, improves attendance, and enhances learning outcomes by addressing nutritional gaps. It forms part of the state’s broader strategy to raise educational attainment and reduce dropout rates among disadvantaged communities. The scheme will be delivered through existing school nutrition programs, with periodic assessments to monitor participation and nutritional impact across districts.

Breakfast and Milk Scheme launched for government schools
Nutrition support includes breakfast and milk or ragi-based supplement
Aims to improve attendance and learning outcomes
Part of Telangana’s student welfare initiatives
Delivery through existing school nutrition programs

Jun 13, 2026

World Blood Donor Day 2026 observed on 14 June; theme highlights humanity

World Blood Donor Day is observed annually on 14 June. The 2026 theme is One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives. The day honours voluntary blood donors who help save lives through regular donation and emphasizes the importance of safe and sufficient blood supplies for health systems. Blood donations support patients during emergencies, surgeries, childbirth, cancer treatment, and other serious conditions. The campaign promotes compassion, solidarity, and collective responsibility to ensure reliable blood stocks. Authorities encourage continued donor recruitment and retention, safe donation practices, and equitable access to blood services across regions.

Observation date: 14 June 2026.
Theme: One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.
Celebrates voluntary blood donors and safe blood supplies.
Donor contributions support emergencies, surgeries, childbirth, cancer care.
Campaign emphasizes solidarity and equitable access to blood services.

Jun 11, 2026

Kerala Cabinet Approves Priyadarshini Scheme for Free Travel for Women and Transgender Persons

The Kerala Cabinet approved the Priyadarshini scheme in June 2026, providing free travel on KSRTC ordinary bus services for women across all ages and income groups, along with transgender persons. The measure seeks to improve mobility access, promote gender equity, and support economic participation by reducing transport costs for eligible passengers. Policy details indicate that the scheme will be implemented through state transport services, with potential eligibility rules and monitoring mechanisms to ensure broad reach and transparent administration. The decision reflects Kerala’s continued focus on inclusive transport access.

Policy: Priyadarshini scheme approved by Kerala Cabinet.
Beneficiaries: Women of all ages and transgender persons.
Benefit: Free travel on KSRTC ordinary buses.
Objective: Boost mobility, gender equity, and participation.
Implementation: Through KSRTC services in Kerala.

May 29, 2026

UP Balvatika initiative expanded to strengthen early education

The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expanded the Balvatika initiative to bolster early childhood education. The program distributes activity-based learning materials to co-located Anganwadi centres and Balvatikas, covering children aged three to six. Resources include Chahak-1, 2 and 3, Kadam, Kalankur, Big Books, holistic report cards and Balvatika booklets. Officials say the move aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, placing Early Childhood Care and Education at the core of foundational learning. The initiative aims to reach rural and economically disadvantaged communities, supported by smart classrooms, digital monitoring and the NIPUN Bharat Mission.

Balvatika expansion targets 3–6 year olds in UP.
Activity-based learning materials distributed to Anganwadi centers and Balvatikas.
Key resources: Chahak series, Kadam, Kalankur, Big Books, Balvatika booklets.
Aligned with NEP 2020; ECCE at core of foundational learning.
Focus on rural and underprivileged communities; integration with digital monitoring.

May 26, 2026

SRS 2024 data show birth rate decline and below-replacement fertility

The latest Sample Registration System data indicate India’s birth rate fell to 18.3 births per 1,000 population in 2024, reflecting a continuing demographic transition. The Total Fertility Rate stands around 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1, signaling a long-term shift toward smaller family sizes. Yet fertility and health indicators remain uneven across states, with disparities in access to healthcare and education affecting outcomes. Policymakers emphasize monitoring these trends for social development, health planning, and resource allocation. The figures point to demographic change that could shape education, labour markets, and public health policy in the coming decades.

Birth rate: 18.3 per 1,000 population in 2024.
Total Fertility Rate around 1.9, below replacement 2.1.
Indicates ongoing demographic transition with regional disparities.
Implications for health policy, education, and social development.
Signals potential long-term shifts in population and workforce.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

July GK, June GK, May GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26