General Awareness

GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION - July 2024

Jul 2024

Dec 15, 2025

Arunachal Pradesh climbs to 17th in Parakh National Education Survey 2024

Arunachal Pradesh rose to 17th position in the Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, signaling improved learning outcomes across grades. The survey ranks 36 states and union territories on literacy and numeracy indicators. Punjab topped multiple grades, with Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Chandigarh also showing strong performance. Arunachal Pradesh recorded notable improvements in Grade 9 (12th), Grade 6 (14th), and Grade 3 (24th). Officials attribute gains to sustained reforms, better policy implementation, and focus on foundational learning, indicating a positive trajectory for northeastern education outcomes.

Arunachal Pradesh – 17th in PRS 2024
Punjab leads; Kerala and others strong
Improvements across Grade 3, 6, 9 indicators

AIIMS Delhi marks milestone with India’s first dedicated brain stent trial

AIIMS Delhi announced India's first dedicated brain stent trial for stroke care, naming the device Supernova. The domestic clinical trial marks a significant milestone in local medical device testing and regulatory pathways. AIIMS stated the device has treated over 300 patients in Southeast Asia and will be manufactured in India, potentially expanding access to advanced stroke treatment for about 17 lakh Indians who suffer strokes annually. The development is expected to influence future neurosurgical practice and encourage further innovation in domestic biomedical manufacturing.

AIIMS Delhi conducts India’s first brain stent trial
Device: Supernova; domestic clinical trial
Manufactured in India; 300+ patients treated regionally
Aims to serve ~17 lakh stroke patients annually

Dec 14, 2025

University of Western Australia Partners with IIM Mumbai & IIT Dhanbad

The University of Western Australia (UWA) inked an agreement with the IIM Mumbai and IIT/ISM Dhanbad to work on creating new opportunities in mining, with a focus on logistics and sustainability.
"We are signing an MoU with IIM Mumbai and Indian Institute of Technology/Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad to work on unlocking new opportunities in mining with a focus on logistics and sustainability," UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said.
He said that initially, about 10 micro-credential online courses will be introduced, followed by joint development of additional courses to meet the needs of the sector.
These programmes are designed to support India's clean energy transition, strengthen supply chain resilience and elevate the country's minerals workforce with global best practices.

Dec 12, 2025

Universal Health Coverage Day 2025: UN and WHO outline global events and theme

As Universal Health Coverage Day falls on 12 December 2025, UN agencies and the World Health Organization outline global events and campaigns. The theme, 'Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!', emphasizes financial protection as a core pillar of universal health coverage. The day invites governments to accelerate reforms in health financing, primary care, and access to essential services. In India and other nations, health policy discussions focus on expanding insurance coverage, reducing out-of-pocket expenditures, and strengthening primary health networks. The day serves as a global call to action for safer, affordable, and accessible health care for all.

Universal Health Coverage Day observed on 12 December 2025.
Theme: 'Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!'.
UN/WHO highlight focus on health financing and primary care.
Encourages reforms to expand coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Universal Health Coverage Day 2025 observed on 12 December

Universal Health Coverage Day is observed globally on 12 December 2025 to highlight the right to affordable, quality health care. The World Health Organization and United Nations host events and campaigns emphasizing health financing, primary care, and financial protection. This year’s theme, “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!”, calls on governments to strengthen health systems and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. In India and other countries, policymakers are leveraging UHC discussions to push reforms in health insurance, service delivery, and accessible care for vulnerable populations. The day underscores the link between health and sustainable development goals.

Universal Health Coverage Day observed on 12 December 2025.
Theme: 'Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!'.
WHO/UN host events to promote health financing and primary care.
Link between UHC and Sustainable Development Goals highlighted.

Dec 10, 2025

Padho Pardesh minority scholarship scheme discontinued

The government has discontinued the Padho Pardesh minority scholarship scheme for studying abroad, citing overlap with other programs and limited impact. A parliamentary briefing notes that NMDFC loans offer overseas study at lower interest rates, reducing the need for a separate subsidy. Kerala emerged as the top beneficiary state earlier in the scheme’s history. The decision, taken from 2022-23 onward, aligns with efforts to consolidate financial support for overseas study and improve efficiency in public subsidies, with a focus on ensuring access to education for minority communities through alternative channels.

Padho Pardesh scholarship scheme discontinued from 2022-23 onward.
NMDFC loans provide overseas study support at lower rates.
Kerala recorded the highest beneficiary numbers historically.
Policy consolidation aims to reduce overlap and improve efficiency.

Dec 08, 2025

Dr. Renuka Iyer Appointed NCCN Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Renuka Iyer has been appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), with effect from 26 February 2026. She is a renowned oncologist with over 20 years of experience in academic medicine, research, and clinical practice, including work in gastrointestinal cancers and rare tumours. NCCN, a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States, publishes evidence-based guidelines used by clinicians worldwide. Dr. Iyer’s appointment marks a leadership transition for a major organisation that drives cancer-care standards and education, reflecting ongoing efforts to advance oncology practice and patient outcomes globally.

Dr. Renuka Iyer named NCCN Chief Medical Officer.
Appointment effective 26 February 2026; extensive oncology background.
NCCN develops widely used cancer care guidelines.
Over 20 years’ experience in academic medicine and research.
Leadership change at a major international oncology body.

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