General Awareness

GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION - November 2024

Nov 2024

Apr 07, 2026

World Health Day 2026 observed on 7 April with theme Together for health. Stand with science

World Health Day 2026 is observed on 7 April with the global theme 'Together for health. Stand with science.' Led by the World Health Organization, the day marks a year-long effort to promote evidence-based health care, trust in science, and international collaboration for safer health outcomes. The campaign emphasizes One Health, linking the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment to address health challenges. The observance highlights the role of science-driven health solutions, public health infrastructure, and responsible communication to protect communities against current and future health threats worldwide, including in India. It encourages governments, health workers, communities, and individuals to adopt healthier practices and to support research that can prevent disease and improve well-being. In India, the day is used to promote vaccination, clean water, sanitation, and nutrition programs. Public awareness campaigns and school activities accompany official events. The focus remains on building resilient health systems and improving access to care.

Date: 7 April 2026; Theme: 'Together for health. Stand with science.'
Led by the World Health Organization; One Health approach highlighted.
Promotes evidence-based health care and international collaboration.
Encourages vaccination, sanitation, water, and nutrition efforts in India.
Public campaigns and school activities accompany official events.

Bangladesh launches emergency measles vaccination drive amid outbreak

Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles vaccination drive targeting more than one million children as the country faces a fast-spreading outbreak. Health authorities say rapid immunisation is crucial to prevent severe complications, especially among vulnerable groups. Measles is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system and can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, or death in severe cases. The drive focuses on reaching children in high-risk urban and rural areas, with outreach teams and vaccination camps. Officials stress the importance of timely vaccination and continued surveillance to curb transmission and protect public health during the outbreak. Public health agencies say the rapid response is essential to prevent spread to neighbouring regions.

Target: over one million children in vaccination drive.
Outbreak of measles requires rapid immunisation.
Measles is highly contagious; can cause pneumonia or encephalitis.
Outreach teams and vaccination camps in high-risk areas.
Emphasizes surveillance and timely vaccination to curb transmission.

Apr 06, 2026

Namo Drone Didi scheme expands women drone training in Karnataka

Under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, Karnataka leads in training women Self Help Groups (SHGs) as drone pilots. The central sector scheme, aligned with DAY-NRLM, enables SHGs to provide drone services to farmers, including spraying fertilisers and pesticides. The program aims to improve rural livelihoods, promote precision farming, and boost financial inclusion by creating employment opportunities. Training typically lasts 15 days for drone pilots, with an additional two days for nutrient application. The initiative demonstrates how technology and gender-focused schemes can advance agriculture and empower women in rural India.

Namo Drone Didi training led by Karnataka for women SHGs.
Central sector scheme under DAY-NRLM; drones for agriculture.
Aims: livelihoods, precision farming, financial inclusion.
15-day drone pilot training; 2 extra days for nutrients.
Shows integration of gender-focused programs with tech.

Apr 04, 2026

CBSE launches Computational Thinking and AI Curriculum for Classes 3–8

At Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 2 April 2026, the Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the CBSE Curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The program targets students in classes 3 to 8 and aims to build essential digital skills from an early age. The curriculum is introduced under the Central Board of Secondary Education and will be rolled out in the 2026–27 academic year, reflecting India’s growing focus on technology-driven learning and innovation. It seeks to prepare students for future tech-enabled work and citizenship.

CBSE CT and AI curriculum launched on 2 April 2026
Targets Class 3–8 students
Launched at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced it
Rollout planned for 2026–27
Focus on early digital skills and AI

NCERT granted ‘deemed to be university’ status by UGC

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted the status of ‘deemed to be a university’ by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This decision will place NCERT in a distinct category and expand its academic autonomy. The status allows NCERT to design and offer PhD and advanced research programs, and to introduce innovative courses. It is expected to strengthen the council’s role in shaping education policy and curriculum development, supporting school education reforms and research initiatives across India.

NCERT designated as deemed university by UGC
Enhances academic autonomy
Authority to offer PhD and advanced research
May introduce new courses
Strengthens role in policy and curriculum development
Supports India’s education reforms

Mar 30, 2026

Nisha Mehta Becomes Nepal’s Health Minister

Nisha Mehta, an alumna of AIIMS New Delhi, was appointed Health Minister of Nepal and took oath on 27 March 2026. A nursing professional, she is the first from her field to hold the post in Nepal’s policy-making structure. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from AIIMS (2006–2010) and leadership in public health initiatives. The appointment reflects a shift in Nepal’s health governance, with a focus on strengthening healthcare delivery and nursing leadership within government.

New Health Minister: Nisha Mehta, AIIMS alumna
Oath date: 27 March 2026
Background: Nurse by training; BSc Nursing (AIIMS, 2006–2010)
Significance: nursing leadership in government
Impact: potential reforms in Nepal’s health sector

Mar 26, 2026

India launches global clinical study integrating Ayurveda with TB treatment

India, marking World Tuberculosis Day, launched a first-of-its-kind global clinical study to evaluate integrating Ayurveda with standard tuberculosis treatment. The trial will enroll over 1,200 patients across leading institutions, with researchers assessing outcomes such as nutritional recovery, body weight, disease progression, quality of life, safety, and tolerability. Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the study as a convergence of modern biotechnology and traditional knowledge, aiming to improve patient outcomes through a holistic approach. If successful, the study could influence TB treatment protocols and advance India's goal of a TB-free nation through collaboration with international partners.

Global study on Ayurveda as TB adjunct
Sample size: over 1,200 patients
Outcomes: nutrition, weight, progression, quality of life, safety
Led by Union Minister Jitendra Singh
Aims to enhance holistic TB treatment
Part of India's TB eradication efforts

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