A study by Dr. D. Balasubramanian explains how acid in the human body, specifically lactic acid, plays a crucial role in cellular energy production. While traditionally viewed as a waste product of muscle activity, lactic acid is now recognized as a vital signalling molecule. It helps cells produce energy by facilitating the conversion of glucose into ATP, especially during intense physical activity. The study highlights that mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses, are responsible for maintaining the body's energy supply. The research emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper acid-base balance and nutrient intake, particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), for optimal cellular function and energy production, crucial for overall health and athletic performance.
- Lactic acid, often seen as a waste product, is a vital signaling molecule that helps cells produce energy.
- Mitochondria are central to cellular energy production, converting glucose into ATP.
- Maintaining the body's acid-base balance is crucial for optimal cellular function.
A deadly bird virus, Psittacine Adenovirus (PABV-4), has been identified for the first time in India, posing a significant threat to endangered vulture populations. Researchers at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) found the virus in dead and genetically ill vultures from the Pinjore Conservation Breeding Centre in Haryana. PABV-4 causes severe gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, leading to high mortality rates in psittacine birds and has been reported in other bird species globally. The discovery highlights the need for surveillance and conservation efforts to protect critically endangered vulture species, which are crucial for ecosystem health.
- Psittacine Adenovirus (PABV-4), a deadly bird virus, has been detected for the first time in India.
- The virus was found in endangered vultures at the Pinjore Conservation Breeding Centre in Haryana.
- PABV-4 causes severe gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases and has a high mortality rate, particularly in psittacine birds.
The Union Health Ministry has amended rules to strengthen regulatory control over medicinal products with high alcohol content, aiming to prevent their misuse. The amendment removes the exemption from licensing requirements for formulations containing more than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol in quantities exceeding 30 ml, previously covered under Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945. These products will now require requisite licenses under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and will be shifted to Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, mandating sale against prescription and stricter record-keeping. This move addresses concerns from State governments about misuse for intoxication.
- The Union Health Ministry has amended rules to tighten regulation on medicinal products with high alcohol content.
- Formulations with over 12% v/v ethyl alcohol (exceeding 30 ml) now require licenses, removing a previous exemption.
- These products will be moved to Schedule H1, requiring prescriptions and stricter record-keeping.
The international NeoSep1 trial, aimed at finding life-saving antibiotic combinations for newborns with sepsis, has expanded to India, with the first baby recruited at JIPMER, Puducherry. This trial addresses the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance, which is causing antibiotics relied upon for decades to fail against resistant infections. Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, where gram-negative organisms and multidrug resistance are prevalent. The study uses a Personalised Randomised Controlled Trial (PRACTical) design to evaluate and rank multiple antibiotic regimens, aiming to identify effective treatments and reduce newborn deaths.
- The international NeoSep1 trial for neonatal sepsis has expanded to India, with the first recruitment at JIPMER, Puducherry.
- The trial aims to identify effective antibiotic combinations against antimicrobial-resistant neonatal sepsis.
- Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of newborn mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Secondary infertility, the difficulty conceiving after a previous successful pregnancy, is significantly increasing in India, nearly doubling from 19.5% in the early 1990s to 28.6% by 2015-2016. This rise is attributed to couples delaying childbearing, leading to age-related decline in fertility for women and men. Lifestyle factors like weight gain, thyroid issues, and pollution also contribute. Societal pressures and the pervasive influence of social media exacerbate the emotional burden on couples, who often feel isolated despite the growing prevalence of the condition.
- Secondary infertility in India has nearly doubled, affecting a significant portion of couples.
- Delayed childbearing, with first babies often arriving in the early 30s, is a major contributing factor.
- Lifestyle changes, including weight gain, thyroid issues, and pollution, impact both male and female fertility.
The death toll from Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has reached 600, with new suspected cases reported in previously unaffected provinces like Tshopo and Haut-Uele. This signifies a continued spread of the disease beyond its epicentre in Ituri. The Congolese Health Ministry confirmed two new suspected cases in Kisangani, Tshopo province, one linked to the initial outbreak zone. Clinical trials for treatment began last week, offering hope in combating the deadly virus amidst the surging cases and geographical expansion.
- Congo's Ebola death toll has reached 600 in the latest outbreak.
- New suspected cases have emerged in previously unaffected provinces, indicating wider spread.
- The outbreak's epicentre is in Ituri province, but cases are now seen in Tshopo and Haut-Uele.
Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) has launched the 'Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha' campaign to address the alarming statistic of over 56,000 people living with HIV in Karnataka without knowing their status, the highest in India. This poses a significant challenge despite free testing and treatment. The campaign, part of a NACO initiative, introduces a BreakFree QR code for confidential self-risk assessment and guidance to testing centers. The initiative aims to overcome reluctance for voluntary testing due to stigma and lack of awareness about HIV transmission.
- Karnataka has the highest number of people (over 56,000) unaware of their HIV status in India.
- The KSAPS launched the 'Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha' campaign to improve diagnosis and treatment linkage.
- The campaign utilizes a BreakFree QR code for confidential self-risk assessment and access to testing centers.
The article highlights nutrition as a critical and often overlooked 'vaccine' against tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing that undernutrition is the single largest global risk factor for the disease. It praises India's initiatives like the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provide financial and nutritional support to TB patients. Research shows severely undernourished TB patients are four times more likely to die during treatment. The author advocates for scaling nutrition as a primary preventive strategy, arguing that addressing undernutrition can prevent a significant number of TB cases and improve overall public health infrastructure.
- Nutrition is identified as a critical preventive strategy and an effective 'vaccine' against tuberculosis (TB).
- Undernutrition is the single largest risk factor for TB globally, significantly increasing mortality risk.
- India's TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nikshay Poshan Yojana provide crucial nutritional and financial support to patients.
Three global studies published in leading medical journals suggest that finerenone, a drug primarily used for diabetes-related kidney disease, can effectively slow kidney disease progression in a broader patient group, including those without diabetes. The research found that finerenone reduced protein leakage in urine and lowered the risk of kidney failure across different forms of chronic kidney disease, such as glomerular diseases. Finerenone works by blocking inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, processes common to many kidney diseases. While it has side effects like hyperkalaemia, these are manageable with routine blood tests. The drug is already available in India and is expected to become cheaper after 2028.
- Finerenone, a drug previously for diabetes-related kidney disease, is effective in slowing kidney disease progression in patients without diabetes.
- Studies show it reduces protein leakage and lowers the risk of kidney failure across various forms of chronic kidney disease.
- The drug acts by blocking inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, a common pathway in many kidney diseases.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the E20 petrol roll-out, claiming "silent compulsion" and seeking full disclosure on its chemical composition, safeguards, and compatibility consequences for legacy vehicles. Petitioner Narendra Kumar Goswami argued that the right to know a product's composition is a constitutional requirement, not just a consumer slogan. He highlighted that ethanol is hygroscopic, affects fuel-system materials, and has lower energy density, impacting fuel efficiency and vehicle health. The plea seeks an independent expert committee to examine "real-world E20 compatibility" and asserts that a welfare policy cannot be implemented by keeping citizens in the dark about what they are buying.
- A Supreme Court petition challenges the E20 petrol roll-out, citing "silent compulsion" and demanding full disclosure of its composition and compatibility.
- The petitioner argues that citizens have a constitutional right to know the effects of products, especially those mandated by the state.
- Concerns were raised about ethanol's hygroscopic nature, its impact on fuel systems, and its lower energy density affecting vehicle performance.
New research suggests a deep connection between rising female labour force participation and improved healthcare outcomes in India. A study, using a natural experiment from India's 2018 Employees' Provident Fund reform, found that female-led households benefiting from increased take-home salary reduced overall healthcare expenditure by 11.6%. This reduction was due to decreased spending on medicines and doctor consultations, offset by increased investments in nutrition and physical fitness. The findings indicate that women, with greater economic agency, prioritise preventive health and long-term well-being, shifting household spending towards health creation rather than just healthcare purchase, thereby reducing future dependence on the healthcare system.
- Increased female income is linked to a shift in household spending towards preventive healthcare and long-term well-being.
- Female-led households, with higher take-home salaries, showed reduced expenditure on medicines and doctor consultations.
- These households increased investments in nutrition and physical fitness, indicating a proactive approach to health.
The U.S. FDA's approval of vepdegestrant, the first PROTAC-based drug, for advanced breast cancer marks a significant advance in cancer therapy. PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimaeras) are designed to remove harmful proteins from cells, unlike conventional drugs that merely block them. This catalytic mechanism allows PROTACs to act multiple times and target "undruggable" proteins. Vepdegestrant specifically targets the oestrogen receptor, a driver of many breast cancers, offering new hope for patients with ESR1-mutated tumors. Despite challenges like molecule size and concentration-dependent activity, over 40 PROTAC candidates are in clinical trials for various diseases.
- The U.S. FDA approved vepdegestrant, the first PROTAC-based drug, for ESR1-mutated, ER-positive, and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
- PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimaeras) remove specific harmful proteins from cells by recruiting E3 ligases for degradation, acting catalytically.
- This mechanism allows PROTACs to target proteins previously considered "undruggable" and potentially disrupt multiple protein roles.
A new study in Scientific Reports reveals that climate change is causing a massive decline in bovine milk production, particularly in India's trans-Gangetic plains. High temperatures (over 38°C) combined with high humidity (over 70%) during summer and monsoon months significantly reduce milk yield in buffaloes and cross-bred cattle, as animals divert energy to regulate body temperature. Indigenous cattle breeds like Sahiwal and Hariana show more heat tolerance. The study highlights that heat stress also impacts fodder availability, increases pest/disease attacks, and could lead to a loss of 15 million tonnes of milk by 2050s, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient livestock management.
- Climate change, specifically high temperatures and humidity, is causing a significant decline in bovine milk production in India's trans-Gangetic plains.
- Lactating animals, especially buffaloes and cross-bred cattle, divert energy from milk production to regulate body temperature under heat stress.
- Indigenous cattle breeds demonstrate greater heat tolerance due to adaptive traits like loose skin and efficient sweating.
Despite significant gains in maternal and child health, including increased institutional deliveries and women's empowerment, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in India have declined, according to NFHS-6 data. EBF, crucial for infant survival and development, fell from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8%. Experts attribute this paradox to growing economic pressures, informal employment, lack of maternity protection, inadequate workplace support, and erosion of traditional support networks. The decline is steeper in rural areas and is also linked to rising C-section rates and aggressive marketing of formula products.
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in India have declined, despite overall improvements in maternal and child health indicators.
- The decline is attributed to economic pressures, lack of maternity protection, inadequate workplace support, and changing family structures.
- Rising C-section rates and aggressive marketing of infant formula are also cited as contributing factors to the decline.
A civil society network, the Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatments, has urged the government to revise India's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), which has not been updated in nearly four years. In contrast, the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines has been revised twice in the same period (2023 and 2025) and now contains 523 drugs, significantly more than NLEM's 384. The NLEM, last overhauled in 2022, lacks several active cancer-treating agents, supportive cancer-care medicines, and monoclonal antibodies present on the WHO list, impacting affordable healthcare access.
- India's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) has not been updated for nearly four years, lagging behind the WHO's revised list.
- The NLEM, last notified in 2022, contains 384 medicines, while the WHO list, revised in 2023 and 2025, has 523 drugs.
- The civil society group highlights that NLEM misses critical cancer-treating agents and other medicines found on the WHO list.
The article highlights the urgent need to make cancer a notifiable disease at the national level in India. Currently, cancer is not notifiable, leading to underreporting and incomplete data, which hinders effective policy-making and resource allocation. Population-based cancer registries cover only a small percentage of the population, and even states like Telangana, which recently made cancer notifiable, face challenges in data collection. The World Health Organization projects a significant increase in cancer cases by 2040, underscoring the necessity for robust, real-time data to improve prevention, treatment, and overall public health response.
- Cancer is currently not a notifiable disease at the national level in India, leading to significant data gaps.
- Existing population-based cancer registries cover only a small fraction of the population, hindering comprehensive understanding of the disease burden.
- The WHO projects a substantial increase in global cancer cases by 2040, emphasizing the need for better data for effective public health strategies.
Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh has demonstrated a successful grassroots model for HPV vaccination, addressing challenges like low awareness, social stigma, gender bias, and vaccine hesitancy. India launched a nationwide cervical cancer campaign on February 28, 2026, aiming to provide free HPV vaccinations to 1.15 crore girls aged 14-15 years, as India accounts for a quarter of global cervical cancer burden. Mandsaur's strategy involved data-driven targeting of vulnerable populations, leveraging multiple government databases, and employing a "Nudge Approach" with counselling, transportation, and awareness campaigns featuring influencers to achieve 100% vaccination coverage in under 40 days.
- Mandsaur district implemented a successful, data-driven, and adaptive strategy for HPV vaccination.
- The campaign targeted vulnerable populations like Banchhadas, nomadic tribes, and school dropouts.
- A "Nudge Approach" was used to overcome vaccine hesitancy, social discomfort, and logistical barriers.
India's Civil Registration System (CRS) 2024 report indicates significant improvement in birth and death registration, with 99.1% of births and 99.4% of deaths registered in 2024. The report also shows an improving, though uneven, sex ratio at birth (SRB) across states, with the national average at 917 females per 1,000 males. While Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are top performers, Nagaland, Lakshadweep, and Jharkhand show the weakest figures. The increased registration coverage provides a clearer picture of the country's demographic transition, reflecting better capture of vital statistics rather than sharp rises in fertility or mortality.
- The CRS 2024 report indicates near-full coverage for birth and death registrations in India.
- The national sex ratio at birth (SRB) has improved to 917 females per 1,000 males, though progress is uneven across states.
- States like Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands show high SRB, while Nagaland, Lakshadweep, and Jharkhand have the lowest.
The article highlights a rise in food poisoning cases and deaths in India, attributing it to lapses in the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act. Data shows that States with high food poisoning cases often have low or moderate scores on the State Food Safety Index. Despite mandates for periodic inspections, the number of samples collected and analyzed is significantly lower than registered Food Business Operators (FBOs). A major contributing factor is the severe shortage of Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and other staff at both central (FSSAI) and state levels, with vacancies increasing over the years. The article also notes India's poor ranking in foodborne disease burden globally.
- Food poisoning cases and deaths are rising in India, indicating failures in implementing the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act.
- States with higher food poisoning incidents tend to have lower scores on the State Food Safety Index.
- Inspections and food sample analyses are significantly inadequate compared to the large number of registered Food Business Operators (FBOs).
India is situated between two major drug-producing regions, the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, making it vulnerable to drug trafficking and abuse. The article highlights the rise of Myanmar as a key source of illicit opium and the use of drones and cryptocurrencies by traffickers. While enforcement efforts are ongoing, India needs to shift its focus from seizures and arrests to a 'whole of society' approach emphasizing public health and social dimensions. It criticizes the current system where physical abuse and forced detoxification are common, access to de-addiction centers is limited, especially in rural areas, and relapse is often treated as a moral failure, perpetuating the drug-crime cycle.
- India is geographically vulnerable to drug trafficking, located between the Golden Crescent (west) and Golden Triangle (east).
- Myanmar has become a leading source of illicit opium, impacting India's border regions.
- Drug trafficking methods include maritime routes, drones, darknet, and cryptocurrencies.
The Union Health Ministry is set to launch revised operational guidelines for the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (AMB), expanding its strategy to include low birth weight babies (0-6 months) as a new beneficiary group. The updated framework, to be released by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, emphasizes dietary interventions, an 'eating right' component promoting iron-rich diets, and digital tracking of beneficiaries. It replaces the existing T3 strategy with a T4 strategy (Test, Treat, Talk, Track) for routine haemoglobin testing, treatment, and systematic follow-up. An integrated digital ecosystem is also proposed for comprehensive monitoring of anaemia services, aiming to strengthen control through improved testing, treatment, monitoring, and community participation.
- The Union Health Ministry is launching revised guidelines for Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (AMB) to strengthen anaemia control.
- The expanded strategy includes low birth weight babies (0-6 months) as a new beneficiary group, focusing on early intervention.
- A new 'eating right' component promotes the consumption of iron-rich and diversified diets.
The article highlights adolescent malnutrition as a silent public health emergency in India, characterized by a double burden of undernutrition and surging obesity, with roots in adolescence. Citing NFHS-6 data, it notes rising obesity and high blood sugar levels across genders and age groups, including rural populations. Schools are identified as critical settings for prevention. The piece advocates for improved midday meals, healthier canteens, and food demonstrations to promote balanced diets, emphasizing the reduction of sugary drinks and Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs). It also stresses the importance of structured physical activity as a core educational component. Initiatives like the ICMR-NIN's 'Let's Fix Our Food' are presented as models for creating healthier food environments.
- Adolescent malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and rising obesity, is a significant public health challenge in India, with its origins in adolescence.
- NFHS-6 data reveals a concerning increase in obesity and high blood sugar levels across various demographics, including rural areas.
- Schools are crucial intervention points, needing to implement improved midday meals, healthier canteens, and food demonstrations to foster balanced diets.
The Health Ministry has expanded Schedule H2 drugs to cover all therapeutic classes, shifting from revenue-based to risk-based regulation. This framework, introduced in 2022-23, mandates QR codes and additional product identifiers on drug packs to verify authenticity and track defective batches. The initiative aims to combat counterfeit networks targeting critical medicines like vaccines and antimicrobials, which contribute to India's high antimicrobial resistance rates. It also addresses international concerns regarding quality control and the leakage of controlled substances into illicit markets. The success of this system depends on a state-managed database, consumer verification habits, and support for MSME manufacturers to integrate new packaging requirements.
- The Health Ministry has expanded Schedule H2 drugs to all therapeutic classes, moving towards risk-based regulation to track defective batches.
- New norms mandate QR codes and additional product identifiers on drug packs for authenticity verification and detailed tracking.
- The initiative aims to combat counterfeit drugs, especially antimicrobials, which exacerbate India's high antimicrobial resistance rates.
The Union Health Ministry has significantly enhanced the financial powers of senior Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) officials to expedite medical treatment and reimbursement. This move aims to reduce delays in approving cashless treatment, settling medical claims, and sanctioning unlisted investigations/procedures. Additional directors heading CGHS cities and zones can now sanction up to ₹15 lakh, directors up to ₹25 lakh, and Additional Secretary and DG up to ₹50 lakh for medical reimbursement. The changes are expected to particularly benefit pensioners and elderly beneficiaries, who often require costly tertiary care, by reducing the need for referrals to higher authorities and addressing common grievances.
- The Union Health Ministry has substantially increased the financial powers of senior CGHS officials.
- This enhancement aims to reduce delays in medical treatment approvals and reimbursement claims for beneficiaries.
- Officials can now approve higher-value cases for cashless treatment, medical reimbursement, and unlisted investigations/procedures.