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‘Nafithromycin’: India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic

‘Nafithromycin’: India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic On 18th October 2025, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology announced that India has developed its first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, marking a historic milestone in the country’s pursuit of self-reliance in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Nafithromycin is the first antibiotic molecule to be conceptualised, developed, and clinically validated entirely in India, showcasing the nation’s growing research and development capability. Key Details of Nafithromycin Aspect Details Antibiotic Name Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic. Announcement Date Announced on 18th October 2025. Development Status First antibiotic molecule to be conceptualised, developed, and…

25 April, 2026 Health

India’s First Indigenous IBR Vaccine

India’s First Indigenous IBR Vaccine On 29th September 2025, Indian Immunologicals Limited launched India’s first indigenously developed glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), named Raksha-IBR. The vaccine enables differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals, supporting improved disease surveillance and control. Key Details of Raksha-IBR Aspect Details Vaccine Name Raksha-IBR. Disease Targeted Developed against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). Vaccine Type A glycoprotein E (gE) deleted DIVA marker vaccine. Indigenous Development India’s first indigenously developed IBR vaccine. Major Benefit Enables differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Importance of DIVA Marker Vaccines Feature Significance DIVA Technology Helps…

25 April, 2026 Health

Skin Diseases: A Global Public Health Priority

Skin Diseases: A Global Public Health Priority On 24th May 2025, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted a historic resolution titled “Skin diseases as a global public health priority”, the first resolution of its kind. Skin diseases affect nearly 1.9 billion people worldwide, yet the sector remains significantly underfunded. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) suffer the most from neglected skin diseases and limited access to proper dermatological care. Key Features of the Resolution Aspect Details Resolution Adopted “Skin diseases as a global public health priority” adopted by the 78th World Health Assembly. Adoption Date The resolution was adopted…

24 April, 2026 Health

WHO Declares Hepatitis D as Carcinogenic

WHO Declares Hepatitis D as Carcinogenic In July 2025, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO-IARC) classified the hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans, highlighting its strong link to liver cancer and urging increased screening and access to treatments. What is Hepatitis D? Aspect Details Disease Type A liver infection caused by the hepatitis delta virus (HDV). Dependence on HBV HDV cannot exist on its own; it requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate. Key Significance of the IARC Classification Area Importance Carcinogenic Status WHO-IARC classified hepatitis D virus as carcinogenic to humans.…

24 April, 2026 Health

New Drug Candidate to Tackle Deadly Superbugs

New Drug Candidate to Tackle Deadly Superbugs In August 2025, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee announced the development of a new drug candidate that could restore the effectiveness of critical antibiotics against one of the world’s most dangerous superbugs. The therapy is designed to combat infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, a top-priority drug-resistant pathogen identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Novel Molecule Feature Details Molecule Name The research team developed a novel molecule called Compound 3b. Combination Therapy It works in combination with Meropenem, a last-resort antibiotic. Target Pathogen The therapy targets infections caused…

24 April, 2026 Health

Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine The Union Health Minister launched the indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, one of India’s premier public sector vaccine manufacturing institutions. The vaccine will replace the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine in line with global recommendations and guidelines of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI). With the formal launch, the Td vaccine will now be supplied under India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Key Details of the Td Vaccine Aspect Details Vaccine Name Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine. Launch Institution Launched at the Central…

23 April, 2026 Health

Revised Guidelines on Obesity Diagnosis & Treatment

Revised Guidelines on Obesity Diagnosis & Treatment India has updated its obesity diagnosis and treatment guidelines after 15 years. The revision reflects new evidence on fat distribution, metabolic risks and obesity-related health complications, especially among the Asian Indian population. The revised approach moves beyond body weight alone and gives greater importance to abdominal fat, insulin resistance and associated conditions. This is important because Indian populations may develop metabolic complications even at lower body mass levels compared to some other groups. New Guideline Area Details Updated After 15 Years The revised guidelines recalibrate how obesity is measured and treated in India.…

14 April, 2026 Health

Decline in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

Decline in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) The SRS Statistical Report 2023 highlights a landmark demographic shift in India. The national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates that India is moving deeper into a low-fertility phase. The decline reflects better family planning, late marriages, improved women’s education, lower infant mortality and rising career aspirations among women. However, it also creates long-term challenges such as ageing population and labour shortages in some States. Key Finding Details National TFR India’s national TFR has declined to 1.9. Replacement Level The replacement…

14 April, 2026 Health

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules,2025

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025 On November 6, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025, under the 1994 Act. These amendments aim to enhance equitable access to transplantation services and streamline eye donation processes across India. Key Highlight Details Removal of Equipment Mandate The mandatory requirement for a Clinical Specular Microscope in corneal transplantation centers has been scrapped. This specific equipment was historically expensive and difficult for small or rural eye centers to procure, acting as a barrier to service expansion. Decentralizing Eye Care…

07 April, 2026 Health

HEALD Initiative:Promoting Liver Health and Prevention

HEALD Initiative: Promoting Liver Health and Prevention On 19th April 2025 (World Liver Day), the Union Government launched HEALD (Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention), a pioneering initiative spearheaded by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS). Section Details Core Objectives Awareness & Prevention: Focuses on educating the public about liver diseases, particularly those linked to alcohol consumption. Early Intervention: Provides essential early screening, medical treatment, and psychological support for liver ailments. Mainstreaming Health: Integrates liver care into the public health framework through education and rehabilitation. Destigmatization: Aims to reduce the social stigma associated with alcohol dependence…

05 April, 2026 Health

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