Current Context : The tragic stampede at Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam’s (TVK) rally in Tamil Nadu’s Velusamypuram claimed 41 lives, with doctors confirming compressive asphyxia as the primary cause of death due to crowd pressure. ABOUT ASPHYXIA Definition: A condition where the body fails to get adequate oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death. Process: The lungs fail to supply oxygen or expel carbon dioxide efficiently, disrupting blood oxygen levels. ABOUT COMPRESSIVE ASPHYXIA Meaning: Physical asphyxia caused by external pressure on the chest, preventing lung expansion. Common Causes: Crowd crushes, collapsed structures, or heavy external weight on the chest. Effect: Lungs cannot....Read More

Current Context : Australia has approved the use of Lecanemab, a new drug for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, aimed at slowing its progression. ABOUT LECANEMAB DRUG Nature A monoclonal antibody drug. Administered intravenously (IV) through a drip bag. Working Targets amyloid proteins in the brain. Works with brain immune cells to clear amyloid build-up. Shown to reduce disease progression by 27% in clinical trials. Issues High cost and limited accessibility. Potential side effects like brain swelling. ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE A progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills. Most common cause of dementia (60–80% of cases). Usually affects people....Read More

Current Context: Reports from Punjab indicate widespread damage to paddy crops at the maturing and harvest stage due to False Smut Disease, threatening yield and quality. ABOUT False Smut Disease Scientific Name: Caused by fungus Ustilaginoidea virens Other Names: Haldi Rog, Lakshmi Disease, Oothupathi Disease Symptoms: Black fungal growth on grains covered with yellow fungal mass Infected grains become orange → yellowish green → greenish black Leads to chalky grains, weight loss, and poor germination Spread: Infects during flowering stage; visible after panicle emergence Usually affects only a few grains per panicle Favourable Conditions: Warm, humid weather (25–30°C, humidity >80%)....Read More

Current Context: The H3N2 flu virus has triggered a major epidemic throughout the entire Delhi-NCR region. About H3N2  It is a subtype of the Influenza A virus, affecting mainly those over 50 and under 15. It spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, with higher risk in crowded spaces like schools and nursing homes. H3N2 infection symptoms typically begin with sudden high fever, chills, sore throat, headaches, muscle, body aches, fatigue, abdominal pain and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea. H3N2 flu is usually treated at home with rest, hydration, and symptomatic care like steam inhalation and warm saline gargles.Read More

Current Context: HFMD is spreading rapidly among children in Delhi and nearby Haryana, prompting health experts and schools to issue advisories. ABOUT HFMD Type: Contagious viral infection Common in: Infants and children under 5 years Cause: Several viruses; not related to foot-and-mouth disease in animals Transmission: Contact with unwashed hands, saliva, nasal mucus, feces, or blister fluid Highly spreads in: Daycare centres and schools  SYMPTOMS : Fever, Sore throat, Painful mouth sores, Blister-like rash on hands, feet, and sometimes other body partsRead More

Current Context: The Union government has licensed five Indian firms to manufacture and commercialise AdFalciVax, India’s first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine, developed by ICMR. ABOUT ADFALCIVAX Type: Recombinant chimeric multi-stage vaccine Target: Blocks infection and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite Developed by: ICMR–RMRC Bhubaneswar with support from ICMR–NIMR (Delhi) and NII (Delhi) SIGNIFICANCE India bears 4% of global malaria cases and 66% of Southeast Asia’s burden Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in health R&D Reduces dependence on imported vaccines Supports India’s Malaria Elimination Goal 2030Read More

Current Context: Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) announced a colon cancer vaccine ready for use after successful preclinical trials, revealed at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum, Vladivostok. ABOUT THE VACCINE Type: Therapeutic vaccine (not preventive). Trial Results: Tumour size reduced by 60%–80%. Slowed progression, improved survival rates. No adverse effects, even with repeated doses. HOW IT WORKS Stimulates immune system to recognize and attack tumour cells. Enhances recognition of tumour antigens. Slows disease progression and extends survival. OTHER VACCINES IN PIPELINE Glioblastoma (aggressive brain cancer). Melanoma (including rare ocular melanoma). Early results show high safety and effectiveness.Read More

Current Context : A rise in HFMD cases has been reported in New Delhi, particularly among children. ABOUT HFMD Nature: Common viral illness, mostly affecting children (can affect adults with weak immunity). Cause: Mainly by Coxsackievirus A16. Symptoms: Sores in the mouth. Rash on hands and feet. Fever and general weakness. Spread: Highly contagious in schools/daycare centres. Treatment: No specific treatment; recovery usually in 7–10 days. Complications: Rare; can cause viral meningitis in severe cases. Not Related To: Foot-and-Mouth disease (affects cattle).Read More

Current Context : WHO has declared Nepal rubella-free, eliminating it as a public health problem. ABOUT RUBELLA Also called German Measles or Three-Day Measles. Cause: Rubella virus (single-stranded RNA virus). Nature: Highly contagious but less severe than measles. Transmission : Spread via coughing, sneezing, or contaminated surfaces, Can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus.Read More

Current Context: The National Health Authority (NHA) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) signed an MoU to launch e-Sushrut@Clinic, a cloud-based Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) for outpatient clinics.  ABOUT e-Sushrut@Clinic Developer: C-DAC (lighter version of its flagship e-Sushrut HMIS) Purpose: To expand the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) ecosystem Target: Small and medium healthcare providers, sub-centres, and clinics  Key Features Cloud-based, low-cost solution for OPD management, pharmacy, and nursing Easy onboarding via Health Facility Registry (HFR) and Health Professionals Registry (HPR) Enables digitization of patient records, prescriptions, billing, and telemedicine Integrated with ABDM utilities like AIIMS Clinical....Read More