Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 Content Editor: Dr. Deepika November 28, 2025 Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stressed that in a digitally driven world, India has moved away from its naturally active past. He stressed that 65% of India’s population is below 35, making youth fitness not just a health agenda but an economic opportunity. India’s capacity to produce sports goods, nutrition supplements, and fitness equipment can strengthen a growing sports economy. Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse echoed this sentiment, highlighting that as India rises in global sports, community-level initiatives such as Sundays on Cycle can slowly transform lifestyle habits. She emphasised the need for a collective ecosystem, families, schools, communities, and industry, to work together towards a fitter India. The event also saw the felicitation of new Fit India Icons and their messages cut across caution and motivation: Warning youth against blindly following unverified “health influencers”. Linking fitness to a strong sports culture, and urging parents to limit screen time and encourage physical activity. Sharing the simple triad- “ Eat right, rest right, train right” . Panel discussions during the conclave pointed out the urgent need to address screen addiction, early-life sedentary behaviour, misleading bodybuilding shortcuts, and increasing access to junk food. Experts noted that if fitness habits don’t start early, the long-term costs will reflect in rising non-communicable diseases, mental health stressors, and reduced productivity. Prioritising fitness among youth can significantly reduce future NCD burden. Community-based initiatives can reshape lifestyle behaviours at the grassroots level. Regulating spurious supplements and misleading online fitness advice is essential for consumer safety. Encouraging early-life physical activity can counter childhood obesity and screen dependency. A fit population directly contributes to economic growth, productivity, and healthy ageing.

Domestic hazardous waste 2024: An overview Domestic hazardous waste 2024: An overview Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala July 17, 2024 Toxics Link Environmental Health, Waste Management The report by Toxics Link. a non-profit body says: Municipal Solid Waste constitutes two-third of the total waste generated. Domestic Hazardous Waste (DHW) constitutes 1-4% of the total Municipal Solid Waste generated (an estimate of 1600 to 6401 tons). DHW contains varying amounts of harmful chemicals, such as lead and mercury. When waste segregation at the source is not practiced, DHW mixes with other wastes, increasing health hazards such as: Antimicrobial resistance through seepage of antibiotics to the surrounding environment. Air pollution of toxic chemicals through landfill fires. Increased occupational risk through injury by sharps and contact with toxic chemicals of waste handlers who do not use personal protective equipment or PPE (90% do not use any PPE). The study found that in cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Chandigarh, and Indore, there was a lack of awareness about source segregation . In Ranchi and Jaipur, people practiced burning or draining as a method of disposal for blood sugar testing kits, urine pregnancy kits, etc. 53% of households have discarded mercury-based thermometers with other wastes. Bhopal households have reported injuries while handling DHW 97% of the time. A significantly higher proportion of waste collectors expressed a preference for separate collection of DHW, while some of them had no issues. The Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) in India provide some guidance, but no specific rules for managing DHW exist. Click here to read more.

Launch of the virtual node to tackle the rise in metabolic diseases Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy July 23, 2024 at 4:00:00 PM Public health, Noncommunicable diseases, NAFLD Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh recently launched the Indo-French Liver and Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN ) to jointly address the rising burden of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) . InFLiMeN, a virtual node, will aid in addressing the critical issues related to NAFLD and help prevent and cure these metabolic liver diseases at ILBS, Delhi . With the rising burden of NAFLD, there is a need to develop simple, low-cost diagnostic tests that will aid in the early detection of NAFLD, thereby preventing its progression to severe diseases. InFLiMeN will help understand the development, progression, and management using a comprehensive omics approach for biomarker discovery . This initiative will provide point-of-care India-specific interventions to address the differences the Indian phenotype faces. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Yamuna’s Water quality management at peril Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay November 20, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Environment, Water pollution The Delhi Pollution Control Committee failed to present the reports of river quality data for August, September, and October 2023. Reports from the 7th high-level committee meeting on the Yamuna River indicate significant improvements in BOD, COD, and annual fecal coliform levels, in contrast to the previous year. The latest report for September reveals a lack of dissolved oxygen in the river. The committee suggests various measures to improve water quality , which include: 1) sewage treatment, 2) trapping drains, 3) sewerage networks in unauthorized colonies, 4) industrial effluent management, 5) fecal sludge treatment, 6) floodplain control, and 7) Repurpose of treated wastewater Previous Next

ABHA- based scan and share: Enhancing OPDs digital efficiency. ABHA- based scan and share: Enhancing OPDs digital efficiency. Content Editor: Dr. Sumana August 12, 2024 Press Information Bureau Health service, Health programme, Universal health coverage The Government of India's ABHA-based Scan and Share system , launched in October 2022, is significantly enhancing outpatient department (OPD) registrations across the country. The initiative has benefited over 3.87 crore patients by streamlining the registration process through QR codes at hospitals registered on the Health Facility Registry (HFR). More than 5,800 public healthcare institutions have adopted this system, with over 2,400 hospitals actively using it to serve 1.80 lakh patients daily. To support this digital transformation, the National Health Authority (NHA) and state governments have provided training, financial incentives, and patient awareness campaigns. The initiative is further strengthened by the introduction of a "Scan and Pay" feature, currently being piloted, allowing patients to pay for diagnostic services via mobile applications and a unified health record linkage system . Additionally, diagnostic labs are integrating with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to deliver lab reports digitally, ensuring patients can access their results remotely, thus reducing logistical and financial burdens. This ongoing effort not only aims to enhances the efficiency of OPD services but also contributes to the broader goal of making public healthcare more accessible and affordable for all . Click here to read more.

Impact of early air and noise pollution exposure on mental health: Insights from a study Impact of early air and noise pollution exposure on mental health: Insights from a study Content Editor: Dr. Manu June 8, 2024 Journal of American Medical Association Network Open Air Pollution, Noise Pollution, Mental Health Disorders, Research Findings Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) researchers in the United Kingdom followed a birth cohort (n=14901) in the city of Bristol to understand the association between perinatal and early childhood exposure to air (NO2 and PM2.5) and noise pollution with mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, and psychotic experiences) later in life. Certain confounders were identified, including a family history of psychiatric illness, maternal education, ethnicity, population density, and neighborhood characteristics. These were considered as covariates during analysis. As NO2 and PM2.5 have different absolute values, results were standardized by dividing the scores by the IQR. The following are the findings: After covariate adjustment, InterQuartile Range (IQR)(0.72μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and childhood was related to increased odds of psychotic experiences . (AOR [Adjusted Odds Ratio] during pregnancy:1.11[1.04-1.19); and (AOR during childhood: 1.09[1.00-1.10]). IQR increase in PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was linked to increased odds of depression .(AOR: 1.10[1.02-1.18]) Increased exposure to noise pollution during childhood and adolescence led to higher odds of anxiety .(AOR during adolescence:1.22[1.02-1.45]) Thus, the team concluded that early pregnancy and childhood exposure to air pollution led to an increased risk of depression and psychotic experiences. In contrast, increased exposure to noise pollution during childhood and adolescence led to increased risk of anxiety. These could provide future targets for interventions to reduce the disease burden. Click here to read more.

No Alcohol at Medical Conferences - DGHS Advisory issued Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary April 18, 2023 at 6:08:00 PM Public Health Regulations, Non-Communicable diseases The Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory to all medical associations in India, stating that alcohol should be avoided in medical conferences, workshops, seminars, and CME sessions to set an example of good habits that can be emulated by others. The advisory aims to reduce the risk factors and the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the long run. Alcohol consumption is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions according to the WHO, and is associated with a risk of developing mental and behavioural disorders, liver cirrhosis, some cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, NCDs are estimated to account for 63% of all deaths in country. Cardiovascular diseases caused 27% of the deaths, followed by respiratory diseases (11%), cancer (9%), diabetes (3%) and others (13%), as per the WHO-NCD India profile (2018). The rise of NCDs in India has been driven by primarily four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diet. Previous Next

Public Health Daily News Snippets WHO Bulletin Releases Special Edition on Traditional Medicine Ahead of Global Summit The WHO Bulletin published its first special issue on traditional medicine since 1977, featuring research and policy analyses. This release precedes the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 2025 in New Delhi. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health, Traditional Medicine Integration Read More Global Summit in Geneva Intensified Efforts to Curb Toxic Mercury Pollution A major international conference was held in Geneva from 3rd to 7th November 2025 to strengthen the global fight against mercury pollution . Delegates collaborated to accelerate the phase-out of this toxic metal from products and industrial processes, aiming to protect human health and the environment. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : United Nations Environmental Health, International Policy Read More Fitness & Nation-Building: Insights from the National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 The first-ever National Fitness & Wellness Conclave 2025 in Mumbai brought together policymakers, athletes, and industry leaders to reaffirm one message: India’s progress towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 depends on how seriously we take fitness today. With icons from sports and cinema joining the conversation, the conclave highlighted fitness as both a cultural shift and a public health necessity. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fit India Movement, Physical Activity, Non-Communicable Diseases, Viksit Bharat Read More Global Evidence Review of the Inequality- Pandemic Cycle: UNAIDS report The UNAIDS established the “Global Council on Inequality, AIDS and Pandemic ” in 2023. Its report “Breaking the inequality-pandemic cycle ” released in November 2025 is based on evidence from more than 1500 peer-reviewed literature and reports from government agencies and research institutions across multiple pandemics and its own empirical studies over the past 2 years. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 2025 Pandemic preparedness, Social inequality, Global Health Read More Decomposition Analysis of Factors Driving Global Maternal Mortality Reduction A new Lancet Global Health paper highlights evidence that combining family planning with quality maternity services has driven a 41% global decline in maternal deaths since 2000. The study shows how contraception alone prevented more than 77,000 maternal deaths in 2023. Published on : Friday, November 28, 2025 Source : The Lancet Global Health Maternal Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Declining Global Maternal Mortality Read More Delhi’s Air Quality Sees Noticeable Improvement: CAQM 2025 Report The 2025 update from the C ommission for A ir Q uality M anagement (CAQM ) highlights significant enhancements in Delhi's air quality and a marked reduction in stubble-burning incidents in nearby states. The report offers data-backed evidence of collaborative efforts to reduce pollution through the use of cleaner fuels, improved waste management, and more stringent regulatory measures. Published on : Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Air Pollution, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy Read More Genomic Collaboration for a Safer Future: India and Italy Unite for Pandemic Preparedness The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) round table in New Delhi emphasized the power of genomic research and collaboration in strengthening pandemic preparedness. Experts called for sustained global surveillance and rapid translation of genomic data to safeguard public health. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : Press Information Bureau, New Delhi Genomic Surveillance, Pandemic Readiness Read More WHO Unveils Global Agenda to Strengthen Paediatric Clinical Trials The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global research agenda to close gaps in evidence on child health. It prioritizes equitable, high-impact paediatric trials to ensure that treatments for children are safe, effective, and grounded in sound science. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Health Research, Pediatric Health, Clinical Trials Read More WHO refutes Tylenol-Autism Link: Urges Evidence-Based Care A statement by the current US President, which linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, prompted an immediate response from the World Health Organization. The WHO clarified that no scientific evidence supports this claim and urged reliance on medical guidance. Published on : Friday, November 14, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Maternal and Child Health, Health Communication, Global Health Governance Read More 2025 Lancet Countdown Report on Climate Change and Health Impacts of climate inaction have led to a 23% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s. Food insecurity affected 124 million more people due to extreme weather in 2023, with losses reaching $1.35 trillion. Addressing climate change has prevented 160,000 premature deaths from coal pollution and supported 16 million jobs in renewable energy. With COP30 ahead, WHO, along with member states, plans to emphasize climate action and a swift transition away from fossil fuels. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Climate change, food insecurity, Sustainability Read More WHO Introduces New Global Framework to Enhance National Health Emergency Response The World Health Organization has unveiled a new global guide, the National Health Emergency Alert and Response Framework, to bolster countries' readiness for health crises. Developed from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a standardized approach for managing emergencies. Published on : Friday, November 7, 2025 Source : World Health Organization Global Health Security, Emergency Preparedness Read More Training Modules to Strengthen Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response in India The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced three specialized training modules to enhance India’s capacity for managing chemical emergencies. This initiative aims to build a skilled, coordinated response system across healthcare and disaster management sectors. 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Tussle between Union Government and Punjab government over rebranding of AB-HWC February 23, 2023 at 12:19:04 PM Laws and Regulations, Union vs State Government The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has warned the Punjab government from rebranding Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Center (AB-HWC) to Aam Aadmi Clinics. According to MoHFW, the Punjab government has violated the National Health Mission MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the Union government and states which prescribes a standard design for AB-HWC. MoHFW has asked the Punjab government to restore the standard design of all AB-HWCs (yellow and brown buildings with red NHM logo) by February 28, otherwise, the Union government will stop its share of funding (60%) under the National Health Mission. Previous Next

To focus on healthy habits instead of quick fixes for a longer life Content Editor: Dr Soundhar February 22, 2025 at 2:22:20 PM Healthy aging, Diet habits, Lifestyle changes It was suggested that maintaining a healthy weight across life stages is critical for healthy aging and for improving both lifespan and health span . There were other science-backed strategies mentioned in the article such as dietary pattern which is high in healthy fats and vegetables and low in processed foods and sugar and to avoid smoking. It was also noted there was an association with weight loss and physical activity with the reduced chronic disease risk. So, Experts quoted in the article that focusing on sustainable changes such as making switching to making gradual healthier food based on personal and cultural factors and to find small opportunities for movement over course of the day. Previous Next