Bridging data gaps: MoSPI’s push for SDG excellence Bridging data gaps: MoSPI’s push for SDG excellence Content Editor: Dr Dheena January 2, 2025 Press Information Bureau Monitoring and Evaluation, NITI Aayog, SDG The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI ) released its latest National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report along with two handbooks showcasing time-series data on India's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ). Over 95% of the national SDG indicators now have available data, marking a significant leap in monitoring capabilities. Key highlights from the SDG India Index 2023-24 by NITI Aayog reveal an improved national score of 71 , up from 66 in 2020-21, with advancements in 11 key goals , including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) MoSPI partnered with NITI Aayog and the United Nations via a Tripartite MoU for data-driven SDG monitoring. The Data for Development Coordination Forum (DDCF) was formed to enhance indicator frameworks and foster collaboration. SDG frameworks are being expanded to district level, supported by SDG coordination centers. Workshops, exhibitions, and aligned surveys promote awareness and action on SDGs. Through these initiatives, India strengthens its commitment to the 2030 Agenda, backed by MoSPI's robust data systems and NITI Aayog's emphasis on competitive federalism. Click here to read more.

Cautionary measures to tackle Mpox in India Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala August 30, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Communicable Disease, Monkeypox On 14th August 2024, the WHO declared Monkeypox or Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time since 2022. At the Joint Monitoring Group meeting, experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Indian Council of Medical Research, representatives of all Central Government Hospitals, and others discussed the current situation and required steps to deal with Mpox. The Cautionary measures discussed in the meeting on 16th August were as follows: Crossborder area (airports, seaports, ground) sensitization of health units. Preparation of laboratory requirements for virus testing at 32 centers across India Taskforce formation at all government hospitals ready to detect, isolate, and manage Mpox cases . Click here to read more . Previous Next

Study reveals renal disease following use of fairness creams Study reveals renal disease following use of fairness creams Content Editor: Dr. Himabindu Reddy May 18, 2024 Kidney International Research findings, Public health, Case series, Fairness creams The fascination with fair skin in Indian culture feeds the flourishing industry of skin fairness creams. Existing literature has already established an association between high mercury content in skin whitening products and membranous nephropathy (MN). The study included all patients diagnosed with NELL-1-MN in a private hospital in Kerala from July 2021 to September 2023. Heavy metal screening was done for those who had a positive history of fairness cream use. The study found that 13 out of 15 patients had applied fairness cream, with a median duration of application of 4 months. All the patients had nephrotic range proteinuria. 9 out of 11 patients had mercury levels higher than normal in blood, urine, or both. One patient with levels as high as 22.1 μg/L (normal range: 0.46–7.5 μg/L) showed a reduction to 2.42 μg/L within three months of stopping the application of the cream. The study emphasizes the need for further studies to strengthen the causation and to take measures to increase public awareness of the health effects of skin products. Click here to read more.

07. MCD eyes Okhla landfill flattening before G20 summit 07. MCD eyes Okhla landfill flattening before G20 summit December 26, 2022 The Hindu Waste Management Commissioned in 1996, the Okhla landfill reached its saturation point in 2009, after it crossed the permissible height of 25 metres. Standing 45 metres tall, the site currently contains 45 lakh tonnes of legacy waste. According to the MCD, areas under the erstwhile South Delhi Municipal Corporation generate 3,600 tonnes per day (TPD) of waste, of which 200 TPD was dumped at the Okhla landfill. According to an MCD official, no new waste has been dumped at the site over the past month; the Tehkhand WTE plant inaugurated in October has increased the waste processing capacity at Okhla; civic body also plans to repair roads, fix drains ahead of G20 meet in September 2023.

DRONE- the innovative technology Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 27, 2024 at 2:00:00 PM Innovation, Research, and Technology In a revolutionary step in innovative research, the pilot testing of DRONE technology for transferring pathological specimens mid-surgery was conducted recently. DRONE technology stands for “Deployment of a Robust Need-based aerial healthcare delivery system. This initiative was undertaken as a collaborative effort between ICMR and Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. This technology transferred the specimen across 37 km, reducing the waiting period from 60 to 15 minutes. This study aims to evaluate the potential use of such technology to transport specimens from secondary to tertiary care centers. This innovative approach would enable faster decisions during surgery and improved access to high-level health care for patients in peripheral hospitals Click here to read more. Previous Next

First Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti April 1, 2023 at 6:08:51 PM Literacy, Education The New India Literacy Programme launched in the FY 2022-2027, aligned with SDG goal 4, aims to deliver Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. Reading, Writing, and Numeracy to non-literates; Critical Life Skills; Basic Education; Vocational skills; Continuing Education; to all above 15 years of age, Priority groups: women, differentially abled persons, minorities, and marginalized communities. The term "Education for all" replaces "Adult education " to include 15 to 18 years with adult learners. Ten states participated in the first Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) on 19th March 2023 to assess Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, where Madhya Pradesh showed maximum participation. The scheme will be voluntary-driven in an online mode. After completion of the study on the course, the learner may register for an assessment test. For further reading - click here Previous Next

International Daughters Day: India's empowering initiatives Content Editor: Shayarai October 5, 2024 at 4:15:00 PM Women Empowerment, Equity, Inclusion International Daughter's Day, observed on September 22nd, highlights the importance of empowering girls and investing in their future. Key Highlights: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: This savings scheme, launched in 2015, encourages parents to invest in their daughters' education and future by providing a dedicated account with attractive interest rates. Over 500 villages in North Gujarat have achieved the status of "Sukanya Samriddhi Gram" where all eligible girls have opened accounts. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: This flagship campaign, launched in 2015, aims to improve the status of girls in India by addressing gender disparities and promoting their education. Other Initiatives: Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG): Provides nutritional and health support to adolescent girls. Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene: Enhances menstrual hygiene practices for girls in rural areas. UDAAN: Empowers girls to pursue careers in engineering by providing them with resources and support. National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE): Provides financial incentives to girls from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to encourage their enrollment and retention in secondary education. By investing in these initiatives, India is taking concrete steps to empower its daughters and ensure they have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to society . International Daughter's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these efforts and the need to continue working towards a future where all girls are valued and empowered. Click here to read more. Previous Next

Revamping the rules: Pandemic insights driving IHR amendments Content Editor: Dr. Sangya Chaudhary October 21, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM International Health Regulations, Global Health During the fifth round of discussions under the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR), progress was made on over 300 proposed amendments. These encompassed areas such as: Points Of Entry Public Health Measures Health Documents General Provisions. The group also addressed proposals concerning equitable access to health products and consultation. Efforts will continue before the next meeting in December, including discussions between proponents of amendments and inter-sessional briefings. It's anticipated that the package of amendments may not be ready by January 2024. The IHR, legally binding 196 state parties, has been amended twice, in 2014 and 2022, with the most recent amendments set to take effect in May 2024, in response to lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous Next

Karnataka sets up a second opinion helpline for complex joint surgeries Karnataka sets up a second opinion helpline for complex joint surgeries Content Editor: Dr. Manu December 5, 2024 Social trends Telemedicine, Public Health, Universal Health Coverage Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister, Government of Karnataka , unveiled a ‘second opinion’ helpline on November 19th under the aegis of the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust , to help patients undergoing complex joint surgeries get advice to guide them regarding their decisions. The first-of-its-kind helpline in India will provide information in Kannada and English from a group of expert joint replacement surgeons on second opinions, treatment options, surgical plans, and rehabilitation programs. The expert group will also review patients referred from government facilities to empanelled facilities under the health scheme to review gaps in manpower and facilities within the state and amend these. The government aims to roll out the service in other specialties in a phased manner.

Implications of reducing screen time on child’ mental health Implications of reducing screen time on child’ mental health Content Editor: Dr. Sathya Prashaath October 12, 2024 JAMA Network Open Screen time, Mental health, Child health A study published in JAMA Network Open observed that reducing screen media use significantly improves the mental health of children and adolescents. The study involved 89 families and focused on a 2-week intervention to limit screen time to 3 hours per week. The key outcomes of the study are behavioral improvement and prosocial behavior, and the findings include: Behavioral Improvements: The intervention group showed a notable decrease in behavioral difficulties, particularly internalizing symptoms such as emotional and peer problems. Prosocial Behavior : Children in the screen reduction group exhibited enhanced prosocial behavior, indicating better social interactions. Short-term reduction in screen media use positively affects children's and adolescents' mental health. Click here to read more.