National Statistical Office’s (NSO) 80th Round Survey on Household Consumption on Health highlighted significant increase in healthcare access across the country.
Key Findings of the Survey
Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): Outpatient care in public facilities recorded zero OOPE, highlighting availability of free essential services.
Over 50% of patients in government hospitals incurred OOPE of less than ₹1,100.
Strengthening of Health-Seeking Behaviour: The projected population reporting ailments (PPRA) has increased significantly, reflecting improved health awareness and reporting behaviour.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the National Biodiversity Authority have launched a five-year project to strengthen grassroots biodiversity governance in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya.
Grassroots biodiversity governance
It is the decentralized management of biological resources by local communities and village institutions, based on the idea that local people are the most effective stewards of nature.
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 requires decentralized governance through Biodiversity Management Committees(BMC) at panchayat/municipal levels.
NITI Aayog has launched DPI@2047 for Viksit Bharat, a roadmap for India’s next phase of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aimed at driving inclusive and productivity-led growth.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational digital systems that are accessible, secure, and interoperable, supporting essential public services.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure began with the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar identity, and mobile connectivity—which linked citizens directly to government systems.
This enabled direct transfer of welfare benefits, reducing intermediaries, delays, and leakages, and laid the foundation for India’s broader digital transformation.
Recently, the Supreme Court of India reaffirmed the vision of Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, symbolising ‘equality of status’ under Article 14 and 21A of the Constitution.
According to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, China has overtaken the US in research and development spending, crossing the $1 trillion mark.
Major Highlights
R&D Spending Parity Achieved: China’s R&D spending has matched and surpassed the US (Purchasing Power Parity terms).
Both countries have crossed the $1 trillion research spending mark.
Legacy of US Scientific Leadership: US breakthroughs include the internet, mRNA vaccines, semiconductors, microprocessors, and GPS.
The Athletics Integrity Unit Board has downgraded the Athletics Federation of India over “extremely high” doping risks among athletes, potentially affecting India’s 2036 Olympics hosting bid.
About
The downgrade means India’s track and field athletes will now have to comply with more stringent anti-doping stipulations.
Also all national team members have to undergo tests before major championships.
The setback comes in a year when India is preparing to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Asian Games in Japan.
