GS2 · Health

Health Ministry and WHO hold influenza preparedness Chintan Shivir

Battle IAS current affairs title card: Health Ministry and WHO hold influenza preparedness Chintan Shivir (GS2 · Health, 22 December 2025)
Asked by UPSCPrelims 2022, 20162 PYQs

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

What happened

  • NCDC, with WHO India, held a two-day Chintan Shivir on 22-23 December 2025 on inter-ministerial convergence for influenza preparedness ahead of the flu season [PIB].
  • The Health Minister stressed the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and surge capacity, and called for a whole-of-government approach [PIB].

Background

  • Seasonal flu (H1N1, H3N2) peaks in winter in north India and during the monsoon in parts of the south.

Why it matters

  • Bird flu in poultry and the One Health idea make influenza a shared job of the health, animal husbandry and environment ministries.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Issues relating to development and management of health

  1. As per PIB (2025-12-22): NCDC, with WHO India, held a two-day Chintan Shivir on 22-23 December 2025 on inter-ministerial convergence for influenza preparedness ahead of the flu season.
  2. Bird flu in poultry and the One Health idea make influenza a shared job of the health, animal husbandry and environment ministries.
Quotable data point

NCDC, with WHO India, held a two-day Chintan Shivir on 22-23 December 2025 on inter-ministerial convergence for influenza preparedness ahead of the flu season.

PIB: MoHFW: Influenza preparedness Chintan Shivir, 22 Dec 2025

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: IDSP, NCDC.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

IDSP stands for

Answer (a) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

The Chintan Shivir was organised by NCDC with

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

NCDC is under

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Go deeper

Official source: PIB: MoHFW: Influenza preparedness Chintan Shivir, 22 Dec 2025

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending