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Infertility remains one of the least addressed global health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in six couples worldwide experiences infertility, yet only 1% seek treatment. The primary barrier? Affordability.

In India, the acceptance of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is growing steadily, driven by rising infertility rates and greater awareness. However, the prohibitive cost of IVF keeps this solution out of reach for many. With expenses ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh per cycle—depending on individual health conditions and requirements—IVF is an aspiration few can afford.

Abhishek Aggarwal, Chief Business Officer at Birla Fertility and IVF, explains the reasons behind IVF's high cost. Beyond the standard procedures, several factors contribute to the expense:

Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or diminished ovarian reserve often necessitate advanced treatment protocols. These include specialized medications and diagnostic tests that significantly increase costs.

Comprehensive testing to evaluate reproductive health—such as hormone assessments, genetic screenings, and imaging studies—are vital for optimizing treatment outcomes. These pre-treatment tests are not optional but essential, adding to the financial burden.

Tailored medication regimens are often required to address hormonal imbalances or other conditions. The type and dosage of medications influence the overall cost of IVF cycles. Certain conditions may increase the likelihood of complications, such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Clinics must adopt precautionary measures, further escalating costs.

Despite its growing relevance, IVF is still considered a luxury rather than a necessity by most insurance providers. Many plans offer partial coverage, if at all, leaving couples to bear the majority of expenses. Although some corporate insurance plans have begun including fertility treatments, coverage remains inconsistent and insufficient.

IVF is more than a medical procedure—it is a lifeline for countless couples yearning to start a family. However, for this technology to truly democratize hope, systemic changes are needed. Fertility treatments should be acknowledged as essential healthcare, with robust insurance policies to mitigate financial hurdles.

Affordable IVF could transform millions of lives. Until then, infertility will remain an untreated and silent crisis—its solutions overshadowed by inaccessibility. The question now is: How long will we let cost stand in the way of hope?

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives in ways we are still beginning to understand, and its impact on adolescents is emerging as one of its most troubling legacies. A groundbreaking study has unveiled evidence that the lockdowns may have accelerated brain ageing in teenagers, with young girls appearing to bear the brunt of the impact. This revelation, grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience, underscores the profound and lasting effects of the pandemic on youth mental health and neurological development.  

Researchers analyzed brain scans of 64 teenagers, comparing images taken before and during the pandemic. What they discovered was both startling and deeply concerning: significant changes in brain structure and function, including a reduction in cortical thickness. This thinning of the brain’s outer layer, typically associated with ageing, was most pronounced in regions critical for emotion regulation and stress response. Alarmingly, these changes were more pronounced in girls, suggesting a gendered dimension to the pandemic’s psychological toll.  

The lead author of the study highlighted the gravity of these findings. “Prolonged social isolation and heightened stress during the COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated brain ageing in teenagers. This is a deeply concerning trend that requires urgent attention,” they noted. The study offers a stark reminder of how adolescents, already navigating the turbulence of cognitive and emotional development, were uniquely vulnerable to the pandemic’s upheaval.  

Teenagers faced a perfect storm of challenges: isolation from peers, disruptions to education, and an absence of social routines that provide emotional stability. For many, the lockdowns were not merely an interruption but a seismic shift, leaving scars that may take years to heal. Experts now worry that the neurological changes observed could translate into long-term mental health challenges, ranging from anxiety and depression to difficulties in emotional regulation.  

The implications of these findings extend beyond the laboratory. Parents, educators, and policymakers are being urged to act decisively. Mental health professionals advocate for initiatives that rebuild social connections, enhance access to psychological support, and teach resilience skills to young people. Schools, too, have a pivotal role to play in fostering environments that prioritize emotional wellbeing alongside academic achievement.  

As we navigate the pandemic’s aftermath, this research serves as a poignant call to action. Adolescents must not be overlooked in the recovery process. Their mental and emotional health is not only a reflection of the challenges they endured but also a cornerstone of the society we aspire to rebuild. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that their growth and potential are not casualties of a crisis they had no power to prevent.  

India is grappling with a severe employability crisis, with 60-70% of its graduates deemed unemployable, according to a report by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Despite producing approximately 8 million graduates annually, only 2.5 million secure employment, highlighting the disconnect between academic qualifications and industry requirements.

India is facing a critical employability crisis, with 60-70% of its graduates deemed unfit for the job market, according to a report by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Despite producing approximately 8 million graduates annually, only 2.5 million successfully secure employment, highlighting a significant gap between academic training and industry needs. This alarming trend underscores the systemic challenges plaguing India’s education system, which remains largely theoretical and disconnected from practical job market demands.  

Experts attribute the low employability to several key factors. A theory-focused education system prioritises rote learning over practical skills, leaving graduates ill-prepared for workplace challenges. The lack of collaboration between academia and industries results in outdated curricula that fail to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving job market. Furthermore, skill development programs remain insufficient, with limited focus on emerging technologies and soft skills crucial for employability. Curriculum gaps exacerbate the issue, with many institutions lagging in incorporating modern, job-oriented subjects.  

Industry leaders have identified specific skills that are increasingly in demand. These include data science, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), digital marketing, e-commerce, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and essential communication and interpersonal skills. Experts like Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), have called for a shift from degree-centric to skill-focused education. NASSCOM President Debjani Ghosh echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration to address employability challenges.  

To tackle the issue, the Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at bridging the skill gap. Programs such as the National Skill Development Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Skill Development Initiative focus on training individuals in industry-relevant skills and fostering employability. However, experts warn that these efforts must be scaled up and integrated more effectively into the mainstream education system.  

The employability crisis calls for a coordinated effort between policymakers, educational institutions, and industries to revamp the education model. A greater emphasis on skill development, practical training, and industry partnerships is essential to align education with job market demands. Without such reforms, India risks wasting its vast talent pool, perpetuating unemployment despite a growing economy.

In a landmark discovery, scientists have pinpointed a pivotal molecular mechanism that enables cells to divide in response to specific demands, a breakthrough with profound implications for tissue regeneration, cancer treatment, and developmental biology.

Retailers have warned against extremely cheap screen protectors, priced as low as Re. 1, due to their potential to damage smartphone screens. These low-quality protectors, often made of subpar materials, have been found to leave bubbles, scratches, and even damage the screen's oleophobic coating.