UPSC Daily Current Affairs 26th February 2026
Relevance: GS Paper II – Health / Social Sector (Govt policies & interventions, public health)
GS Paper III – S&T / Biotechnology (vaccines, disease prevention, health tech platforms)
For Prelims:
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Cervical cancer, Gardasil (quadrivalent), HPV 16 & 18 (high-risk), HPV 6 & 11 (low-risk), Single-dose schedule, Voluntary & free vaccination, Gavi Vaccine Alliance, CDSCO, NTAGI, Cold chain, AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunisation), Ayushman Arogya Mandir, U-WIN platform, Pap smear, HPV DNA test, WHO 90–70–90 targets.
For Mains:
- Cervical cancer elimination strategy, Preventive healthcare, Vaccine equity, Adolescent health, Screening + vaccination integration, Behavioural/biomedical/structural interventions, Health system preparedness, Digital health governance (U-WIN), Public communication & vaccine hesitancy, Global health partnerships (Gavi), SDG 3.3, Women’s health burden reduction.
Why in News?
- Union Health Ministry is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 14 years.
- Vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, to ensure equitable access across socio-economic groups.
- India will use Gardasil (quadrivalent HPV vaccine) and is adopting a single-dose regimen (with an optional delayed second dose after 3–5 years, as per the notes you shared).
- The programme is grounded in NTAGI recommendations, national disease burden evidence, and global best practices.
Background
- Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination + early screening, yet continues to impose a heavy burden on women and families.
- India aims to align with global commitments to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Key Facts of the HPV Vaccination Drive (India)
1) Target group & coverage
- Target: Girls aged 14 years (chosen because preventive benefit is highest before potential exposure).
- Nature: Voluntary + free nationwide programme.
2) Vaccine used
- Gardasil (quadrivalent) protects against:
- HPV 16 & 18 → major cause of cervical cancer
- HPV 6 & 11 → associated with genital warts/low-risk disease
3) Regimen and evidence
- Single-dose: “Global and Indian scientific evidence” indicates robust and durable protection when given at recommended age.
- Vaccine is non-live → does not cause HPV infection.
- Safety record: supported by 500 million+ doses globally since 2006.
- Effectiveness: evidence of 93–100% effectiveness against cervical cancer caused by vaccine-covered HPV types.
4) Procurement & quality assurance
- India secured supplies through a transparent, globally supported procurement mechanism.
- Under partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Gardasil (approved by India’s drug regulator) is being procured with stringent quality + cold chain standards.
- Note you provided: Cervavac (indigenous vaccine) is not yet WHO-approved for the programme.
Implementation & Safety
Vaccination sites (only govt facilities)
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (PHCs)
- Community Health Centres (CHCs)
- Sub-District & District Hospitals
- Government Medical Colleges
Safety protocols
- Sessions conducted in presence of trained medical officers + skilled teams
- Post-vaccination observation and readiness to manage rare adverse events
- All sites linked to 24×7 government health facilities for immediate support
- Programme style note you provided: conducted as a special campaign on designated immunisation days, not routine UIP, and tracked through U-WIN for rapid coverage.
HPV Basics
- HPV: non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses (Papillomaviridae), infect epithelial cells.
- Most infections are asymptomatic; about 90% clear within 1–2 years via immune response.
- High-risk (oncogenic): HPV 16, 18 → cancers
- Low-risk: HPV 6, 11 → warts
- Transmission: mainly intimate skin-to-skin contact, commonly sexual activity.
- Prevention toolkit (besides vaccine): condom use, voluntary male circumcision, smoking cessation, safe sexual practices.
Cervical Cancer Burden (India)
- 2nd most common cancer among women in India
- ~80,000 new cases and 42,000+ deaths annually
- Persistent high-risk HPV infection causes nearly all cervical cancers; in India, HPV 16 & 18 account for >80% of cases (as per your input).
HPV Vaccine is NOT a “Free Pass”
- Vaccine protects against common high-risk strains, but not all cancer-causing HPV types.
- Therefore, screening must continue:
- Pap smear (cytology) detects early abnormal cell changes
- Recommended screening begins at 21 years; and after 30, Pap + HPV DNA testing may be combined as per medical guidance.
- Vaccination after sexual debut still benefits, but cannot clear existing infections → screening becomes even more important.
Global Context
- 90+ countries are implementing single-dose HPV schedules to improve coverage and affordability.
- Several countries show reductions in HPV infection, pre-cancerous lesions, and cervical cancer incidence after widespread vaccination.
- WHO cervical cancer elimination targets (WHA 73.2) by 2030:
- 90% girls vaccinated by age 15
- 70% women screened (35 & 45 years)
- 90% treated if disease detected
- WHO response framework (2022–2030) also ties into broader STI control, and a 2021 WHO resolution on oral health includes measures addressing mouth/throat cancers (as per your notes).
Significance
- Women’s health protection: prevents HPV infection before progression to cancer.
- Equity: free vaccination across all States/UTs reduces socio-economic gaps.
- Public health impact: potential major fall in cervical cancer burden over time.
- Systems strengthening: cold chain, trained staff, safety linkage to 24×7 facilities, and digital tracking (U-WIN) improve programme quality.
Challenges
- Awareness + myths (vaccine hesitancy; misunderstanding that screening is unnecessary)
- Ensuring high coverage in hard-to-reach areas
- Cold chain + session quality at scale
- Integrating vaccination with screening rollout, because screening uptake is low in India (as your provided background hints)
Way Forward
- Strong IEC campaign: “Vaccine + screening together”
- School/community mobilisation for adolescent coverage
- Strengthen screening services and referral pathways
- Use U-WIN for follow-up, AEFI reporting, and coverage gaps
- Continue evaluating indigenous options like Cervavac as approvals evolve
Conclusion
India’s free, voluntary national HPV vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls is a major preventive health step to reduce cervical cancer. Its success will depend on achieving high coverage, maintaining cold-chain and safety standards, and ensuring that vaccination is paired with sustained cervical cancer screening.
UPSC PYQ
Q. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to (2016)
(a) immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
Ans: (a)
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to India’s HPV vaccination programme, consider the following statements:
- Gardasil used in the programme protects against HPV 16 and 18 as well as HPV 6 and 11.
- HPV vaccination eliminates the need for future cervical cancer screening.
- Vaccination will be provided only through designated government health facilities and monitored for rare adverse events.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation
- Statement 1 – Correct: Gardasil is quadrivalent (16/18 + 6/11).
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: Vaccine does not replace screening; Pap smears/HPV tests still matter.
- Statement 3 – Correct: Govt facilities + trained staff + observation/AEFI preparedness + 24×7 linkage are part of the plan.
Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology
For Prelims:
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Human–Elephant Conflict (HEC), Habitat fragmentation, Elephant corridors, Jangalmahal landscape, Hasdeo Arand forests, Dalma elephant range, Elephant migration vs dispersal, Linear infrastructure impact, Mining-induced habitat loss
For Mains:
- Human–wildlife conflict management, Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss, Landscape-level conservation, Development vs conservation debate, Forest degradation impacts, Climate change and wildlife migration, Compensation policy for wildlife conflict victims, Sustainable land-use planning
Why in News?
Recent elephant attacks in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha have resulted in multiple deaths, prompting authorities to declare an “elephant emergency.” The crisis reflects a growing pattern of human–elephant conflict in central India driven by habitat loss, mining, and forest fragmentation.
Key Facts and Data
- India has 22,446 elephants, but less than 8% of elephants cause nearly 50% of conflict casualties.
- Central India (West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, MP, Maharashtra) historically had negligible elephant populations before the 1980s.
- Elephant populations in these regions increased due to migration from Jharkhand and Odisha.
- Crop-dependent elephants now rely heavily on agricultural lands for survival.
Shift from Migration to Immigration
Historically, elephant movements in India were seasonal migrations, driven by rainfall patterns and availability of natural forage. These migrations were part of natural ecological cycles, allowing elephants to move between habitats without permanently settling in human-dominated landscapes.
However, since the 1980s, this pattern has shifted from seasonal migration to permanent immigration, due to multiple environmental and human-induced disruptions.
Key Causes of Migration Disruption
Severe Droughts (El Niño Events)
- Major droughts during 1982–83 and 1986–87 reduced water and food availability.
- Forest ecosystems in Jharkhand and Odisha became unsuitable for sustaining elephant populations.
Mining Expansion and Habitat Destruction
- Rapid mining expansion in:
- Singhbhum forests (Jharkhand)
- Keonjhar and Sundargarh forests (Odisha)
- Mining led to permanent habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Rapid mining expansion in:
Reservoir Construction and Submergence of Forests
- Large dams such as the Rengali Dam (1985) submerged extensive riverine forest habitats.
- These forests were critical feeding and migration areas for elephants.
Linear Infrastructure and Fragmentation
- Expansion of roads, railways, and industrial infrastructure blocked traditional elephant corridors.
- This prevented elephants from returning to their original habitats.
Spread of Elephants in Central India
Eastward Expansion (West Bengal)
- First movement recorded in 1986 from Dalma forests (Jharkhand).
- Now approximately 200 elephants permanently reside in Jangalmahal region.
- Crop raids and breeding confirm permanent settlement.
Westward Expansion (Chhattisgarh)
- Elephants from Odisha migrated into Surguja, Surajpur, and Hasdeo Arand forests.
- Conflict intensified due to permanent elephant settlement.
Expansion into Madhya Pradesh
- Elephants entered Bandhavgarh and Sanjay-Dubri reserves.
- Human deaths doubled between 2016 and 2021.
Expansion into Maharashtra
- Elephants moved into Gadchiroli and Tadoba-Andhari landscape.
- Conflict incidents and human fatalities increased.
Ecological and Behavioural Impacts
Shift from Migration to Permanent Settlement
- Elephants previously migrated seasonally.
- Habitat loss has forced permanent dispersal into agricultural landscapes.
Crop Dependency
- High-nutrient crops increase reproduction rates.
- New generations of elephants rely on crops rather than forests.
Habitat Unsuitability
- Central India lacks year-round water and fodder.
- Forest fragmentation prevents natural migration.
Government and Policy Response
The 2025 elephant population report recommended:
- Uniform compensation policy for conflict victims.
- Landscape-level conservation strategies.
- Habitat restoration initiatives.
- Measures to reduce human–elephant interface.
Forest departments have begun:
- Joint forest management
- Fodder regeneration programmes
- Corridor restoration efforts
Significance
Biodiversity Conservation
- Elephants are keystone species and ecosystem engineers.
Ecological Balance
- Help maintain forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
Indicator of Forest Health
- Elephant migration patterns reflect ecosystem stress.
Challenges
- Habitat restoration requires 20–40 years.
- Increasing elephant population in degraded habitats.
- Expansion of mining and infrastructure.
- Rising human casualties and crop losses.
- Inter-state coordination challenges.
Way Forward
Habitat Restoration
- Restore forest corridors and habitats.
Landscape-Level Planning
- Integrate conservation with development planning.
Conflict Mitigation
- Early warning systems and barriers.
- Community-based conservation.
Compensation and Livelihood Support
- Strengthen compensation schemes.
- Promote alternative livelihoods.
Conclusion
The elephant crisis in central India reflects the consequences of habitat loss and development pressures. Long-term conservation requires habitat restoration, landscape-level planning, and conflict mitigation to ensure coexistence between humans and elephants.
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: (IAS 2020)
- The leader of an elephant group is a female.
- The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
- An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
- Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A.
Explanation:
Statement 1: The leader of an elephant group is a female.
Correct
- Elephant herds follow a matriarchal social structure.
- The group is led by the oldest and most experienced female, called the matriarch.
- She guides the herd in:
- Finding food and water
- Migration routes
- Protection from threats
This is an important behavioural feature of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).
Statement 2: The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
Correct
- Elephants have the longest gestation period among all mammals.
- Gestation period ranges between 18 to 22 months.
- This long period allows for advanced brain development of calves at birth.
Statement 3: An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
Incorrect
- Elephants can reproduce well beyond 40 years.
- Female elephants can give birth even up to 50–60 years of age, although fertility declines with age.
- Therefore, limiting calving to 40 years is incorrect.
Statement 4: Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
Incorrect
- According to the Elephant Census (2017):
- Karnataka has the highest elephant population in India.
- Followed by Assam and Kerala.
Hence Kerala is not the highest.
CARE MCQ
Q. The nationwide DNA-based synchronous population estimation of elephants in India was conducted by which of the following organisations under Project Elephant?
A. Zoological Survey of India
B. Wildlife Institute of India
C. Forest Survey of India
D. National Biodiversity Authority
Answer: B
The exercise was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under Project Elephant (1992).
WII prepared the report titled:
“Status of Elephants in India: DNA-based Synchronous All-India Population Estimation of Elephants (SAIEE 2021–25)”.
Additional information:
- Estimated population: 22,446 elephants, compared to 29,964 in 2017, indicating a decline (about 25% as per the news summary).
- Major methodological shift: From older visual counts / dung-based counts to a DNA mark–recapture technique, which is scientifically more reliable.
- Why DNA method matters: Elephants often lack distinctive physical features, so genetic markers help identify individual elephants, similar to methods used in tiger estimation.
- Scale of field work:
- 188,030 trails walked, covering 6.66 lakh km
- 3.19 lakh dung plots examined
- 21,056 dung samples collected
- DNA profiles generated for 4,065 individual elephants
- Estimation model used: Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture (SECR) model integrating genetic + habitat data for better accuracy.
- State-wise highest counts:
- Karnataka (6,013)
- Assam (4,159)
- Tamil Nadu (3,136)
- Kerala (2,785)
- Uttarakhand (1,792)
- Regional trend: Declines reported in major landscapes like the Western Ghats and Northeastern Hills & Brahmaputra Plains, while Shivalik–Gangetic Plains remained nearly unchanged.