CERVAVAC: India’s Indigenous HPV Vaccine Receives WHO Prequalification

GS  III – Science and Technology, Biotechnology and Health

Why in News?

According to the supplied current affairs report, the World Health Organization has granted prequalification to CERVAVAC, India’s indigenous quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine.

What is CERVAVAC?

CERVAVAC is a preventive vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India to protect against four types of human papillomavirus (HPV), including types associated with cervical cancer and anogenital warts.

Significance

• Cancer prevention: Vaccination reduces the risk of HPVrelated cervical cancer.
• Affordable public health: Indigenous manufacturing can improve the availability and affordability of HPV vaccines.
• Global health contribution: WHO prequalification can facilitate procurement by eligible international agencies and programmes, subject to their requirements.
• Health selfreliance: Strengthens domestic vaccine manufacturing and biotechnology capabilities.
• Genderinclusive prevention: HPV vaccination can also help prevent other HPVrelated diseases in males, subject to approved indications and immunisation guidance.

Exercise INDRA2026: India–Russia Maritime Cooperation

GS  II – International Relations and Defence Cooperation

Why in News?

According to the supplied report, INS Sahyadri arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, to participate in the India–Russia bilateral maritime exercise INDRA2026, scheduled for 13–18 October 2026.

What is Exercise INDRA?

INDRA is a bilateral military exercise between India and Russia. Its maritime component aims to enhance naval interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding through joint training activities.

Key Features

• Participants: Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy.
• Reported host location: Vladivostok, Russia, with maritime activities in the adjoining Sea of Japan.
• Harbour phase: Professional exchanges, joint planning and interaction between naval personnel.
• Sea phase: Coordinated manoeuvres, tactical communications and operational drills.

INS Sahyadri

INS Sahyadri (F49) is an indigenously built, multirole stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, belonging to the Shivalik class (Project 17).

Notes

• Type: Multirole stealth frigate.
• Class: Shivalik class (Project 17).
• Pennant number: F49.
• Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
• Commissioned: 21 July 2012.
• Key capabilities: Antisurface warfare, antisubmarine warfare, air defence and electronic warfare.
• Strategic importance: Supports India''s maritime security, naval diplomacy and operational deployments in the IndoPacific.

INS Shreyas

GS  III – Internal Security and Defence Technology

Why in News?

The Indian Navy launched INS Shreyas, the third of four planned Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), in Kolkata.

Key Features

• Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Indigenous design: Designed and built indigenously under the Navy’s NGOPV programme.
• Name: Shreyas means “best” or “most excellent” in Sanskrit.
• Maximum speed: 23 knots.
• Operational range: 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Panama

GS  I – Geography  Mapping

Why in News?

According to the supplied report, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama, prompting tsunami warnings for parts of Central and South America.

Key Facts about Panama

• Location: Central America, connecting North America and South America.
• Capital: Panama City.
• Neighbours: Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east.
• Water bodies: Caribbean Sea to the north and Pacific Ocean to the south.
• Political system: Presidential republic.
• Strategic importance: The Panama Canal links the Atlantic and Pacific oceanic systems, facilitating international maritime trade.

Major Rivers

PM DhanDhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

GS  III – Agriculture, Rural Development and Inclusive Growth

Why in News?

The supplied report states that all 100 PMDDKY districts improved their average performance score between April and August 2026. The scheme focuses on agricultural development in districts with persistent productivity and infrastructure gaps.

What is PMDDKY?

The Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is a district focused agricultural development mission designed to improve productivity, irrigation, agricultural credit and postharvest infrastructure by converging existing schemes.

• Duration: Six years, from 2025–26 to 2030–31, according to the supplied material.
• Coverage: 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts.

Sex Reversal in Animals: Climate Change and Reproductive Risks

GS  III – Science and Technology, Environment and Biodiversity

Why in News?

A study reported in Science Advances, according to the supplied material, examined climateassociated sex reversal in agile frogs (Rana dalmatina) in Hungary and highlighted potential reproductive disadvantages.

What is sex reversal?

Sex reversal occurs when an animal develops sexual characteristics that differ from those expected from its genetic sex. In some species, environmental factors, including temperature during early development, can influence sexual development.

How does it occur?

• Genetic sex determination: Sex may be determined by sex chromosomes, such as XX/XY or ZZ/ZW, depending on the species.
• Environmental influence: Temperature and other environmental conditions can affect hormonal pathways and sexual development in susceptible species.
• Phenotypic change: An individual may develop reproductive characteristics that differ from those normally associated with its chromosomal sex.
• Not all animals have the same sex determination system, and temperature dependent sex determination is distinct from sex reversal in species with genetic sex determination.

Potential impacts

Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina)

The Sarus Crane: Conservation of India’s Tallest Flying Bird

GS  III – Environment and Biodiversity

Why in News?

The supplied report states that the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) announced a synchronised AllIndia Sarus Crane Survey to estimate population size, identify breeding and roosting sites, and assess threats such as powerline collisions.

What is the Sarus Crane?

The Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) is the world’s tallest flying bird and India’s only resident breeding crane species. It inhabits wetlands, marshes and agricultural landscapes, particularly in northern and central India.

Significance of Conservation

• Wetland health: Its presence highlights the ecological importance of shallow wetlands and associated water bodies.
• Agriculture–biodiversity coexistence: Its use of agricultural landscapes demonstrates the potential for wildlife conservation alongside farming.
• Ecosystem services: Wetland habitats support biodiversity, groundwater recharge and waterrelated ecological functions.
• Cultural significance: The species holds an important place in Indian cultural traditions.
• Scientific monitoring: Synchronised surveys can establish population baselines and guide habitat management.

Major Threats

• Habitat loss: Drainage, encroachment and degradation of wetlands reduce suitable breeding and feeding areas.
• Power line collisions: Collisions with overhead transmission lines can cause mortality.
• Agricultural pressures: Changes in cropping patterns, pesticide use and disturbance can affect habitat suitability.
• Hydrological changes: Altered water availability can disrupt nesting and breeding success.

Sarus Crane

• Scientific name: Antigone antigone.
• Type: Tallest flying bird in the world.
• Distribution: Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
• Indian distribution: Mainly the Indo-Gangetic plains, particularly Uttar Pradesh, as well as parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and other states.
• Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, flooded agricultural fields and shallow water bodies.
• Identification: Grey body, long legs, long neck and a distinctive red, largely featherless head and upper neck.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on plant material, grains, insects, fish and other small animals.
• Behaviour: Known for strong pair bonds and elaborate courtship displays.
• Breeding: Often nests in shallow wetlands, including agricultural landscapes.
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• CITES: Appendix II.
• Threats: Wetland degradation, habitat loss, pesticide exposure, collisions with power lines and disturbance of nesting sites.

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

• Established: 1883.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Nature: Nongovernmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to biodiversity research, wildlife conservation and natural history.
• Core areas: Ornithology (study of birds), biodiversity surveys, habitat conservation, environmental education and scientific research.
• Significance: One of India''s leading institutions for wildlife and bird research.
• Notable association: Dr. Sálim Ali, the renowned Indian ornithologist, was closely associated with BNHS.

Why Does UAPA Demand Urgent Reform?

GS  III – Internal Security | GS II – Polity and Fundamental Rights

Why in News?

Renewed debate over the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, following concerns about prolonged incarceration and the acquittal of former Delhi University professor G.N. Saibaba, has highlighted the need to balance national security with constitutional liberties.

What is UAPA?

The UAPA is India’s principal legislation for preventing unlawful activities that threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India and for dealing with terrorismrelated offences.

Evolution

• 1967: Enacted to address unlawful activities threatening India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• 2004: Expanded to incorporate terrorismrelated provisions following the repeal of POTA.
• 2008 and 2012: Further strengthened and revised the counterterrorism framework.
• 2019: Empowered the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists under specified statutory conditions.

Why does UAPA require reform?

 scrutiny at the pretrial stage.

Significance of UAPA

• National security: Provides legal tools to investigate terrorism, disrupt terror financing and prosecute serious security offences.
• Counterterror coordination: Supports investigations involving networks that operate across State boundaries.
• Protection of sovereignty: Enables action against activities that fall within the Act’s unlawfulactivity and terrorism provisions.
• Need for legitimacy: Counterterrorism measures are more sustainable when they operate transparently and consistently with constitutional safeguards.

Constitutional concerns and judicial responses

•  Article 14 – Equality before law : Broad or inconsistent application can raise concerns about arbitrary state action and unequal treatment.
• Article 19 – Fundamental freedoms : Overbroad use may affect freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly and association, subject to constitutionally permitted restrictions.
• Article 21 – Life and personal liberty : Prolonged detention without a timely trial raises concerns about personal liberty, due process and the right to a speedy trial.

Important Supreme Court judgments

• NIA v. Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali (2019): Explained the restrictive approach to bail under Section 43D(5), limiting a detailed examination of prosecution evidence at that stage.
• Union of India v. K.A. Najeeb (2021): Recognised that constitutional courts can grant bail where prolonged incarceration and the likely delay in trial violate fundamental rights.
• Arup Bhuyan review proceedings (2023): The Supreme Court revisited its earlier interpretation concerning membership of unlawful organisations. The judgment highlights the importance of examining the applicable statutory provisions and the subsequent judicial position carefully.

Way Forward

• Clarify legal definitions: Distinguish violent or materially supportive conduct from peaceful expression, academic research and mere ideological association.
• Revisit bail safeguards: Enable meaningful judicial scrutiny while accounting for the seriousness of the allegations and the strength of evidence.
• Reduce trial delays: Strengthen special courts, prosecution capacity and periodic review of longpending cases.
• Strengthen accountability: Establish effective oversight of investigations and remedies where demonstrable abuse causes wrongful deprivation of liberty.
• Preserve legitimate dissent: Ensure that criticism of government policy is not treated as terrorism without the necessary statutory elements.

World Mental Health Day 2026

GS  II – Health | GS Paper I – Society

Why in News?

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10 October to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce social stigma and mobilise support for mental health care.

• Established: 1992
• Established by: World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH)
• Theme for 2026: “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”.

Challenges in India

• Treatment gap: Many people who need mental healthcare do not receive appropriate treatment.
• Social stigma: Fear of discrimination discourages disclosure and help seeking.
• Shortage of professionals: Unequal distribution of psychiatrists, psychologists and other trained personnel.
• Accessibility: Rural and disadvantaged communities face barriers to affordable care.

Government Initiatives

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Supports mental healthcare services and capacity building.
• District Mental Health Programme (DMHP): Extends mental health services to districtlevel healthcare facilities.
• Tele MANAS: Provides 24/7 telemental health support through a national network.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Protects the rights of persons with mental illness and provides a legal framework for mental healthcare.

World’s First Working Nuclear Clocks

GS  III – Science & Technology

Why in News?

Scientists from Europe and China have reported working nuclear clocks based on the thorium229 isotope, marking progress towards practical nuclear timekeeping.

What is a Nuclear Clock?

• Definition: A timekeeping device that measures time using energystate transitions within an atomic nucleus, rather than transitions involving electrons.
• Thorium229: Its exceptionally low nuclear excitation energy of approximately 8.4 eV makes it accessible to ultraviolet laser excitation.
• Technology: Researchers embedded thorium229 nuclei in calcium fluoride crystals, supporting the development of compact nuclear clock systems.

Significance

• Precision timekeeping: Could eventually surpass existing atomic clocks in accuracy and stability.
• Navigation: May improve precision navigation and timing systems.
• Fundamental physics: Enables sensitive tests of whether fundamental constants vary over time.
• Dark matter research: Could help detect possible interactions between dark matter and ordinary matter.
• Portability: Crystal based systems could support more compact clocks.

Thorium229

• Isotope: Thorium229 is an isotope of thorium, an actinide element.
• Low energy nuclear transition: Its unusually low excitation energy is approximately 8.4 eV.
• Laser wavelength: The transition corresponds to vacuum ultraviolet radiation at around 148 nm.
• Underlying principle: Nuclear transitions involve changes in the energy state of the nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons.