UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 26 February 2026

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU): India’s Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy

February 26, 2026

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) Latest News

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) involves technologies that capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions or directly from the air and convert it into useful products such as fuels, chemicals, construction materials, or polymers.
Unlike carbon capture and storage (CCS), which stores CO₂ underground permanently, CCU reuses the captured carbon within the economy, turning emissions into productive inputs instead of waste.

Why India Needs Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

India is the world’s third-largest CO₂ emitter, with major emissions coming from power generation, cement, steel, and chemical industries.
While renewable energy can curb future emissions, several industrial sectors remain hard to decarbonise due to their carbon-intensive processes.
Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) provides a solution by reducing emissions from these “hard-to-abate” sectors while creating new industrial value chains.
It also supports India’s net-zero target for 2070 and promotes a circular, low-carbon economy.

India’s Progress on Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

Policy and Research Support - India has begun advancing CCU through research funding by the Department of Science and Technology, which has developed a dedicated R&D roadmap.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also released a draft 2030 CCUS roadmap identifying potential projects.

Industry-Led Pilot Projects

Ambuja Cements (Adani Group), in collaboration with IIT Bombay and Swedish partners, is piloting technology to convert captured CO₂ into fuels and materials.
JK Cement is developing a CCU testbed to use captured CO₂ in products like lightweight concrete blocks and olefins.
Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL) is leading India’s first pilot-scale Bio-CCU platform, converting CO₂ from biogas streams into bioalcohols and specialty chemicals.

Global Efforts to Advance Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

European Union: Linking CCU to Circular Economy - The EU’s Bioeconomy Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan promote CCU as a tool to convert CO₂ into fuels, chemicals, and materials, supporting sustainability and circularity goals.
United States: Incentives and Funding Support - The US encourages CCU through tax credits and public funding, particularly for projects producing CO₂-derived fuels and chemicals, helping scale industrial applications.
United Arab Emirates: Integrating CCU with Green Hydrogen - The UAE’s Al Reyadah project and proposed CO₂-to-chemicals hubs combine CCU with green hydrogen, aiming to decarbonise heavy industry while creating new value chains.
China - China is rapidly scaling CCUS projects, particularly in coal-based power and chemical industries. It is investing in pilot projects that convert captured CO₂ into fuels and building materials.

Risks and Challenges in Scaling CCU in India

Cost Competitiveness - Capturing, purifying, and converting CO₂ is energy-intensive and expensive. Without policy incentives or carbon pricing, CCU-derived products may struggle to compete with cheaper fossil-based alternatives.
Infrastructure Gaps - Effective CCU deployment requires co-located industrial clusters, CO₂ transport systems, and integration with downstream industries. Such infrastructure remains unevenly developed across India.
Regulatory and Market Uncertainty - The lack of clear standards, certification systems, and stable market signals creates uncertainty for investors and limits demand for CO₂-based products.

Way Forward

Although India has developed policy roadmaps for CCU, successful implementation, supportive regulations, and financial incentives will be crucial to achieving long-term climate and industrial goals.

Source: TH | CEEW

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) FAQs

Q1: What is Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?

Ans: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) captures CO₂ from industrial sources or air and converts it into fuels, chemicals, and materials instead of storing it underground.

Q2: Why does India need Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?

Ans: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) helps decarbonise cement, steel, and chemicals—hard-to-abate sectors—supporting India’s net-zero 2070 target and circular economy ambitions.

Q3: How is India promoting Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?

Ans: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) is supported through DST research funding, a 2030 CCUS roadmap, and private pilot projects in cement and bio-based CO₂ conversion.

Q4: What are the global trends in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?

Ans: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) is backed by EU circular policies, US tax incentives, China’s industrial pilots, and UAE hydrogen-linked CO₂-to-chemicals hubs.

Q5: What challenges does Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) face in India?

Ans: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) faces high costs, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory uncertainty, making policy incentives and carbon markets critical for scalability.

HPV Vaccination Drive: India’s Big Push Against Cervical Cancer

February 26, 2026

HPV Vaccination Drive Latest News

The Union government is preparing to launch a nationwide single-dose HPV vaccination drive targeting 14-year-old girls to curb cervical cancer in India.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, and nearly 90% of cases are caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Since HPV-related cancers are vaccine-preventable, widespread immunisation can significantly reduce disease burden.
Beyond cervical cancer, HPV vaccination can also lower the incidence of anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and throat cancers. The campaign is therefore a major public health step toward reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality in India

HPV Vaccination Drive: Eligibility and Rollout Plan

The HPV vaccine targets a common sexually transmitted infection, with certain strains responsible for cervical and other cancers.
Vaccination during early adolescence — before sexual activity begins — provides stronger and longer-lasting immunity.
The upcoming 90-day nationwide campaign will offer a single-dose HPV vaccine to all 14-year-old girls across India.
Eligible beneficiaries must book appointments at government health centres through the U-Win digital platform, similar to the Co-Win system used during the Covid-19 vaccination drive.
After the initial campaign phase, HPV vaccination will continue under the routine immunisation programme at health and wellness centres.
Each year, around 1.15 crore girls turning 14 will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

HPV Vaccination Drive: Vaccine Choice and Supply

Types of HPV and Cancer Risk - There are at least 14 cancer-causing HPV strains, with types 16 and 18 responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV vaccines prevent infection from the most common high-risk strains.
Vaccine Being Used: Gardasil - For the current nationwide campaign, the government will use Gardasil, manufactured by MSD Pharmaceuticals. The vaccine has established global efficacy and safety data.

Why Not the Indigenous Vaccine Yet

India’s locally developed vaccine, Cervavac by the Serum Institute of India, is not being used at present because:
- It is awaiting WHO approval.
- The ICMR is still evaluating its effectiveness as a single-dose vaccine.
Officials indicate that a shift to Cervavac may occur in about two years, once regulatory approvals are completed.

Role of GAVI and Supply Plan

The GAVI Vaccine Alliance will supply 2.6 crore doses to India for the campaign, sufficient for two years.
One crore doses have already arrived.
The remaining doses will be delivered over this year and the next.

Is a Single Dose of the HPV Vaccine Sufficient

Yes. In 2022, the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recommended a single-dose HPV vaccine for girls and women up to 20 years of age, citing strong and lasting protection.
The group found “strikingly high efficacy” among children aged 9–14 years.
Women above 21 are advised to take two doses six months apart, while immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, should ideally receive three doses — or at least two if three are not feasible.

Why the HPV Vaccination Campaign Matters

India’s High Cervical Cancer Burden - India accounts for nearly 20% of global cervical cancer cases. Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among Indian women, affecting about 1.25 lakh women and causing 75,000 deaths annually.
Proven Effectiveness of the HPV Vaccine - Research initially showed that the HPV vaccine prevents infection and pre-cancerous lesions. Subsequent studies confirmed that it significantly lowers cervical cancer incidence.
Indirect Protection (Herd Immunity) - Vaccinating girls also reduces transmission of HPV to boys, protecting them against other HPV-related cancers and strengthening community-level immunity.

Global Evidence: The Australia Example

Australia introduced HPV vaccination in 2007 (and extended it to boys in 2013). Within a decade:
- HPV prevalence among young women dropped from 22.7% to 1.5%.
- Among older unvaccinated women, it fell from 11.8% to 1.1%.
This demonstrates strong direct and indirect protection effects.

Long-Term Public Health Gains

Although cervical cancer rates in India are gradually declining, widespread HPV vaccination could dramatically reduce mortality and ease pressure on healthcare systems, allowing better focus on other cancers.
Since the first HPV vaccine approval in 2006, nearly 158 countries have introduced national immunisation programmes, underscoring its global public health importance.

Is This India’s First HPV Immunisation Programme

The upcoming nationwide campaign is not India’s first HPV vaccination effort. Several states have previously introduced targeted immunisation programmes.

State-Level Initiatives

Sikkim (2018) - Sikkim became the first state to launch a statewide HPV vaccination drive in 2018, achieving over 95% coverage for the recommended two doses.
Punjab (2016) - Punjab initiated its programme in Mansa and Bhatinda districts, later expanding to other high-burden areas. The initial phase recorded more than 97% coverage.
Delhi (2016) - Delhi launched vaccination through the Delhi State Cancer Institute. However, the programme saw limited uptake as beneficiaries had to visit the hospital to receive the vaccine.

Source: IE | FP

HPV Vaccination Drive FAQs

Q1: Why is the HPV Vaccination Drive important for India?

Ans: The HPV Vaccination Drive aims to reduce cervical cancer, which causes 75,000 deaths annually in India and accounts for nearly 20% of global cases.

Q2: Who is eligible under the HPV Vaccination Drive?

Ans: The HPV Vaccination Drive targets all 14-year-old girls through a nationwide campaign and routine immunisation using the U-Win platform.

Q3: Is a single dose enough in the HPV Vaccination Drive?

Ans: Yes, WHO recommends a single dose for girls up to 20 years, citing high efficacy, making the HPV Vaccination Drive scientifically backed.

Q4: Which vaccine is used in the HPV Vaccination Drive?

Ans: The HPV Vaccination Drive uses Gardasil initially, with possible future transition to India’s Cervavac once WHO approvals and studies are completed.

Q5: Has India implemented HPV vaccination before?

Ans: Before the nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive, states like Sikkim, Punjab, and Delhi conducted successful high-coverage pilot immunisation programmes.

US Imposes Duties on Indian Solar Panels – Explained

February 26, 2026

Solar Panels Latest News

The United States has imposed preliminary countervailing duties of 126% on solar imports from India following a subsidy investigation.

Background to the US Decision

The U.S. Commerce Department has announced preliminary countervailing duties (CVD) of 126% on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells and modules imported from India.
The move follows an investigation into alleged unfair subsidies that enabled Indian manufacturers to sell solar products at lower prices in the U.S. market.
The investigation also covers Indonesia and Laos, with varying duty rates. These measures are separate from broader global tariffs previously announced by the U.S. administration. The final determination is expected later this year.
This development comes at a time when India’s solar manufacturing capacity has expanded significantly.

India’s Expanding Solar Manufacturing Capacity

India’s solar module manufacturing capacity has grown rapidly and now exceeds 140 gigawatts (GW) per annum.
It is expected to rise further to over 165 GW by March 2027.
However, domestic demand has not kept pace. Annual solar capacity installations in India are projected at around 45-50 gigawatts direct current (GWDC).
This creates a structural supply-demand imbalance. The industry has relied partly on exports to absorb surplus capacity.
Between 2021 and 2024, over 90% of India’s solar photovoltaic module exports were shipped to the U.S.
Solar exports to the U.S. were valued at $792.6 million in 2024, marking a sharp increase compared to 2022.
Given this heavy dependence, the U.S. decision has significant implications.

Potential Impact on Indian Manufacturers

Export Disruption
- Industry analysts warn that the high duty rate could make the U.S. market largely inaccessible for Indian solar manufacturers.
Pricing Pressure in the Domestic Market
- If export volumes are redirected to India, the already oversupplied domestic market may face intensified pricing pressure.
- With manufacturing capacity far exceeding annual installations, additional supply could reduce module prices and compress profit margins for domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Project and Financing Implications
- Industry experts note that tariffs can alter project-level assumptions, affecting:
- Financing structures
- Power purchase agreement (PPA) timelines
- Electricity tariffs
- Solar project implementation in India is already facing challenges such as slower project award activity, delays in PPA signing, and transmission connectivity constraints.
- Any further disruption may impact renewable energy deployment targets.

Divergent Industry Responses

While many experts see the duties as disruptive, some major Indian manufacturers claim limited exposure to the U.S. market.
Certain firms have reportedly reduced exports to negligible levels in anticipation of U.S. policy tightening.
Exports to the U.S. are estimated to have declined sharply in 2025 and currently account for only a small share of total production for some players.
This suggests that the impact may vary across companies depending on their export exposure and business strategies.

Broader Trade and Strategic Context

The U.S. investigation stems from allegations that Chinese manufacturers, facing high U.S. tariffs, shifted production to countries such as India, Indonesia, and Laos to retain market access.
India, Indonesia, and Laos together accounted for 57% of U.S. solar module imports in the first half of 2025.
The duties aim to protect U.S. domestic solar manufacturing and restore “fair competition,” according to U.S. industry groups.
At the same time, higher import costs may increase solar project costs within the U.S., potentially slowing clean energy deployment there.

Implications for India’s Energy Transition

India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, including 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. A robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem is central to achieving these goals.
The U.S. duties may compel India to:
- Diversify export markets
- Strengthen domestic demand through policy incentives
- Encourage overseas manufacturing investments
Experts suggest that India may need to shift from exporting products to exporting capital by establishing manufacturing units abroad to retain access to key markets.

Source: IE | HT

Solar Panels FAQs

Q1: What duty has the U.S. imposed on Indian solar imports?

Ans: The U.S. has imposed a preliminary countervailing duty of 126% on solar imports from India.

Q2: Why did the U.S. impose these duties?

Ans: The duties were imposed following an investigation into alleged unfair subsidies provided to Indian manufacturers.

Q3: How much solar manufacturing capacity does India currently have?

Ans: India’s solar module manufacturing capacity exceeds 140 GW per annum.

Q4: Why are domestic pricing pressures a concern?

Ans: Redirected export volumes may flood the domestic market, which already has excess capacity relative to installations.

Q5: What broader trend does this decision reflect?

Ans: It reflects the growing use of trade remedy measures in strategic sectors such as renewable energy.