In News:

India recently celebrated National Vaccination Day (16 March), highlighting major milestones under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), including achieving 98.4% full immunisation coverage (January 2026) and the rollout of HPV vaccination and an indigenous Td vaccine.

National Vaccination Day and Historical Context

National Vaccination Day is observed annually on 16 March to commemorate the administration of the first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in 1995 under the Pulse Polio Programme. This initiative played a crucial role in India achieving polio elimination, with the last reported case in 2011 in Howrah, West Bengal, marking a major public health success.

Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP): Overview and Objectives

The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was originally launched as the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1978 and later expanded into UIP in 1985. It aims to provide free vaccination to children, pregnant women, and adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases. The programme focuses on increasing immunisation coverage, improving service quality, ensuring a robust cold-chain system, and achieving self-reliance in vaccine production.

Scale and Coverage of UIP

UIP is one of the largest immunisation programmes in the world, covering approximately 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.54 crore newborns annually. It provides protection against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, with certain vaccines like Japanese Encephalitis being administered only in endemic regions. Over time, the programme has significantly expanded its reach and effectiveness across the country.

Expansion of Vaccination Portfolio

India has continuously strengthened UIP by introducing new vaccines. These include the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (2015) under the global polio endgame strategy, the Rotavirus Vaccine (2016) to reduce diarrhoeal mortality, the Measles-Rubella vaccine (2017) through a nationwide campaign, and the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (2017) to combat pneumonia. Additionally, the Td vaccine replaced the TT vaccine to address waning immunity against diphtheria among adolescents and adults.

Mission Indradhanush and Coverage Expansion

To further enhance coverage, the government launched Mission Indradhanush in 2014, aiming to achieve over 90% full immunisation by targeting unvaccinated and partially vaccinated populations. This was followed by Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) in 2017, focusing on children below two years and pregnant women in urban slums and low-coverage districts. As a result, full immunisation coverage has increased significantly from 62% in 2015 to 98.4% in 2026.

Institutional and Infrastructure Support

The success of UIP is supported by an extensive healthcare delivery network that includes Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), government hospitals, sub-centres, and Anganwadi centres. Frontline workers such as ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and link workers play a vital role in mobilising beneficiaries. Additionally, India has developed one of the largest vaccine cold-chain infrastructures in the world, with over 1.06 lakh ice-lined refrigerators and freezers, supporting more than 1.3 crore immunisation sessions annually.

Digital Transformation in Vaccination

India has integrated digital technologies to improve vaccine delivery and monitoring. The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) enables real-time tracking of vaccine stocks and storage conditions. The CoWIN platform (2021) facilitated the administration of over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses, while the U-WIN platform (2024) helps citizens access vaccination services, book appointments, and maintain digital records.

Major Achievements in Immunisation

India has achieved significant milestones in public health, including the eradication of smallpox, elimination of polio (2011), and control of diseases such as yaws and maternal and neonatal tetanus. The proportion of zero-dose children has also declined sharply from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024, indicating improved outreach. These achievements have been recognised globally, including by the UN Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (2024).

India’s Global Leadership in Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals

India has emerged as a global leader in vaccine production, manufacturing nearly 60% of the world’s vaccines. It is the third-largest pharmaceutical producer by volume and supplies medicines to around 200 countries, accounting for approximately 20% of global generic medicine supply. Through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India supplied over 298 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to nearly 100 countries, strengthening its role in global health diplomacy.

Policy Support and Self-Reliance

To boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence, the government has introduced Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for bulk drugs (2020), medical devices (2020), and pharmaceuticals (2021). These initiatives aim to enhance India’s competitiveness and ensure long-term self-reliance in the healthcare sector.

In News:

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a MXene-based catalyst capable of simultaneously enabling efficient hydrogen production from water and functioning as a photocatalyst for desalination. This innovation holds promise for addressing both clean energy and water scarcity challenges.

About MXenes

MXenes are a class of two-dimensional (2D) advanced materials, first discovered in 2011, known for their exceptional physicochemical properties.

Composition and Structure

• Derived from a precursor material known as MAX phase.
• General formula: Mn 1XnTx
  • M: Early transition metal
  • X: Carbon and/or nitrogen
  • T: Surface functional groups (O, OH, F)
• The most widely studied MXene is Titanium Carbide (Ti?C?Tx).

Key Properties of MXenes

• High electrical conductivity
• Excellent mechanical strength
• Good chemical stability
• Hydrophilicity (water-attracting nature)
• Tunable surface chemistry

These properties make MXenes highly versatile for multiple advanced technological applications.

MXene-Based Catalyst: Key Features

• Enables efficient hydrogen generation through water splitting.
• Functions as a photocatalyst for desalination, using light energy to purify water.
• Integrates energy production and water treatment in a single material system.

Applications of MXenes

1. Clean Energy

• Used in hydrogen production, supporting the transition to green hydrogen economy.
• Applicable in energy storage systems such as:
  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Supercapacitors

2. Water Treatment and Desalination

• Effective in removing salts and impurities from seawater.
• Useful in wastewater treatment due to high adsorption capacity.

3. Separation and Filtration

• Suitable for industrial filtration processes owing to:
  • High surface area
  • Flexibility
  • Conductivity

Significance

1. Addressing Dual Challenges: Simultaneously tackles energy demand (hydrogen fuel) and water scarcity.

2. Sustainable Technology: Promotes eco-friendly solutions by using light-driven processes and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

3. Advancement in Material Science: Demonstrates the potential of 2D materials in next-generation technologies.

4. India’s Scientific Progress: Highlights the role of Indian institutions like IIT Guwahati in cutting-edge research and innovation.

In News:

Recent scientific studies have traced the evolution of the Ladakh Magmatic Arc (LMA) in the north-western Himalaya, providing new insights into the geological history of the Indian subcontinent and plate tectonic processes.

About Ladakh Magmatic Arc (LMA)

• The Ladakh Magmatic Arc is a belt of igneous rocks located in the Trans-Himalayan region. It represents a long-extinct volcanic arc system formed due to tectonic activity associated with the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.
• Time Period: Formed between the Jurassic and Eocene periods (~201 million years ago to ~34 million years ago)

Geological Formation Process

Role of Plate Tectonics

• The region was once part of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.
• The Indian Plate moved northwards and subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate.
• This subduction led to melting in the mantle, generating magma.
• The rising magma formed a chain of volcanic features, giving rise to the magmatic arc.

Phases of Evolution of LMA

1. Early Island Arc Formation (160–110 Ma)

• Ladakh initially resembled a chain of volcanic islands.
• Represented by the Dras–Nidar Island Arc Complex (DNIAC).
• Magma was primarily derived from the mantle, with minimal sediment contribution.

2. Crustal Enrichment & Batholith Formation (103–45 Ma)

• Occurred during intensified convergence between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
• Formation of large granitic bodies known as the Ladakh Batholith.
• Increased contribution from:
  • Continental crust
  • Subducted sediments
• Indicates magma mixing and deep crustal processes.
• This phase coincided with the approaching continental collision.

3. Post-Collisional Magmatism (<45 Ma)

• Continued tectonic activity even after the closure of the Neo-Tethys Ocean.
• Formation of mafic dykes (vertical intrusions of magma).
• Magma sourced from an enriched mantle.
• Suggests lingering magmatic activity post-collision.

Key Geological Features

• Ladakh Batholith: Large granitic intrusions indicating crustal melting.
• Mafic Dykes: Evidence of late-stage magmatic activity.
• DNIAC: Represents early volcanic island arc phase.

In News:

The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has successfully tested an indigenously developed Floating LiDAR Buoy System off the coast of Muttom, Tamil Nadu. The development marks a significant step in enhancing India’s ocean-based meteorological and renewable energy assessment capabilities.

About Floating LiDAR Buoy System

The Floating LiDAR Buoy System is a state-of-the-art oceanographic instrument designed to measure wind and atmospheric conditions over the sea.

Key Features

• Combines a floating buoy platform with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology.
• Uses laser pulses to capture highly accurate atmospheric data.
• Capable of measuring wind speed, direction, and vertical wind profiles.
• Can collect data up to 300 metres above sea level, surpassing many conventional instruments.

Working Mechanism

• The buoy is deployed on the ocean surface and remains stable under marine conditions.
• It emits laser pulses into the atmosphere.
• These pulses reflect off airborne particles such as aerosols.
• The returned signals are analysed to determine:
  • Wind speed
  • Wind direction
  • Variations at different altitudes

This enables real-time, high-resolution data collection, even in remote offshore regions where traditional meteorological tools face limitations.

Significance

1. Improved Weather Forecasting

• Enhances accuracy of marine weather predictions.
• Supports better storm and cyclone tracking, crucial for coastal safety.

2. Boost to Offshore Wind Energy

• Provides precise wind data necessary for site assessment of offshore wind farms.
• Reduces uncertainty in renewable energy planning and investments.

3. Climate Change Studies

• Helps monitor long-term atmospheric and oceanic interactions.
• Contributes to understanding the impact of climate change on marine systems.

4. Indigenous Technological Advancement

• Reflects India’s progress in developing advanced ocean observation systems.
• Reduces reliance on imported technologies.

About National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)

• It operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• It focuses on ocean engineering, resource exploration, and marine technology development.
• Plays a key role in initiatives like deep-sea exploration and offshore energy.

In News:

The Indian Navy, along with partner nations, is participating in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026.

About Exercise Sea Dragon

Exercise Sea Dragon is an annual multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill initiated and led by the United States Navy since 2019. It is held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in the Western Pacific.

Key Features

• Focuses on anti-submarine warfare operations, a critical aspect of modern naval strategy.
• Participation involves long-range maritime patrol aircraft, notably the P-8 Poseidon.
• Provides a platform for operational coordination and interoperability among partner nations.
• Enhances real-time information sharing, communication protocols, and tactical alignment.

Participating Countries in 2026

Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 includes participation from:

• United States Navy
• Indian Navy
• Royal Australian Air Force
• Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force
• Royal New Zealand Air Force

This reflects a growing strategic convergence among Indo-Pacific democracies.

Operational Objectives

The exercise aims to:

1. Enhance ASW Capabilities

• Participants progress from simulated tracking to live submarine detection and tracking.
• Improves the ability to counter underwater threats in real-world scenarios.

2. Promote Interoperability

• Enables seamless coordination between forces operating similar platforms like P-8 aircraft.
• Standardises data-sharing systems, communication networks, and tactical procedures.

3. Build Aircrew Proficiency

• Crews are evaluated on speed, accuracy, and mission coordination.
• Structured scenarios test operational readiness under competitive conditions.

Competitive Element: Dragon Belt Award

• Each mission during the exercise is graded.
• The country achieving the highest cumulative score is awarded the prestigious “Dragon Belt”.
• Encourages excellence and operational efficiency among participants.

Strategic Significance

1. Indo-Pacific Security

• Reinforces collective efforts to maintain freedom of navigation and maritime stability.
• Addresses emerging threats, including submarine proliferation in the region.

2. India’s Maritime Role

• Demonstrates India’s growing role as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific.
• Aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

3. Strengthening Partnerships

• Deepens defence ties among Quad-like partners and other regional actors.
• Enhances multilateral defence cooperation beyond bilateral engagements.