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Daily Current Affairs Analysis – The Indian Express | UPSC Prelims & Mains Notes | 26 February 2026

 

US Economy Reality Check, HPV Vaccine Drive & Bangladesh Politics – UPSC Current Affairs Analysis



Introduction

Today’s articles from The Indian Express Explained section highlighted important developments in global economics, India’s health policy, and regional politics. These topics are highly relevant for UPSC Prelims and Mains because they cover economic concepts, international relations, and social sector policies.

This article provides a detailed, exam-oriented explanation of three major issues:

  1. US economy and tariff controversy

  2. India’s HPV vaccination drive

  3. Bangladesh political developments

All points are structured for easy revision and conceptual clarity.

1. US Economy Reality Check

Background

Former US President Donald Trump claimed that the US economy was booming. However, data analysis shows mixed results.

A. GDP Growth Trends

  • US GDP growth slowed from about 2.8% in 2024 to around 2.2% in 2025.

  • This indicates moderate growth, not a strong economic boom.

UPSC Insight

Economic performance must be judged using multiple indicators such as:

  • GDP growth

  • Inflation

  • Employment

  • Trade balance

B. Inflation and Interest Rates

Reasons for Inflation

  • Global supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine war

  • Higher energy prices

  • Import tariffs increasing production costs

Sticky Inflation

Inflation remained high despite interest rate increases. This is called sticky inflation, usually caused by supply-side problems.

Role of Central Bank

The Federal Reserve increases interest rates to reduce inflation.

Effect of High Interest Rates

  • Loans become expensive

  • Companies delay investment

  • Job creation slows

  • Economic growth weakens

C. Trump Tariffs and Their Impact

What is a Tariff

A tariff is a tax on imports.

Who Actually Pays Tariffs

Although tariffs are imposed on foreign goods, the final burden is mostly paid by domestic consumers.

Example:

  • Indian exporter sells goods to US importer.

  • Importer pays tariff.

  • Product price rises.

  • US consumer pays more.

Economic Effects

  • Higher inflation

  • Reduced consumer demand

  • Higher input costs for industries

  • Manufacturing slowdown

D. US Supreme Court Tariff Decision

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that certain tariffs were illegal.

Consequences

  • US government may refund around 175 billion dollars.

  • Refund goes to importers, not consumers.

Reason

It is impossible to track individual consumers who paid higher prices.

E. Trade Deficit Situation

Trade deficit means imports exceed exports.

Despite tariffs, the US trade deficit increased.
This shows tariffs alone cannot improve trade balance.

F. Employment Trends

  • Total employment grew slightly.

  • Manufacturing jobs declined.

  • Service sector jobs increased.

Reasons:

  • Automation

  • Expensive raw materials

  • High interest rates

2. Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive in India

Background

India launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign through the Ministry of Health.

A. Cervical Cancer in India

  • India accounts for nearly one-fifth of global cervical cancer cases.

  • Around 1.27 lakh new cases each year.

  • Around 80,000 deaths annually.

B. Cause of Cervical Cancer

Persistent infection by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers.

It also causes:

  • Anal cancer

  • Penile cancer

  • Vaginal cancer

  • Throat cancer

C. HPV Vaccination

Target Group:
Girls aged 9–14 years.

Vaccines

  • Gardasil

  • India’s Cervavac developed by Serum Institute.

Vaccination before sexual activity provides maximum protection.

D. U-WIN Platform

The U-WIN Platform is a digital system to track immunisation, similar to CoWIN.

E. Other Vaccine-Preventable Cancer

Liver cancer can be prevented through Hepatitis-B vaccination.

3. Bangladesh Political Developments

Background

Election victory of BNP leader Tarique Rahman led to debate over constitutional reforms.

A. Proposed Reforms

  • Two-term limit for Prime Minister

  • Creation of Upper House

  • Stronger judiciary independence

  • Anti-corruption reforms

BNP is resisting some reforms citing its election manifesto.

B. Bangladesh Parliament

Bangladesh has a unicameral parliament called Jatiya Sangsad.

C. India-Bangladesh Border States

In decreasing order of border length:

  1. West Bengal

  2. Assam

  3. Meghalaya

  4. Tripura

  5. Mizoram

This is a frequent UPSC Prelims question.

4. Joint Sitting of Indian Parliament

Provision

Article 108 of the Constitution of India.

When Called

Deadlock between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Not Allowed For

  • Constitutional Amendment Bills

  • Money Bills

5. Key Concepts for UPSC

Important terms from this topic:

  • Tariff incidence

  • Trade deficit

  • Cost-push inflation

  • Sticky inflation

  • Protectionism

  • Importer of Record

  • HPV infection

Conclusion

The discussed issues highlight how economic policies, health initiatives, and regional politics shape national and global developments.

For UPSC preparation, students must focus on:

  • Concepts behind news

  • Data interpretation

  • Constitutional provisions

  • International relations context

Understanding these topics deeply helps in both Prelims MCQs and Mains analytical answers.

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