UPSC Current Affairs – 25 February 2026 | Complete Prelims Notes from The Hindu & Indian Express

 

UPSC Current Affairs – 25 February 2026 

Welcome back to your daily UPSC current affairs series. In today’s analysis (25 February 2026), we cover the most important topics from The Hindu and Indian Express in a fully exam‑oriented way. These notes are designed for quick revision, factual clarity, and high Prelims value.

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1. National HPV Vaccination Programme – India

India is planning a nationwide free HPV vaccination programme targeting adolescent girls, especially around the age of 14. This initiative is aimed at preventing cervical cancer, which is currently the second most common cancer among women in India.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that spreads mainly through sexual contact. Among the many types of HPV, Types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly 80% of cervical cancer cases. Therefore, vaccines like Gardasil are used to provide protection before exposure to the virus.

The government plans to deliver this vaccine through public health facilities under the national immunisation framework. This is important because India reports nearly 80,000 new cervical cancer cases and more than 40,000 deaths every year. Early vaccination can drastically reduce this burden.

Globally, more than 90 countries have already introduced HPV vaccination programmes. WHO is also promoting elimination of cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and treatment.

Prelims Focus Points:
• HPV spreads through sexual contact.
• Types 16 and 18 cause most cervical cancers.
• Gardasil vaccine used.
• Cervical cancer is second most common cancer among Indian women.

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2. Indigenous TD Vaccine – Tetanus and Diphtheria

India recently launched an indigenous TD vaccine at the Central Research Institute in Kasauli. TD vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria and is especially useful as a booster dose for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women.

This vaccine is a toxoid vaccine. A toxoid vaccine contains inactivated toxins produced by bacteria. These toxins cannot cause disease but stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies.

The programme is linked with the Universal Immunisation Programme and Mission Indradhanush to improve vaccine coverage in India.

Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and enters the body through contaminated wounds. It produces neurotoxins that affect muscles and the nervous system. It is not spread from person to person.

 

Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and spreads through respiratory droplets. It can cause throat membrane formation, breathing difficulty, heart failure, and paralysis.

Prelims Focus Points:
• TD vaccine = Tetanus + Diphtheria.
• Type = Toxoid vaccine.
• Tetanus not person‑to‑person.
• Diphtheria spreads via respiratory droplets.

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3. Shalimar Wheat 3 and 4 – New Wheat Varieties

Scientists in Kashmir developed Shalimar Wheat 3 and Shalimar Wheat 4 to suit the region’s short growing season and cold climate. These varieties mature early and resist yellow rust disease, a fungal infection that reduces wheat yield.

Kashmir’s agriculture faces challenges due to cold weather and limited cropping time. Early‑maturing wheat helps farmers manage rice‑wheat cropping cycles efficiently.

Prelims Focus Points:
• Developed by SKUAST Kashmir.
• Early‑maturing variety.
• Resistant to yellow rust disease.

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4. Wheat – Static Geography Linked to Current Affairs

Wheat is a Rabi crop. It is sown between October and December and harvested between April and June. Wheat needs a cool and dry climate, with temperatures around 10‑15°C for growth and 21‑26°C for ripening.

Alluvial and loamy soils are ideal for wheat cultivation. Frost and heavy rain can damage crops.

Major wheat producers in the world include China, India, Russia, and the USA. In India, top producers are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

Prelims Focus Points:
• Wheat = Rabi crop.
• Cool climate crop.
• Major producing states in India.

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5. Hoysala Temples – Art and Culture

The Hoysala dynasty ruled parts of present‑day Karnataka between the 10th and 14th centuries CE. Their capital shifted from Belur to Halebidu. The dynasty is famous for its unique temple architecture.

Hoysala temples are built on star‑shaped platforms called Jagati. Soapstone was used because it allowed intricate carvings. These temples have detailed sculptures of gods, dancers, animals, and mythological scenes. Their architecture shows influence from the Chalukya style.

Important temples include Chennakesava Temple at Belur, Hoysaleswara Temple, and Keshava Temple at Somnathapura. These temples are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

HOYSALA CHENNAKESHAVA TEMPLEN STAR SHAPED PLATFORM (16 -POINTEDSTAR PLATFORM)

HOYSALA HIGHLY ORNATE SCULPTURES MENUTE DETAIL (JEWELLERY ,FACIAL EXPRESSIONS )

HULIGERE KALYANI (STEP WALL)

Prelims Focus Points:
• Hoysala dynasty in Karnataka.
• Star‑shaped platform.
• Soapstone carvings.
• UNESCO listed temples.

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6. Aircraft in News – Important for UPSC Matching Questions

Three aircraft were in news recently.

E175 Regional Jet is a passenger aircraft manufactured by Brazilian company Embraer. It can carry around 88 passengers and may be assembled in India to improve regional air connectivity.

H125 Helicopter is a high‑altitude helicopter associated with defence cooperation with France.

KC‑390 is a military transport aircraft used for troop transport, cargo movement, refuelling, and evacuation operations. It competes with the US C‑130 aircraft.

UPSC has asked aircraft‑matching questions in recent exams, so remembering their purpose is important.

Prelims Focus Points:
• E175 = Passenger regional jet.
• H125 = High‑altitude helicopter.
• KC‑390 = Military transport aircraft.

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7. Quick Revision Box

1. HPV Vaccination Programme in India

Key Facts

• HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus.

• It is a major cause of cervical cancer.

• India is planning a free nationwide HPV vaccination programme.

Target Group

• Girls around 14 years of age.

• Vaccine is most effective before exposure to the virus.

Vaccine Used

• Gardasil vaccine.

• Protects against HPV Types 16 and 18, which cause about 80% of cervical cancer cases.

Why Important for India

• Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India.

• Around 80,000 new cases occur annually.

• Around 42,000 deaths occur every year.

Exam Keywords

• HPV Types 16 and 18

• Gardasil

• National Immunization Programme

• Preventive vaccine

• Cervical cancer burden in India

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2. HPV Virus – Important Prelims Facts

• HPV is a group of viruses affecting skin and mucous membranes.

• It spreads mainly through sexual contact.

• It can cause:

  • Cervical cancer

  • Throat cancer

  • Anal and genital cancers

• The vaccine contains inactive virus components that trigger immunity.

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3. Indigenous TD Vaccine (Tetanus and Diphtheria)

Launch Details

• Launched at Central Research Institute, Kasauli.

• It is an indigenous TD vaccine.

About TD Vaccine

• Combined vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria.

• It is a toxoid vaccine.

What is a Toxoid Vaccine

• Contains inactivated toxin.

• Triggers immune response without causing disease.

Target Group

• Adolescents

• Adults

• Pregnant women in certain cases

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4. Diseases Covered by TD Vaccine

Tetanus

• Caused by bacterium Clostridium tetani.

• Enters body through wounds.

• Produces neurotoxin leading to muscle stiffness.

• Does not spread person to person.

Diphtheria

• Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

• Spreads via respiratory droplets.

• Symptoms include throat membrane formation, breathing difficulty, and heart complications.

Exam Keywords

• Toxoid vaccine

• Clostridium tetani

• Person-to-person transmission only in diphtheria

• Universal Immunization Programme

• Mission Indradhanush

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5. New Wheat Variety – Shalimar Wheat 3 and 4

Developed By

• Agricultural University in Kashmir (SKUAST).

Why Developed

• Kashmir has a short growing season.

• Early-maturing wheat varieties are needed.

Features

• Early maturing.

• Resistant to yellow rust disease, a fungal infection.

• Helps improve rice–wheat crop cycle.

Exam Keywords

• Shalimar Wheat

• Yellow rust resistance

• Kashmir agriculture adaptation

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6. Wheat – Important Prelims Geography Facts

• Wheat is a Rabi crop.

• Sowing period: October to December.

• Harvest period: April to June.

• Requires cool and dry climate.

Major Producers

World

• China

• India

• Russia

• United States

India

• Uttar Pradesh

• Punjab

• Haryana

• Madhya Pradesh

• Bihar

Exam Keywords

• Temperate crop

• Alluvial soil

• Rabi crop

• Frost-free period

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7. Hoysala Temples (Art and Culture)

Dynasty

• Hoysala Dynasty (10th to 14th Century CE).

• Located in present-day Karnataka.

Capital

• Early capital: Belur

• Later capital: Halebidu

Important Features

• Star-shaped platform called Jagati.

• Soapstone used for carving.

• Intricate sculptures.

• Influence of Chalukya architecture.

Important Temples

• Chennakesava Temple, Belur

• Hoysaleswara Temple

• Keshava Temple

These temples are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Exam Keywords

• Soapstone

• Star-shaped platform

• Hoysala architecture

• UNESCO temples in Karnataka

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8. Important Aircraft in News

E175 Regional Jet

• Passenger aircraft with about 88 seats.

• Manufactured by Brazilian company Embraer.

• Possible assembly in India.

H125 Helicopter

• High-altitude helicopter.

• Part of defence cooperation with France.

KC-390 Aircraft

• Military transport aircraft.

• Used for troop transport, airlift, and refueling.

Exam Keywords

• Regional jet

• Military transport aircraft

• Embraer

• Civil aviation connectivity

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9. Expected Prelims Questions

1. Gardasil vaccine protects against which disease?
   Answer: Cervical cancer caused by HPV.

2. TD vaccine is which type of vaccine?
   Answer: Toxoid vaccine.

3. Wheat belongs to which crop season?
   Answer: Rabi.

4. Hoysala temples use which stone?
   Answer: Soapstone.

5. HPV types responsible for cervical cancer?
   Answer: Types 16 and 18.

HPV vaccine – Gardasil – prevents cervical cancer.
TD vaccine – Tetanus + Diphtheria – toxoid vaccine.
Shalimar Wheat – early maturing – yellow rust resistant.
Wheat – Rabi crop – cool climate.
HoySala temples – Karnataka – soapstone – star platform.
KC‑390 – military transport aircraft.

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Conclusion

Today’s current affairs highlighted how health initiatives, indigenous vaccine development, agricultural research, cultural heritage, and aviation technology all connect with UPSC Prelims topics. Always revise current affairs with static knowledge, as UPSC often asks concept‑based questions rather than direct news facts.

Keep revising daily, stay consistent, and focus on clarity over quantity. Your success in UPSC Prelims depends on how well you revise these small but important facts.