DCGI Approves India's First Dengue Vaccine Qdenga; Tax Treaty Amended with PPT; POPs Monitoring Launched

CDSCO Approves Qdenga: India's First Dengue Vaccine to be Distributed by Dr Reddy's from 2027

India’s first approved dengue vaccine Qdenga will enter the private market in 2027 via Dr Reddy’s, after CDSCO approval in July 2026. The vaccine is effective against all four serotypes, requires no pre-vaccination screening, and shows 61.2% efficacy against dengue and 84.1% against hospitalization. This is a landmark step in India's fight against dengue.

₹840 Cr Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel 'Sagar Manthan' Launched for NCPOR under Deep Ocean Mission

India's indigenous ocean research vessel 'Sagar Manthan', built by GRSE for NCPOR under the Deep Ocean Mission, was launched in Kolkata. The ₹840 crore vessel, expected by early 2028, will significantly boost India's deep-sea exploration capabilities in the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Antarctic region, supporting blue economy goals.

India's Next Energy Transition: Electrifying Industrial Heat for MSMEs, Manufacturing Competitiveness

India's next energy transition phase targets electrifying industrial heat, especially for MSMEs, to boost manufacturing competitiveness, energy security, and decarbonisation. The article draws a parallel with the solar PV revolution and calls for a coordinated ecosystem of policies, financing, and cluster-level planning to scale the transition.

EVs Account for 10.6% of India's Vehicle Registrations in 2026, Three-Wheelers Lead at 60.5% - FADA Data

India's vehicle registration data for 2026 shows a historic fuel crossover: petrol/diesel share dropped to 83.5% while EVs reached 10.6%. However, the shift is lopsided—two-wheelers and three-wheelers drive EV adoption, while cars prefer CNG/LPG. This data is crucial for understanding India's energy transition and can be tested in Prelims for exact percentages and FADA's role.

Kudankulam Nuclear Reactor Costs Surge 55%: Impact on India's Nuclear Expansion Plans

Cost of four under-construction nuclear reactors at Kudankulam has risen by 55% to ₹1,38,330 crore, driven by Russia-Ukraine war. This poses a challenge to India's ambitious nuclear expansion plans and could increase electricity tariffs, especially as the government opens the sector to private participation.

DAE Proposes Reducing Land Need for 220 MWe Nuclear Reactors to 90 Hectares

The Department of Atomic Energy informed Parliament that land requirement for 220 MWe small nuclear reactors could be reduced from 330 hectares to about 90 hectares, subject to radiological impact assessment. This is part of India's push for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and opening the nuclear sector to private participation, with exclusion zones also proposed to be relaxed. The move is critical for energy security and decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries.

India's RE Capacity Crosses 200 GW, Solar & Green Hydrogen Lead Clean Energy Transition

India's renewable energy capacity crossed 200 GW (45% of total installed capacity), driven by solar and wind. Key schemes like PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and International Solar Alliance highlight India's climate leadership. This is exam-relevant for prelims data and mains analysis on energy transition, government schemes, and India's climate commitments.

NALCO Sets Up Pilot Plants in Odisha for Rare Earth Recovery from Fly Ash & Red Mud - Critical Minerals Security

India moves towards self-reliance in rare earth elements (REE) critical for defence, electronics, and renewable energy. NALCO's indigenous pilot plants in Odisha recover REE from fly ash and red mud, reducing import dependence and advancing circular economy goals.