Daily Current Affairs — 09 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 09 October 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Indian Geography MCQ Quiz · भारतीय भूगोल प्रश्नोत्तरी
Members-only quiz on the Netmock channel – bilingual, exam-standard
Warm up on a core subject before the news. Join the channel to unlock the full members-only quiz library.
IR
WHO Pandemic Agreement
At the United Nations High-Level Meeting (UN HLM) in New York in September 2026.
- With unresolved negotiations over the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System under the Pandemic Agreement
- WHO Pandemic Agreement aims to ensure equitable pandemic preparedness through PABS
- India can bridge the Global North–South divide by leveraging its vaccine manufacturing capacity
- About: The WHO Pandemic Agreement (often referred to as the Pandemic Accord or WHO Convention
Show 6 more facts
- It is only the second binding convention created under Article 19 in the WHO's history (the first being the 2003 WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco
- Covid-19 Inequities ("Vaccine Apartheid"): Advanced economies pre-booked and stockpiled vaccine supplies
- Failure of Ad-Hoc Initiatives: Voluntary mechanisms like the COVAX Facility
- Emerging Biological Threats: The rapid rise of zoonotic spillover threats including Avian Influenza (H5N1)
- Formal ratification remains paused because member states are yet to finalise the PABS Annex
- Negotiators remain divided over the PABS technical annex
Which of the following statements about WHO Pandemic Agreement is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
WHO Endorses Global Pandemic Agreement
The World Health Organization (WHO), at its 78th World Health Assembly has adopted the world's first global Pandemic agreement under Article 19 of.
- It is the second legal instrument after the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
- About: It was adopted on 20th May 2025, which lays down principles for international cooperation to strengthen global health architecture
- Studies showed equitable vaccine distribution could have saved over a million lives
- Technology & Knowledge Transfer: Member states must promote and incentivize the sharing of technology
Show 6 more facts
- Coordinating Financial Mechanism & GSCL: Member States mandated the initiation of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism for pandemic prevention
- Governments should intervene if life-saving medicines developed with public funds are unaffordable or unavailable.
- Intellectual Property & Innovation: Pharmaceutical companies seek strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection
- Unclear Benefit-Sharing Mechanism: The Pathogen Access
- Advocacy for Equity & Global Solidarity: India advocates fair access to vaccines
- Support for Technology Transfer and IPR Flexibility: India
What is the WHO Global Pandemic Treaty? Discuss the challenges in its adoption
With reference to WHO Endorses Global Pandemic Agreement, consider the following statements:
- It is the second legal instrument after the 2005 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
- About: It was adopted on 20th May 2025, which lays down principles for international cooperation to strengthen global health architecture
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
IR
India as a Bridge Between the Global North and South
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's commitment to amplifying the Global South's voice and leading inclusive global governance reforms, aiming to serve as a bridge between the Global North and South.
- Bridging the Global North-South Divide: Many developing nations face economic distress due to debt crises
- It helped form the Group of 77 (G-77) in 1964 to unite developing nations at the United Nations.
- At the Stockholm Conference, 1972, India championed climate justice, leading to the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
- The inclusion of the African Union in G20 (2023) under India's presidency showcased its diplomatic leverage.
Show 6 more facts
- India's Voice of Global South Summit has provided a platform for developing nations to collectively push for reforms.
- India champions the protection of traditional knowledge through initiatives like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty
- India is not strictly anti-West but is engaging with both developed and developing nations without aligning with any bloc.
- India is positioning itself as an alternative development partner
- India with the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) is countering China's maritime expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
- Managing China's Influence: China's financial muscle and large-scale investments in Global South nations pose competition
Which of the following statements about India as a Bridge Between the Global North and South is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Environment
H5N1 Bird Flu
H5N1 bird flu, a highly pathogenic virus, has been spreading globally, posing a significant threat to birds and wildlife.
- Background: Avian influenza A(H5N1) or H5B1 Bird Flu is a highly pathogenic virus that primarily circulates among birds but can infect mammals.
- H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak in China in 1996 and rapidly evolved into a highly pathogenic strain.
- Since 2020, it has spread across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and even mainland Antarctica.
- India experienced the first H5N1 outbreak in the State of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2015.
Show 6 more facts
- Wild birds, including endangered species like California condors, have been severely affected by H5N1.
- The main species affected used to be chicken.
- Marine mammals, such as sea lions and dolphins, have suffered mass deaths in regions like Chile and Peru.
- Mammals like foxes, pumas, bears in North America, and farmed minks in Spain and Finland, have also been infected.
- Human Risk and Spread Factors: While rare, humans can contract bird flu, primarily through contact with infected birds.
- Climate change may exacerbate the spread of the virus, altering bird behaviour and increasing interactions between bird species.
With reference to H5N1 Bird Flu, consider the following statements:
- Background: Avian influenza A(H5N1) or H5B1 Bird Flu is a highly pathogenic virus that primarily circulates among birds but must infect mammals
- H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak in China in 1996 and rapidly evolved into a highly pathogenic strain
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
S&T
Mpox Virus
Recently, a study revealed a novel adaptation mechanism of the Mpox virus enhancing its ability to infect humans amidst recent outbreaks.
- The name was changed from "monkeypox" to "mpox" to avoid stigma towards monkeys and reflect the virus's direct human infectivity.
- About: Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a DNA virus. It belongs to the family Poxviridae, which consists of large, double-stranded DNA viruses
- The outbreak was characterised by high human-to-human transmission, particularly through close contact and the sexual route.
- Clades and Lineages: Mpox genomes are divided into clades I and II, with evidence suggesting clade I has higher mortality
Show 2 more facts
- A study published in Nature Communications sequenced the genome of the mpox virus from the 2022 outbreak
- Genomic accordion refers to the rhythmic expansions and contractions in the size of a virus's genome, specifically observed in poxviruses like mpox
Which of the following statements about Mpox Virus is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
RISE OF REGIONAL POWER | Modern Indian History
The channel's most-watched lesson – 29,388 views
Take a break from the news and watch the lesson more UPSC aspirants have watched than any other on this channel.
History
3O Years of TRIPS
Recently, World Trade Organisation (WTO) members commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
- In Marrakesh, an important agreement was made that helped create the WTO in 1995. This agreement, called TRIPS, has had a long-lasting effect.
- The Venetian Patent Statute (1474): It was the first codified patent system in Europe that granted inventors a temporary monopoly on "new
- The Industrial Revolution and the Need for International Standards (19th Century): Rapid technological advancements created a need
- The Uruguay Round, spanning from 1987 to 1994, led to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO, including the TRIPS Agreement
Show 6 more facts
- Developed countries are obligated to provide mechanisms for transferring technology to developing countries under certain conditions.
- During the late 1990s crisis, TRIPS' flexibilities were crucial
- Balance Between Rights and Access: TRIPS' focus on strong IP rights can limit access to essential medicines
- Biopiracy and Traditional Knowledge: Concerns exist regarding the patenting of genetic resources
- Lack of resources and robust legal systems can hinder effective IP protection.
- Standardisation and Capacity Building: Developing common standards and best practices for IP enforcement across countries
With reference to 3O Years of TRIPS, consider the following statements:
- In Marrakesh, an important agreement was made that helped create the WTO in 1995. This agreement, called TRIPS, has had a long-lasting effect
- The Venetian Patent Statute (737): It was the first codified patent system in Europe that granted inventors a temporary monopoly on "new
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
History
Co-WIN App
Recently, the software of Co-WIN App (also called Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network) was upgraded to improve monitoring and managing of the ongoing Covid-19 Vaccination programme.
- Description: Co-WIN, a cloud-based IT platform, is supposed to handle minute details for India's Covid-19 immunisation programme
- The Co-WIN platform is owned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and was earlier the platform used for conducting Pulse Polio
- The same platform has been expanded for doling out Covid-19 vaccines and the Ministry of Electronics
- Monitoring and tracking: This app enables monitoring the inoculation drive and tracking the listed beneficiaries for vaccination on a real-time basis
Which of the following statements about Co-WIN App is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
National Telemedicine Service of India: eSanjeevani
Recently, National telemedicine service of India, eSanjeevani achieved 8 crore teleconsultations.
- It surpassed records by registering 1 crore consultations in approximately 5 weeks.
- About: It is a national doctor to doctor telemedicine service
- eSanjeevani is a cohesive part of Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDHM)
- Leading ten states for usage of this platform are: Andhra Pradesh
Show 6 more facts
- It ensures that e-beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat Scheme are able to avail of the benefits they are entitled to.
- This vertical operates on a Hub-and-Spoke model wherein the AB-HWCs set up at state level
- This model has been successfully implemented in 1,09,748 AB-HWC and 14,188 Hubs, hence, achieving a total of 7,11,58,968 teleconsultations.
- It leverages technology via smartphones, tablets, laptops enabling doctor consultations to be accessible from the patient's residence regardless of
- eSanjeevaniOPD has trained and onboarded 2,22,026 specialists, doctors and health workers
- These platforms can be a gamechanger for people in the rural areas who do not have easy access to medical specialists located in cities.
Which of the following statements about National Telemedicine Service of India: eSanjeevani is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
History
3 Years of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) completed its three-year journey on 27th September.
- About: It was launched in 2021 with the aim to provide digital health IDs for all Indian citizens to help hospitals
- The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the implementing Agency of ABDM.
- Data Privacy and Security: In alignment with the DPDP Act
- Transparency: It offers individuals access to public and private health services
Show 6 more facts
- Scan and Share: A QR-code-based OPD registration service allows patients to scan facility QR codes and share their demographic details
- Microsites for Private Sector Adoption: It is aimed at addressing various challenges in ABDM adoption
- End to End ABDM Adoption Pilot: The pilot aims to digitise public and private facilities nationwide through comprehensive ABDM adoption
- New Portals: The NHA has also developed portals like the National Medical Register (NMC) for the National Medical Commission
- National Health Authority (NHA) is the apex body responsible for implementing India's flagship public health insurance/assurance scheme.
- It was established on 2nd January 2019 under the Society Registration Act, 1860.
Discuss the key components of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and analyse its potential impact on the Indian healthcare system?
Which of the following statements about 3 Years of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
History
India's Genomic Data Set
India achieved a historic milestone at the Genome India Data Conclave in New Delhi.
- Indian Genomic Data Set: A comprehensive Indian genomic data set was launched
- The "Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines," released in 2021 by DBT, enable the exchange of biological data across research groups in India
- Under the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines, existing datasets will be connected to the IBDC, forming the Bio-Grid
- It is recognized as an Institution of National Importance in 2016
Show 6 more facts
- About: The GIP is a flagship initiative launched in 2020 by the DBT, with the objective of mapping the genetic diversity of India
- The second phase of the GIP focuses on sequencing genomes of individuals with specific diseases like cancer, diabetes, and rare diseases
- The project aims to uncover genetic factors unique to Indian populations
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid: The DNA is a molecule that carries genetic information
- Each strand of DNA is composed of nucleotides, which include a phosphate molecule, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogen-containing base.
- One copy of the human genome contains approximately 3 billion base pairs of DNA, distributed across these 23 chromosomes.
What is the significance of the Genome India Project (GIP) in the context of India's genetic diversity and healthcare system?
With reference to India's Genomic Data Set, consider the following statements:
- Indian Genomic Data Set: A comprehensive Indian genomic data set was launched
- The "Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines," released in 2026 by DBT, enable the exchange of biological data across research groups in India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
Indian Economy MCQ Quiz · भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
A second members-only subject quiz – lock in today's study session
Current affairs alone will not clear Prelims. Close the day on the static syllabus with this members-only quiz.
