Why in News?

Recently, the African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) have called for stronger solidarity and coordinated action to contain the spreading Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.

Earlier, the Africa CDC and WHO had confirmed the 17th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is critical because it involves a rare non-Zaire strain.

Strain Complexity: Genomic sequencing shows the outbreak is caused by a non-Zaire strain, which complicates treatment because existing Ebola vaccines and medicines were mainly developed to target the Zaire strain.

Now the outbreak has spread to three African regions, with confirmed cases reported in DRC, Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria.

About Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

EVD, earlier called Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal disease affecting humans and primates.

It is caused by viruses of the Ortho ebolavirus genus of the Filoviridae family. Out of six known species, three cause major outbreaks: Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Bundibugyo virus (BDBV).

First identified in 1976 during two simultaneous outbreaks in Yambuku, DRC (near the Ebola River) and Nzara, South Sudan.

Transmission: The natural host is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. Spreads from animals to humans through contact with blood and fluids of infected animals like bats, chimps, and gorillas. Human-to-human spread happens via direct contact with blood, bodily fluids of sick or dead patients, or contaminated objects like bedding.

Symptoms & Fatality: Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, kidney and liver failure, and bleeding. The average fatality rate is around 50%, varying from 25% to 90% depending on strain and treatment.

Treatment: No specific cure, but early supportive care with rehydration improves survival. Monoclonal antibodies Inmazeb and Ebanga are available for the Zaire strain.

चर्चा में क्यों ?

1. विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन ने फ्रांस में शामोंडा वायरस से पीड़ित पहले व्यक्ति की जानकारी दी है. बाद में इसकी मौत हो गई.

2. Midge (छोटी मक्खी जैसा कीट) से फैलने वाला यह वायरस सामान्य तौर पर मवेशी में पाया जाता है .

3. हालाँकि इसकी उपस्थिति घोड़े, भेड़ और बकरियों में भी होती है.

वायरस के लक्षण

इसके लक्षणों में बुखार, दस्त और दूध उत्पादन में कमी शामिल हैं। गर्भपात और भ्रूण में गंभीर विकृतियाँ भी हो सकती हैं। कुछ घोड़ों में तंत्रिका संबंधी विकार भी देखे गए हैं।

महत्त्वपूर्ण पक्ष

1. यह श्मालेनबर्ग वायरस के समान समूह से संबंधित है, जो पशुधन(livestock) में प्रजनन संबंधी विकार पैदा करता है।

2. यह वायरस सबसे पहले 1965 में नाइजीरिया में मवेशियों में पाया गया था, तब से यह अफ्रीका और एशिया के कुछ हिस्सों में भी पाया गया है।

3. शमोंडा विश्व पशु स्वास्थ्य संगठन (WOAH) द्वारा सूचीबद्ध बीमारियों में से एक नहीं है और इसलिए देशों को अपनी रोग-विशिष्ट रिपोर्टिंग बाध्यताओं के तहत WOAH को मामलों की सूचना देने की जरुरत नहीं है।

Why in News?

Recently, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) and international seismic monitoring agencies, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula region. No tsunami threat was reported following the tremor.

About Kamchatka Peninsula

The Kamchatka Peninsula lies in Russia's Far East, between the Sea of Okhotsk on the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea on the east.

It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Okhotsk microplate. The climate is harsh, mostly subarctic and tundra type, which leads to very low population density.

Key features:

Tectonic Setting: Highly earthquake-prone region due to plate subduction.

Mountain Ranges: Two main ranges, the Sredinny Range and the Vostochny Range.

Volcanoes: Has numerous volcanoes, including the Volcanoes of Kamchatka UNESCO World Heritage Site with six protected components. Klyuchevskoy is the highest active volcano in Eurasia.

Major River: The Kamchatka River is the principal waterway.

Biodiversity: Rich in wildlife, including salmon, sea otters, brown bears, and Steller's sea eagles.

Kuril Archipelago: Chain of islands from Kamchatka towards Japan, disputed between Russia and Japan.

About the National Centre for Seismology (NCS)

• The National Center for Seismology (NCS) is the nodal agency of the Government of India for monitoring earthquake activity in the country.

• NCS maintains a National Seismological Network of more than 170 stations, each having state-of-the-art equipment and spreading all across the country.

• NCS monitors earthquake activity all across the country through its 24x7

चर्चा में क्यों?

1. अंतरराष्ट्रीय आपराधिक न्यायालय (International Criminal Court — ICC) और उसके कठिन परिस्थितियों में काम करने वाले कर्मचारियों को यूरोपीय संघ के शीर्ष मानवाधिकार सम्मानों में से एक सखारोव पुरस्कार (Sakharov Prize) प्रदान किया गया है।

2. यूरोपीय संसद की अध्यक्ष रॉबर्टा मेट्सोला ने 22 अक्टूबर 2026 को इसकी घोषणा की । यह सम्मान अंतरराष्ट्रीय कानून और न्याय को बनाए रखने के कार्य के लिए दिया गया।

सखारोव पुरस्कार (Sakharov Prize) क्या है?

• सखारोव पुरस्कार: विचार की स्वतंत्रता के लिए पुरस्कार (Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought) यूरोपीय संसद द्वारा दिया जाने वाला प्रमुख मानवाधिकार सम्मान है।

• इसका नाम सोवियत भौतिक विज्ञानी और मानवाधिकार कार्यकर्ता आंद्रेई सखारोव (Andrei Sakharov) के नाम पर रखा गया है।

• इसकी शुरुआत 1988 में हुई थी।

• यह मानवाधिकार, अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता, लोकतंत्र और कानून के शासन की रक्षा करने वाले व्यक्तियों या संगठनों को दिया जाता है।

• पुरस्कार विजेता का चयन यूरोपीय संसद की अध्यक्ष और राजनीतिक समूहों के नेताओं वाला Conference of Presidents करता है।

Why in News?

Recently, the World Bank Group launched its first-ever digital strategy in Seoul, South Korea. The strategy aims to make digital technology more affordable, improve public services, generate employment, and help developing countries benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The strategy focuses on four major areas:

• Expand Digital Connectivity: Improve internet infrastructure, connect underserved communities, and attract private investment to expand network coverage.

• Make Devices and Data Affordable: Reduce the cost of entry-level smartphones and broadband services so that more people can access the internet.

• Strengthen Digital Services and Skills: Improve digital identification, payments, and information-sharing systems while promoting digital literacy and employment-oriented training.

• Build Readiness for AI: Help countries develop computing infrastructure, access useful local data, and acquire the skills needed to adopt AI.

What Is the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative?

Alongside the strategy, the World Bank Group announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative. It aims to help emerging economies access affordable computing power.

The initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America, with knowledge partners including Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA.

Significance for Developing Countries

The strategy recognizes that internet access alone is not enough. Affordable devices, digital skills, useful services, and safeguards against cybercrime are equally important.

For India, these priorities are relevant to digital inclusion, employment generation, e-governance, and the responsible adoption of AI.

चर्चा में क्यों?

नए संसद भवन (New Parliament House) में स्थापित पवित्र राजदंड यानी 'सेंगोल' (Sengol) को डिजाइन और निर्मित करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाने वाले वुम्मिडी एथिराजुलु का निधन हो गया है.

महत्त्वपूर्ण पक्ष

• सेंगोल एक सुनहरा राजदंड (Golden Sceptre) है, जो तमिल परंपरा में 'सेंगोल' (Sengol) के नाम से जाना जाता है। 'सेम्मई' का अर्थ है धर्मनिष्ठता (Righteousness) और 'कोल' का अर्थ है राजदंड (Sceptre)

• जब भारत को आजादी मिली, तो सत्ता हस्तांतरण के प्रतीक के रूप में देश के पहले प्रधानमंत्री जवाहरलाल नेहरू को यह सेंगोल सौंपा गया था।

• स्वतंत्रता की पूर्व संध्या पर तमिलनाडु के तिरुवावडुथुरै अधीनम (Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam) से जुड़े धार्मिक प्रतिनिधियों ने जवाहरलाल नेहरू को सेंगोल सौंपा। यह घटना 14 अगस्त 1947 की रात से संबंधित है।

सेंगोल की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ

• लंबाई: लगभग 5 फीट।

• निर्माण: चाँदी पर सोने की परत चढ़ाकर बनाया गया।

• शीर्ष पर आकृति: नंदी बैल; नंदी 'भगवान शिव' से जुड़ा पवित्र बैल है और सेंगोल के संदर्भ में इसे न्याय तथा धर्मपूर्ण शासन के प्रतीक के रूप में समझाया जाता है।

• ऐतिहासिक संबंध: 1947 में भारत की स्वतंत्रता और सत्ता के हस्तांतरण से जुड़ा।

• वर्तमान स्थान: नई संसद में लोकसभा अध्यक्ष के आसन के निकट स्थापित।

Why in News?

Recently, UNEP has released its report “The Emissions Gap Report 2026." This report says that global temperatures are rising and are about to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels; therefore, there is an urgent and stringent need to cut greenhouse emissions.

It will probably help to minimize the magnitude and duration of overshoot and return to 1.5°C by the end of the century. It is the 17th edition of the Emission Gap Report.

Key facts about the report

• It is the lowest possibility to retain the 1.5°C overshoot scenario. It will remain limited to 7-1.8°C by around the middle of the century.

• Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would have to be reduced by 18 % by 2030, 45 % by 2035, and 69 % by 2040, all relative to 2025 levels.

• Needed to fully implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and it would only reduce emissions by 5-8 % by 2030 and 11-15 % by 2035.

• According to the report, if current policies continue, warming could reach 2.8°C within this century and increase thereafter. If all NDCs are delivered and similar efforts continue, warming will be limited to 2.6°C.

What needs to be done?

The report also lays out new sectoral benchmarks consistent with the lowest 1.5°C overshoot scenario:

• The expansion of renewable energy,

• Reducing primary energy intensity,

• Reducing the share of coal,

• Oil and gas in total energy supply, and cutting methane emissions beyond 2030.

Note: Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, renewable energy has boomed, total energy supply from coal and oil has grown slower than projected, and climate policies have cut emissions in many places.

About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on the environment, established in 1972 after the Stockholm Conference, with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

• Many reports are being published by UNEP, such as the Emissions Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook (GEO), Adaptation Gap Report, Frontiers Report, Making Peace with Nature, etc.

Why in News?

The ninth edition of the India–Brazil–South Africa Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR IX 2026) concluded at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 20 October 2026. The exercise brought together the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa to strengthen maritime cooperation and operational interoperability.

Key Highlights

• Participating Countries: India, Brazil and South Africa.

• Venue: Simon’s Town, South Africa.

• Duration: Ten days of joint activities.

• Activities: Professional exchanges, joint training, operational interactions and maritime exercises during harbour and sea phases.

• Indian Navy Participation: INS Tarkash participated in the exercise.

Main Objective: Enhance interoperability, exchange operational best practices and strengthen mutual understanding among the three navies.

Significance

IBSAMAR strengthens trilateral maritime cooperation, promotes coordinated responses to common maritime challenges and supports safe, secure and open seas. It also reinforces the commitment of India, Brazil and South Africa to a peaceful maritime environment and a rules-based international order.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026’ from 22 October to 30 November 2026. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the nationwide campaign from Karnal, Haryana, to promote sustainable farming and improve soil health.

Key Highlights

1. Balanced Fertilizer Use: Promote the judicious use of fertilizers and agricultural inputs based on soil testing, including awareness about green ammonia and biological products.

2. Crop Diversification: Encourage the cultivation of oilseeds, pulses and horticultural crops, along with intercropping and effective utilization of rice fallow fields.

3. Sustainable Farming: Promote natural farming, regenerative agriculture, integrated farming systems and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

4. Water Conservation: Encourage rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient water use.

5. Farmer Support: Facilitate Farmer IDs, create awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and expand Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage.

6. Implementation: Farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations will be organized at state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.

Significance

The campaign aims to improve soil health, conserve water, reduce inefficient use of agricultural inputs and promote climate-resilient farming. It seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen farmers’ economic well-being and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Why in the news?

The Maldives has thanked India for extending the first withdrawal of ₹30 billion (₹3,000 crore) under the India–Maldives currency swap agreement. The rollover is intended to support the Maldives’ financial liquidity and reflects continued bilateral cooperation under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.

A currency swap agreement is a financial contract where two parties, such as corporations, financial institutions, or central banks, agree to exchange principal and interest payments in one currency for equivalent amounts in another currency.

What Is the India–Maldives Currency Swap Agreement?

Imagine the Maldives facing a temporary shortage of foreign currency to meet its financial obligations. In such a situation, a currency swap arrangement can provide access to another country’s currency and help ease short-term financial pressure.

Under this arrangement, India provides financial support to the Maldives through access to Indian rupees. This can help the island nation manage liquidity requirements and maintain financial stability.

The facility operates under the Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Countries, signed between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.

The first withdrawal of ₹30 billion was extended to the Maldivian government on 23 April 2025. India subsequently approved the Maldives’ request to roll over this facility.

Why Is the Currency Swap Facility Important?

For the Maldives, the arrangement provides financial flexibility during periods of liquidity pressure. For India, it supports economic cooperation with a strategically important neighbor in the Indian Ocean region.

The decision also reflects India’s continued engagement with neighboring countries through financial assistance and regional cooperation.

Why in News?

The Government of India has constituted a committee under Prof. Ramesh Chand, former member of NITI Aayog, to examine the concerns of sugarcane farmers and recommend measures to improve their financial returns and address issues in the sugar industry.

The decision follows discussions between representatives of sugarcane farmers from Karnataka and Maharashtra and Union Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

Key Issues to Be Examined by the Committee

• Imagine a sugarcane farmer who spends heavily on cultivation but remains concerned about the price received for the crop. At the same time, sugar mills face production costs and market-related challenges. To address these concerns, the government has formed a committee to examine both sides of the issue.

• The committee will review the demand for higher remunerative returns for sugarcane farmers, taking cultivation costs and other relevant factors into account.

• It will also examine the demand to revise the ex-mill Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar, considering production costs, market realizations, and the financial viability of sugar mills.

• Another important issue is the transparency of sugar recovery testing, which determines how much sugar can be extracted from sugarcane.

• The committee will examine testing and reporting procedures, verification mechanisms, and sugarcane weighing practices at mills.

Committee Composition and Consultation

The committee includes officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. It will consult farmers, sugar mill associations, state governments, and other experts before submitting its recommendations.

Significance

The initiative aims to promote fairer returns for farmers, transparent weighing and sugar recovery practices, and greater financial stability for sugar mills. Its recommendations could help improve trust between sugarcane farmers and the sugar industry while supporting a more sustainable sugar sector.

Why in News?

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to reorganize its operational and administrative structure from 1 November 2026, following approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The move aims to improve security management through specialized sectors based on the type of establishment being protected.

What Is the CISF’s New Restructuring Plan?

Imagine a country where airports, power plants, coal mines, ports, and government buildings all require different security arrangements. Protecting each facility demands specialized knowledge and a distinct approach.

To address these needs, the CISF is shifting from a largely geographical supervisory system towards a more sector-specific approach. Several existing sectors will be reorganized to focus on areas such as power, coal, steel, petroleum and natural gas, ports, government buildings, museums, monuments and mass rapid transit systems.

This change is expected to improve supervision, develop specialized expertise, and strengthen coordination with ministries and installation authorities. Existing functional arrangements for aviation, atomic energy, and space establishments will continue.

Why Is CISF Restructuring Important?

The reorganization comes as the CISF takes on new security responsibilities. It has been designated a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) for port facilities under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. It has also been entrusted with security responsibilities at high-security correctional facilities in Jammu and Kashmir and designated as the nodal agency for aerial security of critical infrastructure.

CISF’s New Security Focus: Cybersecurity and Drone Protection

Alongside administrative changes, the Force is strengthening its cybersecurity, drone, and anti-drone capabilities through specialized training and collaboration with leading institutions.

चर्चा में क्यों ?

1. भारत-सिंगापुर के बीच 33वाँ द्विपक्षीय समुद्री नौसैनिक अभ्यास SIMBEX-2026 21 से 26 अक्टूबर 2026 तक विशाखापत्तनम में आयोजित किया जा रहा है।

2. इस अभ्यास में सिंगापुर की नौसेना का जहाज RSS Supreme भाग ले रहा है। उद्घाटन समारोह INS Nilgiri और INS Kamorta पर आयोजित किया गया।

3. यह अभ्यास भारत की समुद्री सुरक्षा, हिंद-प्रशांत क्षेत्र में सहयोग, नौसैनिक कूटनीति और भारत की Act East Policy के दृष्टिकोण से महत्त्वपूर्ण है।

महत्त्वपूर्ण पक्ष:

1. SIMBEX की शुरुआत 1994 में Exercise Lion King के नाम से हुई थी। समय के साथ यह दोनों देशों के बीच व्यापक समुद्री सहयोग का महत्त्वपूर्ण माध्यम बन गया।

2. इस अभ्यास को दो प्रमुख चरणों में आयोजित किया जाता है। दोनों का उद्देश्य केवल सैन्य अभ्यास करना नहीं, बल्कि एक-दूसरे की कार्यप्रणाली को समझना और संयुक्त अभियानों की क्षमता विकसित करना भी है। इनमें से एक का नाम हार्बर फेज(Harbour Phase) है और दूसरे का नाम सी फेज (Sea Phase) .

चर्चा में क्यों?

21 अक्टूबर 2026 को राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने नई दिल्ली में 65वीं राष्ट्रीय कला प्रदर्शनी (65th National Exhibition of Art) के चयनित कलाकारों को ललित कला अकादमी पुरस्कार प्रदान किए हैं। इस अवसर पर उन्होंने 3rd Print Biennale India 2026 के ग्रैंड प्राइज विजेताओं और Honourable Mentions प्राप्त करने वाले कलाकारों को भी सम्मानित किया।

ललित कला अकादमी के बारे में

1. स्थापना: 5 अगस्त 1954

2. मुख्यालय: नई दिल्ली

3. प्रकृति: स्वायत्त संस्था

4. संबंधित मंत्रालय: संस्कृति मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार

5. मुख्य कार्य: दृश्य कलाओं को बढ़ावा देना तथा कलाकारों की रचनात्मक प्रतिभा को राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर पहचान दिलाना।

अकादमी किन कलाओं को प्रोत्साहित करती है?

• चित्रकला (Painting)

• मूर्तिकला (Sculpture)

• प्रिंटमेकिंग (Printmaking)

• रेखांकन (Drawing)

• मिश्रित माध्यम की कला (Mixed Media)

• अन्य समकालीन दृश्य कला माध्यम

अभ्यास प्रश्न

ललित कला अकादमी के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. इसकी स्थापना 1954 में हुई थी।

2. यह भारत में दृश्य कलाओं को प्रोत्साहित करती है।

3. यह संगीत और नृत्य की राष्ट्रीय अकादमी है।

उपरोक्त में से कौन से कथन सही हैं?

a. केवल 1 और 2

b. केवल 2 और 3

c. केवल 1 और 3

d. 1, 2 और 3