Daily Current Affairs тАФ October 23, 2026

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#1SCIENCE & SPACE
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First Human Case of Shamonda Virus Reported

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

France has recently reported the first known human case of the Shamonda virus in a patient who unfortunately succumbed to the infection. Historically recognized exclusively as an animal pathogen affecting livestock across parts of Africa and Asia, this crossover event marks a critical development in zoonotic surveillance.

ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details

The Shamonda virus is an insect-borne pathogen belonging to the Orthobunyavirus group, sharing a taxonomic lineage with the Schmallenberg virus which induces reproductive disorders in livestock. It is transmitted primarily by biting midges, targeting cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and alpacas. Symptoms in animals include fever, diarrhoea, reduced milk production, reproductive failures like abortions, and occasionally neurological disorders. Currently, there are no commercially available vaccines against the virus.

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact

The emergence of a human infection from a previously livestock-exclusive orthobunyavirus underscores the growing threat of zoonotic spillover driven by ecological shifts and climate change. It necessitates enhanced global epidemiological monitoring, cross-species surveillance frameworks, and accelerated research into human-targeted vaccines and vector control strategies.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв- **Nodal Agency**: World Health Organization (WHO) & National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
тАв- **Constitutional Provision / Law**: International Health Regulations (IHR) framework
тАв- **Key Facts & Metrics**: First detected in cattle in Nigeria in 1965; human fatality reported in France in October 2026
тАв- **UPPCS Prelims Trend**: Direct factual questions on newly emerging zoonotic pathogens, viral classifications (Orthobunyavirus), and vector-borne diseases are frequent in UP PCS Prelims science segments.
#2ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
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Emissions Gap Report 2026 and Climate Warming Thresholds

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Emissions Gap Report 2026 has been released ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), delivering a stark warning that the critical 1.5┬░C warming threshold is now unattainable without significant overshoot, severely intensifying global climate risks.

ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details

Published annually by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) along with the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, the report tracks global progress against the Paris Agreement targets. Global greenhouse gas emissions reached 58.4 billion tonnes of COтВВ equivalent (GtCOтВВe) in 2025, with more than two-thirds originating from fossil sources, while the remainder comprises LULUCF land-use emissions, methane, nitrous oxide, and F-gases. To achieve a lowest-overshoot pathway, global emissions must fall by 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035, and 69% by 2040.

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact

The findings expose the profound inadequacy of current commitments, noting that full implementation of existing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) will reduce emissions by a mere 5% to 8% by 2030. This demands an immediate, aggressive overhaul of global mitigation policies, climate finance architectures, and accelerated decarbonization schedules across developing and developed economies.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв- **Nodal Agency**: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
тАв- **Constitutional Provision / Law**: Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
тАв- **Key Facts & Metrics**: Global emissions at 58.4 GtCOтВВe in 2025; required reductions of 18% by 2030 and 45% by 2035
тАв- **UPPCS Prelims Trend**: UNEP reports, global emission metrics, and climate thresholds (1.5┬░C/2┬░C targets) are high-yield areas for Environment questions in UPSC and UP PCS.
#3GOVERNANCE & SCHEMES
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Performance and Reach of the PM-DAKSH Scheme

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has reported that 1,87,305 candidates were trained and 96,162 successfully placed under the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) scheme between the 2020тАУ21 and 2023тАУ24 periods, highlighting its ongoing outreach.

ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details

Launched as a Central Sector Scheme in 2020-21, PM-DAKSH aims to provide comprehensive skill development through quality institutions to marginalized target groups including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Castes (OBCs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis/waste pickers. The eligibility age spans 18 to 45 years, with an income ceiling of below Rs. 3 lakh for OBC and EWS candidates, while SC, DNT, and Safai Mitras have no income limit. Training encompasses Up-skilling, Short-term, Long-term, and Entrepreneurship programmes executed via corporations like NSFDC, NBCFDC, and NSKFDC.

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact

By bridging the skilling deficit among historically disadvantaged socio-economic groups, the scheme acts as a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth, financial autonomy, and social mobility, aligning with national objectives of productive workforce integration and poverty eradication.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв- **Nodal Agency**: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
тАв- **Constitutional Provision / Law**: Central Sector Scheme implemented via NSFDC, NBCFDC, and NSKFDC
тАв- **Key Facts & Metrics**: Age bracket 18-45 years; family income threshold Rs. 3 lakh for OBC/EWS; over 1.87 lakh trained
тАв- **UPPCS Prelims Trend**: Questions frequently target nodal ministries, target beneficiaries, income criteria, and implementation partners of major social welfare schemes.
#4SCIENCE & SPACE
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World Iodine Deficiency Day and Chemical Properties of Iodine

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

On the occasion of World Iodine Deficiency Day, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued advisory guidelines urging citizens to consume iodised salt in moderation to ensure optimal metabolic health and prevent severe deficiency disorders.

ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details

Iodine is a chemical element and a member of the halogen family, positioned in Group 17 (Group VIIa) of the periodic table. At room temperature, it exists as a nonmetallic, nearly black solid with a glittering, crystalline appearance that volatilizes into a violet gas. Biologically, iodine is an indispensable component of thyroid hormonesтАФthyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)тАФwhich regulate critical biochemical reactions, protein synthesis, and basal metabolic rates. It occurs naturally in trace amounts in seawater, rocks, and sediments, finding wide application in medical antiseptics, nuclear medicine, and nutritional supplementation.

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact

Universal salt iodization remains one of public health's greatest triumphs in eradicating preventable brain damage, goiter, and developmental stunting. Sustaining public awareness campaigns ensures long-term cognitive protection and nutritional security across vulnerable demographic strata.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв- **Nodal Agency**: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
тАв- **Constitutional Provision / Law**: National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)
тАв- **Key Facts & Metrics**: Group 17 halogen element; core component of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones
тАв- **UPPCS Prelims Trend**: General science questions frequently focus on periodic table groups, trace elements in human physiology, and nutritional deficiency disorders.
#5DEFENCE & MISSILE TECH
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Commencement of the 33rd Edition of Exercise SIMBEX 2026

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The 33rd edition of Exercise SIMBEX has officially commenced at Visakhapatnam, reinforcing bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details

The Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is conducted annually, tracing its lineage back to 1994 when it was originally initiated under the title 'Exercise Lion King'. Over three decades, it has evolved into one of India's most enduring and significant bilateral naval engagements. The exercise unfolds in structured phases, commencing with a comprehensive Harbour Phase featuring professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, and strategic planning conferences before advancing to tactical maritime operations at sea.

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact

Exercise SIMBEX underscores India's strategic vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and strengthens maritime security architecture in the Indo-Pacific. It enhances tactical coordination, joint operational readiness, and mutual trust between two key regional navies dedicated to a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв- **Nodal Agency**: Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
тАв- **Constitutional Provision / Law**: Bilateral Defence Cooperation Framework between India and Singapore
тАв- **Key Facts & Metrics**: 33rd edition held at Visakhapatnam; originated in 1994 as Exercise Lion King
тАв- **UPPCS Prelims Trend**: Direct matching questions regarding military exercise titles, participating nations, and host locations are regular features in defence current affairs.
#6INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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Navigating the Authoritarian Challenge to International Law

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The awarding of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to South African jurist Navi Pillay has highlighted a critical juncture for global governance. Amidst active geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and severe violations of the United Nations Charter, international law faces an existential crisis driven by the rise of Authoritarian International Law.

ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details

International law comprises legal rules and norms governing sovereign states, anchored by Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibiting the use of force against territorial integrity, and Article 38 of the ICJ Statute detailing its sources (treaties, customs, general principles). While high-profile geopolitical breaches dominate media narratives, a vast corpus of functional international law operates with near-universal daily compliance across global connectivity (ICAO, ITU), maritime commons (UNCLOS, High Seas Treaty, Outer Space Treaty), and ecological frameworks (Montreal Protocol). However, powerful states are retooling legal frameworksтАФweaponizing sovereignty to shield domestic actions from human rights scrutiny and disengaging from multilateral treaties.

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact

Preserving a rules-based international order requires robust multilateral institutions, equitable global representation, and consistent enforcement mechanisms. For India, championing reformed multilateralism is vital to counter unilateral coercion and secure a balanced multipolar global architecture.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв- **Nodal Agency**: International Court of Justice (ICJ) & United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
тАв- **Constitutional Provision / Law**: United Nations Charter Article 2(4), ICJ Statute Article 38, UNCLOS, Montreal Protocol
тАв- **Key Facts & Metrics**: 2026 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Navi Pillay; UNCLOS regulates 90% of global shipping trade
тАв- **UPPCS Prelims Trend**: Conceptual questions on international conventions, UN bodies, maritime laws (UNCLOS), and treaty frameworks frequently appear in GS Paper-I and IR sections.
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