WHO Finalizes Global Pandemic Treaty
The World Health Organization member states have finalized the 'Pandemic Treaty' to ensure equitable access to vaccines and medicines.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- Finalization of WHO Pandemic Treaty
- Includes PABS system for equity
- Focus on pandemic preparedness
- Boosts local manufacturing in developing nations
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 10–20 | International relations is a core GS-II topic for UPSC. Bilateral agreements, multilateral bodies, and geopolitics are essential. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | International summits, treaties, and India's bilateral relations appear in SSC GK. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | Medium | 2–4 | G20, IMF/World Bank decisions, and global trade events are tested in banking exams. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Summit venue, participating nations, key outcomes, and India's stand
- Bilateral agreements: India + partner country, subject area, signing date
- Multilateral organizations: new members, leadership changes, major resolutions
- India's position on key global issues: UN voting, climate, trade
- Indices: Global Peace Index, Press Freedom Index, India's rank and change
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the 'PABS' system in the WHO Pandemic Treaty?
- Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing
- Public Air and Biological Safety
- Primary Assessment of Bacterial Strains
- Private Agency for Bio-Security
Explanation: PABS stands for Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing, ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures.
Q2. The Pandemic Treaty was approved by which body?
- UN Security Council
- World Health Assembly
- G20
- International Court of Justice
Explanation: The treaty was approved by the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the WHO.
How to Prepare International Affairs for Government Exams
Focus on India-centric news — India's bilateral visits, MoUs signed, and positions in international bodies. This is what domestic exams test.
For UPSC, understand geopolitical context: Why does India take a particular position? What is India's strategic interest?
Keep a running note of all G20, SCO, BRICS, and QUAD-related outcomes. These bodies generate 3–5 questions per major exam cycle.