WHO Members Reach Consensus on New Pandemic Treaty
Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have reached a preliminary consensus on a global pandemic preparedness treaty.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- New WHO Pandemic Accord reached by member states.
- Focus on equitable access to medical countermeasures.
- Establishes rules for pathogen data sharing.
- Incorporates the 'One Health' approach.
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. |
| State PCS / PSC | Medium | 3–5 | State PCS papers test India's role in international forums and bilateral trade ties. |
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. The 'One Health' approach recognizes the link between which three areas?
- Wealth, Health, and Education
- Humans, Animals, and Environment
- Cities, Villages, and Forests
- Medicine, Surgery, and Nursing
Explanation: One Health is an integrated approach that balances the health of people, animals, and the environment.
Q2. Where is the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO)?
- New York
- Geneva
- Paris
- Vienna
Explanation: The WHO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
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.