World Health Organisation (WHO) member states held their first meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

About WHO Pandemic Agreement

• It sets out the principles, approaches and tools for better international coordination across a range of areas, in order to strengthen the global health architecture for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. 
  • This includes equitable and timely access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
• Main Principles: Guided by respect for international humanitarian law, equity, solidarity, full respect for the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons.

Experts warn the UN over blanket trans fat ban that could undermine nutrition in developing countries.

About Trans fats (Trans-fatty acids, TFA)

• Definition: Are unsaturated fatty acids that can be industrially produced (via hydrogenation) or naturally found in animal-source foods (meat, milk).
• Health Impacts: 
  • Raises the level of the bad cholesterol [Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c)]. 
    • Bad cholesterol can build up in the walls of arteries, making them hard and narrow, it increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  • They have been also linked to inflammation, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and some types of cancers.

DRDO & Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the flight-test of  ‘Astra’ equipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker from Su-30 Mk-I platform.

About Astra Missile

• It is Indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM).
• The missile is designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvring supersonic aircraft.
• Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The missile has all weather day and night capability.
• Its range exceeds 100 kms and is equipped with state-of-the art guidance and navigation systems.

Switzerland completed the ratification process of the trade agreement signed between India and four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

• It clears the way for implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA.
• EFTA includes Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

About TEPA

• Signed by India with four developed nations of EFTA.
• Binding commitment: $100 bn investment  and 1 million direct jobs in the next 15 years.
• Commitments related to Intellectual Property Rights are at TRIPS level.

The Digital India Foundation (DIF), a founding member of the AIANET, has objected to the membership application of Pakistan's AI Technology Centre (AITeC) to AIANET.

About AIANET

• About: It is an informal voluntary network and community for its Members to exchange views, share information and expertise.
• Aim: Accelerate the development and deployment of AI technologies to enhance sustainable long-term prosperity, social and economic development
• Members: 17
• Administered by: AI Alliance Russia

Security forces are conducting intensive search operations in the Pir Panjal Range to track fugitive terrorists.

Pir Panjal Range

• Located in Jammu and Kashmir and valley of Kashmir lies between Pir Panjal and Zaskar Range.
• A part of Lesser Himalayas, it extends from the Jhelum River to the upper Beas River. 
• It rises to 5,000 metres and contains mostly volcanic rocks.
• Important passes: Pir Panjal Pass, Bidil, Golabghar Pass and Banihal Pass.
• Rivers: Kishanganga, the Jhelum and the Chenab cut through the range.

Central government grants extension to the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal, constituted to adjudicate the water-sharing issue among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

• Tribunal was constituted in 1986 under the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.

About ISRWD Act, 1956

• ISRWD Act was enacted by the Parliament for adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers and river valleys.
  • Article 262 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to make laws for the adjudication of disputes concerning inter-state river waters. 
• Act bars Supreme Court or any other Court from exercising jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute referred to a tribunal. 

Assam Forest Department has started DNA profiling of Rhino horns and add it to RhoDIS India DNA data library. 

About Rhino DNA Index System (RhoDIS) India Programme

• Launched in 2016, by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in partnership with WII, forest departments of Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, and WWF India.
• RhoDIS is a wildlife forensics tool  that was specially developed for investigating wildlife crime cases.
  • RhODIS uses a DNA indexing system whereby genetic sequences are created to get a signature unique to each individual rhino.

The fentanyl crisis was cited by the US President Donald Trump to justify 35% tariffs on Canada.

• Fentanyl fuelled over 112,000 US overdose deaths in 2024 alone.

About Fentanyl

• Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, approved for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anaesthetic.
  • It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. 
• Common street names include: Apache, China Girl, China Town, Dance Fever, Goodfellas, Jackpot, King Ivory, etc. 
• Overdose results in cold and clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death.