25 September 2026
The second UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response was held at UN Headquarters in New York on 25 September 2026.
Leaders pledged sustained and equitable investment in prevention, preparedness and response systems, calling for whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement was adopted at the World Health Assembly in May 2025.
Countries are negotiating a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex to the agreement; its adoption at the May 2027 World Health Assembly is needed before member states can ratify the agreement.
Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) have also been adopted to strengthen global health security.
COVID-19 caused more than 20 million excess deaths between 2020 and 2023 and removed more than $10 trillion from the global economy.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman addressed the meeting.
Meeting:
Second UNGA High-Level Meeting on PPPR, 25 September 2026
COVID-19 excess deaths:
over 20 million (2020-2023)
Economic loss:
over $10 trillion
Why it matters for exams: The Pandemic Agreement, the PABS annex and the IHR amendments are core global-health-governance topics.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
25 September 2026
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said an extensive police set-up will be readied for the safety and convenience of pilgrims during the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting he chaired at the Secretariat to review police preparations.
Pilgrims will be made aware to use the virtual queue system to the maximum to control crowding, and the Kerala DGP will directly inform the police chiefs of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka about it.
The Rapid Action Force and the Fire and Rescue Force will be deployed, and mock tests will be held to ensure that fire hydrants on the main routes including Marakkoottam are working.
CCTV surveillance at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilackal will be strengthened and linked to the police control room, and special security will be arranged for Kunnar Dam, the water tank at Pandithavalam, LPG cylinder storage points and explosive storage.
Soil will be removed at Chakkupalam to create parking space for 400 to 500 additional vehicles, and repairs of police camps and toilets are to be completed before November 1.
Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan, Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Minhaj Alam, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar and Sabarimala Chief Police Coordinator P. Vijayan attended.
Additional parking at Chakkupalam:
400 to 500 vehicles
Deadline for camp and toilet repairs:
Before November 1
Sabarimala Chief Police Coordinator:
P. Vijayan
Why it matters for exams: Sabarimala arrangements bring in place names, the virtual queue system and the officials holding named coordination posts, all of which Kerala PSC asks about.
Kerala PSC
25 September 2026
Home and Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala launched 'VACB Suite 3.0', an integrated digital platform developed in-house by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, at the auditorium of the Police Training College, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram.
The platform allows the progress of investigation in cases and related information to be checked in real time, avoids delay in files, gives investigating officers quick access to precise guidelines and ensures data security.
The Minister said the vigilance manual had been comprehensively revised after thirty years and that the reforms in the department are based on it, and that a system which would have cost more than about one crore rupees was developed by the Bureau's own technically qualified officers.
Under 'Project Zero', 38 cases were registered in the last 114 days and investigation was started against 115 officers, while 12 persons who took bribes were caught in trap operations.
The 'Operation Parppidam' inspection found financial irregularities of 45 lakh rupees and the ration godown inspection irregularities of 18 lakh rupees.
The Minister also released the VACB Suite 3.0 user manual, gave the Badge of Honour to vigilance officers and distributed the newly designed uniform jacket. State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar presided and Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham welcomed the gathering.
Cases under Project Zero:
38 cases in 114 days
Officers under investigation:
115
Irregularities in Operation Parppidam:
45 lakh rupees
Why it matters for exams: Named state e-governance platforms, the officials who head them and the numbers attached to departmental drives are common Kerala PSC one-mark questions.
Kerala PSCSSC
25 September 2026
Kerala has submitted a proposal to the Centre asking that the final notification fix the state's Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) at 8,590.69 sq km, fully excluding habitations, farmland and plantations.
Environment Minister Sunny Joseph announced this at a press conference in the PR Chamber of the Secretariat, saying the suggestions were handed over as part of filing amendments to the draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in the wake of the Kasturirangan report.
The 2013 Kasturirangan report had brought 13,108 sq km across 123 villages of Kerala within the ESA limit.
Following the Oommen V. Oommen Committee report the extent was restricted to 9,993.7 sq km, of which 9107 sq km is forest land and 886.7 sq km non-forest area; this position continued from the notification of 10 March 2014 to the notification of 27 July 2026.
A central expert committee led by Dr Sanjay Kumar was brought to Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala's demands were explained in the presence of the Chief Minister and Ministers.
A unanimous resolution on the subject will be passed in the coming session of the Legislative Assembly, and the revised ESA plan and map will be published on the state Environment Department website.
ESA extent sought:
8,590.69 sq km
Kasturirangan report (2013):
13,108 sq km in 123 villages
Extent after Oommen V. Oommen Committee:
9,993.7 sq km
Why it matters for exams: ESA extent figures and the Kasturirangan and Oommen V. Oommen reports are standing favourites in Kerala PSC and UPSC environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
24 September 2026
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime at UN Headquarters in New York on 24 September 2026.
He signed it while leading Indonesia's delegation to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
With the signature Indonesia joined 90 other signatories of the convention.
The convention sets a framework for international cooperation against cybercrime, including the sharing of electronic evidence.
Indonesia said it will help its law enforcement act against online scams, online gambling and child sexual abuse material.
The convention enters into force 90 days after the 40th instrument of ratification is deposited; Indonesia's next step is ratification.
Signed by:
Foreign Minister Sugiono
Place:
UN Headquarters, New York
Other signatories:
90
Entry into force:
90 days after the 40th ratification
Why it matters for exams: The UN Convention against Cybercrime is the first global treaty on cybercrime; its signatories and entry-into-force rule are likely UPSC international-relations questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Ratification Ratification — The formal act by which a state agrees to be legally bound by a treaty it has signed.
24 September 2026
Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar handed a cheque for one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund on 24 September 2026.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited him at 7 Circular Road, Patna, and briefed him on flood relief and rescue work; MLC Lalan Saraf also gave a month's salary.
As of September 22, about 49.72 lakh people were affected across 15 districts, 88 blocks and 576 Gram Panchayats.
Seven relief camps were housing 8,948 people and 50 community kitchens were running.
The Kosi was above the danger mark at Baltara and Kursela, and the Ganga had crossed it at Kahalgaon.
Cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 21 was 658.2 mm, 28% below normal.
People affected (as of 22 September):
49.72 lakh
Districts affected:
15
People in relief camps:
8,948
Rainfall, June 1 to September 21:
658.2 mm, 28% below normal
Why it matters for exams: Bihar's flood-prone rivers, gauge stations such as Kahalgaon and Kursela, and the scale of displacement are frequent geography and disaster-management questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
SDRF State Disaster Response Force — State force for disaster rescue and relief.
24 September 2026
On 24 September 2026, on the sidelines of UNGA81, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met Algeria's Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf.
They discussed trade, investment and energy cooperation, including Thailand's energy investment in Algeria.
The same day he met Uganda's Foreign Minister Adonia Ayebare.
He welcomed the end of the Ebola disease outbreak in Uganda.
In both meetings he underscored the Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI) for expanding Thailand's cooperation with African countries.
Algerian FM:
Ahmed Attaf
Ugandan FM:
Adonia Ayebare
Initiative:
Thailand-Africa Initiative (TAI)
Why it matters for exams: Asian countries' Africa outreach and recent disease outbreaks such as Ebola appear in international-relations and health questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
TAI Thailand-Africa Initiative — Thailand's policy framework for expanding cooperation with African countries.
24 September 2026
On 24 September 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the sidelines of UNGA81 in New York.
Both sides underscored the longstanding Thai-U.S. alliance and strategic partnership.
They welcomed cooperation in defence and security, combating online scams and counternarcotics.
They also noted the progress of the bilateral trade negotiations.
The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar and the Thai-Cambodia situation.
US official:
Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State
Date:
24 September 2026
Why it matters for exams: Thailand is a US treaty ally in Asia; alliance partners and their cooperation areas are common prelims questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
24 September 2026
On 24 September 2026, Thailand's Prime Minister met UN Secretary-General António Guterres at UN Headquarters in New York during the UNGA81 High-level Week.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow joined the meeting.
Both sides welcomed close Thailand–UN relations on the 80th anniversary of Thailand's UN membership.
The Secretary-General appreciated Thailand's role as host of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The Prime Minister expressed views on a transparent and fair selection process for the next UN Secretary-General.
The two sides also discussed the Thailand–Cambodia situation and the situation in Myanmar.
Venue:
United Nations Headquarters, New York
UN body hosted by Thailand:
ESCAP
Why it matters for exams: ESCAP's headquarters in Bangkok and the selection of the next UN Secretary-General are frequently examined UN facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
ESCAP United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific — The UN's regional commission for Asia-Pacific, headquartered in Bangkok.
24 September 2026
On 24 September 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered Thailand's national statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
It was his first address to the General Debate and coincided with the 80th anniversary of Thailand's membership in the United Nations.
The theme of the statement was 'Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All'.
Thailand backed Security Council reform giving developing countries and the Global South a greater role in decision making.
On Cambodia, he said Cambodia chose compulsory conciliation proceedings under UNCLOS and that the process concerns the delimitation of maritime boundaries only.
He also cited Universal Health Coverage, the solar rooftop policy and the Global Partnership against Online Scams.
Session:
81st Session of the UN General Assembly
Date:
24 September 2026
Thailand in the UN:
80th anniversary of membership
Why it matters for exams: UNGA General Debate statements, UN Security Council reform and the Thailand–Cambodia UNCLOS dispute are standard international-relations topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — The 1982 treaty that sets the rules for maritime zones and boundaries.
General Debate UN General Assembly General Debate — The annual high-level session where heads of state and government address the Assembly.
24 September 2026
The UN General Assembly adopted a declaration on sea-level rise by acclamation on 24 September 2026, at the high-level segment of its 81st session.
It is the first common UN declaration on sea-level rise.
Island nations such as Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands would not automatically lose statehood if their territory is submerged, and maritime zones set under UNCLOS remain stable.
Around 770 million people live less than five metres above the high-tide line.
At the end of 2025, global mean sea level was around 11 cm higher than in January 1993, according to WMO.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, Chair of AOSIS, said only strong climate action can stop sea-level rise.
People below 5 m above high tide:
around 770 million
Rise since January 1993:
around 11 cm
Adoption:
by acclamation
Why it matters for exams: Sea-level rise, statehood of island nations, UNCLOS and AOSIS are core climate and international-law topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — The 1982 treaty that defines maritime zones such as territorial seas and EEZs.
AOSIS Alliance of Small Island States — A coalition of small island and low-lying coastal states in climate negotiations.
24 September 2026
The Controller, Legal Metrology, Goa, notified the offices where vehicle tanks must be calibrated.
In North Goa District, tanks registered with the Transport Authorities of Pernem, Bardez, Bicholim and Tiswadi taluka will be calibrated at the Office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, Mapusa – I, Dattawadi, Mapusa.
For South Goa and Kushavati Districts, tanks registered in talukas including Ponda, Salcete, Quepem and Canacona will be calibrated at the Office of the Inspector, Legal Metrology, Margao – I, opposite Railway Station, Margao.
The notice names Kushavati as a district alongside North Goa and South Goa.
North Goa centre:
Mapusa – I, Dattawadi, Mapusa
South Goa and Kushavati centre:
Margao – I, opposite Railway Station
Why it matters for exams: Goa's districts (North Goa, South Goa and the new Kushavati) and the role of legal metrology in weights and measures are useful state-focus facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Legal Metrology — The government function that enforces standard weights and measures in trade.
Calibration — Checking and certifying that a tank or instrument measures volume correctly.
24 September 2026
The Captain of Ports Department of Goa issued a clarification on its tender for operating and maintaining the Captain of Ports Terminal Building and allied jetty facilities.
It said there is no proposal to sell or privatise the terminal building or government jetties; ownership stays with the government.
The operator will handle maintenance, housekeeping, passenger facilities, security and digital monitoring, and give real-time access to a Jetty Operations Management Dashboard.
Statutory wharfage and berthing charges will continue to go to the Authority, and casino operators are barred from bidding.
Under the PPP model the operator will pay an Annual Licence Fee and a share of gross revenue.
Model:
PPP
Barred from bidding:
Casino operators
Why it matters for exams: PPP models for public infrastructure, and the difference between operation contracts and privatisation, are common governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PPP Public-Private Partnership — An arrangement where a private party runs a public asset under contract while the government keeps ownership.
Wharfage — A charge levied for goods or passengers using a wharf or jetty.
24 September 2026
Tanzania's Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) reported its five-year achievements on 24 September 2026 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
Director General CPA Dr Habibu Suluo spoke at a meeting of editors and journalists organised by the Office of the Treasury Registrar.
Transport licences issued rose by 146.1 per cent, from 239,953 in 2021/22 to 590,468 in 2025/26, an average annual growth of 27.2 per cent.
Between 2022/23 and 2025/26, 15,547 drivers were registered and tested through the Drivers Testing System, and 8,642 passed and were certified.
LATRA said 4,664 crew members were registered in 2025/26.
Licences, 2021/22:
239,953
Licences, 2025/26:
590,468
Increase:
146.1%
Average annual growth:
27.2%
Drivers certified:
8,642
Why it matters for exams: Regulatory bodies and their mandates, with headline growth figures, are common in economy and governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
LATRA Land Transport Regulatory Authority — Tanzania's regulator for road and rail transport services, including licensing of commercial vehicles.
JNICC Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre — A major conference venue in Dar es Salaam named after Tanzania's first President.
Treasury Registrar Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) — Tanzanian office that oversees government investments in public institutions and state firms.
24 September 2026
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced at the UN General Assembly's general debate on Thursday, 24 September 2026, that Barbados is joining 123 other Member States in supporting the Franco-Mexican initiative restricting use of the veto in situations involving mass atrocities. She said "reform cannot be selective" and that the Security Council had failed to keep pace with a changing world, pointing to the absence of a permanent seat for Africa and of assured representation for small island developing States. She described a "crisis of responsibility" and urged leaders to turn what they know into what they do. She also called for greater investment in conflict prevention, mediation and adequately resourced peacekeeping, and for governing artificial intelligence together.
Initiative:
Franco-Mexican initiative restricting the veto in mass atrocities
Other supporting Member States:
123
Why it matters for exams: Security Council reform and the veto are among the most-asked UN topics; the Franco-Mexican initiative is a specific reform proposal.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Veto — The power of a permanent Security Council member to block a substantive resolution by voting against it.
SIDS Small Island Developing States — A UN-recognised group of small island countries facing shared vulnerabilities.
Mass atrocities — Genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes on a large scale.
24 September 2026
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the UN General Assembly's general debate on Thursday, 24 September 2026, that Australia is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2029-2030. He said Australia would uphold international law, including the UN Charter and the sovereignty of all States, and amplify the voices of small States and middle powers on the Council. He said the UN mission cannot be entrusted solely to the great powers or subcontracted to the world's richest companies, and called for cooperation on climate change, AI and the breakdown of international rules. He recalled that Australia instituted a social media ban for people under 16 last year, and said more than 20 countries are bringing in or have brought in age restrictions on social media.
Security Council term sought:
2029-2030
Social media age limit in Australia:
under 16 banned
Countries with or bringing age limits:
more than 20
Why it matters for exams: Security Council elections, non-permanent seats and the middle-power debate are standard UN questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Non-permanent member — One of the ten Security Council members elected for two-year terms without veto power.
Middle power — A state with significant but not great-power influence in world affairs.
24 September 2026
UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the annual ministerial meeting on the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), held during High-Level Week in New York on Thursday, 24 September 2026, that the agency's work and its entire mandate from the General Assembly are in "jeopardy". He said nearly 400 members of UNRWA's workforce in Gaza have been killed and that the agency faces a cash shortfall of $100 million. Israeli Knesset legislation passed nearly two years ago bans the agency from operating on Israeli territory, including East Jerusalem. Commissioner-General ad interim Christian Saunders said more than 10,000 UNRWA personnel in Gaza are still assisting 1.7 million people, including some 70,000 medical consultations a week. He said displacement in the West Bank is at levels unseen since 1967, and that 41 of the 50 recommendations of the independent neutrality review have been fully implemented.
Staff killed in Gaza:
nearly 400
Cash shortfall:
$100 million
People assisted in Gaza:
1.7 million
Neutrality review recommendations implemented:
41 of 50
Why it matters for exams: UNRWA's mandate from the General Assembly and its funding crisis are standard questions on UN agencies and the Middle East.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East — A UN agency set up by the General Assembly in 1949 to serve Palestine refugees.
Knesset — Israel's unicameral parliament.
High-Level Week — The week in late September when world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly's general debate and summits.
24 September 2026
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the general debate of the UN General Assembly's 81st session on Thursday, 24 September 2026, by pre-recorded video after his delegation was, for the second consecutive year, denied US visas. He warned that Israeli policies threaten the existence of the Palestinian people and urged the world not to allow "another Nakba". He called for the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, opposed the E1 Settlement Plan and sought implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 on halting settlement activity. He said legislative elections will be held on 28 November, followed by renewal of the Palestinian National Council and presidential elections. He thanked the 160 states that have recognised the State of Palestine and called for full UN membership, and demanded the release of more than $6 billion in Palestinian funds withheld by Israel.
Legislative elections:
28 November
States recognising Palestine:
160
Resolution cited on settlements:
UNSC resolution 2334
Withheld funds:
more than $6 billion
Why it matters for exams: Palestinian statehood, recognition count, UNSC resolution 2334 and the Nakba are recurring world-affairs questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Nakba — Arabic for 'catastrophe'; the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
E1 Settlement Plan — An Israeli settlement plan east of Jerusalem that would separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank.
Resolution 2334 UN Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) — A resolution stating that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory have no legal validity.
24 September 2026
World leaders approved the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise by consensus at a high-level meeting of the General Assembly on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The declaration covers better observation, shared data and early warning; more predictable and accessible funding, especially for small island and least developed countries; protection of coastal livelihoods and culture; and a presumption in favour of continued statehood and the ability to maintain maritime zones established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, despite rising seas. Secretary-General António Guterres said global sea levels rose by almost six millimetres in 2024, the largest annual increase ever recorded, and that around 770 million people live less than five metres above the high-tide line. He said emissions must fall 60 per cent by 2035 and adaptation finance must triple. Cabo Verde co-facilitated the negotiations. The declaration calls for a further high-level meeting before the end of the General Assembly's 84th session.
Adopted:
by consensus, 24 September 2026
Sea-level rise in 2024:
almost six millimetres
People less than 5 m above high tide:
around 770 million
Co-facilitator:
Cabo Verde
Why it matters for exams: Sea-level rise, small island states, UNCLOS maritime zones and statehood are high-value environment and international-law topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — The 1982 treaty that sets out maritime zones such as territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.
SIDS Small Island Developing States — A UN-recognised group of small island countries highly vulnerable to climate change.
Adaptation finance — Money to help communities cope with climate impacts that cannot be avoided.
24 September 2026
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced on 24 September 2026 a draft amendment to restrict the sale of analogue products as "Paneer". The proposed Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026 would insert a new clause under Regulation 2.1.1 covering "paneer made of constituents not derived from milk". Products licensed or registered under the 'Analogue in Dairy Context' category would have to stop using the term "Paneer" in their name, labelling or marketing. The aim is that a food's name reflects its nature and composition so consumers are not misled. Objections and suggestions are invited; the draft will be taken up after 60 days from the date the Gazette copies are made available. It was issued with the Central Government's approval under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Regulation amended:
Regulation 2.1.1, FSS (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011
Comment period:
60 days
Parent Act:
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Why it matters for exams: Food labelling, consumer protection and the role of FSSAI under the FSS Act, 2006 are standard exam topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India — The statutory food regulator set up under the FSS Act, 2006, under the Health Ministry.
Analogue product — A product made to resemble a dairy item but using constituents not derived from milk.
Draft regulation — A proposed rule published for public objections before it is finalised.