Daily Current Affairs 25 May 2026 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 25 May 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
Ebola Outbreak Public Health Emergency
Source: PIB
GS II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Ebola Disease
Why in the News?
In light of the reported outbreaks of Ebola Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the World Health Organisation (WHO), under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, on 17 May 2026, determined the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
News in Brief
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus.
- Further, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on 22 May 2026 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance.
- Countries bordering Congo and Uganda are assessed to be at high risk of disease transmission.
About Ebola Disease
- Ebola Disease is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola Virus.
Ebola Outbreak Public Health Emergency - It is a serious disease with a high mortality rate.
- Transmission
- Virus is transmitted to people from wild animals.
- Then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids.
- Cannot be transmitted by air.
- When the infected persons show symptoms, it becomes contagious.
- Symptoms: Fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, bleeding, and often, death.
- The fatality rate is around 50%.
- Chances of survival can be improved with early supportive care.
- Treatment
- No vaccines or specific treatments have been approved to prevent or treat Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
- Maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance and the administration of blood and plasma to control bleeding.
Status of India
- No case of Ebola Virus Disease has been reported in the country so far.
- All necessary arrangements for tracking, testing and surveillance remain in a constant state of readiness.
- Surveillance at ports of entry and coordination among agencies are being closely monitored.
How did India react to the Emergency?
- Dispatched urgent medical supplies and protective kits to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Working directly with the Africa CDC and the African Union to ensure aid is distributed where it is needed most.
- Issuing safety advisories and travel alerts urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.
11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
Source: Global Times
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate
Overview
- News in Brief
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
- India and the NPT
- India’s Nuclear Policy
Why in the News?
11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) at the UN Headquarters in New York collapsed without reaching a consensus on a final declaration.
News in Brief
- The 11th Review Conference of the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) concluded without adopting a final document.
- Efforts to advance nuclear disarmament under the treaty were met with fierce resistance by the nuclear armed states and those who support the use of nuclear weapons in their security strategies.
- The vast majority of states, however, engaged vigorously throughout the month, calling for urgent action to reduce nuclear risks.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
- NPT was negotiated during the 1960s to reconcile three competing objectives
- Controlling the further spread of nuclear weapons beyond the P-5 countries (the U.S., the U.S.S.R., the U.K, France and China) that had already tested.
- Committing to negotiating reductions of nuclear arsenals leading to their elimination.
- Sharing the benefits of peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
India and the NPT
Why India Opposes the NPT
India has consistently argued that the treaty is discriminatory because it creates a permanent division between nuclear “haves” and “have-nots”.
Key Reasons for India’s Non-Signature
1. Discriminatory Nature
The treaty allows only five countries to legally possess nuclear weapons while denying the same right to others.
India argues that:
- The treaty lacks equality.
- It legitimizes the nuclear arsenals of major powers.
2. Lack of Time-Bound Disarmament
India supports universal nuclear disarmament but believes the NPT does not provide a clear roadmap for complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
3. Security Concerns
India faces nuclear security challenges from:
- China
- Pakistan
China tested nuclear weapons in 1964, which significantly influenced India’s strategic thinking.
4. Strategic Autonomy
India prefers maintaining independent decision-making in national security and strategic affairs.
India’s Nuclear Policy
India conducted:
- Peaceful Nuclear Explosion in 1974 (“Smiling Buddha”)
- Nuclear tests in 1998 at Pokhran
After the 1998 tests, India declared itself a nuclear weapon state outside the NPT framework.
Key Features of India’s Nuclear Doctrine
- Credible Minimum Deterrence
- No First Use (NFU) policy
- Non-use against non-nuclear weapon states
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