UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 24 September 2026

India’s Emerging Drought Stress: Monsoon Variability and Agricultural Risks

Context

As the southwest monsoon begins withdrawing, drought conditions have spread across over half of India, with persistent soil-moisture stress raising concerns for kharif yields, rabi sowing and water security.

About Drought in India

Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall leading to water shortage, with impacts varying across meteorological, agricultural and hydrological systems.

In India, drought assessment increasingly combines rainfall, soil moisture, vegetation health, reservoir storage and groundwater conditions.

Need for the Quality Control Order (QCO) Reassessment

Context

To enable Indian firms to grow, integrate into global value chains and compete internationally, the Quality Control Order (QCO) reassessment exercise needs to move forward.

What are Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?

QCOs are legal instruments issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016.

They make it mandatory for both domestic and imported products to conform to specified Indian Standards.

3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF)

Context

The Union Home Minister inaugurated the 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads of States/UTs in New Delhi.

About

He also laid the foundation stones for new Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zone complexes in Lucknow and Dehradun.

The two-day conference was organised by the NCB and saw participation of ANTF heads from 36 States and Union Territories.

News In Short 24-09-2026

In News

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved the Biovigilance Programme of India.

Biovigilance Programme of India

It will monitor and prevent adverse events linked to medicines and biological products used in organ and tissue transplantation.

It will also cover products administered to both organ and tissue donors and recipients.