Daily Current Affairs - 7th October 2025

Preparing for UPSC 2026 or State PCS? This 7th October 2025 Current Affairs edition consolidates exam-relevant updates with GS linkages, Prelims facts, and Mains insights—spanning economy, environment, governance, and science & technology.

Key Highlights:

• Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 – for discoveries in peripheral immune tolerance, unlocking new insights into autoimmunity and organ transplants.

• ILO’s “State of Social Justice” Report – flags persistent global inequality ahead of the Doha Summit 2025.

• WHO Tobacco Report – India on track to exceed global reduction targets.

• Wildlife Week 2025 – launches Project Dolphin (Phase II), Sloth Bear, Gharial, and a Centre for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management.

• STT under Supreme Court review, UNESCO’s first Arab Director-General, and global climate alerts from Tibet Blizzard to Typhoon Matmo & more...

Use this crisp, structured brief to reinforce your Prelims 2026 recall and enrich Mains-ready analytical perspectives—integrating energy, environment, economy, and governance with The PRESS Pad.

Click Here to read the Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP).

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine – Awarded for Discoveries in Peripheral Immune Tolerance

1. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan).

2. The award recognized their pioneering discoveries on peripheral immune tolerance.

   • Peripheral immune tolerance refers to the body's mechanism to prevent immune cells from attacking its own healthy tissues outside the central immune organs (like bone marrow and thymus).

3. This process is essential to maintain balance in the immune system by distinguishing between harmful pathogens and the body's own cells.

4. The research focused on the peripheral immune system, which includes immune components outside the brain and spinal cord.

5. T-cells, a type of white blood cell, play a central role in immune defense by attacking infected or abnormal cells.

6. T-cells have specialized subtypes, each identified by distinct surface proteins, which define their function.

   
   

   Watch detailed Analysis | https://youtu.be/7UEm2Th_75k

   
   

7. In 1995, Shimon Sakaguchi discovered a new class of T-cells, named regulatory T-cells (Treg cells).

   • Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) function to suppress overactive immune responses and prevent the immune system from attacking the body itself.

8. This suppressive action of Tregs is the basis of peripheral tolerance, a key mechanism to prevent autoimmunity.

9. Mary E. Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell made significant progress by studying a mouse model known as the scurfy mouse.

   • Scurfy mice develop severe and lethal autoimmune diseases, making them valuable for studying immune dysregulation.

10. In 2001, Brunkow and Ramsdell identified that mutations in the FOXP3 gene were responsible for the autoimmune disease in scurfy mice.

    • The FOXP3 gene was also found to cause a similar autoimmune disorder in humans called IPEX syndrome (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-linked syndrome).

11. Their discovery established that FOXP3 is a master regulator gene essential for the development and function of regulatory T-cells (Tregs).

12. Building on this, Sakaguchi demonstrated that FOXP3 expression is what defines and controls the formation of Tregs.

13. This work clarified the genetic and molecular basis of peripheral tolerance through Tregs.

14. The discoveries have major implications for cancer immunotherapy, as tumors often exploit Treg cells to suppress immune attacks.

15. By understanding Treg mechanisms, cancer treatments can be improved by designing therapies that inhibit Treg activity in tumors.

16. These findings also impact the treatment of autoimmune diseases, where boosting Treg cells could help restore immune balance.

17. In organ transplantation, enhancing Treg formation can help prevent organ rejection by tolerizing the immune system to foreign tissues.

18. Overall, the Nobel-winning research has transformed immunology, paving the way for innovative therapies in cancer, autoimmunity, and transplantation. 

ILO Report – "The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress"

1. The International Labour Organization (ILO) released a report titled "The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress".

2. This report precedes the Second World Summit for Social Development, which will be held in Doha in November 2025.

3. The 2025 summit marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development.

Understanding Social Justice

1. Social justice is defined as the goal where every individual can pursue material prosperity and spiritual growth.

2. This pursuit must happen within an environment of freedom, respect, economic stability, and equal opportunities.

3. The ILO outlines four foundational pillars of social justice.

   • The first pillar is the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and capabilities.

   • The second pillar is ensuring equal access to opportunities for all individuals.

   • The third pillar focuses on the fair distribution of resources, benefits, and burdens across society.

   • The fourth pillar involves ensuring fair transitions, especially in response to environmental, technological, and economic changes.

Progress in Achieving Social Justice

1. The report notes that extreme poverty has significantly declined globally.

2. Between recent decades, extreme poverty fell from 39% to 10% of the world’s population.

3. As of 2023, for the first time, more than 50% of the world’s population is covered by some form of social protection scheme.

   • Social protection schemes include public measures like pensions, health insurance, unemployment benefits, and maternity leave.

Persistent Deficits in Social Justice

1. Despite gains, progress in reducing inequality has stalled, according to the report.

2. It highlights that 71% of a person’s earnings is still determined exclusively by the circumstances of their birth.

   • Birth circumstances refer to factors like family income, place of birth, gender, ethnicity, and access to education.

3. The report also notes a global decline in trust in institutions since 1982.

Emerging Risks to Social Justice

1. The ILO warns that major societal transformations could deepen inequality.

2. These transformations include environmental, digital, and demographic changes.

3. Without targeted and inclusive policies, these shifts may worsen existing disparities.

Adapting Institutions for Social Justice

1. The report calls for the reapplication and adaptation of core labour institutions.

2. It suggests updating key frameworks like social protection systems, labour protections, and active labour market policies.

3. Active labour market policies are strategies like job training, public employment services, and hiring subsidies to improve employment outcomes.

4. These updates must respond effectively to environmental, digital, and demographic transitions.

5. The report emphasizes the need for robust social dialogue.

6. Social dialogue means involving governments, employers, and workers in shaping policies and reforms.

Integrating the Social Dimension Across Policy

1. The ILO urges policymakers to amplify the social dimension in governance.

2. This means embedding labour and social policies across sectors like finance, industry, health, and environmental planning.

3. The report stresses moving beyond narrow, sector-specific frameworks.

4. Social justice must become a cross-cutting priority across all levels of policymaking.

Strengthening Global Cooperation

1. The report highlights the need to break institutional silos.

2. It calls for coordinated collaboration among government ministries, international organizations, and social partners.

3. Tools like the Global Coalition for Social Justice can be leveraged to strengthen global responses.

4. The Second World Summit for Social Development will also serve as a platform to align international efforts toward inclusive development.

Market Study on Artificial Intelligence and Competition – Released by the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

1. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has released a comprehensive study on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on market dynamics, competition, and regulation in India.

2. The study highlights AI’s transformative influence on market structures, business practices, and competition law frameworks.

Global and Indian AI Market Growth

1. According to UNCTAD, the global AI market is projected to grow 25-fold from USD 189 billion in 2023 to USD 4.8 trillion by 2033.

2. As per BCG–NASSCOM, India’s AI market is expected to grow at a rate of 25–35% annually.

3. By 2027, the Indian AI market is estimated to reach USD 17–22 billion, indicating rapid domestic adoption.

Primary Competition Issues in the AI Era

1. The study identifies several emerging competition concerns driven by AI technologies.

2. One major concern is Algorithmic Unilateral Conduct, which refers to dominant firms using algorithms to engage in anti-competitive practices.

3. This includes practices like self-preferencing, where a platform unfairly promotes its own products, and predatory pricing, where goods are sold below cost to drive out competitors.

4. Large firms also control access to high-quality datasets and costly computational infrastructure, which creates entry barriers for new or smaller players.

5. This entrenched control contributes to market concentration and reduced competition.

6. Another issue is AI-driven Pricing Practices, such as dynamic pricing, personalized pricing, and targeted pricing.

7. These pricing models rely on AI to predict a consumer’s willingness to pay, tailoring prices individually.

8. Such practices raise concerns about price discrimination, especially the exploitation of vulnerable consumer groups.

9. The study also flags Algorithmic Coordinated Conduct, which refers to collusion through AI algorithms.

10. In this case, AI systems may learn to coordinate pricing or market strategies autonomously, even without direct human input.

11. These AI-enabled collusions are harder to detect, making enforcement of competition laws more complex.

Proposed Initiatives by the Competition Commission of India (CCI)

1. The CCI recommends Regulatory Capacity Building to manage AI-related challenges.

2. This includes enhancing technical expertise, improving infrastructure, and establishing a dedicated Think Tank of experts on digital markets and AI.

3. The CCI also stresses the need for Inter-regulatory Coordination to ensure cohesive policy responses.

4. This may involve formal arrangements like Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with other regulators and departments.

5. The Commission calls for increased International Cooperation as well.

6. It suggests engagement with international competition authorities and multilateral platforms like the OECD to share best practices and align enforcement strategies.

International Regulatory Approaches to AI and Competition

1. The study examines how different jurisdictions are responding to AI-related competition issues.

2. In the United States, regulators are currently relying on existing antitrust laws and sector-specific regulations to govern AI.

3. The European Union has adopted the AI Act, which uses a risk-based approach to classify and regulate AI systems based on their potential harm.

4. The United Kingdom passed the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act 2024.

5. The DMCC Act introduces a regulatory regime for firms with "Strategic Market Status", aimed at ensuring fair competition in digital markets.

WHO Global Report on Tobacco Use Trends (2000–2024)

1. The World Health Organization (WHO) released the Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use (2000–2024).

2. The report tracks global patterns and progress in reducing tobacco use among adults over the last two decades.

Global Trends in Tobacco Use

1. The global prevalence of current tobacco use among adults has declined significantly.

2. It dropped from 26.2% in 2010 to 19.5% in 2024, indicating notable progress.

3. Despite this decline, 1 in 5 adults worldwide still continues to use tobacco.

4. The report also highlights the rising global popularity of e-cigarettes.

5. As of 2024, over 100 million people worldwide are using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

6. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine vapor without burning tobacco, often perceived as a smoking alternative.

India’s Tobacco Use Status (2024)

1. In 2024, India had approximately 243.48 million tobacco users aged 15 years and above.

2. This makes India one of the largest tobacco-consuming countries in the world.

India’s Progress Towards WHO Targets

1. India is currently on track to meet the WHO NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) target on tobacco reduction.

2. The WHO NCD target aims for a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use prevalence by 2025, using 2010 as the baseline.

3. India’s projected reduction is 43%, which significantly exceeds the global target.

India’s Key Initiatives to Curb Tobacco Use

1. India enacted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 to regulate tobacco use.

2. COTPA prohibits smoking in public places, and bans the sale of tobacco products to minors (below 18 years).

3. In 2022, the government implemented the COTPA (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules.

4. These rules mandated graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging to deter usage.

5. India also launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).

6. The NTCP aims to raise public awareness and reduce production and supply of tobacco products.

7. In 2019, India passed the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act.

8. This Act bans the production, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes across India.

About Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

1. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is the plant species primarily cultivated for commercial tobacco products.

2. It is native to South America, where it was first domesticated.

3. Tobacco can be grown in a wide range of climates, but requires a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days for optimal growth.

4. The ideal temperature range for growing tobacco is 20°C to 30°C.

5. It requires a minimum annual rainfall of 500 mm for healthy development.

6. The most suitable soil types are well-drained sandy loam or alluvial soils with good fertility.

India’s Position in Global Tobacco Production

1. India is the second-largest producer of tobacco in the world, after China.

2. India also ranks as the second-largest exporter of tobacco, following Brazil.

3. Among Indian states, Gujarat leads with 30% of the total production.

4. Other major tobacco-producing states include Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Bihar.

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change – Wildlife Week 2025 Initiatives

1. During Wildlife Week 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched multiple new wildlife conservation initiatives.

2. These initiatives are aligned with the vision set during the 7th Meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

3. The ministry unveiled five major initiatives focused on species conservation and conflict management.

1. Project Dolphin (Phase-II)

• This initiative focuses on implementing the Action Plan for Conservation of Riverine and Marine Cetaceans in India.

• Cetaceans include aquatic mammals like dolphins, whales, and porpoises.

• India is home to Ganges River Dolphins and Indus River Dolphins, both of which are freshwater dolphin species.

• The Ganges River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India.

• The protection status of both species is Endangered (IUCN Red List).

• They are also listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, which offers them the highest legal protection in India.

• These dolphins are

2. Project Sloth Bear

• The government launched a national implementation framework specifically for Sloth Bear conservation.

• The Sloth Bear is listed as Vulnerable (IUCN Red List).

• It is also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

• Sloth Bears are primarily found in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

• Their diet mainly consists of termites and ants, making them specialized insectivores.

• Unlike other bear species, Sloth Bear mothers carry their cubs on their backs for safety.

3. Project Gharial

• A dedicated implementation action plan was launched for the conservation of Gharials.

• Gharials are a type of critically endangered crocodilian, distinguished by a long, narrow snout.

• Males develop a unique bulbous structure on the snout called a “ghara”, which functions as a vocal resonator.

• Gharials are mainly found in India and Nepal.

• Their protection status is Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List).

• They are also covered under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

4. Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves

• This initiative addresses rising instances of human-tiger conflict outside protected areas.

• It adopts a landscape-level approach to manage conflict and ensure safe corridors for tigers.

• It involves the use of technological interventions like camera traps and alert systems.

• The project also emphasizes capacity building of forest staff and community engagement for coexistence.

• Mainly found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.

• Tigers are classified as Endangered (IUCN Red List) and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

• Each tiger has a unique stripe pattern, which allows individual identification through camera trapping.

5. Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management (COE–HWC)

• A Centre of Excellence has been established to address the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict in India.

• The centre will be hosted at SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History).

• Its mandate includes policy support, research, and field-based mitigation strategies to manage conflict.

E-Governance in India

1. E-Governance in India has evolved from a backend administrative tool into a transformative force in citizen–state interaction.

2. It now plays a central role in reshaping governance, streamlining services, and enhancing transparency.

What is E-Governance?

1. E-Governance refers to the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to deliver public services, improve government operations, and foster citizen participation.

2. ICT includes tools like the internet, mobile devices, cloud services, and data platforms used to process and exchange information.

Historical Evolution of E-Governance in India

1. India’s digital governance journey began with the creation of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in 1976.

2. Between 1980 and 2000, technology in governance was primarily used as a supporting tool for internal administrative efficiency.

3. Since then, the focus has shifted from mere automation to citizen-centric and service-driven governance.

4. As of 2024, India ranks 97th in the UN’s E-Government Development Index, reflecting moderate global positioning.

Transformative Role of E-Governance

1. E-Governance has significantly enhanced citizen access to public services.

   • Platforms like e-Seva and DigiLocker allow citizens to access essential documents and services digitally from anywhere.

2. E-Governance promotes transparency and accountability in governance processes.

   • Projects like Bhoomi (digital land records) and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) have reduced corruption and leakages in welfare schemes.

3. E-Governance improves administrative efficiency through automation and integration of government services.

   • Initiatives like the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) and Common Service Centres (CSCs) have accelerated decision-making and enhanced last-mile service delivery.

4. It supports financial inclusion, especially among underbanked populations.

   • Programs like the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have brought millions into the formal banking ecosystem.

5. E-Governance contributes to rural empowerment by bringing digital infrastructure to remote areas.

   • Initiatives like Gyandoot and PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) promote digital literacy and local participation in governance.

6. It also enables innovation and interoperability in public service delivery.

   • Platforms like India Stack and Government e-Marketplace (GeM) foster data sharing across departments and seamless integration of services.

Key Challenges in E-Governance Implementation

1. A major challenge is the digital divide, which refers to unequal access to internet and digital devices between urban and rural or rich and poor communities.

2. Data privacy and surveillance risks are increasing with the expanding digital footprint of citizens.

3. Exclusion errors occur when individuals are denied access to digital services due to system errors or lack of digital skills.

4. There is limited institutional capacity in some government departments to handle complex digital transitions.

5. The risk of over-platformisation—the proliferation of too many digital platforms—can lead to fragmentation and inefficiency.

India’s Historic Performance at World Para Athletics Championships 2025

1. In 2025, India delivered its best-ever performance at the World Para Athletics Championships.

2. India won a record 22 medals, including 6 Gold medals, marking a significant milestone in its para-sports journey.

3. India also became the fourth Asian nation to host the World Para Athletics Championships.

   • This was the first time India hosted the event, showcasing its growing commitment to para-sports.

About World Para Athletics

1. Para athletics is the largest sport under the Paralympic Movement, involving athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments.

2. The Paralympic Movement promotes competitive sports for persons with disabilities on an international level.

3. The first Para athletics competition was held in 1952, marking the beginning of organized global para-sport.

4. World Para Athletics is governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

5. The IPC is the global governing body responsible for the Paralympic Games and para-sports worldwide.

Major Competitions Under World Para Athletics

1. The Paralympic Games are the flagship multi-sport event, held every four years, featuring para-athletes from around the world.

2. The World Para Athletics Championships are held biennially and represent the highest level of competition outside the Paralympics.

3. In addition, the World Para Athletics Grand Prix is held annually across different global cities.

4. The Grand Prix series, launched in 2013, offers regular competitive opportunities for para-athletes and talent development.

Securities Transaction Tax (STT) – Under Judicial Scrutiny

1. The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine the constitutional validity of the Securities Transaction Tax (STT).

2. This review will assess whether the imposition of STT aligns with the principles of the Indian Constitution.

About Securities Transaction Tax (STT)

1. STT is a direct tax imposed on the purchase and sale of securities on a recognized stock exchange in India.

   • A direct tax is one that is paid directly by an individual or organization to the government, such as income tax or property tax.

2. STT was introduced under the Finance Act of 2004 by the Government of India.

3. The primary objective behind STT was to curb tax evasion in the securities market.

4. By taxing securities transactions at the source, STT helps in ensuring better compliance and transparency in stock market operations.

Blizzard Incident in Tibet

1. A sudden blizzard recently struck remote campsites in Tibet, trapping several trekkers and climbers.

2. This incident highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of high-altitude winter weather systems.

What is a Blizzard?

1. A blizzard is a severe winter storm that combines blowing snow and strong winds, leading to very low visibility.

2. For a storm to be classified as a blizzard, it must typically involve wind speeds of at least 35 mph (56 km/h) and visibility of less than 0.25 miles (400 meters) for at least three hours.

3. The low visibility conditions caused by blizzards can make travel extremely dangerous and disorienting.

How Blizzards Develop

1. Blizzards commonly develop on the northwest side of an intense storm system.

2. In such cases, a tight pressure gradient forms due to the difference between low pressure in the storm and high pressure to the west.

3. This tight pressure gradient leads to the formation of very strong winds, a key ingredient for blizzards.

Impacts of Blizzards

1. Blizzards pose serious risks to life and safety, especially in exposed or high-altitude regions.

2. They can cause car accidents due to near-zero visibility on roads.

3. Prolonged exposure to blizzard conditions can lead to frostbite, which is the freezing of skin and underlying tissues.

4. Blizzards can also cause hypothermia, a life-threatening drop in body temperature due to prolonged cold exposure.

Typhoon Matmo

1. Typhoon Matmo has recently affected China’s Yunnan and Guangdong provinces, causing significant weather disruptions.

2. This highlights the recurring threat of tropical cyclones in the western Pacific region.

What is a Typhoon?

1. A typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that occurs specifically in the western Pacific Ocean.

2. Tropical cyclones are rapidly rotating, intense storms that originate over warm tropical oceans.

3. These storms are characterized by a non-frontal low-pressure system, meaning they are not associated with a cold or warm front.

Naming Conventions Across Regions

1. The same type of storm is called a Cyclone in the Indian Ocean.

2. It is referred to as a Hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.

3. In Western Australia, it is popularly known as a Willy-willy.

Favourable Conditions for Typhoon Formation

1. The sea surface temperature must be higher than 27°C for tropical cyclone formation.

2. The presence of the Coriolis force is essential to initiate the cyclone’s rotation.

   • The Coriolis force is a deflection of moving objects (like winds) caused by the Earth's rotation.

3. There must be small variations in vertical wind speed, also called low vertical wind shear, to allow the storm structure to remain stable.

4. A pre-existing weak low-pressure area is needed to trigger the development of the cyclone.

UNESCO Nominates First Arab Director-General

UNESCO has recently nominated the first Arab leader as its Director-General, marking a significant milestone.

About UNESCO

1. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1946.

2. Its headquarters is located in Paris, France.

3. UNESCO currently has 194 Member States participating in its activities.

4. The primary objective of UNESCO is to strengthen shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication.

5. The organization works to foster international collaboration in these fields to build peace and sustainable development.

Governance Structure

1. UNESCO’s governance is comprised of three main bodies: the General Conference, the Secretariat, and the Executive Board.

2. The General Conference is the sovereign body where all Member States meet to set policies and budgets.

3. The Executive Board is responsible for the execution of the program adopted by the General Conference.

Appointment of Director-General

1. The Director-General of UNESCO is nominated by the Executive Board.

2. The nomination is then appointed by the General Conference.

3. The Director-General is appointed for an initial term of four years.

4. This term may be renewed for an additional four years based on performance and approval.

Key Publications of UNESCO

1. UNESCO produces several important reports, including the Global Education Monitoring Report which tracks progress in education worldwide.

2. Another key publication is the United Nations World Water Development Report, focusing on global water resources.

3. The Global Ocean Science Report is also published by UNESCO to assess developments in ocean science and technology.

Future of Carbon Capture and Storage: Mitigating Climate Change Amid Rising Emissions in Asia

1. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) refers to technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and store them safely underground.

2. The goal of CCS is sequestration, which means the permanent isolation of CO₂ to prevent its release into the atmosphere.

3. According to a study by Climate Analytics, the push for CCS in Asia could result in an additional 25 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2050.

4. The capture phase involves separating and purifying CO₂ from industrial emissions or directly from the atmosphere.

   • After capture, in the transport phase, the purified CO₂ is compressed and dehydrated to prepare it for movement.

   • CO₂ is then transported via pipelines, ships, or tanks to the storage site.

   • The final step is the storage phase, where CO₂ is injected deep into underground rock formations for permanent storage.

   • This underground storage ensures that the CO₂ remains isolated, preventing it from contributing to global warming.

5. CCS offers significant potential to reduce global CO₂ emissions, thereby helping to mitigate climate change.

Iraq Hosts Conference on Al Hol Repatriation with UN Support

1. The government of Iraq recently organised the High-Level International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al Hol.

2. This conference was supported technically by the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT), which assists in global efforts to counter terrorism.

   • Al Hol is a refugee camp located in Northeast Syria.

   • The camp houses a diverse population including Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

   • In addition, it accommodates individuals from various third countries, meaning nationals from countries other than Syria and Iraq.