Read Current Affairs
- Why in News?
- In the past three weeks, five people in Ernakulam, Kerala, have died due to leptospirosis, a serious bacterial infection.
- Key Provisions:-
- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans. This bacterium is commonly found in the urine of animals like rats, cattle, and dogs. Humans typically get infected when the bacteria enter the body through small cuts or wounds, especially on the feet. The disease is more common in warm, humid regions and can affect both urban and rural populations.
- Transmission occurs mainly through contact with water or soil contaminated by infected animal urine. Wild and domestic animals, including rodents, pigs, and dogs, can carry and spread the bacteria.
- Leptospirosis usually has two phases: the initial phase includes symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle pain, followed by a potential second, more severe phase involving organ failure or meningitis. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective in managing the disease.
- Why in News?
- NATO member countries have agreed to significantly boost their defense spending, committing to raise it from the current 2% to 5% of their gross domestic product by the year 2035. This decision underscores the alliance’s continued dedication to strengthening collective defense in response to evolving global threats. The alliance also reaffirmed its core principle of mutual protection, where an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all, as outlined in Article 5.
- About NATO:
- Founded in 1949 through the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty), NATO was established to counter Soviet influence in post-World War II Europe. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, NATO has grown into a political and military alliance of 32 nations across Europe and North America, with Sweden being its most recent addition. The organization remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security, promoting stability and unity among its members in the face of emerging security challenges.
- Why in News?
- At the UNFCCC COP29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, developing countries, led by India, successfully pushed for the reopening of discussions on the financial responsibilities of developed nations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement.
- Key Provisions:-
- This article mandates that developed countries must continue providing financial support to help developing nations address climate change through both mitigation and adaptation efforts.
- While developed nations agreed to mobilize at least USD 300 billion annually starting from 2035, this figure falls significantly short of the estimated USD 1.3 trillion required each year by developing countries to effectively combat climate impacts. The move by India and its allies highlights growing frustration over insufficient climate finance and aims to hold developed countries accountable to their historical commitments. The negotiations emphasized the need for fair and adequate support, ensuring that climate action is truly inclusive and reflective of the differing capabilities and needs of countries worldwide.