Current Affairs - International

On January 29, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Guinea free from the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), a significant achievement in public health. This success was made possible through mass screenings, vector control using insecticide mini-screens, and door-to-door checks that started in 2012. Despite challenges such as the Ebola outbreak (2013-15) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), Guinea's resilience and consistent efforts were key in overcoming this disease.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is collaborating with India’s Department of Technology (DoT) on AI-driven digital twin technologies, has its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. This partnership focuses on innovation and sustainable development through global frameworks and standards. Additionally, India has proposed to host the ITU-Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030, showcasing its growing role in global technological collaborations.

The 17th BRICS Summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025. The summit will bring together leaders from BRICS countries and selected invited nations to discuss critical global governance reforms and cooperation. The event is particularly significant as it occurs amid U.S. threats of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, adding an extra layer of complexity to discussions. The summit is also expected to address the growing influence of BRICS and its efforts to reshape global trade and diplomacy.

India was showcased as the theme country for the first time at the 27th Annual New Year Celebration of the Asia Pacific Cultural Centre, which took place at the Tacoma Dome in Washington. The event highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional prayers and vibrant art forms. The Indian Consul General in Seattle honoured officials with tri-colour stoles, and messages from U.S. leaders were read during the ceremony.

The emergency summit on the Ukraine crisis is being organized by Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. As Macron is from France, it follows that the summit will take place in this country. The summit involves leaders from several European nations discussing the implications of the Ukraine situation on European security, making France the host country for this key event.