Current Affairs - International

China is facing a significant outbreak of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), along with other respiratory illnesses like influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19. The surge in cases has overwhelmed hospitals and crematories. HMPV symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and breathlessness, with an incubation period of 3–6 days. High-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe complications like pneumonia and bronchitis.

The Healthy Homework Act was implemented in California starting January 1, 2025, to reduce students' homework burden while promoting evidence-based practices. Local educational agencies are required to create and update homework policies across all grade levels. To further support this initiative, California's Department of Education will release detailed guidelines by January 1, 2026, ensuring consistent and effective policy development statewide.

Nepal has initiated the 'Child Marriage Free Nepal' campaign, led by Minister Kishor Sah Sudi and supported by child rights activists and organizations like Just Right for Children and BASE Nepal. The campaign, backed by over 100 participants, including Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, aims to eradicate child marriage and promote children's rights. This collaborative effort underscores Nepal's commitment to addressing this critical social issue.

Russia implemented a 1% tourist tax on lodging costs beginning January 1, 2025, as part of efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure. This measure replaces the earlier resort fee and was introduced through amendments to the Tax Code in July 2024. The tax is regionally applied, with plans to increase it to 3% by 2027 in areas with robust or emerging tourism industries, demonstrating a strategic approach to boosting regional development.

K2-18 b, located 124 light-years from Earth, is classified as a "Hycean" planet. This type of planet is characterized by a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and the potential presence of oceans, making it a candidate for supporting life. With a radius 2.6 times and a mass 8.6 times that of Earth, its atmosphere contains intriguing elements like methane, carbon dioxide, and dimethyl sulfide, which are associated with biological processes on Earth.