Current Affairs - December 31, 2024 Current Affairs

Reliance Industries, through its subsidiary RSBVL, acquired Karkinos Healthcare for ₹375 crore. This strategic acquisition focuses on enhancing Reliance’s healthcare portfolio, especially in oncology. Karkinos specializes in early cancer detection and treatment, and with partnerships with 60 hospitals and plans to establish a cancer hospital in Imphal, the acquisition is expected to significantly expand Reliance's reach in cancer care and management.

In 2024, India's foreign exchange reserves surpassed $700 billion, making it the 4th largest globally. This reflects the country’s strong economic performance and its ability to attract substantial foreign investments over the past decade. The ranking signifies India's growing importance in global finance and its strategic positioning in international trade.

The Kagyed Dance Festival is a major Buddhist celebration in Sikkim, held annually at Tsuklakhang Palace in Gangtok. Featuring traditional Cham dances performed by masked monks, the festival symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and the welcoming of peace and prosperity. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, it attracts locals and tourists alike, showcasing Sikkim's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

South Korea's parliament impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024, amid growing dissatisfaction over his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court. This event followed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, after he briefly imposed martial law. The impeachment of Han marked a historic moment as it was the first time an acting president in South Korea was impeached. The political crisis significantly impacted the country, contributing to economic instability, with the Korean won reaching its lowest value in nearly 16 years.

Deloitte forecasts the Indian economy to grow at 6.5-6.8% in FY25, driven by strong domestic consumption, infrastructure development, and digitisation efforts. While challenges such as geopolitical tensions and global liquidity constraints may pose risks, India’s resilience in services, manufacturing exports, and stable capital markets provides a solid foundation for sustained economic growth.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) introduced the first digital platform in the region for implementing CORSIA, a framework designed to reduce international aviation emissions through carbon offset mechanisms. This innovation simplifies compliance for UAE carriers, reinforcing the country’s leadership in sustainable aviation practices and commitment to global environmental goals.

The Haryana government has raised the DCRG limit for state employees by 25%, enhancing financial security for employees and their families. The new gratuity limit is ₹25 lakh, up from ₹20 lakh, effective January 1, 2025. This decision reflects the government's commitment to improving employee welfare, with judicial officers also benefiting from the revised limit.

Jasprit Bumrah made history as the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 wickets in Test cricket, achieving this milestone in just 44 Tests. He surpassed the previous record held by Mohammed Shami. Bumrah's exceptional performance, including a standout display in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, helped him achieve this feat with remarkable efficiency. His average of 19.56 made him the first bowler to reach 200 wickets with a sub-20 average, further cementing his place among the best Test bowlers globally.

Lakshya Sen, the 23-year-old Indian badminton star from Almora, clinched third place at the King Cup International Badminton Open in Bangkok. He defeated French rising star Alex Lanier in the bronze-medal playoff with a convincing scoreline of 21-17, 21-11. This achievement highlights Lakshya’s consistent performance and resilience on the international stage despite narrowly missing out in the semifinals.

Puducherry led the nation with 53.03% women electors in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, making it the state/UT with the highest percentage of women electors. This significant milestone highlights the territory's efforts towards promoting inclusivity and gender equality in the electoral process. The achievement is particularly notable, considering the overall increase in female electors and their participation in the elections.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform on December 25, aiming to improve accessibility and overcome language barriers for citizens. Developed with the Bhashini Team, the platform integrates AI-driven Speech-to-Text technology, enabling users to communicate effectively without typing. This initiative aligns with Gujarat's efforts to enhance inclusivity and ease of living by making government services more accessible to all.

China introduced the CR450, the world's fastest high-speed train, capable of reaching speeds of 450 kmph. This innovation surpasses the CR400 Fuxing and sets new standards in speed, energy efficiency, and noise reduction. With plans to integrate the CR450 into its extensive 47,000 km high-speed rail network, China continues to lead in advancing rail technology and improving connectivity.

The Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, aimed at settling income tax disputes, has been extended by one month, setting the new deadline to January 31, 2025. This extension allows taxpayers additional time to avail of reduced settlement amounts, especially for those declared by the deadline. The scheme's tiered benefit structure incentivizes earlier declarations and encourages dispute resolution, making it a significant step in reducing litigation in India's tax framework.