Current Affairs - National

Blinkit has introduced a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram, aiming to provide rapid emergency medical transport. Residents can book an ambulance via the Blinkit app, ensuring quick arrival with Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances equipped with essential medical supplies such as oxygen cylinders, defibrillators, and emergency medicines. The service includes a trained paramedic, assistant, and driver, marking a significant advancement in urban emergency response systems.

The 'Pujari Granthi Samman' scheme, which aims to financially support Gurudwara priests, was launched by the Delhi Government. Announced by former CM Arvind Kejriwal on December 30, this initiative provides a monthly grant of Rs 18,000 to every temple and Gurudwara priest in New Delhi. The scheme reflects the city's commitment to supporting religious functionaries.

E-waste generation in India has grown significantly, showing a 72.54% rise over five years, increasing from 1.01 million metric tonnes in 2019-20 to 1.751 million metric tonnes in 2023-24. This sharp increase underscores the need for enhanced recycling efforts and regulations, as only 43% of e-waste is currently recycled, and much remains untreated. Addressing this challenge is critical for environmental sustainability and public health, as e-waste contains hazardous substances like lead and mercury.

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.

The liberalization reforms of 1991, spearheaded by Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister, marked a turning point in India's economic history. These measures, including deregulation of industries and FDI liberalization, addressed the Balance of Payments crisis and transitioned India towards a market-driven economy. The reforms laid the groundwork for sustained GDP growth, global economic integration, and current policies like GST and digital infrastructure initiatives, making 1991 a landmark year in India's economic development.