CURRENT AFFAIRS 21 December, 2024
- PM MODI HONOURED WITH KUWAIT’S TOP CIVILIAN AWARD –
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, by Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah.
- This prestigious accolade marks the 20th international honour received by PM Modi, symbolizing his contributions to fostering global partnerships and India’s growing influence on the world stage.
- The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer is Kuwait’s highest knighthood order.
- It is conferred upon Heads of State, foreign sovereigns, and members of royal families as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. Previous recipients include global leaders such as Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, and George Bush.
- INDIA-KUWAIT ELEVATE TIES TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP –
- India and Kuwait marked a historic milestone in their bilateral relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024.
- The visit culminated in the elevation of their ties to a “Strategic Partnership,” signifying deeper cooperation across trade, defence, energy, and cultural domains. Kuwait also honored PM Modi with its highest civilian award, ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,’ in recognition of his role in fostering bilateral ties.
- NATIONAL MATHEMATICS DAY 2024: CELEBRATING SRINIVASA RAMANUJAN –
- Every year on December 22, India celebrates National Mathematics Day. This date marks the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of the greatest mathematicians in history.
- National Mathematics Day was first announced in 2012 by India’s former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, to honour Srinivasa Ramanujan’s contributions to mathematics.
- Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Despite having no formal training in mathematics, he made groundbreaking discoveries in fields like infinite series, number theory, and continued fractions.
- 55TH GST COUNCIL MEETING: KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND PROPOSALS –
- The 55th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, convened ministers from 28 states, two Union Territories, and key stakeholders. The discussions centered on vital tax reforms impacting consumers and businesses across sectors, focusing on luxury items, essential services, and rationalizing the tax structure.
Key Highlights
- Proposal to increase GST rates on high-end products,
- Wristwatches priced above ₹25,000 and shoes costing over ₹15,000 per pair may attract a 28% GST (up from 18%).
- Premium garments above ₹10,000 might also face a steep 28% tax, while,
- Garments below ₹1,500 remain at 5%.
- Garments between ₹1,500 and ₹10,000 may see a jump to 18%.
- GST rate for platforms like Swiggy and Zomato may be reduced.
- From 18% with Input Tax Credit (ITC) to a simplified 5% without ITC.
- DELHI TO HOST 2025 PARA ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS –
- India is set to host the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships, marking a historic moment for the country as it becomes the first time this prestigious event will be held in India.
- The competition is scheduled to take place between September 26 and October 5, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. This event will be the 12th edition of the Para Athletics World Championships and the fourth time it is being held in Asia.
- More than 1,000 athletes from over 100 nations are expected to participate in this landmark event, which will also serve as a critical qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.