Current affairs 01 January 2025

China Unveils World's Fastest High-Speed Train CR450.

• China introduced the CR450 prototype, the world's fastest high-speed train, reaching 450 kmph during tests.
• The train surpasses current CR400 Fuxing, which operates at 350 kmph, setting new global benchmarks in speed, energy efficiency & noise reduction.
• China plans extensive tests to bring the CR450 into commercial service, enhancing connectivity across 47,000 km of operational HSR tracks.

Puducherry recorded highest percentage of women electors.

• Puducherry led the nation with 53.03% women electors in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.
• Mahe Assembly Segment set a record with all 31 polling stations staffed by women officials.
• The Gender Ratio in Puducherry increased from 1127 in 2023 to 1130 in 2024.
• Inclusivity saw strong participation from differently-abled and transgender voters, with 70% of transgender voters casting their votes.

Net claims of non-residents on India decline USD 19.8 billion.

• Net claims of non-residents on India fell by USD 19.8 billion to USD 348.5 billion in Q2 of 2024-25, per RBI data.
• Indian residents' overseas financial assets rose by USD 66.5 billion, outpacing the USD 46.7 billion rise in foreign-owned assets in India.
• Reserve assets, making up 63% of India's total international financial assets, surged by USD 53.8 billion.

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves cross 700 billion US dollars.

• India’s foreign exchange reserves crossed $700 billion in 2024, ranking 4th globally.
• Foreign Direct Investment inflows from 2014 to 2024 totaled $709 billion.
• India advanced from 71st in 2014 to 39th in 2018 on the Global Competitiveness Index.
• In 2024, India became the 2nd largest crude steel and mobile phone producer worldwide.

China Escalates Crackdown on Tibetan Buddhism at Larung Gar.

• Around 400 Chinese military personnel were stationed at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in eastern Tibet on December 20, 2024, with helicopter surveillance intensifying control.
• Larung Gar, a spiritual hub for Tibetan monks and nuns, has faced restrictions and significant population reductions since 2016.
• The move reflects China's efforts to suppress Tibetan identity and autonomy.