Current affairs 16 December 2024

South Korea to Invest $1.9 Billion in Climate Tech.

• The South Korean government plans to invest 2.7 trillion won ($1.9 billion) in developing technologies to combat climate change next year.
• This represents a 3.9 percent increase from the 2.6 trillion won allocated for the initiative in 2024.
• South Korea has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 2018 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Britain Becomes First European Nation to Join CPTPP.

• Britain has officially become the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
• The CPTPP is a trade bloc that includes Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
• This move follows Brexit, as the UK seeks to establish new global trade relationships outside the European Union.

India Sends 60 Tons of Medical Aid to Jamaica.

• India dispatched 60 tons of medical equipment, generators, and utilities to Jamaica to enhance healthcare infrastructure.
• The assistance aims to strengthen Jamaica's readiness for hurricanes and bolster medical rehabilitation efforts.
• This gesture reflects the strong historical ties and recent bilateral collaboration, including Jamaican PM Holness's official visit to India in Oct 2024.

RBI Increases Collateral-Free Agricultural Loan Limit to Rs 2 Lakh.

• RBI has raised the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans from Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, effective January 1.
• This decision addresses the impact of inflation and rising agricultural input costs on farmers.
• The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry emphasized that the move aims to improve financial access for farmers, particularly small and marginal ones.

AIIMS and Wipro GE Healthcare to Establish AI Health Innovation Hub.

• AIIMS and Wipro GE Healthcare signed an MoU to create an AI Health Innovations Hub focused on advancing healthcare delivery.
• Wipro GE Healthcare will invest $1 million over five years to develop AI-enabled solutions in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
• AIIMS will serve as a clinical partner, providing multi-modal inputs and a testing environment for these innovations.