Current Affairs One - Liner : 28th December 2024

UNICEF partnered with the West Bengal government on December 22, 2024, to enhance juvenile diabetes care. This collaboration aims to develop a primary healthcare model and train healthcare providers to identify and refer children to specialized clinics, ensuring equitable access to treatment.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) unveiled a new version of its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) on December 23, 2024. This enhanced version aims to improve sea rescue operations by providing more precise search areas for missing persons or objects at sea using advanced modeling techniques.
Google unveiled two new AI models in December 2024: Gemini-Exp-1206 on the 6th, designed for complex tasks like coding and reasoning, and Gemini 2.0 Flash on the 11th, offering superior speed and multimodal generation capabilities.
On Good Governance Day (December 25, 2024), Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the "Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi" initiative. This initiative aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions by equipping elected representatives and officials with essential tools and knowledge for effective governance and participatory planning.

India and China signed a six-point pact on December 18, 2024, to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Nathula border trade. The agreement also includes cooperation on cross-border river management and measures to maintain peace and tranquility along the border.

The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) imposed a penalty of ₹2 crore on Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP on December 24, 2024. This was due to professional misconduct in the audit of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) for the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20.
HSBC India and IHCL launched India’s first co-branded hospitality credit card, the HSBC Taj Credit Card, on December 18, 2024. This premium card offers bespoke experiences, exclusive travel benefits, room discounts, spa vouchers, and airport lounge access.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched ICICI Pru Wish on December 27, 2024, specifically for women. It offers instant lump sum payouts for critical illnesses like breast, cervical, and uterine cancers, heart ailments, and includes coverage for maternity-related complications and newborn congenital illnesses.

The Indian government aims to cut the fiscal deficit to 4.5% of GDP by FY26. This target was announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 and reiterated in the Finance Ministry's half-yearly review on December 25, 2024.
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) projected the Indian economy to grow at 6.6% in FY26, as announced on December 27, 2024. This growth is expected to be driven by investments and a rebound from a recent cyclical slowdown.
The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on December 20, 2024, revealed a 9% increase in Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) in rural areas for 2023-24 compared to 2022-23.

BluJ Aero signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Blade India on December 17, 2024, in New Delhi, India. The aim of this partnership is to enhance regional air mobility and logistics in India using 60 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, including 50 BluJ REACH cargo aircraft and 10 BluJ HOP passenger aircraft.
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan's Yamanashi Prefecture on December 24, 2024, in Lucknow. The aim of this partnership is to enhance economic and cultural cooperation between the two regions, leveraging their historical and strategic ties.

Sachin Tendulkar accepted the Honorary Cricket Membership from the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) on December 27, 2024. This prestigious honor acknowledges his outstanding contribution to the game of cricket.
Team Russia won the 13th edition of the Admiral’s Cup 24 Sailing Regatta on December 13, 2024. Represented by Lieutenant Gorkunov Petr Ilyich and Cadet Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna, they secured the top position, defeating competitors from 24 other nations.
India will host the World Boxing Cup Final and the World Boxing Congress in November 2025. This announcement was made on December 17, 2024. The events will showcase India's growing prominence in the global boxing arena, with the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) organizing them.
The new Asian body for World Boxing was announced on December 27, 2024. India plays a pivotal role, with seven key positions held by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI). Tokyo Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain represents athletes in the Athletes' Commission.

December 28 marks the birthday of Ratan Tata, born in 1937. He is a visionary leader and former chairman of the Tata Group, renowned for his contributions to industry and society.

On December 27, 2024, BFI Chief Ajay Singh was appointed as a board member of the newly formed interim Asian body by World Boxing. This new structure aims to ensure boxing remains part of the Olympic Games beyond 2028. Singh will play a key role in policy-making and strategic direction.
Kristrún Mjöll Frostadóttir was appointed as Iceland's new Prime Minister on December 21, 2024. At 36, she is Iceland's youngest Prime Minister. Frostadóttir leads a coalition of the Social Democratic Alliance, People's Party, and Reform Party.

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) won the Gold Award at the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Award-2024 on December 27, 2024. The award recognized RINL's significant initiatives in energy conservation within the iron and steel sector.
Dr. Ravi Pillai, chairman of RP Group, was honored with Bahrain’s Medal of Efficiency (First Class) on December 16, 2024. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presented the award, recognizing Dr. Pillai's significant contributions to Bahrain's progress.

Questions:

1 Who was appointed as a board member of the newly formed interim Asian body by World Boxing on December 27, 2024?

2 What is the projected GDP growth rate for India in FY26, according to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra)?