Current Affairs Highlights (December 12, 2024)
International News:
- 54 Journalists Killed Worldwide in 2024, One-Third by Israeli Forces : According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 54 journalists were killed globally in 2024 while on duty or because of their work. Among them, 18 journalists were killed by Israeli armed forces—16 in Gaza and two in Lebanon. Palestine remains the most dangerous country for journalists over the past five years, with high fatality rates.
- FBI Chief Christopher Wray to Resign Before Trump Takes Office : FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his resignation effective January 2025, shortly before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. His decision follows controversies during his tenure, including the FBI’s 2022 raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence to retrieve classified documents.
- According to Bloomberg, Elon Musk’s Net Worth Tops $400 Billion : On December 11, 2024, South Korean police intensified their investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s imposition of martial law by raiding the presidential office and multiple law enforcement agencies. The investigation follows allegations surrounding the events of December 3, with a focus on potential misuse of authority. In a related development, former Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun attempted suicide in detention following his arrest over the martial law case. Authorities prevented the act, citing the gravity of the ongoing investigation into his role in the controversial declaration.Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk became the first person to surpass a net worth of $400 billion. His wealth soared after SpaceX secured a significant insider shares transaction, valuing the company at $350 billion. This milestone aligns with increased optimism following Trump’s election win, positively impacting Musk’s ventures.
- Myanmar Ethnic Group Claims Control of Border Region : The Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group in Myanmar, has claimed control of a key area along the Bangladesh border in western Rakhine state. Fighting intensified after the group ended a ceasefire after the 2021 coup, putting additional pressure on the military junta.
- Iran Blames U.S.-Israel-Turkey Nexus for Assad’s Downfall : Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attributed the fall of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad to a coordinated effort by the U.S., Israel, and potentially Turkey. He emphasized the need for regional strength to counter such influences.
- World Chess Championship 2024: Gukesh Leads After Game 11 : Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh secured a decisive win in Game 11 of the World Chess Championship against reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore, taking a 6-5 lead. The victory, breaking a streak of seven consecutive draws, puts Gukesh in a strong position as the championship nears its conclusion.
National News:
- Supreme Court Resolves to End Manual Scavenging : The Supreme Court of India reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning practices. Referring to its October 2023 judgment, a Special Bench, including Justices Sudanshu Dhulia and Aravind Kumar, told the Centre that it would ensure compliance “come what may.” The judgment emphasized human dignity and directed the Union and States to take concrete measures to end the practice.
- Child Dies After Falling into Borewell in Rajasthan : A five-year-old boy who fell into a 150-foot-deep borewell in Dausa, Rajasthan, on December 9, tragically passed away despite a 55-hour-long rescue operation. Rescuers managed to extricate the child late Wednesday night (December 11, 2024), but he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The incident has reignited discussions on the safety of open borewells across India.
TamilNadu News:
- Tamil Nadu Rains Update : Heavy rains have led to the release of water from Poondi Reservoir at 1:30 PM today. The regional weather office predicts more rain in districts like Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram. Several districts, including Chennai and Thanjavur, have declared school holidays as a precautionary measure. Residents are advised to remain alert and avoid waterlogged areas.
