Current Affairs Highlights (December 20, 2024)
International News:
- House Rejects Trump-backed Plan on U.S. Government Shutdown : The U.S. House of Representatives rejected a Republican-led funding bill backed by President-elect Donald Trump to avert a government shutdown. Lawmakers failed to achieve the two-thirds majority needed, leaving federal agencies at risk of closure starting Friday night. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed intentions to attempt another vote before the deadline.
- U.N. General Assembly Requests Advisory Opinion on Gaza from ICJ : The U.N. General Assembly voted 137-12 in favor of a resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to clarify Israel’s obligations to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. The United States and Israel opposed the Norwegian-sponsored resolution.
- Chinese National Charged as Beijing’s Agent in California Election : A Chinese national was arrested for allegedly acting as an agent for the Chinese government while managing the campaign of a city council candidate in Southern California. The complaint follows the sentencing of another individual last month on similar charges.
- U.S.-India Relationship Remains Strong Amid Indictments : Despite recent high-profile indictments, including Gautam Adani on securities fraud charges and allegations against an ex-Indian official in a Khalistani assassination plot, U.S. officials emphasized the strength and complexity of the U.S.-India relationship, downplaying any potential strain.
National News:
- Delhi’s Air Quality Remains in ‘Severe’ Category : Delhi retained its position as India’s most polluted city, with an AQI of 433. The air pollution level exceeds the WHO-prescribed limit by over 17 times, continuing to impact residents’ health.
- India-China Talks Yield Positive Outcomes : National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held their first meeting in five years, discussing disengagement along the Line of Actual Control, resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and border trade, signaling improved relations.
