Rise With India: What’s Hot On December 24 – Times Now

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declares a ‘high alert’ on Omicron – In a review meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed top officials coordinating India’s COVId-19 response to maintain a “high degree of monitoring and awareness at all levels.” 

He urged the Centre to work closely with states to support their efforts in public health containment and management. Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, asked States in a letter on Wednesday to put tight limits on people’s mobility if test positive and bed occupancy in their districts exceeded specified criteria. 

Bitcoin surpasses $50,000 for the first time in over two weeks

Bitcoin surpassed $50,000 for the first time in over two weeks, as bullish investor optimism rippled through global markets ahead of the holidays. 

In New York trade, the digital currency alternative rose as high as 3.5 percent to $50,781 before somewhat trimming gains. 

Ether and Solana are two more altcoins that have risen in value. 

Covid19 News  

China reports 87 new coronavirus cases December 23  

South Korea reports 1,084 critical covid patients; 56 deaths 

Due to an Omicron-linked crew shortage, United cancels over 100 flights – United Airlines Holdings Inc. announced the cancellation of more than 100 flights on Friday, the day before Christmas, due to manpower shortages caused by an increase in omicron Covid-19 infections. The increase in cases is hurting the availability of flight crews and ground employees on the day before Christmas, the airline stated in an email Thursday. (From Agencies)  

Markets & Economy 

US 

Study on the impact of omicron pushed global markets higher; investors look past omicron 

Study on omicron found that infected persons were 80% less likely to be hospitalized than if they caught another variant 

All 3 US indices gained for a third day in a row with banking and tech gaining 

The Dow gained 0.55%; gaining 1.6% through the week 

The S&P 500 was up 0.62%; gaining 2.3% since Monday 

Nasdaq rose 0.85%; rallying 3.2% this week 

EU 

All European stocks closed in the green 

European investors reacted to the news of lower risk of hospitalisation 

Airline stocks were among the top performers 

Asia 

Asian indices continue their relief gains early on Friday 

Taking a cue from global markets, Asian markets continue to rise on Friday 

SGX Nifty also almost a half percent higher