Daily Current Affairs
To the Point Notes
1: India’s Historic Double Gold in Chess Olympiad
Context: India won gold in both men’s and women’s categories at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
Chess Olympiad:
- World’s most prestigious team event for chess.
- India has participated since 1956 (consecutively since 1980).
- India became the third country to win gold in both categories in the same edition.
Origin of Chess:
- Traced back to 1600 years ago during the Gupta dynasty.
- Called “chaturanga” in earlier times.
- Spread to other countries from India.
- Used as an educational tool in schools today.
2: First Repository of Cancer Genomics in India
Context: The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) Foundation launched a data portal for India-specific cancer genomics.
Significance:
- Cancer treatments in India were based on Western data, but Indian patients often have different molecular-level variations.
- This repository aims to create India-specific datasets for personalized treatment protocols.
Features:
- Based on the cBioPortal platform for global integration.
- Includes DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients along with clinical outcomes.
- Data will be anonymized to protect patient privacy.
Benefits:
- Helps researchers and clinicians develop targeted treatment plans for Indian patients.
- Contributes to global cancer research efforts.
3:‘PUSHP’ Mantra
Overview
- Presentation: Prime Minister Modi presented the ‘PUSHP’ mantra while addressing the Indian diaspora in New York.
Meaning of PUSHP
- P – Progressive Bharat: A progressive India
- U – Unstoppable Bharat: An unstoppable India
- S – Spiritual Bharat: A spiritual India
- H – Humanity First Bharat: India prioritizing humanity
- P – Prosperous Bharat: A prosperous India
Purpose
- Developed India: All five elements will contribute towards creating a “Developed India.”
Other Announcements
- New Consulates: The Prime Minister announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in the US to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora.
4: Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0: A Tax Settlement Scheme
- Objective: To reduce tax litigation and increase tax revenue.
- Key features:
- Offers lower settlement amounts for “new appellants” (those who have not filed a declaration under the previous Vivad Se Vishwas scheme) and for those who file declarations by December 31, 2024.
- Tax payment rates will rise by 10% from January 1, 2025.
- Scheme comes into force on October 1, 2024.
- Enacted through the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2024.
Vivad Se Vishwas 2.0 is a simplified and more attractive scheme for taxpayers to settle their tax disputes. It is expected to provide relief to taxpayers and boost the economy.
5: Saturn-Like Ring Around Earth
- Study: Published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
- Theory: Earth may have had a Saturn-like ring system 466 million years ago during the Ordovician period.
- Formation: An asteroid passed too close to Earth, breaking apart due to its gravity. This debris formed a ring around Earth’s equator.
- Decay: Over time, the ring material was pulled towards Earth. Smaller pieces burned up in the atmosphere, while larger pieces created impact craters near the equator.
6: Polar Bears
- Description: Largest land carnivore, adapted to Arctic conditions.
- Habitat: Arctic Ocean, sea ice, and coastal areas of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the United States.
- Hunting: Spend over 50% of time hunting seals, with a success rate of 1-2 seals out of 10 attempts.
- Diet: Primarily seals for necessary fat.
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change.
7: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Overview
- Launch Date: January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Campaign: Part of the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” initiative.
Key Features
- Eligibility: Accounts can be opened for daughters up to age 10.
- Account Opening: Special arrangements for opening accounts in all post offices.
Financial Details
- Deposit Limits:
- Minimum: ₹250 annually
- Maximum: ₹1.5 lakh annually
- Duration: Deposits can be made for 15 years.
Withdrawal Rules
- Age 18: 50% of the account balance can be withdrawn.
- Age 21: Full amount can be withdrawn.
Interest Rate
- Current Rate: 8.2%.
- Tax Benefits: Income tax exemption on deposits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Purpose
- Financial Support: Aims to empower girls by providing financial resources to help achieve their goals and dreams.
Recent News
- North Gujarat: Approximately 500 villages recognized as complete Sukanya Samriddhi Grams, with many accounts opened for eligible daughters.
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