Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

1.Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) Program

• Aim: Develop an integrated platform for grassroots talent identification using ICT tools.

• Objectives:

  • Identify sports talent nationwide.

  • Combat drug addiction & excessive gadget use among 9-18 age group.

• Goal: Contribute to India becoming a top 10 sports nation by 2036 and top 5 by 2047.

• Approach: Modern ICT tools, data analytics, and scientific tests for talent identification.

• Expected Impact: Revolutionize Indian sports landscape, create a talent pool for future Olympics.

2.European Commission

• Established: 1958

• Role: Executive body of the European Union

• Members: One Commissioner from each EU member state

• Functions: Proposes laws, monitors implementation, manages EU budget, ensures policy compliance, negotiates international agreements, allocates funds.

European Union

• Formation: 1993 (Treaty of Maastricht)

• Predecessor: European Economic Community (EEC), established in 1957 (Treaty of Rome)

• Origin: European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), founded in 1950

• Members: Currently 27 countries

• Goals: Economic and political integration, promotion of democratic values

• Achievements: Powerful trade bloc, Euro as common currency for 19 members

3.Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)

• Aim: Provide short-term credit to farmers at subsidized interest rates.

• Implementation: Since Kharif 2006-07, extended till 2024-25.

• Benefits: Interest subvention to banks, leading to lower interest rates for farmers.

• Eligibility: Farmers, tenant farmers, sharecroppers, SHGs, JLGs.

• Loan Limit: Currently Rs. 3 lakh, proposed increase to Rs. 5 lakh.

• Interest Rates: Benchmark rate of 9%, reduced to 7% with interest subvention, further reduced to 4% with prompt repayment.

• Implementing Agencies: NABARD and RBI.

4.Uranium Contamination

• Source: Radioactive element, naturally occurring. India imports most uranium.

• Impact: Punjab and Haryana worst affected by uranium contamination in groundwater.

• Health Risks: Cancer, Nephritis, other health issues.

• Standards: BIS revised uranium limit in drinking water from 60 µg/l to 30 µg/l in 2021.

• Controversy: BARC study claims 60 µg/l safe, contradicting BIS standards.

• Causes: Geogenic processes, groundwater overexploitation, nitrate pollution.

• Concerns: Potential health risks from consuming contaminated water.