Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 09, 2025

Answer: (b)

Current Context: Government will implement the next-generation GST reform from 22 September 2025 with a simplified two-rate structure and digital filing.

ABOUT GST REFORM 2025

• New Structure: Two main GST slabs – 5% and 18%.
• New High Rate: 40% GST on luxury and sin goods (pan masala, cigarettes, etc.).
• Ease of Filing: Faster refunds, digital filing, and reduced disputes.

BENEFITS OF REFORMS

• Social Protection: Exemption on GST for insurance and essential medicines.
• Lower Prices, Higher Demand: Reduced rates increase consumption and savings.
• Support for MSMEs: Lower input costs for cement, auto parts, handicrafts.
• Ease of Living: Simpler structure → fewer disputes and easier compliance.
• Wider Tax Net: Simpler rates promote compliance and boost revenue.

KEY CHALLENGES

• Revenue Loss: ~₹48,000 crore on FY23–24 base.
• Removal of Input Tax Credit (ITC): On healthcare and insurance products may cause cascading effect.
• Uncertainty over National Anti-Profiteering Authority: Its revival not clarified.

Answer: B

Current Context: The President of Sri Lanka recently visited Katchatheevu Island, sparking renewed political debates in India for its return.

ABOUT KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND

• Location: Tiny, uninhabited island in Palk Strait.
  • Northeast of Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram.
  • Southwest of Sri Lanka’s Jaffna.
• Features:
  • Barren, no drinking water or sanitation.
  • Only structure: Anthony’s Catholic Shrine.

POLITICAL DISPUTE

• Dispute: Between India and Sri Lanka.
• 1974 Agreement:
  • International Maritime Boundary Line placed Katchatheevu with Sri Lanka.
  • India gained Wadge Bank (near Kanniyakumari) in return.

Answer: (d)

Current Context: During Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day celebrations, the Indian Navy Band performed at the grand Military Tattoo in Port Moresby.

ABOUT PAPUA NEW GUINEA

• Location: Island nation in Oceania, southwestern Pacific Ocean.
• Neighbours: Indonesia (west), Australia (south), Solomon Islands (south-east).
• Capital: Port Moresby.

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

• Terrain: Mountainous, tropical rainforests, prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.
• Highest Point: Mount Wilhelm (4,509 m).
• Rivers: Sepik River, Fly River.
• Volcanoes: Rabaul Caldera (most active).
• Biodiversity: Birds of paradise, tree kangaroos, Queen Alexandra’s birdwing butterfly.

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE

• Type: Constitutional monarchy, member of Commonwealth.
• Head of State: British Monarch (represented by Governor-General).
• Head of Government: Prime Minister.

Answer: B

Current Context: India won its first-ever gold medal in the men’s compound team event at the World Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, defeating France 235–233.

THE HISTORIC FINAL

• Teams: India (Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini, Prathamesh Fuge) vs France.
• Score: India trailed early (57–59) but recovered with six 10s in second round.
• Decisive Moment: Fuge’s six consecutive 10s sealed victory.

STAR PERFORMERS

• Rishabh Yadav: Top qualifier, also won silver in mixed team event.
• Prathamesh Fuge: Lowest-ranked, shot flawless final six 10s.
• Mentorship: Yadav guided by veteran Abhishek Verma.

Answer: (b)

Current Context: Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) announced a colon cancer vaccine ready for use after successful preclinical trials, revealed at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum, Vladivostok.

ABOUT THE VACCINE

• Type: Therapeutic vaccine (not preventive).
• Trial Results:
  • Tumour size reduced by 60%–80%.
  • Slowed progression, improved survival rates.
  • No adverse effects, even with repeated doses.

HOW IT WORKS

• Stimulates immune system to recognize and attack tumour cells.
• Enhances recognition of tumour antigens.
• Slows disease progression and extends survival.

OTHER VACCINES IN PIPELINE

• Glioblastoma (aggressive brain cancer).
• Melanoma (including rare ocular melanoma).
• Early results show high safety and effectiveness.