SEBEX 2

Why in News?

• India has introduced SEBEX 2, India’s New Explosive Revolutionizing Military Firepower.

About SEBEX 2

• SEBEX 2 is an advanced explosive formulation certified by the Indian Navy.
• SEBEX 2 represents a major advancement in explosive power, with a Trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalence of 2.01.
  • Note: The term Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a yellow solid frequently used as a reagent in chemical synthesis, though it is more commonly recognized as an explosive with easy handling properties. It is an effective explosive due to its ability to quickly transform from a solid into rapidly expanding hot gases.
• This achievement positions SEBEX 2 among the most powerful non-nuclear explosives in the world, set to revolutionize various munitions while maintaining optimal weight.
• Developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) under the Make in India initiative, SEBEX 2 utilizes a high-melting explosive (HMX) composition.
• This formulation significantly enhances the lethality of warheads, aerial bombs, artillery shells, and other munitions.

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Ravi Agrawal Appointed CBDT Chief

Why in News?

• Ravi Agrawal, an IRS officer from the 1988 batch, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
• Succeeds: Nitin Gupta

About CBDT

• It is the governmental body responsible for implementing India's direct tax laws.
• It operates under the Department of Revenue within the Ministry of Finance.
• Established in 1963, the CBDT comprises six members: the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, and four additional members.

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National Doctor’s Day 2024

• National Doctor’s Day is observed on 1st July every year.
• Objective: It is an annual observance that honours the invaluable contributions of medical professionals to our society.
• History: National Doctor’s Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, who dedicated his life to serving and treating countless individuals.
• Theme for 2024: Healing Hands, Caring Hearts

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Leon Masters Chess Championship

Why in News?

• Viswanathan Anand Wins 10th Leon Masters Chess Championship.

About Leon Masters Tournament

• The Leon Masters is a prestigious chess tournament held in Leon, Spain.
• It involves the top four chess players in the world.
• In 2024, the participants were:
  • Viswanathan Anand (India)
  • Arjun Erigaisi (India)
  • Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria)
  • Jaime Santos Latasa (Spain)

Viswanathan Anand’s Achievements

• He became the first Indian grandmaster back in 1988.
• He is also a five-time World Chess Championship winner.
• He is the youngest Indian to clinch the title of International Master at the age of 15.
• Anand was awarded the Chess Oscar six times-1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008.
• He also received prestigious awards like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award) and Padma Vibhushan.