Prelims Focus 13th June 2024

Lipulekh Pass

In News: Recently, the Telangana High Court has ruled against a taxpayer in the matter of the General Anti-avoidance Rule (GAAR).

• Lipulekh Pass is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, near the tri junction of India, China, and Nepal.
• The skip serves as a path for pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. It is also one of the critical points connecting India and Tibet, along with other passes like Nathu La and Shipki La.
• Nepal claims that the pass lies within its territory, whilst India argues that it’s far part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
• In 2020, India inaugurated a road connecting Dharchula in Uttarakhand to Lipulekh Pass.

General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) 

In News: Recent data released by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment showed that more than 6.6 lakh pensioners made use of the ‘Facial Authentication Technology’ in 2023-24, an increase of over 200% from 2.1 lakh in 2022-23.

• • It is an anti-tax avoidance law in India, that was brought to deal with tax avoidance and make certain that those in specific tax brackets are taxed the perfect quantity.
  • The GAAR guidelines are based totally at the Income Tax Act of 1961, and it was first introduced inside the Direct Taxes Code Bill 2010.
  • It is a provision of last lodge that is capable of being invoked by a tax authority to strike down unacceptable tax avoidance practices that would in any other case comply with the phrases and statutory interpretation of the ordinary tax regulation.

• Key Features

• • • GAAR investigates the imposition of taxes on the types of preparations that are broadly speaking aimed to avail a tax gain or those that don’t have any commercial substance.
    • It can be invoked if some suitable business ideas aren’t followed with the aid of tax avoidance objectives.

• International Perspective

• • Many countries, like Canada and South Africa, have codified the doctrine of ‘substance over form’ via a GAAR – type ruling.
  • The advent of GAAR remains topical in lots of other jurisdictions along with India and Poland.

Apple Intelligence

In News: Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system designed to enhance the user experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.

• • It is built into the operating systems iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, and is set to revolutionize how users interact with their devices.
  • Apple Intelligence combines the capabilities of generative AI models with personal context to deliver personalized intelligence, making it more contextually aware and user-friendly.

• Key Features

• • Writing Tools: Apple Intelligence powers new writing tools that help users write, rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across various apps, including Notes, Pages, and Mail.
  • Priority Notifications: Notifications are prioritized based on importance, reducing distractions and helping users stay focused.
  • Image Creation: Users can create original images using Image Playground, which offers various styles such as Animation, Illustration, or Sketch.
  • Memory Movies: Users can create custom memory movies from their Photos library, complete with narrative arcs and themes.
  • Siri Enhancements: Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, offers richer language understanding, the ability to type commands, and seamless integration with other apps.

Xylitol

In News: A recent study has suggested a potential connection between consuming the low-calorie sugar substitute xylitol and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke, sparking further discussion about the safety and effectiveness of sugar substitutes.

• • Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in various plants, including fruits, vegetables, and trees. It has a sweet taste and is commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and oral care products. Here are some key points about xylitol:

• Uses and Benefits

• • • Dental Health: Xylitol reduces the risk of tooth decay and cavities by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is widely used in sugar-free chewing gums, mints, and other candies.
    • Ear Infections: Xylitol has been shown to reduce the risk of ear infections in children by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause otitis media.
    • Sugar Substitute: Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute for people with diabetes, as it does not raise blood sugar levels.

• Side Effects and Risks

• • Digestive Issues: High doses of xylitol can cause diarrhea and gas in some individuals.
  • Tumor Growth: Long-term high doses of xylitol have been linked to tumor growth in animal studies.
  • Toxicity in Dogs: Xylitol is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can cause liver failure if ingested.

Download as PDF