Samāchāra Sanchika - 1st Jun'24

1. Indian Chess Prodigy R Praggnanandhaa Defeats World No.2 Fabiano Caruana in Round 5 of Norway Chess, Following His Stunning Victory Over World No.1 Magnus Carlsen in Round 3

My Take: The rise of Indian chess has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by a new generation of prodigious talent and a growing global presence. Spearheaded by legends like Viswanathan Anand, Indian chess has seen a surge of young grandmasters making their mark on the international stage. With players like R Praggnanandhaa achieving stunning victories over world champions, India's chess scene is vibrant, dynamic, and poised for even greater heights.

The remarkable rise of Indian chess can be attributed to the country's evolving socioeconomic landscape. In the past, financial constraints and the need to secure basic necessities meant that previous generations prioritized education, which guaranteed stable jobs and income, over sports. However, as India's economy has progressed, more parents are now able to encourage and support their children's interests in sports and extracurricular activities. This shift has opened up new career opportunities in fields like chess, cricket, and acting. With increasing economic stability, many young Indians can now pursue their passions as viable primary careers, leading to the country's impressive achievements on the global chess stage.

2. Exit Polls Predict Landslide Victory for Modi-Led NDA Government in 2024 General Election

My Take: In yesterday's column, I predicted that the BJP might lose 20-25 seats but would still secure a comfortable majority to form the government. Today, pollsters released their exit poll predictions, with most forecasting a landslide victory for the Modi-led NDA government. The majority of pollsters are predicting the NDA will win over 350 Lok Sabha seats. If these predictions hold true, it will mark the BJP and NDA's biggest win in their electoral history.

Assuming the exit poll results are accurate, three key points merit consideration.
- First, in direct contests between the BJP and Congress, the BJP boasts a win rate exceeding 80%.
- Second, the BJP, traditionally seen as a North-West party dominant in the Hindi heartland, is making significant inroads into the South-East belt. For the first time, they are gaining seats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while sweeping Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
- Lastly, it will be interesting to analyze the voting patterns of women in this election.