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  • Fri. Dec 6th, 2024

Current Affairs – 6 May 2024

ByULF TEAM

May 6, 2024
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Current Affairs – 6 May 2024

Artificial General Intelligence

In a recent interview, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed his commitment to invest billions of dollars towards the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

  • Artificial General Intelligence (AGI):
    • Capable of performing any intellectual task a human can do.
    • Includes reasoning, common sense, abstract thinking, and more.
    • Aims to emulate human cognitive abilities for unfamiliar tasks and learning from new experiences.
  • Difference from Narrow AI:
    • Narrow AI is task-specific, limited to predefined parameters.
    • AGI is broader, not confined to particular tasks, akin to human intelligence.
  • Applications:
    • Healthcare:
      • Redefining diagnostics, treatment planning, and personalized medicine.
      • Analyzing vast datasets beyond human capabilities.
    • Finance and Business:
      • Automating processes and enhancing decision-making.
      • Offering real-time analytics and accurate market predictions.

Blue Corner Notice

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to issue a Blue Corner notice against a person who fled abroad after allegations of sexual abuse.

About Blue Corner Notice:

  • It is a part of Interpol’s elaborate system of colour-coded notices, which enable countries to “share alerts and requests for information [on wanted persons/crimes] worldwide”.
  • This sharing of critical crime-related information is crucial for tackling internationally spread out criminal activities.
  • There are seven types of notices — Red Notice, Yellow Notice, Blue Notice, Black Notice, Green Notice, Orange Notice, and Purple Notice. Each has a different implication.
    • Red Notice: To seek the location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.
    • Yellow Notice: To help locate missing persons, often minors, or to help identify persons who are unable to identify themselves.
    • Blue Notice: To collect additional information about a person’s identity, location or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.
    • Black Notice: To seek information on unidentified bodies.
    • Green Notice: To provide warning about a person’s criminal activities, where the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety.
    • Orange Notice: To warn of an event, a person, an object or a process representing a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
    • Purple Notice: To seek or provide information on modus operandi, objects, devices and concealment methods used by criminals.
  • These notices are issued by the Interpol’s General Secretariat at the request of a member country’s Interpol National Central Bureau, and are made available for all member countries. 

What is International Criminal Police Organization?

  • It is commonly known as Interpol, facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control.
  • Mandate: It is an international organization facilitating international police cooperation against cross-border terrorism, trafficking, and other crime.
  • Governance: All decisions regarding the activities of INTERPOL are made by the General Assembly which is its supreme governing body which meets annually.
  • Status: It is ‘NOT’ a unit or part of a united nation system. It is an independent international organization.

Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal

The Centre has appointed a new President of the Goods & Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).

About Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal:

  • It represents a specialised authority formed to resolve GST-related disputes at the appellate level.
  • It is established under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (CGST Act) to hear various appeals under the said Act and the respective State/UT GST Acts.
  • It will have one Principal Bench located at Delhi and 31 State benches located at various locations across States.
  • Composition
    • It consists of the President (Head), a Judicial Member, and 2 Technical Members (one from the state and another from the Centre).
    • Further, there may be state benches consisting of two Judicial Members, a Technical Member (Centre) and a Technical Member (state).
  • Eligibility
    • The president must be a Supreme Court judge or have served the High Court as the Chief Justice.
    • The Judicial member must be a High Court Judge or has served as an Additional District Judge or a District Judge for a period of 10 years. 
    • The Technical Member (Centre) must be an Indian Revenue Service member belonging to Group A or must be a member of All India Service with three years of experience in administering GST in the Central Government.
    • Also, the Technical Member from the Centre should have completed twenty-five years in Group A services. 
    • The Technical Member (state) must be a state government officer or All India Service officer with the rank above Additional Commissioner of Value Added Tax; also, the rank should be above the First Appellate Authority.
    • The Technical Member from the state must have completed twenty-five years in Group A Services or equivalent and three years administering GST or finance and taxation in the State Government. 
    • Age limit and Tenure: The president and judicial and technical members of GSTAT shall hold office for four years, or until he attains the age of 70 years and 67 years.
  • It is equivalent to a Civil Court for trying a case. It can pass orders, hear cases, impose penalties, and revoke or cancel registrations.

Lakshya Aircraft

Aeronautical Development Establishment, a Bengaluru-based DRDO lab that developed the Lakshya aircraft, has been visited by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

About Lakshya Aircraft:

  • It is an indigenously developed micro-light and pilot-less target aircraft. It designed and built by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a subsidiary of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), for the Indian Armed Forces.
  • The Lakshya was inducted into the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Army in 2000, 2001, and 2003, respectively. It is a cost-effective re-usable high subsonic aerial target system powered by a gas turbine engine.
  • The engine is designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore. It is required for evaluation and development trials of new surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems.
  • It carries two tow targets of tow lengths of 1.5 km each, having radar, IR or visual signature augmentation, and a Miss Distance Indication Scoring System.
  • These tow targets are used for training of land- or ship-based gun and missile crew and combat aircraft pilots in weapon engagement
  • It was designed to launch either from land or sea through a zero-length launcher and be recovered by a dual stage parachute system.
  • The Lakshya can be controlled from the ground control station (GCS) through pre-programmed hardware and software systems.
  • Designed to be reused for 15 missions, the aircraft can spiflicate airborne incoming enemy targets.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Recently, two research papers published have generated new interest in the endosymbiotic theory.

About Endosymbiotic Theory:

  • It states that some of the organelles in today’s eukaryotic cells were once prokaryotic microbes. In this theory, the first eukaryotic cell was probably an amoeba-like cell that got nutrients by phagocytosis and contained a nucleus that formed when a piece of the cytoplasmic membrane pinched off around the chromosomes.
  • Some of these amoeba-like organisms ingested prokaryotic cells that then survived within the organism and developed a symbiotic relationship.
  • Mitochondria formed when bacteria capable of aerobic respiration were ingestedchloroplasts formed when photosynthetic bacteria were ingested. They eventually lost their cell wall and much of their DNA because they were not of benefit within the host cell.
  • The endosymbiotic theory describes how a large host cell and ingested bacteria could easily become dependent on one another for survival, resulting in a permanent relationship.
  • Over millions of years of evolutionmitochondria and chloroplasts have become more specialized, and today they cannot live outside the cell.

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes:

  • All living things can be divided into three basic domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
  • The primarily single-celled organisms found in the Bacteria and Archaea domains are known as prokaryotes. These organisms are made of prokaryotic cells—the smallest, simplest, and most ancient cells.
  • Organisms in the Eukarya domain is made of more complex eukaryotic cells. These organisms, called eukaryotes, can be unicellular or multicellular and include animals, plants, fungi, and protists. 
  • The biggest distinction between them is that eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleucontaining the cell’s genetic material, while prokaryotic cells don’t have a nucleus and have free-floating genetic material instead.
  • Eukaryotic cells have several other membrane-bound organelles not found in prokaryotic These include the mitochondria, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, golgi complex, and in the case of plant cells, chloroplasts (conduct photosynthesis).
  • Although prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have many differences, they share some common features, including the following:
    • DNA.
    • Cell (or plasma) membrane
    • Cytoplasm: Jelly-like fluid within a cell that is composed primarily of water, salts, and proteins.
    • Ribosomes: Organelles that make proteins.

Boeing Starliner

An Atlas V rocket is set to lift off with a team of two veteran astronauts sitting inside a crew capsule called Starliner, built by Boeing.

  • Boeing Starliner:
    • Spacecraft for transporting astronauts into space.
    • Consists of a crew capsule and a service module.
    • Crew capsule houses astronauts and survives reentry.
    • Service module provides life support systems and propulsion.
    • Not reusable.
    • 4 meters wide, accommodates up to seven astronauts.
    • Reusable up to 10 times with six-month turnaround time.
    • Features wireless internet and tablet technology for crew interfaces.
    • Fits atop Atlas V rocket, operated by United Launch Alliance.
  • Purpose:
    • Awarded NASA contract in 2014 to fly astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
    • Aims to provide the U.S. with a spacecraft for manned missions to space alongside SpaceX.
    • Provides alternative to Russian Soyuz rocket for ISS missions.
    • Aims to ensure continuous manned access to the ISS until its decommissioning next decade.

Integrated Pensioners’ Portal (IPP)

The government’s Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare recently started the Integrated Pensioners’ Portal in collaboration with Bank of India.

  • Bhavishya Platform:
    • Online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
    • Tracks pension sanction and payment process.
    • Captures pensioner’s personal and service particulars for online form submission.
    • Notifies retiring employees of pension sanction progress via SMS/Email.
    • Ensures transparency and accountability in pension processes.
  • Integrated Pensioners’ Portal (IPP):
    • Digitizes pension processing and payment system.
    • Integrates services of five banks into a single window.
    • Aims for transparency and efficiency in pension-related services.
    • Captures pensioner’s personal and service particulars for online submission of forms.
    • Notifies retirees of pension sanction progress via SMS or email.
    • Allows access to monthly pension slips, life certificate status, Form 16 submission, and arrears statements.
    • Features Bhavishya platform and Centralised Pension Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (CPENGRAMS).
  • CPENGRAMS:
    • Online system for speedy redressal of pension-related grievances.
    • Allows registration of pension grievances online.
    • Offers facilities for forwarding reminders and querying status of grievances.
    • Available 24/7 for online grievance submission.
    • Aims for speedy redressal and effective monitoring of grievances, with an option for pensioners to appeal if unsatisfied.

Goldene

For the first time, researchers have created a free-standing sheet of gold that is only one atom thick and named it as Goldene.

  • Goldene:
    • First free-standing 2D metal, only one atom thick.
    • Created by sandwiching an atomic monolayer of silicon between layers of titanium carbide.
    • Gold atoms diffused into the structure, replacing silicon atoms, forming a trapped monolayer.
    • Etched away titanium carbide layers to create free-standing one-atom-thick layer of gold using Murakami’s reagent.
    • Sheets are roughly 100 nanometers thick, much thinner than commercially available gold leaf.
  • Applications:
    • Electronics industry.
    • Carbon dioxide conversion.
    • Hydrogen-generating catalysis.
    • Selective production of value-added chemicals.
    • Hydrogen production.
    • Water purification.
  • Significance:
    • Economically viable catalyst compared to thicker, three-dimensional gold

Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund

Groww Mutual Fund recently launched India’s first Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index Fund.

  • Nifty Non-Cyclical Index Fund:
    • Mutual fund aiming for long-term capital growth.
    • Invests in securities of Nifty Non-Cyclical Consumer Index (TRI).
    • Index consists of 30 companies resilient to economic instability, in constant demand.
    • Non-cyclical stocks, also known as defensive stocks, outperform industry during economic downturns.
  • Key Facts about NIFTY:
    • Market index introduced by National Stock Exchange (NSE), India’s largest stock exchange.
    • Coined from “National Stock Exchange” and “Fifty.”
    • Established in 1996 as CNX Nifty, renamed Nifty 50 in 2015.
    • Represents 50 largest and most actively traded stocks on NSE.
    • Includes companies from 12 sectors, reflecting Indian stock market and economic trends.
    • NSE ranks companies based on free-float market capitalization.
    • One of two main stock market indices in India, alongside SENSEX from Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

MQ-9B Predator

The MQ-9B Predator drones India will be buying from the United States will be placed in two states: Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

  • MQ-9B Predator:
    • High-altitude, long-endurance armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
    • Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).
    • Variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper” primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF).
    • Used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and airstrikes by the United States.
    • Has two variants: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian (used by the Indian Navy since 2020).
  • Features:
    • Payload capacity: Up to 5,670 kg; fuel capacity: 2,721 kg.
    • Operates at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet.
    • Top speed: 275 mph (442 km/h).
    • Stealthy operation: Can fly as close as 250 meters from the ground without detection.
    • Endurance: Maximum of 40 hours for prolonged surveillance.
    • Armament: Armed with strike missiles, including four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kg of bombs.
    • Versatile roles: Land and maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, expeditionary missions.
    • Automatic take-offs and landings for operational flexibility.
    • Integration into civil airspace for joint forces and civil authorities to obtain real-time situational awareness in maritime domains, day or night

Nepal currency notes

Recently, Nepal announced the printing of a new Rs 100 currency note with a map that shows the controversial territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani.

  • Bone of contention – Territorial dispute over Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, together cover about 370 sq km.
  • India claims to own these 3 areas.
  • Nepal’s territorial dispute with India over Lipulekh came to the limelight in 2015 when India and China agreed to develop the region for trade and transit.
  • In 2020, Nepal updated its political map by incorporating these three areas.
  • Lipulekh pass – It is a strip of land on the northwestern edge of Nepal, lodged between Nepal, India, and Tibet.
  • It connects the Indian state of Uttarakhand with the Tibet region of China and is a far western point near Kalapani.
  • Kalapani – It is at the tri-junction between India, China, and Nepal.
Development Activities in Lipulekh
  • In 2020, India inaugurated the 80km road to facilitate pilgrims visiting Kailash-Mansarovar in Tibet in China, which is around 90km from the Lipulekh pass.
  • It will be the 1st to provide connectivity to the Indian troops deployed on the Line of Actual Control with China in Uttarakhand.
  • The road originates from Ghatiabgarh and terminates at Lipulekh Pass, the gateway to Kailash-Mansarovar.

Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with 5 Indian states Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.


Bengaluru’s Flying Wedge Defence Unveils India’s First Indigenous Bomber UAV

  • FWD-200B Unmanned Bomber Aircraft:
    • Developed by Flying Wedge Defence, a Bengaluru-based defense and aerospace technology firm.
    • India’s inaugural indigenous bomber unmanned aircraft, focusing on cost-effectiveness and self-reliance.
    • Priced at ₹25 crores, significantly cheaper than foreign counterparts, emphasizing India’s commitment to defense technology self-sufficiency.
    • Features a payload capacity of 100 kgs and classified as a MALE Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, with medium-altitude, long-endurance capabilities.
    • Equipped with optical surveillance payloads and precision air strike weapons for versatility in combat scenarios.
    • Offers a maximum speed of 200 kts/370 kmph, endurance capacity of 12-20 hours, and maximum takeoff weight of 498 kgs.
    • Plans for certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) followed by integration into Indian forces and export opportunities targeting regions with cost-prohibitive alternatives.

UNICEF India Welcomes Kareena as National Ambassador

  • Kareena Kapoor Khan as UNICEF India National Ambassador:
    • Recognized for her longstanding association since 2014 as a Celebrity Advocate.
    • Committed to children’s rights and welfare, raising awareness on education, nutrition, and child protection.
    • Poised to amplify efforts and create lasting impact on children’s lives in India and globally.
  • UNICEF India’s Youth Advocates:
    • Introduced first-ever group of Youth Advocates, serving as peer leaders for crucial issues affecting children and young people.
    • Advocates and their causes:
      • Gauranshi Sharma: Right to play and disability inclusion.
      • Kartik Verma: Climate action and child rights advocacy.
      • Nahid Afrin: Mental health and early childhood development.
      • Vinisha Umashankar: Innovation and STEM education.
  • Empowering Youth and Driving Change:
    • Commendable step towards recognizing young leaders’ potential to drive positive change.
    • Advocates to inspire peers and contribute to policy-making for children and youth issues.
  • Commitment to Children’s Rights:
    • Symbolizes UNICEF India’s dedication to prioritizing children’s rights, safety, and development.
    • Aim to create a brighter future for children with collective efforts of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Youth Advocates.

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