Current Affairs One - Liner : 20th April 2024

• National:
• Intel has built the world’s largest neuromorphic system, Hala Point, which was announced on April 17, 2024. It contains 1.15 billion neurons and uses Intel’s Loihi 2 processor. Hala Point can perform up to 20 quadrillion operations per second with high efficiency. It’s aimed at advancing AI applications like scientific computing, logistics, smart city management, and large language models.

• Meta Platforms, on April 18, 2024, unveiled two major innovations in the field of generative AI. The first is Llama 3, their latest large language model known for its improved performance and reasoning capabilities. The second is a real-time image generator that updates images as users type prompts. These advancements are expected to significantly push the boundaries of AI technology.
• International:
• The Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Russia and the University of Delhi in India have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. This agreement will establish a large research hub at the University of Delhi. The agreement was signed during the Indo-Russian Education Summit in New Delhi, a major event in India-Russia bilateral relations.
• On April 16, 2024, Sweden became the 38th signatory to the Artemis Accords, a set of principles guiding space exploration. The accords were signed by the Minister for Education, Dr. Mats Persson, reinforcing Sweden’s commitment to peaceful and safe space exploration. This also strengthens Sweden’s strategic space partnership with the U.S., benefiting Swedish space research and industry.
• On April 20, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies (Xi’an Longde Technology Development, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade, and Granpect Co. Ltd) and one Belarusian company (Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant). These companies were sanctioned for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
• Banking:
• On April 20, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties totalling Rs 60.3 lakh on five cooperative banks for contravention of various regulatory norms. The penalized banks include Shri Mahila Sewa Sahakari Bank, Porbandar Vibhagiya Nagarik Sahkari Bank, Sarvodaya Nagarik Sahakari Bank, Khambhat Nagarik Sahakari Bank, and Vejalpur Nagarik Sahakari Bank. The RBI clarified that these penalties were due to deficiencies in regulatory compliance.
• Mous:
• The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 18 April 2024. The MoU aims to develop new technologies to address health issues faced by soldiers in difficult terrains and to enhance AI diagnostic models at the Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine in Pune.
• Defence:
• On 19th April 2024, DRDO’s ADA handed over indigenous Leading Edge Actuators and Airbrake Control Module to HAL. These components, for the LCA Tejas Mk1A variant, represent a significant step towards India’s self-reliance in aeronautical technologies.
• On April 19, 2024, India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines. This marked a key milestone in India’s defense exports. The deal, worth USD 375 million, is expected to strengthen India’s relations with Manila.
• Sports:
• The 2024 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack named Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja, Ash Gardner, Harry Brook, and Mark Wood as the Five Wisden Cricketers of the Year. Pat Cummins and Nat Sciver-Brunt were recognized as the Leading Cricketers in the World. The Wisden Trophy was awarded to Travis Head for his performance against India in the World Test Championship final. Hayley Matthews was named the Leading T20 Cricketer in the world.
• Former World No. 1 badminton player, Kento Momota, announced his retirement on April 18, 2024. His last international appearance will be at the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, China. Despite a successful career, Momota did not qualify for the Paris Olympics.
• Appointments:
• Nalin Prabhat, a senior IPS officer, was appointed as the Director-General of the National Security Guard (NSG) on April 19, 2024. He was previously the Additional Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His tenure as the NSG Director-General is until his retirement on August 31, 2028.
• Kaushik Rajashekara, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Houston, was elected as an International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan on April 18, 2024. This honor recognizes his significant contributions to power conversion and the electrification of transportation.
• Santosh Viswanathan, with his 21 years of experience at Intel, was appointed as the India Region Head of Intel on April 19, 2024. This appointment came after Intel announced India as a separate region within its SMG (Sales, Marketing and Communications Group) organization in March 2024. The move aims to capitalize on the country’s rapid growth and business opportunities.
• Awards & Honours:
• Dr. Pavuluri Subba Rao, the Founder of Ananth Technologies, was awarded the prestigious Aryabhata Award by the Aeronautical Society of India on April 18, 2024. This award recognizes his significant contributions to Indian astronautics.
• Deepika Soreng, a forward for the India Women’s Hockey Team, was awarded the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year on 16th April 2024. The award recognizes her outstanding performance and potential as a rising star in hockey.
• Books:
• The book “Sabke Ram” is a comprehensive narrative about the history of Ayodhya and Lord Ram. Co-authored by Dr. Pravesh Kumar and Shri Rajeev Gupta, it provides insights into Lord Ram’s birth place and date of birth. The book is unique as it can be both read and listened to in Hindi and English.

Questions:

Q.1 Who are the co-authors of the book “Sabke Ram”?
a. Dr. Pravesh Kumar and Shri Rajeev Gupta
b. Shri Rajeev Gupta and Dr. Ambedkar
c. Dr. Pravesh Kumar and Shri Narendra Modi
d. Dr. Pravesh Kumar and Shri Ramanand Sagar
Q.2 What is the primary purpose of the Artemis Accords?
a. To guide space warfare
b. To guide space tourism
c. To guide space exploration
d. To guide space colonization