Current Affairs Quiz - April, 2024

Notes:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory to the AI industry, particularly targeting major platforms like Google. It requires platforms to submit an action report within 15 days. Key points include needing permission for testing AI models, explicit approval for under-tested or unreliable AI, and proper labeling of potential errors. Startup founders criticized this, calling it demotivating.

Notes:
Hume, a New York-based research lab, unveiled the first emotionally intelligent conversational AI named Empathic Voice Interface (EVI). It utilizes live audio input, returning both audio and transcripts with vocal expression measures. Powered by an empathic large language model (eLLM), it understands tones and word emphasis, optimizing human-AI conversations. Trained on human reactions, EVI learns from users to enhance positive expressions. By analyzing speech nuances, it can determine when to speak and generate empathic language.

Notes:
Paradip Port Authority in Odisha surpassed Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla as India’s top cargo-handling major port in 2023-24. Handling 145.38 MMT of cargo, it registered a 7.4% growth from the previous year. It’s capable of handling 289 MMT. Notably, it excels in coastal shipping, handling 59.19 MMT of coastal traffic and achieving highest productivity among major ports. Established in 1962, it became India’s 8th major port in 1966, now under the Ministry of Ports.

Notes:
The completion of twenty years of the Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) initiative marks a significant milestone in HIV/AIDS treatment. Started on April 1, 2004, it provides vital treatment for Persons living with HIV (PLHIV). This initiative utilizes a combination of drugs to suppress HIV replication, drastically reducing HIV prevalence and new infections globally. In 2023, HIV prevalence in 15-49 year-olds dropped to 0.20%, with India’s share in PLHIV decreasing to 6.3%.

Notes:
Natural gas is often termed a ‘bridge fuel’ aiding countries in transitioning from coal and oil to renewable energy. As society shifts towards cleaner energy, bridge fuels like natural gas aim to minimize environmental impact. Debates center on the duration and source of this transition. While natural gas emits less greenhouse gases, its role as a bridge fuel also hinges on factors like enhancing energy independence and reducing pollution costs.

Notes:
The caracal, a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, Middle East, and parts of Asia, including India, faces extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. In India, it’s called Siya gosh, meaning ‘black ear’. Known for its distinctive long ears and hunting prowess, the caracal primarily preys on small mammals and birds. Despite being listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard its population.

Notes:
Sanjay Nayar, former chairman of Sorin Investment Fund, assumes presidency at ASSOCHAM for 2024-25, succeeding Ajay Singh of SpiceJet. Nayar, with extensive global financial experience, notably at Citigroup and KKR, retired in 2023. He played pivotal roles in establishing KKR India operations and serves on Nykaa’s board. Active in various industry bodies, Nayar aims to bolster sustainability initiatives during his tenure, aligning with India’s developmental objectives.

Notes:
Political outfits and leaders honored the 104th anniversary of the Perungamanallur massacre in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. On April 3, 1920, 16 Piramalai Kallar community members were killed, protesting the oppressive Criminal Tribes Act of 1911. The massacre symbolizes resistance against colonialism. Britishers used the Act for fingerprinting and population control. Eventually repealed after Independence, the Act underwent amendments over the years, marking progress in mitigating its draconian measures.

Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh government is taking measures to prevent forest fires in Papikonda National Park (PNP), receiving technical assistance. PNP, located in the Eastern Ghats, is crucial for high precipitation and hosts the River Godavari. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978 and upgraded to a national park in 2008, it’s recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. The region also boasts a unique dwarf goat breed, the “kanchu mekha.”

Notes:
The U.S. Federal Reserve announces significant alterations to the “Basel III endgame” proposal, aimed at imposing stricter bank capital requirements. The changes, favoring Wall Street banks, come after intense lobbying against the rules, which would affect banks with assets exceeding $100 billion. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, formed in 1974 to bolster financial stability, oversees these regulations. India became a member in 2009. The committee operates under the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland.