DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: April 5, 2024

Stargate, a $100 billion AI supercomputer

Tags: Science and Technology

Microsoft and OpenAI have announced the introduction of 'Stargate,' a cutting-edge AI supercomputer with a price tag of $100 billion. 

An Overview of the News:

Project Collaboration and Financing:

• The project might cost up to $100 billion to complete.

• OpenAI will support AI research and development, and Microsoft will collaborate to finance the project.

Timeline for Project Completion:

• By 2028, the project is expected to be finished.

• Over the next six years, Stargate is expected to become the largest supercomputer ever constructed.

Investing Priority:

• The purchase of AI processors will account for a sizeable amount of the project's expenditure.

Key Facts about Supercomputers in India and Globally:

• The Airawat supercomputer is the fastest supercomputer in India.

• PARAM 8000, the first supercomputer built in the country

• PARAM Shivay, the first supercomputer in India.

• China is the nation with the most supercomputers, followed by the USA and Japan.

• World's fastest supercomputer: Frontier

• Vijay Pandurang Bhatkar is the father of the Indian supercomputer.

Arjun Erigaisi becomes India's number 1 chess player, reaches world top 10

Tags: Sports News

Arjun Erigaisi is the new top-ranked Indian chess player in the latest FIDE rankings released by chess's world governing body on April 1, ranking 9th globally with a standard rating of 2756.

An Overview of the News

• Erigaisi's stellar performances at events such as the 5th Shenzhen Chess Masters and the Bundesliga saw him break into the top 10 for the first time.

Indian Chess Contingent: Notable Rankings

• Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, follows Erigaisi as the second-ranked Indian with a rating of 2751, securing the 11th position globally.

• Young talents like Praggnanandhaa R (14th), Gukesh D (16th), and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (25th) also hold impressive spots in the FIDE rankings.

World Chess Elite: Top Contenders and Ratings

• Magnus Carlsen continues to lead the global rankings with a rating of 2830.

• Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, both Americans, are seen as favorites to win the Candidates tournament, with ratings of 2803 and 2789 respectively.

• Chinese star Ding Liren holds the 5th position with a rating of 2762.

• Other strong contenders for the Candidates tournament include Alireza Firouzja from France (6th) and Ian Nepomniachtchi from Russia (7th).

The International Chess Federation (FIDE)

• FIDE, also known by its French abbreviation, is an international organization headquartered in Switzerland.

• It serves as the governing body for international chess competitions.

• FIDE facilitates connections between different national chess federations worldwide.

• Its primary role is to oversee and regulate international chess competitions.

Formation - July 20, 1924

President - Arkady Dvorkovich

Headquarters - Lausanne, Switzerland

International Conscience Day - 5th April

Tags: Important Days

International Conscience Day is celebrated annually on April 5th to remind individuals to introspect and act according to their conscience.

An Overview of the News

• 2024 Theme: 'Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.'

• Emphasizes fostering global peace, compassion, and moral integrity.

History and Establishment:

• Inaugurated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020.

• Aimed at encouraging people worldwide to follow their conscience and do what is right.

Fifth Anniversary Celebration (2024):

• Marks the fifth year since its establishment.

• Signifies dedicated efforts to raise awareness about the importance of individual and collective conscience in creating a fairer, more harmonious, and sustainable world.

Unprecedented Recognition: Over 60 Products GI Tags

Tags: National News

The Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been awarded to over 60 products from different parts of India. 

An Overview of the News:

• This is the first time that so many products have been recognized at the same time for Geographical Indication (GI) purposes.

• The prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) label has been awarded to nineteen traditional Assamese items and crafts, thirteen of which are credited to the Bodo community.

Name of the Select 60 Products that Were Awarded GI Tags:

• Assam: Mishing handloom products, Pani Meteka crafts, Sarthebari metal crafts, Jaapi (bamboo headpiece), Asharikandi terracotta crafts, Bodo Eri silk (fabric of peace or ahimsa), Bihu dhol, Bodo Dokhona (traditional attire of Bodo women), and Bodo Sifung (long flute).

• Tripura: Matabari Peda (a sweet delicacy) and Pachra-Rignai (traditional attire worn on auspicious occasions).

• Meghalaya: Chubitchi, Lyrnai Pottery, Garo Textile Weaving.

• Uttar Pradesh: Banaras Lal Bharwan Mirch, Banaras Lal Peda, Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Thandai.

A GI tag: what is it?

• A GI tag is a designation or label that identifies goods as coming from a particular region and highlights their distinctive features.

•  Protected by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

• it gives owners of rights the ability to stop unapproved usage by noncompliant third parties

Key fact about GI tag:

• In 2004, the Darjeeling tea from West bengal received the first-ever GI tag in India.

International Mine Awareness Day - 4th April

Tags: Important Days

The United Nations commemorated International Mine Awareness Day on April 4th.

An Overview of the News

• The focus was on highlighting the negative impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war on civilian populations.

• The day stressed the significance of protecting individuals with disabilities in conflict zones and during peacebuilding efforts.

• The theme for 2024, 'Protecting Lives, Building Peace,' emphasizes the role of mine action in both saving lives and promoting peace in affected areas.

History of International Mine Awareness Day:

• Established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 2005.

• Observed annually on April 4th.

• Aims to raise awareness about landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW).

• Originated from growing international concern over the widespread use of landmines.

• Followed significant milestones such as the signing of the Ottawa Treaty in 1997.

• Continues to highlight the ongoing threat posed by landmines and ERW globally.

• Encourages efforts to clear landmines, provide risk education, and support affected communities.

Canara Bank introduces health care loans and savings accounts for women

Tags: Economy/Finance

Canara Bank launches health care loan 'Canara Heal' and savings account for women 'Canara Angel', launches technological advancements and digital SHG initiative.

An Overview of the News

Healthcare Loan Product: Canara Heal

• Canara Bank introduces a new healthcare-focused loan product named Canara Heal.

• Designed to cover the shortfall in hospitalization expenses, particularly aimed at settling healthcare insurance claims via Third Party Administrators (TPA) for self and dependents.

Savings Account for Women: Canara Angel

• Canara Bank launched a specialized savings account tailored for women, dubbed Canara Angel.

• Unique features include a Cancer Care policy, a pre-approved personal loan known as Canara ReadyCash, and an Online Loan against term deposit product called Canara MyMoney.

Collaborations and Partnerships

• Canara Bank formalizes Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with MediAssist Healthcare Services Ltd and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd.

• These partnerships aim to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for customers through the Canara Heal product.

Innovative Payment Solutions

• Unveiling of 'Canara UPI 123PAY ASI', a user-friendly payment interface.

• Introduction of 'Canara HRMS Mobile App for Staff', an HR management solution for the bank's employees.

Digital SHG Initiative

• CEO of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, Rajesh Bansal, launched a Digital SHG initiative called Canara SHG e-MONEY.

• Canara Bank becomes the pioneer in offering seamless doorstep digital services to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in collaboration with RBIH.

• The initiative aims to provide instant digital credit to customers' accounts.