DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: April 22, 2024

Intel Unveils 'Hala Point': The World's Largest Neuromorphic System for Sustainable AI

Tags: Science and Technology

Intel Corporation, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, unveils 'Hala Point,' the world's largest neuromorphic system.

An Overview of the News

• Codenamed 'Hala Point,' the system is designed to advance sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives.

Key Features of 'Hala Point':

• Initial deployment: The system is deployed at Sandia National Laboratories, leveraging Intel's Loihi 2 processor.

• Aim: 'Hala Point' aims to facilitate research into future brain-inspired AI while addressing current AI's efficiency and sustainability challenges.

• Evolution: Building upon Intel's first-generation large-scale research system, Pohoiki Springs, 'Hala Point' introduces architectural enhancements.

• Performance: The system boasts over 10 times more neuron capacity and up to 12 times higher performance compared to its predecessor.

Operational Capabilities:

• Processing Power: 'Hala Point' supports up to 20 quadrillion operations per second.

• Efficiency: Remarkably, the system achieves an efficiency exceeding 15 trillion 8-bit operations per second per watt (TOPS/W) when executing conventional deep neural networks.

DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Cruise Missile at Odisha

Tags: Defence Science and Technology

On April 18, 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.

An Overview of the News

Features of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM):

• Advanced Avionics: Equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure enhanced and reliable performance.

• Development: Developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with contributions from other Indian laboratories and industries.

• Propulsion System: The missile features an indigenous propulsion system developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Key Observations during the Test:

• Range Sensors: Various Range Sensors including Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (ETOS), and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure comprehensive coverage of the flight path.

• Monitoring from Aircraft: The flight of the missile was monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

About ADE:

• Responsibility: A laboratory of DRDO entrusted with conducting research and development in military aviation.

• Director: Y Dilip

• Headquarters: Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

8 Indians Named Among TIME's 100 Most Influential People 2024

Tags: Person in news

TIME, the renowned global media brand, has unveiled its 21st edition of the annual "TIME 100 Most Influential People 2024" list.

An Overview of the News

• The TIME100 list, curated by TIME magazine, acknowledges the impact, innovation, and achievements of the world's most influential personalities.

Indian-Origin Personalities

• Among the honorees are 8 individuals of Indian origin: Alia Bhatt, Dev Patel, Sakshi Malik, Satya Nadella, Ajaypal Singh Banga, Jigar Shah, Asma Khan, and Priyamvada Natarajan.

1. Alia Bhatt (Artists):

• Renowned Bollywood actress with British citizenship.

• Awarded 1st National Film Award for Best Actress in 2023 for "Gangubai Kathiawadi."

• Jointly won the award with Kriti Sanon for the film "Mimi."

• Made international debut with Netflix's "Heart of Stone" in 2023.

2. Dev Patel (Artists):

• British actor and filmmaker of Indian descent.

• Notable roles include "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008) and directorial debut "Monkey Man" (2024).

• Won the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2017 for "Lion."

3. Sakshi Malik (Icons):

• Renowned Indian wrestler, first Indian female wrestler to win Olympic medal.

• Notable medals in Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

• Honored with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Shri awards.

4. Satya Narayana Nadella (Titans):

• Indian-born American Business Executive, CEO of Microsoft.

• Honored with Padma Bhushan in 2022 by the Indian Government.

5. Ajaypal Singh Banga (Leaders):

• Indian-born American business executive, 14th President of the World Bank Group.

• Received Padma Shri in 2016 for contributions to Trade and Industry.

6. Jigar Shah (Leaders):

• Indian-born American entrepreneur, Director of the Loan Programs Office (LPO) in the US Department of Energy.

7. Asma Khan (Pioneers):

• Indian-born British restaurateur and cookbook author.

• Owner of acclaimed London restaurant Darjeeling Express.

• First British chef featured on Netflix's "Chef's Table."

8. Priyamvada Natarajan (Pioneers):

• Indian theoretical astrophysicist, professor at Yale University.

• Author of "Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos" (2016).

Highlights of the 2024 list:

• The 2024 list comprises 51 women and over a dozen entertainers.

• Satya Nadella and Patrick Mahomes (American football quarterback) hold the record for appearing on the list for the 3rd time in 2024, more than any other individual.

• Motaz Azaiza, a 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist, is the youngest person included on the list.

• Joel Habener, an 86-year-old American endocrinologist, is the oldest individual featured on the list.

Key Points:

• Categories: The TIME100 list encompasses various categories such as Artists, Icons, Titans, Leaders, Innovators, and Pioneers.

• Diverse Fields: Each category includes individuals from diverse fields such as movie stars, athletes, scientists, and business leaders, who have made significant contributions through their work.

• Pairings: Each honoree is paired with a guest contributor selected by TIME to write about them, adding depth and perspective to their achievements.

• Origins: The List originated from a debate among American academics, politicians, and journalists and was first published in 1999.

Sweden becomes 38th country to sign NASA's "Artemis Accords"

Tags: International News

On April 16, 2024, Sweden officially became the 38th nation to sign NASA's "Artemis Accords," joining other countries in establishing guidelines for peaceful space exploration.

An Overview of the News

• The agreement was signed by Mats Persson, Minister for Education of Sweden, and Erik D. Ramanathan, the United States Ambassador to Sweden, in Stockholm.

Switzerland's Entry into Artemis Accords

• Switzerland preceded Sweden, becoming the 37th country to sign the Artemis Accords on April 15, 2024.

• Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, signed the accords on behalf of Switzerland.

• The signing ceremony took place at NASA headquarters in Washington D.C., with Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, present.

List of signatories to the Artemis Accord as of April 20, 2024:

• New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Uruguay, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Sweden.

Artemis Accords Overview

• Initiation: Launched jointly by NASA and the US Department of State in 2020.

• Signatories: Eight founding countries signed on October 13, 2020.

• Nature: Non-binding agreement with no financial commitments.

• Purpose: Establish a framework for implementing key obligations from the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, promoting responsible and sustainable space exploration.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• It is an autonomous body under the United States federal government.

• Its primary duties include overseeing the civilian space program.

• Additionally, NASA conducts research in the fields of aeronautics and space.

• Its mandate includes exploration beyond Earth's atmosphere.

• The agency is responsible for advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in space exploration and related fields.

  • Established - 29 July 1958

  • Founder - Dwight D. Eisenhower

  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States

Doha's Hamad International Airport Crowned World's Best in 2024 Skytrax Awards

Tags: Awards International News

Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, Qatar, clinched the title of World's Best Airport in the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

An Overview of the News

• Singapore Changi Airport, previous winner of the 2023 Airport of the Year award, secured 2nd place overall and was recognized as the Best Airport in Asia. It also won the accolade for the World's Best Airport Immigration Service.

• Incheon Airport in Seoul, South Korea, ranked 3rd globally and was honored with the title of World's Most Family Friendly Airport for 2024.

• The awards ceremony took place at the Passenger Terminal EXPOin Frankfurt, Germany,onApril 17th, 2024.

• Skytrax, an international aviation research organization headquarteredinLondon, United Kingdom (UK), organizes the prestigious World Airport Awards.

Indian Airports in the 2024 Global Rankings:

• Delhi Airport retained 36th place.

• Mumbai Airport maintained a position within the top 100, dropping to 95th from 84th.

• Bengaluru Airport climbed to 59th place.

• Hyderabad Airport rose to 61st place.

• Goa’s Manohar International Airport secured the 92nd spot.

2024 Global Airport Rankings:

1. Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar

2. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

3. Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea

4. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan

5. Tokyo Narita International Airport, Japan

6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

7. Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

8. Munich Airport, Germany

9. Zurich Airport, Switzerland

10. Istanbul Airport, Türkiye

Appointment of Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi as Chief of the Naval Staff

Tags: Person in news

Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy by the Government of India (GoI).

An Overview of the News

• Currently holding the position of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, he will succeed Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, the incumbent CNS, upon his retirement on April 30, 2024.

• Admiral R. Hari assumed the role of the 25th CNS on November 9, 2021.

Background of Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi:

• Served in various capacities including Fleet Operations officer of the Western Fleet, Director of Naval Operations, and Principal Director of Naval Plans in New Delhi.

• Commanded INS Trishul, Vinash, and Kirch.

• Previously held positions such as Assistant Chief of Navy Staff (Policy and Plans), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and Director General of Naval Operations.

• Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala.

Awards and Recognition:

• Received the prestigious Robert E Bateman International Prize during Naval Higher Command Course at United States Naval War College (2007-08).

• Honored with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Nausena Medal (NM) for contributions to the Indian Navy.

• Awarded the Thimmaiah Medal at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu.

HDFC Life Insurance Company has named Keki Mistry as the Chairman of the Board

Tags: Person in news

Keki M Mistry appointed as the new Chairman of the Board, subject to approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority.

An Overview of the News

• Mistry, a Chartered Accountant and former Vice Chairman & CEO of HDFC Limited has been associated with HDFC Life since December 2000.

• Deepak S Parekh steps down as Chairman of HDFC Life Insurance, as per the company's exchange filing.

Directorship Updates:

• VK Viswanathan and Prasad Chandran conclude their tenure as Independent Directors after serving two consecutive terms of five years each, effective April 24, 2024.

• The Board acknowledges the significant contributions of Viswanathan and Chandran during their tenure with the company.

• Venkatraman Srinivasan appointed as an Independent Director for a five-year term, based on the recommendation of the nomination & remuneration committee.

HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited:

• It is a provider of long-term life insurance services.

• The company provides both individual and group insurance services.

• Establishment - 14 August 2000.

• Headquarters - Mumbai