May - 2024 Current Affairs

Correct Answer :   Ukraine

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Ukraine has unveiled an AI-generated spokesperson, named Victoria Shi, to deliver official statements from its foreign ministry. This significant technological leap in diplomatic communication has captured global attention.

Meet Victoria Shi: The Digital Diplomat :

During a social media presentation, Victoria Shi made her debut, appearing dressed in a dark suit and displaying human-like gestures and speech. Despite her AI-powered appearance, the Ukrainian foreign ministry has assured that the content of Shi’s statements will be crafted and verified by human staff, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Enhancing Efficiency and Saving Resources :

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba highlighted that the introduction of a digital spokesperson is aimed at saving time and resources, allowing diplomats to focus on other crucial aspects of their work. By leveraging AI technology, Ukraine hopes to streamline its communication processes while maintaining transparency and authenticity.

A Unique Collaboration: AI and Human Expertise :

The spokesperson’s name, Victoria Shi, is a combination of the words “victory” and the Ukrainian phrase for artificial intelligence, “shtuchniy intelekt.” She was developed by the Game Changers team, renowned for their virtual-reality content related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Notably, Shi’s appearance and voice are modeled after Rosalie Nombre, a singer and former contestant on Ukraine’s version of “The Bachelor,” hailing from the now Russian-controlled city of Donetsk.

Ensuring Authenticity and Preventing Misinformation :

To prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure the authenticity of Shi’s statements, the foreign ministry will accompany each presentation with a QR code. This code will link to text versions of the statements on the ministry’s official website, providing an additional layer of verification.

Addressing Critical Issues :

Victoria Shi is set to address various issues, including consular services, which have recently become a contentious topic in Ukraine. The country suspended such services last week for men of fighting age living abroad, requiring them to return to Ukraine for administrative procedures and potentially face the draft.

Pioneering a New Era in Diplomatic Communication :

Ukraine’s initiative to integrate an AI-powered digital spokesperson into its foreign ministry operations is a first-of-its-kind endeavor globally. By embracing advanced AI capabilities, Ukraine is not only enhancing its communication efficiency but also setting a precedent for how technology can be harnessed in governmental operations on a global scale.

As the world watches this innovative approach unfold, Ukraine’s bold step towards leveraging AI in diplomacy could pave the way for other nations to explore similar avenues, ushering in a new era of technological integration in diplomatic services.

Correct Answer :   Twice

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Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is set to fly into space for the third time as a pilot in the first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Boeing's Starliner will fly to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Butch Wilmore will travel to the International Space Station with 58-year-old Williams.

Correct Answer :   5 May

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The President of India, Draupadi Murmu paid floral tribute to former President Giani Zail Singh on his birth anniversary (May 5, 2024).

He was born as Jarnail Singh but later changed his name to Zail Singh. Giani Zail Singh served as the seventh President of India from 25 July 1982 to 25 July 1987. 

Correct Answer :   23

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As a beacon of electoral integrity and transparency, the Election Commission of India exemplifies its commitment to conduct general elections of the highest standards, offering a golden bridge for global Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to witness democratic excellence first-hand. The Election Commission of India continues fostering international cooperation by organising the Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) during the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

The event will be a first in terms of the scale and magnitude of participation. 75 delegates representing various EMBs and organisations from 23 countries namely - Bhutan, Mongolia, Australia, Madagascar, Fiji, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Moldova, Tunisia, Seychelles, Cambodia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Chile, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Papua New Guinea and Namibia will take part in the event. Members from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and media teams from Bhutan and Israel will also participate.

Beginning on the 4th of May, the program seeks to familiarise foreign Election Management Bodies (EMBs) with the nuances of India’s electoral system as well as the best practices used by the largest democracy in the world. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu will address the delegates on the 5th of May 2024. Thereafter, the delegates will embark on visits to six states—Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—in small groups to observe polls and related preparedness in various constituencies. The programme will end on the 9th of May, 2024..

Souce : PIB

Correct Answer :   Kareena Kapoor Khan

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Unicef India on Saturday (4th May 2024) announced Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan as its new National Ambassador.

The "Crew" star, who has been associated with Unicef India since 2014, will support the not-for-profit organisation in furthering every child's right to early childhood development, health, education and gender equality, a press release said.

Kareena had earlier served as a Celebrity Advocate for Unicef India.

There are few things as important as the rights of children, the future generation of this world. I am honoured to continue my association with Unicef now as India's National Ambassador," the 43-year-old actor said in a statement.

#WATCH | On being appointed as the new National Ambassador for Unicef India, Kareena Kapoor Khan says, "...I'm very honored and very humbled to take on this position. I've waited ten years and worked tirelessly and worked very hard with all my heart. And now, finally, I'm joining… https://t.co/cNyUnGwr4t pic.twitter.com/u7EgEGVpWf

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2024

Correct Answer :   Lalitpur

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Lalitpur district in Uttar Pradesh holds the distinction of having the lowest population density in the state with population density of merely 242 people per square kilometer.

Uttar Pradesh, often hailed as the heartland of India, holds the distinction of being the country’s fourth-largest state. With a total area spanning 240,928 square kilometers, it encompasses approximately 7.33% of India’s landmass. Moreover, it is also the most populous state in India, with a population exceeding 190 million as per the 2011 census. However, this figure has surged even further in recent years, crossing the 240 million mark by 2024. In this article, we will know about the district of Uttar Pradesh with lowest population density.

Which District of Uttar Pradesh has Lowest Population Density?

Lalitpur district in Uttar Pradesh holds the distinction of having the lowest population density in the state. Spanning an area of 5,039 square kilometers, Lalitpur boasts a population density of merely 242 people per square kilometer. Despite its rich cultural heritage and mineral resources, the district stands out for its sparse population, making it a unique facet of Uttar Pradesh’s demographic landscape.

An Overview of Lalitpur District :

Lalitpur district, nestled within Uttar Pradesh, boasts a unique characteristic – its low population density. With a land area covering 5,039 square kilometers and a population density of merely 242 people per square kilometer, Lalitpur stands out amidst the densely populated regions of the state. The district’s gender ratio is reported at 917 females per 1,000 males.

District with Lowest Population Density – Renowned for Mineral Resources :

Lalitpur district is renowned for its abundant mineral resources. It is particularly famous for its deposits of uranium and copper, making it a significant contributor to the state’s mining sector. Given its rich mineral reserves, Lalitpur is often referred to as the “Copper District” of Uttar Pradesh.

Lalitpur District – Home to Sahariya Tribe :

One of the distinctive features of Lalitpur district is its diverse demographic composition. It is home to the Sahariya tribe, an indigenous community whose presence adds to the cultural mosaic of Uttar Pradesh. Encountering the Sahariya tribe is a rare experience in Uttar Pradesh, as they are predominantly concentrated in Lalitpur district.

Correct Answer :   Bengaluru

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Flying Wedge Defence, a Bengaluru-based defense and aerospace technology firm, recently revealed the FWD-200B, India’s inaugural indigenous bomber unmanned aircraft. With a focus on cost-effectiveness and self-reliance, the firm aims to position India as a leader in innovative defense solutions.

Cost-Effective Innovation :

Founder Suhas Tejaskanda highlighted the significant cost reduction compared to foreign counterparts, with the FWD-200B priced at just ?25 crores, a fraction of the cost of similar U.S. models. This affordability underscores India’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defense technology.

Advanced Capabilities :

The FWD-200B boasts a payload capacity of 100 kgs and is classified as a MALE Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, offering medium-altitude, long-endurance capabilities. Integrated with optical surveillance payloads and precision air strike weapons, it ensures versatility in various combat scenarios.

Performance Specifications :

With a maximum speed of 200 kts/370 kmph and an endurance capacity of 12-20 hours, the FWD-200B offers impressive performance metrics. Additionally, its 498 kgs maximum takeoff weight and ground control station range of 200 kms further enhance its operational flexibility.

Path to Certification and Global Reach :

The company plans rigorous flight testing followed by certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC). Once certified, the FWD-200B aims to be integrated into Indian forces while also targeting export opportunities, particularly in regions where cost-prohibitive alternatives are impractical..

Correct Answer :   India and Ghana

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India and Ghana are poised to integrate their payment systems, UPI and GHIPSS, to facilitate instant and cost-effective fund transfers between the two nations. Within six months, NPCI’s UPI is set to be operational on Ghana’s GHIPSS platform, marking a significant step in financial collaboration.

Exploring Digital Transformation Solutions :

Discussions also revolved around potential Memorandum of Understanding on Digital Transformation Solutions, Local Currency Settlement System, and leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This signals a strategic intent to harness digital innovations for mutual benefit.

Growing Bilateral Trade :

Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has surged to USD 2.87 billion in 2022-23, with Ghana’s exports including gold, cocoa, cashew nuts, and timber products, while India imports pharmaceuticals, agricultural machinery, and other goods. The trade dynamics underscore the significance of the partnership, with India importing gold comprising nearly 80% of its total imports from Ghana.

Expanding International Collaborations :

NPCI International’s recent partnership with Bank of Namibia to develop a UPI-like real-time payment system further underscores India’s commitment to fostering financial inclusivity beyond its borders. Similar discussions are underway with Nigeria, reflecting India’s growing footprint in international financial collaborations.

Correct Answer :   Alabama

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Alabama, the vibrant and diverse state in the southeastern United States, is often affectionately referred to by a variety of nicknames. Among these, one of the lesser-known yet intriguing monikers is “The Yellowhammer State.” But how did Alabama earn this unique title? Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind it.

Which State of United States is Known as “Yellowhammer State”?

Alabama, one of the southern states of the United States, is often referred to as the “Yellowhammer State.” This nickname originated during the Civil War when Huntsville soldiers sported uniforms with yellow trim. A playful remark led to Alabamian Confederate soldiers being dubbed “Yellowhammers.” The connection to the state bird, the Northern Flicker, which features yellow markings, further solidifies this colorful moniker’s significance in Alabama’s identity.

The Origin of the Nickname of “Yellowhammer State” :

During the tumultuous period of the Civil War, a group of soldiers from Huntsville, Alabama, found themselves clad in uniforms adorned with bright yellow cloth on the trim. Amidst the chaos of battle, one soldier playfully shouted, “Yellowhammer, Yellowhammer, flicker, flicker!” to his comrades. This spontaneous exclamation stuck, and soon, Alabamian Confederate soldiers became informally known as “Yellowhammers,” regardless of their actual origins within the state.

The Northern Flicker Connection :

The association with the color yellow stems from Alabama’s state bird, the Northern Flicker, often colloquially called the Yellowhammer. This woodpecker species boasts bright yellow undersides on its wings and tail, lending credence to the nickname. Additionally, the Northern Flicker’s characteristic drumming or “hammering” behavior further solidifies its connection to the state’s moniker.

Correct Answer :   5 May 2024

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Bernard Hill, a British actor who incarnated a humble style of masculine leadership in three hugely successful Hollywood movies, “Titanic” and two films in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise, died on Sunday (5th May 2024). He was 79.

His death was announced in a family statement sent by a representative of Lou Coulson Associates, a British talent agency. It did not say where he died or provide a cause.

Mr. Hill drew praise from critics for his work in serious TV dramas, small-budget films and theater. But he was best known for playing the ship’s captain in “Titanic” (1997) and the ruler of a horsemen’s kingdom in the second and third installments of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Two Towers” (2002) and “The Return of the King” (2003).

By appearing in “Titanic” and “The Return of the King,” Mr. Hill became the first actor to star in more than one film to gross over $1 billion and the only actor to appear in two of the three films to win a record 11 Oscars (the third is “Ben-Hur”), The Manchester Evening News reported in 2022.

In each film, his stout frame, bushy whiskers and weathered visage helped him embody men of authority who faced danger with reluctance, then acceptance and, finally, self-sacrificial stoicism.

In “Titanic,” he was Capt. Edward J. Smith. Early in the movie, he grasps the ship’s railing, looks out to sea and instructs one of his crew to increase the ship’s speed: “Let’s stretch her legs,” he declares. The movie ultimately suggests that the undue speed of the ship is a factor in its fatal collision with an iceberg.

After hearing the bad news, Mr. Hill walks in a daze on the ship’s deck, eyes lost in the middle distance, the official regalia of his captain’s outfit rendered absurd. He walks alone to the helm and stands there erect as water bursts through the windows, ensuring that he will go down with his ship..

Source : NY Times