UPSC QUIZ 8.04.2024

Explanation:

• Chytridiomycosis disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (BD) was discovered by scientists in amphibians. This discovery has been published in the journal Current Biology.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (BD) fungus

• This fungus causes Chytridiomycosis disease in amphibians.
• It is also known as amphibian chytrid fungus.

Effects of Chytridiomycosis Disease

• This disease infects the skin of frogs and toads.
• Due to this infection, amphibians even die.
• Due to this fungus more than 500 amphibian species were destroyed and about 90 species became extinct.
• Endangered species include the yellow-legged mountain frog and the Panamanian golden frog.
• Scientists have discovered a virus that can prevent this disease.

Explanation:

• Blooms of poisonous mauve stinger or purple-striped jellyfish have been observed by researchers off the Visakhapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh.

Mauve Stinger or Purple-Striped Jellyfish

• It is a species of poisonous jellyfish called Pelagia noctiluca.
• It looks very beautiful and sticky.
• It is found in tropical and warm oceans around the world.
• It is mainly found in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Explanation:

Scientists discovered a new planet in the universe, about 66 light years away from Earth.

Key points

• This planet has been discovered by the University of California.
• This planet is revolving around the star HD 104067.
• It completes one revolution every 55 days.
• It is a giant sphere of gases.
• Due to the volcanic process on this planet, its temperature is up to 2300°C (4172°F).
• This makes it appear melted and shiny.
• The surface temperature of this planet can also melt tungsten, which melts at 3422 degrees Celsius.

Explanation:

• A voice cloning tool ‘Voice Engine’ unveiled by OpenAI.
• Renowned artificial intelligence company OpenAI has stepped into the field of voice assistants by launching its latest innovation known as "Voice Engine".
• This cutting-edge technology is designed to replicate a person's voice with remarkable accuracy.
• It requires only 15 seconds of recorded speech from the person.
• The company unveiled the voice engine shortly after filing a trademark application for the name, which suggests its plans to pursue voice-related technologies.
• Citing concerns over potential misuse and associated risks, OpenAI has opted to limit the release of the voice engine to a select group of early testers for the time being.
• OpenAI emphasizes the importance of responsible deployment of such technology, recognizing the significant threats posed by the ability to mimic individuals' voices, particularly in sensitive contexts such as elections.
• Early testers of the voice engine have agreed to strict guidelines, including obtaining consent before impersonating individuals and disclosing the use of AI-generated voices.

Explanation:

• The highest-ever export quota for essential commodities to the Maldives approved by India.
• Under a unique bilateral mechanism, the highest-ever export quota for essential commodities to the Maldives for 2024-25 approved by India.
• On the request of the Government of Maldives, India has allowed the export of certain quantities of essential commodities and the quota has been revised upward.
• Since the arrangement came into force in 1981, this is the highest quantity of goods approved so far.
• To promote the construction industry in Maldives, the export of essential goods like river sand and road gravel has been increased by 25% to one million tonnes.
• Exports of eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, and pulses have been increased by five percent.
• Last year also, India had sent these goods to the Maldives despite the global ban on the export of rice, sugar, and onion.
• Indian High Commission in Maldives said that as part of the Neighborhood First policy, India is committed to human-centric development in Maldives.