UPSC QUIZ 10.05.2024

Explanation:

• During a recent interview, the CEO of OpenAI stated his dedication to investing in the advancement of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
• AGI is highly advanced, has more scope, and is more capable than Artificial Intelligence (AI), more commonly used in present times.

Artificial General Intelligence

• It is highly advanced and more capable than Artificial Intelligence (AI) used commonly.
• AGI envisions a broader, more generalised form of intelligence, not confined to any particular task.
• It aims to create machines that possess human-like intelligence across a wide range of tasks.
• This includes reasoning, common sense, abstract thinking, background knowledge, transfer learning, ability to differentiate between cause and effect, etc.
• AGI aims to emulate human cognitive abilities such that it allows it to do unfamiliar tasks, learn from new experiences, and apply its knowledge in new ways.

Explanation:

• India has improved its ranking on the World Press Freedom Index 2024 by two positions.
• India, which was ranked 161 out of 180 countries in the world in 2023, improved its position to 159 in 2024, a jump of two ranks.
• The World Press Freedom Index was released by a French non-governmental organisation, Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) which is also known as Reporters Without Border.
• In its report, the RSF said that the maximum threat to the freedom of the press was from the government.

World Press Freedom Index and its composition

• The RSF compiles the World Press Freedom Index to get an idea of the status of freedom of the press in 180 countries and territories of the world and a tool to compare the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media.
• The World Press Freedom Index uses five indicators to compile the Index.
• These five indicators are political, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context and safety of the Journalist.
• The index takes into account the situation faced by the press and the journalist in a calendar (January -December) year. Thus, the 2024 report is based on the situation that prevailed in 2023 regarding the freedom of the press in these countries.

Explanation:

• The 24-year-old British Formula 1(F1) driver Lando Norris finally won his maiden F1 title by winning the Miami Grand Prix held at the Miami International Autodrome in Miami, Florida, in the United States of America
• He also broke the dominance of the Red Bulls Max Verstappen, who won four out of six races of the 2024 F1 season.

Lando Norris Historic Triumph

• Lando Norris, who is currently with McLaren’s team, made his debut in the F1 circuit at the Australian Grand Prix in 2019.
• Before the 2024 Miami Grand Prix win, he claimed second place eight times in his career. In his 110th Grand Prix at Miami, he finally won his first F1 race title.

Explanation:

• Uttarakhand government has launched the Pirul Lao-Paise Pao campaign to contain the raging forest fire in the state.
• The Supreme Court recently expressed concern about the raging forest fire in the state, which has already killed five people.
• The forest fires have already destroyed trees, medicinal plants and wildlife in the area, besides creating air pollution due to thick smoke and soot.

CM Dhami launches Pirul Lao-Paise Pao Campaign

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Pirul Lao-Paisa Pao in the Rudraprayag district on 8 May 2024. He urged the people to actively participate in the campaign to prevent forest fires.
• He said that the cooperatives, Yuva Mangal Dal and Van Panchayat, would also participate in the campaign to make it a people's campaign.

Explanation:

• GI tag has been given to the Ajrakh of Kutch.
• Geographical Indication (GI) certificate has been granted by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) to the traditional artisans of 'Kutch Ajrakh' hailing from the vibrant region of Kutch, Gujarat.
• This is an important step towards preserving the rich textile heritage of India.
• This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional artistry and cultural significance of the age-old craft practiced by artisans in the region.
• The GI tag, a symbol of authenticity and origin, provides legal protection to products, services, or arts originating from specific geographical areas.
• With a millennium-long history, Ajrakh is a traditional textile skill with profound roots in Gujarati culture, especially in the districts of Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch.
• The art of Ajrakh involves a meticulous process of hand-block printing on treated cotton fabric, resulting in intricate designs imbued with rich symbolism and history.