UPSC QUIZ 22.05.2024

Explanation:

• OpenAI launched its latest Large Language Model (LLM) called GPT-4o, described as the fastest and most powerful AI model to date.

Gpt-4o

• GPT-4o (“o” here stands for “omni”) is a transformative AI model developed by OpenAI to enhance human-computer interaction.
• It allows users to input any combination of text, audio and image and receive responses in the same formats, making it a multimodal AI format.
• Technologies Used: LLMs are the main components of GPT-4o. To enable these models to learn on their own, they are fed massive amounts of data.
• GPT-4o differs from its predecessors by using a single model to handle text, vision, and audio functions, eliminating the need for multiple models.

Explanation:

• World Health Assembly 77th session, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global report on neglected tropical diseases (NTD) of 2024.The report provides an account of the progress made in 2023 towards the implementation of the Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030.

Key highlights of the WHO Report

Status for 2023

• As of December 2023, a total of 50 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD, marking the halfway point towards the 2030 target of 100 countries.
• 5 countries were acknowledged by WHO for eliminating one NTD, and 1 country for eliminating two NTDs.
• In July 2023, Iraq became the 50th country to eliminate at least one NTD. This event marks the halfway point towards achieving the 100-country target set for 2030.
• Noma was added to the list of NTDs in 2023.

Explanation:

• Scientists from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have discovered that the invasive armoured sailfin catfish has proliferated to 60% of the water bodies in the Eastern Ghats, causing harm to fishing nets and disrupting the ecosystem.

Key Facts About Sailfin Catfish

• The sailfin armoured catfish, a collection of several morphologically similar species belonging to the genus Pterygoplichthys of the Loricariidae from South America, has been widely introduced to tropical and subtropical freshwater environments worldwide and has caused serious ecological impacts.
• It is one of the most serious invasive species.
• In India, the fish species was originally introduced for its distinct appearance and its capacity to remove algal growth in tanks and aquariums, but its population has since increased dramatically.

Explanation:

• State Bank of India (SBI) has become the first bank to become a trading-cum-clearing member (TCM) at the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX).

IIBX Membership Key Points

• In the backdrop of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, Indian bank branches in GIFT IFSC have been permitted to function as Trading Members (TM/TCM) of IIBX.
• The Reserve Bank of India has also allowed Special Category Clients (SCC) to import gold through IIBX, which are nominated banks in India.

IIBX

• IIBX is India's first international bullion exchange. It was launched at the GIFT International Financial Services Center (IFSC) in Gujarat on July 29, 2022.
• IIBX offers a diverse portfolio of products and technology services at low cost that is more competitive than Indian exchanges as well as other global exchanges in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, London and New York.
• All contracts, trades and settlements listed on IIBX are in US dollars.

Explanation:

• Noted storyteller and Padma Shri awardee Malti Joshi passed away at the age of 90 years at her residence in New Delhi on 15 May 2024. She was suffering from oesophagus cancer. Malti Joshi was known for her work in Hindi and Marathi language. She was awarded Padam Shri in 2018.
• Malti Joshi was born on June 4, 1934, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Malti Joshi was brought up in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. She did her schooling at Malav Kanya Vidyalaya in the city. She completed her graduation from the Holkar College of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Indore. He also did her Master's from the same university in Hindi literature in 1956.
• She was a prolific writer who wrote in Hindi and Marathi. However, she is best known for her Hindi literature works.
• In the early stages of her writing, Malti Joshi wrote poems, and in college she was famous as Meera of Malwa.