[Newsbits] 12 -19.04.2024: Llama 3, Saksham App, Kasthuri Cotton & More

The recent discovery of Gaia BH3, announced by ESA on April 16, 2024, marks a significant milestone in astronomy. This dormant, 33 solar-mass black hole located in the Milky Way was identified using preliminary data from Gaia Data Release 4, employing binary solutions. This discovery, documented in the publication “Discovery of a dormant 33 solar-mass black hole in pre-release Gaia astrometry” in April 2024, positions Gaia BH3 as the largest stellar black hole discovered in our galaxy to date. This finding is critical as it provides insights into the population of dormant stellar black holes within the Milky Way and highlights the capability of Gaia’s extended observations, which are expected to unveil more such celestial phenomena in the coming years.
India is advancing towards the development of indigenous high-speed bullet trains as part of its “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aiming for self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign technology. The Vande Bharat trains, which have been operational since 2019, are set to evolve into high-speed versions with improved features such as better ride quality, advanced anti-collision systems, and enhanced interiors. Key organizations like the Indian Railways and the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) are collaborating with top technical institutes to innovate and manufacture these trains. This initiative not only aims to boost local manufacturing and economic growth but also to connect 75 major cities across India with high-speed rail services.
The world’s first ‘Miss AI’ beauty pageant is a groundbreaking event where AI-generated women, judged by both human and AI judges, compete in a virtual competition. Hosted by Fanvue, this pageant aims to showcase the potential of AI technology in creativity and social influence, featuring AI influencers as participants and part of the judging panel. The event includes a significant prize pool and evaluates contestants on aesthetics, AI proficiency, and social media presence, with the top finalists showcased in a virtual ceremony.
The Saksham App, launched by the Election Commission of India, is designed to support elderly voters and persons with disabilities, facilitating easier access to voting through features like vote-from-home eligibility and transport to polling stations. It also includes essential services at polling stations, such as volunteers, wheelchairs, and comprehensive voter assistance, aiming to ensure no voter is left behind due to physical limitations or age.
India has experienced a substantial increase in pulses imports during the fiscal year 2023-24, with the volume almost doubling to 45 lakh tonnes from the previous year’s 24.5 lakh tonnes, amounting to USD 3.74 billion. This surge is largely due to a decline in domestic production, influenced by factors such as erratic weather, shifts in cropping patterns favoring more lucrative crops, pest outbreaks, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure. In response, the Government of India has initiated several measures, including negotiating long-term import contracts with countries like Brazil and Argentina, and allowing duty-free imports of key pulses to stabilize supply and control inflation. Despite these efforts, domestic production challenges persist, making India likely to remain a significant importer of pulses in the near future.
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