This is the current affairs of 3 & 4 May 2024. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Which country appointed AI (Artificial Intelligence) diplomat for the first time in the world?
a. Russia
b. Ukraine
c. China
d. America
Answer: b. Ukraine
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2. Name the world’s first AI diplomat, who will represent Ukraine?
a. Victoria D
b. Victoria Shi
c. Artificial Person
d. AI Knowledge
Answer: b. Victoria Shi (AI generated spokesperson)
– AI-generated spokesperson is a computerized system.
– AI stands for Artificial Intelligence.
Use of Victoria Shi (AI-generated spokesperson)
– The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented AI-generated spokesperson Victoria Shi in May 2024.
– It has been created to provide pre-prepared official statements.
– According to The Indian Express, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that for the first time in history, they will use a digital spokesperson named Victoria Shi to read their statements.
– However, reportedly, the statements will be written by humans.
– Not only that, but the Ukrainian Ministry has taken adequate measures to deal with issues like deepfake.
– Every statement by Victoria Shi will display a QR code.
– Which will link to the text version on the official website.
How is the activity of the AI-generated spokesperson?
– In a video posted on social media, Victoria Shi is seen wearing a deep-colored suit.
– And introducing herself as the digital person Victoria Shi.
– The AI spokesperson also moves her head and hands while speaking.
– Interestingly, the AI’s political tone and voice are based on Ukrainian singer and TV celebrity Rozaliya Nombra.
Inspiration for other countries:
– Introducing an AI diplomat is a significant step for Ukraine.
– Because Ukraine’s adoption of this technology will inspire other countries as well.
– Although AI-generated spokespersons are currently just a visual, the day is not far when trained AI systems will handle much more important tasks and communications on foreign policy.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
– AI stands for Artificial Intelligence.
– It’s a machine that can think, analyze data on its own, converse, speak languages, and comprehend. It can search for answers to difficult questions and perform given tasks.
– Examples of AI include OpenAI’s Chat-GPT and Google’s Assistant.
– These are just examples; AI is now being used in various more effective ways.
About Ukraine:
– It’s a country in Eastern Europe.
– It’s the second largest European country after Russia.
– It shares borders with Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, and to the southwest with Romania and Moldova.
– Capital: Kyiv
– Currency: Ukrainian Hryvnia
– President: Volodymyr Zelensky
The Russia-Ukraine War for over 2 years
– In February 2024, the Russia-Ukraine War completed over 2 years.
– According to American estimates, by (February), around 180,000 Russian and 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the war. Russia has seized control of 5 major cities of Ukraine.
– Both countries are not ready to negotiate.
Ukraine says it will continue its attacks until Russia withdraws its control from its territories.
– While Russia is unwilling to relinquish control of Ukrainian territories.
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3. Referring to the ‘deteriorating humanitarian crisis’ in Gaza, Turkey imposed a complete ban on all kinds of trade with which country?
a. Palestine
b. Iran
c. Lebanon
d. Israel
Answer: d. Israel
Israel – Hamas War
– The current armed conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023.
– At that time, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel.
– Israel responded by initiating aerial bombings and ground assaults on October 27, 2023.
– By April 2024, over 34,000 Gazans have been killed in the attacks.
Turkey imposes a halt on business with Israel
– Turkey is a staunch critic of Israel’s military actions.
– In May 2024, Turkey announced an immediate halt (embargo) on all kinds of business with Israel.
– Turkey has held Israel responsible for the “deteriorating humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and has taken this step citing the same.
– The Turkish Ministry of Trade stated that this decision will remain in effect until sufficient aid without any hindrance is ensured in Gaza.
– In fact, Israel has barred Turkish military cargo planes from participating in the campaign to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
– Turkey says it will respond to Israel with various measures until Israel announces a cessation of hostilities and allows assistance.
– Israel has no excuse for obstructing our efforts to provide assistance to the hungry people of Gaza through air routes.
Business between both in 2023
– In 2023, there was a trade of seven billion dollars between both countries.
– In a statement issued by Turkey, it was said, “All products are included in the trade embargo.”
Israel’s response
– Israel’s Foreign Minister accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of behaving like a dictator.
– Foreign Minister Katz wrote on the social media platform X, “This is ignoring the people, businessmen, and international trade agreements of Turkey.”
Note – Turkey became the first Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel in 1949. However, relations between both countries have soured in recent decades.
Turkey:
– Capital: Ankara
– President: Recep Tayyip Erdogan
– Currency: Turkish Lira
– Population: 85.3 million
– Neighboring countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Syria
Seas: Aegean Sea, Black Sea, and Caspian Sea
Israel:
– Capital: Jerusalem
– Major city: Tel Aviv
– Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
– Currency: New Israeli Shekel
Palestine:
– Not recognized as a country in the UN. Designated as an Observer State by the UN.
– Capital: Jerusalem
– Administrative center: Ramallah
– Divided into two parts: West Bank (population approximately 4 million) and Gaza (population 2 million)
– President: Mahmoud Abbas
– Prime Minister: Mohammad Mustafa
– Currency: Egyptian Pound, Israeli New Shekel, Jordanian Dinar
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4. When is World Press Freedom Day observed?
a. 1 May
b. 2 May
c. 3 May
d. 5 May
Answer: c. 3 May
Theme 2024
– A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis
– World Press Freedom Day was first observed in 1993 following a recommendation by UNESCO’s General Conference.
– This day is crucial for honoring and upholding the fundamental principles of press freedom.
– It reminds people of the vital role of media in a democratic society.
67 Journalists Killed Worldwide in 2022
– According to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at least 67 media workers were killed worldwide in 2022.
– This figure marks an “alarming” 50 percent increase compared to previous years.
– Nearly three-quarters of female journalists experienced online violence, and one in four received physical threats.
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5. Which country has topped the World Press Freedom Index 2024?
a. Portugal
b. Ireland
c. Finland
d. Norway
Answer: d. Norway
– Norway has been at the top for several years.
Top 10 Countries
Ranking of Influential Countries
– USA: 55
– United Kingdom: 23
– France: 21
– Germany: 10
– Russia: 162
– Saudi Arabia: 166
– Australia: 39
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6. What is the ranking of India in the World Press Freedom Index 2024?
a. 56
b. 150
c. 159
d. 161
Answer: c. 159
– India’s rank in 2024: 159 (two places better than previous)
– India’s rank in 2023: 161
World Press Freedom Index released by
– Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
– It is considered as the global media watchdog.
– This is an international NGO whose self-declared mission is to protect media freedom and promote it.
– Its headquarters are in Paris and it has the status of a consultant with the United Nations.
Based on which indicators is the report prepared?
– Political
– Economic
– Legislative
– Social
– Security
Neighboring Countries: 2024 Rank: 2023 Rank
– China: 172: 179
– Nepal: 74: 95
– Bangladesh: 165: 163
– Myanmar: 171: 173
– Bhutan: 174: 90
– Sri Lanka: 150: 135
– Pakistan: 152: 150
– Afghanistan: 178: 152
In which indicator is India’s position?
Report: India ‘Unfit for Democracy’
– Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stated that despite India’s recent adoption of stricter laws, its rank “has risen two places” but it still remains “unfit for democracy.”
– The report mentioned that press freedom worldwide is “endangered by those very people who should guarantee it (political authorities).”
India consistently rejects the report
– The Indian government has consistently dismissed the “World Press Freedom Index” for several years.
– In 2022, while responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur stated that the index is questionable and non-transparent. He mentioned that the report lacks sufficient samples and does not consider the fundamental principles of democracy.
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7. Atul Kumar Anjan passed away on May 3, 2024. He was the national secretary of which leftist political party?
a. Communist Party of India (CPI)
b. Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPM)
c. Socialist League of India
d. Forward Bloc (Socialist)
Answer: a. Communist Party of India (CPI)
– Atul Kumar Anjan was also the General Secretary of the All India Kisan Sabha.
He was battling cancer.
– During his student life, he had served as the President of Lucknow University four times.
– In his political career, he was a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (CPI). He also contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. He was known for being a fierce orator.
Note: D. Raja is the General Secretary of the CPI.
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8. When is International Firefighters Day celebrated?
a. 1 May
b. 2 May
c. 3 May
d. 4 May
Answer: d. 4 May
– This day is celebrated to honour the fire experts who have lost their lives while on duty.
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9. Who has become the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands nation?
a. Rick Sogavare
b. Danny Lilo
c. Jeremiah Manele
d. Ellen Manele
Answer: c. Jeremiah Manele
– He was a former Foreign Minister.
– He was elected on April 17, 2024, in a secret ballot by 49 MPs.
– Manele received 31 votes in the election.
– He promised to continue the international policy of the South Pacific nation, which brings it closer to China.
– Manele replaced former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Solomon Islands
– It is a nation comprising hundreds of islands in the South Pacific region.
– It has many sites related to the Second World War.
– Prime Minister: Jeremiah Manele
– Capital: Honiara
– Currency: Solomon Islands dollar
– Area: 28,896 square kilometers
– Population: Approximately 724,000 (2022)
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10. Playback singer Uma Ramanan passed away on 1 May 2024, she sang in which of these languages?
a. Kannada
b. Bhojpuri
c. Tamil
d. Gujarati
Answer: c. Tamil
– She was 72 years old.
– She was a trained classical singer.
– She participated in more than 6000 programs over 35 years.
– Her last song, “Kannum Kannumthan,” was sung for the film “Thirupachi.” She sang this song with Harish Raghavendra and Premji.
– Both her husband and son are singers.
– She also sang many songs with her husband.
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11. Name the Indian forest activist from Chhattisgarh who has been selected for the ‘Gold Man Environment Award’ 2024?
a. Akhil Srinivas
b. Alok Shukla
c. Rajat Tripathi
d. Rajeev Sharma
Answer: b. Alok Shukla
– Alok Shukla was honored with this award at a program held in San Francisco, USA, on April 29th.
– He is the coordinator of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan and the founder of the ‘Hasdev – Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’.
– He hails from Chhattisgarh and is 45 years old.
This year, 7 individuals were chosen for this award.
7 people were selected
– Alok Shukla from India
– Andrea Vidaurre from the U.S
– Marcel Gomes from Brazil
– Murrawah Maroochy Johnson from Australia
– Teresa Vicente from Spain
– Nonhle Mbuthuma and Sinegugu Zukulu from South Africa
Why was the award given?
– He worked to save the Hasdeo forests spread across approximately 4,45000 acres (about 180,000 hectares) in Chhattisgarh, for which he received this award.
– There are 21 coal mines in this area.
– Alok Shukla led a campaign to save the forests from these coal mines.
Who is eligible for the award?
– This award recognizes grassroots environmental heroes from around the world in nearly six continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America.
Goldman Environmental Prize
– The Goldman Environmental Prize is awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists.
– It is presented by the Goldman Environmental Foundation.
– Its headquarters are in San Francisco, California.
– It is also known as the “Green Nobel.”
– The award was established in 1989.
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