Monthly Current Affair GK Digest: September 2024

International News

This historic agreement aims to ensure the safe and ethical development and use of AI technologies, aligning with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Human Rights Protection:

Protects democratic institutions and processes from being undermined by AI.
Requires countries to take steps to prevent the misuse of AI in public services.

Mandates that signatory countries regulate AI-specific risks.
Ensures AI is used safely and responsibly, protecting citizens from potential harms.

Sundar Pichai (CEO, Google and Alphabet)
Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft)
Sam Altman (CEO, OpenAI)
Jensen Huang (CEO, Nvidia)
Rohit Prasad (SVP and head scientist of Artificial General Intelligence, Amazon)
Mark Zuckerberg (CEO, Meta)
Demis Hassabis (CEO and co-founder, Google DeepMind)
Lisa Su (CEO, AMD)
Daphne Koller (Founder and CEO, Insitro)
Mira Murati (Chief Technology Officer, OpenAI)
Ashwini Vaishnaw: India’s Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, acknowledged for his role in shaping AI policies in India.
Anil Kapoor: The actor made the list for his unique contributions to AI, particularly in promoting AI-driven projects in the entertainment industry.

This initiative, supported by the Union Education Ministry, aims to improve the infrastructure and development of higher education institutions in Odisha.
The programme has a budget of ₹500 crore, with 60% of the funding provided by the central government and 40% by the state.
It aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020, focusing on access, equity, and excellence in higher education.
The goal is to transform Odisha’s universities into world-class institutions and equip students with 21st-century skills.

This bill introduces stringent measures, including the death penalty for rape and sexual offences if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state.
It also mandates a life sentence without parole for convicted rapists.
The bill aims to create a safer environment for women and children by ensuring swift justice and harsher punishments for offenders.
It was introduced by West Bengal Law Minister Moloy Ghatak and received unanimous support in the Assembly.

This significant development paves the way for the creation of one of the world's largest airline groups.
Key points:
FDI approval: Singapore Airlines has been granted permission to invest in the merged entity.
Stake acquisition: The airline is expected to acquire a 25.1% stake in the combined Air India-Vistara.
Completion timeline: The merger is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2024.

Objective: The e-DRS aims to reduce litigation and provide relief to eligible taxpayers by allowing them to resolve disputes electronically through Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) established under section 245MA of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Eligibility: Taxpayers whose returned income for the relevant assessment year does not exceed ₹50 lakh and where the aggregate amount of variations proposed or made does not exceed ₹10 lakh can apply.
Application Process: Applications must be filed electronically in Form No. 34BC on the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal within one month from the date of receipt of the specified order.
DRC’s Role: The DRC can make modifications to the variations in the specified order and decide on the reduction or waiver of penalties and prosecution.
Timeline: The DRC is mandated to pass its order within six months from the end of the month in which the application for dispute resolution is admitted.
This initiative is expected to streamline the dispute resolution process and make it more efficient for taxpayers.

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