INTERNATIONAL NEWS
World's first 'Miss AI' beauty pageant announced
• For the first time in the world, models and influencers that are solely created through artificial intelligence will be competing in a beauty pageant called "Miss AI".
• The inaugural "Miss AI" contest marks the first instance of AI-generated models competing for a $20,000 prize pool, focusing on criteria such as beauty, social media presence, and technical creation skills.
• Future Plans and Partnerships: Organizers plan to expand the concept with additional contests centered on fashion, diversity, and computer-generated male models.
• Furthermore, the partnership with Fanvue, a subscription-based platform hosting virtual models, highlights the growing integration of technology and entertainment in the fashion industry.
The 8 Indians got place in the Time's 100 Most Influential List 2024.
• Time magazine has released the list of 100 most influential personalities of the world.
• Eight Indians- Ali Bhatt, Ajay Banga, Sakshi Malik, Dev Patel, Priyamvada Natarajan, Ajay Banga, Satya Nadella, and Jigar Shah got place in the 100 most influential people of 2024.
• Leaders from various sectors, including finance, entertainment, technology, activism, and academia got place in the list.
• The overall list contains four categories: Leaders, heroes, artists, and thinkers.
• Indian-born British chef Asma Khan, who runs ‘Darjeeling Express’ in Soho, London has also got place in the list.
• Priyamvada Natarajan is an astrophysicist and a Professor of Astronomy. Her research is based on studies of supermassive black holes.
APPOINTMENTS
Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Appointed As New PM of Kuwait
• Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal appointed Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah as Prime Minister, replacing Sheikh Dr Mohammed Sabah Al Salem.
• Sheikh Ahmad, an economist, previously held various ministerial positions including oil, information, health, transport, planning, and finance.
• Kuwait is a sovereign state situated on the northern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south.
• Key issues for Kuwait's parliament include raising the cost-of-living allowance, amending the election commission law, and extending judiciary power on citizenship issues.
• The capital city of Kuwait is also named Kuwait, and the official language spoken is Arabic, although English is widely spoken and used as the lingua franca.
AWARDS
Actor Ram Charan awarded honorary doctorate in literature from Vels University
• In a prestigious ceremony, Vels University in Chennai conferred an honorary doctorate in literature upon renowned Indian actor Ram Charan.
• It highlights the importance of cinema as a medium for storytelling and the significant impact actors like Ram Charan have in shaping narratives and entertaining audiences worldwide.
• Bridge Between Cinema and Academia: This prestigious recognition serves as a bridge between the realms of cinema and academia, showcasing the convergence of artistic excellence and scholarly appreciation.
• By conferring an honorary doctorate in literature, Vels University not only honors Charan's cinematic achievements but also acknowledges the literary and cultural dimensions embedded within his performances and the films he has been a part of.
• Inspiration for Aspiring Artists: Ram Charan's journey from his debut in "Chirutha" to receiving an honorary doctorate reflects a story of dedication, perseverance, and artistic growth.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS
Renowned Indian Technocrat Sam Pitroda Launches Insightful Book 'The Idea of Democracy' Addressing Global Concerns
• Sam Pitroda, a distinguished Indian engineer and entrepreneur, recently unveiled his latest publication titled "The Idea of Democracy," delving into the challenges confronting democratic systems, notably in nations like India and the United States of America (USA).
• Published by Penguin Business, the book meticulously examines the hurdles faced by democratic governance, while also highlighting pivotal areas requiring attention and enhancement for the fortification of democracy.
• Sam Pitroda, also recognized as Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda, has held influential roles such as the founding Chairman of India's Telecom Commission, the inaugural Chairman of the Worldtel Initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (1995), and the establishment of the Center for the Development of Telematics (C-DOT) in 1984, among others.
• His significant contributions to various technology missions spanning water, literacy, immunization, oil seeds, telecom, and dairy have garnered widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan award bestowed upon him in 2009.
NATIONAL NEWS
Indian team won four medals in the Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2024.
• In the 13th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2024 held in Tskaltubo, Georgia from April 11 – 17, 2024, the Indian team distinguished itself by clinching four medals. Among these, two were Silver and two were Bronze.
• Gunjan Agarwal of Gurgaon and Sanjana Philo Chacko of Thiruvananthapuram won Silver medals.
• Larissa from Hissar and Pune’s Saee Patil won Bronze medals at the Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2024.
• The team was led by leader Sahil Mhaskar, Deputy Leader Aditi Muthkhod and Observer Ananya Ranade from the Chennai Mathematical Institute.
• This remarkable achievement marks the second instance where all four participants from India have secured medals at EGMO.
SPORTS
Sheetal wins silver at able-bodied event
• Asian Para Games gold winner Sheetal Devi clinched a silver medal among able-bodied athletes in the Khelo India NTPC National Ranking Archery Championship.
• She finished second behind Haryana's Ekta Rani, who is a junior world champion.
• Sheetal previously won a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023, gaining recognition as the only international para-archery champion without arms.
• Despite narrowly missing out on the gold medal in the individual compound event final, Sheetal expressed optimism about her performance, citing confidence for future events and the Paralympics.
