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

The Longevity India Initiative, spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Science, aims to revolutionize ageing research in India. This comprehensive project involves a large-scale clinical study to identify biomarkers of ageing, leveraging collaborations between academia, industry, and healthcare. The initiative addresses the unique demographic challenges of India, where the elderly population is expected to reach 347 million by 2050. By integrating fundamental and applied research, and developing solutions to enhance quality of life and extend healthspan, the initiative sets a significant precedent in ageing studies tailored to India’s specific needs.

The recent partnership between NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) and State Bank of India (SBI) allows for online recharge of SBI’s National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) via the Bharat BillPay platform. This initiative makes it easier for users to top up their NCMC cards, supporting a variety of transit systems across India. The service aims to enhance convenience by providing a seamless top-up experience without the need to wait in queues, supporting multiple payment options, and reflecting the recharge amount instantly. This aligns with the Indian government’s vision of a cashless economy and the use of interoperable transport cards for various services.

Llama 3 is the upcoming open-source large language model from Meta, set to launch in May 2024. It is designed to be highly accessible, allowing developers, researchers, and businesses to innovate on a global scale. This model aims to enhance Meta’s suite of products and democratize advanced AI technologies, making powerful tools more widely available. Llama 3 is expected to offer significant improvements over its predecessors, including better handling of complex queries and more nuanced responses, all while maintaining a cost-effective model for users.

India is set to deliver the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines as part of a $375 million deal, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense exports. The BrahMos missile, developed jointly with Russia, is recognized for its high precision and swift targeting capabilities. This deal not only bolsters the Philippines’ maritime defenses amid South China Sea disputes but also strengthens India’s ties with the Philippines, enhancing regional security and stability.

The Indian Navy has inaugurated a new submersible platform called SPACE (Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization and Evaluation) in Idukki, Kerala. Developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory under DRDO, SPACE is designed as a premier facility for testing and evaluating sonar systems used across the Navy’s ships, submarines, and helicopters. The platform includes a surface-floating platform and a submersible section that can dive up to 100 meters deep, equipped for various underwater research activities. This advancement marks a significant stride in enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in Anti-Submarine Warfare and underwater acoustic research, further contributing to the modernization of India’s naval technology and supporting indigenous technology development initiatives.

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.

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.