July 4, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Three-Parent Baby | Explained
Three-parent babies, a remarkable advancement in assisted reproductive technologies, involve combining the genetic material of one man and two women to create healthy offspring. Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) or three-person in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques are used to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Its emergence represents a remarkable breakthrough in reproductive technologies, offering hope to couples struggling with infertility and the risk of passing on debilitating genetic diseases.
Highlights of the Day
1. India to chair SCO summit today:
India is hosting the 22nd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for the first time under its chairmanship. The summit will be held in a virtual format and will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The heads of state from all member countries, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, have been invited to participate. In addition to the member countries, India has also invited Iran, Belarus, and Mongolia as Observer States, and Turkmenistan as the guest of the Chair. The heads of six international and regional organizations have also been invited. India has named the upcoming summit 'Towards a SECURE SCO,' emphasizing themes such as security, economy and trade, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the environment [1].
2. Researchers Harness Machine Learning to Identify Potential New Antibiotic for Resistant Bacteria:
Researchers have utilized machine learning to identify a potential new antibiotic against Acinetobacter baumannii, a challenging species of disease-causing bacteria. The rise of antimicrobial resistance and the difficulty in finding new antibiotics have prompted the use of machine learning in the identification and discovery process. Machine learning models can quickly analyze large datasets to identify molecules with properties desirable for fighting specific bacteria [2].
3. India's National Electricity Plan Charts Path Towards 68.4% Non-Fossil Based Capacity by 2031-32:
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the period of 2022-32, outlining the future of India's electricity generation. The plan projects a significant increase in the share of non-fossil-based capacity, expected to reach 57.4% by the end of 2026-27 and further rise to 68.4% by the end of 2031-32. The NEP estimates a total fund requirement of Rs. 33.60 lakh crore for power generation capacity addition during this period. The plan emphasizes the need for energy storage capacity and highlights the projected coal requirements, as well as the aim to reduce the average emission factor. The NEP is a guideline for India's electricity generation and aligns with the country's goal of achieving a non-fossil-based installed capacity of around 500 GW by 2029-30 [3].
4. CAG Implements AI and ML for Auditing Government Schemes:
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance the auditing of government schemes. Through the use of AI, the CAG has successfully identified duplicate and fake beneficiaries, detected non-existent schools claiming scholarships, uncovered fraudulent cases of ineligible beneficiaries, identified circular trading transactions in taxation audits, and facilitated risk-based audit sampling and field validation. These AI and ML applications improve accuracy, transparency, and accountability in government programs, ensuring better targeting of benefits and prevention of misuse [4].
5. Hul Diwas: Commemorating the Santal Rebellion and Adivasi Resistance against British Colonialism
The Santal Rebellion, also known as Hul, initiated in 1855, was a well-organized war led by the Santals against colonialism. Under the leadership of brothers Sidhu and Kanhu, the rebellion garnered support from 32 castes and communities, surprising the British with its scale and determination. The Santals, who had migrated from Bengal to Santhal Pargana in the late 18th century, faced oppressive conditions imposed by moneylenders and the police. The rebellion's impact resonates even today, as the Santal community has grown to become the third largest tribal community in India, spread across Jharkhand-Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. The rebellion not only exposed the vulnerability of the East India Company's army but also fueled a broader sentiment of resistance against British rule [5].
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following statements about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is correct?
A) It is an intergovernmental organization founded in 2001 with its headquarters in Beijing, China.
B) SCO members include India, Pakistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan, among others.
C) The main objective of SCO is to promote regional security and combat terrorism.
D) India became a full member of SCO in 2017.
Select the correct option:
a) A and B only
b) B and C only
c) A, C, and D only
d) A, B, C, and D
Q2: Which of the following statements regarding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is correct?
A) AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs.
B) AMR is a localized phenomenon limited to a few regions of the world.
C) AMR is primarily caused by genetic mutations in humans.
D) Overuse of antiviral medications is a leading cause of AMR.
Select the correct option:
a) A only
b) B only
c) A and C only
d) A and D only
Q3: Which of the following statements regarding the Paris Climate Agreement is correct?
A) The Paris Climate Agreement was adopted in 2015 and entered into force in 2020.
B) The agreement aims to limit global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
C) The Paris Climate Agreement only requires developed countries to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
D) The Paris Climate Agreement does not provide any mechanisms for financial and technological support to developing countries.
Select the correct option:
a) A only
b) A and B only
c) B and C only
d) A, B, and D only
Q4: Hul Diwas, also known as the Santal Rebellion, holds significant historical importance. Which of the following statements regarding Hul Diwas and the Santal Rebellion is correct?
A) Hul Diwas is observed annually on June 30th to commemorate the Santal Rebellion against British colonial authorities.
B) The rebellion, led by Sidhu and Kanhu, two brothers from the Santal community, took place in present-day Jharkhand and was an organized war against colonialism.
C) The Santal Rebellion saw the participation of 32 castes and communities, making it a significant movement against British rule.
D) Hul Diwas marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a prominent leader who played a crucial role in the Santal Rebellion.
Select the correct option:
a) A and B only
b) B and C only
c) A, B, and C only
d) A, B, C, and D
Q5: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly advancing field with broad applications. Which of the following statements about AI is correct?
A) AI refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making.
B) Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that focuses on enabling computers to learn from data and improve their performance without being explicitly programmed.
C) Deep Learning (DL) is a subfield of AI and ML that uses artificial neural networks to model and understand complex patterns and relationships in data.
D) AI has limited applications and is primarily used in the field of robotics for creating human-like machines.
Select the correct option:
a) A and B only
b) B and C only
c) A, B, and C only
d) A, B, C, and D
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a prominent regional organization. Discuss the significance of SCO in promoting regional cooperation and stability among its member countries. Analyze the major challenges and opportunities faced by the SCO in achieving its objectives. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
Some static concepts in Indian Polity are repeatedly asked like the meaning parliamentary form of government was asked in Prelims 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2020.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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