October 10, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
mRNA Vaccines | Explained
Discover the transformative power of mRNA vaccines in our in-depth article. Learn how these cutting-edge vaccines work, their role in defeating COVID-19, and their potential to revolutionize medicine. Dive into the science that earned scientists a Nobel Prize and explore the future of immunization.
Highlights of the Day
1. Nobel Prize Awarded to Economist Claudia Goldin for Pioneering Research on Gender Gap in Labor Market
The Nobel economics prize was awarded to Claudia Goldin, a Harvard professor, for her groundbreaking research on the gender gap in the labor market. Goldin's work spans two centuries and reveals that despite economic growth, women's pay hasn't consistently matched men's, even as women attain higher education levels. Her research sheds light on the complexities of this issue, allowing policymakers to address it effectively. Goldin emphasizes the interconnectedness of home and workplace dynamics and advocates for greater gender equality. She overcame data challenges by being a diligent detective, uncovering hidden information. Her findings highlight the enduring impact of generational decisions on women's roles [1].
2. The AI Race: OpenAI’s Multimodal Advancements Challenge Google’s Gemini in Next-Gen AI Models
The next frontier of AI models is shifting towards multimodal systems, where AI can engage with users through images, sounds, videos, and text. OpenAI recently enabled its GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models to analyze images and engage in spoken conversations. This move was prompted by competition from Google's Gemini model. Multimodality involves connecting text, images, and audio during training, allowing AI systems to understand and generate content across these modalities. Applications range from detecting hateful content in social media to autonomous driving and medical image analysis. The goal is to create AI systems that can process and generate information in diverse ways [2].
3. India Plans 100 Km Smart Fencing Along Myanmar Border to Boost Security
India is planning a 100 km advanced smart fencing system along the Myanmar border to enhance surveillance and address security concerns. Ethnic violence in Manipur, attributed to an unfenced border and unregulated migration from Myanmar, has been a significant issue. In 2022, Manipur saw 137 out of 201 insurgency-related incidents in the northeast states, involving various insurgent groups. A Free Movement Regime (FMR) exists between India and Myanmar, but Manipur suspended it in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state's Chief Minister has called for the cancellation of FMR and the completion of border fencing on the 1,643 km-long border with Myanmar [3].
4. Urban Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.6% in India, Labor Force Participation and Worker-Population Ratios Improve
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by India's NSSO reveals positive trends in urban employment. In April-June 2023, the urban unemployment rate decreased to 6.6% for individuals aged 15 and above. The labor force participation rate (LFPR) increased from 47.5% to 48.8%, with notable improvements for women (from 20.9% to 23.2%). The worker-population ratio (WPR) also rose from 43.9% to 45.5%. These figures demonstrate improvements compared to pre-pandemic levels. The government highlights a strengthening labor market in urban areas, with lower unemployment rates and higher participation and employment rates, particularly for women [4].
5. Sri Lanka to Chair Indian Ocean Rim Association
Sri Lanka is set to host the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers meeting with participation from various countries, including India, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Iran, Malaysia, and South Africa. Sri Lanka will take over as the Chair of the regional grouping. The meeting will focus on cooperation in key areas such as trade, maritime safety, fisheries management, and disaster risk management. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry will chair the Council, with discussions aimed at strengthening regional collaboration. The IORA, established in 1997, includes member states from regions surrounding the Indian Ocean and serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation [5].
Source: The Hindu
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: mRNA (Messenger RNA) technology, used in vaccine development, functions by:
I. Delivering genetic instructions to cells.
II. Altering the DNA structure of cells.
III. Inhibiting the immune response.
IV. Blocking viral replication.
Which of these statements are true?
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) I and IV
D) III and IV
Q2: Consider the following statements about the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
I. UNESCO promotes international cooperation in the field of education.
II. It focuses on preserving cultural heritage and promoting cultural diversity.
III. The headquarters of UNESCO is located in Paris, France.
IV. UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Which of these statements are accurate?
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II and III
D) I, II, III and IV
Q3: Consider the following statements regarding the Human Development Index (HDI):
I. HDI is a measure of economic development.
II. It takes into account life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
III. A higher HDI score indicates a higher level of human development.
IV. HDI is calculated by the World Bank.
Which of these statements are true?
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) II and IV
D) III and IV
Q4: Consider the following statements about the European Union (EU):
I. The European Union has its own currency called the Euro.
II. The Schengen Agreement allows for passport-free travel among EU member states.
III. The headquarters of the European Union is located in Brussels, Belgium.
IV. The EU is a political and economic union consisting of 30 member countries.
Which of these statements are accurate?
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II and III
D) I, II, III and IV
Q5: Consider the following statements regarding the concept of “Artificial Neural Networks” (ANNs):
I. ANNs are a type of computer program that mimics the human brain’s neural structure.
II. They are commonly used in machine learning and deep learning applications.
III. ANNs are incapable of processing large datasets.
IV. Supervised learning is a common training method for ANNs.
Which of these statements are true?
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) I, II and IV
D) I, III and IV
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the role of Information Technology in improving healthcare delivery in India. Highlight the key initiatives, challenges, and potential impact of IT integration on healthcare accessibility, quality, and affordability.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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