Target Dreams

This Post is based on the article  " The clear message in the Court’s ‘no’ to electoral bonds "  Which is Published in the The Hindu on 17th February 2024.  Introduction: The Supreme Court of India, in its ruling on February 15, 2024, has made a significant decision by striking down the electoral bonds scheme .  This move highlights the crucial need for transparency in democracy, particularly concerning campaign funding. Transparency Restored The electoral bonds scheme was criticised for its opacity, leaving voters unaware of who funded political parties and the amounts involved.  Transparency in campaign funding, a cornerstone of leading democracies, has been reinstated by the Court's decision. Limits on Corporate Funding The Court's judgment addresses legal issues, including the removal of limits on corporate funding, which can lead to undue influence on the government.  By reinstating these limits, the Court aims to prevent the potential misuse of ...

Introduction: Electoral bonds, introduced in 2018, revolutionised political funding in India by allowing anonymous contributions to political parties.  These financial instruments function akin to promissory notes or bearer bonds and were designed specifically for political donations. Background: The Electoral Bonds Scheme (EBS) was first announced during the 2017 Budget Session and later notified in January 2018 through amendments to key legislations such as the Finance Act of 2017, the Representation of the People Act of 1951, the Income Tax Act of 1961, and the Companies Act of 2013.  These amendments aimed to streamline political funding by removing various restrictions and introducing electoral bonds as a new mode of donation. Donations Through Electoral Bonds: Electoral bonds are issued by the State Bank of India (SBI) and its designated branches in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore. Donors, whether individuals or companies,...

Part A—Preliminary Examination Paper I - (200 marks)                                                   Duration: Two hours Current events of national and international importance. History of India and Indian National Movement. Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialisation. General Science. Paper II-(200 marks)                                ...

During the first day of COP28 in Dubai, countries reached a historic agreement to operationalise the long-demanded Loss and Damage Fund.  This fund aims to financially assist developing nations in recovering from climate disasters, addressing the disproportionate impact on these nations. The immediate infusion of over $400 million into the fund is seen as a major step forward. The Purpose and Impact of the Loss and Damage Fund The Loss and Damage Fund provides financial assistance to developing countries affected by climate disasters, covering both economic and non-economic losses. Developed nations are obligated to contribute resources to help these countries cope with climate change impacts.  A study estimates a $1.5 trillion loss globally in 2022, with least developed countries experiencing an 8% GDP loss on average. Historical Responsibility: Industrial Era and Greenhouse Gas Emissions The Industrial Era, starting in 1850, significantly contributed to greenhouse gas e...

Why in the News?           In recent developments, the Parliament has enacted the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, a pivotal move aimed at securing one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Key Provisions of the Act Articles Amended: Article 239AA: Ensures the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Articles Inserted: Article 330A: Mandates the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the House of People (Lok Sabha), including the reservation under Article 330 for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Article 332A: Prescribes the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Legislative Assembly of every State, along with reservation under Article 332 for SCs/STs. Article 334A: Specifies that the provisions of this act will come into eff...

     The UK drug regulator recently approved a groundbreaking gene therapy for the cure of sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, marking a significant milestone in medical advancement.       This therapy, named Casgevy, is the world's first licensed treatment based on the revolutionary gene editing technology Crispr-Cas9, which earned its innovators a Nobel Prize in 2020. The Crispr-Cas9 Innovation The Crispr-Cas9 technology, often referred to as "genetic scissors," became available in 2012 and has since revolutionised the field of biotechnology.  Casgevy utilises this technology to edit the faulty gene responsible for blood disorders, offering a potential lifelong cure. Understanding the Therapy Casgevy targets the gene BCL11A, crucial for the transition from foetal to adult haemoglobin.  By editing the patient's own blood stem cells, the therapy stimulates the production of foetal haemoglobin, mitigating the symptoms of sickle cell dis...