Target Dreams

Why in News:  Nitin Gadkari launches Bharat NCAP: Set to be implemented from October 1, 2023 Aim of Bharat NCAP: Promoting Safety Standards in Indian Automobiles The primary objective of the Bharat New Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) is to facilitate Indian automobile manufacturers in subjecting their vehicles to stringent safety evaluations, specifically conforming to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Understanding NCAP:   Bharat NCAP's core mission is to enhance road safety by assigning star ratings to vehicles based on their performance in rigorous safety examinations.  These tests encompass assessments of both adult occupant (AOP) and child occupant (COP) safety, offering consumers a simplified means of comparing safety levels across different car models prior to purchasing. Manufacturers have the option to voluntarily present their vehicles for testing according to the guidelines laid out in the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. The new programme will be appl

Daily Current Affairs 20 and 21 August 2023 Alzheimer Disease: Why in News:  US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted “accelerated” approval for a drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease, developed by Biogen and Eisai and called lecanemab, another pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, has released Alzheimer’s treatment, donanemab. Aducanumab is also another drug to treat Alzheimer. Donanemab, Lecanemaband aducanemab are monoclonal antibodies which neutralise the build up of amyloid protein in the Brain. About Alzheimer's Disease:  Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects the brain, leading to a range of symptoms including memory loss, cognitive decline, behavioural changes, language difficulties, impaired judgment, mood swings, personality shifts, and confusion related to time and place.  This disease stands as the primary cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Underlying Factors and Risks: While the exact causes of Alzheime

  Daily Current Affairs 18 and 19 August 2023 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) : Why in News: INDIA’S FIRST 3D-printed post office was inaugurated  in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout on Friday. Source: Indian Express 3D Printing : 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that uses computer-created design to make three- dimensional objects, layer by layer.  It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or biomaterials are built up to construct objects of various shapes, sizes, rigidity and colour Process of 3D Printing: Design: Create a 3D model of the desired object using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Printing: Connect the computer to a 3D printer and initiate the printing process. The 3D printer follows the instructions from the digital model. Layering: The printer adds material layer by layer, typically using materials like plastic, composites, metals, or bio-materials. Each layer fuses to the previous one to bui

Daily Current Affairs 17 August 2023 PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme : The PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme is a government initiative approved by the Union Cabinet to enhance city bus services and urban infrastructure with a focus on green mobility.  The scheme aims to introduce 10,000 electric buses (e-buses) into city bus services across the country, particularly targeting cities that lack organised bus services. Key highlights of the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme: Budget Allocation: The scheme is estimated to cost ₹57,613 crore. The Central Government will contribute ₹20,000 crore, while the remaining amount will be funded by the respective States. Duration: The scheme will support bus operations for a period of 10 years. Employment Generation :  The scheme will generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs  Implementation: The scheme will be carried out in two segments: Segment 1: Augmenting the City bus Services In 169 cities, 10,000 e-buses will be introduced through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.  Add

Daily Current Affairs 15 and 16 August 2023 Aditya - L1 Mission: Launch and Orbit:   The Aditya-L1 spacecraft will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Once in space, it will be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point (L1) of the Sun-Earth system.  This point is located about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth.  The L1 point provides an advantageous position to observe the Sun continuously without being affected by Earth's shadow, occultation, or eclipses. Objectives:  The primary objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission are to study various aspects of the Sun, including its corona, solar emissions, solar winds, flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).  The spacecraft will also carry out round-the-clock imaging of the Sun, providing valuable data for research. Scientific Significance:  The mission holds significant scientific value. By studying the Sun's corona and its various phenomena, such as solar flares and CMEs, scientists can gain

Daily Current Affairs 14 August 2023 Karnataka Proposes Customised Criteria and Timely Response for Drought Declaration -  Drought Manual and Its Implementation and Applicability Why in News :    Amid an extended period of insufficient monsoon rainfall and challenges experienced across diverse agro-climatic zones, Karnataka has appealed to the central government for a comprehensive review of the norms governing the declaration of drought. The state has proposed the following adjustments: Tailored Criteria for Drought Declaration: Karnataka suggests moving away from a uniform approach and instead developing criteria that are tailored to specific geographical regions. This would involve accounting for factors like soil type, crop variety, temperature variations, and other local conditions in determining drought status. Revised Timeframe for Declaring Dry Spells: The state recommends revising and shortening the time duration required to declare dry spells. In this revision, consideratio