Target Dreams

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)                                                   Duration : Two hours Comprehension; Interpersonal skills including communication skills; Logical reasoning and analytical ability; Decision making and problem solving; General mental ability; Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, order

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 emissions, with

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 effect after the delimitation fo

     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 disease and thalassaemia.  This ap

This Post is based on the article "Need for Climate Smart Agriculture in India" Which is Published in the The Hindu on 25th November 2023.  Introduction: The 21st century confronts humanity with two paramount challenges: climate change and food insecurity. Ongoing climate-related impacts, such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones, are adversely affecting lives and livelihoods globally. Challenges for Agriculture: Severe droughts in the southern continents, including India, are negatively impacting agricultural production and farmers' livelihoods. Population growth and dietary changes are escalating the demand for food, placing additional strain on traditional farming practices. Climate change is rendering traditional farming less productive, necessitating farmers to reevaluate their methods. Adapting to Climate Change: Farmers worldwide are adopting adaptation measures to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) emerges as

Why in News : A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, has unearthed tantalum, a rare metal with exceptional properties, in the sands of the Sutlej River in Punjab. Tantalum is a rare and valuable metal with various unique properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. Here are some key points about tantalum: Discovery:  Tantalum was discovered by Anders Gustaf Ekenberg, a Swedish chemist, in 1802.  Initially, it was thought to be a different form of niobium, but the distinction between the two elements was later established by Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac in 1866. Name Origin:  The metal is named after Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology who was punished by the gods.  Tantalus was condemned to stand in a pool of water with fruit hanging above him, but whenever he tried to drink or eat, the water and fruit would recede.  The name tantalum was chosen because of the metal's insolubility in acids. Physical Propert

This Post is based on the article "Recognising the impact of climate change on health"  Which is Published in the The Hindu on 22nd November 2023.  Introduction: As India prepares for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), a critical concern emerges regarding the impact of climate change on the country's health.  The vulnerability of India's population to climate risks is exacerbated by inadequate health systems. Direct Health Impacts: Climate change directly contributes to increased sickness and mortality rates. Indirectly, it influences nutrition, diminishes working hours, and heightens climate-induced stress.  The rising global temperatures, surpassing the agreed-upon limit of 1.5°C in the Paris Agreement, pose a severe threat.  Recent records indicate 2023 witnessed historically high temperatures and heat waves, with the situation expected to deteriorate further. Double Burden of Morbidity: India fa

The " State of India’s Birds, 2023 " report indicates a general decline in the numbers of most bird species in the country, with some currently declining and others projected to decline in the long term.  The report is based on data from approximately 30,000 birdwatchers and assesses the distribution range, trends in abundance, and conservation status of India's bird species. The report was conducted by 13 partner organisations, including the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The assessments rely on three indices. Two of them are related to change in abundance — long-term trend (change over 30 years) and current annual trend (change over past seven years) — and  The third is a measure of distribution range size in India. Key findings from the report : Decline in Raptors and Migratory Birds:  Raptors (birds of prey), migratory shorebirds, and ducks have experienced the most significant declines. Long-distance migrants, such as birds fr