From Site of International Year of Astronomy as Declared by UN:
Everyone should realise the impact of astronomy and other fundamental sciences on our daily lives, and understand how scientific knowledge can contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society. IYA2009 activities will take place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.
From the link given below, one can write a good write up on International Year of Astronomy. It is the official site of IYA as declared by UN and organized by UNESCO. Many of the Civil Services Magazines have already brought out similar essays. One may find the common points by following the page which has been selected below.
A High Priority Topic for Prelims as well Mains.
SUGGESTION: Pick Astronomy terms like Exoplanet, Light Year, Nebula etc. for special notes. Some of them may follow here also.
Link to be used:
IYA2009 General | Astronomy 2009
Photograph: Catherine Ceasersky the President of International Year of Astronomy 2009. Source: the site of IYA, the link given above.
Dr Singh at the UN: His speechAt the above given link of Rediff News, the speech of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of Republic of India can be accessed. The speech was delievered on September 26, 2008 at 63rd session of United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The following are some of the extracts from the speech itself.
The composition of the Security Council needs to change to reflect contemporary realities of the twenty-first century.Globalisation has contributed to ever widening circles of prosperity and we in India have benefited from it.Ensuring inclusive growth within nations, and inclusive globalization across nations, is a central challenge that faces us.The development gains that many countries have made are today threatened by a possible food crisis, a global energy crisis and most recently, unprecedented upheavals in international financial markets.There is, therefore, a need for a new international initiative to bring structural reform in the world's financial system with more effective regulation and stronger systems of multilateral consultations and surveillance. The world needs a Second Green Revolution to address the problem of food security. We need new technologies, new institutional responses and above all a global compact to ensure food and livelihood security.It is feared that many of the conflicts of the 21st century will be over water.Poverty, ignorance and disease still afflict millions of people.Poverty alleviation and livelihood security are closely linked to energy security.Climate change can be overcome successfully only through a collaborative and cooperative global effort.
India has unveiled an ambitious National Action Plan on Climate Change.
The growing assertion of separate identities and ethnic, cultural and religious intolerance threatens our developmental efforts and our peace and stability.
We should conclude expeditiously the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
The United Nations is a living symbol of pluralism.
General Information
UPSC has taken initiative to display Last Year Question Papers of CS, CDS, NDA, CMS, Engineering Service on its site. Check them out at www.upsc.gov.in. The files are PDF.
go to www.upsc.gov.in and check what is new.
