In an exclusive interview with India Today, Dr. Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President of King’s College London, explained the transformative power of precision medicine.

What is Precision Medicine?
Traditionally, medicine offered a “one-size-fits-all” treatment for diseases. However, precision medicine takes a more personalized approach, allowing doctors to identify subtypes of diseases and prescribe treatments based on an individual’s genetics. “For a long time, we’ve been offering the same treatment to all patients with a specific disease. But with precision medicine, we can break diseases down into smaller entities,” Dr. Kapur says.

How Does It Help with Cancer?
Cancer, once thought of as a single disease, is now understood to have multiple variations based on genetic mutations. This knowledge allows doctors to select targeted therapies. For example, breast cancer, once seen as a single disease, is now categorized into several genetic subtypes, each requiring specific treatments.

Dr. Kapur explains, “When you do the genetics of it, you realise there are, let’s say, 4 types of breast cancer. They may look the same, but their genetic makeup is different, allowing for targeted treatments.”

Can You Afford It?
Despite the promising results, affordability remains a significant concern. Dr. Kapur highlights the exorbitant cost of precision medicine treatments, such as a treatment for metachromatic leukodystrophy, which costs 4.5 million US dollars per patient. He adds, “No one can afford it, even in the United States. It’s only available through insurance.”

The high cost is a challenge, but experts are hopeful that, as technology advances, the cost of these treatments will decrease, making them more accessible.

The Role of AI in Precision Medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in enhancing precision medicine by predicting disease risks. AI analyzes large datasets, including genetic and lifestyle information, to identify patterns that can predict individual risks for diseases. Dr. Kapur explains, “AI enhances predictive healthcare by analyzing detailed genetic and lifestyle data, which can predict your risk much more accurately than traditional methods.”

Accessibility in India
While precision medicine shows great promise, its availability in countries like India is limited. Unlike common medications for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, precision medicine is not widely accessible. However, Dr. Kapur remains optimistic, stating, “The hope is that genetics will guide treatment for common conditions like heart disease and blood pressure, leading to better treatments in the future.”

Precision medicine offers exciting possibilities for the future of healthcare, especially in cancer treatment. However, its high cost and limited availability still pose significant challenges that need to be addressed.

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1. Understanding the Importance of Time Management

• Why Time Management Matters: Discuss how good time management helps improve productivity, reduce stress, and enhance focus, all of which are essential for exam preparation and overall well-being.
• Long-Term Impact: Emphasize how mastering time management now sets students up for success in their future careers, as it is a skill that will help them balance work-life challenges in any professional field.

2. Prioritizing Studies Without Sacrificing Other Aspects of Life

• Setting Clear Goals: Teach students how to prioritize their study goals by creating a clear roadmap that includes both short-term and long-term objectives.
• Incorporating Hobbies: Highlight the importance of continuing hobbies or extracurricular activities, as these can serve as stress-relievers and creative outlets. This can prevent burnout during intensive study sessions.
• Balance with Rest: Stress the significance of adequate rest. Without proper sleep and breaks, cognitive abilities drop, making study sessions less productive. Encourage students to schedule regular rest periods, including power naps or light walks, to refresh their minds.

3. Time Blocking for Maximum Efficiency

• Time Blocks for Study: Encourage students to break down their study time into focused blocks (e.g., 1-2 hour sessions), followed by short breaks. This technique, known as the Pomodoro method, helps increase concentration and prevent fatigue.
• Allocating Time for Hobbies: Discuss how students can set aside specific times for their hobbies or interests (e.g., an hour a day for reading, music practice, sports, etc.), which can also be a great way to unwind and stay motivated.
• Scheduling Rest Time: Create a balanced daily routine where rest time is just as scheduled as study time. This may include sleep schedules, relaxation, or even socializing with family or friends.

4. Avoiding Overwhelm and Burnout

• Recognizing Burnout Signs: Teach students how to spot early signs of burnout, such as fatigue, lack of concentration, and irritability. Emphasize that overworking without adequate rest will reduce efficiency.
• Learning to Say No: Students should be aware of their limits and practice saying no to distractions or additional commitments that can interfere with their time management goals, especially during exam periods.

5. Leveraging Technology for Better Time Management

• Time Management Apps: Introduce apps like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion, which can help students track their study schedule, plan breaks, and integrate hobbies and social activities into their routine.
• Setting Reminders: Teach students how setting daily or weekly reminders can help them stick to their time blocks and avoid procrastination.

6. Balancing Work and Social Life

• Quality over Quantity: Help students understand that balancing studies with social activities doesn’t mean spending hours socializing, but rather making time for meaningful connections with family and friends, which contributes to emotional well-being.
• Finding a Sustainable Routine: Encourage students to experiment with different schedules to discover a routine that works best for them in balancing study, hobbies, and rest, which helps them stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Real-Life Examples

• Success Stories: Share stories of successful professionals or students who effectively managed their time while preparing for exams or building careers, demonstrating the importance of balance.
• Overcoming Struggles: Talk about how even those who faced time management struggles in their student years overcame them by prioritizing, staying organized, and using the right tools and techniques.

Conclusion

By developing time management skills, students not only improve their chances of success in competitive exams but also set a strong foundation for achieving their long-term career goals. Balancing study time with hobbies, rest, and social activities ensures they remain motivated, productive, and well-rounded individuals.

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This year, IIT Guwahati spearheaded several significant breakthroughs across diverse domains of research. Among the highlights was a major advancement in semiconductor technology, achieved by a multi-institutional team led by the institute. This development in ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors is poised to transform high-power applications. In the healthcare sector, IIT Guwahati showcased its ingenuity with cost-efficient motion sensors, novel regenerative therapies for knee meniscus tears, and an award-winning IoT-based water quality monitoring device, reflecting its commitment to accessible and affordable solutions.

Sustainability remained a key focus for the institute in 2024. IIT Guwahati made strides with eco-friendly innovations such as sustainable ammonium removal methods for wastewater and geopolymer technologies for repurposing industrial waste. Partnerships with ISRO and groundbreaking studies in quantum gravity propelled advancements in space science and theoretical physics. A major highlight in biotechnology was the successful transfer of technology for India’s first swine fever vaccine.

Commenting on the institute’s achievements, IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal remarked, “IIT Guwahati is the leading academic institution in the northeast, driving teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship development, and tackling challenges related to future technologies. The coming year, 2025, will bring new challenges in semiconductors, energy, health technologies, and sustainable energy solutions. We look forward to embracing the future with optimism and determination.”

The institute also made significant progress in educational excellence. It advanced to the 344th position in the QS World University Rankings 2025, climbing 20 places from the previous year, and maintained its 7th rank in the NIRF Engineering Rankings. IIT Guwahati also demonstrated its commitment to global sustainability by excelling in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.

Global and local partnerships strengthened the institute’s impact this year. International collaborations with universities in Canada, Japan, and Thailand expanded its global reach. At the same time, regional initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Development Program with the Assam Government and the mega Science and Math Olympiad, which engaged over 100,000 students, underscored its dedication to local development.

In 2024, IIT Guwahati played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and skill development in Northeast India. Initiatives like the Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Conclave and the establishment of India’s largest Remote Pilot Training Organisation highlighted its commitment to empowering the youth. The acquisition of the IIT Guwahati startup EvyEnergy further demonstrated its capability to nurture innovations ready for the global stage.

Infrastructure development was another milestone for the institute this year. The inauguration of advanced ISO 5 and 6 cleanroom facilities and the foundation-laying ceremony for the Mehta Family Schools in Data Science and Health Sciences added to its capabilities in interdisciplinary research and education.

Looking ahead to 2025, IIT Guwahati envisions broadening its global collaborations, advancing sustainable technologies, driving regional development, and expanding educational outreach. The institute aims to address pressing challenges, fostering innovation and empowering students and researchers to excel in an ever-evolving world.

As IIT Guwahati concludes a transformative 2024, its unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability sets the stage for greater impact and recognition in the coming years. The institute calls upon its stakeholders to join in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

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The Story Behind Abhidhamma Day

According to Buddhist tradition, after attaining enlightenment, the Buddha ascended to Tavatimsa Heaven to deliver the teachings of the Abhidhamma to his mother, who had been reborn in that celestial realm. The Buddha is said to have spent three months in heaven, expounding the intricate details of the Abhidhamma, which is considered the highest and most abstract form of his teachings. It explains the nature of mind, matter, and the realities governing existence.

At the end of the three months, Buddha descended back to earth, and this descent is what is celebrated as International Abhidhamma Day. The event signifies not just his return but also the transmission of profound wisdom to humanity, helping to deepen the understanding of Buddhist philosophy. In this context, Abhidhamma Day is viewed as a time to honor the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom in offering these higher teachings to all beings.

The Significance of the Abhidhamma

The Abhidhamma Pitaka, one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka (the Buddhist canon), delves into the nature of consciousness, mental phenomena, and the intricacies of karmic law. While the Sutta Pitaka and the Vinaya Pitaka deal with the Buddha’s discourses and monastic rules, the Abhidhamma Pitaka goes beyond the conventional teachings, offering an analytical framework for understanding the workings of the mind and reality.

It is considered the most challenging part of Buddhist teachings due to its complexity and depth. The Abhidhamma does not rely on narratives or stories but instead uses a scientific and philosophical approach to dissect mental processes and categorize human experiences. It is highly regarded among Buddhist scholars and meditators, who use it as a foundation for deepening their practice and understanding of the mind.

How International Abhidhamma Day is Celebrated

International Abhidhamma Day is observed with a mix of religious ceremonies, meditation sessions, and acts of merit-making. In countries like Myanmar, large-scale celebrations are organized, including processions, offering alms to monks, and group prayers. Temples and monasteries hold special services, during which sections of the Abhidhamma are recited, and devotees reflect on the teachings of the Buddha.

Many Buddhists also use this occasion to participate in Dhamma discussions, meditate, and engage in charitable acts, believing that generating merit on this day will lead to greater spiritual progress. Monks and laypeople alike are encouraged to study the Abhidhamma in greater depth, exploring its teachings on the nature of consciousness and reality.

Relevance in the Modern World

Though deeply rooted in tradition, International Abhidhamma Day offers valuable lessons for modern life. The Abhidhamma’s focus on understanding the mind resonates with contemporary psychological practices, especially mindfulness and meditation, which have gained global popularity. In an age where mental health and mindfulness are becoming increasingly important, the Abhidhamma’s teachings on the mind’s workings offer a time-tested, profound resource for achieving inner peace and clarity.

In conclusion, International Abhidhamma Day is more than just a religious observance; it is a celebration of wisdom, mindfulness, and the deep spiritual insights offered by the Buddha. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and mental discipline, key aspects of both Buddhist practice and modern life.

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