Bloom’s Taxonomy

A group of cognitive psychologists, curriculum theorists and instructional researchers, and testing and assessment specialists published in 2001 a revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy with the title A Taxonomy for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment. This title draws attention away from the somewhat static notion of “educational objectives” (in Bloom’s original title) and points to a more dynamic conception of classification.

The authors of the revised taxonomy underscore this dynamism, using verbs and gerunds to label their categories and subcategories (rather than the nouns of the original taxonomy). These “action words” describe the cognitive processes by which thinkers encounter and work with knowledge.

A statement of a learning objective contains a verb (an action) and an object (usually a noun).

Using Bloom's taxonomy to help write lesson plans is the best way to start to differentiate your lessons. It can be tricky for new teachers and trainee teachers to plan lessons and differentiate effectively but I found using Bloom's taxonomy is a great help. This infographic shows exactly the differentiation possible.  #teacherofsci  #adviceforteachers #teacheradvice #teachertips #teachingtips #teacher #teachers #teaching #education #writinglessonplans #lessonplan #bloomstaxonomy #blooms
  • The verb generally refers to [actions associated with] the intended cognitive process.
  • The object generally describes the knowledge students are expected to acquire or construct. (Anderson and Krathwohl, 2001, pp. 4–5)

The cognitive process dimension represents a continuum of increasing cognitive complexity—from remember to create. Anderson and Krathwohl identify 19 specific cognitive processes that further clarify the bounds of the six categories. 

The Cognitive Process Dimension – categories, cognitive processes (and alternative names)

..

Remember

recognizing(identifying)

recalling (retrieving)

Understand

interpreting(clarifying, paraphrasing, representing, translating)

exemplifying(illustrating, instantiating)

classifying(categorizing, subsuming)

summarizing(abstracting, generalizing)

inferring (concluding, extrapolating, interpolating, predicting)

comparing(contrasting, mapping, matching)

explaining(constructing models)

Apply

executing (carrying out)

implementing (using)

Analyze

differentiating(discriminating, distinguishing, focusing, selecting)

organizing (finding, coherence, integrating, outlining, parsing, structuring)

attributing(deconstructing)

Evaluate

checking (coordinating, detecting, monitoring, testing)

critiquing (judging)

Create

generating(hypothesizing)

planning (designing)

producing (construct)

The knowledge dimension represents a range from concrete (factual) to abstract (metacognitive) (Table 2). Representation of the knowledge dimension as a number of discrete steps can be a bit misleading. For example, all procedural knowledge may not be more abstract than all conceptual knowledge. And metacognitive knowledge is a special case. In this model, “metacognitive knowledge is knowledge of [one’s own] cognition and about oneself in relation to various subject matters . . . ” (Anderson and Krathwohl)

 The Knowledge Dimension

Factual

  • knowledge of terminology
  • knowledge of specific details and elements

Conceptual

  • knowledge of classifications and categories
  • knowledge of principles and generalizations
  • knowledge of theories, models, and structures

Procedural

  • knowledge of subject-specific skills and algorithms
  • knowledge of subject-specific techniques and methods
  • knowledge of criteria for determining when to use appropriate procedures

Metacognitive

  • strategic knowledge
  • knowledge about cognitive tasks, including appropriate contextual and conditional knowledge
  • self-knowledge

Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy Model

Note: These are learning objectives – not learning activities. It may be useful to think of preceding each objective with something like, “students will be able to…:

The Knowledge Dimension

Factual

The basic elements a student must know to be acquainted with a discipline or solve problems in it.

The Knowledge Dimension

Conceptual

The interrelationships among the basic elements within a larger structure that enable them to function together.

The Knowledge Dimension

Procedural

How to do something, methods of inquiry, and criteria for using skills, algorithms, techniques, and methods.

The Knowledge Dimension

Metacognitive

Knowledge of cognition in general as well as awareness and knowledge of one’s own cognition

The Cognitive Process Dimension

Remember

Retrieve relevant knowledge from long-term memory.

Remember + Factual

List primary and secondary colors.

Remember + Conceptual

Recognize symptoms of exhaustion.

Remember + Procedural

Recall how to perform CPR.

Remember + Metacognitive

Identify strategies for retaining information.

The Cognitive Process Dimension

Understand

Construct meaning from instructional messages, including oral, written and graphic communication.

Understand + Factual

Summarize features of a new product.

Understand + Conceptual

Classify adhesives by toxicity.

Understand + Procedural

Clarify assembly instructions.

Understand + Metacognitive

Predict one’s response to culture shock.

The Cognitive Process Dimension

Apply

Carry out or use a procedure in a given situation.

Apply + Factual

Respond to frequently asked questions.

Apply + Conceptual

Provide advice to novices.

Apply + Procedural

Carry out pH tests of water samples.

Apply + Metacognitive

Use techniques that match one’s strengths.

The Cognitive Process Dimension

Analyze

Carry out or use a procedure in a given situation.

Analyze + Factual

Select the most complete list of activities.

Analyze + Conceptual

Differentiate high and low culture.

Analyze + Procedural

Integrate compliance with regulations.

Analyze + Metacognitive

Deconstruct one’s biases.

The Cognitive Process Dimension

Evaluate

Make judgments based on criteria and standards.

Evaluate + Factual

Select the most complete list of activities.

Evaluate + Conceptual

Determine relevance of results.

Evaluate + Procedural

Judge efficiency of sampling techniques.

Evaluate + Metacognitive

Reflect on one’s progress.

The Cognitive Process Dimension

Create

Put elements together to form a coherent whole; reorganize into a new pattern or structure.

Create + Factual

Generate a log of daily activities.

Create + Conceptual

Assemble a team of experts.

Create + Procedural

Design efficient project workflow.

Create + Metacognitive

Create a learning portfolio.

Power of your Subconscious Mind

The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind is a spiritual self-help book, which teaches you how to use visualization and other suggestion techniques to adapt your unconscious behavior in positive ways.

Understanding your subconscious mind as a photographic mechanism removes the emotion and struggle from changing your life, because if it is simply a matter of replacing existing mental images with new ones, you begin to see the ease with which you may change.

‘The law of your mind is the law of belief itself,’ Murphy says. What we believe makes us who we are. William James observed that whatever people expect to be true, will be so, irrespective of whether the object of their belief exists in fact. In the West we have made ‘the truth’ our highest value; this motivation, while important, is weak next to the actual power of belief in shaping our lives.

1. You Receive Answers To Prayer Because Of Mental Acceptance About What You Pray

Murphy proposes that your religious affiliation is not what makes prayer effective. Rather, it is based on your ability and willingness to accept what you pray.

It makes sense that whatever you can and do accept on a conscious level has to be accepted by your subconscious as well.

Another statement that expands on this idea is this one: “the subconscious mind is subject to the conscious mind.” What Murphy is saying is that you can train your subconscious mind to believe what you can accept on a conscious level.

2. Your Subconscious Mind Has The Answer To All Your Problems

This statement makes perfect sense if you don’t have any problems with the idea that your subconscious mind = God.

Even if not for that, though, it speaks to the power of the subconscious mind. You don’t need to go looking outside for the answers you seek – Murphy is saying – you can look inside, and pose questions to your subconscious.

The answers may not come immediately, but your mind is always working on problems you submit to it even when you’re doing other things, and it will eventually present to you a workable solution.

3. Faith Is The Only Universal Healing Principle Operating Through Everybody

I believe the implication here is that faith is created by accessing and harnessing the power of our subconscious minds. Illness, physical ailments, and even traumatic experiences can be healed by repeatedly submitting thoughts of healing to our subconscious minds.

Can we be healed by any other means? According to Murphy, no. Faith is the universal healing principle. Of course, I don’t think he would discount the importance of medicine and other orthodox cures, but I have to guess that in this case he is referring to instances of healing that have occurred in so-called “healing services”, churches, or religious gatherings.

4. If A Prayer Is Answered, It Is Answered Scientifically

What Murphy is suggesting is that there is a formula to prayers that are answered. He explains that “science” means knowledge that is coordinated, arranged and systematized, so the idea here is that we can cooperate with our subconscious minds to see more of our prayers answered.

If anything, the entire book sheds light on how little attention and thought we give to our subconscious minds, and what fantastic tools they are in helping us achieve ends that we desire to see in our lives.

5. Don’t Compel Your Subconscious Mind To Accept Your Idea By Willpower

Although Murphy does talk about presenting positive thoughts and images to our subconscious minds, he is also quick to caution us that we can’t force things. Our willpower is limited, and it continues to decrease and diminish throughout the day. Can you imagine how tiring it would be to force yourself to think the same things and visualize the same images all day long?

I think the idea is that we can plant seeds and nurture them, but we shouldn’t be constantly uncovering the soil to see how our seeds are doing. We must keep pulling the weeds and watering the seed, and while that may require a daily investment, it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.

6. The World You Live In Is Determined By What Goes In Your Mind

Regardless of whether you subscribe to Murphy’s theology, I think this is something we can all agree on. What goes into your mind is hugely important. If you choose poorly, you’ll assimilate bad attitudes, behaviors, and thoughts. If you choose well, you’ll begin to see positive changes within yourself.

What world do you want to live in? Have you thought about it? If you aren’t sure what you want to achieve in your lifetime, it makes it much harder to select input that will assist you on your journey. If you are fully in alignment with your objectives, choosing the right input becomes much easier.

7. Man Punishes Himself With His False Concepts Of God

We create our own misery. No one else does it for us. I think I know exactly what Murphy was saying here. I can attest to the fact that my false concepts of God led me down a path of misery.

In 2014, I went through a period of depression. Up until that point, I had felt that there was a clear path laid out ahead of me. Suddenly, that path disappeared and I could no longer see what was ahead. I cried out to God, but to no avail. My prayers kept hitting the ceiling. And, in retrospect, I feel it was my false ideas of the divine that were responsible for my bouts of depression.

Mysticism is the belief that something outside you controls your life. Recognizing that you are in control and you can rely upon your subconscious mind for the answers you seek is empowering. Right or wrong is not something you can check against a book. Right or wrong is embedded deep within you already, and to try to fit yourself into someone else’s ideas is to try to put a square peg in a round hole.

  1. Be willing to see the unchangeable change.
  2. Give yourself permission to be successful.
  3. Don’t allow other people’s fears to cast shadows of doubt.
  4. Surround yourself with positive reinforcement.
  5. Speak your success as a present fact, not a future plan.

Agriculture of the New Age

Using smart techniques like vertical farming, censors, potential land requirements,etc.

Agriculture of today is faced with many problems. The lack of availability of farm lands, limited access to water, climate change, and overpopulation all jeopardize the overall sustainability of farm production. In aiming to produce enough food for the growing population, farmers are forced to increase crop productivity per field unit. So here is the big question that every struggling farmer is faced with: How this can be achieved? Luckily, there is one possible and quite simple solution: the introduction and use of modern technologies in modern farming. New modern technologies not only bring revolutionary changes into farming but also revolutionize the way in which farmers work.

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Modern farm management relies on many different factors, including sensing methodologies, farm equipment, enhanced seeds, and farm software which facilitates the tracking of a complete farm production from one central location. Modern technology helps farmers obtain accurate information of crop, soil, climate, and environmental conditions.

Sensors are important tools in modern agriculture management. They are used either to control variable rate application in real-time or to generate field maps of particular soil properties, in conjunction with GPS.

According to variation in soil characteristics that influence the yield, sensors can measure:

  • Soil texture
  • Soil moisture
  • Soil organic matter
  • Soil pH
  • Soil nutrient level (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium)
  • Cation exchange capacity (CAC)
  • Soil compaction
  • Pest detection
  • Depth of plant roots
  • Soil structure and bulk density.

There are two main types of sensors available to farmers for measuring of various soil characteristics. These are:

1. On-the-go sensors

On-the go sensors are sensors attached to a tractor or to its implement which measure various soil characteristics with or without entering the soil. As a tractor with GPS receiver moves across the field, measured data is generated on a soil map. This map can serve as an information for application rate of fertilizers, pesticides or enhancement of soil properties.  

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2. Real-time sensors

Real-time sensors are sensors attached to a tractor or to its implement which record the real-time changes in the soil, such as nitrogen amount or weed presence. The changes are automatically registered by a central computer which coordinates the application of a fertilizer or herbicide. In this case, a product is applied only where it is needed.

Real-time sensors are generally used for variable-rate application where pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds are applied according to measured soil’s or crop’s characteristics.

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Sensors for soil mapping are mainly vehicle-based but can also be made by drones. Soil data is captured on-the-go and instantaneously converted into distribution maps. Based on analyzed data, farmers know which part of the field lacks a certain crop nutrient or need to manage its characteristic. This helps minimize the need for farm inputs use and lower financial cost while increasing crop yield.

Technology is increasingly taking over the agriculture sector. Farmers are not dummy village people anymore, they are becoming technologically educated and proud to participate in eradication of world hunger. Be one of them and reduce the hunger by using modern farm technology.

Stress Management

Stress is a normal reaction the body has when changes occur, resulting in physical, emotional and intellectual responses. Stress management training can help you deal with changes in a healthier way.

What is stress?

Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. In fact, the human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses. That’s stress.

Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. For example, if you have an important test coming up, a stress response might help your body work harder and stay awake longer. But stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation.

What happens to the body during stress?

The body’s autonomic nervous system controls your heart rate, breathing, vision changes and more. Its built-in stress response, the “fight-or-flight response,” helps the body face stressful situations.

When a person has long-term (chronic) stress, continued activation of the stress response causes wear and tear on the body. Physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms develop.

Physical symptoms of stress include:

  • Aches and pains.
  • Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.
  • Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
  • Headaches, dizziness or shaking.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Muscle tension or jaw clenching.
  • Stomach or digestive problems.
  • Trouble having sex.
  • Weak immune system.

Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like:

  • Anxiety or irritability.
  • Depression.
  • Panic attacks.
  • Sadness.

Often, people with chronic stress try to manage it with unhealthy behaviors, including:

  • Drinking alcohol too much or too often.
  • Gambling.
  • Overeating or developing an eating disorder.
  • Participating compulsively in sex, shopping or internet browsing.
  • Smoking.
  • Using drugs.

How is stress diagnosed?

Stress is subjective — not measurable with tests. Only the person experiencing it can determine whether it’s present and how severe it feels. A healthcare provider may use questionnaires to understand your stress and how it affects your life.

If you have chronic stress, your healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms that result from stress. For example, high blood pressure can be diagnosed and treated.

What are some strategies for stress relief?

You can’t avoid stress, but you can stop it from becoming overwhelming by practicing some daily strategies:

  • Exercise when you feel symptoms of stress coming on. Even a short walk can boost your mood.
  • At the end of each day, take a moment to think about what you’ve accomplished — not what you didn’t get done.
  • Set goals for your day, week and month. Narrowing your view will help you feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks.
  • Consider talking to a therapist or your healthcare provider about your worries.

What are some ways to prevent stress?

Many daily strategies can help you keep stress at bay:

  • Try relaxation activities, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation. Programs are available online, in smartphone apps, and at many gyms and community centers.
  • Take good care of your body each day. Eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep help your body handle stress much better.
  • Stay positive and practice gratitude, acknowledging the good parts of your day or life.
  • Accept that you can’t control everything. Find ways to let go of worry about situations you cannot change.
  • Learn to say “no” to additional responsibilities when you are too busy or stressed.
  • Stay connected with people who keep you calm, make you happy, provide emotional support and help you with practical things. A friend, family member or neighbor can become a good listener or share responsibilities so that stress doesn’t become overwhelming.

How long does stress last?

Stress can be a short-term issue or a long-term problem, depending on what changes in your life. Regularly using stress management techniques can help you avoid most physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms of stress.

When should I talk to a doctor about stress?

You should seek medical attention if you feel overwhelmed, if you are using drugs or alcohol to cope, or if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Your primary care provider can help by offering advice, prescribing medicine or referring you to a therapist.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

It’s natural and normal to be stressed sometimes. But long-term stress can cause physical symptoms, emotional symptoms and unhealthy behaviors. Try relieving and managing stress using a few simple strategies. But if you feel overwhelmed, talk to your doctor.

COPING STRATEGIES ADOPTED DURING LOCKDOWN

GOOD SAY OR BAD ADOPTING COPING STRATEGIES OR HOBBIES ARE THE THING ON WHICH NOBODY HAS A CONTROL OVER DURING THE LOCKDOWN.

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown measures have created unprecedented circumstances that increase stress and anxiety, thus leading individuals experiencing home confinement to adopt various coping strategies that contribute to building resilience. Given the novelty and recency of the COVID-19 lockdown, factors of coping and resilience in this specific context of home confinement remain undefined. Some put this time in effective routine to get good result but there were some who waste their time with some bad coping strategies.

SOME COPING STRATEGIES WERE-

  • COOKING– people have learnt to cook for them-self. People who live alone and deprived from the food delivery option have taken up the ladle, some who have no choice and some who see this as a opportunity to learn or put their confined time to some effective work or activity.
  • DUSTING AND CLEANING- people have to take this activity without any choice as with this lockdown and without any house help their hands were tied or say only their hands were the one left to do the job. Some saw this as an opportunity to cover their missed fitness routine and some did because they didn’t have any choice but to keep their house clean.
  • READING- This is one of the good coping strategies people have taken up in this lockdown. Prior to this covid-19 lockdown, people with their busy and anxious schedule and working hours with no time left to give to literature or reading has taken this opportunity for an mind relaxing time with reading .
  • SCREEN TIME – This is the most adopted and with too much used time, it’s seen as and become a bad coping strategy and habit especially during this lockdown. Most people coped this confined and with too much time on digital screen with movies, shows and net etc, under these most people are kids and students with no school and colleges.
  • YOGA – Yoga during this lockdown has replaced the gym for fitness routine and mental health also. Some has adopted it to replace the gym but some ha adopted it to relax their mind from this anxious and confined situation. And surprisingly during lockdown it has become a big hit among all age of people from kids to adult and old people also.

Hostel Life Memories

by – Supriya

Hostel Life is the main charm of college life.In fact, hostel life is true world of fun and freedom. The students who live in homes envy hostel students. They do not have the parental check.Hostel life is so charming that some students,in spite of having homes in the same city like to live in hostels.College life is generally regarded as the best part of a student’s life. A college is dreamland of a student’s life. It is a beautiful panorama of enjoyment, freedom and friendship. Sweet memories and pleasure of college life are simply amazing. The first and the last day, a group of friends holidays , functions ,other activities and hostel life make college life the most memorable part of students life. In short, it is true that the joys and freedom that seem a dream in school become a reality in college.
Hostel life offers many attractions. The main charm is that of freedom. There is no parental observation and restriction. Hostel students have their timetables for come and go,study and play and sleep and wake. In short, they do as and what they wish to do. They may study at night and sleep in the day.They may or may not attend classes. They may go to the cinema whenever they like. So, they have their own lifestyles.

” Freedom is the hallmark of Hostel Life”

Hostel life has the attraction to spend money freely.A hostel student feels free to demand and spend money. Some boys become extravagant in their expenditure. They wear the latest fashion dresses.They can have their rooms very well furnished and they can also attend and arrange parties. They can also adopt expensive hobbies. They feel free to live and spend.Hostel life plays an important role in developing the personality of a student. The students who live in hostel are confident, self-dependent and active. Hostel life helps them to develop a sense of responsibility . Freedom also helps them to grow in a better way. They get good training in practical life. They also feel relax and safe from domestic disturbance. So, every should be given a chance to benefit from hostel life.

There are also some dangers of hostel freedom is misused . Lack of check and restrictions becomes a means of immoral activities. Some boys adpot bad habits like smoking, gambling, and drinking. Vidence also becomes a part of their personality. Generally , they ignore their studies ,waste their time and so fail in the examination. They develop the habit of fraud and lie. They demand more money from their parents on false pretexts. They hesitate to talk about studies and show fake result cards. Fashions become a part of their daily life.In view of the above discussion ,it can be said that hostel life is a mixed blessing. Whether histel life should be praised or cursed depends on the student. In a hostel , a student can achieve all his targets and come out as a complete man. He can also turn into an angry young man. Overall, we say that hostel life is a worth – enjoying experience for every student.

Hostel life makes a student regular in studies and games.The time for studies and games is usually fixed, and their teachers or supervisor watch students. The atmosphere of good hostel is such that it makes a student interested in his regular activities. He likes to move ahead and to do better than others. If he falls behind the senior students ,the teachers can help him to improve himself. Thus, he finds himself engaged in a happy competition .Not only in studies and sports , in other matters like student management of the hostel dining hall, Library,common room,indoor games, and debating and other clubs he can work and gain valuable experience. In any case, a student learns to live independently in a hostel . He cannot get his parents or elders help as he can at home in practically every matter. Sometimes he has to take decisions independently ,for example , whether to go on a trip organised by the college or to particular in a college function. He chooses his friends and companions himself and decides what he may do in his free time. Later, in practical life ,he can adjust himself in changing conditions and circumstances rather easily.

The pleasure of enjoyments of hostel life are many . We can have friends to our liking . We can play different games in the college lawns or in the common room.Without the experiences of hostel life , in our opinion , the life of a student remains incomplete in several ways.A student remembers his hostel life forever . His experiences there bring him rich reward in real life.

THANKYOU

Terrorism in India & Successful Counter-Terrorism

A Spotlight on Terrorism in India

Easy access to sophisticated weapons and disruptive advances in technology, especially the cyber world masks the identity of the terrorists, facilitates real time secure communications and the flow of funds and provides access to an infinite resource of DIY kits on issues ranging from making bombs to executing beheadings.

These elements have collectively made terrorism the most preferred means of waging war. Despite the grave threat, the international community is far from reaching a consensus on how to fight this menace collectively.

So deep are the fissures that even adopting a common definition of terrorism and violent extremism has met stiff resistance.

The history of terrorism in India

India’s tryst with terrorism and violent extremism can be traced back partly to the religion based partition in 1947, which ripped the sub-continent into two nations: India and Pakistan.

The sub-continent remained witness to the most horrifying ethnic riots in modern history, which were marked by extreme violence and acts of terrorism.

Following the partition, after a brief period of neutrality, the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Hari Singh formally acceded to India; however, this act of accession has not, and continues not to be recognized by Pakistan which lays claims to the Muslim majority region.

This territorial dispute lies at the core of the long standing conflict between the two nations with both nations each vehemently rejecting the other’s claims.

Further, India views Pakistan as perpetuating the on-going cross border conflict and for sponsoring militant activity in a bid to destabilise the state of J&K and other parts of the country.

In addition, considering the number of ongoing insurgencies in India, terrorism and violent extremism is also a manifestation of:

  • politico-religious violence
  • ethnic-sub regional nationalism
  • socio-economic conditions
  • politics of identity

The relationship between terrorism and insurgency

What were the causes that led to the genesis of terrorism and its drivers in India? While seeking answers to this question, we will also dwell upon the terrorist initiated incidents and terrorists groups operating in India.

We will explore the complementary relationship between terrorism and insurgency, analyse various forms in which terrorism morphs and finally, establish the contours of successful counterterrorism strategies.

The primary causes of terrorism and insurgency in India are based on political, religious, ethnic, ideological, identity driven, linguistic or socio-economic grievances.

Terrorism in India, can be broadly categorised in three distinct parts:

  • Cross border terrorism in J&K.
  • Terrorism in the hinterland.
  • Extreme violence and terrorism as an integral part of the ongoing insurgencies.

India’s richly diverse society provides a fertile ground for terrorism to thrive in many areas:

  • politics of communalism and criminalisation
  • fanatic religious movements and irresponsible statements by political and religious leaders
  • human rights excesses
  • marginalised minority communities
  • high levels of youth unemployment
  • poverty
  • illiteracy
  • poor governance
  • prolonged delays in criminal justice

Quite often, incidents relating to a particular religious or ethnic group act as a catalyst. They also act as an initiator to indoctrinate/ radicalise youth (and not necessarily only the poor and marginalised) to indulge in extreme forms of violence and terrorism.

Considering the fact that intensity of violence due to religious terrorism has always been very severe, strict law should be framed expeditiously against those delivering ‘hate speeches’ that incite a religious/ ethnic community’s passions.

India also remains highly vulnerable to terrorism by foreign terrorists, due to porous borders with all its neighbours and a long coast line. Resultantly, the terrorists and the insurgents continue to receive material support and funds from many sources.

India has experienced almost all forms of terrorist attacks:

  • hijacking and blowing up of aircrafts
  • sabotaging railway tracks
  • kidnapping hostages for meeting political demands
  • suicide attacks
  • the assassination of two of its Prime Ministers
  • attacks on places of worship, transportation systems, security forces and financial hubs
  • communal riots followed by extreme violence
  • attacks both by religious and non-religious terrorist groups.

The modus operandi of terrorism has remained dynamic to achieve its goals and objectives.

Stress Busters

Our daily routine can have a toll on our mental health. Work pressures, exam related stress, house responsibilities, overtime with no rest can cause serious health problems and therefore needed to be taken care of. Our human bodies need rest to reset for further work, and when that is ignored we end up getting sick or stressed. As sickness could be treated with medications, we need stress bursting activities too. These activities not only reset our brains for a fresh start but also help us develop the capabilities we never actually cared enough about. These activities help us in getting relaxed after a hectic day or two. There are a number of these activities that can and are helpful in relieving stress.

Hobbies

Every person has at least one or two hobbies that can come as a savior while having a stressful day like, painting, writing, reading, cooking, watching movies, art and craft, singing, dancing etc. With heavy work or studies load people end up paying zero percent attention to their hobbies, but these might help in taking the head out of work for some time and just relaxing while exploring their lost hobbies further. Mostly a person’s hobbies relate to its right part of the brain, which is also responsible for creative development of a being, thus these hobbies can prove to be beneficial in many unexpected ways. Any sort of art form can relieve the stress from a heavy work day.

Music

“My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.”

― Martin Luther

Music is to have a magic effect on us while trying to survive through a tiring day. The soft and slow music is to act as a meditation, keeping us at peace and relaxing us. The slow paced music helps us clear our mind and ease up while in a stressful situation. The fast paced music is proven to make us happy or excited while in a low mood. Our brain responds to the happy waves generated by music and helps us loosen up better.

Strolls

With most of the work being desk related or requiring hours of sitting in front of the screen, can be hectic and have unhealthy effects on our mental health. Such a situation calls for a stroll or a walk for at least an hour or so to breathe fresh in park and walk to stretch out our muscles. Walking reduces the strain caused by hours of sitting, thus freeing us from part of our undeserved stress.

Conversations

People sometimes forget the power of conversations. Having work related problems? Talk to your work best friend. Having relationship problem? Talk to your best friend. Having life problems? Talk to your mother. The conversations with right person have the healing power to take you away from a rough, awful day. It might seem like a waste of time to a lot of people but in reality, these conversations hold the power cut off the distress and calm us down.

Breaks

Just like we need an interval in between of a movie or a break in the middle of a show, we sometimes need a break from our daily routine. Little tea or coffee breaks while still going strong with work can be a short term solution but breaks such as- visiting parents, going back to hometown, taking on a vacation, meeting friends, celebrating without any particular reason, can all charge us up to the level that of a fighting war and holding up with pressures then a becomes the easiest task in the world.

SEX ADDICTION

What is sex addiction?

Considerable controversy surrounds the diagnosis of “sex addiction.” It’s been excluded from the fifth edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), but it’s still written about and studied in psychology and counseling circles.

Additionally, it can still be diagnosed Trusted Source using both DSM-5 (as “Other specified sexual dysfunction”) and the “International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems” (ICD-10) criteria (as “Other sexual dysfunction not due to a substance or known physiological condition”).

What are the symptoms of sex addiction?

Since sex addiction isn’t outlined in the DSM-5, there’s considerable controversy about what criteria constitute an addiction.

One characteristic may be secrecy of behaviors, in which the person with the disorder becomes skilled at hiding their behavior and can even keep the condition secret from spouses, partners, and family members. They may lie about their activities or engage in them at times and places where they won’t be found out.

But sometimes symptoms are present and noticeable. A person may have a sex addiction if they show some or all of the following signs:

  • chronic, obsessive sexual thoughts and fantasies
  • compulsive relations with multiple partners, including strangers
  • lying to cover behaviors
  • preoccupation with having sex, even when it interferes with daily life, productivity, work performance, and so on
  • inability to stop or control the behaviors
  • putting oneself or others in danger due to sexual behavior
  • feeling remorse or guilt after sex
  • experiencing other negative personal or professional consequences

Compulsive behaviors can strain relationships, for example, with the stress of infidelity — although some people may claim to have a sex addiction as a way to explain infidelity in a relationship.

It’s important to remember that enjoying sexual activity is not a sign of sex addiction. Sex is a healthy human activity, and enjoying it is normal. In addition, differences in the level of sexual interest between partners does not mean that one partner has a sex addiction.

What are the treatments for sex addiction?

Since the diagnosis is controversial, evidence-based treatment options are lacking.

Those who describe treating sex addiction may recommend one or more of the following methods.

Inpatient treatment programs

There are many inpatient treatment centers that offer sex addiction recovery programs. Often, people with a sex addiction are removed from their normal daily lives for at least 30 days to help them regain control of their impulses and start healing. These types of programs typically include in-depth individual and group therapy sessions.

12-step programs

Programs such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) follow the same recovery model as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They can be very helpful for addressing sex addiction.

Members aren’t required to give up sex entirely, but they are encouraged to refrain from compulsive and destructive sexual behavior. Group meetings with others addressing the same challenges provide a good support system.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

This type of therapy can help a person identify triggers for sexual impulses and ultimately teach them how to alter behaviors. This is achieved through one-on-one sessions with a licensed mental health therapist.

Medication

Some people may benefit from a course of drug therapy. Certain antidepressants might help alleviate urges (which is separate from the potential side effects of some antidepressants that can cause decreased libido or impair other aspects of the sexual experience).

It’s not clear, however, whether a physician would prescribe drugs for this condition.

What’s the outlook for sex addiction?

The person addressing sex addiction faces a unique set of challenges. They may be engaging in behaviors that put their relationships, their own safety and health, and the health of their partner in jeopardy. At the same time, sex addiction is considered a controversial diagnosis and it’s lacking diagnostic criteria as well as evidence-based treatments.

How to Know If You Have an Internet Addiction and What to Do About It

Internet addiction is a behavioral addiction in which a person becomes dependent on use of the Internet, or other online devices, as a maladaptive way of coping with life’s stresses. Internet addiction is becoming widely recognized and acknowledged, particularly in countries where it is affecting large numbers of people, such as South Korea, where it has been declared a national health problem. Much of the current research on the subject of Internet addiction has been carried out in Asia. It is also a growing concern in developed nations in North America and Europe.

Top 5 Things to Know About Internet Addiction

  1. Internet addiction is not yet an officially recognized mental disorder. Researchers have formulated diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction, but it is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, Internet gaming disorder is included as a condition for further study, and Internet addiction is developing as a specialist area.
  2. At least three subtypes of Internet addiction have been identified: video game addiction, cybersex or online sex addiction, and online gambling addiction.
  3. Increasingly, addiction to mobile devices, such as cellphones and smartphones, and addiction to social networking sites, such as Facebook, are being investigated. There may be overlaps between each of these subtypes. For example, online gambling involves online games, and online games may have elements of pornography.
  4. Sexting, or sending sexually explicit texts, has landed many people in trouble. Some have been teens who have found themselves in hot water with child pornography charges if they are underage.
  5. Treatment for Internet addiction is available, but only a few specialized Internet addiction services exist. However, a psychologist with knowledge of addiction treatment will probably be able to help.

Symptoms

As Internet addiction is not formally recognized as an addictive disorder, it may be difficult to get a diagnosis. However, several leading experts in the field of behavioral addiction have contributed to the current knowledge of symptoms of Internet addiction. All types of Internet addiction contain the following four components:

Excessive Use of the Internet

Despite the agreement that excessive Internet use is a key symptom, no one seems able to define exactly how much computer time counts as excessive. While guidelines suggest no more than two hours of screen time per day for youths under 18, there are no official recommendations for adults. Furthermore, two hours can be unrealistic for people who use computers for work or study. Some authors add the caveat “for non-essential use,” but for someone with an Internet addiction, all computer use can feel essential.

Here are some questions from Internet addiction assessment instruments that will help you to evaluate how much is too much.

Withdrawal

Although originally understood to be the basis of physical dependence on alcohol or drugs, withdrawal symptoms are now being recognized in behavioral addictions, including Internet addiction.

Common Internet withdrawal symptoms include anger, tension, and depression when Internet access is not available. These symptoms may be perceived as boredom, joylessness, moodiness, nervousness, and irritability when you can’t go on the computer.

Tolerance

Tolerance is another hallmark of alcohol and drug addiction and seems to be applicable to Internet addiction as well. This can be understood as wanting—and from the user’s point of view, needing—more and more computer-related stimulation. You might want ever-increasing amounts of time on the computer, so it gradually takes over everything you do. The quest for more is likely a predominant theme in your thought processes and planning.

Negative Repercussions

If Internet addiction caused no harm, there would be no problem. But when excessive computer use becomes addictive, something starts to suffer.

Online affairs can develop quickly and easily, sometimes without the person even believing online infidelity is cheating on their partner.

You may see your grades and other achievements suffer from so much of your attention being devoted to Internet use. You may also have little energy for anything other than computer use—people with Internet addiction are often exhausted from staying up too late on the computer and becoming sleep deprived.

Finances can also suffer, particularly if your addiction is for online gambling, online shopping, or cybersex.

Internet Addiction in Kids

Internet addiction is particularly concerning for kids and teens. Children lack the knowledge and awareness to properly manage their own computer use and have no idea about the potential harms that the Internet can open them up to. The majority of kids have access to a computer, and it has become commonplace for kids and teens to carry cellphones.

While this may reassure parents that they can have two-way contact with their child in an emergency, there are very real risks that this constant access to the Internet can expose them to.

  • Children have become increasingly accustomed to lengthy periods of time connected to the Internet, disconnecting them from the surrounding world.
  • Children who own a computer and have privileged online access have an increased risk of involvement in cyberbullying, both as a victim and as a perpetrator.
  • Children who engage in problematic internet use are more likely to use their cellphone for cybersex, particularly through sexting, or access apps which could potentially increase the risk of sex addiction and online sexual harms, such as Tinder.

In addition, kids who play games online often face peer pressure to play for extended periods of time in order to support the group they are playing with or to keep their skills sharp. This lack of boundaries can make kids vulnerable to developing video game addiction. This can also be disruptive to the development of healthy social relationships and can lead to isolation and victimization.

What to Do If You’re Addicted to the Internet

If you recognize the symptoms of Internet addiction in yourself or someone in your care, talk to your doctor about getting help. As well as being able to provide referrals to Internet addiction clinics, psychologists, and other therapists, your doctor can prescribe medications or therapy to treat an underlying problem if you have one, such as depression or social anxiety disorder.

Internet addiction can also overlap with other behavioral addictions, such as work addiction, television addiction, and smartphone addiction.

Father of western philosophy- Socrates

Socrates is one of the most prominent philosophical figures in the history of western philosophy. He laid the bricks for the very same idea on which philosophers like Plato and Aristotle built upon in the coming years.

Firstly let’s dissect the term “philosophy”, it comes from the Greek word philo- meaning love and sophia- meaning wisdom, i.e., the love for wisdom. 

Socrates’s lifestyle

Socrates followed his love for wisdom/knowledge for as long as he lived, he pursued knowledge in it’s absolute true sense, he thought that pursuing knowledge was the ultimate purpose of life and Socrates didn’t just think that he lived by these words, his actions reflected his ideas in the purest form. But he was born in 469 BC in Athens during a time when court trials were on the basis of the intensity of the arguments made and not facts, so no points for guessing that Socrates’s ideas were not received well by the Athenian population. 

And you can’t really blame them, that was a long long time ago, a time when women were thought to be inferior than men, it was a time when slavery was normal. On the other hand socrates did not do a very good job at dealing with people either, he was not the most hygienic person of that time, he did not shower for days and would go around the city asking random people questions and if that wasn’t enough he would tell them they were wrong. This is what Socrates loved to do, question and not because he knew more than an average Athenian citizen or that he wanted to massage his own ego; on the contrary Socrates admitted that he knew nothing. There is a very well known quote by Socrates that goes “One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing”, that is why he went around Athens asking everybody questions hoping to one day find some answers, spoiler alert he didn’t. The Athenian population wasn’t very fond of him, and found him to be annoying.

Socrates- the martyr

And just to make it more clear, he annoyed the people so much that they united together and eventually he was put on trial. At this point you might think that Socrates would have given up on his unapologetic attitude but he didn’t. He stood by his principles even though he knew it would lead to his death. Socrates was a smart person, he could have very easily won that trial by making a strong argument but if he did then all his ideas and all his actions would have been in vain. In that trial, Socrates said that the people of Athens should be thanking him for asking them questions and showering upon them his own wisdom, this did not sit well with the jury and about many more dialogues later the jury declared Socrates guilty and was later sentenced to death by drinking poison.

Socrates died a martyr, a martyr for philosophy, he died defending his ideas. Socrates might have died but he made sure to immortalize his ideas.

My experience as a scribe writer.

Dusshera festive takes me down to the memory lane I began social work.It has been years I have been inclined towards social work. It was in the year 2017 when my Super Super senior and I began cooperating for social causes , it was all so new to me moreover I cherished it. I celebrated my first EEver birthday party in a Ngo called Rakshana charity and throughout my degree life I never missed treating the kids who were bought up in rakshana charity. I would bunk classes to work my ass off to take part at social causes conducted across the city cause I appreciated doing what I cherished, later I joined 2 Ngo’s furthermore a community which was meant for people who would provide services for social causes all over Bangalore.However I was so caught up with all my internships and college stuff that I couldn’t participate at ease in the community where I joined as a service provide,however the organiser reached me through a telephonic call and enquired if I was available for 6 hours to attend an exam as a scribe writer, I agreed and then I met this girl Manisha, a young lady who has visual impairment since birth known to be enthusiastic and extremely dedicated despite the fact that on the off chance that she can’t see , read, write or compose everything. All she does is think beyond practical boundaries and never to surrender. I belive she’s carrying on with an extraordinary life where ever she is. I had the best experience ever as I got a chance to help her in her tests as a scribe writer. P. S-I in a real sense missed my final Psychology practicals test just to go to her paper in addition I had to reappear(Backs) for the practicals all alone😅

Automation leading the generation.

"Automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency"
-Bill Gates-

Disadvantages come along with the advantages.

Although automation brought about better functioning of systems, growth in the economy and developmemt of the country, the disadvantage are such that one can not gurantee the safety of build machines. The possibility of malfunction systems or incorrect informations are a great risks for share holders as one mistake could worth in terms of billions and one could end his life in bankruptcy.

Another reason is that someday, robotic designs could take over humans, snatching away the opportunity of soul workers hence leading to high unemployment rate.

Apart from those, people in the present world especially younger generations are so engrossed in technologies and advancement that they lose track of time and place. They lack sleep and interactions leaving high concern in their health. Too much is always bad.

Did you know automation gives you freedom from work?

The advancement in technology have brought a great change in every country for the past decades. Modern inventions are a revolution against Ancient techniques.

One of the greatest contribution automation has provided is in, the functioning of factories. For example, cutting 1000kgs of banana into slices would take up to 2-3days if to be performed by hands while an automatic machine would take only 2-3seconds. Let alone cutting, even pealing off the cover would require much time and effort.

It is very much essential for our daily tasks, from setting a timer for alarms or messages in Mobile phones to basic needs like washing machine. Automation enables us to perform multiple tasks smoothly.

Computer itself is a great advancement in this context. Not only that it performs tasks, it can also analyse data which most company make a great use of. It provides a system where auto generated words could be used and make better promotion in sales where plagiarism can be detected.

In the case of ATM, civilians don’t need to rush to the bank or stand in a queue to get money. They can easily draw out money by pressing few keys, thus saving time and energy.

And there is Tesla, another great innovation of mankind in the contemporary world being a successful automatic car that provides self driving mode.

If in the near future, automation could bring greater developments, perhaps we would have automatic network or wifi connection to our devices, which would be of a great help especially for the special and the old aged groups

Rating: 1 out of 5.

The Beauty of Diversity – INDIA

India a name when comes to your mind, what is the the picture of india for you? If you know about india and had lived here than you will have a picture of where some wear dhoti other lungi and some other pajama. There is even diversity in the way of wearing saree like bangali, Gujarat, assami, marathi, orria and much more.

The real beauty of India

India is actually a planet in it self, where there are numerous festivals, people, issues etc all of a different kind but in one nation. Where you will find a Hindu enjoying eid with Muslim, a Muslim taking care of a Hindu temple, a Sikh serving langer to each and every being on this earth who wants to have it.

In India everything is diverse our geography, climate, culture, attaire, language, cuisine, looks, religion, festivals etc. But one thing is common in everyone that is we are Indians and we love our india. We celebrate eachother’s festivals, we enjoy eachother’s cuisine, we wear eachother’s attaire, ultimately we are united.

We fight among ourself (which I agree is not a good thing), but when anyother tries to offend our country we unites.

India’s is really an amazing country, whose real essence is ‘unity in diversity’.

Indicators of Women’s Status in India


There are different forms of violence on women, which act as threats to women’s independent identity and
dignity. Forms of violence are:
1) Female foeticide & infanticide- According to a survey by British medical journal, Lancet, nearly 10
million female abortions have taken place in India in the last 20 years, which is rampant amongst the
educated Indian middle class as well.
There are organizations like Swanchetan, which are working towards educating & bringing awareness in
people against the ghastly act.

Women at a rally in support of the Equal Rights Amendment in Detroit’s Kennedy Square, June 30, 1981.


2) Rape, sexual harassment & abuse- It acts as a deterrent to women’s freedom & perpetuates the notion
that women are the weaker sex. Every 2 hours, a rape occurs somewhere in India!
The recent Dec. 16 Delhi Gang rape case, shook the entire country and led to protests all across the
country, setting up of Justice Verma panel & helped in the fast track judgment of the case. However
rampant cases of rape of Dalit women, acid attacks, eve teasing go unnoticed.
3) Domestic violence and dowry deaths- Violence on women in the family were considered family
problems and were never acknowledged as “crimes against women” until recently. It is prevalent in all
classes of society.
4) Prostitution- A large number of women destitute or victims of rape who are disowned by family fall prey
to prostitution forcibly. There are no governmental programs to alleviate the problem of prostitution.
5) Objectification of women- Indecent Representation of Women(Prohibition) Act, 1986 prohibits indecent
representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings, paintings etc. However a
whole lot of indecent representation of women is done through literature, media, paintings etc
upholding the “right to freedom of expression”.

As per World economic forum survey, India’s Global Gender Gap Index 2011 ranking is 113 out of 134 countries
with neighbors like Bangladesh at 69 & China at 60.
1) Sex Ratio –Sex ratio is used to describe the number of females per 1000 of males. As per census 2011
sex ratio for India is 940 females per 1000 of males, i.e. females form a meager 47% of the total
population. The State of Haryana has the lowest sex ratio in India and the figure shows a number of 877
of females to that of 1000 males while Kerala has the highest of 1084 females per 1000 males
2) Health – Studies on hospital admissions and records have shown that males get more medical care
compared to girls. 2% of the female population is absolute anaemic. 12% of the female population of the
country suffers from repeated pregnancy (80% of their productive life is spent in pregnancy) & lack of
nutrition.

3) Literacy – The female literacy levels according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census are 65.46% where the
male literacy rate is over 80%. While Kerala has the highest female literacy rate of 100% , Bihar is at the
lowest with only 46.40%
4) Employment – Of the total female population 21.9% are a part of Indian workforce.
Majority of women are employed in the rural areas and in agriculture. Amongst rural women workers
87% are employed in agriculture as laborers, cultivators, self employed like hawkers etc i.e in the
unorganized sector which almost always remains invisible.
Despite the equal remuneration Act 1976, women are paid lower wages, occupy lower skilled jobs, have
less access to skill training and promotion.
5) Political status – Though India had a women Prime Minister Late Ms Indira Gandhi, women are not fairly
represented in the Parliament & other State & Local bodies. With only around 9 per cent women in
upper house and around 11 per cent in the lower house of parliament, India ranks 99th in the world in
terms of female representation among MPs.
However 73rd & 74th amendments to the constitution have ensured the participation of women in
PRIs with a reservation of 1/3rd for women. Today more than 30 million women are actively participating
in the political decision making process at the grass root.

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“Without economic freedom other aspects of women equality would not be realized”
-Jawaharlal Nehru
Women’s work participation rate in general has been declining over the decades. The decline has occurred due
to several factors:
1) Absence of comprehensive and rational policy for women’s emancipation through education, training
and access to resources such as land, credit and technology etc.
2) The perception of male as the breadwinner of the family despite the fact that in low income households
women’s income is crucial for sustenance. This perception adversely affects women’s education &
training. Employers also visualize women workers as supplementary workers & also cash in on this
perception to achieve their capitalistic motives by keeping the wage low for women.
3) Structural changes in the economy e.g decline in traditional rural industries or industrialization.
4) Lack of assets (land, house) in their own name in order to have access to credit and self employment
opportunities
5) Huge demand

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of time and energy of women for various tasks at home like child bearing and rearing etc
in addition to participation in labour force leave them with little time for education, training and self
development
6) Division of labour based on the gender between men and women & technological advancements work
against women. They are the last to be hired and first to be sacked.
7) Govt. programs to increase employment and productivity are focused more on men & women are seen
as beneficiaries rather than active participants

Terrorism, Extremism, Radicalization

When a decision is made that fear, terror and violence are justified to achieve ideological, political
or social change, radicalization to violent extremism occurs’
Terrorism, radicalization and extremism are subjective concepts that have different meanings for
different people. Furthermore, their meanings are constantly evolving as they manifest
themselves in different ways in different parts of the world, exploiting new vulnerabilities,
technologies and approaches.
1.1. Terrorism
‘Terrorism is a complex and contested issue, as are the associated labels of extremism, violent
extremism and radicalization’
There is no single universally accepted definition for terrorism because the concept is invariably
political and cannot be framed in a manner that excludes the state. Most acceptable words to
understand terrorism are ‘acts committed with the objective of seriously intimidating a
population, destabilizing or destroying structures of a country or international organization or
making a government abstain from performing actions’.
1.2. Extremism
‘Violent extremist ideologies have found fertile ground in fragile communities characterized by
little access to development’
Extremism is generally understood as constituting views that are far from those of the majority
of the population. Accordingly, one definition describes extremism as ‘activities (beliefs,
attitudes, feelings, actions, strategies) of a character far removed from the ordinary’. Though this
is clearly a relative term which invites disagreement regarding benchmarks, it is broadly agreed
that extremist views are not necessarily illegal and do not automatically lead to violence or harm.
Indeed those with extremist views, who may also choose to observe extreme practices with no
impact on the civil liberties of fellow citizens, are rightly protected under fundamental freedoms
and human rights norms.
Extremism becomes a concern when those views threaten democratic and tolerant societal ideas,
or promote the use of violence to coerce their followers or to achieve their objectives. This form
of extremism is described as violent extremism, a term which remains contested, but which
generally refers to the creation of ideologically motivated or justified violence, as well as support
for such acts.
1.3. Radicalization
‘Radicalizer’s work by pointing to social, political and economic injustice around their followers.’
Like terrorism and violent extremism, radicalization is a contested term with various definitions.
It is commonly understood, however, as the social and psychological process of incrementally
experienced commitment to extremist political and religious ideologies. It does not necessarily
mean that those affected will become violent. However, when a decision is made that fear, terror
and violence are justified to achieve ideological, political or social change, radicalization to violent
extremism occurs.

ROLE OF MEDIA IN INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES

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Any communication channel through which any kind of information, news, entertainment,
education, data, promotional messages etc. can be disseminated is called media.
Mass media refers to communication devices, which can be used to communicate and interact
with a large number of audiences in different languages. Be it the pictorial messages of the
early ages, or the high-technology media that are available today, mass media has become an
inseparable part of our lives. Media can be broadly classified as:
• Print Media (newspapers, magazines, books and Brochures, Billboards, etc.)
• Electronic Media (news websites, social networking sites, mass SMS schemes, television,
internet, radio, cinema etc.)
• New Age Media (Mobile Phones, Computers, Internet, Electronic Books)

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Where Media is Misleading? – Threat to Internal Security
• Indian media does not have a wider perspective of India’s national security issues.
• Indian media is in no mood to apply brakes or observe self-restraint on its wayward and
insensitive treatment of national security issues.
• Indian media’s (especially electronic media) analysis and over-analysis of national security
issues by groups of former diplomats, generals and academia’s arm chair strategists distort
national security perspectives. All these gentlemen can only draw on their outdated
experience and none of them are privy to latest inputs. Also in many cases, reticence is
their first casualty after retirement.
• Indian TV anchors discussing national security issues do not have the political and strategic
maturity to discuss national security issues as their Western counter-parts do.
• Indian TV debates on national security issues tend to cut out development of contrary
views and perspectives by imposing commercial breaks, or go hectoring themselves.

For a country like India, the backbone of its democracy and the propagator of its national
interests remains the access to information and expression. It helps citizens to make
responsible and objective choices, to promote accountability by its officials, to provide solutions
to conflict resolution, and also to encourage diverse views of its diverse people. This access of
information has allowed the Indian media to play the role of watchdog that holds the
Government accountable in all its activities, and also functions as the only mode of expression
for its people.

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The role of media in a democracy like India, therefore, can be summed up as to:
• Inform and educate people objectively, impartially and in an unbiased manner about
security threats and challenges
• Unbiased reporting with the restraints of self regulations
• Promotion of the principles of healthy democracy
• Respect for the Constitutional Provisions
• To build a bridge between people and governments at the national level
• Uphold fairness, justice, national unity and international cooperation
• Inform, educate, entertain, publicize and most importantly correct the excesses in any
society.
• Highlight the trouble spots in the society and press the government and public to devise
suitable mechanisms to eliminate them
• Shape the perceptions of government, influence public opinion, promote democracy, good
governance as well as influence peoples’ behavior and support people- oriented policies
Following the globalization, the responsibilities of media have also widened. It has to play a role
for preserving and pursuing the national interests of the state and highlighting its perspective
along with the global issues. It has to examine the conduct of international relations and again
to highlight the trouble spot at global level in lieu of global security.

“The internet is the largest experiment involving anarchy in history. (…) It is a source for
tremendous good and potentially dreadful evil, and we are only just beginning to witness its
impact on the world stage.”

  • Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman, Google and Jared Cohen,
    Director, Google Ideas

Safeguard yourself knowing Cyber security!

As per Information Technology Act, 2000, “Cyber security means protecting information,
equipment, devices computer, computer resource, communication device and information
stored therein from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or
destruction.”

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1.1. Cyberspace
India’s Cyber Security Policy 2013 defines cyberspace as a complex environment comprising
interaction between people, software and services, supported by worldwide distribution of
information and communication technology devices and networks.

Common Cyber Threats


1.2. Cyber threats
Cyber threats can be disaggregated into four baskets based on the perpetrators and their
motives – Cyber Espionage, Cyber Crime, Cyber Terrorism, Cyber Warfare.
1.2.1. Cyber Crime/ Cyber Attacks
Cyber-attack is “any type of offensive maneuver employed by individuals or whole organizations
that targets computer information systems, infrastructures, computer networks with an
intention to damage or destroy targeted computer network or system.”
These attacks can be labeled either as Cyber-campaign, Cyber-warfare or Cyber-terrorism
depending upon the context, scale and severity of attacks. Cyber-attacks can range from
installing spyware on a PC to attempts to destroy the critical infrastructure of entire nations.
1.2.2. Cyber terrorism
Acts of Terrorism related to cyber space or act of terrorism executed using Cyber technologies is
popularly known as ‘cyber terrorism’.
“Cyber terrorism is the convergence of terrorism and cyber space. It is generally
understood to mean unlawful attacks and threats of attacks against computers,
networks, and information stored therein when done to intimidate or coerce a
government or its people in furtherance of political or social objectives, Further, to
qualify as cyber terrorism, an attack should result in violence against persons or
property or at least cause enough harm to generate fear, Serious attacks against critical
infrastructures could be acts of cyber terrorism depending upon their impact.”
It should be noted here that if they create panic by attacking critical systems/infrastructure,
there is no need for it to lead to violence. In fact such attacks can be more dangerous.
Besides, terrorists also use cyberspace for purposes like planning terrorist attacks, recruiting
sympathizers, communication purposes, command and control, spreading propaganda in form
of malicious content online to brain wash, funding purposes etc. It is also used as a new arena
for attacks in pursuit of the terrorists’ political and social objectives.

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Cyber Security has assumed strategic and critical importance because of following reasons:
• Cyberspace has become key component in the formulation and execution of public policies.
• It is used by government to process and store sensitive and critical data which if
compromised can have devastating impact.
• Taking down cyberspace will result into disruption of many critical public services like railways,
defense systems, communication system, banking and other financial system etc.
• Several states are developing the capabilities in the area of cyber attacks which can alter
outcomes in the battlefield.
• Individuals are using internet based services at a growing pace making them vulnerable to
cybercrimes, such as- online bank frauds, surveillance, profiling, violation of privacy etc.

Government has taken a number of steps to acquire and increase capacity in the field of
cyber security. Some of which are discussed below.

National Cybersecurity Policy 2013

Information Technology Act 2000 (As Amended in 2008)

National Telecom Policy 2012,etc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – AGATHA CHRISTIE

Known Mysterious Incident About “the queen of crime” except her famous novels.

Born in Torquay in 1890, Agatha Christie became, and remains, the best-selling novelist of all time.

She is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, as well as the world’s longest-running play – The Mousetrap. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation.

Agatha Christie is one of the greats of mystery literature. For eleven days, she was at the center of her own mystery, that got international headlines. Unlike the plots in her brilliant books, the motives underpinning this particular storyline are rather vague.

The characters of this real and known incidents were the Two of Britain’s most famous crime writers, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Dorothy L. Sayers, author of the Lord Peter Wimsey series and herself (Agatha Christie” the queen of crime”).

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S DISAPPEARANCE CASE

WHAT DO WE KNOW-

On the December night of 3rd,1926 she drove away from her home in Berkshire and vanished completely. Her car was found abandoned and a huge manhunt was launched. Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes mystery stories and Dorothy L. Sayers, author of the Lord Peter Wimsey series, participated in the search. Their specialist knowledge, it was hoped, would help find the missing writer.

Her disappearance would spark one of the largest manhunts ever mounted. Agatha Christie was already a famous writer and more than one thousand policemen were assigned to the case, along with hundreds of civilians.

Agatha Christie’s disappearance prompted a nationwide search and for the first time in UK history, aeroplanes were employed as part of the search effort.

Newspapers offered rewards for information and her husband Archie was suspected of foul play.

The Home Secretary, William Joynson-Hicks, urged the police to make faster progress in finding her.

It didn’t take long for the police to locate her car. It was found abandoned on a steep slope at Newlands Corner near Guildford. But there was no sign of Agatha Christie herself and nor was there any evidence that she’d been involved in an accident.

Not until 14 December, fully eleven days after she disappeared, was Agatha Christie finally located. Eventually, it was revealed that Christie had absconded to Harrow gate via train, where she spent eleven days hobnobbing with the young social crowd under the name of her husband’s mistress. Christie, upon being discovered, says she had no memory of the events.

The Speculations

  • Agatha Christie rarely talked about the incident, simply putting it down to about of temporary amnesia caused by a blow to the head.
  • The consensus of opinion at the time was that the whole affair (no pun intended) was an act of revenge aimed at her erring husband.
  •  Recent researches on her medical condition suggest that she was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. She died of natural causes in early 1976.

Anxious People Book Review-Fredrik Backman

I am a complete sucker for good books, a total bibliophile who loves and appreciates a good story. Now let me tell you this, the book Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is overwhelmingly addictive, in a good way ofcourse. Calling it a good book with a good story would be quite an understatement. This story is breathtakingly beautiful in the most elegant and realest of ways. It was my first time hearing about this author and I found out about this book in the comment section of an Instagram handle that I follow and I immediately fell for the title of the novel. ‘Anxious People’ . Instantly without making any delay I picked this title up and it was the best thing I could have done for myself since it taught me a lot. This book is my favorite book for the time being and it’ll always have a special place in my heart. I’ll always cherish this story and the wonderful people portrayed in it.

As one keeps reading the novel, the story keeps blooming into an ever changing drama between the protagonists of the story since there isn’t a definite protagonist in this fabulous piece of literature. The best part about this book is that the reader can relate to the story and that this isn’t a distant fantasy. The story revolves around real people with real world problems. Hence, it is very much relatable and also enjoyable at the same time. The humour in this book is quite entertaining along with the clever story telling. Frankly this story is hilarious. One can find themselves clutching their stomachs quite often. It is also emotional I might add but not in a sad manner. It deals and teaches us to cope with life situations and also reminds us that humanity still exists and exists splendidly so.

The story is about a bank robbery I could say. But really it is about an apartment viewing, I might be wrong here too. It is actually about Stockholmers. Well why spoil the fun. Find out yourselves what this intricately weaved masterpiece is about. I assure you it’ll be worthwhile and you’ll not be disappointed. Fredrik Backman has written many novels worth mentioning and also has won a lot of prestigious awards for them. I have yet to read his other works since I only stumbled upon the Swedish writer quite recently. I am positive I’ll find all his other works equally entertaining as well and I’m quite excited to pick his books up. I’m quite sure you’ll find yourself loving this book just as much I did.

Feminism and other stuff

Every corner of every street, their is a different definition for Feminism. But, the question is, does anyone know what exactly it is? no. One does not know the precise meaning of Feminism, but, as we say, there is always a root to a plant. The root here is equality. feminism is equality. that is it. No more, no less. Feminism is equality between men and women, male and female, him and her, girl and boy, or any other words you may use to refer to that. Feminism is a woman wearing clothes of her choice without being harassed, a mother going to work without being judged, a girl having an equal salary as a man, a lady ruling a kingdom without being considered as fragile or weak. Feminism is not particularly about women doing whatever they want, it is about women having equal rules about not doing something. It is a choice as well as a necessity, it is a regulation as well as freedom, it is about doing what you love and not being judged at. For example, if a man dates multiple women, he is a stud amongst his friends, but if a woman does the same, she is a whore. If a man stays at home to take care his child and the woman goes to work, the woman is the brazen, carefree, shameless devil while the man is a poor innocent fellow, and if the opposite happens, the man is a man and it is the woman’s responsibility to take care of her child and sacrifice her career. This happens everywhere around us, even if we notice or not, and it will keep happening, until we evolve our mindset.

Evolving our mindset isn’t exactly a piece of cake, modifying what’s made of us by this society isn’t easy. We need to process our thoughts correctly, instead of living in translucent denial. I know, some ideas, though innovating, do not fit with our mindset. no matter that we know it is good to adapt that form of thinking, our brains just can’t help nurturing an idea that has been stuck in them, almost since we were born. We need to accept our thoughts, and let them go. absolutely believe in those societal standards, and let them go. This trick, I learnt from my grandmother, she says if you want to clear your mind and have fresh thoughts, this trick will do. Accept the thought, almost believe it, and then imagine letting it go, fly away far away. It has helped me a lot, and during the pandemic, staying alone at home, I got to do this often, and it snapped my personality. literally, and not in a bad way, a good way, a really good way, believe me. So, actually accepting feminism to our bones isn’t really that hard, if you give the time to learn it. Mostly because it’s natural, god made a man, and god made a woman, and he made them both equal. it is the orthodoxic societal standards that made us accept the fact that woman is any step, any level lower or weaker. We have to stop that. we need to stop that. and if you are with me, we will stop that.

she is a goddess, she is a queen, and I can’t render enough that she is a beautiful human being. Rhymes good, doesn’t it? now bring this rhyme to life. People, not only women, but men and third genders too, have died craving and fighting for freedom of women. And, if you, regardless of gender, can’t do something to decrease this hollow gap between men and women, then what are you doing? we are all born the same, and if you don’t help towards keeping that as it is, the what are you doing? Life is a gift, and all shall have it. Free, Joyful and alive. Otherwise, this world will worsen, the few beautiful things, the first cry of a baby, the smile of a little girl, will vanish. equality between men and women is the only and only way that we can save our world from disrupting.

this is it for today!

thank you for reading,

lots of love and amnesty,

Suhaani

About that artist- Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh perhaps, one of the greatest artists to have ever lived, was born in 1853, in the Netherlands. He was the eldest of six children to his parents, and was only in touch with 2 of his siblings later in life. His brother Theo Van Gogh was the closest to him.

 Van Gogh is considered as the greatest post impressionist (post impressionism is a French art movement, mainly characterized by vivid hues and exuberant brush strokes). Unfortunately, His artwork did not receive much success while he was alive

Van Gogh died at an early age of 37 and was not around to witness his work being recognized and appreciated.

Introduction to art

At the age of 16, he apprenticed at the art dealers Goupil and Cie at The Hague branch through his uncle. He worked at the Goupil in London and Paris as well in the following years. The everyday exposure to art seemed to intrigue him. Artists such as Frans Hals, Jean Francois Millet started to grow on him and greatly inspired him throughout his life.

He became extremely successful during his time at the Goupil but art dealing did not satisfy him at all, in fact he despised it and was dropped off from the Goupil during his time in Paris after which he took up a couple of different jobs and had to experience some unfortunate events led him to become devout and extremely pious. During his time back home he used to translate the verses of the bible in English and French.

One of his jobs included working as a missionary among the less privileged section of the society at a coal mining region, where he lived among the poor and gave away his possessions, this did not sit well with the religious authorities, and the church later banished him.

This left him feeling dejected and out of sorts. He felt abandoned by society and isolated himself. It was during this time that he used painting as a form of expression.

He moved to Brussels to learn drawing, and then later he moved to Hague to work under the guidance of Anton Mauve, a Dutch painter.

Van Gogh and Mental Health

Van Gogh went on to produce great paintings in the subsequent years, these years also saw his artwork evolve greatly. He worked with Paul Gaugin for an ephemeral time of about two months.

This was a time of absolute distress for him, he was tortured by his own head and his solitude did not side with him.  In fact he was so troubled that one night he cut off his own year with a blade.

After this event, he was hospitalized where he kept experiencing psychotic episodes and yet was able to give the world some of the best paintings like The Starry Night, Olive Trees, Garden Of The Asylum and many more.

Van Gogh made his best paintings during the last two, extremely disturbing years of his life. Consumed by loneliness and the voices in his head, Van Gogh succumbed to his own mind. At the age of 37, he shot himself.

Vincent Van Gogh was a highly inspirational artist who had the ability to express emotions through a simple stroke of his brush. He expressed his pain through his brush which gave birth to an alluring piece of art that can make you feel emphatic emotions. And keep in mind that he was able to do this despite his ill mental health.

76th Session of UNGA

“Assembly of hope and resolutions”


United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations (UN). Each 193 member state has equal power to vote, providing a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the International issue by comprising all the member states.


Each year in September the Assembly meets for regular sessions; thereafter as required. Through the dedicated agenda items or sub-items discussion of certain issues is done which leads to the adoption of resolutions. Amid covid-19 when all in-person meeting was not possible UNGA included virtual platforms to conduct meetings and other novel means to guarantee business continuity.


Abdulla Shahid of the Maldives opened the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly on 14 September 2021 as he was sworn in as General Assembly President. Over 100 heads of state and government are expected to attend in person. The size of delegations allowed into the General Assembly Hall has been limited. Due to the global pandemic, UN Member States were encouraged to provide pre-recorded statements instead of travelling to UN Headquarters.

Pandemic is not the only problem the world is facing right now. The world has been facing the challenges such as Racism, intolerance, inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflict, climate change and other ills for decades. General Assembly is an important opportunity for all to come together and work for the future that is different from today.


The theme for the 76th session is “Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations.”


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG)

Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries- poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. It is also an outline for fighting poverty and hunger, achieving gender equality, confronting the climate crisis and much more, within the next ten years.


In unpredictable times, the SDGs show the way to advance towards a strong recovery from COVID-19 and a better future for all on a safe and healthy planet. Sustainable Development Goals are a global pact to create a future where nobody is left behind. These 17 goals were adopted by all countries at the United Nations in September 2015.


DECADE OF ACTION
In the aspect of human and planetary well being ‘Decade of action’ is a universal call to action to end poverty, to protect Earth and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
In September 2019, the secretary-general called on all sectors of society to mobilize for a decade of action on three levels:
Global action to secure greater leadership, more resources and smarter solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals;
local action implanting the needed transitions in the policies, budgets, institutions and regulatory frameworks of governments, cities and local authorities; and
people action, including by youth, civil society, the media, the private sector, unions, academia and other stakeholders, to generate an unstoppable movement pushing for the required transformations.



Progress is being made in several places but action to meet the Goals is not yet developing at speed that is required to meet the achievements. The Decade of Action calls for accelerating sustainable solutions to all the world’s biggest challenges — ranging from poverty and gender to climate change, inequality and closing the finance gap.


The pandemic became the unprecedented wake-up call that demanded urgency in actions and ambition. The progress that was planned and had been achieved for the decade of action got shaken in the very first five months of the pandemic, spreading the vary that then SGD moment is going off track.


Covid-19 began as a health crisis and quickly become a human and socio-economic crisis. It also urged everyone to see the importance of the preservation of the achieved progress.

“We need to turn the recovery into a real opportunity to do things right for the future.”
– UN Secretary-General António Guterres.


Some of the event highlights

• On 20 September the second SDG moment took place with leaders from over 30 countries addressing the theme ‘Plans, pathways and partners for Recovery and beyond.’ In inclusion of four focal topics Gender equality; Connectivity; Youth in Action; and Localising the SDGs.

• On 23 September, the first-ever food summit will take place completely virtually to mobilise the actionable commitments to transform food systems.

• On 24 September, the first global gathering on energy under UNGA auspices since the UN Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy in 1981, ‘High-level Dialogue on Energy’ will be commenced.

• On 28 September, the High-Level Event on Jobs and Social Protection for Poverty Elimination event will be conveyed virtually.


2021 remains a crucial year to bring back the balance with nature, take measures about the climate emergency, and get ahead of the pollution crisis while making sure that no one is left behind. The topics that have been discussed and are to be discussed in the 76th United Nations general assembly are a reminder of what must be done for the future so our dreams won’t be lost forever.
Only by being together, we can tackle the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that many of us are currently feeling. As long as we are united we can make a difference for the sake of our planet and each other.



‘One person can hope for change and two can make it come true with the support of each other.’

Continue reading “76th Session of UNGA”

He said, she said- Psychology of manipulation.

“Fake it until you make it” has been a life mantra for many. It’s a scenario where you create a lie for yourself and keep believing that lie until it becomes your reality. But what if we are not the ones creating the lies? What if someone else lied to us and we made it our reality?

Hello readers, I welcome you to a new age of MANIPULATION. *cue evil laughter*

The lies we believe-

The term for this is Self fulfilling prophecy given by Robert Merton. The name itself is self explanatory but still I want to give some insight on it. This psychological term in short can be named as misconception that later becomes true cause at first we believed it to be true. So essentially a lie we believed in and subconsciously we commenced our work towards that lie and made it our reality.

Now what if somebody lies to us like “I know what you did last summer.”  Pretty vague.  No one’s a psychic here. But subconsciously we already start reminiscing what haphazard thing we did last summer hence giving into the manipulation and believing a lie.

Classic manipulation, isn’t it?

The lies made me do it-

Security dilemma is caused by Self fulfilling prophecies. It can lead to people not being able to distinguish between the actual truth and the prophecy discussed above. In general it is a political term which happens only 40% of times in a case of self fulfilling prophecy.

Take it like this, there’s a person, 2 parties A and B and an old age rivalry. So this person who favors none of these parties and wants to stir up some trouble. He goes to party A and says “Hey there, I found these filled water balloons near B. Weird right?” Now that A has evidence that B might be preparing for a water balloon fight they start packing their own balloons and Nerf guns. B part sees the ammunition. And voila blow the toot for a full fledged WATER FIGHT!!!

Now imagine this scenario going on a bigger level and let the realization dawn upon you that how everything is just psychology.

The lies I am-

Talking about Behavioral confirmation, it is a very special kind of self fulfilling prophecy where we change our personality according to someone’s initial belief about us.

Let’s make it clear with an example. Some random person comes up to you and says “When I first saw you I thought you to be a little aggressive.” Now remember this is a person whom you have met only 2-3 times and you are anything but aggressive. Now whenever this person come around you’ll start acting a little aggressive and sometimes even when the person is removed from the equation.

Leading a belief/expectation to turn into reality just like in the 2 cases mentioned above.

All these scenarios are derived from self fulfilling prophecy. A very basic way of controlling human brain according to our wishes. These psychological ways can be used positively too but if you decide to go for manipulation then I didn’t tell you this. Jokes apart, it’s still quite wondrous how a little he said she said shenanigan can be used in our favor.  

Covid impact on Children

‘The new normal’ a phrase you have offen listened to, and had became used to nowadays. Everything has changed the way we live, the way we interact, the way we meet, the way we chill. Our whole world has shrinking to just our electronic gadgets and our house. Even though everything is opening slowly but still, it is not the same as it was before covid.

Effect on children

One of the worst effected during this ‘new normal’ times are the children. They are not able to go out and play, not able to interact with their friends and teachers, not able to enjoy outdoor meals.As they used to before covid.

Now, their eyes are getting strained due to online class, they are becoming insocial, have become a night own. They have actually lost their whole routine. They have lost their speaking skills, have became addictive to social media. They have ultimately started losing the main essence of their childhood.

This is a really important issue, it should be treated with at most seriousness, as they number of children facing mental problems has increased drastically since, the out break of the covid.

It is the responsibility of the parents and teachers to observe their child’s behavior, if the are behavior has become rude or they are getting irritated or frustrated on small things or has stopped or reduced their interaction with you. Then it is certainly a matter of concern.

Ultimately this article is not to scare you, but to bring out the genuine problems of the children in this difficult time.

Does sneeze stops your Heart for an instant?

Most of us have experienced it while in our class, meeting or at any other important commitments. Yes, sneezing, especially when we were suffering from some allergies, we can’t control it, but why do we sneeze? What’s the reason behind it? Well a sneeze is officially called as Sternutation. Sneezing is an involuntary activity of our body to clear our nose. Whenever a foreign matter such as dust, dirt, germs or anything that shouldn’t be there enters your nostrils, the nose get irritated and it sends a message to your brain. Then to remove the particle your brain sends a message to all of your muscles for a sudden exhalation process called a sneeze, and it would take only milliseconds for your brain to process this. In 2002, a study at Denmark’s department of Otorhinolaryngology at Rigshospitalet showed that 95% of people sneeze four times or less each day. Worldwide, we could be sneezing upwards of 7.8 billion times a day.

source: pexels.com

Cultural beliefs about sneezing

          Many people think that sneeze is a sign of good luck, while others think it’s a bad sign. People in ancient Greece, 400 BC believed these sneezes are favorable sign from the gods. During the 6th century, the plague killed 200 million people all over the world; sneeze is also one of the symptoms of this disease. So people started to believe that sneeze is a sign of death and by saying “bless you” they thought it may prevent them from being infected and some used to consider as a final blessing. That’s why still some people say “God bless you” when someone sneeze.

Does really sneeze stops our heart?

        Do you know? Your sneeze can create 100,000 droplets and it can travel up to 160 kilometers (100 miles) an hour. Yes it’s more likely a faster way to spread diseases than a cough. So while sneezing, our heart stops for a second and start after that? Well it seems like it takes a break but, it’s not the case. Usually we inhale deeply before sneezing; this increases the pressure in your chest and slows down the blood flow to your heart. The heart compensates this by changing to its regular beat right after we sneeze. So it only reduces the heart rate for a short period of time rather than stopping it. Do you know? The heart can continue to beat for a short time after being removed from the body because; it has its own electrical system that can pump blood as long as it gets oxygen. So a sneeze won’t stop the electrical activity of our heart.

source: verywellhealth.com

Is holding your sneeze dangerous?

       Most of us hate sneezing in awkward situations, it makes us embarrassed. Did you ever tried to hold your sneeze? If you did, the following incident will show why you should not. A 34 year old man has admitted to a hospital in the UK for serious neck infection. Doctors found that the pressure built from the sneeze cant able to escape as he blocked his nose and mouth. It causes rupture in the cavity that connects our nose and mouth called pharynx. It seems that he is trying to hold his sneeze every time for the last 30 years because, he feels that it would be unhygienic to sneeze into the atmosphere. He was hospitalized for a week and doctors treated him with the necessary antibiotics to cure the infection.

      Sneezing is one of the primary defense systems in our body to get rid of harmful irritants in our nose. The entered irritant somehow should have to go out. So, don’t try to hold it, just let it happen.

“I used to wake up at 4 AM and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness”.     – James Thurber.

Booktok made me read it. – Review on the book ‘We were liars’

Yes, you read it write. This book has been trending on Booktok (book recommendation tiktoks) under the titles of “books that I would sell my soul to read for the first time again”, “books that will make you sob” or something as simple as “must have books”. But this particular book made many heads turn.

So, what’s all the hassle about? That’s exactly what we are here to find out.

Book history-

This book was written by E. Lockhart in 2014 and did a commendable job. The real hype began when in 2019 this book made an appearance in Booktok and ever since it’s still in the lists of many.

Popular sites like Daily Trojan recently added “We were liars’ on their must read pile. Publishers weekly too has named it as one of the most discussed book on TikTok.

Plot check.-

Nope, sorry can’t say. My lips are sealed.

 But still for the sake of our lovely readers I will give you some insight. The plot is everything. It’s about a family, a rich one, whose story is narrated by a girl who can’t remember the last summer she spent on that island. No literally she can’t remember what happened. And believe me when I say that’s the only the start of the mysteries that revolve around the great Sinclair family.

Next up comes the plot twist. The suspense of this book will make you question reality. It will toy with your brain. But this book make every misery it puts us through worth it.

Theme park.-

The themes portrayed by the author E. Lockhart is quite literal slap on the society. The book challenges social norms head on. Ranging from racism to rich/poor and everything in between this book has it all. It also deals with psychological disorders which I might add is a very sensitive and controversial territory. But E. Lockhart sashayed her way into it quite elegantly.

This book can be added in our school syllabus and no one would question it. Cause that is life. Real one not the Shakespearean where people die unnecessarily or take unfinished revenges.

Why are Tiktokers hyped about it?

The reason behind this is one word “narration”. The lines can be stolen, plot can be copied, hell even if entire idea of this book is plagiarized, still no one can copy the way the author narrates this book. The narration keeps you on edge, makes you restless and leaves a mark right on your soul. The ending will have you wailing in a corner of your room and question life and the entire credit goes to how beautiful the story has been narrated.

And that’s right I would personally sell my soul to read for the first time again.

Not just luck-

‘We were liars’ made I to the popular list mainly due to Booktok but what makes this entire ordeal a little disappointing is that why such a great book written by a very talented author need a social media platform to get popular and sell some copies. It’s been a long time since I have been a reader, whilst social media is a great advertising platform, I still feel books should have a separate platform where we can find genuine books which are of our interest and not just the books which were lucky enough to reach Tiktokers.

‘We were liars’ is like a ride on emotional rollercoaster. It takes you to another level of epiphany. This book has the capability to change one as a person and I am so not exaggerating.

Booktok made me read it but I hope you can say the review made you read it.

MOST APPRECIATED DRAMA OF DIFFERENT LANGUAGES IN INDIA

Being one of the most viewed programmes on Indian channel and getting good TRP with desi viewers many different dubbed shows were appreciated from pakistan, turkey, korean, ukranian etc.

1. ZINDAGI GULZAR HAI(PAKISTANI)

This serial was a phenomenon that made its stars insanely popular in both Pakistan and India, boosting the steady trickle of cultural exchange into a river of cross-border friendship. Powerful performances from Sanam Saeed, Samina Peerzada and Fawad Khan made this serial an international favourite.

ZINDAGI GULZAR HAI (2012)(2014 in India)

This was the show that made Pakistani actor Fawad Khan a popular face in India. The show that premiered in 2012 on Hum TV in Pakistan was based on a novel by Umera Ahmad and was also inspired from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It was a love story of Kashaf played by Sanam Saeed and Zaroon played by Fawad Khan. It was a classic poor girl and a rich boy love story and focussed on women’s struggle in the orthodox Pakistani society. The show instantly became a hit in Pakistan. And when the show travelled to India two years later, it re-created the history. The charms of the male protagonists, played by Fawad Khan floored TV Ji and many Indian female fans.

2. DESENDENT OF THE SUN(KOREAN)

 Korean heartthrob Song Joong Ki plays the role of a Special Force Officer. He is considered to be one of Korea’s hottest actors with a huge fan following across South East Asia. The series will premiere on Indian television on 8 February 2017 and became one of the first K-dramas to be available on a widely known Indian cable network.

DESENDENT OF THE SUN(2016)(2017 in India)

‘Descendants of the Sun’ is the story of Special Force Officer and a surgeon who fall in love at first sight. Their contrasting ideologies and values (as one kills to protect lives while the other one saves lives to protect them) makes them shy away from one another. Destiny plays an interesting role and after almost a year of having parted ways, they meet at a warzone ‘Uruk’, a land far from Seoul. Now, circumstances bring them face to face where they must work closely together driven by their principles.

3. FERIHA(TURKISH)

The first Turkish drama on Indian television was aired on 15th September 2015, Adını Feriha Koydum (Feriha) which had become a huge success. And from that time the Turkish TV Series has been very popular in India.

FERIHA(2011)(2015 in India)

It is a story of a young ambitious girl, who belongs to a poor family. But with the dreams of making it big out in the world. Beautiful, intelligent, and young, and with the thirst to see and travel the world, Feriha works hard to secure a scholarship to a private university.

But the new life at the university, where she goes to study on a scholarship, which awaits Feriha, about which she has no clues, wraps its arms around her and spins her around. Coming from a poor family and intimidated by the riches of the people around her at the university, Feriha soon entangles herself in a whirlwind of lies and made up stories. Emir Sarrafoglu, a rich son of a rich dad soon becomes the center of attraction of Feriha’s world, and telling lies, her new lifestyle.

4. SNOWDROP(UKRAINIAN)

“Snowdrop” was premiere in India on January 16 , 2017. This captivating story of love and revenge from the heart of Ukraine will not only enchant viewers with its superlative content but also give the audience an experience of a global palate.

SNOWDROP(2015)(2017 in India)

The show revolves around Nadya, an innocent, good hearted and hard working girl, who gets wrongly framed for an accident. Irina, her beautiful, spoilt and manipulative step sister and the man that both of them are in love with is Igor. He is the heir to a cosmetics empire. A tragic accident kills Igor’s beloved sister. Igor, who loved Nadya loses all his trust in her after the ill-fated incident. Irina, takes advantage of the situation and convinces Igor to marry her. The drama starts with a very exciting jail break. In first episode, Nadya will be seen escaping prison and rushing to a hotel where she confronts Irina as she is getting engaged to Igor. The confrontation ends with the stepsisters handcuffed to each other, falling off a roof. As they fall, Nadya wonders how they came to this juncture in life and remembers her past. The show depicts Nadya’s fight to prove her innocence and get the real culprit punished.

5. BOYS OVER FLOWER

This is the most popular K-Drama that dubbed in Hindi and become famous in the whole subcontinent. This drama didn’t only get popularity but the whole cast get popularity from this drama. This is another High school story with rich boy and the poor girl but intense triangle love story.

BOYS OVER FLOWER( 2009)(2017 in India)

Geum Jan Di comes from a poor family who owns a dry-cleaning shop. One day, she visits Shinhwa High School, a prestigious school for the wealthy, and saves a student trying to commit suicide because of bullying. For her heroic act, Jan Di receives a swimming scholarship and starts attending the school. In school, she meets the notorious F4, the most popular and powerful group of boys at the school, consisting of Gu Jun Pyo; the leader of F4 and heir to the Shinhwa Group, Yoon Ji Hu; the grandson of a former president of Korea, So Yi Jung; a skilled potter who comes from a family that owns the country’s biggest art museum, and Song Woo Bin; whose family runs the country’s largest construction company. Her life at school starts out miserable, as she doesn’t fit in with other students because of her status, and later becomes worse when she is labeled as the new bullying target of the F4.

these are the some international shows which was well appreciated with the Indian desi viewers and become hit and was trend setter for the other drama of different countries.

Big Fat Indian Weddings

The groom riding on the back of a horse, just being the prince charming, this beautiful bride had been waiting for, since she was nine, hundreds of people dancing, singing, celebrating, some other busy hosting more than a thousand people and the guests just rejecting every good thing. Rings a bell? Yes! That is what a Big Fat Indian Wedding Is! Will this showing off business take us anywhere? Why can’t we just have a wedding to satisfy ourselves rather than some strangers? The tradition of BIG FAT WEDDING has been in India for as long as humans have existed on earth and even a slightest change is considered crime in the eyes of the envoys of these traditions. With fair variety of food amounts taking space in the rented marriage halls as deemed necessary and appropriate measure of the respect they give to their guest has to be toxic at another level.

Hidden Ills

These high budgeted, well planned, stretching for over a week weddings could be fun for people who can afford it but for those who are to take loans just to satisfy the people (of half of whom doesn’t even matter to them), is something that definitely catches the eye. The issue with these weddings is that their sole purpose is not the happiness and contentedness of the bride and the groom but of the people who does not even knew the couple existed until before their wedding day. The show business is something that is worrisome to people who intend on getting married with lesser crowds and obviously lesser money. Because when these people do not follow the lead of burning millions in food, drinks, lodging, entertainment, for the people they hardly know, they are termed as misers, or even sometimes questioned if they are happy for their own wedding. The glorification of picture perfect wedding, the one where bride has at least one Sabyasachi or Manish Malhotra, groom gets a diamond ring for the engagement, there are as many as thousand shaguns given to all the guests, the hotels are no less than five stars, magnificent wedding sets inspired from dharma movies and only some 10-15 years worth savings going away with each step, is doing the harms it can in all the directions.

Picture Credits: WeddingWire.in
http://shorturl.at/noLQW

The amount to be spent on the wedding which was once one’s own choice today has become not only the status symbol but also a way of getting much craved respect from far away relatives. The amount that is spent has gone so high that people are compelled to give up all their savings along with loans burden on their heads. Everything becoming expensive day-by-day, the total cost can range anything from 20 lakhs to 5 crores, which also happens to be some family’s total savings or at least half of it. From decor to events to catering to photography with list adding on, the wealth drains with every event until it’s over. 80% people take loans for the wedding expenses. Reliance Money has stated that “An Indian wedding is generally a three-day affair with different ceremonies and rituals lined up. Each ceremony requires its own set of apparel, set-up, and materials. The average cost of a single ceremony may range between 6 to 10 lakhs.” Could we even think that these weddings are nothing more than wastage of money in its most prime way?

Refined Way

as the younger generation is getting married with their own money and not with their families taking loans, there has been a change in the way the weddings are being planned out. They marry on their own terms and more specifically in their own budgets. These new couples of 21st century aren’t the ones who spend money to impress some strangers but the ones who plan and spend as their own needs. The court marriages have emerged as a new trend with only the couple and parents saving the money and mostly donating it. With covid hitting the world and restricting the number of people in weddings in India, people have been inviting guests that are close to them. Now weddings are turning into more of a private affair than a public one, with only limited guests and less spending, there by moving forward in the right direction of curbing the ills of BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDING.

Reference: https://www.reliancemoney.co.in/getting-married-in-india-what-does-an-average-wedding-cost

About that author- Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka is regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time who gave birth to a new manner of writing all while being tormented by his very existence.

Early life 

Kafka was born in 1883 in Prague, the capital city of what is now known as Czech. He was the eldest son to an acquiescent mother and a strong, assertive and highly dogmatic father.

Kafka’s father had an assertive and sturdy personality, his presence alone was enough to intimidate Franz or his mother.

Neither Kafka nor his mother could ever gather enough courage to contradict his father. For even if Kafka did gather it, it would lead to consequences that Kafka was extremely familiar with. His mother too, was too timid to ever try and protect her son. Much of Kafka’s personality is profoundly shaped by his relationship with his father. Kafka grew up with profuse self hatred,anxiety and despair. He was nothing like his father, in fact he was the exact opposite, and for that he was always a target for criticism.

Even as a young child, he had a particular inclination towards writing and literature, he wanted to write but this dream of his was highly detested by his father and his mother too failed to comprehend the intensity of his dreams or preserve them.

Kafka’s relationship with his father 

Kafka did not have a good relationship with his father and the same is well reflected in his novels. In his novels, Kafka often created an authoritative figure that cannot be vanquished.

In his unfinished work, The Trial,he talks about the bureaucracy, politicians and businessmen that hold the power to oppress and push around an office worker, Josef K., whose personality awfully resembled that of Franz’s. In The Trial Josef .K, one morning was arrested for reasons he was unaware of, and didn’t even attempt to find out because in his view he deserved every tiny bit of it. He doesn’t try to protest or push back and is ultimately pronounced guilty.

Relationship with self

Kafka’s most famous novel, The Metamorphosis, published in 1915 acts as a great mirror to understand his relationship with himself. In The Metamorphosis, a salesman, Gregor Samsa, one morning wakes up only to find out that he has turned into an insect. The novel revolves around Gregor’s struggles after this significant change. 

The metamorphosis represents the hatred and disgust that Kafka held towards himself.

Franz Kafka’s most notable works include The Judgement, A Hunger Artist, and a series of short stories, and much of them were left incomplete. Kafka would burn down more than half of what he wrote because he did not like his work. The trial was written in 1914-15 but wasn’t published until after his death by his friend, Max Brod. Kafka left all of his work to Max Brod, instructing him to destroy all of it, but luckily Brod disregarded his wish and went on to publish his work which attracted attention and was regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

LEGACY 

Franz Kafka’s most notable works include The Judgement, A Hunger Artist, and a series of short stories, and much of them were left incomplete. Kafka would burn down more than half of what he wrote because he did not like his work. The trial was written in 1914-15 but wasn’t published until after his death by his friend, Max Brod. Kafka left all of his work to Max Brod, instructing him to destroy all of it, but luckily Brod disregarded his wish and went on to publish his work which attracted attention and was regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

Franz Kafka, in 1924 at the age of 40, succumbed to tuberculosis, leaving behind some of the best novels ever written. Kafka was a great literary figure, who inspired writers such as Albert Camus, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

Kafka’s world is often characterized by dark but very real themes. His work has a certain melancholy associated with it. It almost seems like a dread filled dream that sticks with the reader and leaves an everlasting impression on them. His work became so profound that it went on to inspire a style of writing called “kafkaesque”, which is often used to describe something with nightmarish, oppressive and despair-like qualities. His world is a place where most people at some point in their life find themselves, and most of them get out of there too but Kafka stayed there for as long as he lived, giving the world something that transcends their imagination.

All That Glitters is not Gold

By- Supriya

All that glitters is definitely not Gold.In reality, many a times it is the fake one that glitters more.Even that useless broken piece of a glass that can do nothing but cut through flesh and make it bleed will shine with great glory as the sum rays fall and dance upon its surface. But that reflection of prismatic colours do not change that wounding piece of glass into gold. It is often thus said with a touch of a warning that ‘Appearance is always deceptive ‘. Thus we should never rely on outward manifestations and put up shows. Many a times people can put up false show of kindness, charity ,love, respect and other kinds of virtues.People even get swayed by that artful pretence of such people. But time and trails are the greatest examiners. With time when trails knock at their door, such people start showing their true colours.

Many a times ,in life, things are not what they seem to be. Most of the times, they are covered by false masks , faces and appearances.In fact , history has repeatedly proved that people have worn multiple masks in order to reach the higher ladders of success. People often make use of trickery ,cunningness,hypocrisy and flattery in order to achieve their dreams. They believe their inward reality of shallowness and hollowness by a fantastic and blinding show of grave morality.So, due to false appearances, morally depraved have easily passed as great moralists before the world ,fools have passed as wise, dishonest people have been thought of as honest,liars as great protectors of truth , wicked as sincere friends and traitors as great patriots. The garb of fine dresses, good manners, sweet voice ,kind behaviour and honey – dripping personality works out well with such persons as people at large are often swayed by such sweetness. But rarely do they realise that under this rosy appearance lies the serpent quietly coiled up ready to string at the slightest provocation.
It is in fact very easy to befool and misguide people by putting on a grab of goodness by means of fine dresses and speeches. People fall prey to good manners and good appearance. Human mind is gullible and foolish. It is often taken captive by what is shown and does not care to see what lies behind. Hence, people are often deceived because of such appearances. Sycophancy and hypocrisy can, of course ,help people for sometime to climb the social and economic ladder but concealment cannot work for long. Gold shows itself as purer than ever before when tried and tested, but it is the fake one that fails at the slightest touch of test.

It has been rightly and aptly said that everything is not exactly as it seems. A shiny piece of metal shining gloriously in the sun from afar, turns out to be a useless piece of sharp- edged tin if examined closely.

Thus, before making hasty judgement based on what seems to be one should take time to try and peep behind the facade of make – belief sweetness and politeness. One should use wisdom and discretion to weigh the appearance against what lurks behind as truth. Then only one can learn to differentiate between gold and the rest that glitters as gold.

Can we really use our brain 100%?

We  have  been  studying  about  a  complex  organ  in  our  body  for  centuries  and  we  are  still  learning  a  lot  about  it,  Do you  know  what  it  is?.  Yes,  the  Brain  is  the  most  complex  and  fascinating  organ  which  is  made  up  of  more  than  100  billion  neurons  that  can  transmit  an  enormous  amount  of  information  through  electrochemical  signal.  The  brain  is  the  major  organ  of  the  central  nervous  system  and  the  control  center  for  all  the  body’s  voluntary  and  involuntary  activities.  It  is  also  responsible  for  the  complexities  of  thought,  memory,  emotion,  and  language.  In  adults,  this  complex  organ  weighs  about  1.4  kilograms.  The  brain  has  three  major  parts,  the  cerebrum,  cerebellum,  and  brainstem.

  • The  Cerebrum,  which  consists  of  the  right  and  left  cerebral  hemispheres  joined  by  the  corpus  callosum,  is  the  sight  of  most  conscious  and  intelligent  activities.
  • The  Cerebellum,  its  main  functions  are  the  maintenance  of  posture  and  the  coordination  of  body  movements.
  • The  Brainstem,  which  controls  vital  body  functions,  such  as  breathing  and  digestion.
Parts of Brain

Myth  or  Fact?

                    There  are  about  two  third  of  the  people  believes  that  we  only  use  10  percent  of  our  brain,  even  50%  of  science  teachers  also  do.  These  are  all  started  in  1908  when  William  James  known  as  the  father  of  American  psychology  mentioned  in  his  book,  The  Energies  of  Men  that  “we  are  making  use  of  only  a  small  part  of  our  possible  mental  and  physical  resources”.  He  only  meant  this  a  challenge  to  encourage  the  people  to  develop  ourselves  mentally.  But  later  in  1936  Dale  Carnegie  mentioned  the  10%  figure  in  his  book  and  thus  people  started  to  believe  this  thing.  It  may  also  come  from  a  simple  confusion  that  our  brain  is  10%  neurons  and  90%  glial  cells.  There  are  different  types  of  neurons  that  take  care  of  different  functions  in  our  brain  but  in  general  your  neurons  enable  you  to  process  and  transmit  information  and  glial  cells  surround  our  neurons  providing  them  with  support  and  insulation.

How  much  we  actually  use  our  Brain?

                  For  an  adult  at  resting  position,  our  brain  consumes  about  20%  of  the  body’s  overall  energy  for  just  breathing,  digesting  and  keeping  itself  warm,  even  though  our  brain  makes  up  only  2%  of  the  body  weight.  It  means  that  it  requires  350  to  450  calories  per  day  just  to  transmit  signals.  For  5  years  old,  their  brain  consumes  over  50%  to  60%  of  the  total  energy.  So  imagine  how  much  energy  it  takes  to  attain  100%  efficiency  of  your  brain  at  once,  even  if  you  can  access  your  brain’s  full  capacity  you  can’t  use  it.  Because  your  brain  would  be  limited  by  your  body’s  survival  needs.  As  we  have  been  evolving  as  a  human  from  2.4  million  years  ago,  our  brain  learned  to  use  the  necessary  parts  at  any  one  time  ,  a  process  called  ‘Sparse coding’,  with  this  we  can  carry  the  most  information  using  the  least  energy.  Consider  your  house  for  an  example,  it  has  living  room,  bedrooms,  kitchen  etc,  and  there  will  be  some  electrical  appliances  in  each  room,  so  when  you  are  in  a  particular  room,  you  don’t  use  all  the  electrical  appliances  at  once  because,  you  don’t  have  to  when  it  is  unnecessary,  that’s  what  happens  with  your  brain  too.  We  actually  use  1  to  16%  of  our  brain  for  more  efficient  use  of  energy.  We  use  more  than  10%  of  our  brain  even  while  sleeping,  our  brain  process  all  the  day  events  and  our  subconscious  data  to  our  conscious  memory.

Conclusion:

                  So  how  can  you  be  smarter?  You  have  to  train  your  brain  like  a  muscle,  try  to  learn  new  things,  stimulate  it  frequently,  take  on  challenges  and  get  enough  sleep.  We  are  using  our  brain  100%  but  not  at  the  same  time.

   “Everything we do, every thought we’ve ever had, is produced by the human brain. But exactly how it operates remains one of the biggest unsolved mysteries, and it seems the more we probe its secrets, the more surprises we find”.  –Neil deGrasse Tyson

About Teen Pregnancy

The US teen birth rate (births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 19 years) has been declining since 1991.  Teen birth rates continued to decline from 17.4 per 1,000 females in 2018 to 16.7 per 1,000 females in 2019.  This is another record low for US teens and a decrease of 4% from 2018. Birth rates fell 7% for females aged 15 to 17 years and 4% for females aged 18 to 19 years.

Although reasons for the declines are not totally clear, evidence suggests these declines are due to more teens abstaining from sexual activity, and more teens who are sexually active using birth control than in previous years.

Still, the US teen pregnancy rate is substantially higher than in other western industrialized nations, and racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in teen birth rates persist.

Disparities in Teen Birth Rates

Teen birth rates declined from 2018 to 2019 for several racial groups and for Hispanics. Among 15- to 19-year-olds, teen birth rates decreased:

  • 5.2% for Hispanic females.
  • 5.8% for non-Hispanic White females.
  • 1.9% for non-Hispanic Black females.

Rates for non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN), non-Hispanic Asians, and non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander teenagers were unchanged.

In 2019, the birth rates for Hispanic teens (25.3) and non-Hispanic Black teens (25.8) were more than two times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic White teens (11.4). The birth rate of American Indian/Alaska Native teens (29.2) was highest among all race/ethnicities.

Birth Rates for Females Aged 15 to 19 Years, by Race and Hispanic Origin of Mother: United States, 2018 and 2019

Birth Rates per 1,000 Females Aged 15 to 19 Years, by Race and Hispanic Origin of Mother: United States, 2018 and 2019.  All races and origins, 2018: 17.4; 2019: 16.7 Non-Hispanic White, 2018: 12.1; 2019: 11.4 Non-Hispanic Black, 2018: 26.3; 2019: 25.8 Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, 2018: 29.7; 2019: 29.2 Non-Hispanic Asian, 2018: 2.8; 2019: 2.7 Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 2018: 26.5; 2019: 26.2 Hispanic, 2018: 26.7; 2019: 25.3

Data source: Martin JA, Hamilton BE, Osterman MJK, Driscoll AK. Births: final data for 2019. Natl Vital Stat Rep. 2021;70(2):1–50.

Geographic differences in teen birth rates persist, both within and across states. Although among states with low overall teen birth rates, some counties have high teen birth rates.

Social determinants of health, such as low education and low income levels of a teen’s family, may contribute to high teen birth rates. Teens in certain settings are at higher risk of teen pregnancy and birth than other groups. For example, young women living in foster care are more than twice as likely to become pregnant than young women not in foster care.

To improve the life opportunities of adolescents facing significant health disparities and to have the greatest effect on overall US teen birth rates, CDC uses data to inform and direct interventions and resources to areas with the greatest need.

The Importance of Prevention

female  and male teen

Teen pregnancy and childbearing are associated with increased social and economic costs through immediate and long-term effects on teen parents and their children.

  • Pregnancy and birth are significant contributors to high school dropout rates among girls. Only about 50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by 22 years of age, whereas approximately 90% of women who do not give birth during adolescence graduate from high school.
  • The children of teenage mothers are more likely to have lower school achievement and to drop out of high school, have more health problems, be incarcerated at some time during adolescence, give birth as a teenager, and face unemployment as a young adult.
  • On a positive note, between 1991 and 2015, the teen birth rate dropped 64%, which resulted in $4.4 billion in public savings in 2015 alone.

WHAT IS SEXUAL HEALTH?

SEXUAL HEALTH IS A TYPE OF HEALTH

There are many types of health including physical health, mental health, spiritual health, cultural health, social health, financial health, environmental health, etc. Plus all these types of health can impact each other. For instance, if you are trying to prevent pregnancy and are able to access the birth control you need (physical health), this may help to create a more positive mood (emotional health), which may also positively impact your sense of sexual confidence and sexual self-esteem (sexual health).

Sexual health is as valuable as any other type of health. How important it is will be different for each person. Sometimes depending on where you are in the world and your upbringing, sexual health may not be as recognized as other types of health and there may even be shame, embarrassment, fear, and confusion with sexual health. This is very common as there, unfortunately, can be a lot of shame attached to things associated with “sex”. For example, it might feel more comfortable talking about a common cold or flu with family, friends or a doctor than it might be to talk about questions around sexual health. On the other hand, you may be very comfortable talking and learning about sexual health. Take a moment to think about how the topic of sexual health makes you feel?

No matter where you are coming from, WE ARE HERE to help bring Sexual Health into a more positive and empowering place. A place where hopefully you can learn the sexual health information you would like, see or speak to a professional in the field whether on the Sex Sense Line or at one of our many clinics throughout BC, and come away knowing that sexual health is a natural part of being human.

Options for Sexual Health champions and celebrates sexual health including an individual’s freedom of sexual expression, the diversity of human sexuality, and a positive sexual self-image for individuals throughout life. 

What influences Sexual Health?

How we define sexual health will be different for each person. The reason is that sexual health is influenced by many personal and social factors such as:

  • Our values and beliefs 
  • Upbringing
  • Culture
  • Religion
  • Indigenous Status
  • Spirituality
  • The people around us
  • Our personal experiences
  • Societal expectations
  • Legal and/or sexual rights

Think about what factors influence your sexual health? What messages have you been given about sexual health from…(if applicable)…..your family? friends? society? culture? religion? spirituality? What are some of your own values and beliefs?

How we experience our sexual health is also part of how we experience the world. For example, there are many factors that health researchers have identified that can impact our health including sexual health. These are known as the ‘social determinants of health’ and include how health is affected by income, education, employment, childhood development, food, housing, health services, gender, race, disability, Indigenous status, social marginalization, and social services.

If someone’s gender identity/identities are not recognized this can impact their sexual health and experiences of social marginalization. Another example is if someone is a newcomer to Canada and may not speak the language or have the health care card that will allow them to access the sexual health services they need.

As you can see, our sexual health is as individual and complicated as the various dynamics of our lives.

Human sexuality rarely falls into neat categories or lends itself to simple labeling, but rather is a rich and complex area of human experience.

Sexual health is personal, psychological, relational, cultural, spiritual, physical, and emotional.

So what does “sexual health” mean to you?

ANXIETY A GROWING PROBLEM

Anxiety a problem faced by millions in the world. Some know about it; others are not even aware of it. They are suffering it all alone. Some suffer with minor, others with major anxiety to the extent that they even try to take away their own life.

What is anxiety ?

So, let’s first know what anxiety is? This is really important to know what anxiety actually means, because there are many who are suffering from it, but are not even aware of it.

Anxiety in simple sense means having worry, fear in some stressful or tensed situation, which is normal. But when somebody experiences it on a daily basis in an intense and excessive manner on small-small things, is actually suffering from anxiety disorder. And this is a very severe disorder to the extent that people are not able to overcome it and end up taking their lives.

Cause

The main causes of anxiety disorder are:

  • Not Living in Present : the first and in most of the cases it is caused to youngsters because of the uncertainty and worry about their future. Their worry rises day by day, and it grows to become a disorder.
  • Expectations: the other cause is worry of not being up to the mark of their expectations or having over-expectations.
  • Results : worry about result is another cause.
  • Thinking negative : what ever they think they are always seeing it negatively.
  • Overthinking : another main cause is overthinking. They keep on thinking about one thing and their mind goes on to think of other related things with it. And ultimately they go into so much deep thinking that they themselves don’t realize.
  • Hopelessness : they become hopeless and think they are of no worth to the world.
  • Being altruistic : it simply means always thinking what others or the world would think about them, which makes them more nervous.

These we some of the causes their might be other reasons too. But now we should look at the solution, because for every problem their is a solutions as every night has a day.

Solutions

  • Start to Live in Present : the first and foremost thing is to start living in the present. Don’t worry about the future as that is not in your hand; what you have is the present just live in the present.
  • Stop Expecting: the other thing is that do not expect anything from time(future) or anyone, because you are disheartened only when you have expection. When you do not expect anything, then whatever you get you are satisfied with it.
  • Don’t worry about results : Stop worring about results as it is not in your hand, just leave it ot God, everything will be fine. You just do your work and don’t worry about the result (hindi saying : karm Kar phal ki chinta mat kar).
  • Think positively : try to be positive as being negative never helps. And just think it yourself as even if you are negative what ever the destiny has decided it will happen. Just keep one thing in your mind whatever happens happens for good (joh hota hai achhe ke liye hota hai).
  • Do Yoga : the one of the most effective way to calm your mind is doing Yoga. By doing yoga you to try to make balance between your mind and body. Try to meditate. Whenever any negative thoughts comes to your mind just stop, what ever you are doing and do simple yoga. Watch videos on internet. Try to divert your mind.
  • Don’t worry about what people think : just keep in mind that, whatever you do, you do it for yourself and not to get somebody’s remark or happiness, it’s for you. Just do whatever you like, don’t let them affect you as it’s not worth it because they have no importance in your life.
  • Stop overthinking : when every you realize that you are getting trapped in your endless thinking, just keep everything aside and immediately stop thinking, just take two deep breath and try to relax yourself. And try to remember all the above points, you will feel relaxed.
  • Take a nap : just take a nap if you are feeling stressed.

Just try it once. If then too you are not feeling well, then please do contact a psychiatrist or any friend or your parents or anyone close to you to share your feelings with them. And be positive.

6 INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED MANKIND

Google trends each year shows the most popular search engine queries and top trending topics. The top results are always based on recent discoveries, inventions and big things that ‘people are talking about. Just like those here are some of the greatest inventions in history which changed the human lifestyle. Here we will talk about why-when-who created these inventions.

WHEEL

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Well, there are various uses of a wheel from landing an aeroplane to driving a rover on the moon. There are also many other uses of a wheel-like using it in an analogue clock or using it as a pulley.

It is one of the components of simple machines. It is a round disc-like structure fixed at a point with an axle. Well, it is said that the wheel was even used at around 3500BC in Mesopotamia but it is a mystery who invented it, all we know is that the wheel was invented by Sumerian people in the 4th century BC and later on the discs began to be hollowed to make them lighter.

There are many inventions that were inspired by the nature itself like the idea of the table fork came from forked sticks and the idea for aeroplane emerged from the gliding birds but the wheel is the invention that can be said as pure innovation though there are hunches that the idea for the wheel came from cylindrical logs, which were often used to slide the ships into the water.

GUNPOWDER

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“Gunpowder” also known as black powder is the first-ever developed chemical explosive. This black powder is the mixture of sulfur (S), carbon (C), and potassium nitrate (saltpetre, KNO3) but the Sulfur and Carbon are present in the form of Charcoal.

Well the working of gunpowder is simple as the carbon present in it should draw the oxygen from the air but the Saltpetre provides the oxygen, now when the powder is ignited the Sulfur present ignites and raises the temperature tearing the nitrate molecule which releases the Oxygen and leads to combustion.

There are a variety of uses for gunpowder like using for mining, firearms, rocketry etc. Gun Powder was invented in China during the 9th century and it is even listed among the top 4 inventions of China. It is said that the Gun Powder was invented in the 9th century but the recorded chemical formula for gunpowder dates to the Song dynasty (11th century).

Gunpowder was thought to be a monopoly in China till the 13th century as Science was passed through the Silk Route to Europe and middle Islamic countries it became a deciding factor in many wars.

ARPANET

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Many people don’t know about ARPANET OR Advanced Research Projects Agency Network as it was the early stage of the Internet. 

The purpose of the ARPANET was to communicate and share data with other computers specially for scientific uses.

The idea for ARPANET was introduced in 1967 under the direction of the U.S. Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) but the idea came to reality in 1969 when 4 university computers were interconnected.

The idea of ARPANET was based on sending data in small amounts called “packets” that could be stored and sent to different paths.

In 1974 the first ISP(Internet Service Provider) was formed named Telenet. Then in the year 1991, the World Wide Web was introduced to the world by CERN. In 1994 Netscape Communications was born and Microsoft created a Web browser for Windows 95.

ELECTRIC BATTERY

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A battery is a group of cells that provides electric power. The battery was first invented in the 1800s by Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. He stacked discs of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) separated by cloth soaked in salty water turning it into a cell.

Batteries are used in almost every electrical appliance from a Tesla to a cell phone and come in every size. When it comes to the working of batteries it is a trick way to explain because there are a variety of cells with a different types of functioning.

The only thing that is common in batteries is that when a chemical reaction takes place some extra electrons are produced which results in electric current.

ALLOY

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An alloy is a composition of 2 or more metals or non-metals. There are a variety of alloys with different properties. Some of the commonly known alloys are brass (copper and zinc), bronze (copper and tin), Gunmetal and Stainless Steel.

Bronze was the first alloy to be discovered during the prehistoric era also known as the bronze age. At that time it was used to make tools as it was harder than copper but as science developed new alloys were formed with better properties.

There are various uses of alloys like-

-Magnalium is used for aircraft parts due to its lightweight property.

-Jewellery gold is used for making the Jewellery as it is harder than pure Gold.

-Solder is used for sealing pipes and connecting electronic parts as it has a low melting point and is a good conductor of electricity.

-Stainless Steel is an alloy of Iron, Nickle, Carbon and Chromium which makes it stronger and anti corrode.

COMPUTER

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A computer is a device programmed to carry out various tasks like storing, processing and displaying. Surely ARPANET would be of no use without a computer.

The concept of the computer was given in the year 1822 by a mathematician named Charles Babbage and a century after the Idea came into existence. Later he was known as the father of the computer.

In the year 1971, the idea of the floppy disk came into existence leading to share data among other computers.

In the year 1974 various personal computers were launched including 

 Scelbi & Mark-8 Altair, IBM 5100, Radio Shack’s TRS-80 — affectionately known as the “Trash 80” — and the Commodore PET as the science and technology has developed the computers have become portable and powerful.

Google trends each year shows the most popular search engine queries and top trending topics. The top results are always based on recent discoveries, inventions and big things that ‘people are talking about. Just like those here are some of the greatest inventions in history which changed the human lifestyle. Here we will talk about why-when-who created these inventions.

The Bittersweetness of Nostalgia 

Nostalgia is one strong feeling. Perhaps, one of the strongest. 

It can make you travel back in time, take you back to the bitter and sweet memories where you can almost hear your mother calling for you in the distance so that you don’t miss the school bus. You can almost feel the dejection you felt when your best friend doesn’t come to school, the fear when you forget your notebook at home. You can almost feel your mother’s arms wrapped around you, shielding you from any harm that comes your way. 

You can almost feel all these emotions but still can’t reach them. There is a wall that impedes you to truly and wholly be in those memories and that wall is reality. 

Nostalgia is always asserted with a miniscule of woe that constantly reminds you that you can never truly travel back in time. If only we could be a part of those foggy memories, we would feel complete. If only we could go back to the times when you fought with your sibling over the T.V. remote, we would be satisfied, our thirst for absolute satisfaction would be quenched.

But isn’t it this yearning, this longing that makes memories what they are, makes us value and treasure those moments as much as we do. If we could, in reality go back in time we wouldn’t value them enough, we would start to treat them the way we treat a myriad of things.

That pain, that longing is an evergoing epiphany, whispering into your ear, reminding you of the distance that exists between you and the past. That reminder makes you want to grip harder onto those memories, making you want to stay there.

That reminder also stops you from taking things for granted. That doesn’t mean that you have to be extremely conscious of every moment you experience or every step you take, it just means that you have to cherish them at the time of their occurrence. Maybe you can remind yourself of all these things when you are in a foul mood or maybe even value the people more, take care of them and appreciate them. Tell them how you feel about them because they too, will go away someday and never come back.

It is not necessary that we all would be able to appreciate and cherish anything in our lives after reading an article, in fact these realisations will occur out of the blue, at times you don’t expect. It could be a time of grief for you, or visiting your old house, a breakup or just a conversation with an old friend which can ultimately driving you down a road of deep thought, maybe even leaving you confused.

Nothing can remedy this woe, no one should even try to remedy it, let yourself feel this woe, dive into those memories, dwell into those moments but don’t let them consume you for you still have a multitude of memories to make and reminisce over in future.

7 facial care tips for men

1. CTM IS ESSENTIAL
Like women, the CTM routine (cleansing, toning and moisturising) is just as important for men. They are exposed to pollution, car exhaust, cigarette smoke and other pollutants on a daily basis, which damage the skin. Also, men tend to have oilier and thicker skin than women. They need to use a good facial cleanser that works on all kinds of skin.

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Cleansing is essential to sanitize your skin and eliminate dead skin cells. Use mild cleanser that cleanses the skin without drying it. Men are lazy to wash their face before going to the bed and that causes comedone. Cleansing is must to avoid whitehead, blackhead and acne. And for toning, you can even use a basic rose water potion.

And moisturizing helps to treat to prevents cracks, dry and dull skin. Itchy skin is painful and to heal such skin type it is important to apply thick moisturizing cream on your skin and body. Thick moisturizer doesn’t mean greasy formula, there are moisturizers that are light and keep your skin protected for long hours.

2. ALWAYS APPLY SUNSCREEN
Another thing men tend to ignore is the sunscreen. You must apply a sunscreen with minimum SPF 30. It is not the heat that causes tanning but the sun rays that spoils the colour and texture of your skin. To minimize tanning, apply it on your face as well as hands. Make sure you apply the suncreen 15 minutes before heading out, so it gets absorbed better.

3. EXFOLIATE DAILY

Exfoliation is crucial to eliminate dead skin cells from accumulating and causing bacterial infection on your skin. If you do not scrub your skin, your pores will build up dirt, causing your skin to break out more often. Acing the list of ‘beauty tips for men’ is exfoliating the skin. Removing dead cells from the skin’s surface leaves the face radiant and healthy. Once a week, one should use a gentle but granulated face scrub to help smoothen the skin and eliminate dullness. Another advantage of exfoliating the face is that it softens the hair follicles, which results in a smoother shave and minimal irritation. For normal to combination skin type, use a cream-based scrub or a gel-based scrub to eliminate dirt from your face.

4. AVOID WRINKLES

The skin around the eyes, especially, lacks in sweat and oil glands; making it highly susceptible to under-eye dehydration. This manifests as fine lines and wrinkles eventually. To prevent this, dab a little hydrating eye cream around your peepers every morning and before bedtime. Choose from the various men’s eye creams available in the market.

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5. LIPS AGE FAST

You need to pay attention to your lips as well. They also tan and get chapped and can look bad. A good lip balm is a must to cure all these problems; it also makes them soft and supple. Also, did you know that lips age with time? Look closely in the mirror, and you will notice the fine lines. As the years go by, the lips start looking chapped. Men don’t have the advantage of makeup to hide this effect. They should always apply a lip balm with a high SPF during the day, and a hydrating and nourishing lip balm at night.

6. MANICURE FOR MEN

Manicure is not meant for just women. Even men should keep a close watch on their hands. The nails must be neatly trimmed and hands cleaned. Include this in your list of ‘beauty tips for men’and notice the change.

7. KEEP YOUR BEARD CLEAN

It’s perfectly fine to sport a beard, if you think that makes a style statement. But ensure that you keep it clean, so that fears about itchiness don’t come between you and your loved one while you enjoy your conversation and meal. Simply follow a few basic hygiene measures. The best thing to do is to wash your beard with a face wash or shampoo. But ensure that you don’t over shampoo your beard. It may completely remove natural oils that keep your beard healthy and moisturised. You may also apply some beard oil with fragrance after washing it.

Source : Times Of India

How are men’s soaps different from others?

If you’ve ever looked closely when pouring water into an oil-laden frying pan in your sink, you’ve noticed that water beads up on the oily surface. Likewise, if you’ve ever poured a little oil into a bowl of water, you noticed the oil beading up and refusing to mix with the water. But why is this, and what does it have to do with soap?

Dirt that clings to your skin is usually a fat- or oil-based substance. When you wash with water alone, non-oily dirt is carried off the skin while oils or lipids stay on. Since oil and water don’t mix, water passes over your skin without bonding to the grime.

Soap brings the two together. Soap is a cleansing agent formed from a mix of sodium salts derived from naturally occurring fatty acids. One end of a soap molecule is attracted to water, while the other end of the same molecule is attracted to oils and lipids. Each end has its preference, and it’s a strong preference — soap molecules turn and stand on end when placed in water, as the water-loving end burrows downward and the water-loathing end juts out of the water. When you rub soapy water over your skin, the dirt-attracting end of the soap molecule attaches to the dirt, while the other end of the molecule remains firmly rooted in the water. If the dirt shifts during the course of washing, exposing a new surface that previously had been facing the skin, the dirt-loving end of the soap molecule will attach to it, eventually surrounding the dirt entirely in a sort of protective cocoon. Dirt now becomes the protected occupant of a soapy submarine that travels freely through the water without letting the water touch the cargo. And this is how soap removes dirt from your skin.

Regularly stripping away oils and fats isn’t a good long-term strategy for maintaining a healthy, attractive appearance. That’s why soaps contain any number of moisturizers, non-detergent cleansers and exfoliating agents, in addition to whatever synthetic cleansers, preservatives and fillers that the manufacturer has added.

Men can benefit from using soap tailored specifically for their skin, and men’s skin has its own unique properties, along with individual differences. So how are men’s soaps different from others? Keep reading to find out.

Soap for the Skin You’re In

Ideally, men’s soap should account for the unique qualities of men’s skin. Compared to females, males have skin that’s thicker, sweatier and oilier. These are good traits to have when it comes to extending the shelf life of attractive-looking skin. The signs of facial aging are caused, in part, by your skin’s thinning collagen. Men have more collagen than women, helping hold wrinkles at bay for longer. However, due to their thicker skin, men can have a buildup of dead skin cells. For this reason, find a men’s soap that has a humectant such as sorbitol that facilitates desquamation (shedding of the outer layer of skin).

Men’s skin produces more sweat and oil, which helps form a protective layer that prevents damage from pollutants and toxins. However, this extra sweat and oil also means that men are more likely to have bad acne breakouts. Once this oil has been stripped away, it’s important for an added moisturizer in the soap — such as glycerin — to provide a protective covering while sealing moisture into the skin.

Washing your face with standard hand soap isn’t recommended. While perfectly good for washing hands, normal soap can be irritating to the more sensitive skin of the face. Men who use a “traditional” or basic soap are more apt to have dry, tight-feeling skin.

Men with sensitive skin may discover that many soaps contain additives that can cause irritation. An easy rule of thumb: The shorter the ingredients list, the better. There are also many companies that produce all-natural and organic soaps for men, and soaps without fragrances.

When we talk about the differences between men’s soap and women’s soap, the most obvious are in packaging and fragrance. Women’s soaps usually come in packaging that evokes thoughts of riding a swan into a fluffy cloud of clean babies, while men’s packaging usually is pretty basic, featuring a solid color and often a masculine word, such as “power” or “blast.”

Women’s fragrances are generally fruity, and they come in countless variations. You won’t see such scents as Juniper Breeze or Cotton Blossom used in soaps marketed toward men. Men’s soaps come in scents more associated with masculinity, such as sandalwood or musk, or none at all.

The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No

The ultimate productivity hack is saying no.

Not doing something will always be faster than doing it. This statement reminds me of the old computer programming saying, “Remember that there is no code faster than no code.”

The same philosophy applies in other areas of life. For example, there is no meeting that goes faster than not having a meeting at all.

This is not to say you should never attend another meeting, but the truth is that we say yes to many things we don’t actually want to do. There are many meetings held that don’t need to be held. There is a lot of code written that could be deleted.

How often do people ask you to do something and you just reply, “Sure thing.” Three days later, you’re overwhelmed by how much is on your to-do list. We become frustrated by our obligations even though we were the ones who said yes to them in the first place.

It’s worth asking if things are necessary. Many of them are not, and a simple “no” will be more productive than whatever work the most efficient person can muster.

But if the benefits of saying no are so obvious, then why do we say yes so often?

Why We Say Yes

We agree to many requests not because we want to do them, but because we don’t want to be seen as rude, arrogant, or unhelpful. Often, you have to consider saying no to someone you will interact with again in the future—your co-worker, your spouse, your family and friends.

Saying no to these people can be particularly difficult because we like them and want to support them. (Not to mention, we often need their help too.) Collaborating with others is an important element of life. The thought of straining the relationship outweighs the commitment of our time and energy.

For this reason, it can be helpful to be gracious in your response. Do whatever favors you can, and be warm-hearted and direct when you have to say no.

But even after we have accounted for these social considerations, many of us still seem to do a poor job of managing the tradeoff between yes and no. We find ourselves over-committed to things that don’t meaningfully improve or support those around us, and certainly don’t improve our own lives.

Perhaps one issue is how we think about the meaning of yes and no.

The Difference Between Yes and No

The words “yes” and “no” get used in comparison to each other so often that it feels like they carry equal weight in conversation. In reality, they are not just opposite in meaning, but of entirely different magnitudes in commitment.

When you say no, you are only saying no to one option. When you say yes, you are saying no to every other option.

I like how the economist Tim Harford put it, “Every time we say yes to a request, we are also saying no to anything else we might accomplish with the time.” Once you have committed to something, you have already decided how that future block of time will be spent.

In other words, saying no saves you time in the future. Saying yes costs you time in the future. No is a form of time credit. You retain the ability to spend your future time however you want. Yes is a form of time debt. You have to pay back your commitment at some point.

No is a decision. Yes is a responsibility.

Effects of Emotional Intelligence Training on Adolescent Mental Health

Purpose

To analyze the effects that an emotional intelligence (EI) educational program based on the EI ability model had on adolescent mental health immediately and 6 months after completion of the training.

Methods

A pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design with a treatment and a control group was used; 479 Spanish adolescents (47.4% male, mean age of 13 years) were involved in the study. Adolescents were recruited through several schools in three Spanish cities. The 2-year training program involved 24 sessions lasting 1 hour each, conducted `weekly during 6 months of 2009 and 2010. Data on psychological adjustment, mental health, and negative affect were collected at baseline, at the end of the training program, and 6 months later. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance.

Results

Students who participated in the EI educational program reported fewer clinical symptoms compared with students in the control group, and these differences persisted 6 months after the conclusion of the program.

Conclusions

These results suggest that EI programs created to develop skills in perceiving, facilitating, understanding, and managing emotions can be effective at promoting mental health in adolescents.

Test your ‘MYTHS VS FACTS’ knowledge

Isn’t it amazing when your friends are talking about something that is a myth but you know the real fact about it and you can actually brag about it. Everyone thinks you are a genius but you know that it is something you read somewhere. It’s hard sometimes to think about thousands of myth and facts which we just don’t know and continue to believe what we know about it. When I was small my mother once told me that if you see your face in the mirror at night your face will get wrinkles. Yeah… like that doesn’t even make sense but she told me anyway because she was getting ready and I was In the way. And I know you too have come across some bizarre myths that I believe are made up. But there are myths that people actually believe and are common to everyone like black cats are unlucky. They are not!! I have a black cat and I love her the most.

Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com

It’s modern time and people want facts if you want them to believe something. Science has progressed and has answer to almost everything but there are things which even science is unable to answer for e.g., why are women always right? And how moms are able to find anything when we ask them and we can’t. How?? Okay, I will pull my hair out and still won’t get any answer so let’s move on to our myths vs facts quiz. I will give you some common beliefs and you will have to identify it as a myth or a fact and at the end I will answer them.

READY, SET, GO…

  1. You have to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
  2. Bulls get angry when they see red color
  3. Only animals that blush are humans
  4. Dogs only see black and white. Poor doggos. (Simple huh?? Real questions start now.)
  5. If you swallow gum it will sit for 7 years in your stomach.
  6. Pineapple is a natural meat tenderizer.
  7. To boil water faster add salt to it.

Answers

(Myth) No you don’t have to. There are many factors involved as of how much water you should consume. Drink when you feel like drinking. Not too less not too much. 3 to 4 litres work perfectly fine. According to The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the adequate intake of fluids for men is 3.7 L and for women it is 2.7L. about 50 to 70 % of our body is made up of water and it is important for:

  • Keeping temperature normal.
  • Getting rid of body waste

(Myth) I’ve spent my life getting scared and hiding my red clothes whenever I saw bulls. Whoever made this myth hated red color. Everyone believed this because of that red cloth used by matadors in bull fights but American science guide says that bulls are red green colorblind. The actual reason for bulls’ anger was the movement of the cape. Feeling stupid? Yeah me too. We are in this together.

(Fact) Isn’t it amazing how our cheeks turn red when someone compliments us or when we are embarrassed of saying something stupid. humans are the only animals who are capable of blushing, and as Darwin states “the most peculiar and the most human of all expressions.” It’s still unknown how it happens voluntarily but in terms of science it is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the facial skin.

(Myth) Here is a good fact dogs don’t see in black and white. Our friend is actually capable of seeing colors not many but can distinguish between them. The can see blue, yellow and some shades of grey. They may not see the true color of an object but they definitely see the color of love. Dogs are pure souls.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

(Myth) “Oh my god! I just swallowed a gum, it will get stuck to my intestines now. (screaming in fear).” You can understand this, right? From fruit seeds to chewing gums we have avoided gulping them. But you will laugh after knowing that neither plants were going to grow from your stomach nor the gum will hijack your guts because your gut can’t digest it. If you anyhow swallow it, it will pass through you in a couple of days. Although a large amount of gum can result in intestinal blockage.

(Fact) Bromelain enzyme in pineapple is digests protein and softens the tissues in meat, hence, goes well with beef, pork and some types of fish. This is the reason why it stings our tongue, it breaks down the surface tissues thankfully our body regenerates cells and repairs the tongue. If you want to soften it you can bake it or soak it in salty water.

(Myth) Adding salt to water will increase the temperature of water fast but it’s boiling point will remain same. Even if you add a spoonful of salt the boiling point will change from 100° to hardly 100.4°.

I hope you enjoyed the quiz, if you know some more myths and facts do tell in the comments below also tell me how much you scored today.

Say ‘YES’ to these habits

Internet has made our lives easy, everything is available there from assignments to math problems but can internet do Everything for us? No, ultimately it’s us, students, who have to study, write for exams and get through this phase of our life. It’s very easy for all of us to get distracted with just one notification on our phone, or thought of our crush😉.
Not everyone can study with all that is going around and concentrate, so many students opt for night time as their study time. But you won’t disagree with fhe fact that it affects our daily routine, makes us feel exhausted for the rest of the day. Night time is for dreaming!! It’s important to rest for our body and our mind. If you are not satisfied with your daily routine, change it. Start with small changes like waking up early, eating healthy and being productive etc,. You don’t have to have a very strict routine, chill you are just a student few ‘habits’ are enough for you.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

START FRESH🐓

You must have heard your parents saying that you never forget whatever you learn in the morning, can’t bet on it’s authenticity but it’s true that mornings are good to start learning. From my experience it is because there is no or very less disturbance with your family sleeping peacefully it’s easy to concentrate. And you know when you start early most of your work is done by the time others wake up. Your reasons for not exercising are eliminated. It also helps in protecting you against:

  • Stress
  • Respiratory issues
  • Obesity
  • Bad mood

DISTRACT THE DISTRACTION 🥷

Do you find it hard to concentrate while studying? Everytime you open your book your phone calls you and asks to scroll for 5 more mintues? Or your mind starts wandering to some wonderland? Well, it’s normal but it makes the study time difficult. Thankfully you can actually eliminate these small distractions. Let’s start with phone. Keep you phone one silent or block the apps for the time being, download website and app blockers from playstore. Keep your away from the place you’re studying so that you don’t pick up your phone everytime you have the urge to check msgs.
Start with the topic that you find most interesting and make a time period for every subject. Don’t include the boring ones together and study when you feel it.

Make good habits and they will make you

Parks Cousins

TAKE A BREAK

It’s so important to just forget about everything and enjoy for a moment. You can plan a family trip to some nearby hill station or a dinner or you can ask your friends for a weekend reunion. It will help you in keeping your study tension side for a day or two. You will stay up to date with your loved ones and you will have people to share your story. You can explore new things like, a dish, a new restro or a new friend you met online. Just get out of the house feel free, dump everything from your head make it ready for the next week. You don’t wanna start your week burdened with stress of the last one.

SLEEP ON TIME😴

As students we often ignore the importance of sleep and how much it affects us. Lack of sleep can cause many serious issues affecting our brain function and body. It will cause you to feel exhausted all day long and lower your productivity. It can lead to stress and a greater risk of heart attack. A good 7 hour sleep is a must as our brain and body rest at that time. In simple words you have all the reasons in the world to get a good sleep. To keep you healthy, working, efficient, happy. What else reason do you need?? It is the ultimate solution to all your problems. Start sleeping on time and you will discover the ultimate change in your lifestyle. You will have all the time to do you daily chores and still have time in your sleeves to relax.

Reference : https://www.helathline.com

LINKAGE

We all have studied in our junior standards about cell. Cell is the the structural and functional unit of life, from them the origin of life takes place. The cell contains a nucleus which contains th genetic material for the survival of the organism DNA. DNA contains the chromosomes. There are .any several genes present on the chromosomes. As the chromosomes are the carriers of heredity they have the tendency to be inherited together, such genes are called linked genes. The tendency of two or more genes present on the same chromosomes that are inherited together is known as linkage. This phenomenon was discovered in plants by Bateson and Punnett and in animals by T.H. Morgan.

MORGAN EXPERIMENT

Morgan used Drosophila melanogaster for his experiments. He carried out many dihybrid cross experiment on drosophila melanogaster to study genes that are sex linked; for example, he and his group crossed yellow-bodied, white eyed female to the wild type with brown-bodied, red eyed males and intercrossed their F1 progeny. He observed that the two genes did not segregate independently of each other and F2 ratio deviated very significantly from 9:3:3:1 ratio. Morgan and his group knew that the genes are located on X chromosome and stated that when when two genes in a dihybrid cross are situated on the same chromosomes then the proportion of the parental combination is much higher than non parental type. This occurs due to physical association or linkage of the two genes, he also found out when genes are grouped on the same chromosomes some genes are strongly linked and some are loosely linked.

COMPLETE LINKAGE

The linked genes which are closely located on the chromosome do not separate and inherited together are called completely linked genes and the inheritance is called complete linkage.

INCOMPLETE LINKAGE

When the linked genes which are loosely located on the same chromosome and have chances of seperation by crossing over are called as incompletely linked and their inheritance is called as incomplete linkage.

Effect of globalisation on indian socirty

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The term ‘globalisation’ means integration of economies and societies through cross country flow of information, ideas, technologies, goods, services, capital, finance and the people. The essence of globalisation in a broad sense is connectivity in all aspects of human life. Although economic forces are an integral part of globalisation, it would be wrong to suggest that they alone produced it. It has been driven forward above all by the development of information and communication technologies that have intensified the scope and speed of interaction between the people all over the world.

India became independent as one of the poorest countries of the world. The British colonial rule had destroyed the self-sufficient agrarian economy. The then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru preferred mixed economy for planned economic development of the country. As a result of this, public sectors were set up along with a number of private enterprises, but like…

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MANAGEMENT CHARACTERISTICS

1) IT IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS

It is a never ending process. Continuity is an important part of management. It is necessary throughout the life of organization. Management is essential to begin the activity, to run it smoothly and to control the activity.

2) MANAGEMENT IS GOAL ORIENTED

Every business organisation has their own set of goals which is decided prior to the execution of the goal. When the management achieves the goal it is called success. Success depends on proper management skills and a manager takes a lot of efforts to achieve this goals. So management is a goal oriented activity.

3) MANAGEMENT IS DYNAMIC

Management is dynamic and not static in character. It deals with human efforts different situations and activities. It embrace changes in form of technological change, socio-economical change, political changes and many more.

4) MANAGEMENT IS UNIVERSAL

Management is universal in character. The principles and theories of management are equally applicable to everywhere and in every field like defence, business, education, etc. These principles are guidelines which are flexible and capable of adaptation to every type of organization.

Bharti Airtel’s outlook has been upgraded from negative to stable by S&P.

Bharti Airtel’s credit rating of “BBB-” was maintained by S&P on Thursday, with the outlook raised to stable from negative, suggesting the company’s improved financial position and ability to repay debt. Bharti Airtel’s Indian mobile business is expected to grow at a solid rate, according to S&P, although there will be no across-the-board tariff changes and growth would be slower than in fiscal 2021. “Bharti Airtel’s outlook was changed from negative to stable by S&P Global Ratings. At the same time, we reaffirmed Bharti Airtel’s ‘BBB-‘ long-term issuer credit rating and ‘BBB-‘ issuer credit rating on its senior unsecured notes. The ‘BB’ issue rating on the subordinated perpetual securities (PERPS) it guarantees was also confirmed “According to S&P’s credit rating report.

August saw a significant increase in fuel demand as economic activity increased.

In August, the country’s fuel demand increased by 10.9 percent over the same month the previous year. According to data from the energy ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, fuel consumption, which is a proxy for oil demand, totaled 16 million tonnes (PPAC). Petrol sales in August were 13 percent higher than a year before, at 2.69 million tonnes. The demand for gasoline is expected to rise at a rapid pace. As more people bought personal vehicles to avoid taking public transportation during the Covid-19 outbreak, demand for gasoline has also surged. Meanwhile, sales of cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) grew by 2.3% to 2.33 million tonnes, while sales of naphtha declined by 5.1% to 1.02 million tonnes.

Courses and career options for B.Sc. hons. (physics) students

B.Sc. hons. is very popular course, so is competition. So gaining extra knowledge becomes crucial for survival. So if you doing B.Sc. hons. in physics, I have sorted out some courses and career options that you can choose.

Courses

MBA in Data Science

MBA in Information Technology

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

PG Diploma in Data Science

PG Diploma in Astronomy

PG Diploma in Nanotechnology

Diploma in Medical Lab Technology

PG Diploma in Community Health Nursing

Certificate in Lab Assistant/Technician

Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology (OTT)

PG Diploma in Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence

MSc in Materials Science and Engineering

M. Sc Vacuum Sciences

M. Sc Acoustics

MSc in Applied Physics

MSc in Physics

M. Sc Applied Electronics

MSc in Atmospheric Science

MSc in Nanotechnology

MSc in Astronomy/Planetary Science/Astrophysics

MSc in Aeronautics

Master in Atomic and Molecular Physics

MSc in Particle/Nuclear Physics

MSc in Geophysics

MSc in Molecular Physics

MSc in Optical Physics

MSc in Medical Physics

MSc in Biophysics

Short term courses

There are numerous diplomas and paramedical courses for Physics graduates to explore varied specializations by pursuing a short-term course. Here are the best diploma and paramedical courses after BSc Physics:

PG Diploma in Data Science

PG Diploma in Astronomy

PG Diploma in Nanotechnology

Diploma in Medical Lab Technology

PG Diploma in Community Health Nursing

Certificate in Lab Assistant/Technician

Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology (OTT) PG Diploma in Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence.

Job opportunities

There are various job roles that B.Sc Physics candidates can opt after the completion of studies. Here is the list of some of the job roles available:

Physicist:

A Physicist is a person who studies and discovers the interaction of matter and energy. They perform experiments and investigate the theories of Physics to reach a conclusion. Usually, a PhD holder in Physics becomes a physicist. However, BSc Physics are also eligible to work as a research assistant or technician in a similar field. For growth and secure job as a physicist, the candidate must go for higher studies in Physics like M.Sc or PhD.

Physics Lecturer:

A candidate with sound knowledge in a physics subject can join an institute or academy as a lecturer. It is a decent job role and candidates can expect a good salary as a lecturer. Further, they can pursue master’s degrees for growth in the career.

Lab Assistant:

Candidates who hold a B.Sc Physics can work as a lab assistant in various firms, clinics or laboratories or institutes. Such professionals handle technical equipment and act as a helping hand for their supervisors.

Subject Matter Expert (SME):

B.Sc Physics graduates can work as a subject matter expert in various organizations. Such candidates are responsible to create content as per the requirement of the client. They are responsible to create effective and format based content as specified.

Researcher:

Candidates who hold a B.Sc physics degree can apply for researcher or scientist posts at top organizations in India like DRDO, BARC, ISRO, NTPC, BHEL etc.

Technician:

Various private organizations hire candidates with B.Sc Physics degree for technical support/Technician jobs. Candidates can look for vacancies and apply for the same.

Radiologist Assistant:

A radiologist is a professional who diagnoses disease and injuries using medical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound. B.Sc physics graduates can also work as radiologists as they have sound knowledge about the rays, devices, emission can assist effectively in handling the devices used for diagnosis and treatment.

Academic Counselor/ Advisor:

B.Sc Physics graduates can join a school/ academic institutes/ colleges as an Academic Counselor/ Advisor. Such candidates can assist students with their queries related to the subject.

CARL ROGERS THEORY OF SELF

CARL ROGERS

He was an American psychologist born in 1902 , who took the humanistic approach to psychotherapy. According to Rogers every individual has tendency to actualize himself. According to him mentally healthy individuals have congruence between self and their experience.

According to him every person has the tendency to actualize themselves and a mentally healthy individual have congruence between their experience and their self concept. Neurotic individual deny their sensory and emotional experience. There are two concepts related to this;

REAL SELF

Real self is what we truly are. It is important for good psychological health. Self image directly affects how a person feels, thinks and acts in this world. Real self is our inner personality who is aware about their strength and weakness. It may not be perfect but it is our real part.

IDEAL SELF

It is what desire to be. It represents our ambitious and goals. By ideal self , Rogers meant some goals which are beyond our capabilities. This causes gap between real and ideal self.

If ideal self and real self are alike our self concept is accurate. High congruence between real self and ideal self leads to greater sense of self worth and a healthy productive life and if there is incongruence between them it leads to maladjustment.

Career opportunities for BA Programme students

If you are a BA student and confused about what to do after graduation, don’t worry we have sorted out some career paths that you can choose after getting a bachelor’s degree in BA programme.

As we all know BA is one of the most popular undergraduate course among students specially humanities students. This three year course allows you to study a combination of subjects ranging from English, Hindi, Economics to History, political science and philosophy. Due to variety of subjects it opens up many job opportunities. Following are the most popular career paths after doing BA:

  1. Post Graduation in courses like B.Ed. or M.A. (in a specific subject).

After M.A in Education, candidates are eligible for PGT jobs, elementary and secondary teaching jobs in private and government schools. After qualifying NET/SET in education, candidates are also eligible for university level teaching jobs in private and government institutions while obtaining a degree of B.Ed. only provides an opportunity to be a teacher in a government or private school.

2. MBA (Masters in Business Administration) is another sought after course after a degree in BA programme where upon completion, candidates are offered jobs in private/ government financial institutes.  In an MBA program, you’ll learn about solving business problems, which would allow you to become a competent manager. You need to give the Common Admission Test (CAT) to apply for MBA degrees in numerous colleges and universities. Your CAT Score determines which colleges you can enter.  Students of every stream are eligible for this course. This job pays handsome amount of money. Average salary of a MBA graduate is 5-10 LPA.

3. Civil Services Examination, Bank PO Exams, NDA Exams – After completing graduation, students are eligible to apply for civil service examinations and Bank PO exams. They can apply in Union public service communication for posts like IPS, IAS, IFS, Indian defense service. Jobs in public sector banking system is another good option. As these jobs provide job security.

4. Computer Courses– A B.A. graduate can pursue many certifications like web designing, animations, coral draw etc. to get a job/profession in the media industry in fields like web and graphics designing. This field is becoming broader with the rise of social media platform and inclusion of AI. It is almost certain that this field will provide a large number of jobs in near future.

5. Law – Students who have studied English, Hindi, Political Science as subjects can pursue law as a career. The program imparts extensive knowledge on topics like Jurisprudence, Environment Laws, Arbitration, Law of Insurance, Consumer Protection Act. Upon completing the course, one can either pursue LLB, start practice after registering oneself with the respective councils or can work in government or private sectors.

6. Master of Fine Arts is another sought after course for ones who are inclined towards artistic endeavors. Some of the prominent specialization offered under master’s level design programmes are: Industrial design, design computing, architectural design, fashion and textile design, shoe designing, leather designing, graphic designing, house design etc. After completion of the course, one can practice as a designer in the field of specialization in the private/government sector.

7 spices of India

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India is the biggest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world. India exports about 180 different spices to 150 countries of the world. A wide variety of spices are grown in different parts of the country many of which are native to these places. Others are imported and cultivated locally. Spices have been used in Indian kitchens for centuries, they are one of the most important thing in our daily diet. Spices are added to food to give it flavor, aroma, and to preserve it, also spices are said to be really good for health. Several spices are blended together to give food the known Indian taste. Not only in kitchens but spices play a vital role in pharmaceutical products, medicines, cosmetics, etc. Spices are known to help in curing many deseases like arthritis cancer, diabetes.

Spices add a twist to our foods. Without spices food looks, smells and tastes dull and lifeless, a pinch of common spices is what we all need. Be it cardamom in our tea, turmeric in lentils or curry leaves in curry, all the spices offer something different and are an essential part of our lives. They are known to be effective in gastric problems, blood disorders, infectious diseases. There are 7 spices which are a must to have in indian households. These spices are used for their aroma and spices and for their potential health benefits.

TURMERIC

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Turmeric has been used since ancient times as a healer, coloring agent and most importantly to give a yellow shade to our food and all the health benefits it provides us with consuming just a small amount daily. It is like a sack of nutrients. It has many benefits including, it’s antioxidant and antispetic properties. It has been a prominent ingredient in cosmetic industry as well. Face creams, face washes, etc with the goodness of turmeric are found in abudance. It is grown as a rhizom and can be used as fresh or dried. Cucurmin is the main component of turmeric. It is also helpful in stopping blood for minor cuts. Also known as golden spice or indian saffron. It helps relieve pain, aids digestion and supports immune system. A glass of milk with turmeric can be very effective at night for better sleep and digestion. It is known to provide warmth to the body, clean blood and cure skin realted problems.

CUIMIN

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Cumin consists of oil that provide a particular aroma to the seeds. It is the basic and one of the first ingredient used while cooking. Smal boat shaped seeds is an ancient spice used as whole or powder and is infused with the hot oil or lightly roasted to bring out the flavor. It has an earthy aroma, and is beneficial for heart related diseases due to its antioxidant properties and has various vitamins and minerals in it. Cumin seeds improve taste and craving. Cumin oil posesses antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It is helpful in toothache and jaundice as well and is widely used in pharmaceutical industries.

FENUGREEK

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India accounts for the major production of fenugreek and is derived from various states out of which Rajasthan alone gives 80% of the indian output. The majority is cultivated and consumed in India itself. It is used as a herb dried or fresh in cooking, it possesses bitter taste which is reduced by roasting the seeds. Fenugreek plant is about 2-3 feet tall, it’s green leaves and pods that contain small, golden-brown seeds. For many years it has been used in Chinese medicines to treak skin problems many other diseases. And for similar reasons it has long utilized in households and can be found in shampoos and soaps as well. For it’s nutritious value and sweet nutty taste it has been a must to have spice in Indian kitchens. Fenugreek may be helpful in aiding diabetes and is also taken as supplement.

CORIANDER

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Coriander is one of the most used herb to flavor dishes, the seeds known as Coriander and the leaves as cilantro. Commonly known as dhaniya in india, It is also known as chinese parsley. Used in soups, currie masalas in India, middle, eastern and asian meals. While leaves and dried or ground seeds are used, coriander is useful in lowerin blood sugar, boosting immune system, lower heart related deseases. Both seeds and leaves of coriander are very different in taste. Whole seeds are added to vegetables, pickes, lentils and baked goods. Their aroma is released by warming. While leaves are used to garnish dishes. Coriander seeds are toasted and ground before eating as their texture can be hard to chew. A bright shining green plant. Surprisingly it has several skin benefits. It slowly absorbs the sugar in stomach and stimulates insulin and is found effective in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

CLOVE

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Clove is grown in Asia and America, its oil, stem, dried flower buds and leaves are used in making medicines. Clove is very effective in dental problems and can cure toothache when applied directly to it. Also used as a flavoring in foods and beverages, toothpaste, perfume, soaps and cigarettes. It resembles a nail in shape. It’s use in culinary is mainly for flavoring as it blends both with sweet and savory dishes. Clove oil has antispetic and antibiotic properties and is used especially in dentistry. Clove is often found in indian cuisine for it aroma and flavor and is a part of garam masala, which is a mixture od different spices.

CINNAMON

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Cinnamon is a spice extracted from bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of the cinnamon tree and has been a part of traditional medicine for thousands for years. It has many health benefits and is also used for flavoring and fragrance. It is effective in blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, stomach issues and obesity. It has antioxidant, antibiotic and anti inflammatory properties and has traces of nutrients in it. In india it is used in making chutneys, meat or rice dishes. Sometimes while cinnamon sticks are also used.

CARDAMOM

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After Saffron and vanilla, cardamom is the most expensive spice in the world. This versatile pod is used in teas, spices and many sweets are garnished using cardamom. In indian cuisine whole pods of cardamom are used in making curry, milk deserts and many other dishes. It is widely used in making chai as it for its aroma and flavor. It benefits in gastric problems, cardiovascular issues, controlling cancer and cholesterol and is rich in nutrients. It is also included in garam masala as an essential ingredient. These small green and black pods have a wide range of uses added to their list.

World’s Physiotherapy Day

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Every year on the day of 8th September it is celebrated as the world’s physiotherapy day started on the day of 1951. It marks the day of the unity and collaboration of the world’s PT society.

Every year according to the situations and conditions the theme of the day is to decide and physiotherapists try their best to keep their patients fit and in sound health throughout the year.

The contribution of the physiotherapists is such an important deed that even if one thinks that it is easy to motivate and aware people about the good things of a healthy and sound mind but it is not an easy task to achieve with a different mindset of peoples with a different set of problems.

It is not easy to think of the profession where we have to motivate people for the things that can easily be interpreted as the way they want.

This year the theme of the day is to talk about the effect of the Covid-19 and how one can cope with it.

Importance 

The importance of this day might not be yet clear to everyone out there but let me pinpoint some points which can even let you ponder on the thoughts that why this is so important for us.

The day was first discovered to recognize the efforts of the physiotherapist and what they do for us. This is day is celebrated to emphasize and promote the profession and expertise of Physiotherapists.

The importance of this can also be seen from the point of recovery from any physical injury that can restrict the movement of the body and all muscles. It is the way or therapy through which we can decrease the effect of the injury by increasing the maximum movement of the body and as well as physical function.

Not just this but with physical therapy one can also recover from fatal injuries and chronic conditions as well.

It can cure the pain and provide instant relief and can take care of the injury which can occur again in the course of some time.

Few Benefits 

The benefit of this day can be seen from the few points given below:

Easy and reliable pain management relief.

Recovery from any kind of trauma and ling lasting method to improve it.

Recovery from any physical injury and as well as paralysis.

Better body balance and posture as many of us can have problems related to the back of the neck area because most of us just sit many hours before the desktop or laptop.

As we all are gaining experience with our increasing age, we are also getting ourselves in the life long diseases which is very frequent nowadays so we can get some help from here too.

Conclusion

Even though medicines can provide us instant relief and no it’s not bad either when we don’t have any choice but one should consider physical therapy in the case of injury that is on the physical level and we rely on it for the longest time.

POVERTY

POVERTY IS THE WORST FORM OF VIOLENCE – MAHATAMA GANDHI.

Poverty can be defined as the condition where an individuals basic necessities are not fulfilled like; shelter, clothing, education. Today world is heading towards globalization, but still poverty remains a prime issue in many countries. Poverty has become a complex problem. It leads to other problems. A poor person is not able to get education which causes increase in illiteracy. An illiterate person is not qualified for jobs roles which leads to unemployment and in many cases humans exploitation and child labour. An unemployed person is not able get proper nutrition diet leading to power health and no energy for work. Most of the underprivileged class lives in slum areas. They lack in proper sanitation and drinking water, eventually leading to an early death. We can say that poverty is the root cause of other problems in society. There are various causes of poverty and one of the chief cause is population explosion. Rising population is putting load over the resources and budgeting of the country. In some countries past civil war had made poverty widespread. Natural disaster has also contributed to countries poverty. Today the rich are getting richer and poor are getting more poor. Government has come up with many plans to eradicate poverty but we can get better by joint efforts of government and people.

Courses and jobs to do after B.com hons.

Lack of clarity in choosing future may haunt you at night. If not addressed properly it may cost you your career. Just having B.com degree is not enough in extremely competitive corporate. You must add more skills.

Some of you may choose to work right after graduation while some may decide to purse masters. So I have sorted some most popular courses and jobs that you can do after B.com hons. Hopefully this article will help you in clarification.

Courses

  1. Masters of commerce (M.com):It is the most popular course after doing b.com hons.  This course is most suitable for students who want to pursue career in academics or as a market researcher, economist, lecturer etc. Duration of this course is 2 years.
  2. Masters of business administration (MBA): Another very popular course. You get to learn about various aspects of business based on specialization you choose. In addition to your graduation you are required to have valid score in relevant exams like CAT, CMAT to pursue this course. Duration of this course is also 2 years.
  3. Chartered financial analyst (CFA): It is offered by CFA institute of America and is considered of highest standard. You can take up jobs like a financial analyst, statistician, market research etc. Duration of this course is 2.5 years.
  4. Business accounting and taxation (BAT): This course is well planned to give you practical understanding of accounting, taxation, reporting and other relevant skills. These skills are mandate for accounting firms, KPO, and other hardcore finance and accounting jobs. Duration of this course is only 8-12 weeks.
  5. Certified management accountant (CMA): It demonstrates your professional expertise in the field of financial planning, analysis, decision report etc. You need to clear two exams in order to become eligible for this course. You are also required to have 2 year work experience. Duration of this course is 6 months.

Jobs

  1. Financial risk manager: FRM is a globally recognized certification for finance and banking professionals. It provides many lucrative jobs in the field of risk management, wealth management etc. Average salary of this job is Rs. 10-18 LPA.
  2. Business analyst:  One more career option is to apply for job as a business analyst in MNCs and corporates.  These companies always look for graduates. You will also gain experience and skills. Average salary is Rs. 3.5 to 5.5 LPA.
  3.  Digital marketer: Due to rise in digital marketing platform, MNCs are looking for candidates with commerce background and certification in digital marketing. Average salary is Rs. 4.5 to 10 LPA.
  4. Public sector banking: You can apply in banks like IBPS, SBI RBI etc and earn handsome of money with additional perks. Average salary of this job profile is Rs. 5 -12 LPA.
  5. Accountant:  An accountant handles tax related tasks and examines financial statements. You need subject specific degree to become eligible for this job. Average salary is INR 3.5- 18 LPA.

International Literacy Day

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Literacy the way one defines it tells many things about the perception of that person on the topic, but what can’t change with the variety of thoughts and points of view is the motive, the base, and everything which can tell the sheer drive of why and what behind the subject.

“The man who won’t read has no advantage on the man who can’t read”, as the saying goes we can easily see the importance of one’s literacy. The power one can harness from the depth of reading and knowledge is far much greater than anything.

The boundness of our imagination and information about things restricts us from achieving many things at the higher fronts, so reading and knowing contributes to your personal growth as well as on the backends of things too.

International Literacy Day is celebrated on the 8th of September every year all over the United States started in the year 1966.

But before knowing some of the amazing facts and information about literacy shouldn’t we know the real meaning of what literacy is and what one can interpret from it.

Literacy means the ability of a person through which one can understand, read, write and interpret things that they never can think of without the means of literacy.

“ The more you read, the more you learn and more places you go” by Dr. Seuss

Says everything about the benefit of the reading and how it can affect one’s all over the status of mind and as well as living methods.

So, let’s dive into the amazing facts and important notes related to the world’s literacy day.

First, let’s talk about the facts which concern the literacy rate of the world’s populations.

According to the stats of the United Nation, there are around 75 million children which are either dropouts or they don’t go to school.

As of this year, there are around 250 children which still can’t read or write, but the amazing fact is that around 84% of the world’s population is literate.

Almost the major portion of illiterate adults are from the top 10 countries like Nigeria, China, Pakistan, and India. One in five adults is illiterate according to the stats.

International Literacy day is not a day to celebrate it as a Holiday but it is the day to observe and know the importance of reading.

The literacy of India is somehow not so good or bad but it is something for which we all are working together and we will achieve it in the upcoming years ahead.

But again there is something lethargic about the rate of our literacy as if though we want to achieve it but we are unable to do so or it’s we just don’t want to achieve it right away.

Even in times of the global crisis, we have come up with alternatives to let the flow of literacy continue and people get their basic right of reading and literacy.

Even though around everything we should celebrate the people who can read and spread awareness who can’t.

HUMAN MICROFLORA

BY DAKSHITA NAITHANI

INTRODUCTION

Microorganisms that survive on another living thing (human or animal) or inanimate item without producing disease are referred to as normal flora. The human body, like most other ecosystems on the planet, provides a vital habitat for millions of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, protozoa, and viruses. 

From shortly after birth until death, every human being’s skin and mucous membranes are home to a varied microbial flora. The human body, which has around 1013 cells, is home to about 1014 microorganisms on a regular basis. The typical microbial flora is made up of this bacterial population. The typical microbial flora is very stable, with certain genera occupying different bodily areas at different times in a person’s life. Microorganisms from the typical flora may help, damage, or exist as commensals with the host. Despite the fact that most members of the natural microbial flora found on human skin, nails, eyes, oropharynx, genitalia, and gastrointestinal system are innocuous in healthy people, these organisms commonly cause disease in sick people. Most researchers do not consider viruses and parasites to be part of the normal microbial flora since they are not commensals and do not help the host.

The Human Microbiome Project takes on the task of sequencing the human microbiota’s genome, with an emphasis on the microbes that live in the skin, mouth, nose, digestive system, and vaginal area. When it released its early results in 2012, it marked a watershed moment in the project’s history.

SIGNIFICANCE

The host’s anatomy, physiology, susceptibility to infections, and morbidity are all influenced by the normal flora.

Until germ-free animals became accessible, it was not generally known that the normal flora has a significant impact on the host’s well-being. The investigator got germ-free animals by caesarean delivery and kept them in special isolators, allowing him to raise them in an environment devoid of detectable viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. Two intriguing discoveries regarding animals grown in germ-free environments were made. First, the animals which were free of germs survived nearly twice as long as their traditionally kept counterparts, and second, the principal reasons of mortality in the two groups were different. Infection commonly killed traditional animals, whereas intestinal atonia killed germ-free animals regularly.

Despite the fact that the bacterial flora may be unfavourable, research on antibiotic-treated animals show that the flora protects people against infections. Streptomycin was used to decrease the normal flora, and subsequently animals were infected with streptomycin-resistant Salmonella. Normally, around 106 organisms are required to develop a gastrointestinal infection, however infectious illness was caused by less than 10 organisms in streptomycin-treated mice with altered flora. After birth, humans’ typical flora normally develops in an orderly sequence, or succession, leading to stable populations of bacteria that make up the normal adult flora. The nature of the local environment, which is influenced by pH, temperature, redox potential, and oxygen, water, and nutrient levels, is the most important element influencing the makeup of the typical flora in a body area. The local setting is similar to a concerto in which one main instrument generally takes centre stage.

So, what does the regular flora have to do with anything? The flora appears to impact human anatomy, physiology, longevity, and, ultimately, cause of death, according to animal and human research. Although the causal link between flora and mortality and illness in humans is well established, the human microflora’s participation in these processes requires additional investigation.

FLORA PRESENT ON SKIN

The nature of the microenvironment influences the makeup of the dermal microflora, which differs from site to site. Each of the three areas of skin has its own bacterial flora: (1) axilla, perineum, and toe webs; (2) hand, face, and trunk; and (3) upper arms and legs. Partially occluded skin sites (axilla, perineum, and toe webs) contain more germs than non-occluded skin sites (legs, arms, and trunk). Gram-negative bacteria populate the axilla, perineum, and toe webs more commonly than dry skin regions.

The quantity of germs on a person’s skin remains essentially constant; bacterial survival and colonisation depend on a combination of factors, including skin exposure to a specific environment and innate and species-specific bactericidal action. Bacterial adhesion to epithelial surfaces also requires a high degree of specificity. Staphylococci, which make up the majority of the nasal flora, have a clear advantage over Viridans streptococci when it comes to colonising the nasal mucosa. Viridans streptococci, on the other hand, are rarely found in significant quantities on the skin or in the nose, but they dominate the oral flora.

The density of bacteria on the skin is inconsistent in the microbiology literature; one explanation for this is the diversity of techniques used to collect skin germs. For a particular skin area, the scrub technique produces the highest and most accurate counts. The majority of microorganisms dwell in the Stratum corneum surface layers and the higher portions of hair follicles. Some microbes, on the other hand, live in the deeper parts of the hair follicles and are immune to standard disinfection methods.

FLORA PRESENT IN NAIL

A typical nail’s microbiology is quite similar to that of the skin. Depending on what the nail comes into touch with, dust particles and other foreign things may become trapped behind it. These dust particles may contain fungus and bacilli in addition to existing skin flora. The most common fungus found beneath the nails are Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Mucor.

FLORA IN ORAL AND UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT

Dental caries and periodontal disease, which afflict roughly 80% of the people in the Western world, are caused by the oral flora. Many brain, face, and respiratory problems are caused by anaerobes in the oral flora, which are commonly characterised by abscess development.

Anaerobes, Staphylococci, Neisseriae, Diphtheroids, and other bacteria are found in the pharynx and trachea, as well as those found in the normal oral cavity. The pharynx may also include pathogenic organisms such as Haemophilus, mycoplasmas, and pneumococci. Anaerobic microbes are also commonly reported. Pathogens (Neisseria meningitides, C. diphtheriae, Bordetella pertussis, and others) frequently colonise the upper respiratory tract, and it may be regarded the primary point of assault for such organisms.

FLORA OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Bacteria find the stomach to be a hostile habitat. It comprises of germs that have been ingested with food as well as those that have been expelled from the mouth. Helicobacter species that may colonise the stomach are linked to gastritis type B and peptic ulcer disease. In most people, aspirates of duodenal or jejunal fluid contain around 103 organisms per millilitre. The majority of the bacteria cultivated (streptococci, lactobacilli, Bacteroides) are considered transients. The lack of organisms in the upper GI system may be explained in part by rapid peristalsis and the existence of bile. Bacterial populations begin to rise farther up the jejunum and into the ileum, reaching 106 to 108 organisms/ml at the ileocecal junction, with Streptococci, Lactobacilli, Bacteroides, and bifidobacteria predominating.

Although infections are inhibited by the natural flora, several of its members can cause disease in humans. Intra-abdominal abscesses and peritonitis are caused by anaerobes in the digestive system. Appendicitis, cancer, infarction, surgery, or gunshot wounds all cause bowel perforation, which nearly invariably seed the peritoneal space and surrounding organs with the normal flora. Anaerobes can also wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal tract.

The animal microbiota has more information than the human microbiome. According to animal studies, unique filamentous bacteria adhere to ileal epithelial cells and alter host membranes with few or no negative consequences. Microbes have been found on gastrointestinal surfaces and in the Lieberkuhn crypts in dense layers. Other research suggests that the gut flora might influence immune response.

FLORA IN THE UROGENITAL AREA 

Flora which is prevalent in the vaginal area is determined by the host’s age, pH, and hormone levels. During the first month of life, Lactobacillus spp. is predominant in female newborns (vaginal pH, about 5). Glycogen release appears to stop around the age of one month and continues till puberty. Diphtheroids, S. epidermidis, Streptococci, and E. coli prevail at a higher pH during this time (approximately pH 7). Glycogen secretion restarts at puberty, the pH decreases, and women develop an adult flora dominated by Lactobacillus acidophilus, Corynebacteria, Peptostreptococci, Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Bacteroides. The pH increases again after menopause and the flora recovers to that of prepubescent females due to less secretion of glycogen. Yeasts (Torulopsis and Candida) are present in the vaginal area on a regular basis (10 to 30% of women); they can grow and can induce vaginitis.

FLORA IN CONJUNCTIVAL AREA

Flora of the Conjunctiva is limited. Around 17 to 49% of culture specimens are found to be negligible. Lysozyme, which is produced in tears, may have a role in bacterial control by disrupting with the development of their cell walls. Corynebacteria, Neisseriae, and Moraxellae are cultivated when positive samples indicate bacteria. Staphylococci and streptococci are also prevalent, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae has been found in 25 percent of the total of Conjunctival samples, according to latest findings.

INFECTIONS IN THE HOST CAUSED BY NORMAL FLORA

The normal human flora has been briefly described; however, the infectious processes of a species and the clinical syndromes in which they have been implicated have not yet been explored. A breach in mucosal surface frequently leads to the host becoming infected by various members of the natural flora. Infections with species of the regular human flora include caries, periodontal disease, abscesses, foul-smelling discharges, and endocarditis. Furthermore, host impairment or host defences might cause the normal flora to fail to inhibit transitory infections or for members of the normal flora to infiltrate the host. Both the cases may result into the death of the host.

An introduction

By reading the title you must be thinking that what is the introduction about. A very important part of our lives which has lessons, memories, friends, guidance and path for a better future. Yes I think you must have guessed it…. It’s our schools, colleges and universities in which a major part of our lives is invested. We learn, innovate and implement the things with confidence in our lives and everyone has gone through this phase!…

Schools – What should write about it. For me it’s a place where a child is able to see a new world rather than family members. He is surrounded by unfamiliar and unknown faces. He has to prove himself there with his own sense and knowledge. School is always said to be a temple of learning and it is very true. We make mistakes and our teachers are present right at the moment to guide us and nurture us by what they have learnt with all their efforts for everyone at the same time.

Colleges and universities- The place where the competition begins and a teenager chooses his particular stream to build a better future. They provide the confidence to present things in the most effective way so that our knowledge and experiences are utilised. A vast area for ourselves to involve in more and more activities and create the ability to think. It provides a discussion about the topic and understanding it by the depth. The courses are available for everyone in any field they want to pursue.

This was a short detail about school, colleges and universities in our lives. Teenagers can easily develop and learn things. They can innovate things in a better version that may lead to a successful life. I hope you will relate this to your school and college days and smile a little more thinking about the memories.

Thank you !!!!!!

PSYCHOLOGY – DEFENSE MECHANISM

What is defense mechanism? How psychology looks into this aspects? Defense mechanism are something that is studied under topic stress. What do you do when you are stress? You meditate, or listen to your favourite music, etc your some how try to divert your mind or make your mind and fight it. According to psychology defense mechanism are the unconscious strategies used to protect the ego from shattering due to unacceptable and harsh reality, it’s a face saving device. Excessive used of defense mechanism leads us to a habit of escaping from the reality and indulge in falsehood about’s one own self which causes lack of concentration eventually leading to symptoms of mental disorder. Let’s see some of the defense mechanism described by Dr. Sigmund Freud;

1) REPRESSION

Suppose a person has underwent a traumatic experience it’s called repression. It’s an unconscious mechanism devise by the ego to keep disturbing the thoughts outside our conscious awareness. Thoughts that are often repressed are those that would result in feelings of guilt from superego.

2) DISPLACEMENT

Displacement is the redirection of an impulse onto to less powerful target. In this case the person can’t retaliate against the actual source of their impulse and that person redirects it to a less powerful target. Example if your working parent is scolded by the boss in the office they come n vent out that anger on you.

3) SUBLIMATION

It is considered to be the a more adaptive defense mechanism in that it can be transform the negative thoughts and emotions into a more positive energy. It’s like redirecting your emotion into a productive endeavour.

4) DAYDREAMING

A person day dreams to escape the reality. It’s when life appears to be tough and unfair a person often uses fantasy to escape the reality. Adolescent is a stage when they get more into this defense mechanism which can be dangerous for their mental health. If they day dream excessively they may lose touch with the actual world and surrounding.