Air Pollution

What Is Air Pollution?

Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole.

The Clean Air Act authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health by regulating the emissions of these harmful air pollutants. The NRDC has been a leading authority on this law since it was established in 1970.

What Causes Air Pollution?

โ€œMost air pollution comes from energy use and production,โ€ says John Walke, director of the Clean Air Project, part of the Climate and Clean Air program at NRDC. โ€œBurning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air.โ€ And in an especially destructive feedback loop, air pollution not only contributes to climate change but is also exacerbated by it. โ€œAir pollution in the form of carbon dioxide and methane raises the earthโ€™s temperature,โ€ Walke says. โ€œAnother type of air pollution is then worsened by that increased heat: Smog forms when the weather is warmer and thereโ€™s more ultraviolet radiation.โ€ Climate change also increases the production of allergenic air pollutants including mold (thanks to damp conditions caused by extreme weather and increased flooding) and pollen (due to a longer pollen season and more pollen production).

Effects of Air Pollution

โ€œWhile weโ€™ve made progress over the last 40-plus years improving air quality in the U.S. thanks to the Clean Air Act, climate change will make it harder in the future to meet pollution standards, which are designed to protect health,โ€ says Kim Knowlton, senior scientist and deputy director of the NRDC Science Center.

Smog and soot

These two are the most prevalent types of air pollution. Smog, or โ€œground-level ozone,โ€ as it is more wonkily called, occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight. Soot, or โ€œparticulate matter,โ€ is made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens, in the form of gas or solids, that are carried in the air. The EPAโ€™s โ€œPlain English Guide to the Clean Air Actโ€ states, โ€œIn many parts of the United States, pollution has reduced the distance and clarity of what we see by 70 percent.โ€ The sources of smog and soot are similar. โ€œBoth come from cars and trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, enginesโ€”anything that combusts fossil fuels such as coal, gas, or natural gas,โ€ Walke says. The tiniest airborne particles in sootโ€”whether theyโ€™re in the form of gas or solidsโ€”are especially dangerous because they can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and worsen bronchitis, lead to heart attacks, and even hasten death.

Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungsโ€”especially of people who work or exercise outside, children, and senior citizens. Itโ€™s even worse for people who have asthma or allergiesโ€”these extra pollutants only intensify their symptoms and can trigger asthma attacks.

Hazardous air pollutants

These are either deadly or have severe health risks even in small amounts. Almost 200 are regulated by law; some of the most common are mercury, lead, dioxins, and benzene. โ€œThese are also most often emitted during gas or coal combustion, incinerating, or in the case of benzene, found in gasoline,โ€ Walke says. Benzene, classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation in the short term and blood disorders in the long term. Dioxins, more typically found in food but also present in small amounts in the air, can affect the liver in the short term and harm the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as reproductive functions. Lead in large amounts can damage childrenโ€™s brains and kidneys, and even in small amounts it can affect childrenโ€™s IQ and ability to learn. Mercury affects the central nervous system.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are toxic components of traffic exhaust and wildfire smoke. In large amounts, they have been linked to eye and lung irritation, blood and liver issues, and even cancer. In one recent study, the children of mothers whoโ€™d had higher PAH exposure during pregnancy had slower brain processing speeds and worse symptoms of ADHD.

Greenhouse gases

By trapping the earthโ€™s heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases lead to warmer temperatures and all the hallmarks of climate change: rising sea levels, more extreme weather, heat-related deaths, and increasing transmission of infectious diseases like Lyme. According to a 2014 EPA study, carbon dioxide was responsible for 81 percent of the countryโ€™s total greenhouse gas emissions, and methane made up 11 percent. โ€œCarbon dioxide comes from combusting fossil fuels, and methane comes from natural and industrial sources, including the large amounts that are released during oil and gas drilling,โ€ Walke says. โ€œWe emit far larger amounts of carbon dioxide, but methane is significantly more potent, so itโ€™s also very destructive.โ€ Another class of greenhouse gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide in their ability to trap heat. In October 2016, more than 140 countries reached an agreement to reduce the use of these chemicalsโ€”which are used in air conditioners and refrigeratorsโ€”and find greener alternatives over time. David Doniger, director of NRDCโ€™s Climate and Clean Air program, writes, โ€œNRDC estimates that the agreed HFC phase-down will avoid the equivalent of more than 80 billion tons of CO2 over the next 35 years.โ€

Pollen and mold

Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are exacerbated by climate change, and can be hazardous to health. They are not regulated by the government and are less directly connected to human actions, but they can be considered air pollution. โ€œWhen homes, schools, or businesses get water damage, mold can grow and can produce allergenic airborne pollutants,โ€ Knowlton says. โ€œMold exposure can precipitate asthma attacks or an allergic response, and some molds can even produce toxins that would be dangerous for anyone to inhale.โ€

Pollen allergies are worsening because of climate change. โ€œLab and field studies are showing that the more carbon dioxide pollen-producing plantsโ€”especially ragweedโ€”are grown in, the bigger they grow and the more pollen they produce,โ€ Knowlton says. โ€œClimate change also extends the pollen production season, and some studies are beginning to suggest that ragweed pollen itself might be becoming a more potent allergen.โ€ That means more people will suffer runny noses, fevers, itchy eyes, and other symptoms.

How to Help Reduce Air Pollution

โ€œThe less gasoline we burn, the better weโ€™re doing to reduce air pollution and harmful effects of climate change,โ€ Walke says. โ€œMake good choices about transportation. When you can, walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation. For driving, choose cars that get better miles per gallon of gas or choose an electric car.โ€ You can also investigate your power provider optionsโ€”you may be able to request that your electricity be supplied by wind or solar. Buying your food locally cuts down on the fossil fuels burned in trucking or flying food in from across the country. And perhaps most important, โ€œSupport leaders who push for clean air and water and responsible steps on climate change,โ€ Walke says.

How to Protect Your Health

  • โ€œWhen you see in the newspaper or hear on the weather report that pollution levels are high, it may be useful to limit the time when children go outside or you go for a jog,โ€ Walke says. Generally, ozone levels tend to be lower in the morning.
  • When you do exercise outside, stay as far as you can from heavily trafficked roads. Then shower and wash your clothes to remove fine particles.
  • If the air quality is bad, stay inside with windows closed.
  • Wear sunscreen. When ultraviolet radiation comes through the weakened ozone layer, it can cause skin damage and skin cancer.

Benefits of Learning Music

Music is one of the greatest gifts ever given to mankind. It has played an important role in the development of civilization and is an intrinsic part of all cultures. With a greater emphasis on overall personality development, we see many people opting to learn skills that are not academic in order to develop their talents. Co-curricular activities are necessary for the wholesome growth of a child as well as for the well-being of the individual at all stages of life. Learning music is one such activity that is fun and invigorating for people of all ages. This could mean being trained to sing, to play instruments or even to learn music theory like a subject in school. The number of music schools are on the rise in most of our urban cities. Many of them teach Western Music like an academic discipline with syllabus textbooks and exams. Indian classical and Carnatic music centres as well as other forms of traditional music are also taught, and one just needs to decide what to learn based on interest and talent.

piano

Learning music has multiple benefits, particularly for students. Let us look at some.

  1. It helps with cognition and brain development

Learning music involves utilizing multiple senses and processing information in particular ways that enhance brain functions and improves cognition. Faculties of perception and understanding are bettered through regular music lessons and practice. Researchers also say that the left side of the brain which accommodates the facilities of reasoning and understanding language also develops better if one is trained in music. They will also be better at coordination and listening.

  1. It helps with academics

Owing to the heightened cognitive abilities that learning music provides, students of music will also be able to perform better in academics. This is because their senses are trained and their ability to understand concepts, retain them in memory and even to use language well can be positively influenced by this. This is not to say that music training makes you a genius in every way but that it improves your individual capacities and helps you become more aware of who you are and how you perform.

  1. It nurtures discipline

Excelling at any skill requires a lot of attention, practice and discipline. This is especially true of music. It is in regular and thoughtful sessions of focused practice that one develops the skill over time. This also influences the other aspects of our life and will help with managing time and being disciplined with various other activities.

  1. It increases self-esteem and health

Musical training lets the individual explore his own individuality and interests. In a highly competitive world, it also increases his self confidence since he knows he is capable of using his talents and skills. It creates a healthy mindset where he recognizes that he is trained well and able to use what he has learnt in real life. It is also proved to be beneficial to physical health as a healthy frame of mind will also positively affect the body.

  1. It opens up new possibilities

Music lets us explore our own talents but also opens up new worlds which we can explore. We can become acquainted with multiple cultures and their practices, which will instill respect and appreciation in us. We will learn to appreciate diversity and the rich heritages of our own and othersโ€™ histories. One can become invested in learning instruments or musical styles of a different culture and grow in our understanding of humanity. Music itself can becomee a career for those especially talented in that arena and challenges the idea that only those who are academically strong can be successful in life.

WHAT IS BUSINESS

A business is an organization where people work together. In a business, people work to make and sell the product or services…….A business can earn a profit for the products and services it offers. The word business comes from the word busy,and means doing things.it works on regular basis this is called business.

What is a purpose of business. Business purpose is the reason you have formed your company boiled down to a single sentence.it can be industry specific or general enough to include ancillary and future business activities. To understand business purpose .

Understanding a business generally,A business begins with a business concept .depending on the nature of the business. Extensive market research may be neccessary to determine whether turning the idea into a business is feasible and if the business can deliver value to the consumers .

Business types

Sole proprietorship owned by one person No legal and financial distinction between business and business owners.

Partnership Business financial and legal responsibility equally divided. Must be registered for IRS purpose.

Limited partnership ideal for those interested in raising capital from investors who are not achieve in day to day duties .

Corporation independent, multiple shareholders appropriate for established businesses with employees .

LLC blend of partnership and corporation . No personal property at risk. Less regulation.

Non profit earning pay expenses of company . Can applyFor tax exempt status .

Co-OP members use it services.

Business is the activity of making one’s living or making money by producing .such as goods and services .simply put , it is “any activity or enterprise entered into for profit.it does not mean it is a company,a corporation, partnership, or have any such formal organization ,but it can range for a street peddler to general motors .

Having a business name does not separate the business entity from the owner, which means that the owner of the business is responsible and liable for debts incurred by the business. If the business acquires debts,the creditors can go after the owner’s personal possessions. A business structure does not allow for corporate tax rates. The proprietor is personally taxed on all income from the business.

The term is often used colloquially to refer to a company. A company ,on the other hand,is a separate legal entity and provides for liability, as well as corporate tax rates. A company structure is more complicated and expensive to set up,but offers more protection and benefits to the owner.

Re-imagine, Re-invent, Re-boot โ€“ B-Schools in the post Corona world

Management education is one of the most sought after disciplines and the students making the cut are exposed to a range of diverse opportunities within and outside the country across sectors. However, in the post-corona era, we will all need to reinvent ourselves and the way we work. 

The B-Schools are no exception. Even they would need to re-align themselves to the โ€˜New Normalโ€ since they cannot be teaching old rules of the old game. The game has changed and so have the rules. 

I keep telling trainees who we hired in the last couple of years from various B-Schools that now is the golden era to experience the unprecedented in their professional lives. Those who will weather this will have mastered skills that no book could ever teach, and such an experience would definitely enrich oneโ€™s CV.  Having said that, students who are currently undergoing their Bachelors or Masters in Management will need to be equipped with skills to deal with the โ€˜new normal โ€™to be successful.  

Here are some aspects that can further boost both confidence and performance of every B-School grad. This is not to say that B-Schools arenโ€™t already doing all of this and more. However, these are skills that most companies would look for in graduates from B-Schools, to face the new future.

Study the Case Study

Ensuring that students get exposure to relevant real life case studies so that they can understand the real life challenges and issues that could crop up on projects and watch out for potential pitfalls. Take for example the impact of the current pandemic. Scoping out the right case studies is literally learning from othersโ€™ mistakes. Practical learning like this where industry leaders engage with students and walk them through their own professional journey and their learnings from each crisis/challenge they faced is invaluable. Applied research, classroom discussions, case studies, role-plays, special sessions, management games, trainings, industrial visits, etc. all contribute immensely to the learning and development of a student. With the blend of technology, real time data and complex problems solving can become part of course design.

It is also suggested that B-Schools create a programme that enables their faculty members to shadow practitioners in their field of research and teaching. This will increase collaborations and enable faculty members to curate unique experiences and applied learning. Having industry leaders frequently participate and augment classroom learning is something that cannot be ever found in books.

Development of soft skills

Often times B-schools students are great at their jobs, they are sharp and smart, but their EQ, or Emotional Quotient, is not honed. EQ can be that differentiator between a good leader and a brilliant leader, and B-Schools would be adding a huge skill by building the emotional quotient of students, teaching them resilience, and inculcating in them the challenger mindset that gives them the confidence to move beyond their comfort zone and think out of the box to tackle real business challenges. There is also an increasing demand for young leaders to be involved in sustainability, environmental, CSR, and ethical initiatives in an organization as they are expected to walk the talk and do their bit to change the world for the better. Therefore, business programs must take part onus of creating leaders who are ethical along with being environment and community conscious.  Todayโ€™s new normal requires leaders to keep teams motivated even while working remotely and being forced to stay within the confines of their homes.  

Incorporate blended learning 

Today is the day of the digital natives, and the students of today have grown up with technology that is readily available and affordable. All management programs need to offer a well curated mix of in-class and virtual classroom education that aids optimum learning as well as convenience and flexibility. This not only enables students to learn better, it also empowers them with the savviness needed to use innovative technology to their advantage in the real world.  Therefore B-Schools must adopt a new approach towards design of their classroom, teaching materials, technology platforms, and of course the course itself! 

Connecting the Dots

Fresh recruits at any organization, especially from B-Schools, are expected to have the ability to get the big picture vision and ensure that all they do dovetails into driving results therein. Practical project work, inter disciplinary exposure and design thinking in B-Schools enable students to find solutions that work, if the regular is not working, they need to be able to think from a different perspective to arrive at the results desired. They need to relate and connect the external with the internal, the industry and competition vis-ร -vis their own organization and make their plans while keeping each aspect in mind for the best results. The need to be able to think lateral, circular, external, and internal to really keep focused on the bigger vision.

To put it succinctly the idea is to develop the ability of โ€œConceptualization to Executionโ€ โ€“ or the capability to think end-to-end.ย 

Project Management Skills

In their hurry to impress and off-load all they have learnt, at times freshers forget that if they want to be true leaders, project management is the first test they need to clear. To be a great project manager skills that play a critical role include time and team management, attention to detail, creation and adherence to timelines, the ability to stay calm and implement strategic change, and cost management, among others, and these are skills that can make or break B-Schoolsโ€™ reputations as each of their students is an ambassador for them.  

Increased emphasis on Experiential Learning

The experiential learnings inside the classroom will become more of threshold requirement going forward. The differential learning will come through a faculty guided projects with organizations for students to learn in the real time environment. This will provide then with the foundation of new skills required for a successful leader of future.

Looking Ahead

Whoever said that you canโ€™t really move forward if you are always looking in the rear view mirror was absolutely right. One hears about really bright students suddenly falling prey to low esteem and losing confidence. Most times it is because they are wallowing in past failures and not been able to bounce back. Itโ€™s critical that students learn the art and science of letting go of what has not worked and focus on what has worked and embrace failures as stepping stones to learning and moving forward. This will help them embrace ambiguity, build agility, resilience and a willingness to make change as the situation demands.

B-Schools today need to realize the responsibility they shoulder โ€“ that of shaping future leaders. It is imperative that these leaders are equipped with global technical, digital, and emotional skills for them to lead and grow the economy. Ethics play a huge role in how businesses are done today and I canโ€™t emphasize enough when I say that ethical behavior needs to be a huge focus of education.  The sooner all of this gets implemented the sooner we will have new batches of Leaders who can walk the talk.

Depression?

The term ‘depression’ is not just extreme sadness due to a situation. Its more than that. Depression is just like a cancer it kills you every day from inside till it takes your life completely.

People still do not get what is actual depression. They often misuse the depression word and relate it with some kind of temporary sadness or pain.

A lot of people need to understand the sensitivity of the situation that depression is much more than sadness. It is not a temporary pain that will go away instantly but also not a lifetime pain. Depression is different to each and every people dealing with it.

Depression is real. It cannot be compared with the sadness you feel for some time. I have seen many people who don’t understand the real meaning of depression and any small pain or small thing that hurts them they give it a name called ‘depression.’ If anything happens its depression. No, its not.

So what is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects your mental health, your daily activities, your relations with others, your work, and most important yourself. Depression makes you lose interest in everything and sometimes you may even feel as if life isn’t worth living.

Everyone talks about the symptoms, causes, treatments, for the depression but no one talks about the pain that depressed person actually feel or go through.

Its true that there is help and we can get help from our friends, our parents, psychiatrists, doing yoga,etc.

Depression makes you feel lost in the world where you just exist but start losing hopes and a way to live your life to the full extent. It lives inside you. You take your depression for several years with you. Its like we never heal from the depression and as soon as you receive a new pain , it adds to your lists of pains which you were trying to heal from.

The sadness, the pain, the void, its just there. The pain is real. It makes you feeling unwanted, unworthy all the time. Sometimes you can’t even explain to anyone or yourself about the pain you actually feel inside you. The day you let go of all the pain that day you will be a free soul.

But, honestly its very easy to say that or to make someone explain but the person going through with the depression only knows his or her pain. No one can understand their pain what they go through.

All I want to say is some people choose to get out of depression, they try but still maybe they are more comfortable now in that pain. They love that pain and no matter what it remains with them for a very long time. I do not say that its okay to be depressed. No, not at all. But, healing takes time.

We can’t heal in a one day. Talking to our loved ones will help us but some people choose to not let their hearts out.They feel that no one can understand what they feel. And yes, it is the truth. People really do not try to understand the feeling that the other person is going through. Some show them concern, some joke about it.

Depression is not a joke. It can happen to anyone at any time for any reason.

What should we do?

– Just try to understand the people who are depressed, support them as much as you can and sooner or later they would start living their life once again.

-Depression is real and it can be healed. Give some time.

-If you want to help depressed persons, first help your close ones who are actually dealing with it.

– Be there for them when they really need it.

– Listen more. Sometimes, they just need a shoulder to cry.

– Encourage them.

Some choose to seek help from psychiatrists. Some ain’t that comfortable to seek help from them. They find it more easier to share their pain with their closed ones. Some prefer to deal with it all alone.

Still depression or mental health for that matter is known as a taboo in our country. People do hesitate to talk about it openly. It is not a disorder or disease.

We can’t change everyone’s mindset but yes we can create a change for someone close to us who is depressed by offering help to them. Start by helping your near and dear ones or any person where you feel you can really help them.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

Nyctophile

What do you call a person who loves darkness? The answer is ‘Nyctophile.’ Nyctophile refers to a person who loves darkness and nights.

Nyctophile word is derived from the Ancient Greek word (nukt) which is a variation of ‘nรบx,’ meaning ‘night,’ plus (phile) meaning โ€œloving.โ€

Nyctophiles find relaxation and comfort in the darkness. It feels like a peace in the darkness. A sense of warmth in the nights where they are just with themselves and nobody else.

Nyctophiles are mesmerized by the darkness full of silence with no one in between where they don’t feel like talking to anybody. Where they feel safe and can enjoy the dark peacefully with no chaos and no people surrounded near them.

Nyctophile people feel they own this darkness. They wait for the whole day to end just to enjoy the night. Mornings are good but the peace that the darkness gives them it’s a completely different feeling which only nyctophile people experience.

Nyctophile is not kind of a disorder or a disease. It is really not. Some people love mornings, some love evenings, and some love the dark i.e the nights.

They can be their own self without having any fear of being judged. They don’t sleep at nights even if they feel drowsy, they just do not want to miss the darkness. How can they miss it? They would have to wait for an another day to end to just enjoy the darkness again.

Nyctophile doesn’t mean you have to go out to enjoy the darkness or your nights. You can enjoy it at the comfort of your home as well. Some poeple discover themselves in the dark. Everyone has a different idea of experiencing their love for the darkness.

Nyctophiles prefer to work more and dilligently in the dark instead of working in the day. They feel a comfort in the nights and tend to work woth full dedication and enjoy it. They feel that their minds are more powerful in the dark compared to the day light.

Would like to add some few words in hindi. “Raat me jo sukoon hain vo sukoon or kahan.”

Well, once you find your peace in the dark then there is no way of going back. You would love to spend more n more time every single night. You would stay up late nights just to feel that peace. After all peace is the most important thing that we all need in our life.

When lights leave, darkness gives them shelter. The person who walked so much through the dark eventually ends up loving the darkness and that is really not a problem. They just start loving the darkness so much that it makes them happy and alive. They start to feel free in the nights more than in the days.

So, being a nyctophile is an amazing feeling and you would always love it without any regrets.

Nyctophiles believe that they belong in the darkness. They accept that they love this darkness or nights more than anything. Once a nyctophile, always an nyctophile.

How to Sleep Better

Tired of tossing and turning at night? These simple tips will help you sleep better and be more energetic and productive during the day.

Basset hound asleep on masters' bed, its head supported by a billowy comforter, an ear flopped outward in each direction

How can I get a better nightโ€™s sleep?

Sleeping well directly affects your mental and physical health. Fall short and it can take a serious toll on your daytime energy, productivity, emotional balance, and even your weight. Yet many of us regularly toss and turn at night, struggling to get the sleep we need. Getting a good nightโ€™s sleep may seem like an impossible goal when youโ€™re wide awake at 3 a.m., but you have much more control over the quality of your sleep than you probably realize. Just as the way you feel during your waking hours often hinges on how well you sleep at night, so the cure for sleep difficulties can often be found in your daily routine.

Unhealthy daytime habits and lifestyle choices can leave you tossing and turning at night and adversely affect your mood, brain and heart health, immune system, creativity, vitality, and weight. But by experimenting with the following tips, you can enjoy better sleep at night, boost your health, and improve how you think and feel during the day.

Tip 1: Keep in sync with your bodyโ€™s natural sleep-wake cycle

Getting in sync with your bodyโ€™s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, is one of the most important strategies for sleeping better. If you keep a regular sleep-wake schedule, youโ€™ll feel much more refreshed and energized than if you sleep the same number of hours at different times, even if you only alter your sleep schedule by an hour or two.

Try to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day. This helps set your bodyโ€™s internal clock and optimize the quality of your sleep. Choose a bed time when you normally feel tired, so that you donโ€™t toss and turn. If youโ€™re getting enough sleep, you should wake up naturally without an alarm. If you need an alarm clock, you may need an earlier bedtime.

Avoid sleeping inโ€”even on weekends. The more your weekend/weekday sleep schedules differ, the worse the jetlag-like symptoms youโ€™ll experience. If you need to make up for a late night, opt for a daytime nap rather than sleeping in. This allows you to pay off your sleep debt without disturbing your natural sleep-wake rhythm.

Be smart about napping. While napping is a good way to make up for lost sleep, if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, napping can make things worse. Limit naps to 15 to 20 minutes in the early afternoon.

Fight after-dinner drowsiness. If you get sleepy way before your bedtime, get off the couch and do something mildly stimulating, such as washing the dishes, calling a friend, or getting clothes ready for the next day. If you give in to the drowsiness, you may wake up later in the night and have trouble getting back to sleep.

Tip 2: Control your exposure to light

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone controlled by light exposure that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Your brain secretes more melatonin when itโ€™s darkโ€”making you sleepyโ€”and less when itโ€™s lightโ€”making you more alert. However, many aspects of modern life can alter your bodyโ€™s production of melatonin and shift your circadian rhythm.

How to influence your exposure to light

During the day:

Expose yourself to bright sunlight in the morning. The closer to the time you get up, the better. Have your coffee outside, for example, or eat breakfast by a sunny window. The light on your face will help you wake up

Spend more time outside during daylight. Take your work breaks outside in sunlight, exercise outside, or walk your dog during the day instead of at night.

Let as much natural light into your home or workspace as possible. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day, and try to move your desk closer to the window.

If necessary, use a light therapy box. This simulates sunshine and can be especially useful during short winter days.

At night:

Avoid bright screens within 1-2 hours of your bedtime. The blue light emitted by your phone, tablet, computer, or TV is especially disruptive. You can minimize the impact by using devices with smaller screens, turning the brightness down, or using light-altering software such as f.lux.

Say no to late-night television. Not only does the light from a TV suppress melatonin, but many programs are stimulating rather than relaxing. Try listening to music or audio books instead.

Donโ€™t read with backlit devices. Tablets that are backlit are more disruptive than e-readers that donโ€™t have their own light source.

When itโ€™s time to sleep, make sure the room is dark. Use heavy curtains or shades to block light from windows, or try a sleep mask. Also consider covering up electronics that emit light.

Keep the lights down if you get up during the night. If you need some light to move around safely, try installing a dim nightlight in the hall or bathroom or using a small flashlight. This will make it easier for you to fall back to sleep.

Tip 3: Exercise during the day

People who exercise regularly sleep better at night and feel less sleepy during the day. Regular exercise also improves the symptoms of insomnia and sleep apnea and increases the amount of time you spend in the deep, restorative stages of sleep.

  • The more vigorously you exercise, the more powerful the sleep benefits. But even light exerciseโ€”such as walking for just 10 minutes a dayโ€”improves sleep quality.
  • It can take several months of regular activity before you experience the full sleep-promoting effects. So be patient and focus on building an exercise habit that sticks.

For better sleep, time your exercise right

Exercise speeds up your metabolism, elevates body temperature, and stimulates hormones such as cortisol. This isnโ€™t a problem if youโ€™re exercising in the morning or afternoon, but too close to bed and it can interfere with sleep.

Try to finish moderate to vigorous workouts at least three hours before bedtime. If youโ€™re still experiencing sleep difficulties, move your workouts even earlier. Relaxing, low-impact exercises such as yoga or gentle stretching in the evening can help promote sleep.

Tip 4: Be smart about what you eat and drink

Your daytime eating habits play a role in how well you sleep, especially in the hours before bedtime.

Limit caffeine and nicotine. You might be surprised to know that caffeine can cause sleep problems up to ten to twelve hours after drinking it! Similarly, smoking is another stimulant that can disrupt your sleep, especially if you smoke close to bedtime.

Avoid big meals at night. Try to make dinnertime earlier in the evening, and avoid heavy, rich foods within two hours of bed. Spicy or acidic foods can cause stomach trouble and heartburn.

Avoid alcohol before bed. While a nightcap may help you relax, it interferes with your sleep cycle once youโ€™re out.

Avoid drinking too many liquids in the evening. Drinking lots of fluids may result in frequent bathroom trips throughout the night.

Cut back on sugary foods and refined carbs.ย Eating lots ofย sugar and refined carbsย such as white bread, white rice, and pasta during the day can trigger wakefulness at night and pull you out of the deep, restorative stages of sleep.

Tip 5: Wind down and clear your head

Do you often find yourself unable to get to sleep or regularly waking up night after night? Residual stress, worry, and anger from your day can make it very difficult to sleep well. Taking steps to manage your overall stress levels and learning how to curb the worry habit can make it easier to unwind at night. You can also try developing a relaxing bedtime ritual to help you prepare your mind for sleep, such as practicing a relaxation technique, taking a warm bath, or dimming the lights and listening to soft music or an audiobook.

Problems clearing you head at night can also stem from your daytime habits. The more overstimulated your brain becomes during the day, the harder it can be slow down and unwind at night. Maybe, like many of us, youโ€™re constantly interrupting tasks during the day to check your phone, email, or social media. Then when it comes to getting to sleep at night, your brain is so accustomed to seeking fresh stimulation, it becomes difficult to unwind. Help yourself by setting aside specific times during the day for checking your phone and social media and, as much as possible, try to focus on one task at a time. Youโ€™ll be better able to calm your mind at bedtime.Closeup of young bearded man lying on sheets of bed, hands folded behind bed, looking relaxed

A deep breathing exercise to help you sleep

Breathing from your belly rather than your chest can activate the relaxation response and lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels to help you drift off to sleep.

  • Lay down in bed and close your eyes.
  • Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
  • Breathe in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should rise. The hand on your chest should move very little.
  • Exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little.
  • Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls. Count slowly as you exhale.

To follow along with a guided deep breathing exercise, click here.

A body scan exercise to help you sleep

By focusing your attention on different parts of your body, you can identify where youโ€™re holding any stress or tension, and release it.

  • Lie on your back, legs uncrossed, arms relaxed at your sides, eyes closed. Focus on your breathing for about two minutes until you start to feel relaxed.
  • Turn your focus to the toes of your right foot. Notice any tension while continuing to also focus on your breathing. Imagine each deep breath flowing to your toes. Remain focused on this area for at least three to five seconds.
  • Move your focus to the sole of your right foot. Tune in to any sensations you feel in that part of your body and imagine each breath flowing from the sole of your foot. Then move your focus to your right ankle and repeat. Move to your calf, knee, thigh, hip, and then repeat the sequence for your left leg. From there, move up your torso, through your lower back and abdomen, your upper back and chest, and your shoulders. Pay close attention to any area of the body that feels tense.
  • After completing the body scan, relax, noting how your body feels. You should feel so relaxed you can easily fall asleep.

For a guided body scan meditation to help you wind down and clear your head at bedtime, click here.

Tip 6: Improve your sleep environment

A peaceful bedtime routine sends a powerful signal to your brain that itโ€™s time to wind down and let go of the dayโ€™s stresses. Sometimes even small changes to your environment can make a big difference to your quality of sleep.

Keep your room dark, cool, and quiet

Keep noise down. If you canโ€™t avoid or eliminate noise from neighbors, traffic, or other people in your household, try masking it with a fan or sound machine. Earplugs may also help.

Keep your room cool. Most people sleep best in a slightly cool room (around 65ยฐ F or 18ยฐ C) with adequate ventilation. A bedroom that is too hot or too cold can interfere with quality sleep.

Make sure your bed is comfortable. Your bed covers should leave you enough room to stretch and turn comfortably without becoming tangled. If you often wake up with a sore back or an aching neck, you may need to experiment with different levels of mattress firmness, foam toppers, and pillows that provide more or less support.

Reserve your bed for sleeping and sex. By not working, watching TV, or using your phone, tablet, or computer in bed, your brain will associate the bedroom with just sleep and sex, which makes it easier to wind down at night.

Tip 7: Learn ways to get back to sleep

Itโ€™s normal to wake briefly during the night but if youโ€™re having trouble falling back asleep, these tips may help:

Stay out of your head. Hard as it may be, try not to stress over your inability to fall asleep again, because that stress only encourages your body to stay awake. To stay out of your head, focus on the feelings in your body or practice breathing exercises. Take a breath in, then breathe out slowly while saying or thinking the word, โ€œAhhh.โ€ Take another breath and repeat.

Make relaxation your goal, not sleep. If you find it hard to fall back asleep, try a relaxation technique such as visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation, which can be done without even getting out of bed. Even though itโ€™s not a replacement for sleep, relaxation can still help rejuvenate your body.

Do a quiet, non-stimulating activity. If youโ€™ve been awake for more than 15 minutes, get out of bed and do a quiet, non-stimulating activity, such as reading a book. Keep the lights dim and avoid screens so as not to cue your body that itโ€™s time to wake up.

Postpone worrying and brainstorming. If you wake during the night feeling anxious about something, make a brief note of it on paper and postpone worrying about it until the next day when it will be easier to resolve. Similarly, if a great idea is keeping you awake, make a note of it on paper and fall back to sleep knowing youโ€™ll be much more productive after a good nightโ€™s rest.

YOGA

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual practices or disciplines which was originated in ancient time in India. Yoga is one of the six Astika schools of hindu philosophical traditions. There is a broad variety of yoga schools,practices and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000 year history in ancient indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures ,breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. In more recent years , it has become popular as a form of physical exercise based upon poses that promote improved control of the mind . And body and enhance well-being .

there are several different types of yoga and many disciplines within the practice. This article explores the history,philosophy , and various branch of yoga.

there is no written record of the inventor of yoga.

Male yoga practitioners are known as yogis.and female yoga practitioners are called yoginis.both practiced both taught yoga long before any written account of yoga come into existence.

Yoga is well known for its postures and poses ,but they were not a key part of original yoga traditions in india . Fitness was not a primary goal .practitioners and followers of yogic traditions focused instead on other practices , such as expending spritual energy using breathing method and focus method .the traditional began to gain popularity in the west at the end of the 19th century.an explosion of interest in yoga postural occured in the 1920’s and 1930s.first in the india and later in the west .

Benefits of yoga

increase flexibility increased muscle strength and tone. Improved energy. Maintaining a balanced metabolism . Weight reduction. Cardio and circulatory health. Improved athletic performance protection from injury.

Disadvantages of yoga

injury risks osteoporosis hot yoga disadvantages overdoing yoga poses untrained instructors

However, as a general rule of thumb, a healthy practice for vinyasa yoga is usually around 3to 5times a week. This gives you adequate time for rest. Rest is crucial to recover, get stronger and maintain your health.

the negatives of yoga are.the most common yoga injury included ;neck ,back,knee,and and shoulder injuries. This includes torm injuries muscles .herniate disks and carpal tunnel. Poses like chaturanga ,an upward push up with bent elbows, can cause extensive damage to wrists , elbow and shoulders.

regularly yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness ,increasing body awareness,relieves the mind.

Yoga poses streach your muscles and increases your range of motion……..and even through yoga is not aerobic , some research find it can be just as good as aerobic exercise for improving health.

Importance of Festivals

It is hard to imagine a world where society doesn’t celebrate any festivals. Just try to imagine a world without Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Id, Holi. Their are so many festivals that are celebrated that it would be practically impossible to recall all of them.

Celebrating these festivals is not just important in order to remember our culture but also to gather around the entire community and talk, and eat, and laugh. In order for the Society to properly exist in the world, festivals act like those pillars that balance our it. Kids get an opportunity to experience their culture and history. Our grandparents and other older citizens get to remind the next generation about the significance of celebrating these festivals. The entire family gathers around and catches up on their lost time. They share all the successes, all the stories and reconnect with their family. Apart from that, other people, people who are not related to us by blood, become our friends and we end up forming our own little traditions.

For example, a young girl and her grandma may form a tradition of making sweets together. Or a parent taking help from their children to decorate the house. Yes, they become busier during festivals because of all the preparation. But the process of preparation of these festivals is in itself another festival. This way, people make memories that they become fond of.

I for one cannot imagine a world without festivals. They are an expressive way to celebrate our glorious heritage, culture and traditions. They bring joy to children. The thing is that we are dependent on social heritage, which is a mixture of customs, traditions, moral values, beliefs and ideals. It not only 8makes us who we are but binds us to pass it on from one generation to another.

Festivals promote diversity, they bring neighbors into dialogue, they increase creativity, and they offer opportunities for civic pride.

The world is chaotic. Everyone is rushing to get to places. Everyone is pushing their own limits in order to feed their family. Children are stressed out because of pressure from school and the fear of disappointing their well wishers. Employees over work themselves into a cardiac arrest and other health hazards and overall, we don’t get time to enjoy the natural beauty and small things that actually matter in our lives.

By celebrating festivals, we not only get to catch up with everything other than work and studies, but we also get to enjoy the company of our loved ones. In my opinion, each day SHOULD BE celebrated as a festival. It will not only make our live non-monotonous but it will also bring the people around us a little bit closer.

Tech Mahindra campus sealed after 7 COVID-19 cases in a week as Odisha tally crosses 10,000

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday sealed the Tech Mahindra campus in the city after the detection of multiple COVID-19 cases. The campus has been sealed for 72 hours till Thursday for sanitisation.
BMC North zonal deputy commissioner Pramod Kumar Prusty said the campus was sealed after seven cases were detected in the last one week.
“The first case from the campus was reported on June 29 and the individual had a travel history outside Odisha,” he said.
The ZDC said that 65 employees of the IT firm have been home quarantined and will undergo COVID-19 tests if they develop any symptoms.He said contact tracing is also in progress to isolate others who have come in contact with these seven persons.
Of the 37 cases reported in Khurda in the last 24 hours, around 26 are from Bhubaneswar, sources said.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 tally in Odisha crossed the 10,000 mark on Tuesday after the state reported its biggest single day spike of 572 cases along with six deaths.
The cases were reported from 21 districts with Ganjam remaining at the top with 273 cases. Gajapati and Sundargarh districts also reported 56 and 51 cases respectively.
Health and Family Welfare department officials said three men in the age group of 48 to 70 years from Ganjam and a 48-year-old man from Cuttack, infected with the virus, died while undergoing treatment at different hospitals.
They, however, said that the other two persons, an 80-year-old man from Cuttack and 45-year-old man from Mayurbhanj, who were infected with virus, died due to cancer.
The state so far has reported 10,097 COVID-19 cases and 42 deaths. Health officials, however, claim that at least 12 COVID-19 patients have died due to other diseases.

Trade Union

Trade Union is an organisation that employees, workers and labour can join in order to protect and promote their interest. Trade Union is an organisation which helps the workers and employees to achieve their goals in areas such as pay, benefits, working condition, hours of work, etc. Trade Union acts as a link or bridge between management and workers. As all the communication that takes place between employer or management and workers is generally through union. Trade Union acts as a medium between workers and management as they help in settlement of grievances and raising the voice of workers in front of management on behalf of workers. The key function of trade unions are regulation of relations, settlement of grievances, collective bargaining and negotiation and raising new demand on behalf of workers. Trade Union is basically a voluntary association of employees and therefore individuals agree on their own to join and act together. Since we know that it is a voluntary association, so the leaders are elected by the members. Trade Union acts as an intermediary between employer and employee. It eliminates the employers’ need to consult each and every employee before taking decision affecting him. Instead the employer talk directly to trade union who represent the employees. The Trade Union, in turn, pass on the information to the employee and the decision is taken at last. It is the most important question that, Why trade union looks so attractive to employees? So for this we should know the factors that makes it so attractive to employees and they are –

  • Minimise Discrimination- As there are chances that a personal relationship may exist between the supervisor and his subordinate and due to this there are chances of favouritism and discrimination. So, in order to minimise favouritism and discrimination trade union compels management to frame policies that press for equality of treatment to workers.
  • Sense of Security- After joining a union the employee experiences a sense of security as he believes that it is an effective way to secure adequate protection from various hazards and income insecurity.
  • Sense of Participation- Employee experiences sense of participation only if they join trade union. After joining the Trade Union employees can participate in matters of management which affects their interest.
  • Sense of Belongingness- It is always seen that people follow eachother. Same goes here, many employees join a union because there co-workers are the members of the union. The members of a union feel that they are gaining respect and can also discuss their problems with the Trade Union.
  • Platform for Self Expression- Everybody loves expressing themselves. They want to share their feelings, ideas and opinions with others and this platform is provided by trade union to its members. Trade Union helps in providing a support to collective voice of the workers so that the management can hear this and can give due consideration while making policy decision by the management. Trade Union also helps in betterment of employee relations among management and workers by solving the problem peacefully.

Last But Not the Least

Trade Union plays an important role in workers, employees and labour’s life as it provides a sense of security, participation and belongingness which motivates them to work hard.

Boycott of Chinese products in india

The call to boycott ‘Made in China’ products comes at a time when the government is promoting a campaign to make the country self-reliant under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
The survey, conducted by Local Circles, received 32,000 responses from citizens spread across 235 districts.
More than 8,000 responses were received for the question โ€œWould you boycott buying Chinese products for next year?โ€ and an overwhelming majority of them were ready to stop buying Chinese products.
87% of the 8,000 respondents said they were ready to boycott all Chinese made goods for the next one year.

When asked if they are willing to boycott buying/using products & services of Chinese companies like Xiao, Oppo, Vivo, One Plus, Club Factory, Aliexpress, Shein, Tik Tok, WeChat etc. effective immediately, 58% of those surveyed said โ€˜yes, wonโ€™t buy from nowโ€™, while 39% said โ€˜yes, wonโ€™t buy from now but have to use what I have already purchasedโ€™.
In other words, a massive 97% (39+58) said that they will boycott buying major Chinese brands and instead focus on Indian brands.

But  India is angry after bloody clash on June 15 between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan. Across the country, there are calls to boycott Chinese products and halt bilateral trade, with people burning Chinese appliances and goods and a Union minister even wanting a ban on restaurants selling Chinese food.

Now

There is a very big question here โ€“ will boycotting of Chinese products really helps India imports items like transmission apparatus for radars, TV and cameras. Electrical transformers, microphones, headphones and loudspeakers also feature heavily on this list.2019 (34%) import

India imported nuclear reactors, boilers worth $13.87 billion during 2019, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

India imports diammonium phosphate, a crucial element in fertilizers to boost crop yield, from its neighbor. Another type of plant nutrient, urea, favored by Indian farmers, is also supplied by China. 2019(import 2%)

India depends on China for items like personal protective equipment, ventilators, N95 masks and other medical kits. With the current pandemic, these items have become even more crucial. India, however, has begun mass producing its own PPE kits and N95 masks to meet the ever growing demand of these items during the health crisis. (2019-2%) import

A lot of the components for cars being manufactured within the country also comes from China. Items like drive transmission, steering, electrical, interiors, brake systems and engine components are supplied by Chinese companies, to Indian carmakers. (2019-2%) import

Now, we can see that China’s exports to India account for only 2% of its total exports, so even if Indians boycott all the goods imported from China… 

But if really India want to be aatmnirbhar: so we have to take some measures

  • The government must lower the rates at which loans are issued to Indian companies, just like China. Recently, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a stimulus package to address the needs of various sectors battling for survival. Now, steps should be taken to ensure these announcements are actually implemented on the ground and arenโ€™t reduced to hollow jumlas. In addition to this, the government must provide infrastructure, services, etc. to prepare Indian companies to compete with China.
  • The foreign direct investment (FDI) regime also needs to be further liberalised. India receives only 25% of the FDI that China gets and only 10% of what the US receives. Increase in the levels of FDI may provide the necessary nudge to our industrial sector to surge towards better productivity and efficiency.
  • It would be extremely beneficial if we diversify our import basket, by importing our necessities from a host of other countries and lessening our dependence on China. All these steps, collectively, could take us closer to self-reliance.
  • Increasing mutual investment and encouraging Indian companies to participate in the China International Import Expo will strengthen bonds between these two economic giants. We must acknowledge that China has a strategic role to play in Indiaโ€™s growth.

After taking all these measures: may India can achieve the mission which has been started by our prime minister of India .87%of Indian ready to boycott Chinese products and itโ€™s a good sign to generate employment, and development of technology in India.

In the first four decades of Indiaโ€™s existence, it has tried โ€” and miserably failed โ€” making mantras like โ€œself-relianceโ€, โ€œimport-substitutionโ€ and โ€œprotecting infant domestic industriesโ€ work. But now India can achieve all its self-reliance in all over the world.

Sushant Singh Rajput’s relatives launch Nepometer app,say it’s a tribute to SSR

After Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic demise on 14th June 2020,the debate on nepotism in Bollywood has gained momentum. People started reiterating that Bollywood does not give chance to struggling actors who are outsiders. Whereas, the star kids get all the stardom even though they may not have talent. Kangana Ranaut was bold enough to describe how nepotism was the cause of the Star’s death. This may be true indeed, because SSR himself in an interview on the ‘Raabta’ movie release event said that nepotism is everywhere. And he was so humble to say that nepotism is fine if they also give chance and recognise the outside talents. This gives us a hint of how much he had struggled to reach where he was.

In a recent development, Sushant’s brother in-law, Vishal Kirti posted on his Twitter profile about the launch of Nepometer app. The app will measure how much nepotistic a movie is. Vishal Kirti wrote that it is a ‘not for profit voluntary effort’ and they wanted people to make ‘informed choices’. “The app is a tribute to SSR”Vishal Kirti wrote in his another post. The app has been developed by Vishal kirti’s brother Mayuresh Krishna.

“We’re still grieving. Our focus now is to take care of each other. I shared my brother’s idea of Nepometer because it enables people to make informed choices. It’s a small tribute to Sushant. It’s a not for profit voluntary effort. Please stay patient since it isn’t our 1st priority,” he wrote on Twitter.

The news was announced on Twitter with the caption, “Fight Bollywood Nepotism with Information. We will provide ratings for movies based on how nepotistic or independent movie crew is. If the #nepometer is high, then it’s time to #boycottbollywoodnepotism #fightnepotism.”

Nepometer gives Alia Bhatt starrer ‘Sadak 2 ‘ movie 98% rating

Nepometer gives rating to a movie based on the fact whether it’s actor and actress and supporting crew members Viz director,producer,writer, supporting actor are star kids or anyway related to Bollywood celebrities. The greater the number of insiders or star kids in a movie,the higher rating it will get on Nepometer app. Higher rating on Nepometer dneotes that the movie is highly nepotistic.

For eg, the movie ‘Kalank’ starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt is likely to get a high score on Nepometer while ‘Thappad’ featuring Tapsee Pannu is likely to get a lower score.

The first movie to be rated by Nepometer on Thursday is ‘Sadak 2’ which is a sequel of ‘Sadak’. Sadak 2 is starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role. The app gave the movie a 98% rating which means it is highly nepotistic.

A tweet on the Nepometer Twitter page read, โ€œ#Sadak2 is 98% Nepotistic. We rated it based on 5 categories, Producer, Lead Artists, Supporting Artists, Director & Writer. 4 out of 5 categories have Bollywood Family members. When #nepometer is high itโ€™s time to #boycottbollywood. Will you watch this movie? Tell us in comments.โ€

The idea behind developing the app is that people should avoid watching movies which are featuring star kids and go for movies featuring outsiders to encourage new talents.

Meanwhile,police is investigating on Sushant Singh Rajput’s case and so far, the police have questioned at least 28 people, including his domestic staff, family, friends and co-stars.

Home Business Ideas

small-business-ideas

These home business ideas give you a few more business options that are either based at home or online.

1. Freelancer

In the world of freelance, you can work from home and be your own boss. Use your skills to earn business in your desired field:

  • Writing
  • SEO
  • Transcription
  • Design
  • Illustration
  • Coding
  • Consulting

2. Social media manager

Do you have a knack for social media? As a social media manager, you can use your skills to manage the social media accounts for companies and even individual people. Influencer marketing has become more common and many influencersrely onย marketing agenciesย or employees to help them run their social channels.

3. Data entry clerk

Many businesses seek data entry clerks to help them enter information into their computer systems and spreadsheets. If you have fantastic computer and typing skills, this might be the business for you.

4. Pet sitter

Do you have a passion for pets? Consider becoming a pet sitter. While the pet’s owners are away on vacation, either host their pet at your home or make visits to their home. Join a pet sitting service likeย Roverย orย Care.comย to get started.

5. Vacation host

Have you ever used a home sharing service instead of a hotel? You could make a living by hosting visitors in your own home or renting out a room. Consider becoming a host with companies likeย Airbnb,ย Vrbo, orย Homestay.

How to Start a Small Business at Home

  1. Identify your small business idea.
  2. Start as a side business or hobby.
  3. Create a business plan.
  4. Decide whether you’ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.
  5. Create a business bank account.
  6. Decide on your software.
  7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.
  8. Set up an office.
  9. Get to work!

1. Identify your small business idea.

Whether you choose an option from the list above or have another idea up your sleeve, itโ€™s important to have the experience, training, or skills necessary to be successful. Want to run a daycare but have never even visited a successful daycare center? Spend time conducting research to learn whether this is really the right fit for your experience and interests.

2. Start as a side business or hobby.

Can you get your business off the ground as an evenings or weekends side job? This allows you to make some mistakes, test the market, and understand whether your idea has legs before you quit your nine-to-five job and lose your primary income.

3. Create a business plan.

Once you know your idea has the potential to succeed, itโ€™s time to build aย business plan. Not sure where to start? Try thisย business plan template.

Your business plan should include the following elements:

  • Executive summary โ€” A high-level overview of your company and market placement.
  • Business model โ€” Outline what your business does, who your business serves, and how your business is structured. You should include a description of what products and services you offer, and how they meet the needs of your customers.
  • Market condition โ€” A summary of pertinent competitor information. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your closest competitors.
  • Products and services โ€” Use this section to describe your products and services in detail, and outline what differentiates your product from others in the market.
  • Operations and management โ€” Outline your businessโ€™ organization structure, key roles, and responsibilities.
  • Marketing and sales strategy โ€” This section should describe how you will market and sell your product. Include information on your ideal customer, how you plan to position your offering, and your sales strategy.
  • Financial plan โ€” Create a detailed outline of your business financials. Include your start-up costs, your initial financial productions, and how you anticipate generating funding.
  • Appendix โ€” Once the above pieces are complete, end the document with an appendix summarizing your business plan.

Business plans should identify what makes your offering different from competitors. They should also be short and actionable. And your business plan should evolve with your business.

4. Decide whether youโ€™ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.

Two common legal structures for small businesses are limited liability corporations (LLCs) and sole proprietorships.

An LLC is a more complex business structure than a sole proprietorship, and can include individuals, corporations, and other LLCs as members. Additionally, LLCs are not subject to a separate level of tax and offer the business owner liability protection and tax advantages. LLCs are formed on a state-by-state basis.

Sole proprietorships are businesses owned and operated by one person, and are not identified as a separate entity from the owner by the government. While a sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, sole proprietors are personally liable for their business.

Learn more aboutย choosing the right structure for your businessย from the Small Business Administration.

5. Create a business bank account.

Once you have a legally formed business and have been issued an Employer Identification Number (EIN), open a bank account specifically for your business. Having a business bank account is essential for keeping your personal and business finances separate which can help you gain an accurate picture of your businessโ€™ cash flow and financial health. Additionally, keeping your personal and business finances separate makes bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.

Many banks offer business checking and savings accounts. Business checking accounts typically do not have a limit on the number of transactions that can take place, and issue a debit card that can be used for making business purchases. However, these checking accounts do not accrue interests.

Business savings accounts typically earn interest over time, but have a limited number of transactions that can occur each month. When youโ€™re just starting out, look for a business bank account that does not have a minimum balance requirement so you are not penalized for having low funds as you work to build your business.

6. Decide on your software.

Youโ€™ve got a lot of things on your plate when first starting up. But one step thatโ€™s critical (and often forgotten by first-time entrepreneurs) is deciding on the software that can help you be more efficient as your business grows.

Every business is different โ€” but almost all companies can use software to help with analytics, project management, accounting, bookkeeping,ย email marketing, and other basic day-to-day tasks.

One of the most important software tools every business should utilize isย a free CRMย to keep track of important customer information in one central database. It will help align your team and make sure you stay organized as your business grows.

7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.

Ask yourself whether your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses simply arenโ€™t suited to being based from home. If you want to run a dog boarding center but live in an apartment without a backyard, you might want to consider a dog walking business instead.

8. Set up an office.

If your business idea is well-suited for being run from home, itโ€™s still important you have a designated work space. While a home office might not be possible, consider setting aside a corner in your living room or putting a desk in your bedroom for a space that inspires you and creates the conditions for success.

Need a more professional space? If you conduct client-facing work requiring you to be on video calls, no one wants to see your rumpled sheets in the background. Check out local coworking spaces for memberships that earn you access to conference rooms, desk space, and more.

9. Get to work!

Youโ€™ve put in the hard work and Iโ€™ve got good news โ€ฆ itโ€™s only going to get harder. But most entrepreneurs will agree the payoff of being your own boss, making your own hours, and working on projects youโ€™re passionate about will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

Selecting a small business idea is a personal decision. But it can be helpful to bounce ideas off your friends and family. Donโ€™t be afraid to ask for help throughout this process โ€” and remember to have a little fun while youโ€™re putting in the work.

Ready to begin building your small business today? Check out ourย complete guide for how to start a business. Or brush up on your reading with this high-impact list ofย books about starting a businessย you canโ€™t afford not to read.

Importance of Mental Health during Pandemic Times

Mental Health is a topic much discussed in the current times owing to its increasing importance in the world. Since it was not considered as important as our physical health, mental health disorders, illnesses and issues had been ignored and pushed under the rug for many years. However, with depression and suicide becoming the greatest threat to human life in this modern world, addressing mental health with understanding and seeking solutions are extremely important. Emotional and mental well-being is necessary for an individual to function as he ought in society, complete his tasks and maintain his space in the world.

Modernity has brought with it a number of problems all of which have contributed in their own way to a crisis of mental health. Long hours at the office, increased stress levels, financial crisis, managing work life and home life are all significant factors that affect our mental health. Among students, demanding coursework, fear of the future, a crashing job market, worry about not performing well and peer pressure can all lead to a situation where one is not able to think and behave as one ought.

Right now, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a spike in the number of mental health issues coming up. There is fear of the virus, worry about what happens next, and many donโ€™t see how they can survive. 1 in 5 college students say that they are experiencing heightened mental health issues during this pandemic. This will become a pandemic by itself and the countries of the world are already realizing this.

A major issue that we in India is what the World Health Organization considers the mental health gap. It refers to the gap between number of those with the need and the number of providers available. There are not enough responders who can adequately deal with the issues and the number of people who are in need of help.

Another major issue with addressing mental health concerns in India is the stigma associated with it. Many are told to โ€˜just get over itโ€™ or asked to โ€˜forget about itโ€™. The honour-shame culture in India lends itself to this.ย  It is considered shameful to approach someone for help or to say that I am struggling mentally. It is not a choice to go into depression. There is rejection and discrimination against people who suffer from severe anxiety or other issues and they are not given the care they need. We need to understand that mental health is as important as physical health and that it needs to be dealt with as seriously.

If you or anyone you know seem to be struggling mentally, never hesitate to reach out for help. It is important that we ourselves do not try to treat anyone or counsel them if we are not qualified. Never wait for your mental health to deteriorate immensely before you start seeking help. Self medication and deluding oneself into thinking that they can conquer this on their own should also not be encouraged. If we see someone struggling with mental health, learn how to move towards them and assure them they are not alone. Donโ€™t moralize them but listen to them and walk with them in their journey. You can do much by taking people seriously when they talk to you about their struggles and by being there for them.

 

 

Indian spices have amazing healing powers

The spices we use everyday in our kitchen while cooking are the same spices which had impressed the Britishers with their flavour and unique aroma they gave to the food as well as the amazing healing properties they had. It is not an exaggeration to say that spices were one of the reasons that Britishers started to colonize parts of India.

Even today, spices contribute a very essential part of a healthy Indian meal. But spices do not just add flavour to your food. They have health benefits too capable of healing the body in and out. Sometimes it’s better to turn to natural remedies to cure minor ailments. Ayurveda has solely been using plants and herbs since ages to cure all kinds of ailments. But our generation isn’t as patient as our ancestors were and we prefer pills that give instant relief over natural remedies. It’s time to go back to our roots and make use of some magical spices that have amazing healing properties and that provide relief in a healthier way. 

Here, some of the spices that have amazing health benefits:

1. Cloves

Cloves are one of the most widely used whole spices in our day to day cooking. But we tend to underestimate them in terms of their medicinal properties.  Apart from adding a distinct aroma and flavor to our food, cloves are a rich source of manganese and also have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Clove oil is rich in Eugenol, a component that fights infections and also helps in suppressing pain. Simply dab some clove oil over an infected tooth and gums to help ease the pain and also cure infection. Including cloves in our daily diet can also boost immunity, improve digestion and help fight cold and cough.

2. Turmeric

The spice that is used in every Indian household- turmeric is not only renowned for its pungent flavor but also for its extremely useful medicinal properties. It has been used in Indian and Chinese medicine for many years. Turmeric is rich in curcumin – a compound that is a powerful anti-inflammatory and a very strong antioxidant. Turmeric may help relieve arthritis-related symptoms as curcumin present in turmeric blocks all the enzymes causing pain and inflammation in the body. Curcumin also plays a vital role in fighting against auto-immune induced diseases and helps delay the ageing of cells. 

3. Black Pepper

Black pepper or kali mirch is also known as the “king of spices”.  But little do we know that our favorite seasoning black pepper also performs many other beneficial tasks in our body than just pleasing our taste buds. Black pepper is rich in micro-nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin K, iron and vitamin C. Due to its high vitamin C content, black pepper is a very effective antibiotic. Its antibiotic properties work wonders against tonsillitis.  Mix some lemon juice, salt and black pepper powder in a glass of warm water and drink it to get instant relief from throat pain. Black pepper is also high in piperine. Piperine helps in better bowel movements and also helps prevent digestive and excretory system infections.


5. Cinnamon

The distinct sweetness and warm taste aren’t the only things that cinnamon offers. The true magic lies in bark of the cinnamon tree which provides innumerable health benefits. According to various scientific studies, cinnamon has the highest antioxidant content amongst all other spices. Antioxidants help protect body against radical damage and prevents ageing. Cinnamon also helps lower blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol levels in the body. Cinnamaldehyde – the main ingredient in cinnamon has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon oil has anti microbial properties also helps prevent tooth decay and reduces bad breath.

6. Ajwain
The bitter and pungent ajwain seeds used in every Indian household are a miraculous remedy for several common ailments. Ajwain seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants Take a little ajwain mixed with some salt and swallow it with some warm water to get instant relief from a stomach ache. Ajwain is very effective in treating gas, flatulence and acidity when taken after meals with warm water and salt. One of the other amazing health benefits that this spice offers is treating common cold. Thymol, an ingredient present in Ajwain, gives it antimicrobial properties hence, making it effective against cold and congestion. To reap maximum benefits, inhale the steam of ajwain infused in hot water, it will ease congestion and provide relief.

7. Asafoetida

The pungent spice asafoetida, also known as hing in India, is actually native to Afghanistan. Hing is one of the chief ingredients used in tadka or tempering to flavor the Indian dishes, especially like dal. 
This strong spice provides numerous health benefits from improving digestion to preventing and treating acne and making your skin glow. Not only this, asafoetida has also proven to restrict the growth of harmful viruses in the body. Hing is also a very effective remedy for dry or whooping cough or even for bronchitis. Prepare a paste by grinding asafoetida in water. Apply this on your chest to get relief from any kind of cough.

SAY ‘NO’ TO PUBG ADDICTION

We all are aware about the incident where an Indian teenager spents his father’s 16 lakhs of money on the PUBG online game. This was not the first time something like this happened.

The PUBG online game which is very popular among the youths has been trending since two to three years. Player Unknown’s Battle Grounds (PUBG) is an online multiplayer battle royale game which is designed in such a way that it can be played as a lone wolf or with your teammates.

PUBG mobile game was released in the year 2017. Since then, more than 100 million users have downloaded it. Currenty, Its the 2nd top grossing royale mobile game.

Well, every thing has two sides of the story. Yes, PUBG is the leading game right now and due to the pandemic lockdown it also has increased more users and people now are spending more time than they usually used to do earlier as they have no work right now. They are completely free. Its an amazing game which has amazing features and also you can pass your time. So when someone gets bored, they do think of playing PUBG either with their friends or solo.

Online gaming has been a part of our lives right now since we all are addicted to our smartphones. So, we can’t deny the fact that we haven’t installed and played any online games on our smartphone.

But like I said above, everything around us has two sides of the story . The same way the online ‘PUBG’ game has its own cons and discons. Althought, its a good game for relaxing people making them stress free for a while, some play just to pass the time, some play everyday as a routine. Everyone has different reasons to play.

But, here I am talking about the ones who just not take this game as a game or as a way to pass the time. These people get so addicted towards this game that they forget that there is a life beyond this game. They take this game as a serious matter and take drastic steps which leads to mishappenings thus causing pain to them and their close ones.

Every now and then we hear cases related to PUBG. Be it suicide cases or stealing money and using them just to buy Royale Passes. We need to make understand these youths that the online game is just a part of your life and it cannot be your whole life.

The youth needs to understand that there is a life beyond PUBG. I am not saying that such people shouldn’t play online games but we have to stop them by getting obsessed over these game apps.

What we can do to stop this:

  • If you see your child or your friend is getting addicted towards this game, make him or her understand at the initial stage itself.
  • Parents should try to talk with their children in a way that they understand that what is correct and what is not. They should be spending more time with their child so that they feel loved and be responsible and not take any drastic steps.
  • If not parents, then someone elder or someone close to that person should talk to the child.
  • Make them understand that its just a game and don’t try spending your money on the game. Instead spend it for something worth.

Online games can be addictive but we need to stop our children before anything bad happens. Addiction is harmful. No addiction can give you happiness.

I know it can be difficult to make them understand but atleast people close to such addicts can try talking to them so that they do not get involved in such happenings.

Youth needs to understand this playing is different and getting addicted is different.

Nothing is impossible if we try. The word ‘Impossible’ itself says ‘ I AM POSSIBLE.’

Secularism Vs Religion in politics

Secularism implies equal respect for all religions in the same measure as we have our own. In our country,the liberty of ” belief,faith and worship”, as enshrined in the Constitution, has been implemented by incorporating the fundamental Rights of all citizens to ” Freedom of Religion” in Articles 25-29.

India is a land of multi- religious,multi ethnic and multi lingual people with a plethora of castes and subcastes. All the major religions in the country, viz, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism tech their followers to imbibe faith in God an dlove for human beings.Yet our people have developed peculiar attitude to their own religion. Today, religion,the opiate of the masses,disintegrates people through communal violence the behest of political parties and their unscrupulous leadersเฅคReligion is an ally of politics is fraught with danger.

The constitutuon of India uphold the unity of all religions ,based on their moral precepts of building unity in diversity. This shows that India as a secular state is neither religious nor anti religious ; it is completely detached from all religious dogmas.

The british created a rift between Hindus and Muslims that led to the partition of the sub- continent in 1947. The rift has widened since then.Today, Ram Jamnabhoomi- Babri Kashif issue,1993 Mumbai riots, recent riots in UP are there to spark off communal violence.Such tendnecies are drifting away people from the idea of secularism.

There is growing feeling in the country that the functioning of secularism has suffered some setbacks. Recently,this has led many individuals from the film fraternity, literary field and other arts to return their Government awards, this show their dissent at the growing intolerance in thecountry.The unchecked growth of fundamentalism is posing a serious threat to the secular character of our polity. Our political parties aid and abet communalism.They do not allow secularism to take precedence over their political interests. There are several ways through which secularism is being diluted. Performance of religious rites and rituals at official functions ,misuse of media including official media for propagation of anti secular material are undermining the foundation of a secular polity.

Secularism is the need of the hour for uplifting the nation from the abyss of religious myths and beliefs , and waging a united war of all the people against the cancer of communalism and other social evils hindering our country’s progress. Even though the task appears daunting,the present generation must strive for moulding the mass opinion and evolving a truly secular and democratic India.

What Makes A Great Leader

When we read the term, โ€˜great leaderโ€™, we immediately picture leaders like Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, and many more. We always get inspired by their life journeys and often follow their virtues of life. But very few of us wonder, what made them a ‘great leader’? We may find it a mystery. However, there are a few things which are common among them.

They are aware. They are aware of their capabilities. They are aware of their flaws and they are always willing to work on them. They do not blame their flaws for their failure. Instead, they work harder to convert these

Powerful leaders listen. When working in a team, they keep their ears and eyes open for novel ideas. For them, no idea is silly. They give importance to every ones’ opinion. They are always the last one to speak. By doing this, they make sure that every person gets the opportunity to speak.

Another identical feature is that they radiate positive energy. This means, their aura is so powerful that once they start speaking, no one ignores them.

They seem approachable. Even when Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, opened its dozens of stores, he was so approachable that he used to talk to almost every employee in his office. Maybe, because of this quality, he became even more successful!

One more similarity is that a great leader can convert a hundred negatives, into one positive. One of the best examples is Adolf Hitler. He was, at one point covered by his enemies from all four sides. When his subordinate informed him about this ‘problem’, he said, “Excellent! Now we can attack in any direction.” This is the difference between a follower and a leader. Leaders, convert the ‘problems’ into ‘opportunities’.

They have the ability to take responsibility. Leaders not only have good decision-making skills, but they also take responsibility for these decisions’ consequences. They have the courage to accept their mistakes.

They don’t dwell in the past or daydream about their future. They work in the present. Their focal point is on problem-solving instead of worrying about not being efficient enough. The term โ€˜What ifโ€™ does not even surface their mind.

They may not wear branded clothes or accessories, but they are so self-confident that they naturally attract everyone.

When we mention a powerful leader’s name it is taken for granted that they are also an effective communicator. They have the expertise to communicate on all levels; starting from a one on one interview to mass public speaking.

They encourage originality and are fearless enough to take the risks. The excitement of learning something new conquers the fictional fear of failure.

Dwight Eisenhower truly said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a football field, in an army, or in an office.”

Quality of being honest, upright, and having strong moral principles is not something that is common these days. But people who did attain this quality, we, today, refer to them as great leaders.

ย Our history remembers such powerful leaders not because of who they were or where they came from, but because of what they did for the common good of people.

Career Planning and Its Importance in HR

” A career is a job you love, right? That’s what a career should be. If you’re in a job that you hate, you should quit. That’s the way I look at it. I’m in a job that I love, so I’m going to make it my career.”

By Cameron Sinclair

A career can be described as a sequence of jobs that a person experiences overtime. A career is basically composed of the jobs held, work done and titled earned over a period of time. It comprises of a series of work related activities, that provides continuity, order and meaning to a person’s life. Career is something which don’t make you feel that life has become monotonous but it is something which gives you self satisfaction and it is the work which you really enjoy and while doing that you don’t feel burdensome. As it is rightly said by Confucius – “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Career Planning may be defined as a process by which career goals and individual capabilities can be matched with the opportunities. It is a planning done by a person in order to have a strong career path. It is a continuous, lifelong and a systematic process by which one selects career goals and path to these goals. It is not an event but a process of developing human resource so that they can achieve desired goals. In simple terms, it is an individual’s choice of career and occupation which he or she loves to do. It is very important to know that individual and organisational goals are not different from each other rather they are interdependent on eachother. This we can understand from the following lines that when a person is not able to convert his career plan into action while staying in the particular organisation he or she may probably think of quitting the job and joining the other organisation if he has a choice. So, for avoiding this type of situation, organisation should help their employees in career planning so that they both can satisfy each other’s goals and by this way the organisation can retain its employees, the employee will become more loyal to the organisation, the organisation will able to reduce labour turnover. Apart from these, Career Planning also has many importance too and they are –

  • Career Planning helps an employee to know the career opportunities available in the organisation.
  • Once an individual is clear about his career path, he can be more focused and can make efforts for self development.
  • It helps in increasing productivity.
  • It provides needed direction which will help you further to achieve your goals.
  • Career Planning helps in assured availability of talent and it also helps in attracting and retaining talent.
  • Career Planning helps in promoting organisational image as employees are one of the best media to project the image.
  • Career Planning helps in development and growth in employees and it also helps in reducing labour turnover.
  • Through this the employee become more loyal to the organisation and it further increases their morale and motivates them to work hard.
  • Career Planning helps in satisfying employees needs and it shows employee’s potential.

Last But Not the Least

Even though career planning takes a lot of time, effort and work but there is nothing more rewarding than this as it is something which you enjoy.

EDUCATION

Education is the most important for everyone . I think now a days without education people are nothing

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, value, beliefs and habits.

Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators ,however learners can also educate themselves.

Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to word but by experience in environments.

We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.

I believe that education is all about being excited about something .

Seeing passion and enthusiasm help push an educational message.

Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world .

Education gives us knowledge of the world around us and changes in into something better.it develops in us a perspective of looking at life.it helps us build opinions and have points of view on things in life .people debate over the subject matter of whether education is the only thing that gives knowledge.

Education is about learning skills and knowledge . It also means helping people to learn how to do things and support them to think about what they learn……through education, the knowledge of society, country ,and of the world is passed on from generation to generation.

Main purpose of education is to educate individuals within society, to prepare and quantify them for work in economy as well as to integrate people into society and teach them value and morals of society.

Role of education us means of socializing individuals and to keep society smoothing and remain stable.

True education is simply the process of developing the ability to learn ,apply,unlearn,relearn,learning.

Training and practice are major components of developing expertise in whatever human beings do.

In early age people thought education only for boys not for girls .they send school only their Male child .

Because they thought girls do only home work education is not neccessary for girls .

but now time has changed now people give education their both child .they don’t do difference their child .no matter that’s a girl or that’s a boy.

Types of education. Education goes beyond what takes places within four walls of the classroom. A child get the education from his experiences outside the school as well as from those within on the basis of these factors.

There are 3 main types of education, namely,formal ,informal ,and non formal.

Education is a gradual process which brings positive changes in human life and behavior. We can also say education as “a process of acquiring knowledge through study or impating the knowledge by way of instructions or some other practical procedure”.

education is the main thing that encourages us to distinguish between right and wrong because in the absence of education, we can’t do what we need or can’t achieve our goal.

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation.

In more recent years, it has become popular as a form of physical exercise based upon poses that promote improved control of the mind and body and enhance well-being.

There are several different types of yoga and many disciplines within the practice. This article explores the history, philosophy, and various branches of yoga.

What is yoga?

In the modern world, the South Asian art of yoga has expanded to all corners of the globe. While it is now a popular form of exercise and meditation, this has not always been the case.

History

yoga history
Yoga has a long history of helping people achieve mental and physical balance.

There is no written record of the inventor of yoga.

Male yoga practitioners are known as yogis, and female yoga practitioners are called yoginis. Both practiced and taught yoga long before any written account of yoga came into existence.

Over the next five millennia, yogis passed the discipline down to their students, and many different schools of yoga developed as the practice expanded its global reach and popularity.

The โ€œYoga Sutra,โ€ a 2,000-year-old treatise on yogic philosophy by the Indian sage Patanjali, is a guidebook on how to master the mind, control the emotions, and grow spiritually. The Yoga Sutra is the earliest written record of yoga and one of the oldest texts in existence and provides the framework for all modern yoga.

Yoga is well known for its postures and poses, but they were not a key part of original yoga traditions in India. Fitness was not a primary goal. Practitioners and followers of yogic tradition focused instead on other practices, such as expanding spiritual energy using breathing methods and mental focus.

The tradition began to gain popularity in the West at the end of the 19th century. An explosion of interest in postural yoga occurred in the 1920s and 1930s, first in India and later in the West.

A Tool to Reveal the Self

The Sanskrit root yuj means to โ€œyoke,โ€ โ€œbind,โ€ or โ€œjoin together.โ€ It also indicates โ€œunionโ€ or โ€œOneness.โ€ At the deepest spiritual level, yoga allows us to reveal the Self, the True Essence of our Being. Ultimately, it is the means by which we realize that there is no separation between anyone or anything. Everything is One. According to the Yoga Shikha Upanishad: โ€œVerily, there is no virtue greater than Yoga, no good greater than Yoga, and no subtlety greater than Yoga. There is nothing that is greater than Yoga.โ€

Defining yoga in an all-encompassing way can be challenging. There are so many distinct and overlapping aspects, layers, branches, and nuances within the vastness of yoga that a single definition inherently creates a limitation.

And yet, the real essence of yoga is about transcending all limitations. Yoga is an empirical science and philosophy aimed at understanding lifeโ€™s most important questions.

An Art, Science, and Philosophy

The modern yogi B.K.S. Iyengar describes yoga in this way:

โ€œYoga is an art, a science and a philosophy. It touches the life of man at every level, physical, mental, and spiritual. It is a practical method for making oneโ€™s life purposeful, useful and noble.

As honey is sweet from any part of the honeycomb, so is yoga.

It enables every part of the human system to become attuned to its essence, the conscious seer within.

Yoga alone enables the practitioner to perceive and experiยญence the world within and around himself, to touch the divine joy of all creation, and then to share that nectar of divine wealth and happiness with his fellow beings.โ€

Four Categories of Yoga

Stephen Cope, the author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, divides yoga into four categories:

  1. Yoga as mystical union. From this perspective, yoga applies broadly to any tradition or person seeking to go beyond personal consciousness in order to unite with the Absolute. Thus, it is not limited to saints or yogis in India, but applies just as aptly to other contemplative traditionsโ€”be they Buddhist, Jain, Taoist, Sufi, Christian, or Jewish mysticsโ€”and anyone seeking to merge with the Divine. From this perspective, St. John of the Cross would be just as much a yogi as Swami Sivananda. Here, yoga is about the realization of mystical union, the Consciousness of Oneness.
  2. Yoga as a broad term for an Indian spiritual discipline. Here, yoga refers to a particular spiritual technology, with its origins in India as early as 1800 B.C. Recent archaeological excavations in the Indus River Valley have uncovered depictions of people in positions that can be recognized as yoga asanas (postures) even today. These practitioners approached yoga in a highly experiential and experimental way, often involving renunciation and strict discipline.
  3. Particular branches of yoga.
  4. Classical Yoga. When many practitioners talk about yoga, they are specifically referring to the comprehensive system of yoga laid out in Patanjaliโ€™s Yoga Sutras.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Yoga

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Yoga? | Reference.com

Advantages of yoga
Yoga has many advantages over other methods of maintaining health, such as gymnastics, athletics, aerobics, games, and various other forms of exercise. It does not need any costly equipment and materials, or playgrounds, swimming pool, gyms, etc. Yoga can be practiced throughout the year. It can also be practiced inside the house or in the open, singly or in groups. The only requirement is a thick carpet spread on the floor and covered with a clean sheet of cloth.

Yoga should only be practiced on empty stomach. You can do it at any time during the day. It will benefit you irrespective of whether you are young or old, lean or heavily built, highly educated or unlettered, rich or poor, from higher or lower middle class, busy, over busy, or retired or worker in the factory or in the field. Yoga has something very valuable, and useful to offer to everyone. It is often described as the best form of health insurance for all from the age of 7 to 77 or more. Two main advantages of Yoga are prevention of disorders and ailments and maintenance of health and fitness in daily life. Other advantage include flexible muscles, supple joints, relaxed and tensionโ€“free mind and efficiently working vital organs such as the heart, lungs, endocrine glands, liver, pancreas and good balance between various functions, such as neuromuscular coordination, etc.

Can all the yoga techniques be practiced in all age groups?
Although yoga can be practiced in all age groups, some techniques are more suited and desirable for specific age groups. For example, some asanas that involve forward and backward bending are good for children aged 5 to 10 years. At about 10 years of age, the asanas that have an upside down position and deep breathing can be started. Shuddhikriyas should not be practiced everyday. They need to be performed as and when required for removal of impurities from the body. However, Kapalabhati Nauli can be done every day. They are generally most suited for people in age group of 20 to 60 years. Relaxation is necessary for all, irrespective of age. People in all age groups can therefore practice meditation regularly. It is desirable that older people avoid asanas that involve excessive stretching, such as the plough pose or halasana. Strenuous poses such as the scorpion or vrischikasana headโ€“stand or shirshasana should also be avoided older people. When yoga is practiced for therapeutic purpose to overcome or cure ailments, other restrictions are necessary. This is why yoga should not be practiced unless you have learned the correct technique from an expert.

Disadvantages of Yoga
If you only have 20 minutes a day to spend on your body and your foremost goal is to burn lots of calories, yoga will disappoint you. Although yoga is a sound adjunct to any weightโ€“loss program and has even been shown to promote gradual weight loss, it is not primarily a fatโ€“burning enterprise.

Another potential pitfall is finding a qualified teacher. Before enrolling in a class, ask what type of training the instructor had. Currently, there is no national certification program for yoga instructors. Voluntary certification is available from various groups, but some organizations award teaching certificates to people who have completed only a weekend course. The Yoga Alliance โ€“ a voluntary national coalition of yoga organizations and individual yoga teachers โ€“ is seeking to establish voluntary national standards for yoga teachers, but not all yoga instructors agree with those standards or support the allianceโ€™s philosophy. To reap the intangible benefits of yoga, it helps to be humble and to realize that yoga is meant to be practiced, not perfected. Itโ€™s a noncompetitive activity. According to Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., founderโ€“director of the U.S. based Yoga Research and Education Center, at the heart of yoga is โ€œThe assumption that you have not yet tapped into your full potential as a human being.โ€

Even for the most openโ€“minded beginner, yoga is not easy to learn. Although you donโ€™t need to be flexible or in shape to do yoga, the practice is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging.

Importance of Freedom of Speech in a Democracy

Democracy is a word we hear so frequently that often its meanings and contents are assumed and taken for granted. If we look at the etymology of the word, โ€œdemocracyโ€ is a combination of the Greek words โ€˜demos and โ€˜kratosโ€™ meaning โ€œthe peopleโ€ and โ€œpowerโ€ respectively. Together they mean โ€œpower of the peopleโ€ or โ€œpower to the peopleโ€. It is from this that the idea of democracy as “for the people, by the people and of the people” emerges. Democracy is generally considered as the most efficient and viable form of governance in the modern world. The Greeks practiced a form of direct democracy which is the precursor to our current systems of governance. Representative democracy is the norm in most nations practicing democracy now as opposed to direct democracy. This involves the will of the people on the decision of who is most suited to represent them in the parliament. In the direct form of democracy, individuals participate directly in the process but many such as slaves and women were not considered as participants. Citizens in a democracy are guaranteed rights as well as duties. India is a parliamentary republic with the president as head of state and the prime minister as head of government. In the Indian Constitution, the fundamental rights of the citizen are listed in Articles 12-35, and they are the right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and right to constitutional remedies. Subsumed under right to freedom is the right to freedom of speech and expression in Article 19. The citizen who is to โ€œabide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutionsโ€ must ensure that those she has elected into power are executing their duties accordingly.

The term โ€œfreedom of speechโ€ refers to the articulation of ideas by sound while the term โ€œfreedom of expressionโ€ also encapsulates expressions through art that might be non-verbal, freedom of the press and acts of communicating informal, regardless of the medium that is employed. Both of these terms are currently used interchangeably. Freedom of expression is recognized as a human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It promotes creativity, individuality, autonomy, self-realization of the individual, gives him an active role in deciding matters of policy and provides space for criticism of the government. Curbing of free speech and expression is one of the first signs of the disintegration of democracy. One of the reasons there has to be freedom of speech is that of engaging in the governing process. To participate in the way that their nation, their society and themselves are defined, a citizen should be able to articulate their ideas and opinions.

Freedom of speech thus functions as a way of keeping all selfish and tyrannical ambitions of the ruler which is not for the benefit or desire of the public in check. It is called into question when it infringes on other rights such as democratic equality, privacy, or anotherโ€™s right to expression. It is the inherent ambiguity of free speech boundaries that is exploited and manipulated in many situations by those wielding power and bent on a certain agenda. The privileging of voices, and who gets to decide who speaks and who is heard as well as who is to be silenced are questions that need to be asked.

There has to be constant and critical conversations among the public that are maintained at all costs lest a state of affairs where democracy becomes meaningless as a system comes by. One should be able to speak fearlessly. It is essential that prejudices and opinions not remain unchallenged and unquestioned, and there is an active promotion of a spirit of critical thinking and enquiry thereby reforming the mind as well. The absence of such evaluation can easily lead to a deterioration of the ideals of democracy. It is more important than ever now to ensure that the citizens are aware of their duty beyond voting and that their voices are heard. There is a need to ask the right questions and be aware of the complications that are part of the discussions on free speech. It is not so much about the revolution that speech can make as it is about the very act of speaking fearlessly, exercising our right as well as our discernment, and holding those in power accountable.

Drop Shipping

Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesnโ€™t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product using the dropshipping model, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. As a result, the seller doesnโ€™t have to handle the product directly.

The biggest difference between dropshipping and the standard retail model is that the selling merchant doesnโ€™t stock or own inventory. Instead, the seller purchases inventory as needed from a third partyโ€”usually a wholesaler or manufacturerโ€”to fulfill orders.

Benefits of dropshipping

Dropshipping is a great business model for aspiring entrepreneurs to start with because itโ€™s accessible. With dropshipping, you can quickly test differentย business ideasย with limited downside, which lets you learn a lot about how to choose and market in-demand products. Here are a few other reasons why dropshipping is such a popular model.

1. Less capital is required

Probably the biggest advantage to dropshipping is that itโ€™s possible to launch an ecommerce store without having to invest thousands of dollars in inventory up front. Traditionally, retailers have had to tie up huge amounts of capital purchasing inventory.

With the dropshipping model, you donโ€™t have to purchase a product unless youโ€™ve already made the sale and have been paid by the customer. Without significant up-front inventory investments, itโ€™s possible to start sourcing products and launch aย successful dropshippingย business with very little money. And because youโ€™re not committed to selling-through any inventory purchased up front, like in a traditional retail business, thereโ€™s less risk involved in starting a dropshipping store.

2. Easy to get started

Running an ecommerce business is much easier when you donโ€™t have to deal with physical products. With dropshipping, you donโ€™t have to worry about:

  • Managing or paying for a warehouse
  • Packing and shipping your orders
  • Tracking inventory for accounting reasons
  • Handling returns and inbound shipments
  • Continually ordering products and managing stock level

3. Low overhead

Because you donโ€™t have to deal with purchasing inventory or managing a warehouse, your overhead expenses are quite low. In fact, many successful dropshipping stores are run asย home-based businesses, requiring little more than a laptop and a few recurring expenses to operate. As you grow, these costs will likely increase but will still be low compared to those of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses.

4. Flexible location

A dropshipping business can be run from just about anywhere with an internet connection. As long as you can communicate with suppliers and customers easily, you can run and manage your business.

How does dropshipping work?

The working process of drop shipping is quite simple. It includes 3 simple steps as follows:

  1. The store owner publishes products he wishes to sell on his online store. The customer sees the product and places an order on the website.
  2. The retailer receives details about the order and forwards the details of the customer and order manually or automatically to the dropship supplier.
  3. The supplier then packages and ships the required products directly to the customer with the store ownerโ€™s branding.

This is an attractive business model as it eliminates the warehousing cost of the store owner. Also, he need not have a physical business location.

Importance of Induction

Induction means introduction of a new employee to the job and the organisation. It is the process of welcoming an employee when he or she first joins the organisation and giving him or her the basic information that he or she should know. Induction process is important for employees as he holds an important and the most eminent role in building the image of the organisation. It is not only receiving and welcoming an employee in an organisation but also it is the process of making him or her familiar with its culture. Induction is a type of training given to new employees. As new employees need to understand the organisation’s mission, goals, values and philosophy, health and safety rules and the job they are required to do. The main aim of an induction session is to familiarise the employee to the organisation and its culture and to guarantee a successful integration of the employees and the management. If an organisation provides a well – planned induction program to its employees this will help in employee retention. Induction program is needed as it clearly indicates that what is expected from an employee in terms of standard and style of the work they are to perform, it also helps the employee to develop their aptitude and talents. The importance of Induction are –

  • Job Satisfaction and Positive Attitude – The Induction program can contribute towards the development of a positive attitude towards the employer and the organisation and job satisfaction on the part of new employee. Induction program ensures that the new employee knows all the policies of the organisation and other employment practices.
  • Contribute to Organisational Success more quickly – Induction program helps in assisting new employee to contribute to organisational success more quickly. At the induction program, an employee get to know about various important things which is essential for them to know. This will help the employee to fulfill both personal and organisational goals.
  • Reduces Employee Turnover – It is seen that employee turnover is particularly high during the employee’s initial period of service. So, this induction program helps in boosting the morale of new employee as through this program the employee feels motivated and also get a feeling that everyone is there to support him or her. And if the same session does not take place in any organisation the employee build up negative feelings towards the task during this time and then the employee leave the organisation. An effective induction session can make a positive contribution towards limiting employee turnover.
  • Sense of Belongingness – An induction program helps in bringing a sense of belongingness in the mind of a new employee as a day is spent on them for introduction with their new colleagues, superiors, etc. On this particular day itself new employees foster better social bonds with their fellow mates.
  • Saves a lot of Time and Money – As this is the first training program in which the employee participate after he joins the organisation. If an employee is trained nicely in the induction session, he or she can easily adapt the environment and the new role and can give his or her best. And in this way the organisation can save a lot of time and money.

Last But Not the Least

Recruitment process and induction programs work together during the hiring process of an employee into an organisation. Induction session is a great way to train your new employees on their new roles in the organisation and give them a great start at your organisation.

Want to be a entrepreneur? Business skills that you should master

Are you aspiring to be the next Steve Jobs of Mark Zuckerberg? That’s great. These are some of the greatest entrepreneurs known today. An entrepreneur is one who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. Being an entrepreneur can be rest when it comes to a fixed schedule and the most important thing is that you enjoy what you work.

But in order to be a successful entrepreneur you need to have the right skillset which suits your business. Acquiring these skills can be very effective when it comes to success of your entrenpeurship!

Here are the essential soft skills that you will need to learn or import to help you to succeed in your business:

Delegate your work

Delegation involves assigning responsibility to other people for the completion of work. The ideal position that you want to obtain is one where your staff carries out all the routine activities of your business. Effective delegation involves achieving the correct balance between effective controls and allowing people to complete their job effectively.

Be a good communicator

Communication is an important part of a business but the sad part is that it is the taken for granted. Good communication skills can enable you to convey your idea effectively to your colleagues and employees. Communication does not include only verbal part, it also includes the non verbal part such as body posture, level of eye contact, your dressing sense, your gestures and actions. This things together present a picture of yours Infront of your colleagues.

Be a leader!!

Strong leaders can help an organisation to maximize productivity and achieve business goals, whereas weak leadership can hurt productivity and put the health of the business in jeopardy. Leadership is not one blanket characteristic that cures all ills, however, there are many different elements that must be present for an organizationโ€™s leadership to be considered adequate.

Learn to negotiate!!

Negotiation skills are qualities that allow two or more parties to reach a compromise. These are often soft skills and include abilities such as communication, persuasion, planning, strategizing and cooperating. Understanding these skills is the first step to becoming a stronger negotiator.

Develop a strategic plan…

A business plan is about setting short- or mid-term goals and defining the steps necessary to achieve them. A strategic plan is typically focused on a business’ mid- to long-term goals and explains the basic strategies for achieving them.

Analyse…

Analytical skills refer to the ability to collect and analyze information, problem-solve, and make decisions. Employees who possess these strengths can help solve a company’s problems and improve its overall productivity and success.

Learn to sell!!

Sales techniques are the methods that sales professionals use to create revenue.The techniques are refined through trial and error based on the sales associate’s experiences. Developing effective sales techniques is an ongoing process for an individual and his entire organisation.

Manage your finances

This skill comprises of analysing the companies balance sheet and identifying which of your products are profitable for your business. These are important to uphold the financial stability of the business ensuring that the cost is not exceeding the revenue generated.

Learn the Art of Time management

Time Management is a set of related common-sense skills that help you use your time in the most effective and productive way. Time Management is a very important skill to master. Learning this skill will empower you to achieve more and to use your time wisely. The key is to know how to manage your time efficiently and to focus on the activities most likely to deliver value to your business.

How can you learn these skills and succeed in your business?

With developing technology, everything is available in the comfort of your home. Here, are some of the amazing ways that will definitely help you to enhance your skills…

  • Do a online course. Yes, you heard it right. Do a course in anything you love and wish to be a entrepreneur in it. It can be finance, marketing or anything. Sky is the limit!!
  • Do internships. There are some well known platforms like Internshala and let’s intern which provide the platform to connect the employers with interns like us. Doing a internship have countless benefits it gives you exposure into the corporate world even before you enter in it. Your overall personality gets developed eventually.
  • Next one and the perhaps the easiest one you can do is engage with as many people as you can. Learn the skill to express your ideas, work on your expression, gestures.

Acquiring these skills will take time definitely but once you have done achieved perfection in this , noone will be able to stop you from achieving your goals.

All the best!!!

A little note about Water

 The importance of water

Water is one of the most important substances on earth. All plants and animals must have water to survive. If there was no water there would be no life on earth.

Fig.  6.1: Plants and animals need water.

Plants and animals need water.

Apart from drinking it to survive, people have many other uses for water. These include:

  • cooking
  • washing their bodies
  • washing clothes
  • washing cooking and eating utensils; such as billies, saucepans, crockery and cutlery
  • keeping houses and communities clean
  • recreation; such as swimming pools
  • keeping plants alive in gardens and parks

Water is also essential for the healthy growth of farm crops and farm stock and is used in the manufacture of many products.

Fig.  6.2: Some domestic uses of water.

Some domestic uses of water.

It is most important that the water which people drink and use for other purposes is clean water. This means that the water must be free of germs and chemicals and be clear (not cloudy).

Water that is safe for drinking is called potable water.

Disease-causing germs and chemicals can find their way into water supplies. When this happens the water becomes polluted or contaminated and when people drink it or come in contact with it in other ways they can become very sick.

Water that is not safe to drink is said to be non-potable. Throughout history there have been many occasions when hundreds of thousands of people have died because disease-causing germs have been spread through a community by a polluted water supply.

One of the reasons this happens less frequently now is that people in many countries make sure drinking water supplies are potable. Water supplies are routinely checked for germs and chemicals which can pollute water. If the water is not safe to drink it is treated. All the action taken to make sure that drinking water is potable is calledย water treatment.

Sources of water

There are many ways in which we can collect water. The main sources are discussed below.

Surface water

This is water which falls to the ground as rain or hail.

This water is collected from a special area called a catchment. The catchment feeds water into a holding area via rivers, streams and creeks. The water is then stored in a natural or artificial (manmade) barrier called a dam or reservoir. Dams are usually placed at the lower end of a valley.

Catchment areas are usually far away from towns or cities to lessen the chance of the water being polluted. There are laws which control human activities, such as farming and recreation in catchment areas and on dams to make sure that water supplies are kept potable.

Fig.  6.3: A surface water dam.

A surface water dam.

Rivers or lakes

Town or community water supplies are sometimes drawn directly from nearby rivers or lakes.

Fig.  6.4: Rivers and lakes can supply water.

Rivers and lakes can supply water.

Springs

These are found where underground water flows out of the ground naturally without the use of bores, wells or pumps.
Springs often occur towards the bottom of a hill or on sloping ground.

Fig.  6.5: A spring

A spring.

Rock catchment areas and rockholes

Sometimes large rocky outcrops contain low areas in which water is trapped. These low areas make good natural dams. Often a wall can be built to increase the amount of trapped water.

Fig.  6.6: A rockhole

A rockhole.

Excavated dams

Excavated dams are made by scooping out soil to make a large shallow hole. These dams are sometimes placed at the bottom of a slope to aid water collection. However, this can only be done in areas where the soil will not allow the water to drain away very easily through the ground. For example, in clay soils.

Soils which do not allow water to drain away are called impervious.

If a community wants a dam in an area where the soil is not impervious this can still be done by digging the hole and lining it with clay or an impervious liner, such as concrete or heavy plastic. Excavated dams are often used by farmers to supply water to stock.

Fig.  6.7: An excavated dam.

An excavated dam.

There is often a layer of water lying beneath the ground surface, trapped by an impervious layer of rock which will not allow it to drain away. The water may be close to ground level or it may be deep in the ground. This layer of water is called the water table.

When this water table is close to ground level the water may actually come to the surface and create a permanent wet area called a soak. This usually occurs in low lying areas or hollows.

Soaks are affected by changes in the depth of the water table. That is, if the water table drops then soaks may dry up. Some causes of this can be drought or overuse of ground water by people.

Fig.  6.8: A soak.

A soak.

Rainwater tanks

The rainwater which falls on the roofs of houses is often collected using roof guttering leading through a pipe to a storage tank.

Fig.  6.9: A rainwater tank.

A rainwater tank.


Note: EnHealthโ€™s monograph โ€˜Guidance on use of Rainwater Tanksโ€™ provides the most up-to-date information and advice on the range of potential hazards that can threaten rain water tank water quality. Environmental Health Practitioners are encouraged to use the guide when planning how to prevent these hazards from contaminating rainwater, straightforward monitoring and maintenance activities and, where necessary, corrective actions. The monograph can be found on the enHealth website or by using a search engine with the title of the monograph.


Bores and wells

These are holes drilled into the ground deep enough to find a permanent (long-lasting) body of water. A pipe runs down the hole into the water and a pump is used to get the water up to ground level. The water is then pumped to the community.

Fig.  6.10: A bore.

A bore.

Artesian bores

Sometimes when a bore is sunk into a low lying area the water gushes out of the hole under its own pressure. This water is under pressure because it is part of an underground body of water much of which is at a higher level than the bore opening. This kind of bore is called an artesian bore.

Fig.  6.11: An artesian bore.

An artesian bore.

A water supply taken directly from a bore or well is often called groundwater.

The water which comes from any of these sources may be salty, cloudy, smell unpleasant or have germs in it. Water of this kind would require special treatment to make it potable.

COVID-19 and its effects on the environment

Coronavirus and climate change-related conservation

COVID-19 has heightened wildlife conservation awareness. As Scientific American has cited, wildlife trade secured additional notoriety when the CDC broke the news of a zoonotic pathogen jumping from animals to humans, causing the current pandemic. Secondly, when the American Veterinary Medical Association announced the positive presence of COVID-19 in domestic animals, zoos and BioTechniques Journal likewise saw captive animals test positive with the new coronavirus. This elevated concerns for sources such as UNESCOTimeNature and Smithsonian Magazine about the future safety of already threatened species, like the great apes who are similar to humans. Additionally, National Geographic raised alarms on poaching proliferation in conservation reserves as rangers and keepers self-isolated.

Related:ย  Discarded face masks now threatening wildlife habitats

a power plant emitting fumes into the air

Should climate change run unabated, future zoonotic disease outbreaks may become the norm, assertsย Conservation Internationalย andย Harvard Universityโ€™s School of Public Health. Given that healthy animals living in healthy ecosystems are robust enough to resist diseases, by minimizing climate change and protecting habitats, we may be able to avoid future pandemics.ย ย 

Social distancing has improved air quality

The COVID-19 crisis has forced activity freezes. Lockdowns and calls to shelter-in-place have closed schools and non-essential businesses. Minimal activity from industrial sites, factories and construction sectors has minimized the risks for toxins to escape, in turn improving air quality.

Travel bans have similarly restricted international flights. Canceled conferences, festivals, concerts and other public events have diminished interest in tourism, reports the US Travel Association. Airline ridership has slumped, and airports are as near-empty as they were in the 2001 aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. As such, aviation emissions โ€” which accounted for 2.4% of global CO2 emissions in 2018, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) โ€” have dropped significantly.

Still, the EPA says vehicular activity contributes more to greenhouse gas emissions than airlines do. Presently, fewer people are commuting, not just in major cities, but all over the world. Traffic nowadays centers mainly around immediate household supply runs to nearby stores, trucking supply transports to retailers or wholesalers, plus commutes by those in essential industries.

Both Traffic Technology Today and The Guardian have spotlighted the United Kingdomโ€™s reduced traffic, which has plunged by 73% โ€œto levels not seen since 1955.โ€ And across the Atlantic Ocean, Canadian traffic has also declined, GEOTAB disclosed. As for the U.S., not only has road travel decreased, but congestion has all but disappeared, says VentureBeatNext City and USA Today. The decrease in congestion is critical, as idling vehicles emit more pollution

With substantially less vehicular movement, air quality has improved by leaps and bounds. Numerous sources have covered how air quality indices of the globeโ€™s largest metropolitan areas have improved extensively since strict coronavirus lockdowns were issued. Even NASA satellites from outer-space show the significant reductions in air pollutants, which supports EcoWatchโ€˜s observation that the novel coronavirus pandemic has delivered the silver lining of decreased air pollution

The Guardian added, โ€œIn China, the worldโ€™s biggest source of carbon, emissions were down about 18% between early February and mid-March โ€“ a cut of 250m tonnes, equivalent to more than half the UKโ€™s annual output. Europe is forecast to see a reduction of around 390m tonnes. Significant falls can also be expected in the US, where passenger vehicle traffic โ€“ its major source of CO2 โ€“ has fallen by nearly 40%. Even assuming a bounceback once the lockdown is lifted, the planet is expected to see its first fall in global emissions since the 2008-9 financial crisis.โ€

Reduced carbon emissions and global warming

Just last week,ย Carbon Brief (CB)ย published that the COVID-19 pandemic has disruptedย energy useย worldwide, which could cut carbon emissions by an estimated 5% of 2019โ€™s global total. That means the coronavirus crisis is so far โ€œtrigger[ing] the largest ever annual fall in CO2 emissions in 2020, more than during any previous economic crisis or period of war.โ€ While this is encouraging news, experts say it still may not be adequate for meetingย Paris Agreementย goals to keep global warming from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius.

an oil field

Whatโ€™s happening with fossil fuels during the pandemic?

When the pandemic called for lockdowns, paralyzing both air and ground travel, the demand for fuel was likewise decimated. An oil price war ensued with drastic shifts in global oil politics, thus destabilizing the fossil fuel sector, reported Business Insider. Even Fortune magazine highlighted the worry about where to store the surplus oil. According to Forbes, this pushed President Trump to broker a historic deal, whereby the planetโ€™s top oil producers โ€” namely Saudi Arabia and Russia โ€” agreed to cut oil production.

As Sandy Fielden, director of oil research firm Morningstar, said to the BBC, โ€œThis is an unprecedented agreement because itโ€™s not just between Opec and Opec+โ€ฆbut also the largest supplier in the world which is the US as well as other G-20 countries which have agreed to support the agreement both in reducing production and also in using up some of the surface supply by putting it into storage.โ€

Effects on the renewable energy sector

CNBCย showed theย renewablesย industry suffering supply chain cuts and employee layoffs during the deepening COVID-19 recession. There are worries that clean energy investments appear less desirable. Construction and development projects have been delayed as lockdown periods extend. Renewables, therefore, seek slices of the stimulus package to waylay progress derailments, which even theย International Energy Agency (IEA)ย has cautioned about.

a protest sign with an earth painting and words saying "One World"

Whatโ€™s happening to climate change policy during the coronavirus pandemic?

COVID-19 could portend future pandemics, particularly if global warming unleashes unknown diseases trapped in ice. Ensuring that global warming and climate change do not disrupt our planetโ€™s health is still of paramount importance. Green Tech Media emphasized this, saying, โ€œClimate change didnโ€™t stop as the world turned its attention to combating the coronavirus.โ€ Climate activism continues, despite cancellations to large climate change-related summits, negotiations and conference meetings.

Not all climate advocacy during this time is lost. Optimism reframes these economic stimulus measures as helpful nudges for climate policy and the renewables sector to evolve for the better. Indeed, Clean Energy Wire upholds that these federally-backed stimulus packages can be leveraged to provide investment opportunities in both the infrastructure that can reduce emissions as well as in clean technologies. Science Alert, moreover, contends, โ€œthe coronavirus has forced new working-from-home habits that limit commuting, and a broader adoption of online meetings to reduce the need for long-haul business flights. This raises the prospect of long-term emissions reductions should these new work behaviours persist beyond the current global emergency.โ€

obesity disorder

what is obesity??

obesity starting of stress and depression

Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases your risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

There are many reasons why some people have difficulty avoiding obesity. Usually, obesity results from a combination of inherited factors, combined with the environment and personal diet and exercise choices.

The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight.

Causes

Although there are genetic, behavioral, metabolic and hormonal influences on body weight, obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Your body stores these excess calories as fat.

Most Americans’ diets are too high in calories โ€” often from fast food and high-calorie beverages. People with obesity might eat more calories before feeling full, feel hungry sooner, or eat more due to stress or anxiety.

Risk factors

Obesity usually results from a combination of causes and contributing factors:

Family inheritance and influences

The genes you inherit from your parents may affect the amount of body fat you store, and where that fat is distributed. Genetics may also play a role in how efficiently your body converts food into energy, how your body regulates your appetite and how your body burns calories during exercise.

Obesity tends to run in families. That’s not just because of the genes they share. Family members also tend to share similar eating and activity habits.

Lifestyle choices

  • Unhealthy diet.ย A diet that’s high in calories, lacking in fruits and vegetables, full of fast food, and laden with high-calorie beverages and oversized portions contributes to weight gain.
  • Liquid calories.ย People can drink many calories without feeling full, especially calories from alcohol. Other high-calorie beverages, such as sugared soft drinks, can contribute to significant weight gain.
  • Inactivity.ย If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you can easily take in more calories every day than you burn through exercise and routine daily activities. Looking at computer, tablet and phone screens is a sedentary activity. The number of hours you spend in front of a screen is highly associated with weight gain.
  • stress.In most of the cases ,shows that when you starting to take lots of stress you might become feel heavy not only on your mind nut your body become heavier day by day.

Other factors

  • Pregnancy.ย Weight gain is common during pregnancy. Some women find this weight difficult to lose after the baby is born. This weight gain may contribute to the development of obesity in women. Breast-feeding may be the best option to lose the weight gained during pregnancy.
  • Quitting smoking.ย Quitting smoking is often associated with weight gain. And for some, it can lead to enough weight gain to qualify as obesity. Often, this happens as people use food to cope with smoking withdrawal. In the long run, however, quitting smoking is still a greater benefit to your health than is continuing to smoke. Your doctor can help you prevent weight gain after quitting smoking.
  • Lack of sleep.ย Not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep can cause changes in hormones that increase your appetite. You may also crave foods high in calories and carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain.
  • Previous attempts to lose weight. Previous attempts of weight loss followed by rapid weight regain may contribute to further weight gain. This phenomenon, sometimes called yo-yo dieting, can slow your metabolism.

Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn’t mean that you’re destined to develop obesity. You can counteract most risk factors through diet, physical activity and exercise, and behavior changes.

Complications

People with obesity are more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems, including:

  • Heart disease and strokes. Obesity makes you more likely to have high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease and strokes.
  • Type 2 diabetes. Obesity can affect the way your body uses insulin to control blood sugar levels. This raises your risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
  • Certain cancers. Obesity may increase your risk of cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovary, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney and prostate.
  • Digestive problems. Obesity increases the likelihood that you’ll develop heartburn, gallbladder disease and liver problems.

Prevention:

  • Exercise regularly.ย You need to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to prevent weight gain. Moderately intense physical activities include fast walking and swimming.
  • Follow a healthy-eating plan.ย Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol. Eat three regular meals a day with limited snacking. You can still enjoy small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as an infrequent treat. Just be sure to choose foods that promote a healthy weight and good health most of the time.
  • Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat.ย Identify situations that trigger out-of-control eating. Try keeping a journal and write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you’re feeling and how hungry you are. After a while, you should see patterns emerge. You can plan ahead and develop strategies for handling these types of situations and stay in control of your eating behaviors.
  • Monitor your weight regularly.ย People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in keeping off excess pounds. Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gains before they become big problems.
  • Be consistent.ย Sticking to your healthy-weight plan during the week, on the weekends, and amidst vacation and holidays as much as possible increases your chances of long-term success.

RECENT GUIDELINES HAVE REVEALED THAT 10-15% OF INDIAN POPULATION WOULD FALL UNDER THE OBESE CATEGORY AND WOULD NEED APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT .

SPORTS

Sport or sports is all forms of usually competitive physical. Activity which,through casual or organised participation,aim to use maintain or improve physical abilities and skills while providing entertainment to participants, and in some causes, spectators. The history of sports extends back to the ancient world.the physical activity that developed into sports had early links with ritual,warfare and entertainment.

The history of sports can teach lessons about social changes and about the nature of sport itself, as sports seems involved in the development of basic human skills

As far back as the beginnings of sports, it was related to military training for example,competitive was used as a mean to determine whether individuals were fit and useful for service.

the documented history of sports goes back at least 3000 years. In the beginning sports often involved the preparation for war or training as a hunter .

the first Olympic games in 776BC which included events such as foot and chariot races,wrestling, jumping, and discus and javelin throwing -the ancient Greek introduced formal sports to the world.

And the benefit of sports are being active and exercising regularly is a secret to good health.

While there are many ways to keep one active,it would be good if you understand the benefits associated with sports

It has been proven by research and science that engaging in some sporting activity could help a lot in improving your over all physical and mental fitness.

And these are the some important benefits of sports are.

It improves mood ,improves concentrations ,helps reduce tension and stress quality of sleep improves. It helps in maintaining optimal health, improve self confidence levels. , and it helps children’s a lot.

Mental health benefits reduced anxiety and depression stress reliever,makes you happy, promotes positive mood.

Physical benefits increase strength and stamina ,better body shape ,improves your personality, reduces several health risks.

Emotional benefits positive body image, self-esteem, relieves stress,reduces depression.

Educational benefits develop discipline to set goals and work to achieve those goals strategic thinking,math skills,communication

EFFECTS OF MAN MADE TECHNOLOGY

We live in the age of technology. We commute by automobiles and airplanes and communicate by emails and mobiles. The media and the Internet provide us the latest information from all over the world. Movies filled with hi-tech special effects entertain us. Air conditioners and room heaters keep our life comfortable despite climatic inconveniences. The list goes on. Technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives. Of course, a few of us may have concerns about the pollution and environmental problems that technology has led to. But overall most people feel that technology has benefited us immensely.

In the mid-20th century, people have gained control technology sufficient to leave the Earth’s atmosphere and space for the first time. The technology used to know the techniques or methods of organization to solve the problem by the method of right and serve the purpose. Technology affects the person and the possibility of other kinds of animals to adapt to the natural environment. Human species has begun using the technology that makes it simple natural tools. Discovery of prehistory, the ability to control fire increased food sources and the invention of the wheel helped humans to travel and explore your surroundings. However, not all technology has been used for peaceful purposes to develop weapons and destructive power has evolved over the centuries, from clubs to nuclear weapons. Technology also has an impact on society and the environment in many ways. In many societies, technology has helped bring a more developed economy and allow the entertainment show class. Many technological processes produce unwanted by-products, known as pollution, and deplete natural resources, harm the earth and its surroundings. Different use of technology influences the values of society and new technology often increases the new ethical questions.

The aim of the technology when it began is good. A lot of things we use it and can’t imagine our life without it. So, the technology helps us in our life to be more easily. When a technology has been used by communities to compete to develop themselves. Therefore, the technology has two faces are the face of good and the other face is evil. And with that despite the good start that was designed to facilitate people’s lives. For example, when he invented dynamite was to open the mines know, and iron and other minerals, but after then used in World War this is how the beginning but the end is bad. So he makes Nobel PRIZE to encourage people to make a good invite which help the world and people.

Technology improves our goodness of life. By use the technology we have important discoveries. In our life we depend in technology in everything in our life. When you think about the technology you found yourself use it every minute. So, it is important in our life and the life will be different without it. The technology enters in all fields like pharmacy, medicine and engineering. It’s difficult to see field without technology.

Technology is a measure of human development. Technology is part of the life of every human- We can live without a technology and technology canโ€™t exist without us.

So, of course- technology is blessing for us. Technology is a necessary to live and to prove conditions of our live. New technologies help in every field of our life. It is possible to invent a new medicines against dangerous diseases. It is possible travel by car of talking by phone. We can multiply a positive examples in different field of our life. Of course, technology has also a second, worst side. It can be used against people, for instance in act of terrorism. However, we shouldnโ€™t scare about it.

We see it everywhere, in cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, car interiors, toys and more. Life will never be the same without wheels. They range from wooden carts and carriages, a simple device, but it provides over time developed.

 If there is no technology, why donโ€™t we just imagine our lives without?

Technology. Waking up by the rays of sunlight, getting water to use from wells,

Going to so -called schools/colleges /universities or other institutions by walking

God know how long, no cure of diseases, no entertainment, and no nothing.

Technology easier work of human beings. It can be both blessing and a curse, because our whole world now -a-days revolves around technology i.e.; How we communicate with each other? How we see the world? And How everything else etc.

Basically, technology is a mean of communication between the individual s and the way by which information can be exchanged between them. It serves us as a source to share our ideas or thoughts with other people.

Now the question is… When technology began? In 500 B.C; the Abacus, which is also called a counting -frame, was the first 1927, first Television was introduced and so on.

In the past, people had limited resources for communication like they had to travel miles to give a simple message or convey information from one person to another. There was a decade when messages were in the form of pictures; than in the form of different fonts or alphabets. Messages were conveyed by birds like pigeons. Now -a-days, information technology has made this so easier to communicate, send or receive messages throughout the world.

Technology is everywhere in todayโ€™s society, progressing faster and faster every day, but sometimes technology can be used irresponsibly, which could endanger others e.g.; Computer where knowledge is handy. On the other side, a study has found those who work for more than a decade at a computer terminal are twice as likely to develop Bowel Cancer. Another well โ€“known technology Cell phones; the absolute means of communication. A research says that 78% of teens now have a cellphones. Everyone knows cellphones are one of the surprising gift of the technology that are able to perform a lot of works at once. Now -a-days, cellphone is not just a phone, but it is like our private secretary that keeps track of everything and provides us necessary information. A research shows that after ten years, ipsilateral tumors e.g.; the tumors in brain, eye, ear etc. will be started in human beings. Another well -known technology now -a-days are the Televisions. No doubt they are in everyoneโ€™s house, bonds the families.

As all know technology helps in many way s but these are some key points which shows how technology helping us are:-

โ€ข It saves time.

โ€ข It improves efficiency.

โ€ข It allows us to do more with less.

โ€ข It gives us every -type of information.

โ€ข It can be a mean of entertainment.

โ€ข It allows us to experience new cultures.

โ€ข It can be beneficial in online learning.

โ€ข It makes easy to communicate with the people around the world.

Now we can say this technology is a part of life even we canโ€™t think about to live without it. Technology is the oxygen of twenty -first century, many people rely on the

Technology too much.so, the conclusion is a blessing, and   everything is better as the technology used to create everything for everyone. 

It’s Okay To Be Sad

This one is for all the people out there who are energetic and quirky all the time. Who brightens up every room the moment they walk in. The ‘life of the party’ people!

Such kinds of people are generally thought of as happy-go-lucky. They make everyone laugh and keep them entertained. Now mind you, I am not saying that all of these people are sad and feel like they are responsible for entertaining the rest of us. But there are a bunch of people who feel like theyย have to make everyone laugh. Not all of them, but yes, there is definitely a section of homo-sapiens who think like that.

As a result, whenever anything sad and unfortunate happens to them, they suppress their emotions. They don’t give themselves a chance to process their lives’ events. They are with the thought process that if they become all sad, who is going to keep their friends and family entertained?

This one is also for those whoย think that they have to be strong for everyone else’s sake. Maybe the 18-year-old someone who has to work nonstop to feed the family. Someone who thinks that if they won’t take care of others, no one will. Someone who constantly feel the need to be happy. And there are many more. This one is for all of them.

It is extremelyย important for them to process emotions like everyone else. What I am trying to say is, it’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to cry, yell, and scream when you are feeling sad or betrayed. Basically expressing negative emotions (to some extent) is equally important for these people.

 

boss-fight-free-high-quality-stock-images-photos-photography-sad-man-1200x800

 

Now, we all have our ways of letting out this negative energy. Some of us, talk to their parents. Some of us call up a friend. Some of us listen to music. Some of us meditate. And some of us go in our shell to regain our energy. It is just as important how we express emotions as it is to deal with them. Because if we let it all inside of us, never giving these emotions a chance to let themselves out, then we are just burdening our minds with it. By showing emotions, we don’t become weak. By crying (it’s proven scientifically) we actually become a bit more emotionally strong.

Now, what I must stress on is that expressing your feelings and dealing with them are two separate things. Although they both are a part of the same process. Without expressing your emotions you can’t deal with them. If you can’t deal with them and still keep pretending that everything in your life is perfect, it will ultimately take a bad toll on your entire mental health. Suppressing is one of the defense mechanisms. Suppressing negative memories or emotions to pretend like everything is fine, is a way to defend your psyche from these same things you are suppressing. This defense mechanism is a very sketchy one. We should know when to let our emotions out and when to get them in control.

This process is difficult. Very difficult. It takes a lot of time, practice, and dedication to master this process. What aids us while we are working through the process is usually talking to someone you trust about your feelings and emotions. Talking about it is probably the most recommended way to deal with it. We have to learn how to talk. Even if you are the most introverted person in the world. Maybe start by writing your thoughts somewhere and then progress slowly towards talking to someone. It can be literally anyone. A friend, a parent, a sibling, or even an acquaintance. And if you still are unable to succeed at finding any of them trustworthy, talk to an expert. A psychologist. They are trained and put in all their life’s time into studying humans and their behavior. Plus they are bound to keep your story to themselves. So they can be your safe haven.

Someone wisely said, “Workingย through your problem is the only way to completely get rid of it.”

Factors Affecting Employee Retention

“Train people well enough so they can leave, Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”

By Richard Branson

The above quote by Sir Richard Branson provide us so deep inspiration and knowledge that we generally don’t think. Earlier employees were regarded as machines or tools but now they are considered as an asset to the organisation. Really these employees are an asset to the organisation as employees are the major contributors to profit and worth of the organisation. The greatest investment we can make is in people. They are considered as the backbone of any organisation. Without employees no organisation can think of its success and even it’s not possible too. As said by Peter Drucker in 1999 – ” The most valuable assets of a 20th century company were its production equipment, The most valuable assets of a 21st century institution, whether business or non – business, will be its knowledge workers and their productivity.” These words by Peter Drucker can be clearly seen in the present scenario. But retaining these potential employees is also a big problem. So first we should know what is employee retention. In layman’s term employee retention means the ability of an organisation to retain its employees so that they don’t quit their jobs. It is very important for an organisation to retain its employees as an organisation has invested a lot of time, money and effort on these employees. And if they leave the organisation the company has to bear the losses and also has to recruit new employees and again they have to invest time, money and effort on these new employees to make them fit for the new job. So retaining the employee is a tough task for HR. There are many factors affecting employee retention they are –

  • Training- Employee Retention starts from day one itself. As from the starting day itself employees think whether he or she want to stay or leave. So training plays an important role in retention of employees. As training is a very essential part in any organisation as training is a learning process in which an employee get an opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and competency as per the job requirements. Through training an organisation invest in its employees in order to make them competent enough and help its employees to sustain in this dynamic environment. In the same way, through this training employees develop a greater sense of self – worth as now they became more valuable to the organisation and hence employees develop a sense of belongingness.
  • Compensation- Compensation is the most important factor. As this can only determine whether the employee will stay or leave. After we hire an employee, compensation and benefits is the only part which can help in retention and motivation. As, if the employee feels that he or she is receiving a good package from your organisation he or she will work hard or otherwise they will leave. So compensation and benefits have direct impact on retention.
  • Relationship between Manager and Employee- Employee- manager relationship is very crucial and important. As a poor relation between the two can lead to employee attrition. There are some employees for whom relations matter a lot than any other things like compensation and benefits, rewards and recognition. So, the relationship between the two should be nice.
  • Recognition and Rewards- Everybody in this world like to get rewards and recognised by someone. By employee recognition we mean highlighting the positive efforts and achievements in the workplace. This may include both personal traits and professional achievements. As through rewarding and recognising our employee we can foster a sense of engagement with the work. This will motivate them to work hard and stay in the organisation.
  • Work-life Balance- It is very important for an organisation to retain its top – performing employees. Not only salary, but work environment is also a factor which may distract your employees that whether they want to stay or leave. There are many types of work – life balance arrangements like Flextime, Job-sharing and Part-time work. An organisation should provide these facilities to retain them.

Last But not the Least

Retention and Turnover affects everyone in the organisation. It is not always possible that you can retain each and everyone. One or other will leave the organisation sooner or later. Handling employee retention is not an easy task. The only thing you can do is try to improvise your employee retention strategies from time to time according to your requirement and need. On this note, keep your team happy, healthy and safe.

Life doesn’t come with a set of rules!

Life is a race just like Virus used to say. Wait . Hold on a second. Which Virus am I talking about? Well, its the Virus from the movie ‘3 IDIOTS’. I am sure everyone remembers that ‘Virus’ and yes ofcourse the another virus we all are dealing with today.

Well, life is not a race. We live in such a system where we have to follow certain patterns of life that we forget what actually living life is like.

Right from the beginning, we have been told what has to be done. Attend school, college, get graduated, get a job, get settled, get married, have kids, get them settled following the same pattern, then get old and then you just have to wait for the day of your death.

So all these things we do in our life just to die one day. The question here arises is ‘What is the point?’ In all these patterns or set of rules that every people has to follow, when was the time we actually lived and created memories? When was the time we did all the things we wanted to do to make ourselves happy? Did we completed all the bucket list of our lives? Can we die peacefully with no regrets in our lives?

Well, the answer is ‘No’. We can’t change these patterns but yes we can change our lives by the way we think about it. Life doesn’t come with a set of rules.

I don’t say its incorrect. But yes who made these rules? These patterns? That we have to abide by them.

There are people who don’t want to study but want to do something different which is okay. There are people who don’t want to get married and that is okay too. There are people who want to live a life where they can be happy. Everyone has their own idea of living which is completely okay.

It is okay to not doing things that everyone is doing. It is okay to have a completely different life goals. It is okay to not have a job right after graduating. It is okay to not get married right away after getting settled. It is okay to not have kids after getting married. It is okay, my friend!

You live your life once. You should always do what your heart says and there is no necessity of doing things in order to follow certain patterns.

Its your life. Live the way you want to live and nobody should tell you what you should be doing. You have the right to do it your way and create the life you want for yourself.

Remember- You are answerable to no one. As far it makes you happy, the things you are doing or the things you want to do.

Do it for yourself.

Lastly, Let’s not judge people. Let’s not laugh at others and motivate them to just not live their life but to live happily.

Indian pharma sector gets affected by China factor:Heparin becomes dearer

Background

The NPPA( National Pharmaceutical Pricing authority) in 2018 had capped the price for Heparin. But in this pandemic period, NPPA has allowed the hike in prices of Heparin by 50 percent till December 31. This was done to mitigate the shortage of the drug in the Indian market. The shortage of the heparin drug in the market is a result of the problems faced by the drug manufacturers who are unable to cope up with the drastic hike in prices of the the APIs( Active pharmaceutical ingredients) which is majorly imported.

What is Heparin and why is it important at present?

Heparin is a blood thinner used as an anticoagulant. It is used to prevent blood clots after surgery, during dialysis, during blood transfusions, when collecting blood samples, or when a person is unable to move for a long time.

In the current pandemic situation too, heparin has an important role to play.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare included the drug in its clinical management guidelines for the treatment of Covid-19 patients in the ICU.

Why NPPA has allowed the manufacturers to hike up the prices of heparin?

This step was taken to mitigate the shortage of the drug in the indian market.The Indian manufacturers were unwilling to continue the production of the drug simply because they could not cope up with the rising prices of the most important raw material to manufacture the drug i.e. API( Active pharmaceutical ingredients. APIs are the active ingredients contained in a drug which gives the drug it’s theraptic use.

The Sodium API of heparin is mostly imported from China. But due to the global outbreak of Corona virus China has also not able to manufacture enough APIs( because the country was under lockdown) the prices of these APIs has increased manifold. And so has the cost of manufacturing the drug in India is increased. That’s why some of the drug manufacturing companies were demanding hike in the prices of the drug. Some of the Indian companies marketing heparin products in India are Gland Pharma, Biological E, Samarth Lifesciences, Abbott Healthcare, Troikaa Pharmaceuticals and Celon Labs .

What role does China play here?

Chinese pharma companies were under lockdown restrictions for about 2 months which has led to the shortage of APIs in the global market

India heavily relies on China for various APIs used to manufacture drugs in India especially antibiotics and vitamins. But since the past three months most of the world countries including China have suffered a huge setback when it comes to their economy.

China was under lockdown for about 2 months in which all the industries were shut down. During this period China had not been producing anything in their factories. Though after the lockdown was lifted, China has taken up the momentum. But it will take time to get things back to normal.

Since Chinese drug manufacturers were not producing the APIs in the lockdown period there has been a shortage of APIs in the global market. But the demand of APIs is ever- increasing. The reducing supply and increasing demand has led to hike in the price of the Chinese APIs which is the distress of indian drug manufacturers. But the recent permit by the NPA to hike up the prices of heparin gave them a sigh of relief.

Some people might think that the hike in prices of Chinese APIs is due to the indo- China tensions along the LAC. But this is not true indeed. Industry associations have said that this has nothing to with indo- China tenisons along the border. The lockdown in China leading to the shut down of Chinese industries is the prime cause behind the hike of prices.

Will prices of other drugs also hike in future?

Yes, it is possible. If the demand is growing and if the supply is not met, oher drugs also may get expensive. And consequently the cost of treatment of Covid-19 patients. But it is too soon to say which drugs’s prices will hike and how much.

Starting a small business

Starting a small business is the best way to gain freedom. Although this statement is disputable, it has sense.

Why do people decide to become entrepreneurs? They are longing for independence. Small business helps one manage his time in the way he wants. He can produce the goods and services he likes. Finally, he is able to try to be responsible and creative.

Small business is very important for the economy of every state. Small entrepreneurs contribute into the state budget a lot. It is possible to say that the complex of small and middle firms provides the country with the same profit as big business does. In simple words, a prosperous state cannot survive without small business. It is impossible to defeat poverty without small business. Thus, if you have any genuine and uncommon ideas concerning the production of useful goods and services, establish your own small firm.

Starting up is not easy

Starting a small business is not an easy thing. Whether youโ€™re doing something as simple as business paper writing as a business or as grand as running a construction company building skyscrapers, you should be psychologically and financially prepared to numerous challenges. Moreover, it is vital to know something about business, management and marketing.

To begin with, you should study the market in order to learn about the goods and services that are required by consumers. This factor is the crucial one. When you discover that people demand an item but no one has produced it yet, you have the best chances to conquer the chosen sector of the market. Secondly, you ought to think about the price and quality of your product.

There are two options. The foremost one is the production of high-quality and expensive goods that will serve long. The second option is related to consumerism. You produce poor-quality cheap goods and attract clients with the help of the lowest prices.

Sad to say but it is difficult to choose the best option. Many people are ready to pay a lot to possess a quality item. Others avoid paying a lot and prefer cheap products.

Create a business plan

Then, you should create your own business plan that will contain the entire information about the functioning of your firm. Think about the target groups of customers, production, logistics, storage and retail.

Apparently, you should produce and store your goods somewhere. Then, you will meet with such issues as revenue and expense. You will need to hire a few employees to run your business rewardingly. Without doubt, you will have to be selective, demanding and attentive in order to recruit the right people into your firm. Finally, you will meet the problem of rent, taxation, etc. A firm resembles a household. You should pay attention to the slightest problem, question and misunderstanding if you want to increase your income and develop your small firm into something bigger.

The ups and downs

As might be expected, starting a small business has many advantages and disadvantages. The most solid strong side is independence. You do not have to work for someone else. You work for your own profit. You possess the freedom of choice and actions. If you are not respected and appreciated at work, you can embody your original and amusing ideas in your own business.

Ambitious people always try to start a small business if they receive such an opportunity. You do not need to listen to the instructions and threats of your boss when you are late. At long last, you will earn more money. You are the boss and the entire profit is yours.

Nevertheless, there are many factors that cause problems to a novice entrepreneur. You should remember that independence is also responsibility. You are responsible for your firm, its prosperity and the wellbeing of your employees. Furthermore, you are responsible for the health and life of your customers who consume your products.

You are expected to know how to develop and improve your small company beneficially. You should know how to behave in case of crisis and unpredictable situations. You should be ready to wake up at night and spend the whole day at your firm in order to settle down all urgent problems and conflicts between employees. You should be a teacher, psychologist and negotiator who is able to resolve conflicts and motivate his staff practically.

Takeaway

Starting a small business is a challenging but beneficial idea. You are able to establish you own store, cafรฉ, restaurant or bakery and embody your offbeat and splendid ideas there. On the other hand, you should be ready to resist numerous challenges and work hard for the protection and development of your business.

HOW DOES TRAVELLING AFFECT ONES PERSONALITY AND LIFE?

Mark Manson said:

โ€œTravel is a fantastic self-development tool, because it extricates you from the values of your culture and shows you that another society can live with entirely different values and still function and not hate themselves. This exposure to different cultural values and metrics then forces you to reexamine what seems obvious in your own life and to consider that perhaps it is not necessarily the best way to live.โ€

Different people travel for different reasons. A Saleman travels round the world for his professional necessity: to meet different dealers, distributors, individual to secure orders. A professional photographer travels to capture the nature in raw form clicking the natureโ€™s beauty, the rural emotions of simple life leading people or shooting the modern urban lifestyle. Theย  ย travel addicts travel as tourist to view the different places and people created minutely by the greatest creative artist of this Universe: The Almighty!
Often a person who frequently travels realize themselves in unfamiliar positions and dilemmas which creates their own problem appears like nothing.ย 
Learning is a continuous process. We learn from books, internet, school, but can also learn from experience. For a Balance Education, Travel is a vital part. Moreover, Adventure is acquired from Travel.

Culture is another aspect of life that has been affected by travelling. Today, different languages are taught in colleges and universities. Students who enroll to study these languages have the desire to travel to those countries which are dominated by the respective languages. As suggested by Andrews (2013), itโ€™s more interesting if you are able to communicate in their language when you are a visitor. Another cultural practice that has been affected with travelling is food and mode of dressing (Bremer Mathew, 2018). Moreover, when you travel to a certain country for reasons such as studying, you will definitely get used to the food of that country. For example, some foods are used due to certain environmental condition. Itโ€™s ironical to wear heavy clothes in Saharan desert. Similarly itโ€™s difficult to put on light clothes in some regions of the Northern Hemisphere during winter.

In conclusion, travelling can make those who xenophobic towards some people to change their perspective. As viewed by different psychologists, many people who have travelled the world tend to behave differently compared to their prior behavior. According to research, some characteristics can be acquired through environmental factors.

How to make a better morning?

A lovely good afternoon to everyone soo, here i am a first user and this is my first post that would be my first choice as a topic to start a day. As i was looking after these quarantine days people are getting lethargic and working online these days. So here some points that you should kept in your mind:

While getting up have some stretching. Also most important is be happy.

Get a warm class of water with honey so that it will give a cure to your stomach and you’ll feel fresh.

While you sitting and taking an online classes so just rotate your legs so that no fat is stored in your thighs. Also rotate your wrist by this you’ll be fit and also your work been done.

Corona Virus

Coronavirus is a group of viruses that is zoonotic in

Nature, coronaviruses are transmitted between animals and peoples.In humans, the virus is known to cause respiratory infections that are typically mind. But

May become lethal as is happening in Wuhan.

Coronavirus disease (COVID19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

In December 2019,a novel coronavirus called SARS-COV-2 has resulted in the outbreak of a respiratory illness known as Covid 19

Coronaviruses (COV) are a large family of viruses that

Cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe disease such.as middle eat Respiratory  Syndrome (MERS-COV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome.(SARS-COV)a novel corona virus (Ncov) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

The new corona virus is part of a family of viruses that affect the respiratory system

It is common in animals , but a few affect humans.

The current virus originated from WUHAN PROVINCE in CHINA

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

  • FEVER
  • COUGH
  • SHORTNESS OF BREATH
  • PERSISTENT PAIN OR CHEST PRESSURE
  • BLUISH LIPS OR FACE

PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT nCOV

  • Avoid touching your eyes ,nose ,and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have possible symptoms
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue,then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid animals (alive or dead) animal markets,and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meet)

             TREATMENT

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-COV infection. People infected with 2019-COV

Should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

People who think they may have been exposed to 2019-cov should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Coronavirus as a group of viruses that is zoonotic in

Nature, coronaviruses are transmitted between animals and peoples.In humans, the virus is known to cause respiratory infections that are typically mind. But

May become lethal as is happening in wuhan.

Coronavirus disease (COVID19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

In December 2019,a novel coronavirus called SARS-COV-2 has resulted in the outbreak of a respiratory illness known as Covid 19

Coronaviruses (COV) are a large family of viruses that

Cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe disease such.as middle eat Respiratory  Syndrome (MERS-COV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome.(SARS-COV)a novel corona virus (Ncov) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

The new corona virus is part of a family of viruses that affect the respiratory system

It is common in animals , but a few affect humans.

The current virus originated from WUHAN PROVINCE in CHINA

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

  • FEVER
  • COUGH
  • SHORTNESS OF BREATH
  • PERSISTENT PAIN OR CHEST PRESSURE
  • BLUISH LIPS OR FACE

PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT nCOV

  • Avoid touching your eyes ,nose ,and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who have possible symptoms
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue,then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid animals (alive or dead) animal markets,and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meet)

             TREATMENT

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-COV infection. People infected with 2019-COV

Should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

People who think they may have been exposed to 2019-cov should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

The Constant Need Of Becoming Perfect

We all have our version of what a perfect person is. Psychologists often call it the ‘Ideal Self’. Sometimes this ideal self is someone who is the best at math. Sometimes it is someone who is their parents’ favorite child. Sometimes it is someone who knows everything about everything.

lonely-man-in-hat-admiring-picturesque-view-4555669

The point is that we all have a ‘perfect’ someone in our mind and we spend most of our life trying to stand up to those standards. Unfortunately, the most of us don’t succeed.

The thing is that from the very beginning of our life, we are influenced by our surroundings. Our family teaches us basic activities like walking, running and talking. As we grow, they teach us manners and social norms one must follow for the society to us as a part of it. Our school imparts basic education by teaching us how to read and write. Apart from that, educational institutes teach us how to form opinions and ideas about anything and everything. Even our peers and friends influence our lives in several ways. As a result, we continuously form ideas in our minds. We constantly contribute to the level of standards we ‘must’ follow. Even after doing a crazy amount of hard work we are unable to become that person. It is because we set unrealistic goals for ourselves and focus on all those things that we aren’t. We want to become someone else. Someone who is ‘perfect’ according to our ideals. So, where are we going wrong?

Why is it that the percentage of successful people is less? It is because they embrace their uniqueness. They accept themselves as they are. They know their strong points and put the same level of hard work into that and become successful in that area. They improve themselves not because the society expects them to. But because they want to. They don’t want to become perfect! They just want to become the best version of themselves. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all do the same thing? Yes, we won’t become perfect. But we will be happy and contempt with ourselves. It can take, weeks, months, even years! But when we do get there, it will be a thousand times better than that ‘perfect’!

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.”

– Marilyn Monroe

Deteorating Mental Health due to the pandemic-induced lockdown

The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic worldwide has affected every aspect of people’s life be it health(for those who are infected by the Corona virus) and employment and education for those who are under the lockdown restrictions. But apart from these, one that is least talked about is the detereoration of mental health of some people.

With social distancing being the new norm governing the people, those who are extrovert and loved to socialise with the people are forced to live in their houses away from their freinds and family members. When these people find no one to talk they are driven under depression and anxiety.

The prime reason as of why people are facing depression and anxiety in the pandemic outbreak is due to the financial crisis they are going through. For the elites, lockdown has provided them with leisure time to pursue a new hobby , spend time with family, cooking delicacies .But on the contrary, for the poor and middle class which contributes more than 50 percent of the Indian population, the pandemic led lockdown is a period of distress and hopelessness. These people face lack of resources to survive in this period which has rendered them unemployed.

The lockdown has excerbated the mental state of people who were already in depression in the pre- Corona time.Lockdown has provided them enough time at their disposal to think more and worry more .It is probable that these people see their future bleak in the post Covid world maybe because they are not able to perform well in their career. This is predominantly the problem of students and youth.

HOW TO TACKLE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN THIS PERIOD?

Minimise time spent online if you are suffering from depression. Everyday updates about the rising number of corona cases and the distress of red zones will make you hopeless thinking the condition will never improve. If you are away from your family and loved ones, do not use social media very frequently. This too has a reason. The posts by your friends and family members enjoying the lockdown period will aggravate your anxiety and you will feel as if left out. Instead, it is advisable to pursue your hobby, take up an online course which interests you, talk to your family and friends over phone or video calls etc. Do anything which makes you feel happy. This will surely help.

Students on the other hand should not see a bleak future for themselves rather they should hone their skills which will ultimately help them in their career. They should talk to their parents. Noone can understand a child better than his parents.

One of the most effective ways to tackle this is to call a therapist and ask for help. There is nothing wrong in that. Everyone has to go through ups and downs and the person you are talking to is trained to provide help in these circumstances. Talking to a therapist can be of great help if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or in the worst case having suicidal thoughts too.

Final word

Anxiety and depression are seen as a taboo in Indian society. Noone likes to talk about it. But everyone has gone through this in some or other time in their life. We need to understand that depression is just an illness- a mental illness! People do get ill and they get well too. There are tonnes of examples of people who were in depression at some stage of their life and came out of it and have done wonders. That is possible provided that the person gets utmost care and support. In certain cases, of course medical help is needed.

Why Is Water Important?

16 Reasons Why Water Is Important to Human Health

Whatโ€™s the big deal?

Itโ€™s common to hear that water is essential for your health. But why?

This substance makes up a majority of your body weight and is involved in many important functions, including:

  • flushing out waste from your body
  • regulating body temperature
  • helping your brain function

You get most of your water from drinking beverages, but food also contributes a small amount to your daily water intake.

Read on to learn more ways water can help improve your well-being.

1. It helps create saliva

Water is a main component of saliva. Saliva also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. Itโ€™s essential for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy.

Your body generally produces enough saliva with regular fluid intake. However, your saliva production may decrease as a result of age or certain medications or therapies.

If your mouth is drier than usual and increasing your water intake isnโ€™t helping, see your doctor.

2. It regulates your body temperature

Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your body temperature. Your body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments.

Your sweat keeps your body cool, but your body temperature will rise if you donโ€™t replenish the water you lose. Thatโ€™s because your body loses electrolytes and plasma when itโ€™s dehydrated.

If youโ€™re sweating more than usual, make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

3. It protects your tissues, spinal cord, and joints

Water consumption helps lubricate and cushion your joints, spinal cord, and tissues. This will help you enjoy physical activity and lessen discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis.

4. It helps excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation

Your body uses water to sweat, urinate, and have bowel movements.

Sweat regulates body temperature when youโ€™re exercising or in warm temperatures. You need water to replenish the lost fluid from sweat.

You also need enough water in your system to have healthy stool and avoid constipation.

Your kidneys are also important for filtering out waste through urination. Adequate water intake helps your kidneys work more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.

5. It helps maximize physical performance

Drinking plenty of water during physical activity is essential. Athletes may perspire up to 6 to 10 percentTrusted Source of body weight during physical activity.

Hydration also affects your strength, power, and endurance.

You may be more susceptible to the effects of dehydration if youโ€™re participating in endurance training or high-intensity sports such as basketball.

Negative effects of exercise in the heat without enough water can include serious medical conditions, like decreased blood pressure and hyperthermia. Extreme dehydration can cause seizures and even death.

6. It helps prevent constipation

Eating fiber isnโ€™t the only way to prevent constipation. Itโ€™s also important to maintain your water intake so your bowel movements contain enough water.

If you donโ€™t consume enough water, magnesium, and fiber, you may be more likely to experience constipation.

If youโ€™re already constipated, you may find that drinking carbonated waterTrusted Source as well as plain water can help ease your symptoms.

7. It aids in digestion

Contrary to what some believe, experts confirm drinking water before, during, and after a meal will help your body break down the food you eat more easily. This will help you digest food more effectively and get the most out of your meals.

Research showsTrusted Source the body adapts to changes in the consistency of food and stomach contents, whether more solid or more liquid.

8. It helps with nutrient absorption

In addition to helping with food breakdown, water also helps dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food. It then delivers these vitamin components to the rest of your body for use.

9. It helps you lose weight

Studies have linked body fat and weight loss with drinking water in both overweight girlsTrusted Source and women. Drinking more water while dieting and exercising may just help you lose extra pounds.

10. It improves blood oxygen circulation

Water carries helpful nutrients and oxygen to your entire body. Reaching your daily water intake will improve your circulation and have a positive impact on your overall health.

11. It helps fight off illness

Drinking enough water can help prevent certain medical conditionsTrusted Source. These include:

Water also helps you absorb important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from your food, which will increase your chances of staying healthy.

12. It helps boost energy

Drinking water may activate your metabolism. A boost in metabolism has been associated with a positive impact on energy level.

One study found that drinking 500 milliliters of water boosted the metabolic rate by 30 percent in both men and women. These effects appeared to last over an hour.

13. It aids in cognitive function

Proper hydration is key to staying in tip-top cognitive shape. ResearchTrusted Source indicates that not drinking enough water can negatively impact your focus, alertness, and short-term memory.

14. It helps improve mood

Not getting enough water can also affect your mood. Dehydration may result in fatigue and confusion as well as anxiety.

15. It helps keep skin bright

Adequate water intake will help keep your skin hydrated and may promote collagen production. However, water intake alone isnโ€™t enough to reduce the effects of aging. This process is also connected to your genes and overall sun protection.

16. It prevents overall dehydration

Dehydration is the result of your body not having enough water. And because water is imperative to so many bodily functions, dehydration can be very dangerous.

Severe dehydration can result in a number of severe complications, including:

  • swelling in your brain
  • kidney failure
  • seizures

Make sure you drink enough water to make up for whatโ€™s lost through sweat, urination, and bowel movements to avoid dehydration.

How much should you drink?

Being attentive to the amount of water you drink each day is important for optimal health. Most people drink when theyโ€™re thirsty, which helps regulate daily water intake.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, general water intake (from all beverages and foods) that meet most peopleโ€™s needs are:

  • about 15.5 cups of water (125 ounces) each day for men
  • about 11.5 cups (91 ounces) daily for women

People get about 20 percent of their daily water intake from food. The rest is dependent on drinking water and water-based beverages. So, ideally men would consume about 100 ounces (3.0 liters) of water from beverages, and women, about 73 ounces (2.12 liters) from beverages.

Youโ€™ll have to increase your water intake if youโ€™re exercising or living in a hotter region to avoid dehydration.

Other ways to assess hydration include your thirst and the color of your urine. Feeling thirsty indicates your body is not receiving adequate hydration. Urine that is dark or colored indicates dehydration. Pale or non-colored urine typically indicates proper hydration.

The bottom line

Water is important to nearly every part of your body. Not only will hitting your daily recommended intake help you maintain your current state of being, it may even improve your overall health.

Here are some ideas for how you can be sure you drink enough:

  • Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. This way you can drink whenever the need strikes.
  • Keep track of your intake. Aim to take in optimum amounts every day, a minimum of half your body weight in ounces.
  • Pace yourself to approach half of your recommended consumption by midday. You can always finish about an hour before you plan to sleep.

Lockdown Is Disrupting a Generation’s Education. What Can Be Done?

An interesting idea has been in the works in Uttar Pradesh which is planning to use Doordarshan, All India Radio and community radio to promote audio-based learning among students.

Lockdown Is Disrupting a Generation's Education. What Can Be Done?

The last few days have finally seen a flurry of activities by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) and various regulators including CBSE, NCERT etc. to find alternatives to ensure the continuation of education. While this may not be a good time to address the seriously low expenditure on education in India, the lack of seriousness towards the sector can be gauged from the fact that HRD was kept in Category C (the lowest category) for expenditure โ€“ i.e. the said department will have to restrict expenditure to within 15% of that budgeted for Q1, 2020-21.

Amidst this background, the department and regulators have started moving towards developing an online mode of education โ€“ as, hopefully, a stop-gap arrangement. NCERT has released an Alternative Academic Calendar for four weeks of home-based activities for different subjects. For example, activities like categorising objects including eraser, pencils, cloth, pulses etc. to teach the concepts of colours, shapes and sizes have been suggested for the students of Class I-IV.

For Class V students, teachers will be conducting classes through internet-based platforms, in the absence of which SMS and voice recordings can be sent. However, it has not been explained how voice recordings can be sent without the internet. Certain states including Uttar Pradesh are planning to launch high-quality ed-tech applications along with using e-resources suggested by the MHRD including e-pathshala etc.

However, amongst this whole discourse of moving education online, there has hardly been any discussion surrounding the practical issues of implementation, as well as various socio-economic factors which define the Indian education ecosystem.

Limited internet availability

The 75th report of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) for 2017-18 highlights some of the major issues that this new model would have to address. All India percentage of households having internet facilities stands at 23.8% with rural availability at 14.9% and urban at 42%.

The problem does not end there, as having a facility does not mean it would be used. The percentage of people who were able to use the internet (all-India) stood at 20.1% with rural at 13% and urban at 37.1%. Additionally, only 10.8% of people in India had used the internet in the last 30 days. It is important to note that these statistics vary vastly among different states across the country. For instance, Bihar stands at the lowest (9.1%) for individuals who have used the internet in 30 days, while Delhi has the highest number (49.1%) of such individuals with bigger states like Maharashtra (26%), Rajasthan (15.3%), Andhra Pradesh (14.8%) etc. being in the middle.

These statistics strike at the core rationale of using the internet as a mode to impart education, and highlight how a majority of the country would be left out of the quest to achieve basic education in the months to come.

Increased responsibility of parents to educate their wards

Another important pillar of the new model is the increased role that parents play in educating their wards. Take, for example, the NCERT guidelines which โ€“ surprisingly has progressive methods of teaching to improve the analytical, quantitative, and logical reasoning abilities of the students โ€“ all key factors which our regular model of teaching and learning does not have. However, the guidelines presume that the parents will have the academic intellect to impart education to their students. But statistics highlight otherwise.

The same NSSO survey, quoted above, highlights that 26.1% of the population above 15 years of age is โ€˜not literateโ€™, while a further 18.9% have attended formal education up till primary school, 16.2% each have attended middle (Class V) and secondary (until Class VIII). This constitutes a whopping 77.4% of total Indiaโ€™s population โ€“ who may not have the adequate level of education needed to teach children in the house. The situation at the rural level is even more dire, with 69.6 % of the population being in the spectrum of โ€˜not-literateโ€™ to โ€˜middle schoolโ€™.

Loss of nutrition due to school closure 

While the above factors touched upon the modality of the education, there is an even more basic issue at stake. The closure of schools has serious implications on the daily nutrition of students as the mid-day meal schemes have temporarily been shut. As of March 31, 2019, close to 12 croreย studentsย across the country were provided with food under with mid-day meal schemes.

This is close to 60% of the total students enrolled throughout K-12 education (the actual percentage is likely to be more, as mid-day meal only caters to students till Class VIII). Variousย studiesย have pointed out that mid-day meals are an important contributing factor for increased enrolment (~30%) in the schools.

These factors highlight a very dangerous scenario for the K-12 education sector in our country. Our learning outcomes in K-12 education do not inspire much confidence, in the first place, as has been pointed out repeatedly in various ASER reports by Pratham.

The loss of possibly half a year โ€“ if not the full academic year of 2020-21 โ€“ is going to further deteriorate the situation, as students would have difficulty in resuming schooling again after a huge gap. Additionally, the loss of income for a considerable population in India is going to further exacerbate the situation โ€“ CMIEโ€™s data suggests that 11.9 crore people have lost employment in the two weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. Investment in education is not going to be a priority, amongst disadvantaged households, and we might see a dip in enrolment, when and if, schools are opened.

Possible solutions

While the damage to the sector is similar to the damage every sector across the world is facing, it is possible that with some careful planning, we might be able to limit the long-term consequences of this prolonged shutdown.

To begin with, the districts in the green zone should be allowed to open schools โ€“ after analysing them further over the next few days. So far, there are 318ย districtsย such in the country โ€“ which will likely cover a majority of the school children. Eventually, 292 yellow zone districts โ€“ which may turn to the green zone in the next few days or weeks โ€“ should also allow schools to open.

Strict social distancing measures should be implemented, and to limit the number of students, classes may run in two four-hour shifts. While this strategy would not result in finishing the quarterly curriculum, this will at least reduce the gap in learning that students are likely to experience if schools continue to remain shut for long. This may also help in addressing the possible increase in drop-outs due to the long shutdown.

This leaves the government with 107 districts which are in red and orange zones. It might not be possible to open schools in these areas any time soon, thus, there is a need to deploy public funds to fix the internet gap and ensure that students continue to learn. Some state government have come up with ideas to address this concern.

Theย Delhi governmentย had mooted an interesting idea to provide data packages to the students of Class X and XII. While this is likely to have certain implementation challenges โ€“ particularly the misuse of data for objectives other than learning โ€“ smart technology solutions can be found. Use of the internet can be restricted to specific applications prepared by the government. Similarly, another interesting idea has been in works in the state of Uttar Pradesh whichย is planningย to useย Doordarshan, All India Radio and community radio to promote audio-based learning among students who do not have access to the internet.

Additionally, there is a need to develop a financial stimulus for the education sector primarily targeting low cost private aided and unaided schools โ€“ which are likely to witness a reduction in fee collections, due to income losses. Various states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have already announced that schools should not pressurise parents to pay fees.

However, a move like this is going to have a spillover impact on the incomes of teachers at such low-cost private schools. As of 2016-17, close to 28 lakh teachers were employed in private unaided schools, and further 8.3 lakh in government-aided schools. A more rational system could be to allow a reduced percentage of the fee in schools which are partially working (red and orange zone), with full fees for schools which would be fully functional (green and yellow).

Wherever relevant, a grant-in-aid could be issued for specific schools on a case-to-case basis to bridge income and expenditure. The powers for the same can be devolved to the district authorities to ensure a more localised approach.

While understandably, India as a developing country does not have unlimited resources, certain core sectors including education cannot simply be left as the last priority. Similar to other sectors, which are witnessing a staggered opening, the education sector โ€“ particularly the K-12 education system โ€“ needs to be opened in a staggered way.

These 12 years of education are crucial for every student and are the base years that will support the upward social and economic mobility of disadvantaged classes. A long and unplanned hiatus is likely to shatter the dreams of many and further harm the country in the long-term with a less-educated workforce. We need more talented and skilled individuals to get us out of the possible recession that the world is going to face and dropping the ball on education, is not going to help the cause.

How does education impact the poor?

Education is the best investment one can ever make in life. For a developing nation like India, every child should receive a quality education. It can not only change the health and livelihood of people, but also contribute to long term economic growth and social stability.

However, despite great progress in last few years, lakhs of children are still denied education. The lack of education is a big reason that transmits poverty from generation to generation. The society still doesn’t realize that right to education is a vital human right granted to every citizen.

Although it is true that not every individual without an education is living in extreme poverty, but most of the poor lack education. The ones living below poverty line keep their children out of school, which means their children will also have a greater chance to live in poverty.

Education is considered as a great equalizer which can open door to jobs, skills and resources that a family needs to thrive and survive. Access to good quality education and supporting child well being has been recognized as a solution to poverty. Not just this, it helps the communities to solve other issues that keeps them vulnerable. Not just this, it helps these communities to solve other issues as well that can keep them vulnerable.

Education is directly related to may solutions in terms of poverty, like:

  • Reduce income inequality
  • Economic growth
  • Reduce infant and maternal deaths
  • Reduce vulnerability to HIV & AIDS
  • Reduce stunting
  • Reduce violence at home and society

According to UNESCO, if all children in low-income nation just get basic reading skills, an estimated 171 million people could come out of poverty. And if all adults receive secondary education, the global poverty could be cut by more than half.

Children are the future of any nation.The children who receive quality education are empowered to grow into mature and skilled adults who are capable of picking employment. Education is the key under which several issues related to health, unemployment, population control and human rights can be solved.

Educated individuals are more likely to escape all troubles of life like ecconomic and social despair. On a larger scale, the rewards of individuals getting education also flow into the society, motivating other, thus can have an impact on the entire country. An educated country always flourishes and always progress far better as they can achieve better healthcare and economic independence. It will make people more independent.

There are many solutions to improve the situation between poverty and education.ย  Teachers should be provided incentives for teaching in low-income zones. Better resources and funding should be provided in school for poor.

All this sums up enabling communities to come out from the state of poverty.

 

 

 

Break the Limitations of Your Mind

Limitation is the word which can be good if want to be average.Limitation is the word which put barrier in front of our imagination be it any kind of limitation,but do u want to be average? of course Not,right?

Those who dare to imagine the impossible,are the one’s who break all the human Limitations!!

Dr.Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

We need to expand the horizon of imagination.Never think that something will newer work ,just try go forward with it .It will definitely not as easy as it said but there is always barriers along the way there will be always the people who doubt you ,but this doesn’t matter if u believe in Ur ability to achieve something u dream of.Always remember No energy conversion from one form to another take place until there is some one to oppose the conversion.Let’s understand it by example when us stops its space shuttle program US was sending it’s astronauts to space station through Russian space shuttle .Once one Russian minister trolls America by saying that “If we do not help US to send astronauts to space they only has Trampoline do it “in short us cannot do it then their astronauts can left only jump on bubbles on earth.This triggered US people who can imagine impossible i am talking about ELION MUSK (space X) .He imagined impossible, someone doubting his country gives him motivation and now space X has sended two astronauts to space with total US made space ship.Isn’t it fascinating!

Every one who say’s u can’t is giving u motivation and fire needed to achieve great.Every hurdle or failure is opportunity to grow and improve.So Go ahead Imagine impossible and make it possible because U CAN!!

Role of Technology in Education

                     

“Technology will not replace great teacher’s but technology in the hands of great teacher’s can be transformed”

Education is a form of learning where we can see the transmission of knowledge, skills from generation to generation. 21st century is also regarded as century of technology. Technology brings education to student’s doorstep.

Technology in education can be classified as:

  1. Technology as learning tool.
  2. Technology as teaching tool.

History:

It goes back to many years to know about technology in education. At the end of world war-II US started using projectors.Digitalized communications and networks in education started in mid 1980’s. In fall of 2015, more than 6 million students enrolled in atleast one online course and still the count is growing rapidly.

Role of ICT in Education:

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a major key role for students today as it has a significant and good effect on student success and learning. ICT includes television, computers, internet etc. when used appropriately and in a good way it can strengthen and raise quality of education. This ICT includes databases, spreadsheets, statistical, and graphical programs, etc. It is also likely that science and technology teachers are better trained and equipped.

Advantages of technology in education:

  • Technology helps students in preparing in their future career either in academics and non academics.( online books, exams, course, etc.)
  • It helps students to learn there own interests which helps in developing their individuals.
  • Easily accessible to learning materials.

(As present world is running around internet it is very easy to a student to access materials)

  • Proper understanding of a subject by using record keeping.
  • Using audio and visual materials helps students to learn things interesting.
  • Accurate exam conducting and grade awarding.

Limitations of technology in education:

  • Distraction to some students.

(Inappropriate websites which distracts student from there respective work) 

  • Students (programmer’s) involving in cyber crime.
  • Can be expensive to keep updated.
  • There are some health issues too when used over limit.

Some Ways to use technology in education:

  • Creating webpage includes writings, arts, quizes.

(Creating webpage helps students to learn things in creative way as it includes some writings, discussions, etc)

  • Video conferencing
  • Spread sheets
  • Creating class newspaper

(Newspaper gives us lot of information today if it’s a classroom newspaper it is really interesting to know things around a student in class)

  • Creative powerpoint presentation including picture, audio, videos.

(videos, pictures helps students to think in practical way, and it may some time leads to innovation).

Conclusion:

Technology has a very positive impact on education and should eliminate the drawbacks which are pulling back many students learning.And it’s time for every country to include more technologically equipped education for student’s future.

#Technology #Education

 

PM Modi wraps up Ladakh visit with a swipe at China, says times have changed

On a quiet visit to Ladakh designed to deliver a loud message to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told soldiers posted along the Line of Actual Control that the courage they had demonstrated had sent a message to the entire world. Addressing soldiers deployed in Ladakh, PM Modi said tales about their valour were being spoken in every house across the country.

โ€˜The enemy has seen your fire and fury as well,โ€™ PM Modi told the soldiers in an address telecast live from Ladakh to the country. PM Modi also referred to the violent clash between soldiers of India and China at Galwan on 15 June and paid his tributes to soldiers who laid down their lives.

โ€œFrom Leh, Ladakh to Siachen and Kargil…and Galwanโ€™s icy waters…every mountain, every peak is witness to the valour of Indian soldiers,โ€ PM Modi said. โ€œYou have given a befitting reply to people who attempted to conquer,โ€ he told them before going on to deliver his direct message to China.

PM Modi underscored that India had always pursued the path of peace in the world but at the same time, those who are weak can never initiate steps for peace. โ€œBravery and courage is a prerequisite for peace,โ€ he said.

โ€œWe are the same people who pray to the flute playing Lord Krishna but we are also the same people who idolise and follow the same Lord Krishna who carries the โ€˜Sudarshana Chakra,โ€ the Prime Minister said.

Without naming Beijing that has been trying to encroach into Indian territory in Galwan valley and Pangong Tso and create new boundary disputes, PM Modi said times had changed and the era of expansionism was over. This is the time for development, not expansion, he said.

PM Modi stayed on target and continued hurling darts at China. The expansionist policies of some countries had affected world peace, he said, a clear reference to China that has disputes with 21 of its neighbours.

But history records that expansionist forces have either lost or were forced to turn back, PM Modi said, delivering his final shot before wrapping up his surprise visit. PM Modiโ€™s office had finalised the day-trip to Ladakh late last evening but kept it a closely-guarded secret till the last moment.

News of the visit got out sometime after he landed at Lehโ€™s airport, a height of over 11,000 feet with rarefied atmosphere, dry air and ultra-violet rays from the sun in the cold desert.

PM Modi, 69, headed straight for his briefing by top military commanders at the XIV Corps headquarters at Nimu outside Leh. He had had similar briefings back in Delhi also. This time, PM Modi could see the Zanskar and the mighty Karakorams that he had been spotting on the maps during the briefings. He also interacted with the soldiers to give them pep talks and hear their perspectives before he came around to delivering his speech.

His arrival in Leh had already delivered the first set of messages to Beijing. It also contrasts Indiaโ€™s approach to the standoffs along the Line of Actual Control to Chinese leadershipโ€™s efforts to signal a hands-off approach.

The PMโ€™s visit is also a very strong message to President Xi Jinping that either he gets his aggressive Western Theatre Commander Zhao Zongqi to restore status quo ante or accept the inevitable consequences of PLA escalation. The Indian Army and Chinese PLA are locked up at four points on the LAC in East Ladakh with the latter consolidating on ground while mouthing peace overtures.

The location at Nimu where PM Modi addressed soldiers from the army, air force, ITBP and border road organisation resembled an active forward base. โ€œThere were artillery guns and other heavy equipment all under camouflage with soldiers wearing helmets and sitting in trenches and other kinds of dug out positions with a rare glint of courage on their faces,โ€ a top military commander said.

Referring to some veterans who taunted that Nimu is a picnic spot, the commander said it was โ€œa picnic spot for those who have treated their tenures as picnics instead of doing serious soldiering. For them even Kargil and Pangong Tso are picnic spots. If only they had treated these locations as future combat zones they would dare to comment,โ€ he said.

Advantages of Reading online news

After the introduction of online news, many news consumers are abandoning the traditional newspapers to access information online. Since most newspaper companies used to get revenues from printing news on print media, the changes have also made them follow the trend by uploading information online on their websites.ย 

People prefer reading news from online sources to print media since the former is easy to access. Here are some of the devices that one can use to read news and information online anywhere and anytime, they include mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, personal computers. Without an internet connection, you cannot get access to news regardless of the time, therefore, to ensure that you stay up-to-date, you need to connect your devices to the internet. Unlike newspapers whose circulation is limited, online news can be accessed on any day, thereby allowing readers to get the information while traveling.

With online news and information, you do not have to pay a cent to access them. Unlike traditional newspapers and print magazine and journals where one has to pay for them before accessing the information, online news are free and doesnโ€™t cost a dollar to access them.

Most of the online news companies tend to update their sites with new information every time. The fact that the news websites are updated with new information every now and then, readers can sit back and relax knowing that they can get the latest information of events. When you rely on newspapers and print magazines, you will have to wait until the following day before you can access the latest news.

The other beauty of online newspapers is that you can access various newspapers from a single platform. Newspapers readers tend to incur costs when they purchase a number of newspapers from different companies when they want to get detailed information. Besides, nowadays, most online news companies rely on websites that specialise in posting news from several companies under one platform to make their information reach the audience.

One of the features of online news that makes them better than print media is their ability to make articles more interactive. While reading news online, there are sections where you can view videos of the events being described. Adding videos to traditional newspapers are physically impossible.

People should read online news since they enable them to access many articles. When you buy a newspaper, you can only read the articles written in the paper.

In addition, with online news, readers can compare the news they receive from one online site with another one. The news company classify the information on their sites into different groups, these include politics, sports, education, fashion, among others. Based on the benefits discussed in this article, it is clear that online news are way too far better than traditional newspapers.

Herzing Helps Turn Impossible into โ€œIโ€™m Possibleโ€

For over fifty years, Herzing University has committed to helping people overcome challenges in their pursuit of a better life. Founded by my parents Henry and Suzanne Herzing in 1965 as a family-held institution, Herzing has always been dedicated to providing a supportive educational environment that enables students to reach their personal and professional potential.
Today, as the president of Herzing University, now a nonprofit private institution, I strive to continue that legacy.
So many of our students come to us believing that earning a degree is impossible. At the same time, they know that itโ€™s a necessity. Either they need to reenter the workforce, move beyond their hourly job, or advance in their current field. Career-focused education can make that possible, and we at Herzing have over 50 years of experience in helping people achieve their goals. Itโ€™s a commitment that goes beyond the classroom to support individual studentsโ€™ needs, stylesย and passions.
I am writing this message today as my commitment to you that Herzing University will help you discover that there are ways to pursue your college education, seek financial assistance and graduate with a degree. You can see what our students say about us, which is often, โ€œHerzing feels like family.โ€
Please continue to follow our blog, engage through social media, and most importantly, take the next step and reach out to us. I am confident that we can help you turn what might have seemed impossible into new possibilities.
Renรฉe Herzingย has been President of Herzing University since March 1, 2009. After attaining a bachelorโ€™s degree from Brown University, she taught abroad in Scotland and Germany for nine years before completing her M.B.A. online. She has worked in various positions at Herzing at the campus level, including Registrar, Director of Admissions, and President of the Online Campus. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, music, and most of all, spending time with her husband and two children.

Transitioning Military Medics to Rewarding Careers in Nursing

Most people would assume that veterans who have served our country would get credit โ€“ by employers and by educational institutions โ€“ for the remarkable training they’ve received in the military.
However, most educational institutions donโ€™t take into account military medicsโ€™ credentials when they try to continue their education after serving our country. Few programs in the country honor military medics experience when they pursue a nursing degree. With theย Vet2RN initiativeย at ourย Madison, WI, campus, I am proud to say Herzing University is one of those institutions.
Hands-on experience puts veterans in a unique position to make good use of their medical knowledge. In the healthcare field, more than half-a-millionย nursingย jobs are expected to open up between 2012 and 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Whatโ€™s more, theย American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)ย predicts that the national nursing shortage will only intensify as the “Baby Boomer” generation ages. This has created a nationwide demand for RN’s and healthcare professionals with related degrees.
Civilian life should not slow down the men and women who have served. Instead, by transferring military experience toward education, Herzing empowers veterans to use their medical background to build a rewarding career and continue helping the U.S. by fulfilling a nationwide demand for skilled healthcare workers. In fact, Herzing’s Madison campus has worked with the Department of Veteran Affairs and the National Governorโ€™s Association and the to identify pathways for veterans to earn their nursing degrees and has received fantastic reviews for helping our countryโ€™s service members.

How does the Vet2RN initiative work?

Veterans military training and experience are evaluated through a review process through which credits may be applied toward becoming aย licensed practical nurse (LPN). Simply stated, Herzing applies military healthcare training into nursing credits. By translating military experience into college credit, veterans can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at an accelerated pace.
Most veterans in the are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX โ€“ RN) in one-year or less and become eligible from the NCLEX โ€“ PN in one to four months.
Veterans qualify for the Vet2RN initiative if theyโ€™ve received any of the following healthcare training:ย 
  • ย Army 68W, Healthcare Specialist
  • Navy HM, Hospital Corpsman
  • Air Force 4N0X1, Aerospace Medical Service
Military medics can bring their experience to the nursing workforce. By making the process of getting a degree more efficient, Herzing proudly helps veterans complete theirย nursing school educationย and become part of the growing healthcare system in this country.
Bill Vinsonย is the Campus President at Herzing University in Madison, WI. Bill has been in higher education for almost 15 years and is passionate about giving back and helping others. He believes by taking this passion and combining it with the competitive spirit we can change our communities for the better.

Track2Training for Internship

Training and Internships are really important because trainings and internships helps one individual make him career more successful also makes the individual more relevant skilled and also better than the individuals who did not do an internship or had a training.
Training presents a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base of all employees, but many employers in the current climate find development opportunities expensive. Employees attending training sessions also miss out on work time which may delay the completion of projects. However, despite these potential drawbacks, training and development provides both the individual and organisations as a whole with benefits that make the cost and time a worthwhile investment. The return on investment from training and development of employees is really a no brainer.
Internships are known for giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real world environments. At the same time, they will also develop skills which will help them perform better at their jobs. Internships greatly increase the chances that a student will gain full time after graduation. In this article, we will look at internships, and how they can assist students in performing well at their jobs. One problem commonly cited by employers is that many graduates do not have the practical skills necessary to excel in the jobs. They also feel that the professionalism of students is less than it should be. Even though there are a large number of theories on how to encourage employees and increase profits, it is apparent that enhanced levels of education are not enough to prepare students for a real-world environment. Being able to improve these weaknesses will make graduates much more effective in their careers. We at Track2Training will help you in getting right training and internship.

Person Suffering From Covid-19 Cannot Be Expected To Produce Proof

In a big respite for Covid-19 patients which has ostensibly given them a good and genuine reason to smile is the recent, remarkable and righteous decision delivered by the Bombay High Court just recently on June 26, 2020 in Abdul Shoeb Shaikh and Ors. Vs. K.J. Somaiya Hospital and Research Center and Ors. in WP-LD-VC No. 54 of 2020 in exercise of its ordinary original civil jurisdiction and which was conducted in chamber – video conference  observed categorically in no uncertain terms that a person suffering from Covid-19 who belongs to the economically weaker section of the society cannot be expected to produce documentary proof before seeking admission in a hospital for free treatment. It must be mentioned here that a Division Bench of Bombay High Court of Justice RD Dhanuka and Justice Madhav Jamdar were hearing via video conference a writ petition filed by seven residents of a slum rehabilitation building in Bandra who were charged Rs. 12.5 lakh by KJ Somaiya hospital for Covid-19 treatment in April. No wonder that the petitioners ultimately got the respite which they so desperately wanted from the Bombay High Court!   

                                     To start with, the ball is set rolling first and foremost in para 1 wherein it is observed that, โ€œWe have heard the learned counsel appearing for the parties at length. The undisputed position in the matter is that the Scheme prescribed under Section 41AA of the Maharashtra Public Trust Act  empowering the Charity Commissioner and the State Government to issue directions in respect of hospitals to earmark certain beds for weaker sections of the people under Section 41AA(4)(c) and for indigent person under Section 41AA(4)(b) is applicable to the respondent no. 1 Trust. One of the question raised by the petitioners in this Writ Petition is that though the respondent no. 1 was required to reserve 10% beds for weaker section of the people and 10% beds for indigent persons out of the operational beds no such beds are provided. Out of 90 beds under those categories which were required to be reserved for the persons belonging to weaker section of the people and indigent persons in toto, all such beds had not been made available. The record indicates that only three patients were admitted by the respondent no. 1 in the month of March 2020 out of 90 beds earmarked for indigent persons and persons belonging to the weaker section of the people under Section 41AA(4)(c) and (b) respectively.โ€  

                                   Needless to say, para 2 of the judgment then notes that, โ€œIt is the case of the respondent no. 1 that the petitioners did not belong to any of these categories nor the petitioners produced any record to prove that the petitioners would fall under those categories. It is vehemently urged by Mr. Dwarkadas, senior counsel for the respondent no. 1 that it was for the petitioners to produce a certificate of income from the Tehsildar or a certificate from the Social Welfare Officer proving income of the petitioners. On the other hand, it is the case of the petitioners that the petitioners having suffered from a covid-19 and required immediate medical help were not required to produce such certificate at the threshold while seeking admission in the hospital.โ€  

                                            To be sure, it is then envisaged in para 3 that, โ€œA perusal of the report submitted by the Joint Commissioner indicates that the report submitted is on the basis of documents called for and submitted by the respondent no. 1 and without visiting the premises and inspecting all the records. The affidavit in reply filed by the Charity Commissioner also clearly indicates that only three patients have been treated under the hospital scheme since lockdown till the end of May 2020. Petitioners claims to be staying in slums.โ€

                                            While dwelling on the relevant questions for consideration here, it is then stipulated in para 4 that, โ€œWhether it was the duty of the Management of respondent no. 1 to enquire whether the persons seeking admission in the respondent no. 1 hospital were falling under the category of Section 41AA(4)(b) and (c) or not or whether such patients were required to produce at the threshold the certificates of Tehsildar and Social Welfare Officer before seeking admission in the situation faced by the petitioners for patient of covid are some of the questions which require consideration in this matter.โ€

                                                  Most crucially, it is then very rightly underscored in para 5 that, โ€œIn our prima-facie view a person who is suffering from the disease like Covid-19 is not expected to produce a Tehsildar certificate or certificate from Social Welfare Officer before seeking admission in the hospital for seeking benefits under Section 41AA(4)(c) and (d). We are not inclined to accept the submission made by the learned senior counsel for the respondent no. 1 that unless such certificate is produced by the petitioners at the threshold, the respondent no. 1 is not liable to admit any such patient under those categories in the precarious situation prevailing at the date of admission of the petitioners.โ€

                                        Going forward, it is then also pointed out in para 6 that, โ€œWe also noticed that the State Government was required to issue a Notification dated 21st May, 2020, providing the rates for treatment of such patients and for other diseases in view of the grievances regarding exorbitant amount of money charged by Healthcare providers causing hardship to public in general during Covid-19 pandemic. Government has also considered the provisions of Section 41AA of the B.P.T. Act in the said notification.โ€

                                             Be it noted, para 8 then states that, โ€œConsidering the facts of this case, we are directing the respondent no. 1 to deposit a sum of Rs. 10,06,205/- in this Court within two weeks from today.โ€

                                       Finally, it is then held in the last para 10 that, โ€œThis order will be digitally signed by the Personal Assistant of this Court. Associate of this Court is permitted to forward the parties copy of this order by e-mail. All concerned to act on digitally signed copy of this order.โ€

                                             To sum up, the Bombay High Court has in a humanitarian gesture very rightly held in this latest, landmark and extremely laudable judgment that a person suffering from Covid-19 who belongs to the economically weaker section of the society cannot be expected to produce documentary proof before seeking admission in a hospital for free treatment. In such cases, they must be granted exemption from strict rules! This is imperative to ensure that they donโ€™t suffer endlessly and end up getting more troubled for getting admitted in a hospital for free treatment!

Sanjeev Sirohi, Advocate,

s/o Col BPS Sirohi,

A 82, Defence Enclave,

Sardhana Road, Kankerkhera,

Meerut โ€“ 250001, Uttar Pradesh.

Track2Training NGO

Track2Training is a Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that play a significant role in today’s society. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a significant role in today’s society, typically picking up the government’s deficits in services and social protection for citizens via the philanthropy of donors and the socially awareNGOs general aim is to alleviate poverty through activities that promote capacity building and self-reliance.

One of the roles was that Track2Training NGO is to balance the social, economic and environmental factors in promoting sustainable development.

Don’t Flop on These 4 Easy Interview Questions

Your answers to four basic interview questions could make or break your chances of landing your dream job. Read on and learn how to flip your next interview from โ€œflopโ€ to โ€œnailed it.โ€
1) Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Flop:ย โ€œWell, I grew up in this city and have lived here my whole life. My house is on Cherry Street, and I live with my spouse, two kids and our pet cat. I love country music, bowling and hanging out with my friends.โ€
Nailed it:ย โ€œI have a bachelorโ€™s degree in marketing from Herzing University. To gain experience and develop professionally, I completed an internship in the marketing department at XYZ Company and currently volunteer for XYZ Organization managing their social media accounts. Iโ€™ve learned that my strengths are communication, creative thinking and multi-tasking.โ€
The trap many job seekers fall into is not considering this a โ€œrealโ€ interview question. Remember that from the second you walk in the door, you are being interviewed. Set the tone for the rest of the interview by grasping this opportunity to highlight your qualifications. Impressing the hiring manager from the start is crucial. After all, first impressions are priceless.
2) Why are you looking for another job?
Flop:ย โ€œI struggle to see eye-to-eye with my boss/coworkers, so Iโ€™m looking for a change.โ€
Nailed it:ย โ€œMy current job has been an excellent learning experience. Now Iโ€™m looking forward to further developing my career. Iโ€™m seeking new challenges and an opportunity to take on more responsibility.โ€
Speaking ill of your current boss, colleagues and company will never work in your favor. Remember that even tough employment situations help you develop and learn new skills. Dwell on the positive rather than the negative, and try to keep your response brief. This can help you move on from the topic quickly and get onto questions that let you highlight why youโ€™re the best fit for the job.
3) What are your weaknesses?
Flop:ย โ€œI donโ€™t have any.โ€
Nailed it:ย โ€œI tend to take on too much and – at times – can create extra stress, but it has also taught me to be an excellent multitasker. Iโ€™ve developed project management skills that have contributed to my team and our collective success.โ€
This question is a litmus test of how you react to a tough situation. The interviewer wants to see if you throw in the flag or rise up to the challenge. None of us perfect, right? But our mindset and work ethic can make all the difference in the world. Focus on that, and youโ€™ll show the interviewer that youโ€™re prepared to overcome any challenge.
4) Do you have any questions for me?
Flop:ย “No, I don’t have any questions right now. Thanks for your time!”
Nailed It:ย โ€œYes, I do have a few questions for youโ€ฆโ€
Itโ€™s important that you ask at least three questions to show your genuine interest in the position and the company. Ask your interviewer to describe their favorite aspect of working for the company. Show that youโ€™ve done your research about the company values. Did you see that they actively support a community service organization? If volunteering is important to you, ask how you could get involved.
The next time you interview, donโ€™t let these fundamental questions be your stumbling blocks. Being prepared with focused and strong answers will help you walk out of an interview with confidence and hopefully, that new job.
Herzing Universityโ€™s Career Development Team is your resource for all things career. Weโ€™re here to help you develop attention-grabbing resumes and cover letters, hone your networking and interviewing skills, and discover internship and job opportunities. If youโ€™re a current student or alumni, weโ€™re at your service. Let us help you land the career of your dreams! Contact us atย careerdevelopment@herzing.edu.

Eduperk

After 9 great years of teaching science, Eduperk get to work with amazing educators in the world as we explore ways to increase the engagement, relationships and relevance of the learning throughout our district using the proper tool, only after we consider what is the goal of the event.
Learn or Teach your favorite Courses by easy and fun way!
Earn Money by sharing your notes!
Simply find any notes with Hashtags!
Make new friends with people studying similar courses nearby!

EDUPERK is an online higher education platform providing rigorous industry-relevant programs designed and delivered in collaboration with world-class faculty and industry. Merging the latest technology, pedagogy, and services, upGrad is creating an immersive learning experience โ€“ anytime and anywhere.

Mission of Eduperk

To provide opportunities to advance your professional journey through rigorous online programs that offer personalised support, developed in collaboration with best in class faculty and industry professionals.

With the conviction that in an ever-changing industry, professionals need to continuously upskill themselves in order to stay relevant. Since then EDUPERK have always focused on building a great online learning experience by collaborating with the right universities and industry partners. We then steadily built a strong support system around our learners. Starting with our first program in Entrepreneurship, upGrad has created some of Indiaโ€™s largest online programs to help thousands of professionals achieve their career goals in the areas of data technology, and management.

Eduindex News

Eduindex News is an Educational News platform for sharing campus news and academic news.

Newspaper is almost the first thing that greets you in the morning.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

If one knows how to read and write, then one should definitely read at least one newspaper everyday.

Newspaper reading is a good habit. People who frequently read newspapers are more likely to be reading other things in their life than non readers. Reading is good for you, I bet!
It helps you move outside the narrow zone of your personal affairs. It helps you keep you adjust yourself according to the changing times and move with changing times easily.
It keeps you updated and can provide a great sense of educational value. Not only it gives you information about economy, polity, trade, business, world affairs, international issues, sports, entertainment, but it also enhances your vocabulary and English language skills. (Same applies for other language newspapers)
You are not only updated with current events of your own nation but also that of the world.
It widens the scope of your knowledge and thus widens your outlook.
It helps you become well informed. Thus, enabling you to take part in any sort of discussion and debates. Ultimately, helps in your personality development.
They help you become part of a well evolved society.
You can relate to other people’s views, understand their perspective.
Most importantly, in today’s world, where Democracy is considered to be the ideal form of government, it is in the interest of each and every individual of the nation and the world ( I say world, because world is becoming a global village in this 21st century) to be aware of their own governments’ plans, programs and policies. How will these plans, programs and policies affect them?( After all, democracy is rule by the people, of the people and for the people. ) It is for their own benefit.
People who read newspapers regularly are more likely to be active voters (good for democracy ๐Ÿ™‚ )
Good for students. Students who use the newspaper in school read more sections of the newspaper and show significantly greater interest in local government, neighborhood events, current issues and foreign affairs.
I would like to quote a research.
Research by Dr. Dan Sullivan of the University of Minnesota examined programs in 22 cities across the country. The study compared test scores of students who had used the newspaper in class with those who had not. In all 22 cases, those student who used the newspaper scored better on standardized reading test than did those who did not. Minority students and those who were not native English speakers showed the greatest achievement. (2002, NAA Foundation.)

Newspapers help form you develop your opinion.
They sharpen thinking skills in you.
The Indian freedom struggle in itself is a great example how reading newspapers enlightened and educated the masses of their own civil, political and economic rights. These masses comprised mostly of people who weren’t able to read and write. So even if one person in the village or community knew how to read, people would encircle him to get their daily dose of the news. Thus, they got to know about the issues. Thus, the Indian freedom struggle became a mass struggle. Freedom of Press is a Fundamental Right in the Indian Constitution, thanks to the habit of newspaper reading (or hearing) by these masses.
I have seen many people who are stalwarts in their own respective fields suggesting that one should not read or listen to news. It is a waste of time. The reason being that they bring pessimism around you. The news of bombings, killings, rape, murder etc. don’t let you sleep well and suck the positive energy in your life. True. I too feel sad reading about these news items. But avoiding them is not the solution, neither for your problem nor for the problems of the world around you.

But according to me turning your head away from reality of the world is not a wise act. Though awareness can remove the darkness in the society.

You have to choose high standards of journalism to avoid becoming part ofsensational journalism. I vouch for critical and independent readership. Derive wisdom from newspapers without getting involved in the sensationalism which they try to sell to increase their readerships.

Happy reading!:)

4 Ways to Maximize Your Transfer Credit

You can save time and money when you apply what you already know to your college education. Makes sense, right? The truth is that many students underestimate the value of their own life experience and prior knowledge as they consider their degree program.
More students are entering college with a wealth of relevant skills already at their fingertips. Wondering if thatโ€™s you? Take a second to answer these simple questions:
  • Have you taken a class at an accredited post-secondary institution?
  • Have you taken advanced placement testing?
  • Have you completed formal on-the-job training?
  • Have you served in the military?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you might be eligible for transfer credit. Here are four tips to maximize the number of credits you transfer into Herzing University.
1) Submit all of your transcripts.
Send in all of your transcripts from previous coursework at any accredited post-secondary institution, no matter your cumulative GPA. You never know what will be accepted! In fact, Herzing University accepts transfer credits into any degree or diploma program. Check out Herzingโ€™s complete credit transfer checklist to learn more.
2) Submit your advanced placement testing results.
Advanced placement testing is a great way to earn credit for what you already know. Herzing accepts credit for nationally recognized tests including:
  • Advanced Placement (AP) from the College Board
  • DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) from Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES)
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP) from the College Board
3) Donโ€™t forget about military courses or on-the-job training.
Many military courses in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps have been evaluated for college credit by ACE, as documented on a Joint Service Transcript (JST). For more information on credit recommendations for military courses, see the ACE Military Guide. Also, Herzing University is one of two institutions in the U.S. to offer military medics credit toward becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
Some private companies have also had their training courses or certification tests evaluated for award of college credit by ACE. For more information on credit recommendations for industry courses and tests, see the ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training.
4) Think outside of the box.
Not all college-level learning takes place in the classroom. Herzing University works with organizations like Learning Counts and the National College Credit Recommendation Service to recognize expertise gained from career, military, or volunteer service.
To discuss how your own life experience could maximize your transfer credit, talk to an admissions advisor today. Good luck!
Christy Juul Nyemeckย is the Associate Director of Admissions at Herzing Universityโ€™s Brookfield Campus. She has a BA in Communication with an emphasis in Peace Studies from UW-Milwaukee and an MBA from Herzing University. Favorite part about what she does? Seeing graduates update their LinkedIn Profile with a shiny new job that they got as a result of their education. When sheโ€™s not busy being a โ€œcloset nerd,โ€ you can find Christy cheering on her favorite NBA team: OKC.