It’s quite an eerie feeling to ponder about the marginalized section of the society – the migrants, who are poverty-stricken, exploited and forced to dwell under impoverished living conditions. Migrants majorly comprise of the daily wage labourers who work in the manufacturing and small scale industries. These workers are denied of proper nutrition, housing and sanitation. They have less or no access to public health care facilities. The migrants are often the worst affected community. Considering the present scenario, ever since, the imposition of the nation wide lock down to curb the spread of the deadly virus, migrants across the country have faced multiple hardships. Millions of migrant workers had to deal with the loss of income, food shortages and uncertainty about their future. Following this, many of them and their families starved for days and succumbed to death. Thousands of workers walked barefoot to their respective homes in the wake of the ongoing pandemic. Research show that majority of the migrants move in to big cities in search of a better living. This is because of unavailability of work in their respective states. Women Migrants are the most vulnerable. When we look at the state of the women who still have no access to education, the reports are not encouraging. The rural women tend to engage themselves more in household chores rather than in attending school. One reason possibly could be – lack of resources. Children (girls specifically) in the rural areas either have to cycle or walk bare foot to reach school. They have no access to public transport. And once, the girl child hits puberty, parents force her to get married and have children. As a result of which, they move out from their villages to big cities not to make a better life for themselves but to survive. This shows how precarious the lives of these migrants are and that the big cities are not actually “home. “ In addition to the lack of job opportunities, unemployment is on the rise. A study of people with a high risk of unemployment found that they decreased their consumption of fruit and vegetables. Such a diet change affects the workers’ as well as their children’s health in the long run. Inadequate nutrition of children, a particular risk in low-income families, can hinder their physical and mental development.
Migrant labourers, who are mostly from rural areas but live most of the year in cities for work, are the victims of development. With the advent of technology, manual labor has reduced. The technological change has reduced the need for routine manual labor. As a result of which, daily wage labourers are not hired anymore. This is a long-standing problem, and has been into existence since ages. In this scenario, how well the migrants are faring? Do they have much to relish? Do they have a roof to rest? Do they have job security? Their future seems bleak.
India is a developing economy. One of the striking facts about India’s development model has been uneven development of rural and urban India. The rural regions of India need immediate and undivided attention.
• Areas with high incidence of poverty should be given equal and undivided attention. The Government should undertake Poverty Alleviation Programmes to eradicate poverty from the grass root level.

• The MGNREGA scheme came into force in 2006 yet in many parts of the country, the poor dies out of hunger. This is because, the Government doesn’t keep an eye whether the schemes launched are implemented. Implementation and execution should be made necessary.

• The migrants should be given jobs in their respective states with due respect. This is because, migrants, very often, get an undeserved bad name in the market.

• Development should be made in the field of agriculture. The Government should look after providing necessary equipments for a healthy yield, protecting them from weeds and weather conditions.
This will help the farmers rely on their own crops rather than depending on the landlords for money.

Migration is neither unique nor new to India. It has existed since mankind. Not everyone wants to leave home, of course, many see migration as one future pathway, whether permanently or temporarily with the hopes to one day return home.

New evidence finds that the virus that causes Covid -19 can be spread through microscopic respiratory droplets up to several meters in enclosed indoor spaces. The risk of infection is higher indoors. Outdoors, the aerosols evaporate and disperse much more quickly. The current guidance from the WHO does not address the fact that the novel coronavirus can be transmitted through minuscule aerosols. It only states that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is primarily spread from person to person through large respiratory droplets, which are expelled into the air when a person coughs or sneezes. While that remains true, subsequent evidence has suggested that SARS-CoV-2 also spreads readily through much smaller particles that can hang in the air for hours and be inhaled.

How Covid -19 Spreads Through Aerosols?
Research has found that people with the virus can expel pieces of it when they exhale, talk, or cough. Those tiny viral pieces, called micro droplets, can be so small that they are able to float in the air and potentially travel a distance of multiple meters. Some micro droplets can travel across an entire room. People can then inhale those minuscule viral particles, then contract COVID-19 and get sick. Originally, it was thought that the major way that the virus was transmitted was from person to person by large particle droplets, which basically only travel about 6 feet or so and fall to the ground very quickly. Newer research strongly suggests that airborne transmission plays a bigger role than previously thought. “Small particle aerosols may actually be as important to even more important than these large particle droplets in terms of transmitting the virus.”
The risk is greatest in indoor environments — think crowded bars and restaurants — where there’s limited exchange of air and these small particle aerosols can stay aloft in the air for a significant period of time.

How To Protect Yourself From Airborne Transmission ?
Hand washing, physical distancing, and donning a face mask are key safety measures to protect yourself from COVID-19. Face masks are critical in reducing the risk of spreading or being exposed to the virus via aerosols.
“Since aerosolized droplets (containing viral particles) may remain in poorly ventilated rooms for minutes to several hours, the importance of wearing a mask while indoors should strongly be considered.” Mask wearing has become common, even required in some states, over the past few weeks, but people need to consider wearing them anytime they are indoors with people outside their household. The face coverings protect not only yourself, but those around you, too, in the event you’re asymptomatic and contagious.

We must take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our families as through airborne transmission constitute a major mode of transmission.

Social Bubbles offer an opportunity to socialize in close proximity with a small group of people. Keeping your social bubble to 10 or fewer can help reduce exposure to Covid -19 outdoor activities are a great way to with your social bubble. Summer time screams spending time with family and friends at celebrations inside and out. But with the pandemic still underway, the more people we interact with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the potential risk of getting Covid -19.

We can still get our social fix, though. One way people are safely interacting with others is by embracing social bubbles or social pods.
In order to make your play pod as safe as possible, it’s important that you put some boundaries in place. First, the more people who are in your pod, the greater your Covid exposure risk. Ideally, keep your overall pod size to 10 people or fewer. Keep your circle small if you or anyone in your family is at an increased risk for Covid -19 due to age, asthma, it other medical conditions. Once your social bubble is established and you’re ready to interact, the following ideas can help bring some fun to your pod amid these stressful times.

• Embrace Your Backyard
Stepping out can increase the risk of getting Covid -19, use the backyard of your house as an escape.
The beauty of a social pod or bubble — at least one where everybody follows the rules — is that when you spend time together (as long as you’re away from other people) you can interact pretty freely. Meetups where you’re all contained to one person’s home, backyard, or stoop are fair game.

• Catching A Movie
Due to the pandemic, outdoor movie theatres are shut to curb the spread. Catching up for a movie indoors along your social bubble will help reduce the risk of getting Covid -19.

• Look for Look Out Points
It’s hard for kids to stay at home idly. Plan games indoors, arrange dinner at the terrace, to get them moving and having fun.

Interacting with others by embracing social bubbles is one way you can get your social fix more safely by avoiding any physical contact.

Menopause occurs when a woman hasn’t menstruated in 12 consecutive months and can no longer become pregnant naturally. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but can develop before or after this range. Menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes and weight gain.

When does Menopause begin and how long does it last?
Most women first begin developing menopause symptoms about four years before their last period. Symptoms often continue until about four years after a woman’s last period. There are many factors that help determine when a woman will begin menopause, including genetics and ovary health. Perimenopause occurs before menopause. Perimenopause is a time when hormones begin to change in preparation for menopause. It can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Many women begin perimenopause after their mid 40s. Other women skip perimenopause and enter menopause suddenly.

Perimenopause Vs. Menopause Vs. Post menopause
During perimenopause, menstrual periods become irregular. Periods may occur late or may complete vanish for about two months. Menstrual flow may also become heavier or lighter. Menopause is defined as a lack of menstruation for one whole year.
Post menopause refers to the years after menopause has occurred.

What are the symptoms of menopause?
Every woman’s menopause experience is unique. Symptoms are usually more severe when menopause occurs suddenly or over a shorter period of time.
Conditions that impact the health of the ovary, like cancer, or certain lifestyle choices, like smoking, tend to increase the severity and duration of symptoms.

Aside from menstruation changes, the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause are generally the same. The most common early signs of perimenopause are:
• less frequent menstruation
• heavier or lighter periods than normally experienced
• vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes , night sweats, and flushing

Why does menopause occur?
Menopause is a natural process that occurs as the ovaries age and produce less reproductive hormones. The body begins to undergo several changes in response to lower levels of :
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
One of the most notable changes is the loss of active ovarian follicles. Ovarian follicles are the structures that produce and release eggs from the ovary wall, allowing menstruation and fertility. Most women first notice the frequency of their period becoming less consistent, as the flow becomes heavier and longer. This usually occurs at some point in the mid-to-late 40s.

Treatment
Some women undergo treatment if symptoms of menopause are severe or affecting the quality of life. Hormone therapy may be an effective treatment in women under the age of 60, or within 10 years of menopause onset, for the reduction or management of:
• hot flashes
• night sweats
• flushing
• vaginal atrophy
• osteoporosis
Other medications may be used to treat more specific menopause symptoms, like hair loss and vaginal dryness.

When there is pressure or pain in the head, it can be difficult to tell whether the individual is experiencing a typical headache or a migraine. Differentiating a migraine headache from a traditional headache, and vice versa, is important.

What Is A Headache?
Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. The pain can range from mild to severe, and they usually occur on both sides of your head. Some specific areas where headaches can occur include the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. A headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. Triggers for this headache type include stress, muscle strain, and anxiety.

What is migraine?
These headaches are intense or severe and often have other symptoms in addition to head pain. Symptoms associated with a migraine headache include:
• Nausea
• Pain behind one eye or ear
• Pain in the temples
• Seeing spots or flashing lights
• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Temporary vision loss
• Vomiting
When compared with tension or other headache types, migraine headache pain can be moderate to severe. Some people may experience headaches so severe they seek care at an emergency room. Migraine headaches will typically affect only one side of the head. However, it is possible to have a migraine headache that affects both sides of the head. Other differences include the pain’s quality: A migraine headache will cause intense pain that may be throbbing and will make performing daily tasks very difficult.
Migraine headaches are typically divided into two categories: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. An “aura” refers to sensations a person experiences before they get a migraine. The sensations typically occur anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before an attack. These can include:
• feeling less mentally alert or having trouble thinking
• seeing flashing lights or unusual lines
• feeling tingling or numbness in the face or hands
• having an unusual sense of smell, taste, or touch
Some migraine sufferers may experience symptoms a day or two before the actual migraine occurs. Known as the “prodrome” phase, these subtler signs can include:
• Constipation
• Depression
• frequent yawning
• irritability
• Neck stiffness
• unusual food cravings

Treating Migraine

Prevention tips
Prevention is often the best treatment for migraine headaches. Examples of preventive methods your doctor may prescribe include:
• making changes to your diet, such as eliminating foods and substances known to cause headaches, like alcohol and caffeine
• taking prescription medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure lowering medicines, antiseptic medicines, or CGRP antagonists
• taking steps to reduce stress

Everyone has anxiety, but chronic anxiety can interfere with the quality of life. It can also cause severe damage to our physical health. Anxiety is a normal part of life. For example, feeling anxious before entering the exam centre or a job interview. In general terms, anxiety increases breathing and heartbeat, concentrating blood flow to our brain, where we need it. If it gets too intense, however, people might start to feel lightheaded or likely to be in a state of trance. An excessive or persistent state of anxiety can have a devastating impact both on our physical and mental health. Anxiety disorder can happen at any stage of life, but they usually begin by middle age. Women are more likely to have an anxiety disorder than men. Stressful life experiences may increase risk for an anxiety disorder, too. Symptoms may begin immediately or years later. Having a serious medical condition or a substance use disorder can also lead to an anxiety disorder.

There are several types of Anxiety Disorders. They include :

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder is marked by excessive anxiety for no logical reason. GAD is diagnosed when extreme worry about a variety of things lasts six months or longer. If you have a mild case, you’re probably able to complete your normal day-to-day activities. More severe cases may have a profound impact on your life.

Social Anxiety Disorder
This disorder involves a paralyzing fear of social situations and of being judged or humiliated by others. This severe social phobia can leave one feeling ashamed and alone.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This develops after witnessing or experiencing something traumatic. Symptoms can begin immediately or be delayed for years. Common causes include war, natural disasters, or a physical attack. PTSD episodes may be triggered without warning.

Obsessive – Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
People with OCD may feel overwhelmed with the desire to perform particular rituals (compulsions) over and over again, or experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts that can be distressing (obsessions).
Common compulsions include habitual hand-washing, counting, or checking something. Common obsessions include concerns about cleanliness, aggressive impulses, and need for symmetry.

Phobias
These include fear of tight spaces (claustrophobia), fear of heights (acrophobia), and many others. You may have a powerful urge to avoid the feared object or situation.

Panic Disorder
This causes panic attacks, spontaneous feelings of anxiety, terror, or impending doom. Physical symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Anxiety disorder can cause other symptoms, including:
• headaches
• muscle tension
• insomnia
• depression
• social isolation

We likely are aware of the familiar expression “An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away. “ While the phrase was first coined in 1913, it was based on a Pembroke shire proverb that originated in 1866. Although research shows that eating more apples may not actually be associated with fewer visits to the doctor, adding apples to our diet can help improve several aspects of our health. Apples are highly nutritious, loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants. In particular, Vitamin C acts as an anti oxidant to neutralize harmful compounds produced in the body and protect against diseases. Studies show that eating more apples could be associated with lower risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease. This may be due to the presence of flavonoids found in apples, which are compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect heart health. Apples are also loaded with soluble fiber, which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. They also contain several compounds that may help prevent cancer formation, including antioxidants and flavonoids.

Other Health Benefits
Apples have also been linked to several other health benefits that could help keep the doctor away:
• Support weight loss. Due to their fiber content, apples have been shown to promote feelings of fullness, decrease calorie intake, and increase weight loss.

• Improve bone health. Human, animal, and test-tube studies have found that eating a higher amount of fruit could be associated with increased bone mineral density and a lower risk of osteoporosis.

• Promote brain function. Animal studies suggest that eating apples could help reduce oxidative stress, prevent mental decline, and slow signs of aging.

• Protect against asthma. Studies show that an increased intake of apples may be linked to a lower risk of asthma.

• Reduce the risk of diabetes. According to one large review, eating one apple per day was tied to a 28% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared with not eating any apples at all.
Although eating more apples may not literally be associated with fewer visits to the doctor, apples are rich in nutrients and offer several benefits for disease prevention and long-term health. In addition to apples, many other fruits and vegetables provide a similar set of nutrients and health benefits.

Going through a break up can be traumatic. Similar to other traumas, like the death of a loved one , break up can cause immense and long-lasting grief. But how do we mourn these losses, especially when the person may still pop up on social media or be connected with friends or colleagues.

In what ways are breakups like grief?
Similar to death, we carry the grief and inescapable pain of breakups with us for months, even sometimes for years. When people talk about a breakup, they often use the same language as when someone dies. I think it’s because we have a relatively limited range of words for communication when it comes to loss. Often, with a breakup and when someone dies, we look for closure because we’re uncomfortable with sadness. In this way, the losses are similar.
We’re losing someone who was embedded in our life. We no longer wake up to see the person’s face beside us in the morning. We can no longer call the person to chat for a few moments in a busy day. Anniversaries take on a new, potent significance. And you may never again visit the places you shared together.
But with a breakup, the suffering can be magnified in a particular way, because you know the other person is still out there somewhere. In turn, we can be drawn to dwell on how our lost love is living without us.

How does social media make it difficult for people to move forward after a break up?
Even, when a relationship ends, whether it’s a distant friendship or an intimate partnership, the digital footprint remains. Our feeds become a representation of the person we lost. And yet, in reality, we’re seeing only a curated glimpse of their life. From that glimpse we weave fantasies, believing that our narratives are true.

How to deal with the grieving process?
While grieving a loss is an inevitable part of life, there are ways to help cope with the pain, come to terms with your grief, and eventually, find a way to pick up the pieces and move on with your life.
• Acknowledge your pain.
• Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions.
• Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you.
• Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you.
• Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.
• Recognize the difference between grief and depression.

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme shifts in the mood from high to low, low to high. Symptoms can include an extremely elevated mood called mania. They can also include episodes of depression. Bipolar Disorder is also known as manic depression. People with Bipolar Disorder may have trouble managing everyday life tasks at school or work, or maintaining relationships.

SYMPTOMS
There are three main symptoms that can occur with bipolar disorder : mania, hypomania, and depression. While experiencing mania, a person with bipolar disorder may feel an emotional high. They can feel excited, impulsive, euphoric, and full of energy. During manic episodes, they may also engage in behavior such as :
• Spending Sprees
• Unprotected Sex
• Drug Use

Hypomania is generally associated with bipolar II disorder. It’s similar to mania, but it’s not as severe. Unlike mania, hypomania may not result in any trouble at work, school, or in social relationships. However, people with hypomania still notice changes in their mood.
During an episode of depression you may experience:
• Deep sadness
• Hopelessness
• Loss of energy
• Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Suicidal thoughts
• Periods of too little or too much sleep

Although it’s not a rare condition, bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose because of its varied symptoms.

Bipolar disorder and depression
Bipolar disorder can have two extremes: up and down. To be diagnosed with bipolar, you must experience a period of mania or hypomania. People generally feel “up” in this phase of the disorder. When you’re experiencing an “up” change in mood, you may feel highly energized and be easily excitable.
Some people with bipolar disorder will also experience a major depressive episode, or a “down” mood. When you’re experiencing a “down” change in mood, you may feel lethargic, unmotivated, and sad. However, not all people with bipolar disorder who have this symptom feel “down” enough to be labeled depressed. For instance, for some people, once their mania is treated, a normal mood may feel like depression because they enjoyed the “high” caused by the manic episode.
While bipolar disorder can cause you to feel depressed, it’s not the same as the condition called depression. Bipolar disorder can cause highs and lows, but depression causes moods and emotions that are always “down.”

Possible causes of bipolar disorder include

Genetics
If your parent or sibling has bipolar disorder, you’re more likely than other people to develop the condition. However, it’s important to keep in mind that most people who have bipolar disorder in their family history don’t develop it.

Your brain
Your brain structure may impact your risk for the disease. Abnormalities in the structure or functions of your brain may increase your risk.

Environmental factors
It’s not just what’s in your body that can make you more likely to develop bipolar disorder. Outside factors may contribute, too. These factors can include:
• extreme stress
• traumatic experiences
• physical illness
Each of these factors may influence who develops bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Psychotherapy
Recommended psychotherapy treatments may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy. You and a therapist talk about ways to manage your bipolar disorder. They will help you understand your thinking patterns. They can also help you come up with positive coping strategies.

Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a kind of counseling that helps you and your loved ones understand the disorder. Knowing more about bipolar disorder will help you and others in your life manage it.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) focuses on regulating daily habits, such as sleeping, eating, and exercising. Balancing these everyday basics can help you manage your disorder.

Some believe that making overweight people feel ashamed of their weight or eating habits may motivate them to get healthier. However, the truth is, people who are overweight become more vulnerable to illnesses. Fat shaming makes them feel terrible about themselves, causing them to eat more and gain more weight.

What Is Fat Shaming?

Fat shaming involves criticizing and harassing overweight people about their weight or eating habits making them feel ashamed of themselves.

The belief is that this may motivate people to eat less, exercise more and lose weight. In the majority of the cases, the people who fat-shame are slim and never had to struggle with a weight problem. Research shows that much of the discussion on obesity on social media involves fat shaming, which often turns into harassment, and cyberbullying especially against women. In fact, there are entire online communities where people gather to troll overweight people. However, stigma and discrimination against overweight people cause major psychological harm and worsen the problem.

What Causes Overweight People To Eat More?

Discrimination causes stress and negatively affects people. In the case of overweight individuals, this stress can drive them to eat more and gain more weight. They have less or no control over their eating habits. Fat shaming causes overweight people to eat more, consume more calories and gain more weight.

Harmful Effects On Obese People

The harmful effects of fat shaming go beyond increased weight gain — which is serious enough.
• Depression– People who are discriminated against due to weight are at a higher risk of depression and other mental issues.
• Eating disorders– Fat shaming is linked to an increased risk of eating disorders, such as binge eating.
• Reduced self-esteem– Fat shaming is linked to reduced self-esteem.
• Others– By causing stress, weight gain, increased cortisol levels, and mental problems, weight discrimination may raise your risk of various chronic diseases.

The Bottom Line

Weight discrimination — including fat shaming — leads to stress and causes overweight and obese people to eat more. This form of bullying may not only cause additional weight gain but is also linked to depression, eating disorders, reduced self-esteem, and an increased risk of various other mental and physical problems.

Feeling lonely and feeling alone are two totally different things. Triggered by the absence of companionship, loneliness causes a level of isolation that can damage your mental health and well-being. As an introvert, I get my energy from being alone. I prefer to have a balance between solitude and social connectedness. I give my mind the space, it needs. Sometimes, introverts are cornered in a social gathering, and that feeling can lead one down an emotionally painful road followed by a trail of traumatic experiences. The effects of loneliness can make it harder for an introvert to establish connections and close relationships with others. In times when we (introverts) feel vulnerable, it may seem as if there’s no one we can reach out to, that no one is trustworthy. Growing up as the only child of my parents, I experienced loneliness from a very tender age. I didn’t have siblings to fight with. I kept my emotions confined to myself. Making friends was never an issue for me, but it took me years to master the art of communication and conflict resolution. Relationships are less likely to last when there’s a lack of these two things, and I learned this the hard way. Long-term loneliness is the danger zone you don’t want to reach, as it poses a much higher health risk. As humans, we are social by nature. We weren’t wired or created to live life alone. That’s why we crave for social interactions and connectivity when there’s lack of it in our personal lives.

How To Curb Loneliness Amid The Crisis Phase?

• Stay Connected And Plugged In

As we endure this crisis, we must stay connected to others while we are striving hard to cope with the changing environment. Technology makes it easier to stay in touch with people without physically being present. Family, friends, and loved ones are always just a phone call away — unless you live with them already.

• Attend virtual social gatherings

Since we can’t go out and meet new people offline, why not get crafty with the way you meet them online? Along with the internet comes the benefit of online community. There are tons of communities for pretty much every walk of life. Many are available to the public for free.

• Talk It Out With A Mental Health Expert

There’s a lot that therapy can do for your mental health. For one, a professional therapist can equip you with the tools you need to cope more effectively with loneliness.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when a person feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet constant demands. After months of staying at home amid the Covid 19 Pandemic, family burnout is becoming an additional challenged in some households. Families across the nation are experiencing symptoms of family burnout these days. Now that schools are out for the summer and millions are currently unemployed, Partners, Parents and Children who are together 24/7 may soon feel even more desperate for a few moments alone and a return to their pre-Covid19 routines. But the current rise in cases and the delay of reopening plans in several states may signal that families will need to remain together at home even longer than they realized. However, households that are feeling togetherness fatigue can take steps to alleviate family burnout and ease the strain on their relationships.

The additional toll faced by single parents
For single parents still working, now depleted of their normal childcare assistance, the pandemic may mean more to do and fewer opportunities for self-care than ever before. “In a two-parent household, division of tasks allows each parent to have some relief, but single-parent households typically take on all of these tasks themselves, which can absolutely lead to burnout quicker.” For single parents in a pandemic, there’s no partner to help, share responsibilities and there are few, if any, opportunities to get away and breathe by oneself. The result can easily lead to family burnout.

Family burnout can affect romantic relationships too
Months together in quarantine can also be a strain on romantic relationships. “When one person in a relationship is experiencing burnout, the other can typically pick up the slack, but when both are, it can be a struggle to connect and feel your best.” The impact on marriages and romantic relationships is considered part of the collateral damage of COVID-19. In times of high stress, it may not always be the best thing to be locked at home together, incapable of getting the space and clear head that’s often needed to work through marital discord.

It’s not just parents and adults — kids can experience family burnout as well
“Burnout in children often presents as anxiety, being irritable, poor academic performance, or staying isolated from peers and not expressing interest in playing.” A recent survey in Italy found that children are experiencing psychological impacts as a result of lockdown. They’re more irritable, having trouble sleeping, and many are regressing developmentally. “Compared to younger children, teenagers may be more likely to experience burnout due to higher academic workload, greater need for peer interaction, and more frequent conflicts with parents.”

How to reduce the impact of burnout in your household?
But just because so many are experiencing burnout doesn’t mean it can’t be helped. Burnout can be prevented by having a better balance between family time versus me time. When dealing with kids who may be acting out as a result of lockdown stress, parents should try using encouragement and positive reinforcement over punishment techniques. “Having a routine for sleep, meals, and study time can help children feel prepared for the next activity and avoid some conflicts.”

Teenagers are likely to experiment with substances. Experimentation plays the biggest role in teenage drug abuse. Reports suggest that half of all new drug users are under the age of 18. This is because their brains aren’t fully developed, so they don’t have the decision making capabilities as adults. Their decisions are very spontaneous. Teens who abuse drugs have a greater risk of developing an addiction when they turn into adults. As such, teen abuse can have long term cognitive and behavioral effects since the teenage brain is still developing. Teenagers tend to abuse drugs for the following reasons :
• Curiosity
• Peer pressure
• Stress
• A desire to escape
• Emotional Struggles

Signs of Teen Drug Abuse
There are many signs that a teen is using drugs. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the pangs of adolescence and actual drug use, but parents can be proactive in talking to their teen to find out what’s going on.
Some common signs of teen drug abuse include:
• Bad grades
• Bloodshot eyes
• Laughing for no reason
• Loss of interest in activities
• Poor hygiene
• Diminished personal appearance
• Avoiding eye contact
• Frequent hunger or “munchies”
• Smell of smoke on breath or clothes
• Secretive behavior
• Unusual tiredness
• Missing curfew
It’s up to parents to initiate a conversation with their children if they suspect drug use. One in five parents who suspect their teen is using drugs do not intervene to prevent further drug use.

Common Drugs that Teens Abuse
The most common drugs abused by teens aren’t much different from those of adults. But the reasons for abuse may be different as teens often abuse a substance based on its accessibility. Teens are also more likely to take excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol because of how they perceive the risks and dangers.
• ALCOHOL
Alcohol is the substance most commonly abused by teens. The social acceptance of drinking among people of legal drinking age can lead many teens to view alcohol as relatively harmless. Research suggests teens are more likely to binge drink because their impulse control hasn’t fully developed.
• MARIJUANA
Regular marijuana users most often started during their adolescence. The perceptions of marijuana use among teens is changing; most high school seniors do not think smoking marijuana occasionally carries any risk. More than 20 percent of teens report having used marijuana at least once in the past month.

Addiction Treatment for Teens
Many teens have a tough time dealing with sadness or other stresses common during adolescence. It is understandable that they may think having a drink or a little marijuana can offer relief. The best way to deal with stress, however, is to seek emotional support or find someone to talk to.
If a teen has already tried quitting or reducing use and failed, then it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible.
There are treatment centers designated for teens that target the emotional and social issues that led to their drug use.
Most teen treatment centers also offer educational support so teens in recovery don’t get behind in school. The earlier an addiction is recognized, the easier it is to treat.

Feminist literature is fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry which supports the feminist goals of defining, establishing and defending equal civil, political, economic and social rights for women. It often identifies women’s roles as unequal to those of men – particularly as regards status, privilege and power – and generally portrays the consequences to women, men, families, communities and societies as undesirable. The feminist movement produced feminist fiction, feminist non-fiction, and feminist poetry, which created new interest in women’s writing. It also prompted a general reevaluation of women’s historical and academic contributions in response to the belief that women’s lives and contributions have been underrepresented as areas of scholarly interest. There has also been a close link between feminist literature and activism, with feminist writing typically voicing key concerns or ideas of feminism in a particular era.
Much of the early period of feminist literary scholarship was given over to the rediscovery and reclamation of texts written by women. In Western feminist literary scholarship, Studies like Dale Spender’s Mothers of the Novel (1986) and Jane Spencer’s The Rise of the Woman Novelist (1986) were ground-breaking in their insistence that women have always been writing.
Commensurate with this growth in scholarly interest, various presses began the task of reissuing long-out-of-print texts. Virago Press began to publish its large list of 19th and early-20th-century novels in 1975 and became one of the first commercial presses to join in the project of reclamation. In the 1980s Pandora Press, responsible for publishing Spender’s study, issued a companion line of 18th-century novels written by women. More recently, Broadview Press continues to issue 18th- and 19th-century novels, many hitherto out of print, and the University of Kentucky has a series of republications of early women’s novels.
Particular works of literature have come to be known as key feminist texts. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) by Mary Wollstonecraft, is one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. A Room of One’s Own (1929) by Virginia Woolf, is noted in its argument for both a literal and figural space for women writers within a literary tradition dominated by patriarchy. Germaine Greer’s The Female Eunuch (1970) questions the self-limiting role of the woman homemaker.
The widespread interest in women’s writing is related to a general reassessment and expansion of the literary canon. Interest in post-colonial literatures, gay and lesbian literature, writing by people of colour, working people’s writing, and the cultural productions of other historically marginalized groups has resulted in a whole scale expansion of what is considered “literature”, and genres hitherto not regarded as “literary”, such as children’s writing, journals, letters, travel writing, and many others are now the subjects of scholarly interest. Most genres and subgenres have undergone a similar analysis, so literary studies has entered new territories such as the “female gothic or women’s science fiction. In addition, many feminist movements have embraced poetry as a vehicle through which to communicate feminist ideas to public audiences through anthologies, poetry collections, and public readings.

Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder that causes extreme fear in social settings. People with Social Anxiety Disorder have trouble talking to people, meeting new people and attending social gatherings. They fear being judged or scrutinized by others. They may understand that their fears are irrational or unreasonable, but feel powerless to overcome them. Social anxiety is different from shyness. Shyness is usually short-term and doesn’t disrupt one’s life. Social anxiety is persistent and debilitating. It can affect one’s ability to:
• work
• attend school
• develop close relationships with people outside of their family

SYMPTOMS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Social interaction may cause the following physical symptoms:
• blushing
• nausea
• excessive sweating
• trembling or shaking
• difficulty speaking
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• rapid heart rate
Psychological symptoms may include:

• worrying intensely about social situations
• worrying for days or weeks before an event
• avoiding social situations or trying to blend into the background if you must attend
• worrying about embarrassing yourself in a social situation
• worrying that other people will notice you are stressed or nervous
• missing school or work because of anxiety
It is normal to sometimes feel anxious. However, when you have social phobia, you have a constant fear of being judged by others or humiliated in front of them. You may avoid all social situations, including:
• asking a question
• job interviews
• shopping
• using public restrooms
• talking on the phone
• eating in public
Symptoms of social anxiety may not occur in all situations. You can have limited or selective anxiety. For example, symptoms may only occur when you’re eating in front of people or talking to strangers. Symptoms can occur in all social settings if you have an extreme case.

What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?
The exact cause of social phobia is unknown. However, current research supports the idea that it is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Negative experiences also may contribute to this disorder, including:
• bullying
• family conflict
• sexual abuse
Physical abnormalities such as a serotonin imbalance may contribute to this condition. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood. An overactive amygdala (a structure in the brain that controls fear response and feelings or thoughts of anxiety) may also cause these disorders.
Anxiety disorders can run in families. However, researchers aren’t sure if they’re actually linked to genetic factors. For example, a child might develop an anxiety disorder by learning the behavior of one of their parents who has an anxiety disorder. Children can also develop anxiety disorders as a result of being raised in controlling or overprotective environments.

Diagnosing Social Anxiety Disorder

There is no medical test to check for social anxiety disorder. Your healthcare provider will diagnose social phobia from a description of your symptoms. They can also diagnose social phobia after examining certain behavioral patterns.
During your appointment, your healthcare provider will ask you to explain your symptoms. They will also ask you to talk about situations that cause your symptoms. The criteria for social anxiety disorder includes:
• a constant fear of social situations due to fear of humiliation or embarrassment
• feeling anxious or panicky before a social interaction
• a realization that your fears are unreasonable
• anxiety that disrupts daily living

What exactly do human beings get from reading books? Is it just a matter of pleasure, or are there benefits beyond enjoyment? The scientific answer is a resounding “yes. “ Reading books benefits both our physical and mental health, and those benefits can last a lifetime. They begin in early childhood and continue through the span of life.

• READING STRENGTHENS OUR BRAIN
Researchers have confirmed that reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. As your reading ability matures, those networks also get stronger and more sophisticated.

• INCREASES ABILITY TO EMPHASISE
People who read literary fiction — stories that explore the inner lives of characters — show a heightened ability to understand the feelings and beliefs of others. Researchers call this ability the “theory of mind,” a set of skills essential for building, navigating, and maintaining social relationships.

• BUILDS VOCABULARY
Students who read books regularly, beginning at a young age, gradually develop large vocabularies. And vocabulary size can influence many areas of your life, from scores on standardized tests to college admissions and job opportunities.

• REDUCES STRESS
Studies have found that 30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress just as effectively as yoga and humor did.

• HELPS ALLEVIATE DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS
People with depression often feel isolated and estranged from everyone else. And that’s a feeling books can sometimes lessen. Reading fiction can allow you to temporarily escape your own world and become swept up in the imagined experiences of the characters. And nonfiction self-help books can teach you strategies that may help you manage symptoms.

It’s especially important for children to read as much as possible because the effects of reading are cumulative. However, it’s never too late to begin taking advantage of the many physical and psychological benefits waiting for you in the pages of a good book.

The Year 2020 has brought a lot of ups and downs in everybody’s life. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant source of worry and stress for months now, with no end in sight, evoking a plethora of emotions. On top of this, there have been massive protests, both peaceful and violent, as people strive to find justice in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Living through stressful times can have harmful effects on our body and mind. On a global scale, this pandemic is affecting our social lives, our mental health, our sleep patterns, and more. You may be feeling afraid for yourself, your loved ones, your job, or your housing.

• SLEEP DEPRIVATION
Sleep deprivation can affect our immune system and metabolism making us more vulnerable to infection. Stress and Anxiety can make getting a healthy amount of sleep each night more difficult. Getting proper amount of sleep is essential for the body to function well.

• LONELINESS
Loneliness describes the negative feelings that can occur when a person’s needs for social connection aren’t met. Isolation can trigger negative emotions followed by anxiety and stress. During these stressful times of the crisis phase where self isolation is the only solution to curb the spread of the virus, many suffer from loneliness . It is very important to keep one self engaged. Reports have shown a high increase in the rate of suicide in India.

How To Manage Stress?

Be active
It’s easy to skip exercise when you’re stressed, but exercise is good for your physical health. It helps combat the negative effects of stress on your body and is good for your mental health.

Be an optimist
When you’re worried or feel your stress level rising, try to surround yourself with positive thoughts and experiences. Listen to music, watch a funny video, or call a friend who makes you laugh.
Meet negativity with a positive reaction. A positive attitude will keep you from slipping back into feeling overwhelmed.

Outlook
Stress affects us all, no matter what you have going on in your life. But not all stress is bad. It’s important to your natural fight-or-flight mechanism that allows you to act quickly in times of duress.
Managing stress is important in juggling the many day-to-day activities of life without letting it have a negative impact on your health. There are many things you can do to prevent stress and manage unavoidable stress.

India offers a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products – cruises, adventure, trek, film, rural and religious tourism. India has been recognized as a destination for spiritual tourism for domestic and international tourists. The tourism sector has a major contribution to the National GDP. Total contribution by travel and tourism sector to India’s GDP is expected to increase from Rs. 15.24 trillion in 2017 to Rs. 32.05 trillion in 2028. India was ranked 7th among 184 countries in terms of travel and tourism’s total contribution to GDP in 2017. Travel and Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner for India. Several marketing initiatives by the Government of India, such as ‘Incredible India!’ and ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ has provided a focused impetus to growth. In October 2018, Statue Of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as ‘Statue Of Unity’, was inaugurated as a tourist attraction. It is the tallest statue in the world standing at a height of 182 metre. It is expected to boost the tourism sector in the country and put India on the world tourism map. The visiting hours to the statue have been increased by two more hours and has been equipped with e-bike tours. Travel and Tourism generated millions of jobs directly in 2018 and this is to grow by 2.2% in 2019. It also includes, for example, the activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists.

How is the tourism sector affected by the pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism industry due to the resulting travel restrictions as well as slump in demand among travelers. The tourism industry has been massively affected by the spread of coronavirus, as many countries have introduced travel restrictions in an attempt to contain its spread. The coronavirus epidemic is putting up to 50 million jobs in the global travel and tourism sector at risk, with travel likely to slump by a quarter this year, Asia being the most affected continent, the World Travel and Tourism Council has said Once the outbreak is over, it could take up to 10 months for the industry to recover. The tourism industry currently accounts for 10% of global GDP. The impact would depend on how long the epidemic lasts and what are its repercussions.

Ever since, India got her Independence, the social status of women has changed tremendously. Women have managed to reach newer heights and excel in various fields. In spite of many worth-praising breakthroughs, there are still major areas where women are to see a drastic change taking place. In this scenario how well are India’s daughters progressing? Do they have much to relish? Are they appreciated for every ounce of blood and sweat they put in standing a chance in the society? The truth is, it has been a roller coaster ride. Women have always been victims of torture, violence and exploitation. Although the scenario has changed and in today’s time women are seen breaking the glass ceiling in various fields, making it possible for other women to excel.
Indian women have always been successful in accomplishing their dreams like Nirmala Sitaraman who made us proud becoming India’s first full time woman Finance Minister. And also the women team who headed the “Chandrayan – 2” Mission and propelled India into the global elite space club are worth praising.

WOMENN AND GENERAL ELECTIONS 2019
Women’s rising turnout in elections and their growing political involvement has been recorded as a major breakthrough in the history of Indian Politics.
In the 2019 general elections, 724 women candidates contested elections, of these 222 women contested independently. The 17th Lok Sabha has 78 women MPs, the highest number of women MPs to be elected till date.

GROWTH – SLOW OR HIGH?

• According to the Census, India’s population stands at 1.38 billion (Jan 1, 2020) , 48% of the population comprises of women. When we look at the state of the women who still have no access to education, the reports are not encouraging. The rural women tend to engage themselves more in household chores rather than in attending school. One reason possibly could be – lack of resources. Children (girls specifically) in the rural areas either have to cycle or walk bare foot to reach school. They have no access to public transport. And once, the girl child hits puberty, parents force her to get married and have children. These issues need to be addressed at the earliest.

• An area that requires attention is that of unpaid work done by women such as the household chores including cooking, cleaning and child care. Indian women spend half of their lives catering to the needs and desires of her family. It is important and essential that the invaluable unpaid work done by women should be given equal credit nationally. This will not only boost their self-esteem but help them get greater support at home from their spouses and family.

SAFETY FOR WOMEN

In India, where women are believed to be worshipped as goddesses, ironically are not safe. They are victimized, exploited and abused. In order to improve women safety in India the first task is to improve the number of women in every sphere of society. Along with that the change in mind set of people is very essential for the safety of women. There should be fast-track courts to hear the cases and the cases should be investigated in a time bound manner. Only strict laws can not solve the problem of women safety in India rather the implementation of these laws in a time bound manner can solve the issue to a large extent. Women safety is the key to women empowerment.

Our Constitution doesn’t acquire its secular character merely from the words in the Preamble, but from a collective reading of many of its provisions, particularly the various fundamental rights that it guarantees.

There was a point of time, perhaps, when we might have taken the idea of a secular, pluralistic India, tolerant of all sects and religions, as a position set in stone. But, incidents, especially since the early 1990s, have radically altered both reality and our imagination. That certain groups, including many within the political party presently in power at the Centre and in many States, actively believe in a different kind of India is today intensely palpable.
Secularism and us
“Secular people,” he declared, “do not have an identity of their parental blood.” “We (the BJP),” he added, “are here to change the Constitution,” making it quite clear that in his, and his party’s, belief secularism was a model unworthy of constitutional status. Since then, the ruling government has sought to distance itself from these comments, and Mr. Hegde himself has, without explicitly retracting his statements, pledged his allegiance to the Constitution and its superiority. But the message, as it were, is already out, and its discourse is anything but opposed to the present regime’s larger ideology. Indeed, Mr. Hegde’s comments even mirror those made on several occasions by people belonging to the top brass of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, who have repeatedly stressed on what they view as their ultimate aim: the recognition of India as a Hindu state, in which secularism lies not at the Constitution’s bedrock, but entirely outside the document’s aims and purposes.
Inbuilt freedoms
Now, it is certainly true that the Constituent Assembly explicitly rejected a motion moved by Brajeshwar Prasad from Bihar to have the words “secular” and “socialist” included in the Preamble. But this was not on account of any scepticism that the drafters might have had on the values of secularism. Quite to the contrary, despite what some might want us to believe today, the assembly virtually took for granted India’s secular status. To them, any republic that purports to grant equality before the law to all its citizens, that purports to recognise people’s rights to free speech, to a freedom of religion and conscience simply cannot be un-secular. To be so would be an incongruity. Secularism, as would be clear on any morally reasonable analysis, is inbuilt in the foundations of constitutionalism, in the idea of a democracy properly understood. In the case of our Constitution, it flows from the series of fundamental rights guaranteed in Part III.Our Constitution doesn’t acquire its secular character merely from the words in the Preamble, but from a collective reading of many of its provisions, particularly the various fundamental rights that it guarantees. There was a point of time, perhaps, when we might have taken the idea of a secular, pluralistic India, tolerant of all sects and religions, as a position set in stone. But, incidents, especially since the early 1990s, have radically altered both reality and our imagination. That certain groups, including many within the political party presently in power at the Centre and in many States, actively believe in a different kind of India is today intensely palpable. Secularism and us “Secular people,” he declared, “do not have an identity of their parental blood.” “We (the BJP),” he added, “are here to change the Constitution,” making it quite clear that in his, and his party’s, belief secularism was a model unworthy of constitutional status. Since then, the ruling government has sought to distance itself from these comments, and Mr. Hegde himself has, without explicitly retracting his statements, pledged his allegiance to the Constitution and its superiority. But the message, as it were, is already out, and its discourse is anything but opposed to the present regime’s larger ideology. Indeed, Mr. Hegde’s comments even mirror those made on several occasions by people belonging to the top brass of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, who have repeatedly stressed on what they view as their ultimate aim: the recognition of India as a Hindu state, in which secularism lies not at the Constitution’s bedrock, but entirely outside the document’s aims and purposes. Inbuilt freedoms Now, it is certainly true that the Constituent Assembly explicitly rejected a motion moved by Brajeshwar Prasad from Bihar to have the words “secular” and “socialist” included in the Preamble. But this was not on account of any scepticism that the drafters might have had on the values of secularism. Quite to the contrary, despite what some might want us to believe today, the assembly virtually took for granted India’s secular status. To them, any republic that purports to grant equality before the law to all its citizens, that purports to recognise people’s rights to free speech, to a freedom of religion and conscience simply cannot be un-secular. To be so would be an incongruity. Secularism, as would be clear on any morally reasonable analysis, is inbuilt in the foundations of constitutionalism, in the idea of a democracy properly understood. In the case of our Constitution, it flows from the series of fundamental rights guaranteed in Part III.

Source – The Hindu

Female foeticide is the abortion of a female foetus outside of legal methods. The frequency of female foeticide in India is increasing day by day. The natural sex ratio is assumed to be between 103 and 107, and any number above it is considered as suggestive of female foeticide. According to the decennial Indian census, the sex ratio in the 0 to 6 age group in India has risen from 102.4 males per 100 females in 1961, to 104.2 in 1980, to 107.5 in 2001, to 108.9 in 2011.
The child sex ratio is within the normal natural range in all eastern and southern states of India, but significantly higher in certain western and particularly northwestern states such as Maharashtra , Haryana , Jammu and Kashmir (118, 120 and 116, as of 2011, respectively). The western states of Maharashtra and Rajasthan 2011 census found a child sex ratio of 113, Gujarat at 112 and Uttar Pradesh at 111.
The Indian Census data suggests there is a positive correlation between abnormal sex ratio and better socio-economic status and literacy. This may be connected to the dowry system in India where dowry deaths occur when a girl is seen as a financial burden. Urban India has higher child sex ratio than rural India according to 1991,2001 and 2011 Census data, implying higher prevalence of female foeticide in urban India. Similarly, child sex ratio greater than 115 boys per 100 girls is found in regions where the predominant majority is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian; furthermore “normal” child sex ratio of 104 to 106 boys per 100 girls are also found in regions where the predominant majority is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. These data contradict any hypotheses that may suggest that sex selection is an archaic practice which takes place among uneducated, poor sections or particular religion of the Indian society.
There is an ongoing debate as to whether these high sex ratios are only caused by female foeticide or some of the higher ratio is explained by natural causes. The Indian government has passed Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT) in 1994 to ban and punish prenatal sex screening and female foeticide. It is currently illegal in India to determine or disclose sex of the foetus to anyone. However, there are concerns that PCPNDT Act has been poorly enforced by authorities.
Reasons For Female Foeticide

Various theories have been proposed as possible reasons for sex-selective abortion. Culture is favored by some researchers while some favor disparate gender-biased access to resources. Some demographers question whether sex-selective abortion or infanticide claims are accurate, because underreporting of female births may also explain high sex ratios. Natural reasons may also explain some of the abnormal sex ratios.

Cultural preference

One school of scholars suggest that female foeticide can be seen through history and cultural background. Generally, male babies were preferred because they provided manual labor and success the family lineage. The selective abortion of female fetuses is most common in areas where cultural norms value male children over female children for a variety of social and economic reasons. A son is often preferred as an “asset” since he can earn and support the family; a daughter is a “liability” since she will be married off to another family, and so will not contribute financially to her parents. Female foeticide then, is a continuation in a different form, of a practice of female infanticide or withholding of postnatal health care for girls in certain households. Furthermore, in some cultures sons are expected to take care of their parents in their old age. These factors are complicated by the effect of diseases on child sex ratio, where communicable and non communicable diseases affect males and females differently.

In our society, a handful of successful women enjoy freedom on par with men, there’s a huge majority who have not yet even learnt to dream of possessing such freedom either at home or outside. Mindset of the people needs to be changed and women should be empowered. Then only social evil like female foeticide can be cured.

India, undoubtedly, is grappling with the problem of unemployment amid the pandemic. It has led to a spike in the country’s unemployment rate to 27.11%. Unemployment is more prominent in urban areas than in rural areas. Unemployment or underemployment levels of women are higher than those of men. Reports say that the rate of unemployment is the highest in urban areas, which constitute the most number of red zones due to the increase in the number of corona virus cases. Ever since, the country was put under lock down on March 25 to curb the spread of the deadly virus, India has seen a major fall in the economy. Perhaps the biggest cause of concern is the higher rate of joblessness among the youth, especially in the age group of 20 to 24 years.
India is a developing economy. The nature of employment sharply varies from the one that prevails in industrially advanced countries like the United States of America. Unemployment is a sheer waste of manpower. The socio -economic repercussions of unemployment are dangerous.

• Specific individual consequences of unemployment are obvious. How do we buy food? Pay the rent? Buying even the basic necessities could be tough, much less buying the latest technology gadget. These consequences are real for the unemployed, and the accumulative effects are visible in the entire economy as individuals and businesses struggle to meet the challenges that unemployment creates.

• Social consequences of prolonged unemployment can be significant. Studies suggest that a high unemployment rate is directly related to increases in property-related crime. Unemployment can also affect the health of individuals and families. A study of people with a high risk of unemployment found that they decreased their consumption of fruit and vegetables. Such a diet change can affect workers’ as well as their children’s health in the long run. Inadequate nutrition of children, a particular risk in low-income families, can hinder their physical and mental development.

• The slow rate of economic growth leads to poverty. It leads to many problems in the society. It gives rise to child labour. Poverty also leads to illiteracy, crime, corruption etc. There are reports of farmers committing suicide for not being able to repay loans. For a better source of living, people migrate to towns and cities. In fact, people below the poverty line e create slum areas in the cities. Slums have very poor hygienic conditions. They are forced to dwell under impoverished living conditions.
Example – Asia’s Largest Slum, Dharavi has an area of just over 2.1 square kilometers (0.81 sq. mi; 520 acres) and a population of about 1,000,000. With a population density of over 277,136/km2 (717,780/sq. mi), Dharavi is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

MEASURES TO REDUCE THE COST OF UNEMPLOYMENT
To mitigate the economic effects on society of the Coronavirus Outbreak, several measures have been taken. The measured are intended to provide greater security for those affected by the pandemic by limiting the spread of the deadly virus, combating the effects on businesses and jobs and providing financial security and transition opportunities for those who become unemployed.

Reducing The Spread Of The Virus
Everyone working in health care and infectious disease control must have the tools and resources needed to curb the spread of the virus. The local Government sector is therefore being given funding ,both targeted and general, to deal with the immediate additional costs resulting from the outbreak.

Tackling Rising Unemployment
Despite the extensive measures the Government has taken to support viable businesses, many people are going to lose their jobs. In view of the present economic situation several temporary changes have been made in unemployment insurance to make it easier to qualify for benefit and to ensure that this insurance provides greater financial security for people who become unemployed. In addition, more measures are proposed to provide good transition opportunities.

This is a global pandemic. Every county is caught in its own problems. No country is in a position to extend help for others. India, too, is alone in this. As citizens, we ought to abide by the stringent guidelines ,the Government has imposed to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The term “Global Warming” refers to the gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate. The release of green house gases in the atmosphere causes the temperature to increase. There is a vivid rise in the level of carbon dioxide and other gases released by burning of fuels, agriculture and other activities. Greenhouse gases trap heat and keep it close to the Earth’s surface making it livable for humans and animals. However, the over emission of these gases and fossil fuels deteriorate the ozone layer protecting the surface of Earth.

SIGNS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
• ARCTIC SEA ICE – Arctic sea ice is declining at an alarming rate – 11.5% per decade. Arctic ice reaches its minimum every September.
• CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) – It is a prevalent heat-trapping (greenhouse) gas released due to human activities like burning of fossils, pollutants from the factories and small scale industries. Scientists claim carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere is the highest now.
• GLOBAL TEMPERATURE – The year 2016 was recorded the warmest for the top 10 warmest year since 1880.
• SEA LEVEL – The rise in the sea level is a major cause of concern today. It is due to the melting of glaciers , and the expansion of sea water as it warms up.

CONSEQUENCES
With the onset of the industrial revolution in the 1700’s ,humans began emitting more fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) to run cars, trucks and factories add up to climate change.
Warming has observable effects on the environment. Glaciers are shrinking, ice on rivers and lakes drying up. It also poses a great threat to the flora and fauna. The plant and animal life is affected too. They have shifted grounds and trees are flowering sooner.
Heat waves caused by global warming pose a greater risk of heat-related illness and death in human beings.
It puts coral reefs in danger as the ocean warms resulting in incidents of bleaching.
As humanity strives to achieve better living standards for all, there’s an hunger for development. As a result of which, development possesses a threat to mankind.

We can help prevent global warming in numerous ways. Efficient use of energy, afforestation, Car pool, adopting a clean approach for the environment are the different ways to help prevent global warming. Every individual should be aware of the importance of protecting the environment. With effective co -operation from citizens and government officials only, we may be able to slow down the effects of global warming.

It is seventy two years since India got her Independence. Yet a large population in India is still not considered equal. They are considered religiously and socially ‘polluted’ from birth. The word “Dalit” meaning “oppressed “ or “untouchable ” is the name given to the lower caste members of the society. Dalits are the members of the lowest social strata in the Indian Caste System which includes four primary castes : Brahmins (priests), Kshatriya (warriors and princes), Vaishya (farmers and artisans) and Shudra (tenant farmers and servants). Dalits are not allowed to touch those of higher classes nor ascend the ranks of society. Because of their “uncleanliness” in the eyes of the upper case, they were banned from entering public places, using public toilets, public heath care facilities, touching the belongings of the upper caste and doing many such other activities. They face discrimination and even violence from members of the upper caste or traditional social classes, particularly to get jobs, admission for education and getting marriage partners. Many a times, an “untouchable” cannot enter a Hindu Temple or be taught to read. In rural areas, they were banned from fetching water from the wells because their touch would taint the water for everyone else. They were treated as slaves and forced to bow down to the upper caste. Under Hindu beliefs, jobs that involved death corrupted the workers’ souls, making them unfit to mingle with other people. India’s “untouchables” performed spiritually contaminating world that nobody else wanted to do, such as preparing bodies for funerals, tanning hides, and killing rats or pests. People believed that “untouchables” weren’t pure. Born as “untouchables” was considered as a punishment, the result of misbehavior in previous lives. An untouchable cannot ascend the social hierarchy of the caste system and could not eat or drink in the same room where members of the upper caste resided. The caste system and oppression of “untouchables” still hold a sway in the present day world.

DALIT RIGHTS MOVEMENT

In the nineteenth century, the ruling British party tried to end the prejudice directed against the Dalits. British liberals saw the treatment of Untouchables as singularly cruel, because they didn’t believe in reincarnation. Indian Reformers also took up the cause. During India’s push for Independence, activists such as Mahatma Gandhi called the Dalits “Harijan”, meaning “children of God”, to emphasize their humanity and promote their culture. Following Independence in 1947, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar launched the Dalit Movement in 1956, nearly half a million Dalits – formerly untouchables – joined him and converted to Navayana Buddhism. It rejected Hinduism, challenged the caste system in India and promoted the rights of the Dalit community. The condition of the Dalits improved by them. They were guaranteed constitutional rights. Some Hindu Temples allowed them to serve as priests. Although they still face discrimination, the Dalits are no longer called untouchables.

Detox or Detoxification is a popular buzzword. It involves the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body. Toxins are involved with the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin and lungs. It is very important to eliminate these toxins for our body to function well.
Civilization understood there is a definitive link between our physical health and psychosocial well being. In order to survive the 21st century, we should be more cautious about our health. Our health should be our first priority. Having a balance between our mental and physical health facilitates growth. We should try to maintain peace and harmony in and around us.

WAYS TO REJUVENATE OUR BODY

• LIMIT ALCOHOL – More than 90% of alcohol is metabolized in our liver. Liver enzymes metabolize alcohol to a cancer- causing chemical which gets converted into a harmless substance inside the liver, which is later eliminated from our body.

• FOCUS ON SLEEP – Our body requires minimum eight hours of sleep a day. Adequate and Quality sleep ensures a good health. Also, helps in removing the toxic wastes that got accumulated throughout the day.
• DRINK ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF WATER – It regulates the body temperature, helps in nutrition absorption and detoxifies the toxic wastes produced by the body.

• DIET CONTROL – Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps to combat diseases. Too much of fat consumption can increase the level of cholesterol adversely affecting the heart.

• EXERCISE DAILY – It’s recommended 150-300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking or few minutes of running on a daily basis.

A healthy body is a productive body. Technology has the ability to greatly influence our lives. It has made the life a modern man highly complex. Man has become materialistic and is preoccupied in the pursuit of possession of material things. Possession of money has become the objective of every pursuit and the means so not matter. This excessive urge for materialistic gain has made him ignore his own health. He has neither the time nor the inclination to pause and ask himself as to where he is leading himself to.
We should pause for a while and think where are we leading ourselves to. It is very important to take care of our health. Everything in the universe can wait. That is why it is said “ Health Is Wealth”.

Everything in the universe has its uses and abuses. The same applies to science. Science has revolutionized human existence. Much of the progress that mankind has made in different fields right from the stone age to the modern age is due to the progress made in the field of science. Science has benefitted mankind. Not only material progress but also the mental outlook of man has greatly been influenced by it. We have become scientifically more advanced. This is because the world has undergone a tremendous change due to the rapid strides made by science and technology. The growth of fast moving transport and communication has transformed the world into a global village. Today, we have meteorological satellites in outer space sending data and pictures of the milky way galaxy. Science made the Mission To Mars successful. Man, with the help of science can reach the space, explore and provide a detailed study of the universe.
Science has two faces – good and bad. It depends on us which face we choose to see.

MERITS
• New scientific knowledge may lead to new applications.
For example, the discovery of the structure of DNA was a fundamental breakthrough in biology. It formed the underpinnings of research that would ultimately lead to a wide variety of practical applications, including DNA fingerprinting, genetically engineered crops, and tests for genetic diseases.
• MAN VS. DISEASES
Science is the only hope of man against diseases. Without the inventions of science and ceaseless efforts of the scientists, many diseases, such as malaria, cancer etc where considered incurable diseases.
• AGRICULTURE
Science has benefitted agriculture too. The food production levels and quality have improved. Science has contributed to the increase of the production of crops.
DEMERITS
• CYBER CRIME
Cyber crime is a global phenomenon and victimization of women is on the rise. In India, cyber crimes remain less reported because of the fear of getting molested. The authorities concerned should be held responsible for not paying much heed . Laws need to be enacted to combat cyber crimes.
• DEPENDENCY
With the advent of the internet ,where everything is available online at our finger tip, we have become highly dependent on the internet. We have no time to spare and
adore the Mother Nature.
• IMPACT ON CHILDREN
Children who spend more time watching television spend less time spending with their parents and other family members. They remain glued to the television screen for hours together.
Man is today sitting on a huge stockpile of explosive material which can destroy his very existence on earth in the twinkling of an eye even as a result of slight error or misunderstanding on his part. Unless man destroys weapons of mass destruction, he cannot have real happiness on this earth. So, preparation for war negates all efforts of man towards progress. Progress may seem to be impressive and even tremendous but at present it is not free from corresponding dangers which are disastrous and fatal in nature.
If we use the resources, science has bestowed us with, in a positive manner, we can turn it into a boon. Else, misuse of the resources can be a threat to mankind.

An established democracy requires a free press. While talking about the story of India’s democracy, one cannot forget the role, media has played over the years. It is an integral and inseparable part of a democratic society. Therefore, media is considered as the fourth pillar of democracy. In a diverse country like India, democracy is exercised by all the citizens irrespective of their caste, gender, religion and race. The Constitution guarantees all the citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression. Citizens enjoy the right to freedom of opinion, this right includes freedom of opinion without interference, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.

ROLE OF MEDIA
• Media acts as a mirror highlighting the plight of the minorities and raising it’s voice against prejudice and discrimination.
• Media as a watchdog
Citizens enjoy the power of questioning the Government’s decisions. This power lies in the hands of the media. It acts as a bridge between the Government and its citizens.
• Media during Emergency
Over the years, media has created a pressure seeking speedy justice and bringing the offenders to book like in the Nirbhaya Case. Media has unveiled the face of several scams like the Bofors Scam, the recent Panama Papers among others.

Before the advent of electronic media, print media played an important role in disseminating information to people. Over the years, a wide variety of media like the press, performing arts, television, radio and films have been used for communication. With the advancements made in the field of technology, the internet and social media has grown at a fast pace accelerating information and news dissemination.

Why media is regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy?
The prime purpose of the media is to provide comprehensive and objective information on all aspects of the country’s social, economic and political life. Media as the fourth pillar of democracy ensures that all the people are aware of the happenings in and around the globe. It keeps an eye on the three official branches of democracy (i.e executive, legislature and judiciary) and maintains transparency in the working of all the above three systems. Media is one of the most powerful entity on earth. It makes us aware of various social, political and economical activities happening around us. It is like a mirror which shows us every nitty-gritty of the outside world.
Over the years, media has become more active. It is media which reminds the government of its unfulfilled promises. It has helped in educating the masses in rural areas through television, radio and internet and exposes the loopholes in the system. It is the most powerful tool to fight against socio-political evils and injustice in our society, while bringing empowerment to the masses and facilitating development.

Media Amid The Crisis Phase
Media has played a praise-worthy role in disseminating information about the pandemic to every nook and cranny of the world. The journalists have put their lives at stake, reporting from the ground level. The media has proved its efficiency amid the crisis phase.

The dictionary defines transgender as a person whose identity or gender differs from the sex he or she is assigned at birth. Initially, people from the transgender community were denied social recognition. It was in the year 2014, transgenders were recognized as the third sex in the eyes of the law. However, the Nation Human Rights Commission’s studies show that the rights of transgenders are highly compromised. Their demands are not taken into account. They are in a sense of isolation, within households , communities and institutions, amid rampant social and gender discrimination.

• Transgenders suffer from identity crisis in a “gender-specific India”, where everything has a gender identification including public toilets, security check at airport, etc.

• Transgenders are deprived of the right to participate in any form of economical activities, with even qualified ones refused jobs.

• They are bullied by their classmates and even by teachers, a reason why they discontinue studies.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Transgenders are often exploited by rich men. They either beg for work or choose sex work. Transgenders are at times gang raped, but fear to approach the police. Some of them address themselves as male to avoid rapes. They do not expose their identity in order to be safe. They are consumed with fear and embarrassment.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

When we talk about transgenders as a community, it is very necessary to have a brief knowledge about their family and roots, they belong to. They have no family support and are abandoned when their characteristics and behavior don’t resemble with the sexual orientation they are assigned at birth. Some try to treat them with medicines. While others are subjected to extreme stress and pressure. There’s no legal support to a transgender for entering in to a marriage or for that matter having a spouse or a child. They are denied accommodation, both on rental or in a hotel.

HEALTH RISKS

People of any sexual orientation may face health problems but transgenders are at a greater risk of health problems because they are denied to access proper health care. Most of the qualified transgenders don’t get employment opportunities. They are deprived of setting up their own organization. The under privileged are compelled to engage in sex work which has high health related risks.

• Mental Health Issues – Gay, Lesbian and transgender people have multiple mental health problems as they strive to find a place in the society. They have a hard time in confronting their parents and friends. Loneliness or Isolation can trigger a lot of mental health issues.

• Substance Abuse – Transgenders become addicts. They often abuse substances like tobacco, alcohol and some illegal drugs. This may be partly because of the struggle for acceptance.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections– Unprotected sex can lead to severe reproductive problems in transgender females. Practicing safe sex can limit the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

• Here’s her story of pride and prejudice. A transgender activist , Long recognized as a prominent figure of the LGBTQ community, Miss Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi , is the first transgender person to represent Asia Pacific in the UN in 2008. She was the first transgender to file a petition demanding social recognition among the LGBTQ community. She will always be remembered as the epitome of bravery and courage.

Every individual irrespective of the sexual orientation shall be guaranteed equal opportunities to sustain. It should be an individual’s right to choose his or her gender.

Depression as a serious mental illness has been ignored since ages. But, do you know, depression if not treated, can also lead to death. Depression is the leading cause of bad mental health worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. It affects the way we speak, how we feel, how we communicate or convey, how we respond to external stimuli, how we cope with the changing environment.
The World Health Organization asserted that women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. Depression can cause a person harm himself and at its worst, can lead to suicide. It is reported that depression is a major contributor to the suicides globally. Depression neither has a face nor an age. It can occur to anybody at any point of time. If a person physically appears to be healthy, doesn’t necessarily mean, he is mentally healthy too.
Doctors diagnose depression when one has the following symptoms for at least two or more weeks : A depressed mood especially in the morning hours, Loss of Appetite, Feeling of restlessness, Lack of energy, Lack of interest or having no pleasure in working, Feeling empty from inside, anxiety, Having suicidal thoughts etc. These are some common symptoms one is likely to experience. Although, it varies with the severity. Not everybody with depression will have the same symptoms. In some, the signs may be identifiable. While others may show no sign of depression but likely to suffer from the same. It varies from one individual to another.
Physical symptoms include back pain, digestive problems, sleep trouble and the like. The reason is that brain chemicals linked to depression, especially serotonin may influence mood in a way that leads to depression. It plays a vital role in both mood and pain.
Researchers suggest that depression doesn’t only spring from an imbalance in the level of brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, such as genetic imbalance, stressful life events, traumatic experience in the past and the like.
If a person is sad or succumbed with grief, it doesn’t necessarily mean, he or she has depression. Both grief and sadness may influence our mood, cause a feeling of emptiness but if the feeling stays for a prolonged period of time, then the person is likely to have depression.

STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Stigma is when a person with mental illness is alienated or isolated from the society. For people with mental illness, the social stigma and discrimination they experience, trigger a sense of fear in them. The fear of getting judged or humiliated may make their situation even worse. They may avoid reaching out to people. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness. It is natural and curable.

DEALING WITH THE STIGMA

1. Seek help from a professional – Instead of avoiding people, we must seek help from a professional. Proper medication and treatment can help us recover at a faster pace.
2. Do not hide your emotions – Communication is the key. It is very important to open up rather than bottling up the emotions.
3. Do not fear – Say out loud. People will pass judgement because of lack of understanding. You have to believe yourself. You have to stand up for yourself.

Depression is associated with a plethora of emotions. It may involve a lot of negative emotions too. But, suicide is definitely not the only solution. Depression is curable. All you need is help. We ought to fight against the stigma associated with mental illness. It is very important to maintain peace. A peaceful mind battles the odds.

Sources – Manorama Year Book 2020

Racism has existed since mankind and turned brutal over the years. Following the death of George Floyd, massive protest spread across the United States and internationally. Racists belief that white people are superior than people of other races. As a result of which, people of different race, ethnic group or culture are often exploited on many grounds. They have less or no access to proper health care and are subjected to impoverished living conditions. Blacks are often considered middle class and likely to be trapped in poverty. They are treated as slaves and paid low wages.
Talking about racism in general, it is often thought of an individual act of discrimination but has emerged as a public health crisis. The impact of racism on human life is pervasive. In countries like the United States , the African-Americans suffer from existential crisis. They are deprived of the necessary amenities essential for a healthy life.

Sexual And Reproductive Health Of African- American Women
The sexual and reproductive health of African American women have always been compromised and put at stake due to multiple experiences of racism. They are at a higher risk of experiencing the burden of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The Effects Of Racism On Mental Health
Racism is a fundamental determinant of mental heath because it contributes to social disparities causing stress and anxiety. Chronic stress may result in depression. Experiences of discrimination can trigger negative emotions in those suffering from racism. The exposure to stereotypical mindsets and prejudice directed against them hinder their lifestyle. As a result of which, people begin to question their existence. The stigma attached to mental illness should be curbed to avoid racial discrimination.

The belief in considering one’s own race to be superior of others is nothing but a misconception, we are consumed with. For justice to prevail, we ought educate ourselves from being a racist.